Details of HER-2/neu Class I Antigen Licensed by TapImmune published in Journal of Immunology: Antigen is a naturally processed epitope for breast cancer vaccines.
SEATTLE, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- TapImmune Inc. (OTCBB: TPIV) is pleased to announce the January publication of a paper titled "Enzymatic Discovery of a HER-2/neu Epitope That Generates Cross-Reactive T-cells", authored by Henle et al, J.Immunol. (2013), 190, 479-488. This work, performed in the laboratory of Dr Keith Knutson at Mayo Clinic, describes the discovery of a novel HER-2/neu Class I epitope (p373-382) TapImmune has licensed from Mayo Clinic for the development of breast cancer vaccines. The significance of this work is that this newly discovered antigen is a naturally occurring antigen processed by the proteasome and elicits peptide-specific T-cell responses. This results in stronger binding to HLA-A2 and more efficient killing of HER-2/neu positive breast cancer cells by activated T-cells compared to the Class I epitope, p369-377 (E75) which was not naturally processed by the proteasome.
"These results provide an explanation of the molecular immunology behind our approach to HER-2/neu immunotherapy," said Mark Reddish Vice President of TapImmune Inc. "These data describe how the HER-2/neu protein is processed by the proteasome to then be presented for immune recognition and killing. By revealing the true identity of the immunodominant epitope responsible for class I mediated killing of HER-2/neu positive tumors, it is now possible to generate a true second generation vaccine that incorporates the correct target as it naturally appears on human tumors. For nearly 20 years the immunology of this key protein has been clouded by contradictory observations, and these data finally provide an understanding of the 'natural target' displayed on human tumors. We expect to combine this immunodominant peptide with our broadly reactive helper peptides that are currently being tested in a phase I trial, to create a true second generation vaccine candidate." TapImmune's approach to development of a vaccine to treat HER-2/neu breast cancer is described in a white paper that can read at our website (www.tapimmune.com).
About TapImmune Inc.
TapImmune Inc. is a vaccine technologies company specializing in
the development of innovative gene based immunotherapeutics and
vaccines in the areas of oncology and infectious disease. The
Company's lead product candidates, include vaccines designed to
restore and augment antigen presentation and subsequent recognition
and killing of cancer cells by the immune system. The Company
is also developing TAP-based prophylactic vaccines commercially
suitable for the prevention of infectious diseases and as
Biodefense agents. As a vaccine component, the gene based TAP
technology has the potential to significantly improve the efficacy
of both prophylactic and immunotherapeutic vaccines as it addresses
a fundamental mechanism for T cell recognition and response.
Unlike other vaccine technologies that address only the initiation
of immune responses, TAP expression also has the unique ability to
enhance the effector function of mature killer T cells. This
enhancement of effector function is potentially complementary to
any/all vaccine approaches that are designed to enhance cellular
responses. The Company is developing cancer vaccines that
combine the use of novel antigens together with its TAP expression
technology.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
This release contains forward-looking information within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Statements in this news release concerning the Company's
expectations, plans, business outlook or future performance, and
any other statements concerning assumptions made or expectations as
to any future events, conditions, performance or other matters, are
"forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are by
their nature subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors
which could cause actual results to differ materially from those
stored in such statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors
include, but are not limited to the risks set forth in the
Company's most recent Form 10-K and other SEC filings which are
available through EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no
obligation to update the forward-looking statements.
CONTACT
Glynn Wilson, Ph.D.
Chairman & CEO
(206) 504-7280
SOURCE TapImmune Inc.
Web Site: http://www.tapimmune.com
Posted: January 2013
