Patent ID: 8105608
Filing Date: 2012-01-31
Classification: A61K,A61P

Abstract:
1. A method of enhancing an endogenous immune response-mediated specific elimination of a population of cancer cells in a host animal harboring said population wherein the members of said cell population have an accessible binding site for a folate receptor-binding ligand, said method comprising the steps of administering to said host a conjugate composition comprising an immunogen conjugated to the folate receptor-binding ligand, selected from the group consisting of folate and analogs and derivatives thereof, wherein the immunogen is recognized by an endogenous or an exogenous antibody in the host or is recognized directly by an immune cell in the host, and wherein the immunogen is linked to the folate receptor binding ligand through a chemical group selected from the group consisting of a gamma carboxyl-linked ethylene diamine bridge and an alpha-carboxyl-linked ethylene diamine bridge, and wherein the immunogen is an organic molecule having a molecular weight less than 20,000 daltons; and administering to said host a compound capable of stimulating an endogenous immune response wherein the compound does not bind to the conjugate.