Download or read book Antibody-Cytokine Fusion Proteins for the Therapy of Breast Cancer written by and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 133 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this grant we proposed to explore the use of genetically engineered antibodies as therapeutic agents specifically attempting to augment and potentiate the host immune defense systems against breast cancer. The antibodies were to be specific for HER2/neu, a molecule present on the surface of many breast cancers; its increased expression is associated with poor prognosis. To these antibodies we proposed to join the cytokines IL-2, IL-12, and GM-CSF. Expression of these cytokines by cancer cells has been shown to render them immunogenic. The anti- HER2/neu antibody fusion proteins were intended to localize the cytokine at the tumor where it is expected to elicit an immune response. To accomplish our goals we proposed three specific aims. Specific Aim 1: To produce rL-2, IL-12, GM-CSF antibody fusion proteins specific for HER2/neu. Specific Aim 2: To evaluate the properties of the antibody fusion proteins in vitro. Specific Aim 3: To determine the properties of the antibody fusion proteins in vivo and their effectiveness in causing anti-tumor response. These there specific aims have been accomplished by the end of the third year of the present award.