NOVEL PD1 ISOFORMS, AND USES THEREOF FOR POTENTIATING IMMUNE RESPONSES

Abstract

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a new isoform of human PD1 ([Delta]42PD1) that contains a 42-nucleotide in-frame deletion located at exon 2 domain. [Delta]42PD1 does not engage PD-L1/PD-L2, and can induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines In one embodiment, [Delta]42PD1 can be used as an intramolecular adjuvant to develop a fusion DNA vaccine for enhancing antigen-specific CD8+ T cell immunity and for prevention of pathogenic infection and/or cancer. In one embodiment, soluble [Delta]42PD1 protein could be a therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. In other embodiments, proteins or peptides or nucleic acids encoding proteins or peptides containing [Delta]42PD1 could be used as immunogens for developing antibodies binding specifically to [Delta]42PD1. In yet another embodiment, neutralizing antibodies could block s[Delta]42PD1 function and accordingly could be used as treatment for autoimmune disorders.