| abstract |
The present invention discloses the first peptide sequence of a so-called minor H antigen. The minor H antigens are associated with the Graft versus Host Disease. The peptide and its derivatives find many uses in bone marrow transplantation, organ transplantation and in the treatment of leukemia. The peptide and its derivatives can be incorporated in vaccines, in pharmaceutical formulations and they can be used in diagnostic test kits. The peptide is derived from the HA-2 minor antigen and has the sequence YXGEVXVSV, wherein X represents a leucine or an isoleucine residue. Both donors and recipients in bone marrow transplantation can be treated with the peptides, optionally in combination with other peptides, coupled to carriers, with suitable excipients and/or adjuvants. |