The basis of T cell stimulation is via the specific interaction of an immunogenic peptide in complex with MHC by a T cell receptor. Other co-stimulatory molecules such as CD80, CD86 on antigen presenting cells, are recognised by T cells via CD28 and CTLA-4 which results in T cell activation. In recent years the identification of checkpoint markers such as PD-L1, PDL2 on antigen presenting cells, epithelial cells etc and their interaction with PD-1 on activated T cells results in apoptosis of T cells and immune escape mechanisms. The role of checkpoint markers in a range of disorders including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory disorders and cancer are being studied with a plethora of information being published in the last 5 years. In addition, peptide alterations of T cell epitopes with 1-2 amino acid mutations can have drastic effects on the outcome of this recognition. Such peptides are termed, altered peptide ligands that can act as modulators of immune responses as they can down-regulate or upregulate responses. Over the last 30 years, there has also been an emphasis on carriers, adjuvants, and delivery systems to modulate immunity in vitro, in vivo in animal models of disease and in human clinical trials.
With this information we have develop several immune modulators / vaccines for cancer and autoimmune diseases, with phase I, II and pilot phase III human clinical trials for cancer and phase I for autoimmunity diseases; one having more than 18 years clinical follow-up; all of which will be discussed in the presentation. This presentation will bring a 30-year journey of vaccines and immunotherapeutics development and will provide perspectives of our learnings from cancer and autoimmune diseases, to be applied to infectious diseases, especially new/emerging and re-emerging pathogens, and what needs to be done moving forward.