FIELD OF INVENTION The invention provides compositions and methods for treating kidney diseases in a subject in need thereof. The compositions include one or more peptides of ApoB-100 as set forth in Table 1 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) or the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance and is activated when there is a drop in blood volume or blood pressure. When the blood volume is low, renin is secreted into the plasma by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidneys. The plasma renin carries out the conversion of angiotensinogen released by the liver to angiotensin I (Kumar et al, 2010 "11". Pathologic Basis of Disease (Eighth ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, p. 493. ISBN 978-1-4160-3121-5). Angiotensin I (Angl) is then converted to angiotensin II (Angll) by the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) found in the lungs. Angll is a potent vaso-active peptide which causes blood vessels to constrict, resulting in increased blood pressure. Angll also stimulates the secretion of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone causes the tubules of the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water into the blood. This increases the volume of fluid in the body, which also increases blood pressure. Angll activates at least two receptors, namely, angiotensin II type 1 (ATi) and angiotensin II type II (AT ₂ ). Majority of the effects of Angll, such as vasoconstriction, proteinuria, fibrosis and inflammation are mediated by the ATi receptor. Hypertension and proteinuria are the most important risk factors for the progression of renal disease. Haemodynamic and non-haemodynamic effects of angiotensin II are critically involved in the development and maintenance of hypertension and proteinuria. Therefore, suppression of angiotensin II formation by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and blockade of ΑΊ _\ receptor by angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) are powerful therapeutic strategies that effectively slow the progression of renal disease by lowering blood pressure and proteinuria (Wenzel et al, J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst. 2010 Mar;l l(l):37-41. Epub 2009 Oct 27; Wenzel UO, Contrib Nephrol 2001 ; 135:200-1 1). It has been speculated that the AT ₂ receptor may exhibit beneficial effects (such as anti-proteinuric, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory) and that the blockade of the ATi receptor results in increased synthesis of Angll which in turn stimulates the AT ₂ receptor (Wenzel et al, J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst. 2010 Mar;l 1(1):37-41. Epub 2009 Oct 27).

The inventors observed that peptides of ApoB-100 reduce the levels of the ATi receptor and therefore these peptides serve as therapeutics in kidney diseases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides composition comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or immunogenically active portions, derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that induces and/or enhances an immune response. The composition elicits an immune response and/or used for immunization. The composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the carriers induce and/or enhance an immune response. In an embodiment, the peptide of ApoB-100 is any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1. In a further embodiment, one or more of the peptides of ApoB-100 are immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100 In another embodiment, the composition includes one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and CD8+ T cells. The CD8+ T cells are activated by one or more immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100. The composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the carrier induces and/or enhances an immune response. The CD8+ T cells may be autologous. In an embodiment, the peptide of ApoB-100 is any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1. In a further embodiment, one or more of the peptides of ApoB-100 are immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100.

The compositions of invention may be used for treating kidney disease, inhibiting kidney disease, preventing kidney disease and/or promoting prophylaxis of kidney disease in a subject in need thereof. The methods for these indications include providing compositions that include one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof, and administering an effective amount of the composition so as to treat, inhibit, prevent and/or promote prophylaxis of kidney disease in the subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Figure 1 depicts, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, (A) a schematic showing the immunization schedule, and (B) that p210 significantly decreased the expression of ATiR in aorta, as assessed by Western blot analysis (I), from mice immunized with p210, adjuvant/carrier control or PBS after 4-weeks of angiotensin II infusion delivered by a subcutaneously implanted pump; (II) Densitometric analysis. *p<0.05 vs. p210 by ANOVA following post-hoc test. N=6 in each group. p210: immunized with p210/cBSA/Alum+AngII; cBSA: immunized with cBSA/Alum+Angll; PBS: immunized with PBS+Angll. Figure 2 depicts, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that the p210 vaccine significantly reduced IL-6 (N=8 each), MCP-1(N=8 each), and TNF-a (N=10 each) mR A expression in kidney. *p<0.05 vs. p210. p210: immunized with p210/cBSA/Alum+AngII; cBSA: immunized with cBSA/Alum+Angll; PBS: immunized with PBS+Angll.

Figure 3 depicts, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that the p210 vaccine significantly reduced glomerular ROS production. (A) Representative figure of in situ DHE labeling. (B) Densitometric analysis of DHE fluorescence. *p<0.05 vs. p210. N=4 each. p210: immunized with p210/cBSA/Alum+AngII; cBSA: immunized with cBSA/Alum+Angll; PBS: immunized with PBS+Angll.

Figure 4 depicts, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that (A) p210 vaccine significantly reduced NOX1, a component of NADPH oxidase, expression in kidney. *p<0.05 vs. p210. N=8 each, and (B) p210 vaccine significantly reduced PAI-1 and TGF-β mRNA expression in kidney. (Left): PAI-1. N=5 each, (Right): TGF-β. N=9 each. *p<0.05 vs. p210. p210: immunized with p210/cBSA/Alum+AngII; cBSA: immunized with cBSA/Alum+Angll; PBS: immunized with PBS+Angll. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Singleton et al., Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology 3 ^rd ed., J. Wiley & Sons (New York, NY 2001); March, Advanced Organic Chemistry Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure 5 ^th ed., J. Wiley & Sons (New York, NY 2001); and Sambrook and Russel, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual 3rd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (Cold Spring Harbor, NY 2001), provide one skilled in the art with a general guide to many of the terms used in the present application.

One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials described. For purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined below.

"Peptidomimetic" as used herein is a small protein-like chain designed to mimic a peptide. They may be modifications of an existing peptide or newly designed to mimic known peptides. They may be, for example peptoids and/or β-peptides and/or D- peptides.

"Beneficial results" may include, but are in no way limited to, lessening or alleviating the severity of the disease condition, preventing the disease condition from worsening, curing the disease condition, preventing the disease condition from developing, lowering the chances of a patient developing the disease condition and prolonging a patient's life or life expectancy. "Conditions" and "disease conditions," as used herein may include, but are in no way limited to any form of kidney diseases.

"Kidney disease" as used herein refers to renal inflammatory response. In one embodiment, the renal inflammatory response is angiotensin II-induced renal inflammatory response. In various embodiments, kidney disease may be atherosclerosis- related, hypertension-related, diabetes and/or autoimmune diseases-related. Glomerular and renal dysfunction with resultant clinical or subclinical renal dysfunction is included in kidney diseases as used herein. "Immunogenic fragment", "antigenic fragment" or "immunogenic peptides" as used herein indicates a portion of a polypeptide of any length capable of generating an immune response, such as an antigen. An antigen is a molecule recognized by the immune system. An antigenic fragment of ApoBlOO is accordingly a portion of ApoB-100 that presents antigenic properties (e.g. a specific humoral or cellular response). "Immunogenic fragments" also refer to derivatives of any fragment of ApoBlOO, such as mutated fragments (including fragments with replaced, added or deleted residues), oxidative derivatives and/or peptides treated with MDA or copper, which maintain a detectable antigenic property of the original fragment. "Immune response" as used herein refers to immunities including but not limited to innate immunity, humoral immunity, cellular immunity, immunity, inflammatory response, acquired (adaptive) immunity, autoimmunity and/or overactive immunity. "T cells" as used herein refers to T lymphocytes belonging to a group of white blood cells (lymphocytes), and participate in humoral or cell-mediated immunity. T cells can be distinguished from other lymphocyte types, such as B cells and natural killer cells (NK cells) by the presence of specific markers on their cell surface such as T cell receptors (TCR). Additional markers identifying T cell include but are not limited to any one or more of CDla, CD3, CD4, CD8, or a combination thereof and additional markers possibly associated to a T cell state and/or functionality as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

"CD8(+) T cells" or "CD8+ T cells" as used herein refer to T cells expressing the CD8 glycoprotein on their cell surface, wherein the CD8 (cluster of differentiation 8) glycoprotein is a transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as a co-receptor for the T cell receptor (TCR). Similar to the TCR, CD8 binds to a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule, but is specific for the class I MHC protein. Exemplary CD8+ T cells comprise cytotoxic memory CD8+ T cells, regulatory CD8+ T cells, cytotoxic effector CD8+ T-cells and additional cells identifiable by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The terms "enhancer" and "enhance" as it pertains to a molecule in connection with CD8(+) T cell refers to the ability of a molecule to modify the immune response by promoting the activation of cells of the immune system. The choice of appropriate enhancer can allow control of activation of the immune response. Exemplary enhancers include cytokines such as IL-10, IL-2, IL-12, IL-4 and IL-16. The term "cytokine" as used herein refers cell signaling molecules that act as has immunomodulating agents, and comprise proteins such as interleukins and interferons as would be identifiable to a skilled person. Selection of a suitable cytokine can result under appropriate conditions in the preferential induction of a humoral or cellular immune response.

The terms "activated" and "activation" as used herein refers to the process by which a T cells interact with an antigen presenting cells which presents a specific antigen for a time and under condition resulting in a T cell having a pre-assigned immunological role (e.g. cytotoxicity) within the immune system. The term "antigen-presenting cell" (APC) indicates a cell that displays antigen complex with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on its surface. T-cells recognize this complex using their T-cell receptor (TCR). Exemplary APCs comprise dendritic cells (DCs) which are known to play an important role in linking innate and acquired immunity (Chyu, K. et al., 2005. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 338: 1982-1989; Fredrikson, G. N., et al, 2003. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vase. Biol. 23:879-884) and both immune responses participate in atherogenesis (Fredrikson, G. N., L. et al, 2005 Autoimmunity 38: 171-179; Fredrikson, G. N., et al. 2008.J. Intern. Med. \-%). In various embodiments, activated CD8(+) T cells according to the present disclosure are activated with one or more immunogenic fragment of ApoBlOO or an immunogenically active portion thereof and are typically specific for the immunogenic fragment or the immunogenically active portion used for the activation.

"Fragment of ApoBlOO" as used herein refers not only to fragments/peptides of any length from ApoBlOO, but also peptides produced by genetic recombination or chemical synthesis, comprising sequences from ApoBlOO.

"Derivative" as used herein with reference to a first peptide (e.g., an immunogenic fragment), indicates a second peptide that is structurally related to the first peptide and is derivable from the first peptide by a modification that introduces a feature that is not present in the first peptide while retaining functional properties of the first peptide. A derivative peptide of an immunogenic fragment or of any portion thereof retains one or more of the immunogenic activities that are herein described in connection with an ApoBlOO immunogenic fragment or portion thereof. The antigenic properties can be verified with methods and systems such as the ones already described for the immunogenic fragments and additional methods and systems identifiable to a skilled person. In an embodiment, a derivative of a peptide of ApoB-100 includes immunogenically active fragments of the peptides of ApoB-100 described herein. "Immunogenically active portion" as used herein refers to any part of a reference antigen that can elicit a specific immune response. Exemplary immunogenically active portions are the epitopes typically formed by 5 or more residues included within an immunogenic fragment. In some embodiments, epitopes within one or more fragments can overlap. Immunogenic fragments can be expressed by recombinant technology, such as a fusion with an affinity or epitope tag, chemical synthesis of an oligopeptide, either free or conjugated to carrier proteins, or any other methods known in the art to express the ApoB-100 peptides. Exemplary fragments of ApoBlOO are peptides each comprising one of the sequences listed in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 302 described in further detail in the Examples section. Methods and systems suitable to identify an immunogenic fragment in the sense of the present are described in WO 02/080954, hereby incorporated by reference. In an embodiment, the one or more immunogenic fragments of ApoBlOO suitable to treat, prevent and/or reduce kidney disease are associated to atherosclerosis reduction.

"Mammal" as used herein refers to any member of the class Mammalia, including, without limitation, humans and nonhuman primates such as chimpanzees and other apes and monkey species; farm animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses; domestic mammals such as dogs and cats; laboratory animals including rodents such as mice, rats and guinea pigs, and the like. The term does not denote a particular age or sex. Thus, adult and newborn subjects, as well as fetuses, whether male or female, are intended to be included within the scope of this term.

"Treatment" and "treating," as used herein refer to both therapeutic treatment and prophylactic or preventative measures, wherein the object is to prevent or slow down (lessen) the targeted pathologic condition, prevent the pathologic condition, pursue or obtain beneficial results, or lower the chances of the individual developing the condition even if the treatment is ultimately unsuccessful. Those in need of treatment include those already with the condition as well as those prone to have the condition or those in whom the condition is to be prevented.

As discussed above, Applicants observe that peptides of ApoB-100 reduce the levels of the ATi receptor and therefore these peptides serve as therapeutics in kidney diseases. Peptides of the invention

Specific immunogenic epitopes of ApoB-100 were characterized and a peptide library including 302 peptides, each about 20 amino acid residues in length, covering the complete 4563 amino acid sequence of human ApoB-100 was produced. The peptides were produced with a 5 amino acid overlap to cover all sequences at break points. Peptides were numbered 1-302 starting at the N-terminal of ApoB-100 as indicated in Table 1 below.

Table 1

Peptide Sequence Apolipoprotein B aa SEQ ID NO

PI : EEEML ENVSL VCPKD ATRFK aa 1-20 SEQ ID NO: 1

P2: ATRFK HLRKY TYNYE AESSS aa 16-35 SEQ ID NO:2

P3: AESSS GVPGT ADSRS ATRIN aa 31-50 SEQ ID NO: 3

P4: ATRIN CKVEL EVPQL CSFIL aa 46-65 SEQ ID NO:4

P5: CSFIL KTSQC TLKEV YGFNP aa 61-80 SEQ ID NO: 5

P6: YGFNP EGKAL LKKTK NSEEF aa 76-95 SEQ ID NO: 6

P7: NSEEF AAAMS RYELK LAIPE aa 91- 1 10 SEQ ID NO: 7

P8: LAIPE GKQVF LYPEK DEPTY aa 106- 125 SEQ ID NO: 8

P9: DEPTY ILNIK RGIIS ALLVP aa 121- 140 SEQ ID NO: 9

P10: ALL VP PETEE AKQVL FLDTV aa 136- 155 SEQ ID NO: 10

PI 1 : FLDTV YGNCS THFTV KTRKG aa 151- 170 SEQ ID NO: 1 1

P12: KTRKG NVATE ISTER DLGQC aa 166- 185 SEQ ID NO: 12

P13: DLGQC DRFKP IRTGI SPLAL aa 181-200 SEQ ID NO: 13

P14: SPLAL IKGMT RPLST LISSS aa 196-215 SEQ ID NO: 14

P15: LISSS QSCQY TLDAK RKHVA aa 21 1-230 SEQ ID NO: 15

P16: RKHVA EAICK EQHLF LPFSY aa 226-245 SEQ ID NO: 16

P17: LPFSY N KYG MVAQV TQTLK aa 241-260 SEQ ID NO: 17

P18: TQTLK LEDTP KINSR FFGEG aa 256-275 SEQ ID NO: 18

P19: FFGEG TKKMG LAFES TKSTS aa 271-290 SEQ ID NO: 19

P20: TKSTS PPKQA EAVLK TLQEL aa 286-305 SEQ ID NO:20

P21 : TLQEL KKLTI SEQNI QRANL aa 301-320 SEQ ID NO:21

P22: QRANL FNKLV TELRG LSDEA aa 316-335 SEQ ID NO:22

P23: LSDEA VTSLL PQLIE VSSPI aa 331-350 SEQ ID NO:23 Table 1

Table 1

Table 1

Table 1

Table 1

Table 1

Table 1

Table 1

Table 1

The invention provides compositions comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof. In one embodiment, the compositions elicit an immune response and comprise one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another embodiment, the composition is for immunization and comprises one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that induces and/or enhances an immune response. In a further embodiment, the compositions for eliciting an immune response include one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and CD8(+) T cells. The CD8+ T cells (such as autologous CD8+ T cells) are activated by one or more immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100. In an embodiment, the peptide of ApoB-100 is any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1. In a further embodiment, one or more of the peptides of ApoB-100 are immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100. In an additional embodiment, the compositions for immunization include one or more peptides of ApoB- 100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and CD8(+) T cells. The CD8+ T cells (such as autologous CD8+ T cells) are activated by one or more immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100. In an embodiment, the peptide of ApoB-100 is any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1. In a further embodiment, one or more of the peptides of ApoB-100 are immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100.

The compositions for eliciting an immune response and/or for immunizations/vaccinations comprising one or more of the immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100 described herein may be used to treat, inhibit, prevent and/or promotes prophylaxis of kidney diseases in subjects. The compositions eliciting an immune response and/or for immunizations/vaccinations comprising one or more of the immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100 described herein may also be used to mitigate the effects of kidney diseases, reduce the severity of kidney diseases, reduce the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slow the progression of kidney disease. In some embodiments, a percentage of kidney disease reduction after administration of the compositions described herein is at least about 20%, at least about 30%, from about 40% to about 60% and/or about 50% to about 80%. In a further embodiment, the expected improvement in kidney disease after immunizations with a composition comprising one or more immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100 and/or administration with of activated CD8+ T cells is at least about 20% and/or about 20-80% relative to control subjects. In an embodiment, administration of the compositions described herein reduces mortality due to kidney disease, and/or reduce incidence of kidney disease. Peptide compositions for vaccination

The invention provides composition comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof. In one embodiment, the composition elicits an immune response and comprises one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another embodiment, the composition is a vaccine and comprises one or more peptides of ApoB- 100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that induces and/or enhances an immune response.

In some embodiments, the compositions (for eliciting an immune response and/or for vaccination) comprising fragments of ApoB-100, such as the immunogenic fragments of ApoB-100 associated with treating kidney disease, inhibiting kidney disease, preventing kidney disease, promoting prophylaxis of kidney disease, mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease, include at least one or more of peptides pi (SEQ ID NO: 1), p2 (SEQ ID NO: 2), plO (SEQ ID NO: 10), pl l (SEQ ID NO: 11), p25 (SEQ ID NO:25), p30-p34 (SEQ ID NOs:30-34), p40 (SEQ ID NO:40), p40 (SEQ ID NO:40), p45 (SEQ ID NO:45), p68 (SEQ ID NO:68), p74 (SEQ ID NO:74), p94 (SEQ ID NO:94), p99 (SEQ ID NO:99), plOO (SEQ ID NO: 100), pl02(SEQ ID NO: 102), pl03 (SEQ ID NO: 103), pl05 (SEQ ID NO: 105), pl07 (SEQ ID NO: 107), pi l l (SEQ ID NO: l l l), pl29 (SEQ ID NO:129), pl43 (SEQ ID NO: 143), pl48 (SEQ ID NO: 148), pl49 (SEQ ID NO:149), pl54 (SEQ ID NO: 154), pl62 (SEQ ID NO: 162), pl69 (SEQ ID NO: 169), pl77 (SEQ ID NO:177), pl99 (SEQ ID NO: 199), p210 (SEQ ID NO:210), p222 (SEQ ID NO:222), p236 (SEQ ID NO:236), p252 (SEQ ID NO:252), or p301 (SEQ ID NO:301), or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof.

In further embodiments, the compositions (for eliciting an immune response and/or for vaccination) comprising the fragments of ApoB-100, such as the immunogenic fragments of ApoB-100 associated with treating kidney disease, inhibiting kidney disease, preventing kidney disease, promoting prophylaxis of kidney disease, mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease, include one or more of peptides p2 (SEQ ID NO:2), pi 1 (SEQ ID NO: l 1), p32 (SEQ ID NO:32), p45 (SEQ ID NO: 45), p74 (SEQ ID NO: 74), pl02 (SEQ ID NO: 102), pl48 (SEQ ID NO: 148), pi 62 (SEQ ID NO: 162), or p210 (SEQ ID NO:210), or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof.

In additional embodiments, the compositions (for eliciting an immune response and/or for vaccination) comprising the fragments of ApoB-100 such as the immunogenic fragments of ApoB-100 associated with treating kidney disease, inhibiting kidney disease, preventing kidney disease, promoting prophylaxis of kidney disease, mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease, include one or more of peptides p2 (SEQ ID NO:2), p45 (SEQ ID NO: 45), p74 (SEQ ID NO: 74), pl02(SEQ ID NO: 102) and/or p210 (SEQ ID NO:210) or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof.

In a further embodiment, the compositions (for eliciting an immune response and/or for vaccination) comprising the fragment of ApoB-100 associated with treating kidney disease, inhibiting kidney disease, preventing kidney disease, promoting prophylaxis of kidney disease, mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease includes amino acids 3136-3155 of human ApoB-100 (P210; SEQ ID NO: 210) or an immunogenically active portion thereof.

T cells and peptide compositions for vaccination

The composition for eliciting an immune response and/or for vaccination to treat kidney disease, inhibit kidney disease, prevent kidney disease, promote prophylaxis of kidney disease, mitigate the effects of kidney disease, reduce the severity of kidney disease, reduce the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slow the progression of kidney disease, comprise activated CD8+ T cells (for example, autologous T cells) wherein the CD8+ T cells are activated by contacting CD8+ T cells with one or more immunogenic fragments of ApoBlOO. In an embodiment, activated CD8+ T cells specific for an immunogenic fragment of ApoBlOO may be obtained by contacting a CD8+ T cells (for example, autologous CD8+ T cells) with any one or more of peptides pi to p302 of ApoB-100 or an immunogenically active portion thereof for a time and under condition to activate the CD8+ T cell.

In some embodiments, activated CD8+ T cells specific for an immunogenic fragment of ApoBlOO may be obtained by contacting a CD8+ T cells (for example, autologous CD8+ T cells) with any one or more of peptides pi (SEQ ID NO: 1), p2 (SEQ ID NO: 2), plO (SEQ ID NO: 10), pl l (SEQ ID NO: l l), p25 (SEQ ID NO:25), p30-p34 (SEQ ID NOs:30-34), p40 (SEQ ID NO:40), p40 (SEQ ID NO:40), p45 (SEQ ID NO:45), p68 (SEQ ID NO:68), p74 (SEQ ID NO:74), p94 (SEQ ID NO:94), p99 (SEQ ID NO:99), plOO (SEQ ID NO: 100), pl02(SEQ ID NO: 102), pl03 (SEQ ID NO: 103), pl05 (SEQ ID NO: 105), pl07 (SEQ ID NO:107), pi l l (SEQ ID NO: l l l), pl29 (SEQ ID NO: 129), pl43 (SEQ ID NO: 143), pl48 (SEQ ID NO:148), pl49 (SEQ ID NO: 149), pl54 (SEQ ID NO: 154), pl62 (SEQ ID NO:162), pl69 (SEQ ID NO: 169), pl77 (SEQ ID NO: 177), pl99 (SEQ ID NO: 199), p210 (SEQ ID NO:210), p222 (SEQ ID NO:222), p236 (SEQ ID NO:236), p252 (SEQ ID NO:252), or p301 (SEQ ID NO:301), or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the above activated CD8+ T cells are administered as immunizations and/or to elicit an immune response.

In further embodiments, activated CD8+ T cells specific for an immunogenic fragment of ApoBlOO may be obtained by contacting a CD8+ T cells (for example, autologous CD8+ T cells) with any one or more of peptides p2 (SEQ ID NO:2), pl l (SEQ ID NO: l 1), p32 (SEQ ID NO:32), p45 (SEQ ID NO: 45), p74 (SEQ ID NO: 74), pl02 (SEQ ID NO: 102), pl48 (SEQ ID NO: 148), pl62 (SEQ ID NO: 162), or p210 (SEQ ID NO:210), or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the above activated CD8+ T cells are administered as immunizations and/or to elicit an immune response.

In additional embodiments, activated CD 8+ T cells specific for an immunogenic fragment of ApoBlOO may be obtained by contacting a CD8+ T cells (for example, autologous CD8+ T cells) with any one or more of peptides SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 102, SEQ ID NO:210, or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the above activated CD8+ T cells are administered as immunizations and/or to elicit an immune response.

In a further embodiment, activated CD8(+) T cells specific for an immunogenic fragment of ApoBlOO may be obtained by contacting a CD8(+) T cells (for example, autologous CD8+ T cells) with an immunogenic fragment which includes the amino acids 3136-3155 of human ApoB-100 (for example P210; SEQ ID NO: 210) or an immunogenically active portion thereof. In various embodiments, the above activated CD8+ T cells are administered as immunizations and/or to elicit an immune response.

In general, the same combination of immunogenic fragments proven or expected to be associated with treatment and/or prevention of kidney disease in an individual are also expected to be able to activate CD8(+) T cells to be used in treatment and/or prevention of kidney disease in the individual. In particular, T cell activation can be performed using any of the molecules herein described administered in vivo in an amount suitable to be used with the methods of the invention (for example, to treat or prevent kidney disease). Activation of T cell can also be performed in vitro using methods and procedures such as the ones described in (R. Wu, et al, 1996 Scand. J. Immunol. 43,381-384) as well as additional procedures identifiable by a skilled person.

In some embodiments, compositions comprising peptides of ApoB-100 (such as immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100) and CD8(+) T cells (for example, activated CD8+ T cells and/or autologous CD8+ T cells) further include an enhancer of CD8(+) T cell activation.

In an embodiment, the enhancer can be interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 10 (IL10), Interleukin 15 (IL-15), TGF-beta (TGF-β), IL2-antiIL-2 antibody complex and/or additional enhancer identifiable by a skilled person upon reading of the present disclosure. Reference is made to the references Mitchell et al 2010 J Immunol. 2010 Jun 15;184(12):6719-30. Epub 2010 May 14), Perret et al 2008 (Eur J Immunol. 2008 Oct;38(10):2886-95) and Kamimura et al 2007 (J Exp Med. 2007 Aug 6;204(8): 1803-12. Epub 2007 Jul 30). In some embodiments, the enhancing is performed by reducing CD86 expression and/or IL12 secretion by dendritic cells in the individual. As disclosed herein, the immunogenic fragments of ApoB-100 or immunogenically active portion thereof, CD8 (+) T cell, and enhancers described herein can be provided as a part of systems to treat and/or prevent kidney disease or of a condition associated thereto. In an embodiment, the system comprises CD8(+) T cell activated with at least two ApoB- 100 fragments or immunogenically active portions thereof, and one or more cytokine able to enhance the activated CD8(+) T cell.

In an embodiment, the system comprises at least two or more immunogenic fragments of ApoB-100 or immunogenically active portion thereof and one or more of an activated CD8(+) T cell specific for an immunogenic fragment of ApoB-100.

Methods of the Invention The invention provides methods for treating or inhibiting kidney disease in a subject in need thereof. The method comprises providing a composition comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and administering an effective amount of the composition to the subject so as to treat or inhibit kidney disease in the subject.

In one embodiment, the composition for treating or inhibiting kidney diseases includes one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that may induce and/or enhance an immune response.

In another embodiment, the composition for treating or inhibiting kidney diseases includes one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and CD8(+) T cells, wherein the CD8+ T cells are activated by one or more immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100. The CD8+ T cells may be autologous. The composition may further comprise enhancers.

In a further embodiment, the compositions for treating or inhibiting kidney diseases include a first composition comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a second composition comprising activated CD8+ T cells and optionally, enhancers. In one embodiment, the first and second compositions are administered concurrently. In another embodiment, the first and second compositions are administered sequentially.

In some embodiments, the peptide of ApoB-100 in the compositions for treating or inhibiting kidney diseases is any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1, or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the peptide of ApoB-100 is any one or more of peptides p2 (SEQ ID NO:2), pl l (SEQ ID NO: 11), p32 (SEQ ID NO:32), p45 (SEQ ID NO: 45), p74 (SEQ ID NO: 74), pi 02 (SEQ ID NO: 102), pi 48 (SEQ ID NO: 148), pi 62 (SEQ ID NO: 162), or p210 (SEQ ID NO:210), or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the peptide is p210 (SEQ ID NO:210). The invention further provides methods for preventing kidney diseases or promoting prophylaxis of kidney diseases in a subject in need thereof. The method comprises providing a composition comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or immunogenically active portions, derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and administering an effective amount of the composition to the subject so as to prevent or promote prophylaxis of kidney disease in the subject.

In one embodiment, the composition for preventing kidney diseases or promoting prophylaxis of kidney diseases includes one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that may induce and/or enhance an immune response.

In another embodiment, the composition for preventing kidney diseases or promoting prophylaxis of kidney diseases includes one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and CD8(+) T cells, wherein the CD8+ T cells are activated by one or more immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100. The CD8+ T cells may be autologous. The composition may further comprise enhancers. In a further embodiment, the compositions for preventing kidney diseases or promoting prophylaxis of kidney diseases include a first composition comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a second composition comprising activated CD8+ T cells and optionally, enhancers. In one embodiment, the first and second compositions are administered concurrently. In another embodiment, the first and second compositions are administered sequentially.

In some embodiments, the peptide of ApoB-100 in the composition for preventing kidney diseases or promoting prophylaxis of kidney diseases is any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1 or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the peptide of ApoB-100 is any one or more of peptides p2 (SEQ ID NO:2), pl l (SEQ ID NO: l l), p32 (SEQ ID NO:32), p45 (SEQ ID NO: 45), p74 (SEQ ID NO: 74), pl02 (SEQ ID NO: 102), pl48 (SEQ ID NO: 148), pi 62 (SEQ ID NO: 162), or p210 (SEQ ID NO:210), or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the peptide is p210 (SEQ ID NO:210).

The invention also provides methods for mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease in a subject in need thereof. The methods comprise providing a composition comprising one or more peptides of ApoB- 100 and/or immunogenically active portions, derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and administering an effective amount of the composition to the subject so as to mitigate the effects of kidney disease, reduce the severity of kidney disease, reduce the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slow the progression of kidney disease in the subject.

In one embodiment, the composition for mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease includes one or more peptides of ApoB- 100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that may induce and/or enhance an immune response. In another embodiment, the composition for mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease includes one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and CD8(+) T cells, wherein the CD8+ T cells are activated by one or more immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100. The CD8+ T cells may be autologous. The composition may further comprise enhancers. In a further embodiment, the compositions mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease include a first composition comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a second composition comprising activated CD8+ T cells and optionally, enhancers. In one embodiment, the first and second compositions are administered concurrently. In another embodiment, the first and second compositions are administered sequentially. In some embodiments, the peptide of ApoB-100 in composition for mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease is any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1 or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the peptide of ApoB-100 is any one or more of peptides p2 (SEQ ID NO:2), pl l (SEQ ID NO: 11), p32 (SEQ ID NO:32), p45 (SEQ ID NO: 45), p74 (SEQ ID NO: 74), pl02 (SEQ ID NO: 102), pl48 (SEQ ID NO: 148), pi 62 (SEQ ID NO: 162), or p210 (SEQ ID NO:210), or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the peptide is p210 (SEQ ID NO:210).

The invention also provides methods for decreasing the expression of Angiotensin II type I receptor (ATiR) in a subject in need thereof. The methods comprise providing a composition comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or immunogenically active portions, derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and administering an effective amount of the composition to the subject so as to decrease the expression of ATIR.

In one embodiment, the composition for reducing the expression of ATIR includes one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that may induce and/or enhance an immune response.

In another embodiment, the composition for reducing the expression of ATIR includes one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and CD8(+) T cells, wherein the CD8+ T cells are activated by one or more immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100. The CD8+ T cells may be autologous. The composition may further comprise enhancers. In a further embodiment, the compositions for reducing the expression of ATIR include a first composition comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a second composition comprising activated CD8+ T cells and optionally, enhancers. In one embodiment, the first and second compositions are administered concurrently. In another embodiment, the first and second compositions are administered sequentially.

In some embodiments, the peptide of ApoB-100 in composition for reducing the expression of ATiR is any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1 or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the peptide of ApoB-100 is any one or more of peptides p2 (SEQ ID NO:2), pl l (SEQ ID NO: 11), p32 (SEQ ID NO:32), p45 (SEQ ID NO: 45), p74 (SEQ ID NO: 74), pi 02 (SEQ ID NO: 102), pi 48 (SEQ ID NO: 148), pi 62 (SEQ ID NO: 162), or p210 (SEQ ID NO:210), or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the peptide is p210 (SEQ ID NO:210).

In one embodiment, kidney disease may be atherosclerosis-related. In another embodiment, the kidney disease may be hypertension-related. In a further embodiment, the kidney disease may be diabetes. In an additional embodiment, the kidney disease may be autoimmune diseases-related.

In an embodiment, the effective amount of activated CD8(+) T cells is about 500,000 to about 2,000,000 cells, about 500,000 to about 1,500,000 cells, about 500,000 to about 1,000,000 cells, about 750,000 to about 2,000,000 cells, about 750,000 to about 1,500,000 cells, or about 750,000 to about 1,000,000 cells. In an embodiment, administration of about 1,000,000 activated CD8(+) T cells is expected to result in both treatment and prevention of kidney diseases.

Administration is expected to be performed in accordance with dosages and schedules which will be identified based on the condition of the subject to be treated and the desired effect. For example if administration directed to prevention, administering an effective amount of activated CD8(+) T cell can performed by performing either a single administration, or a plurality of administrations (e.g. 3 administrations or more, 6 administrations or more) of activated CD8(+) T cell herein described in intervals to obtain a desired immunization based on the condition of the individual. In particular, a plurality of administrations can be performed whenever a prolonged immunizing effect is desired. Administration of CD8(+) T cell herein described can be performed according to methods to immunize an individual identifiable to a skilled person. In an embodiment, administration can be performed by parenteral administration. Parenteral administration is a systemic route of administration where the substance is given by route other than the digestive tract and includes but is not limited to intravenous administration, intra-arterial administration, intramuscular administration, subcutaneous administration, intradermal, administration, intraperitoneal administration, and intravesical infusion. The activated CD8(+) T cells may be administered one time, or multiple times, depending on the desired duration of the immunization effect. Dosages of the Invention

In some embodiments of the invention, the effective amount of one or more peptide of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof in the compositions for eliciting an immune response and/or for immunization for treating kidney disease, inhibiting kidney disease, preventing kidney disease, promoting prophylaxis of kidney disease, mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease can be in the range of about 0.01-0.05mg/day, 0.05-0. lmg/day, 0.1-0.5mg/day, 0.5-lmg/day, l-5mg/day, 5- lOmg/day, 10-50mg/day, 50-100mg/day, 100-150mg/day, 150-200mg/day, 100- 200mg/day, 200-3 OOmg/day, 300-400mg/day, 400-5 OOmg/day, 500-600mg/day, 600- 700mg/day, 700-800mg/day, 800-900mg/day, 900-lOOOmg/day, 1000-11 OOmg/day, 1100-1200mg/day, 1200- 13 OOmg/day, 1300-1400mg/day, 1400- 15 OOmg/day, 1500- 1600mg/day, 1600-1700mg/day, 1700-1800mg/day, 1800-1900mg/day, 1900- 2000mg/day, 2000-21 OOmg/day, 2100-2200mg/day, 2200-23 OOmg/day, 2300- 2400mg/day, 2400-25 OOmg/day, 2500-2600mg/day, 2600-2700mg/day, 2700- 2800mg/day, 2800-2900mg/day or 2900-3 OOOmg/day. The ApoB-100 peptides may be any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1, or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions comprising the ApoB-100 peptides or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof comprise peptides in the above dosage ranges. In other embodiments, compositions comprising the ApoB-100 peptides or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof and activated CD8+ T cells comprise peptides in the above dosage ranges.

In other embodiments of the invention, the effective amount of one or more peptide of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof in the compositions for eliciting an immune response and/or for immunization for treating kidney disease, inhibiting kidney disease, preventing kidney disease, promoting prophylaxis of kidney disease, mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease can be in the range of about 0.01-0.05mg/immunization, 0.05-0. lmg/immunization, 0.1-0.5mg/ immunization, 0.5- lmg/ immunization, l-5mg/ immunization, 5-10mg/ immunization, 10- 50mg/immunization, 50-100mg/immunization, 100-150mg/ immunization, 150-200mg/ immunization, 100-200mg/ immunization, 200-3 OOmg/ immunization, 300-400mg/ immunization, 400-5 OOmg/ immunization, 500-600mg/ immunization, 600-700mg/ immunization, 700-800mg/ immunization, 800-900mg/ immunization, 900-1000mg/ immunization, 1000-1 lOOmg/ immunization, 1100-1200mg/ immunization, 1200- 1300mg/immunization, 1300-1400mg/immunization, 1400-1500mg/ immunization, 1500- 1600mg/immunization, 1600-1700mg/immunization, 1700-1800mg/immunization, 1800- 1900mg/immunization, 1900-2000mg/immunization, 2000-2 lOOmg/immunization, 2100- 2200mg/immunization, 2200-2300mg/immunization, 2300-2400mg/immunization, 2400- 2500mg/immunization, 2500-2600mg/immunization, 2600-2700mg/ immunization, 2700- 2800mg/ immunization, 2800-2900mg/ immunization or 2900-3000mg/ immunization. The ApoB-100 peptides may be any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1. The ApoB-100 peptides may be any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1, or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions comprising the ApoB-100 peptides or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof comprise peptides in the above dosage ranges. In other embodiments, compositions comprising the ApoB- 100 peptides or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof and activated CD8+ T cells comprise peptides in the above dosage ranges. In an additional embodiment, an effective amount of p210 is about 100μg of p210/immunization. In an alternative embodiment, an effective amount of p210 is about 250μg to about 500μg. In further embodiments of the invention, the effective amount of one or more peptide of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof in the compositions for eliciting an immune response and/or for immunization for treating kidney disease, inhibiting kidney disease, preventing kidney disease, promoting prophylaxis of kidney disease, mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease can be in the range of about 0.01-0.05mg/kg, 0.05-0. lmg/kg, 0.1-0.5mg/kg, 0.5-lmg/kg, l-5mg/kg, 5-10mg/kg, 10-50mg/kg, 50-100mg/kg, 100-150mg/kg, 150-200mg/kg, 100-200mg/kg, 200- 300mg/kg, 300-400mg/kg, 400-500mg/kg, 500-600mg/kg, 600-700mg/kg, 700- 800mg/kg, 800-900mg/kg, 900-1000mg/kg, 1000-1 lOOmg/kg, 1100-1200mg/kg, 1200- 1300mg/kg, 1300-1400mg/kg, 1400-15 OOmg/kg, 1500-1600mg/kg, 1600-1700mg/kg, 1700-1800mg/kg, 1800-1900mg/kg, 1900-2000mg/kg, 2000-21 OOmg/kg, 2100- 2200mg/kg, 2200-2300mg/kg, 2300-2400mg/kg, 2400-25 OOmg/kg, 2500-2600mg/kg, 2600-2700mg/kg, 2700-2800mg/kg, 2800-2900mg/kg or 2900-3000mg/kg. The ApoB- 100 peptides may be any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1, or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions comprising the ApoB-100 peptides or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof comprise peptides in the above dosage ranges. In other embodiments, compositions comprising the ApoB-100 peptides or immunologically active fragments thereof and/or combinations thereof and activated CD8+ T cells comprise peptides in the above dosage ranges. In an embodiment, the effective amount of immunogenic peptide of ApoB-100 may vary depending on the number and combination of peptides utilized for each immunization, and specific characteristic and conditions of the individual treated (e.g. immune system, diet and general health and additional factors identifiable by a skilled person). Additionally, lower or higher amounts within the defined range are expected to be effective in an individual depending on factors such as weight, age, gender of the individual as well as additional factors identifiable by a skilled person.

In some embodiments, the immunogenic peptides herein described or related immunogenically active portions can be administered in combination with an adjuvant or other carrier suitable to affect and in particular increase immunogenicity of the peptide o active portion thereof. In some embodiments, the immunogenic peptide or active portion thereof can be conjugated to the adjuvant or carrier according to procedures identifiable to a skilled person. Suitable carriers comprise BSA, and in particular, cationized BSA, Human Serum Albumin (HSA) and in particular cationized HSA, aluminum salts such as aluminum phosphate and aluminum hydroxide and additional carriers identifiable by a skilled person.

In an embodiment, the administering is performed according to a schedule of administration to be determined in view of the desired effect. In particular, administration is expected to be performed in accordance with dosages and schedule which will be identified based on the condition of the individual to be treated and the desired effect. For example, administration can be performed by performing either a single administration, or a plurality of administrations (e.g. 2 administrations or more, in particular up to 6 administrations) of immunogenic fragments or immunogenically active portion thereof herein described in intervals to obtain a desired immunization based on the condition of the individual.

The route of immunization can vary depending on the purposes of immunization described herein. Successful prevention and treatment of kidney diseases in mice occurred by subcutaneous osmotic pump injections. The type of immune response triggered is largely determined by the route of immunization. Various routes can be used comprising subcutaneous, parenteral, and systemic among the others. In particular, the mucosal linings of airways and intestines contain lymphatic tissue that, when exposed to antigen, elicits anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive responses. Distinct immunological features of the respiratory and intestinal mucosa lead to partly different types of protective immunity upon antigen exposure by the nasal or oral route.

As described above, administering an effective amount of CD8+ T cells activated with any one or more of peptides (for example immunogenic peptides) of ApoB-100 is associated with treating kidney disease, inhibiting kidney disease, preventing kidney disease, promoting prophylaxis of kidney disease, mitigating the effects of kidney disease, reducing the severity of kidney disease, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney disease and/or slowing the progression of kidney disease. In an embodiment the effective amount of activated CD8+ T cells may be between about 500,000 and 2,000,000 cells. In another embodiment the effective amount of activated CD8+ T cells may be between about 750,000 and about 1,500,000 cells. In an additional embodiment, the effective amount of activated CD8+ T cells may be about 1,000,000 cells. Typical dosages of an effective amount of one or more peptide of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof in the composition can be in the ranges recommended by the manufacturer where known therapeutic compounds are used, and also as indicated to the skilled artisan by the in vitro responses or responses in animal models. The same or similar dosing can be used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, or an alternate dosage may be used in connection with alternate embodiments of the invention. The actual dosage can depend upon the judgment of the physician, the condition of the patient, and the effectiveness of the therapeutic method based, for example, on the in vitro responsiveness of relevant cultured cells or histocultured tissue sample, or the responses observed in the appropriate animal models.

In one embodiment, administration of activated CD8+ T cell herein described can be performed according to methods used in the art to immunize an individual. In another embodiment, the administering can be performed by parenteral administration. Parenteral administration is a systemic route of administration where the substance is given by route other than the digestive tract and includes but is not limited to intravenous administration, intra-arterial administration, intramuscular administration, subcutaneous administration, intradermal, administration, intraperitoneal administration, and intravesical infusion. In an embodiment the administering can be performed by intravenous administration.

The invention also provides that the activated CD8+ T cells, obtained by contacting a CD8+ T cells (for example, autologous CD8+ T cells) with any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1, may be administered alone or in combination with an effective amount of any one or more peptides (for example immunogenic peptides) PI to P302 of ApoB-100 or immunogenic portions thereof.

In an embodiment, compositions comprising peptides of ApoB-100 including peptides PI to P302 and/or immunogenic fragments thereof may be administered once daily or multiple times daily. Similarly, activated CD 8+ T cells, obtained by contacting a CD 8+ T cells (for example, autologous CD8+ T cells) with any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1, may be administered once daily or multiple times daily depending on the desired duration of the immunization effect.

In some embodiments, administering of an immunogenic fragment and/or a CD8(+) T cell can be performed in combination with an enhancer of CD8(+) T cell activation including but not limited to Interleukin 2 (IL2), Interleukin 15 (IL-15), TGFbeta(TGF- ), IL2-antiIL-2 antibody complex and/or additional enhancer identifiable by a skilled person upon reading of the present disclosure. Reference is made to the references Mitchell et al (J Immunol. 2010 Jun 15;184(12):6719-30. Epub 2010 May 14), Perret et al (Eur J Immunol. 2008 Oct;38(10):2886-95) and Kamimura et al (J Exp Med. 2007 Aug 6;204(8): 1803-12. Epub 2007 Jul 30), each incorporated by reference in its entirety, which describe exemplary use of enhancer in connection with T cell activation. In additional embodiments, the enhancing is performed by reducing CD86 expression and/or IL12 secretion by dendritic cells in the individual. The subjects in the claimed invention may be any one or more of human, non-human primate, monkey, ape, dog, cat, cow, horse, rabbit, mouse and rat.

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS AND KITS As described above, the invention provides compositions (for eliciting an immune response and/or for immunizations) comprising one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof. In one embodiment, the composition comprises one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or analogs thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that induces and/or enhances an immune response. In another embodiment, the composition includes one or more peptides of ApoB-100 and/or derivatives, peptidomimetics, pharmaceutical equivalents and/or an analogs thereof and CD8(+) T cells. The CD8+ T cells are activated by one or more immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100. In an embodiment, the peptide of ApoB-100 is any one or more of peptides PI to P302 as set forth in Table 1. In a further embodiment, one or more of the peptides of ApoB-100 are immunogenic peptides of ApoB-100.

The compositions (for eliciting an immune response and/or for immunizations) can be formulated as freeze-dried or liquid preparations according to any means suitable in the art. Non-limiting examples of liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions, syrups, slurries, and emulsions. Suitable liquid carriers include any suitable organic or inorganic solvent, for example, water, alcohol, saline solution, buffered saline solution, physiological saline solution, dextrose solution, water propylene glycol solutions, and the like, preferably in sterile form.

The compositions (for eliciting an immune response and/or for immunizations) can be formulated in either neutral or salt forms. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the acid addition salts (formed with the free amino groups of the active polypeptides) and which are formed with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids, or organic acids such as acetic, oxalic, tartaric, mandelic, and the like. Salts formed from free carboxyl groups can also be derived from inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, and the like.

In various embodiments, the compositions are administered intradermally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. The compositions may be formulated for inoculation or injection into the subject. For injection, the compositions of the invention can be formulated in aqueous solutions such as water or alcohol, or in physiologically compatible buffers such as Hanks's solution, Ringer's solution, or physiological saline buffer. The solution can contain formulatory agents such as suspending, preserving, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. Injection formulations can also be prepared as solid form preparations which are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations suitable for injection, for example, by constitution with a suitable vehicle, such as sterile water, saline solution, or alcohol, before use.

The compositions (for eliciting an immune response and/or for immunizations) can also be formulated in sustained release vehicles or depot preparations. Such long acting formulations can be administered by inoculation or implantation (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by injection. Thus, for example, the vaccine compositions can be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example, as an emulsion in acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt. Liposomes and emulsions are well- known examples of delivery vehicles suitable for use as carriers.

The compositions (for eliciting an immune response and/or for immunizations) can comprise agents that enhance the efficacy of the composition, such as adjuvants. Adjuvants include any compound or compounds that act to increase an immune response to the ApoBlOO peptides or immunogenically active portions thereof, thereby reducing the quantity of antigen necessary in the vaccine, and/or the frequency of administration necessary to generate a protective immune response. Adjuvants can include for example, emulsifiers, muramyl dipeptides, pyridine, aqueous adjuvants such as aluminum hydroxide, chitosan-based adjuvants, and any of the various saponins, oils, and other substances known in the art, such as Amphigen, LPS, bacterial cell wall extracts, bacterial DNA, CpG sequences, synthetic oligonucleotides and combinations thereof (Schijns et al. (2000) Curr. Opin. Immunol. 12:456), Mycobacterialphlei (M. phlei) cell wall extract (MCWE) (U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,984), M. phlei DNA (M-DNA), and M-DNA-M. phlei cell wall complex (MCC).

Compounds which can serve as emulsifiers include natural and synthetic emulsifying agents, as well as anionic, cationic and nonionic compounds. Among the synthetic compounds, anionic emulsifying agents include, for example, the potassium, sodium and ammonium salts of lauric and oleic acid, the calcium, magnesium and aluminum salts of fatty acids, and organic sulfonates such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Synthetic cationic agents include, for example, cetyltrhethylammonlum bromide, while synthetic nonionic agents are exemplified by glycerylesters (e.g., glyceryl monostearate), polyoxyethylene glycol esters and ethers, and the sorbitan fatty acid esters (e.g., sorbitan monopalmitate) and their polyoxyethylene derivatives (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate). Natural emulsifying agents include acacia, gelatin, lecithin and cholesterol.

Other suitable adjuvants can be formed with an oil component, such as single oil, a mixture of oils, a water-in-oil emulsion, or an oil-in-water emulsion. The oil can be a mineral oil, a vegetable oil, or animal oil. Mineral oils are liquid hydrocarbons obtained from petrolatum via a distillation technique, and are also referred to in the art as liquid paraffin, liquid petrolatum, or white mineral oil. Suitable animal oils include, for example, cod liver oil, halibut oil, menhaden oil, orange roughy oil and shark liver oil, all of which are available commercially. Suitable vegetable oils include, for example, canola oil, almond oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, olive oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, and the like. Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) and Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant (FIA) are two common adjuvants that are commonly used in vaccine preparations, and are also suitable for use in the present invention. Both FCA and FIA are water-in-mineral oil emulsions; however, FCA also contains a killed Mycobacterium sp.

Immunomodulatory cytokines can also be used in the compositions to enhance the efficacy of the composition, for example, as an adjuvant. Non-limiting examples of such cytokines include interferon alpha (IFN-a), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), or combinations thereof. GM-CSF is highly preferred.

Compositions comprising ApoBlOO peptides or immunogenically active portions and further comprising adjuvants can be prepared using techniques well known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, mixing, sonication and microfluidation. The adjuvant can comprise from about 10% to about 50% (v/v) of the vaccine composition, about 20%> to about 40%> (v/v), about 20%> to about 30%> (v/v), or any integer within these ranges.

Administration of the compositions can be by infusion or injection (e.g., intravenously, intramuscularly, intracutaneously, subcutaneously, intrathecal, intraduodenally, intraperitoneally, and the like). The vaccine compositions can also be administered intranasally, vaginally, rectally, orally, or transdermally. Additionally, vaccine compositions can be administered by "needle-free" delivery systems. In an embodiment, the compositions are administered by intradermal injection. Administration can be at the direction of a physician or physician assistant.

The injections can be split into multiple injections, with such split inoculations administered preferably substantially concurrently. When administered as a split inoculation, in an embodiment, the dose of the immunogen may be proportioned equally in each separate injection. If an adjuvant is present in the vaccine composition, the dose of the adjuvant may be proportioned equally in each separate injection. The separate injections for the split inoculation may be administered substantially proximal to each other on the subject's body. In some aspects, the injections are administered at least about 1 cm apart from each other on the body, at least about 2.5 cm apart from each other on the body, at least about 5 cm apart from each other on the body, at least about 10 cm apart from each other on the body or more than 10 cm apart from each other on the body, for example, at least about 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, or more cm apart from each other on the body. Primary immunization injections and booster injections can be administered as a split inoculation.

Various alternative pharmaceutical delivery systems can be employed. Non-limiting examples of such systems include liposomes and emulsions. Certain organic solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide also can be employed. Additionally, the vaccine compositions can be delivered using a sustained-release system, such as semipermeable matrices of solid polymers containing the therapeutic agent. The various sustained-release materials available are well known by those skilled in the art. Sustained-release capsules can, depending on their chemical nature, release the vaccine compositions over a range of several days to several weeks to several months.

Effective amounts of an immunogenic fragment to treat and/or prevent kidney disease will depend on the individual wherein the activation is performed and will be identifiable by a skilled person. For example in an embodiment the T cell activation can be performed with an effective amount of from about 1 to about 100 μg immunogenic fragment or immunogenically active portion thereof. In an embodiment, treatment and/or prevention of kidney disease can be performed with an effective amount of from about 1 to about 100 mg ApoB fragment or immunogenically active portion thereof. Additional effective amounts are identifiable by a skilled person in view of the individual where activation is performed and the desired activation. In an embodiment, an effective amount for the treatment or prevention can be about 100μg or more. A greater concentration can be used in some embodiments depending on the desired effect as illustrated in the present disclosure. For example, in embodiments wherein treatment of kidney disease is expected to be performed with an effective amount be 250 μg or more. In another example, wherein the kidney disease is less severe an effective amount to treat the kidney disease is expected to be 25 μg or 50 μg.

The effective amount of the composition can be dependent on any number of variables, including without limitation, the species, breed, size, height, weight, age, overall health of the patient, the type of formulation, the mode or manner or administration, or the presence or absence of risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood that kidney disease may occur. The effective amount is also expected to vary depending on the number and combination of peptides utilized for each particular composition, and specific characteristic and conditions of the individual treated (e.g. immune system diet and general health and additional factors identifiable by a skilled person).

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the compositions can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio LD50/ED50. Compositions that exhibit large therapeutic indices are preferred. Data obtained from cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in patients. The dosage of such compositions lies preferably within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or no toxicity. The dosage can vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized.

Toxicity information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in a specified subject such as a human. The treating physician can terminate, interrupt, or adjust administration due to toxicity, or to organ dysfunctions, and can adjust treatment as necessary if the clinical response is not adequate, to improve the response. The magnitude of an administrated dose in the prevention of recurrent kidney disease will vary with the severity of the patient's condition, relative risk for recurrence, or the route of administration, among other factors. The severity of the patient's condition can, for example, be evaluated, in part, by standard prognostic evaluation methods. The compositions can be administered to a patient on any schedule appropriate to induce and/or sustain protective immunity against kidney disease relapse and more specifically to induce and/or sustain a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response to ApoB fragment or immunogenically active portion thereof. For example, patients can be administered a composition as a primary immunization as described and exemplified herein, followed by administration of a booster to bolster and/or maintain the protective immunity.

In some aspects, patients can be administered the vaccine compositions 1, 2 or more times per month. In an embodiment, once per month for six consecutive months may establish the protective immune response, particularly with respect to the primary immunization schedule. In some aspects, boosters can be administered at regular intervals such as every 6 or more months after completion of the primary immunization schedule. In an embodiment, administration of the booster is every 6 months. Boosters can also be administered on an as-needed basis. The administration schedule for the composition including primary immunization and booster administration can continue as long as needed for the patient, for example, over the course of several years, to over the lifetime of the patient. In some aspects, the vaccine schedule includes more frequent administration at the beginning of the vaccine regimen, and includes less frequent administration (e.g., boosters) over time to maintain the protective immunity.

The composition can be administered at lower doses at the beginning of the regimen, with higher doses administered over time. The composition can also be administered at higher doses at the beginning of the regimen, with lower doses administered over time. The frequency of primary administration and booster administration and dose of ApoB fragments or immunogenically active portions thereof administered can be tailored and/or adjusted to meet the particular needs of individual patients, as determined by the administering physician according to any means suitable in the art.

The present invention is also directed to kits to treat, inhibit, reduce severity of, mitigate the effects of and/or promote prophylaxis of kidney disease in a subject in need thereof. The kit comprises ApoB- 100 peptides or immunogenic fragments thereof, for example peptides set forth in Table 1 or a derivative, variant, pharmaceutical equivalent, peptidomimetic and/or analog thereof. Alternatively, the kits comprise CD8+ T cells (for example, activated CD8+ T cells) and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. The kits may also comprise ApoB- 100 peptides or immunogenically active fragments thereof and activated CD8+ T cells. The kit is an assemblage of materials or components, including at least one of the inventive compositions. Additional components of the kit may include enhancer molecules.

The exact nature of the components configured in the inventive kit depends on its intended purpose. In one embodiment, the kit is configured particularly for human subjects. In further embodiments, the kit is configured for veterinary applications, treating subjects such as, but not limited to, farm animals, domestic animals, and laboratory animals.

Instructions for use may be included in the kit. "Instructions for use" typically include a tangible expression describing the technique to be employed in using the components of the kit to effect a desired outcome, such as to treat, prevent, inhibit, prevent metastasis of and/or promote prophylaxis of cancer (for example leukemia) in a subject. Optionally, the kit also contains other useful components, such as, measuring tools, diluents, buffers, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, syringes or other useful paraphernalia as will be readily recognized by those of skill in the art.

The materials or components assembled in the kit can be provided to the practitioner stored in any convenient and suitable ways that preserve their operability and utility. For example the components can be in dissolved, dehydrated, or lyophilized form; they can be provided at room, refrigerated or frozen temperatures. The components are typically contained in suitable packaging material(s). As employed herein, the phrase "packaging material" refers to one or more physical structures used to house the contents of the kit, such as inventive compositions and the like. The packaging material is constructed by well-known methods, preferably to provide a sterile, contaminant-free environment. As used herein, the term "package" refers to a suitable solid matrix or material such as glass, plastic, paper, foil, and the like, capable of holding the individual kit components. Thus, for example, a package can be a bottle used to contain suitable quantities of the compositions of the invention. The packaging material generally has an external label which indicates the contents and/or purpose of the kit and/or its components. EXAMPLES

The following example is provided to better illustrate the claimed invention and is not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. To the extent that specific materials are mentioned, it is merely for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the invention. One skilled in the art may develop equivalent means or reactants without the exercise of inventive capacity and without departing from the scope of the invention.

The inventors assessed the effect of p210 immunization on Angll-induced renal inflammatory responses in apoE (-/-) male mice. For the experiments described herein, native p210 peptide (KTTKQ SFDLS VKAQY KK KH) was conjugated to cationic bovine serum albumin (cBSA) as carrier. Alum was used as an adjuvant. At 7, 10, and 12 weeks of age, male apoE (-/-) mice were subcutaneously injected with 100μg of p210/cBSA/Alum. As immunization controls, 100μg of cBSA/Alum, or PBS were injected. At 10 weeks of age after first immunization booster, lOOOng/Kg/min of Angll was delivered by subcutaneously implanted osmotic pump for 4weeks (Figure 1 A).

As shown in Figure IB, administration of p210, an immunogenic peptide of ApoB- 100 reduces the levels of the ATi receptor. p210 immunization significantly decreased the expression of Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in aorta.

Serum creatinine (Cr.) (an indicator of renal function) level at 14 weeks of age was assessed by commercially available creatinine assay kit following the manufacture's instruction. As shown in Table 2, p210 immunization protected against Angll-induced renal damage. Serum creatinine level was significantly lower in p210 group. *p<0.05 vs. p210. N: p210=12, cBSA=l 1, PBS=9.

Table 2

At euthanasia, kidney was harvested for quantitative PCR analysis or histological analysis. Data are presented as mean±SEM. Data were analyzed by ANOVA following post-hoc test for multiple group comparison. Immunization with p210 vaccine significantly attenuated Angll-induced renal damage. As shown in Figure 2, the p210 immunization down-regulated pro-inflammatory gene expressions (IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-a) in kidney.

Superoxide production in kidney was measured by in situ dihydroethidium (DHE) methods with freshly cut frozen sections. As shown in Figure 3, the p210 immunization significantly reduced glomerular ROS production.

As shown in Figure 4 A, p210 immunization significantly reduced NOX1, a component of NADPH oxidase. As shown in Figure 4B, the p210 vaccine significantly downregulated profibrotic gene expression (PAI-1 and TGF-β) in kidney. These anti-hypertensive and renal protective effects are associated with significant reduction of inflammatory cytokines and chemokine gene expression, ROS production mediated by NADPH oxidase, and profibrotic gene expression in kidney. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, immunogenic peptide p210 and/or immunogenic fragments thereof may be good therapeutic agents for Angiotensin associated or related diseases such as kidney diseases and kidney malfunction.

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Singleton et al., Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology 3 ^rd ed., J. Wiley & Sons (New York, NY 2001); March, Advanced Organic Chemistry Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure 5 ^th ed., J. Wiley & Sons (New York, NY 2001); and Sambrook and Russel, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual 3rd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (Cold Spring Harbor, NY 2001), provide one skilled in the art with a general guide to many of the terms used in the present application.

One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials described. For purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined below.

While these descriptions directly describe the above embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventors that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s).

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention known to the applicant at this time of filing the application has been presented and is intended for the purposes of illustration and description. The present description is not intended to be exhaustive nor limit the invention to the precise form disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings. The embodiments described serve to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).