The invention provides methods for identifying a HLA-B*0702-restricted cryptic epitope in an antigen, as well as methods for increasing the immunogenicity of HLA-B*0702-restricted cryptic epitopes. The HLA-B*0702-restricted cryptic epitopes and their cognate immunogenic epitopes are useful for stimulating an immune reaction against the cryptic epitopes in a subject. Accordingly, the invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a HLA-B*0702-restricted cryptic epitope or a cognate immunogenic epitope thereof, and vaccination kits comprising such epitopes. The novel materials of the invention are particularly useful for efficiently treating patients having an HLA-B*0702 phenotype.본 발명은 펩티드 면역치료 분야에 관한 것이다. 특히, 본 발명은 항원에 있는 HLA-B*0702-제한 크립틱 에피토프를 확인하는 방법에 관한 것이며, 그 면역원성을 증가시키는 방법에 관한 것이다. 본 발명은 또한 HLA-B*0702 표현형을 갖는 환자를 효과적으로 치료하는 방법 및 물질을 제공한다.
