Glossary of Terms

AIN: Anal intraepithelial neoplasia, which is characterized by the presence of abnormal cells (dysplasia) in the anal canal that may precede anal cancer. Read more

Antigen: A structure, such as a protein or peptide that can be recognized by receptors on the surface of cells in the immune system.

B Lymphocyte: Cells which are central to antibody-mediated (humoral) immunity. Following antigen recognition, B cells become activated and produce antibodies, which circulate in the blood.

Cellular Immunity: Refers to the activity of various cell types in immune responses, such as T cells. These T cells include cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Read more

CIN: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, which is characterized by the presence of
abnormal cells (dysplasia) in the cervix that may precede cervical cancer. Read more

CoVal™ Fusion: A recombinant protein composed of an Hsp fused (covalently linked) to a disease-specific protein antigen. Read more

Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL or "Killer T" Cells): Cells which can recognize and kill diseased cells in the body (e.g., virus-infected or cancerous). Most cytotoxic T cells are CD8+ cells, informally called killer T cells.

Dendritic Cells: These are the most potent regulators of immune responses. By presenting antigens to T cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, dendritic cells activate cellular immunity. Read more

Dysplasia: Abnormal cells or growth

HPV: Human papillomavirus. HPV infection is associated with a variety of diseases, including anogenital dysplasias and cancers, as well as RRP and genital warts. Read more

Hsp (Heat Shock Protein): Proteins that are overproduced by cells in response to noxious or harmful stimuli. Because this group of proteins was first detected in cells that were exposed to abnormally high temperatures, they are called 'heat shock proteins' or Hsp. Hsp are also called stress proteins. Read more

Humoral Immunity: Refers to the production of antibodies by B cells. Read more

Peptide: A small piece of a protein.

Phase II: Small clinical trials on persons having the disease or medical condition to determine whether the drug has some level of therapeutic effect. The trials are usually carried out with a treatment group, who receive the drug, and a matched control group, who receive a placebo. Phase II trials provide information on the dosage level, the schedule for administering the drug, and the short-term safety of the drug in patients.

Phase III: Clinical trials that are large, carefully controlled, relatively long-term studies on patients to determine whether the drug will be truly effective under rigorous experimental scrutiny and in normal medical settings. Information is also gained regarding long-term side effects and safety.

RRP: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. RRP is warts of the upper airways caused by the same types of HPV that cause genital warts. Read more