methods and compositions to enhance the immune response and for the production of in vitro monoclonal antibodies (mabs)

摘要

The methods and compositions of the present invention are directed to enhancing an immune response and increasing vaccine efficacy through the simultaneous or sequential targeting of specific immune system components. More particularly, specific immune components, such as macrophages, dentritic cells, B cells and T cells, are individually activated by component-specific immunostimulating agents. One such component-specific immunostimulating agent is an antigen-specific, species-specific monoclonal antibody. The invention is also directed to a method for the in vitro production of the antigen-specific, species-specific monoclonal antibodies which relies upon the in vitro conversion of blood-borne immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes. Vaccine efficacy is enhanced by the administration of compositions containing component-specific immunostimulating agents and other elements, such as antigens or carrier particles, such as colloidal methods, such as gold.