Modifying antigen-presenting cells, useful e.g. in antitumor vaccines, by transfer to them of antigen-containing membrane fragments from diseased cells

摘要

Modifying antigen-presenting cells (APC), comprising transfer to them of antigens (Ag) from diseased cells (A), is new. APC and (A), or their components, are combined in suspension and contacted by application of an external force, so that Ag-containing, but nucleus-free, membrane components are transferred from (A) to APC. The modified APC are then separated from (A) and cell components. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) cellular tumor vaccine comprising APC either prepared by the new method or, generally, having incorporated into their cell membranes Ag, or Ag-containing membrane components from diseased cells; and (2) apparatus for modifying APC with (A) or their components.