RETROVIRUS VECTORS FOR EXPRESSION OF CII-TA AND ACTIVATION OF HLA CLASS II GENE EXPRESSION AND USES THEREOF

摘要

This invention provides a method to induce MHC class II gene expression in a cell capable of MHC class II gene expression which comprises transfecting the cell with a retroviral vector encoding a CII-TA protein under suitable conditions so as to express the CII-TA protein and induce MHC class II gene expression. This invention also provides a method to stimulate a specific, high-level T-cell response in a subject, or in cells, in particular, wherein the cell is a neoplastic cell or a somatic cell including, a melanocyte, a hematopoietic cell, or a stem cell.