Method and compositions for obtaining mature dendritic cells

US7659119B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Argos Therapeutics, Inc. · US
• The Rockefeller University · US

Inventors

• Ralph M. Steinman · Westport, US
• Nina Bhardwaj · Montclair, US
• Gerold Schuler · Spardorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 12, 1996
• Grant date: Feb 9, 2010
• Expiry date: Feb 12, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2502/11
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

We describe an improved method for generating sizable numbers of mature dendritic cells from nonproliferating progenitors in human blood. The first step or “priming” phase is a culture of T cell depleted mononuclear cells in medium supplemented with GM-CSF and IL-4 to produce immature dendritic cells. The second step or “differentiation” phase requires the exposure to dendritic cell maturation factor such as monocyte conditioned medium. Using this two-step approach, substantial yields are obtained. The dendritic cells derive from this method have all the features of mature cells. They include a stellate cell shape, nonadherence to plastic, and very strong T cell stimulatory activity. The mature dendritic cells produced according to this invention are useful for activating T cells.