Immortalization of splenic and peripheral blood macrophages using a multi-cistronic v-raf/v-myc lentivirus

Abstract

Vectors and methods are disclosed for immortalizing mammalian cells by co-expression of v-raf and v-myc proteins. A replication-defective viral vector is used for improved safety. The vector comprises an optional marker gene, and is especially useful for producing an immortalized macrophage by a method that involves contacting the vector with a monocyte, proliferatively growing the monocyte, growing the monocytic cell on a solid surface, and then growing the monocytic cell on a porous surface. An immortalized macrophage is also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.