Method of enhancing immunogenicity by covalent linkage of antigens to proteins on the surface of dendritic cells
OwnerRichard B. Bankert, Nejat Egilmezinventors
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Abstract
A method is provided to increase the immunogenicity of an antigen. This method involves the covalent coupling of the antigen to proteins or glycoproteins present on the surface of dendritic cells by a mild biochemical modification which minimizes the denaturation of the antigen and preserving cell viability. Dendritic cells with covalently linked antigen on their surface can be used for generating a specific response to the antigen. The present method can be used for both therapeutic and preventive purposes.
Claims40
A method for elicting an immune response in an individual to an antigen comprising the steps of covalently coupling the antigen to one or more proteins or glycoproteins on the surface of dendritic cells obtained from the individual and infusing the covalently coupled dendritic cells into the individual.
A composition for eliciting an immune response to an antigen comprising dendritic cells having one or more antigens covalently coupled to one or more proteins on the surface of the dendritic cells.
A method for making a composition for eliciting an immune response to an antigen in an individual comprising the steps of:
- a) obtaining dendritic cells from the individual,
- b) covalently coupling the antigen to one or more proteins or glycoproteins on the surface of the dendritic cells.
A method of reducing the growth of a tumor in an individual comprising the steps of:
- a) obtaining a tissue sample from the tumor;
- b) obtaining an antigen from the tissue sample;
- c) obtaining dendritic cells from the individual;
- d) covalently linking the antigen to one or more surface proteins or glycoproteins on the dendritic cells;
- and
- e) reinfusing the covalently linked dendritic cells into the individual.
The method of claim 31, wherein the CpG nucleotide has a sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
A method for reducing the recurrence of tumors in an individual in whom the tumor has been surgically removed comprising the steps of:
- a) obtaining a tissue sample from the tumor that has been removed;
- b) obtaining an antigen from the tissue sample;
- c) obtaining dendritic cells from the individual;
- d) covalently linking the antigen to one or more surface proteins or glycoproteins on the dendritic cells;
- and
- e) reinfusing the covalently linked dendritic cells into the individual.
A method for preventing the growth of tumors in an individual comprising the steps of:
- a) identifying and obtaining an antigen known to be present in the tumors;
- c) obtaining dendritic cells from the individual;
- d) covalently linking the antigen to one or more surface proteins or glycoproteins on the dendritic cells;
- and
- e) reinfusing the covalently linked dendritic cells into the individual.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.