Methods of use of viral vectors to deliver antigen to dendritic cells
AssigneeThe Rockefeller University
InventorsRalph M. Steinman, Nina Bhardwaj
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention relates to methods and compositions useful for delivering antigens to dendritic cells which are then useful for inducing T antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This invention also provides assays for evaluating the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. According to the invention, antigens are provided to dendritic cells using a viral vector such as influenza virus which may be modified to express non-native antigens for presentation to the dendritic cells. The dendritic cells which are infected with the vector are then capable of presenting the antigen and inducing cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity or may also be used as vaccines.
Claims17
A method of presenting antigens on human dendritic cell surfaces wherein said presented antigen activates CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes, said method comprising:
- contacting proliferating or non-proliferating human dendritic cells with a nonreplicating viral vector comprising a gene sequence encoding a protein which protein is processed by said dendritic cells to produce said antigen which is presented on the surface of said dendritic cells in a manner which can activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
A method of generating antigen specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, comprising:
- a. contacting proliferating or nonproliferating human dendritic cells with a nonreplicating viral vector comprising a gene sequence encoding a protein which protein is processed by said dendritic cells to produce said antigen which is presented on the surface of said dendritic cells;
- and
- b. contacting T lymphocyte precursor cells with said dendritic cells for a sufficient time to induce said T lymphocyte precursor cells to become activated antigen specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.