Transfected Dendritic Cell Immunizations

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs). An efficient way of generating antibodies is to introduce antigens of interest into DCs and then inject them into the host. This will result in initiation of an antigen-specific immune response mediated by T-cell immunity. Apoptosis of DCs expressing transgenic proteins results in enhanced immunity through cross-presentation by endogenous DCs in vivo. The major advantage of this technology is prolonged presentation of antigens that are synthesized endogenously and their presentation by both modified DCs as well as endogenous DCs to the immune system of the host.