Abstract: Provided is a method for preparation of a composition comprising activated human CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. The method entails use of allogeneic mature dendritic cells as feeder cells added at an early stage in the induction of proliferation and activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Further provided is a method for treatment of lymphopenia related diseases by infusion of the cells obtained from the present process.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparation of a composition comprising activated human CD8+ and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes. The method entails use of mature dendritic cells as feeder cells added at an early stage in CD4+ mediated activation of the CD8+ cells. Also provided is a method for treatment of cancer using the cells obtained from the process.

Abstract: A composition for inducing an immune response in a mammal, comprises lymphoid cells in which expression of tumor antigens has been chemically induced. The tumor antigens are induced in proliferating normal lymphoid cells, especially during the log phase of proliferation. The proliferation of the normal lymphoid cells is stimulated by normal mature dendritic cells. Most conveniently, the lymphoid cells are lymphocytes, especially peripheral blood lymphocytes. The tumor antigens are typically cancer/testis antigens, which may be chemically induced by DNA demethylation. Cancer/testis antigens are expressed in a wide range of tumors, so the composition is able to raise an immune response that is effective against a wide range of tumors, despite the fact that it is derived from normal cells. The composition may be used for preparation of an anti-tumor vaccine for prophylactic or therapeutic use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing dendritic cells and particularly to compositions and methods for producing immature dendritic cells that are immunocompetent. We describe a method of producing dendritic cells by cultivation of monocytes, characterised by at least one of: pre-treatment of a tissue culture surface with at least one of: a substantially plasma-free and serum-free pre-treatment medium, a pre-treatment medium comprising heparin, and a pre-treatment medium comprising a protein solution; adsorption of monocytes using at least one of: a substantially plasma-free and serum-free adsorption medium; cultivation of monocytes using a substantially plasma-free and serum-free cultivation medium. We also describe compositions including the dentritic cells and uses of the dentritic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing dendritic cells and particularly to compositions and methods for producing immature dendritic cells that are immunocompetent. We describe a method of producing dendritic cells by cultivation of monocytes, characterised by at least one of: pre-treatment of a tissue culture surface with at least one of: a substantially plasma-free and serum-free pre-treatment medium, a pre-treatment medium comprising heparin, and a pre-treatment medium comprising a protein solution; adsorption of monocytes using at least one of: a substantially plasma-free and serum-free adsorption medium; cultivation of monocytes using a substantially plasma-free and serum-free cultivation medium. We also describe compositions including the dentritic cells and uses of the dentritic cells.

Abstract: A composition for inducing an immune response in a mammal, comprises lymphoid cells in which expression of tumor antigens has been chemically induced. The tumor antigens are induced in proliferating normal lymphoid cells, especially during the log phase of proliferation. The proliferation of the normal lymphoid cells is stimulated by normal mature dendritic cells. Most conveniently, the lymphoid cells are lymphocytes, especially peripheral blood lymphocytes. The tumor antigens are typically cancer/testis antigens, which may be chemically induced by DNA demethylation. Cancer/testis antigens are expressed in a wide range of tumors, so the composition is able to raise an immune response that is effective against a wide range of tumors, despite the fact that it is derived from normal cells. The composition may be used for preparation of an anti-tumor vaccine for prophylactic or therapeutic use.