Abstract: The invention relates to monocytes derived antigen presenting cells (MD-APCs) characterized in that they have the following properties: they present on their surface: antigen CD14 and CD64 with a mean intensity of about 5 to about 200; antigen CD80 and CD86 with a mean intensity of about 20 to about 200; antigen CD40 and mannose receptor with a mean intensity of 50 to 500; they are substantially devoid of the surface antigens CD1a and CD1c; they present a phagocytosis property; and they have the property of stimulating the proliferation of allogenic lymphocytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to monocytes derived antigen presenting cells (MD-APCs) characterized in that they have the following properties: they present on their surface: antigen CD14 and CD64 with a mean intensity of about 5 to about 200; antigen CD80 and CD86 with a mean intensity of about 20 to about 200; antigen CD40 and mannose receptor with a mean intensity of 50 to 500; they are substantially devoid of the surface antigens CD1a and CD1c; they present a phagocytosis property; and they have the property of stimulating the proliferation of allogenic lymphocytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to stimulated monocyte derived cells presenting the following characteristics: 1) increased release, with respect to normal monocyte derived cells, of for instance PDGF (platelet derived growth factor), and increased presence, on their membranes, with respect to normal monocyte derived cells, of for instance CD1&agr;, and/or: 2) presence in their nucleus of at least one exogenous nucleic acid which has been integrated in the absence of the monocyte derived cell division. These stimulated monocyte derived cells can be the active substance of pharmaceutical compositions.