Activation and Expansion of T-Cells Using An Engineered Multivalent Signaling Platform as a Research Tool
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Abstract
Provided are a system and methods for selectively inducing expansion of a population of T cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors, such as lymphokines, and accessory cells for research purposes. The cell based expansion system and methods permit the long-term growth of CTLs, preferably human CTLs. In addition, T cell proliferation can be induced without the need for antigen, thus providing an expanded T cell population that is polyclonal with respect to antigen reactivity. Further provided are methods for using the system and methods to screen and identify antigens related to specific diseases or conditions, tumors, autoimmune disorders, or an infectious disease or pathogen, and to identify target molecule for research purposes, or for developing a vaccine based thereon.
49 Citations
91 Claims
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1-88. -88. (canceled)
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89. A population of T cells expanded by a method comprising:
- providing a population of cells wherein at least a portion thereof comprises T cells, contacting said population of cells with an EMSP, said EMSP having on its surface one or more agents that ligate a cell surface moiety of at least a portion of said T cells and activates or stimulates said T cells; and
culturing said T cells under conditions and time sufficient to induce cell division, wherein said contacting and/or said culturing occurs in the absence of exogenously added cytokines, wherein said expanded T cells are substantially free of EMSP.
- providing a population of cells wherein at least a portion thereof comprises T cells, contacting said population of cells with an EMSP, said EMSP having on its surface one or more agents that ligate a cell surface moiety of at least a portion of said T cells and activates or stimulates said T cells; and
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90. A population of T cells expanded by a method comprising:
- providing a population of cells wherein at least a portion thereof comprises T cells, contacting said population of cells with an EMSP, said EMSP having on its surface one or more agents that ligate a cell surface moiety of at least a portion of said T cells and activates or stimulates said T cells; and
culturing said T cells under conditions and time sufficient to induce cell division, wherein said expanded T cells are substantially free of EMSP.
- providing a population of cells wherein at least a portion thereof comprises T cells, contacting said population of cells with an EMSP, said EMSP having on its surface one or more agents that ligate a cell surface moiety of at least a portion of said T cells and activates or stimulates said T cells; and
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91-97. -97. (canceled)
Specification