| abstract |
(57) [Summary]nIncreasing the specific antigen-presenting function of dendritic cells (DCs) in a mammalian host enhances the immunogenicity of the antigen. The host is treated with a DC mobilization agent to increase the number of circulating DC progenitor cells. Next, the antigen combined with the DC activator is injected locally into the host. The activation phase promotes DC recruitment and maturation, while at the same time promoting antigen-specific activation and migration from tissues to lymphoid organs. These DC cells then effectively interact with the T cells and present the processed antigen to the T cells. T cells can then react to this antigen. In one aspect of the invention, the antigen is a tumor antigen, which can be used to enhance a host immune response to tumor cells in the body. |