| abstract |
The present invention concerns methods for producing differentiated cells from immature hematopoietic cells. Preferably, a gene coding for a conditional v-rel estrogen receptor fusion protein, v-relER, that causes estrogen-dependent but otherwise unaltered v-rel-specific transformation, is introduced into bone marrow cells. Following inactivation of v-relER oncoprotein activity by administration of an estrogen antagonist, cells differentiate into antigen-presenting dendritic cells as judged by several morphological and functional criteria. Additionally, under different culture conditions, v-relER cells differentiate into cells resembling polymorphonuclear neutrophils. The invention further concerns differentiated cells obtained by the claimed method as well as their use for screening of potentially immunomodulatory substances and in the development of vaccines. |