2 mM L-glutamine (Sigma) was added to the monocyte cell culture.

By selecting for cytokine receptor expression relevant to DC development, we were able to identify highly cycling Lin–c-KitintFlt3+M-CSFR+ cells with a distinct gene-expression profile in mouse bone marrow that, on a clonal level in vitro and as a population both in vitro and in vivo, efficiently generated plasmacytoid and conventional DCs but no other lineages, which increased in number after in vivo injection of the cytokine Flt3 ligand.

A recombinant Leishmania major parasite expressing a fluorescent tracer was used for the infection of BALB/c (H2-d) mice. This was done to investigate whether infected DC process pathogen-derived antigen and stimulate antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in vivo.

Laminarin (500 micrograms/ml) was added to DCs in order to block their beta-glucan receptors.

We analysed the ability of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells to assist priming of antigen specific T and B cell responses. 1) We have demonstrated that activation of human DC by Toll like receptor ligands (TLR-L) modulates the lipid biosynthetic pathway, resulting in enhanced recognition of CD1d-associated lipids by iNKT cells. 2) We have clarified the mechanisms by which CD1d-restricted lymphocytes translate T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of lipids with similar group heads into distinct biological responses. Using a soluble iNKT TCR and a newly engineered anti...

Indium labelled E/L-S DC (without antigen loading) is administered i.v. to a patient to study the reaction with regard to DC migration.

These DC were used in a maturation step for subsequent production of a DC vaccine.

These cells do not acquire a mature phenotype and do not lead to an enhanced secretion of several cytokines/chemokines.

These cells acquire a mature phenotype along with an enhanced secretion of several cytokines/chemokines. Moreover, these DCs are very potent in inducing naive CD4(+) T cells to differentiate into interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-secreting type 1 T helper (Th1) cells.

ImmunoVexHSV2 is a product for the prevention of infectious disease, it is a vaccine for genital herpes. In preclinical studies, ImmunoVex HSV2 completely prevents disease and invokes a powerful immune response.

Antigen-specific CD4+ T cells were followed in these immunized individuals using generated peptide-MHC class II multimers.

These DC were generated by culturing enriched monocytes for 5 days.

These cells are incubated in Fc-block (1:50 in PBS + 2 % FCS) 30 min on ice, to be stained for FACS.

These DC were used to elicit CTL responses in a mouse model.

By immunizing mice with ovalbumin-conjugated anti-Siglec-H Ab in the presence of CpG, we demonstrated generation of antigen-specific CD8 T cells in vivo.

We have finalized analysis of the receptors on DCs responsible for capture of exosomes secreted by mature DCs. We have shown that expression of LFA-1, but not of Mac-1, integrin, on DCs is required for capture of ICAM-1-bearing exosomes.

It was shown that both IL-10 as well as IL-12 production is dependent on the signalling adaptor molecules either MyD88 or TRIF, respectively in response to CpG, LPS or PolyIC.

These K/O mice were studied with regard to responses to viral infections. We used the mouse pox virus Ectromelia and MVA-BN. Coinfection with MVA-BN and Ectromilia protected the IFNalpha receptor -/- mice. The data show that MVA-BN can induce potent innate immune responses able to control viral replication to allow the specific immune response to eliminate Ectromelia in immune deficient mice.

These dendritic cells were generated with interferon-beta and interleukin-3. They were used in a clinical trial in melanoma patients who were randomized to receive immunizations either with these I3 DC or with G4 DC (DC generated with GM-CSF and IL-4).

This patient has received 9 vaccines with peptides only in a randomized trial to receive immunizations either with I3 DC (DC generated with interferon-beta and interleukin-3) or with G4 DC (DC generated with GM-CSF and IL-4). Up to now, in Cycle 3, immunizations have been continued with peptide-only injections of all 9 peptides except Tyrosinase at 12 weeks intervals. For the continuation of the vaccinations the clinicians have decided to inject the patient at 6 months intervals. The patient who clinically showed Partial Response at the end of cycle 1 is curre...