RAPID GENERATION OF T CELL-INDEPENDENT ANTIBODY RESPONSES TO T CELL-DEPENDENT ANTIGENS

摘要

The present invention comprises the use of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) or FDC-like cells to generate FDC-dependent, but T cell-independent, B cell responses to T cell-dependent antigens, with antigen-specific and polyclonal antibody production in ~48 h. In another embodiment, a germinal center (GC) lymphoid tissue equivalent (LTE) was used to generate~ antigen-specific IgM, followed by switching to IgG. The GC LTE model can be used in vaccine assessment. Dual forms of immunogen were used in the GC LTE and in vivo. Dual immunogens resulted in rapid, specific IgM responses and enhanced IgG responses. This vaccine design approach can be used, for example, to provide rapid IgM protection (~24 48 h) and high-affinity IgG more quickly in people moving to areas with endemic disease, or in people with T cell insufficiencies, who can be immunized to rapidly generate protective IgM.