METHODS TO SEPARATE AND EXPAND ANTIGEN-SPECIFIC T CELLS

摘要

Methods are provided for producing a population of purified T cells that are specific for a particular antigen, such as a viral antigen or a tumor-associated antigen. In one example the method includes contacting a layer of antigen presenting cells (APCs) with a preselected target antigen for a time sufficient for the antigen to be presented by an APC. The resulting APCs presenting the antigen are incubated with primed T cells under conditions sufficient to allow binding between APCs and primed T cells that recognize the preselected target antigen. After removing non-adherent cells, a population of purified antigen-specific T cells that recognize the preselected target antigen is produced. This population can be expanded by stimulating the cells to proliferate, thereby producing a population of purified antigen-specific T cells. Purified populations of antigen-specific T cells produced using the methods are disclosed herein. In addition, methods of using the antigen-specific T cells, for example to reconstitute immunity, are disclosed.