Methods for expanding antigen-specific T cells

摘要

Methods for expanding antigen-specific T cells in vitro are provided. The methods involve contacting hematopoietic precursor or progenitor cells with a heteroconjugate containing an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPIV) attached to an antigenic peptide, optionally with a culture step to expand T cells with a DPIV inhibitor. The culture may be performed in the absence of exogenously provided cytokines.