FUSED CELLS, METHODS OF FORMING SAME, AND THERAPIE UTILIZING SAME

摘要

A method and apparatus for electrofusing a plurality of cancer cell types to dendritic cells (DCs) which results in the formation of electrofused DC-tumor cells with high efficiency and high viability. The method comprises subjecting the cells with multiple pulses of voltage in specially designed media. This is the first documentation of electrofusion of large numbers of DCs and tumor cells. Evidence demonstrates those cells contain all essential DC molecules and express tumor antigens. A single vaccination of animals with pre-existing tumors results in substantial erradication of tumors and cure of animals. The electrofused-cells can be used immediately. These fusion hybrids are to be used for the treatment of cancer directly as vaccines or indirectly by activating immune lymphocytes for adoptive immunotherapy.