METHOD OF ENHANCING IMMUNOGENICITY BY COVALENT LINKAGE OF ANTIGENS TO PROTEINS ON THE SURFACE OF DENDRITIC CELLS

摘要

A method is provided to increase the immunogenicity of an antigen. This meth od involves the covalent coupling of the antigen to proteins or glycoproteins present on the surface of dendritic cells by a mild biochemical modification which minimizes the denaturation of the antigen and preserving cell viabilit y. Dendritic cells with covalently linked antigen on their surface can be used for generating a specific response to the antigen. The present method can be used for both therapeutic and preventive purposes.