IN SITU LANGERHANS CELL VACCINE

摘要

A method for entrapping migratory antigen presenting cells (APCs) and particularly Langerhans cells (LCs,) in vivo provided. The method entails creating an artificial gradient of APC-attracting chemotactic factor in the homing path of APCs in vivo . Also provided is a composition for entrapping APCs and particularly, migratory LCs. In addition, a method for loading APCs in situ with antigen is provided. The method comprises entrapping APCs in vivo and subsequently loading the APCs in situ with antigen. Correspondingly, a composition for loading APCs in situ is also is also provided. Further provided is a method for stimulating the migration of entrapped APCs to draining lymph nodes. The ability to stimulate the migration of entrapped APCs to draining lymph nodes is useful, internalia ) for regulating an immune response in a subject. In addition, an in situ APC-based vaccine is provided which does not require any time-consuming, costly ex vivo manipulations.