Dendritic-like cell/tumor cell hybrids and hybridomas for in ducing an anti-tumor response

摘要

The invention provides dendritic-like cell/tumor cell hybridomas and pluralities of dendritic-like cell/tumor cell hybrids that confer tumor resistance in vivo. The hybrids and hybridomas are generated by the fusion of tumor cells with dendritic-like cells. For instance, immortal tumor cells from an autologous tumor cell line can be fused with autologous or HLA-matched allogeneic dendritic-like cells. Autologous tumor cell lines can be derived from primary tumors and from their metastases. Alternatively, immortal dendritic-like cells from an autologous or allogeneic HLA-matched dendritic-like cell line can be fused with autologous tumor cells. Autologous dendritic-like cell lines can be prepared from various sources such as peripheral blood and bone marrow. Dendritic-like cell/tumor cell hybridomas and pluralities of hybrids can be directly infused for active immunization of cancer patients against their residual tumor cells. The hybridomas and hybrids can also be used for the in vitro activation of autologous immune cells before their reinfusion into the patient for passive immunization against the tumor cells.