INACTIVATED TARGET CELLS, METHODS OF USING SAME AND VACCINES AND DIAGNOSTIC KITS CONTAINING SAME

摘要

The present invention describes the inactivation of target cells by treatment of said cells with psoralens and irradiation with long wave length ultraviolet light. The inactivated cells are shown to be antigenic and are shown to be non-infective. These cells are useful as target antigens for in vitro assays of cellular immunity. Diagnostic kits containing the inactivated, target cells are prepared for use in serologic assays. Since the inactivated cells are immunogenic and non-infective, they are also useful as vaccines.