Methods and compositions for transforming dendritic cells and activating cells

Abstract

Recombinant dendritic cells are made by transforming a stem cell and differentiating the stem cell into a dendritic cell. The resulting dendritic cell is an antigen presenting cell which activates T cells against MHC class I-antigen targets. Kits, assays and therapeutics are based upon the activation of T cells by the recombinant dendritic cell. Cancer, viral infections and parasitic infections are all ameliorated by the recombinant dendritic cells, or corresponding activated T cells. Therapeutic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions are provided.

1 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method of killing a target cell, comprising:
 transforming a hematopoietic stem cell in vitro with a recombinant expression cassette comprising a nucleic acid encoding an antigenic peptide, and differentiating the transformed stem cell into a transformed dendritic cell;   contacting a T cell with the transformed dendritic cell, thereby providing an activated T cell, wherein the T cell and the hematopoietic stem cell are from the same individual; and   contacting the target cell with the activated T cell, wherein the target cell expresses a protein comprising the antigenic peptide.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the target cell is contacted by the activated T cell in vivo. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the target cell is contacted by the activated T cell in vitro. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the target cell is selected from the group consisting of a cancer cell, a cell intracellularly infected with a bacterial cell, and a virally-infected cell. 
     
     
         43 - 49 . (canceled)