Apparatus, system, and method for creating immunologically enhanced spaces in-vivo

Abstract

The present invention creates an immunologically protected/enhanced space in vivo in a mammal by removing the impact of soluble inhibitors of the mammal's immune system in a defined space within the body. Placing an antigen source within the defined protected space along with a monocyte-containing blood sample from the mammal being treated and a dendritic cell-inducing factor allows a dendritic-antigen presentation process to proceed to completion. The protected/enhanced space is created by surrounding the protected space with ligands which absorb and/or bind to one or more soluble inhibitors. The implant can be loaded with a patient's cancer cells to treat cancer.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of creating an immunologically protected/enhanced space in vivo in a mammal which comprises:
 a) removing the impact of soluble inhibitors of the mammal's immune system in a defined space within the mammal's body and   b) placing an antigen source within the defined space to allow a dendritic-antigen presentation process to proceed to completion.