A Clinically Applicable Method for the ex vivo Generation of Antigen‐Presenting Cells from CD34+ Progenitors

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives : Dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent of antigen‐presenting cells, can be generated in vitro from bone marrow or blood progenitor cells. We have developed a method for producing such cells from mobilised peripheral blood CD34+ cells in the absence of bovine products. Methods: The culture system developed used X‐Vivo 10 culture medium with 10% autologous serum, rhGM‐CSF, rhTNF‐α and rhIL‐4. Largescale cultures were performed in Stericell 12 inch X 15 inch culture bags. Results: In 12‐small‐scale experiments, over 14 days, there was a median 38‐fold increase in cell numbers of which 12.8% were DCs as defined by immunophenotyping. These cells had potent DC activity in functional assays. In two clinical‐scale experiments, a 5.7‐ and 10‐fold expansion of total cell numbers was obtained, with 8.2 and 18% of the final population being DCs, respectively. Conclusion: This system is suitable for clinical application.