Immunization Against Tumor Cells in Sezary Syndrome

Although the etiology of CTCL is not completely understood, immunologic factors appear to play an important role. Dendritic Cell (DC)-tumor cell vaccines have several features that suggest applications for the immunotherapy of human tumors. Importantly, DC-tumor cell immunization has the potential to simultaneously stimulate CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity against multiple tumor antigens. The vaccine will be prepared from the subject's own blood, obtained during leukapheresis. From leukapheresed blood, monocyte-derived DCs and malignant lymphocytes will be isolated. The DCs will then be loaded with lymphocyte-derived tumor antigens. Formulations and release criteria must be met before vaccine can be administered. Completion date provided represents the completion date of the grant per OOPD records