Production of antigen-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles and uptake by dendritic cells.

Particle-based cancer vaccines prepared from biodegradable polymers are a potentially attractive way of delivering antigen alone, or in combination with adjuvant molecules, to dendritic cells (DC). Non-viral modes of vaccination must ensure the activation of cellular immune responses in addition to humoral responses if an effective antitumor immune response is to be initiated. Here we describe in detail a method for manufacturing poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles loaded with purified protein/antigen. We also describe a method for generating bone marrow-derived DC in vitro. These DC can be subsequently used to measure the adjuvant properties of the particle formulations.