Efficient presentation of tumor idiotype to autologous T cells by CD83(+) dendritic cells derived from highly purified circulating CD14(+) monocytes in multiple myeloma patients.

To generate mature and fully functional CD83(+) dendritic cells derived from circulating CD14(+) cells highly purified from the leukapheresis products of multiple myeloma patients.CD14(+) monocytes were selected by high-gradient magnetic separation and differentiated to immature dendritic cells with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-4 for 6-7 days and then induced to terminal maturation by the addition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha or stimulation with CD40 ligand. Dendritic cells were characterized by immunophenotyping, evaluation of soluble antigens uptake, cytokine secretion, capacity of stimulating allogeneic T cells, and ability of presenting nominal antigens, including tumor idiotype, to autologous T lymphocytes.