US Patent 10064925 Use of anti-CD47 agents to enhance immunization

Methods are provided for enhancing immunization strategies by manipulation, e.g. in vitro manipulation, of phagocytic antigen presenting cells. In the methods of the invention, phagocytic antigen presenting cells (phAPC) are incubated with a particulate antigen in the presence of an anti-CD47 agent in a dose and for a period of time sufficient to allow the phAPC to phagocytose the particulate antigen, which process generates a “loaded” phAPC. The loaded phAPC is contacted with a population of T cells matched for at least one major histocompatibility locus with the phAPC, where the T cells are stimulated after contacting to generate an effector response against an epitope or epitopes present on the particulate antigen.