US Patent 7217700 Chemokines as adjuvants of immune response

Dendritic cells play a critical role in antigen-specific immune responses. Materials and methods are provided for treating disease states, including cancer and autoimmune disease, by facilitating or inhibiting the migration or activation of antigen-presenting dendritic cells. In particular, chemokines are used to initiate, amplify or modulate an immune response. In one embodiment, chemokines are used to attract dentritic cells to the site of antigen delivery. An increase number of dendritic at the site of antigen delivery means more antigen uptake and a modified immune response.