In situ maturation of dendritic cells

1. A method for eliciting an immune response in a subject, the method comprising:

(a) administering a biological response modifier consisting of imiquimod and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject at a site to induce local inflammation at the site; followed by

(b) administering antigen-loaded immature dendritic cells to the subject at the inflamed site by intradermal, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection;

whereby an immune response to the antigen is generated in the subject and wherein said antigen(s) are derived from a tumor or pathogen.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the immature dendritic cells are autologous to the subject.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antigen comprises an exogenous antigen.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the biological response modifier is administered to the site between 15 and 60 minutes before the immature dendritic cells are administered to the site.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the biological response modifier is administered to the site between 1 and 3 hours before the immature dendritic cells are administered to the site.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biological response modifier is administered to the site between 3 and 5 hours before the immature dendritic cells are administered to the site.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biological response modifier is administered to the site between 5 and 8 hours before the immature dendritic cells are administered to the site.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biological response modifier is administered to the site more than 8 hours before the immature dendritic cells are administered to the site.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject is a mammal.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the mammal is a human.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein said dendritic cells are transfected with RNA encoding said antigen.