T-cell activation device
A biodegradable device for activating T-cells includes a biodegradable support and a binder attached to the biodegradable support, the binder having reactivity to one or more agents capable of binding to a T-cell surface antigen.
1. A method for activating T-cells comprising:
attaching more than one second material to a population of T-cells; and
mixing the T-cells with a support with an attached first material, wherein the first material is capable of cross-linking the more than one second material.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first material comprises polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, or fragments thereof, protein A, avidin or biotin.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first material is attached to the support with glutaraldehyde.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first material is initially attached to the support prior to mixing with the T-cells.
5. The method of claim 4 and further applying a blocking agent to the first material after attachment to the support, the blocking agent to be used for blocking non-specific absorption of proteins.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the second materials comprise mitogenic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, materials capable of binding to chemokine receptors or combinations thereof.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the mitogenic proteins include anti-CD3 and anti-CD2 monoclonal antibodies.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the support is a biodegradable support.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the biodegradable support is made of a biodegradable material formed into a substantially spherically configuration.