Powerful new tool to 'revolutionise' immunotherapy

Dynal, now part of Invitrogen, has announced the release of a new key research tool in its immunotherapy range - Dynabeads ClinExVivo CD3/CD28.

Using this cutting edge technology, researchers can isolate and collect T cells from immuno-compromised patients for ex vivo stimulation and expansion in a sterile environment.

In the USA, Dynabeads ClinExVivo CD3/CD28 are available for clinical applications only under an approved IND application.

Dynabeads ClinExVivo CD3/CD28 superparamagnetic beads are designed with an optimised surface covered with primary CD3 and co-stimulatory CD28 antibodies.

Following a short ex vivo incubation with the patient's sample, the beads bind with the T cells.

The beads and bound T cells are separated from the rest of the sample using the special Dynal ClinExVivo MPC magnet.

Researchers then stimulate and expand the T cells ex vivo with Dynabeads ClinExVivo CD3/CD28 in a sterile environment prior to reintroduction to the patient.

Boosted T cells, if reinfused, have the potential to strengthen the individual's immune system to fight diseases, for example cancer and HIV.

According to international product manager Erik Ruud, the new Dynabeads ClinExVivo CD3/CD28 open a wide range of exciting possibilities: "Already this innovative technology has been used for several phase I/II trials in cancer patients".

Data from studies using ex vivo manipulated T cells in cancer and vaccine therapy were recently presented at the International Society for Cell Therapy (ISCT) conference during a special symposium on T cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies.

This technology has further potential in auto-immune diseases as well as gene and stem cell applications.