We are studying the ability of dendritic cells to generate immune responses in humans.
Dendritic cells are immune cells specialized to initiate immune responses.
We have developed new methods that allow us to generate large numbers of these cells in the laboratory from a relatively small blood sample. These cells are then injected back as a vaccine, into the same individual to generate immune response to defined antigens. We are seeking participants on IRB approved protocol for generating immune responses in normal healthy volunteers . We are also recruiting patients with resected stage III melanoma for participation in an IRB approved dendritic cell mediated immunization study. This study involves monitoring melanoma specific immunity at baseline and then up to 4 injections with dendritic cell vaccine carrying melanoma antigens.