Patent ID: 7232566

Claim:
A method for expanding a population of CD4 + T cells from an HIV-infected individual to sufficient numbers for use in therapy, comprising: a) contacting the population of CD4 + T cells from an HIV-infected individual ex vivo with a surface comprising: (1) a first agent which provides a primary activation signal, thereby activating the CD4 + T cells, wherein the first agent is selected from the group consisting of an anti-CD3 antibody or a CD3-binding fragment thereof, an anti-CD2 antibody or a CD2-binding fragment thereof, and an antigen in a form suitable to trigger a primary activation signal in the CD4 + T cell when complexed with the TCR/CD3 complex; and (2) a second agent which stimulates a CD28 antigen, thereby inducing proliferation of the activated CD4 + T cells, wherein the second agent is selected from the group consisting of an anti-CD28 antibody or a CD28-binding fragment thereof, B7-1, a CD28-binding fragment of B7-1, B7-2, a CD28-binding fragment of B7-2, a B7-1Ig fusion protein that interacts with CD28, and a B7-2Ig fusion protein that interacts with CD28, wherein the first agent and second agent are attached on the same surface, thereby expanding the CD4 + T cells to sufficient numbers for use in therapy.