T cell activation

Abstract

A method for antigen independent activation of T cells comprising contacting T cells with a combination of cytokines such as two or more of interleukin-2, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α.

1 . A method for activating T cells, in vivo, comprising contacting T cells independent of antigen with a combination of interleukin-2, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, or functionally equivalent fragments thereof.  
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the T cells are naive T cells and/or memory resting T cells.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the T cells are naive CD45RA+ cells and/or memory resting CD45RO+ cells.  
   
   
       4 . The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the activation of the T cells in vivo leads to an enhanced immunological response.  
   
   
       5 . A method of therapy comprising activating in a human or animal subject T cells using the method of  claim 4.