Figure 3. Dendritic cell-T cell antigen presentation assays for the preclinical evaluation of immunotherapeutic regimens. (A) Myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) differentiated ex vivo are loaded with the antigen of interest by overnight incubation. (B) Antigen-loaded DCs are then treated with a potential immunostimulatory (+) or immunosuppressive (−) agent. (C) Antigen-loaded DCs exposed to the agent of interest are incubated with transgenic antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cells. The elicitation of antigen-specific T-cell responses is then monitored by quantifying the production of interferon γ (IFNγ) by T cells and/or their proliferation. If necessary, the conversion of antigen-specific CD4⁺ T cells into regulatory T cells (Tregs) can also be monitored.