Methods for transferring one or more proteins to a
cell are disclosed. The
protein or proteins to be transferred are in the form of a
fusion protein, and contain at least one domain encoding for a
protein or
peptide having trans signaling and / or adhesion function. The
fusion protein is transferred to a
cell by binding to a lipidated
protein, which has been incorporated into the
cell membrane. In an additional aspect of the invention, methods of making fusion proteins having cis signaling capabilities, as well as the ability to bind with receptors on the cell's own surface, are provided. Fusion proteins incorporating GPI or a homing element, and a costimulator or inhibitor domain can also be directly transferred to the cell surface. Methods for using cells which have undergone
protein transfer according to the present methods are also disclosed. This includes use in a
cancer vaccine, use for treatment of
cancer or
autoimmune disease, and use in determining costimulator threshold levels.