Disclosed herein are methods of expanding immune cells for
immunotherapy and / or increasing the purity of a
population of
CAR T cells using
artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) having on their
surface Protein L. The disclosed aAPCs can also secrete antibodies that bind molecules of the
T cell inhibitory pathway. For example, anti-CD3 scFv on the surface of the aAPCs can bind and activate T cells, while anti-CD28 scFv and 4-1BBL on the surface of the aAPCs can provide dual co-stimulation for the T cells resulting in decreased levels of the markers CD25, TIM3,
LAG3, and PD1. For example, blocking PD1 / PDL1
ligation can limit suppression that is mediated by the
tumor microenvironment. This is a less costly and more efficient alternative to
peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and
cytokine treatments that result in better quality
T cell for adoptive transfer back into patients.