The present invention relates generally to methods for stimulating cells, and
more particularly, to a novel method to concentrate and stimulate cells that maximizes
stimulation and/or proliferation of such cells. In the various embodiments, cells
are stimulated and concentrated with a surface yielding enhanced proliferation,
cell signal transduction, and/or cell surface moiety aggregation. In certain aspects
methods for stimulating a population of cells such as T-cells, by simultaneous
concentration and cell surface moiety ligation are provided by contacting the population
of cells with a surface, that has attached thereto one or more agents that ligate
a cell surface moiety and applying a force that predominantly drives cell concentration
and cell surface moiety ligation, thereby inducing cell stimulation, cell surface
moiety aggregation, and/or receptor signaling enhancement. Also provided are methods
for producing phenotypically tailored cells, including T-cells for the use in diagnostics,
drug discovery, and the treatment of a variety of indications, including cancer,
viral infection, and immune related disorders. Compositions of cells having specific
phenotypic properties produced by these processes are further provided.
