The present invention relates to a method for increasing the uptake, processing and class I presentation of a soluble antigen by an immature dendritic cells, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a population comprising human immature dendritic cells; b) culturing the population immature dendritic cells in vitro in a cell culture medium supplemented with a agent that promotes Major-Histocompatability Complex - (MHC-) class I processing and a soluble antigen associated with a tumor cell for a time period sufficient for antigen uptake, processing and presentation, and until maturation of the immature dendritic cells in the population; c) separating the soluble tumor antigen and the agent that promotes MHC-class I processing from the mature tumor antigen presenting dendritic cells; and d) formulating the mature tumor antigen presenting dendritic cells for administration to a patient.