The invention relates to antigen loaded antigen-presenting cells made by contacting monocytes ex vivo with soluble or particulate antigenic material, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor to form antigen loaded antigen-presenting cells, wherein said antigen-presenting cells comprise one or more subsets selected from the group consisting of Langerhans cells with surface markers (CD1a+ CD14- CD207+)； interstitial dendritic cells with surface markers (CD1a+ CD14+ CD207-)； double-negative dendritic cells (DN-DCs) with surface markers (CD1a- CD14-)； and dendritic cells with surface markers (CD1a- CD14+ CD209+). Said antigen-presenting cells can be used directly as a vaccine or for producing cytotoxic cells that are used for stimulating immune response in a patient.
