Disclosed is an ex-vivo method for causing antigen presentation by an isolated Dendritic Cell Inhibitory Receptor (DCIR)-expressing antigen presenting cell comprising the step of providing an isolated DCIR-specific antibody or functional fragment thereof to which a targeted agent is attached, contacting the isolated antigen presenting cell with the DCIR-specific antibody or functional fragment thereof, wherein the molecule is internalized by the antigen presenting cells that has been contacted with the antibody-agent complex. Also disclosed is the use of molecules comprising peptides or carbohydrates capable of specifically binding to the extracellular domain of DCIR, wherein the molecules are attached to one or more antigens in the manufacture of a medicament for delivering the antigens to antigen-presenting cells for the purpose of eliciting protective or therapeutic immune responses.
