Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-166996) pertaining to the Tengion, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan,

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 Nos. 333-166996, 333-173573, 333-178864, and 333-187654) pertaining to the Tengion, Inc. 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, and

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-179293) pertaining to registration of its common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, rights and units;

of our report dated March 26, 2014, with respect to the financial statements of Tengion, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Tengion, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2013.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 26, 2014