A dual role for genetically modified lymphocytes in cancer immunotherapy

作者:Russo Vincenzo*; Bondanza Attilio; Ciceri Fabio; Bregni Marco; Bordignon Claudio; Traversari Catia; Bonini Chiara
来源:Trends in Molecular Medicine, 2012, 18(4): 193-200.
DOI:10.1016/j.molmed.2011.12.003

摘要

T cells as the ultimate effectors of adaptive immune responses are currently used to treat patients affected by infectious diseases and certain tumors. Recently, T cells have been manipulated ex vivo with viral vectors coding for chimeric antigen receptors, exogenous T cell receptors, or %26apos;suicide%26apos; genes to potentiate their efficacy and minimize possible side effects. However, the introduction of exogenous genes into T lymphocytes, particularly bacterial or viral transgene products, has occasionally produced immune-mediated elimination of transduced lymphocytes. This immune effect has recently been exploited in a trial of active immunotherapy in melanoma patients. In this opinion article, we discuss the therapeutic possibilities presented by the dual aspects of genetically modified lymphocytes used to treat cancer patients.

  • 出版日期2012-4