Adoptive T cell therapy for cancer in the clinic
Carl H. June
Carl H. June
Published June 1, 2007
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2007;117(6):1466-1476. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI32446.
View: Text | PDF
Science in Medicine

Adoptive T cell therapy for cancer in the clinic

Abstract

The transfusion of lymphocytes, referred to as adoptive T cell therapy, is being tested for the treatment of cancer and chronic infections. Adoptive T cell therapy has the potential to enhance antitumor immunity, augment vaccine efficacy, and limit graft-versus-host disease. This form of personalized medicine is now in various early- and late-stage clinical trials. These trials are currently testing strategies to infuse tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, CTLs, Th cells, and Tregs. Improved molecular biology techniques have also increased enthusiasm and feasibility for testing genetically engineered T cells. The current status of the field and prospects for clinical translation are reviewed herein.

Authors

Carl H. June

×

Figure 3

T cells can be engineered to have retargeted specificity for tumors.

Options: View larger image (or click on image) Download as PowerPoint
T cells can be engineered to have retargeted specificity for tumors. (A)...
(A) Endogenous T cells express a single heterodimeric TCR. (B) Bispecific T cells are created by the introduction of genes that encode proteins that recognize antigens expressed by target tumor cells. These genes can encode natural TCRs that function in the same MHC-restricted manner as endogenous TCRs but have tumor antigen specificity. (C) Alternatively, these genes can encode chimeric tumor antigen–specific receptors, or T bodies, that target surface antigens in an MHC-independent fashion. T bodies express an extracellular ligand generally derived from an antibody and intracellular signaling modules derived from T cell–signaling proteins. LAT, linker for activation of T cells; ScFv, single chain variable fragment; ZAP70, ζ-chain–associated protein kinase 70 kDa.