Minor histocompatibility Ags: identification strategies, clinical results and translational perspectives

R Oostvogels, HM Lokhorst, T Mutis - Bone marrow transplantation, 2016 - nature.com
R Oostvogels, HM Lokhorst, T Mutis
Bone marrow transplantation, 2016nature.com
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) and donor lymphocyte infusion are effective
treatment modalities for various hematological malignancies. Their therapeutic effect, the
graft-versus-tumor (GvT) effect, is based mainly on an alloimmune response of donor T cells
directed at tumor cells, in which differences in the expression of minor histocompatibility Ags
(mHags) on the cells of the patient and donor have a crucial role. However, these
differences are also responsible for induction of sometimes detrimental GvHD. As relapse …
Abstract
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) and donor lymphocyte infusion are effective treatment modalities for various hematological malignancies. Their therapeutic effect, the graft-versus-tumor (GvT) effect, is based mainly on an alloimmune response of donor T cells directed at tumor cells, in which differences in the expression of minor histocompatibility Ags (mHags) on the cells of the patient and donor have a crucial role. However, these differences are also responsible for induction of sometimes detrimental GvHD. As relapse and development of GvHD pose major threats for a large proportion of allotransplanted patients, additional therapeutic strategies are required. To augment the GvT response without increasing the risk of GvHD, specific mHag-directed immunotherapeutic strategies have been developed. Over the past years, much effort has been put into the identification of therapeutically relevant mHags to enable these strategies for a substantial proportion of patients. Currently, the concept of mHag-directed immunotherapy is tested in clinical trials on feasibility, safety and efficacy. In this review, we will summarize the recent developments in mHag identification and the clinical data on mHag-specific immune responses and mHag-directed therapies in patients with hematological malignancies. Finally, we will outline the current challenges and future prospectives in the field.
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