T-cell therapy of leukemia

SR Riddell, M Murata, S Bryant, EH Warren - Cancer Control, 2002 - journals.sagepub.com
SR Riddell, M Murata, S Bryant, EH Warren
Cancer Control, 2002journals.sagepub.com
Background The demonstration that immune-mediated elimination of leukemia contributes
to the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has renewed
interest in the development of immune-based therapies that might be used to augment the
antileukemic effect of HSCT or in patients who are not receiving HSCT. Methods The authors
reviewed studies that have analyzed the mechanisms that may be operative in T-cell
recognition of leukemia after allogeneic HSCT, identified candidate target antigens for …
Background
The demonstration that immune-mediated elimination of leukemia contributes to the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has renewed interest in the development of immune-based therapies that might be used to augment the antileukemic effect of HSCT or in patients who are not receiving HSCT.
Methods
The authors reviewed studies that have analyzed the mechanisms that may be operative in T-cell recognition of leukemia after allogeneic HSCT, identified candidate target antigens for immunotherapy of leukemia in transplant and nontransplant patients, and evaluated expression of candidate antigens on leukemic progenitors.
Results
A large number of potential targets for T-cell therapy or vaccination have now been identified in human leukemia. Studies to evaluate novel immune-based therapies are now being initiated.
Conclusions
The rapid pace of progress in cellular and molecular immunology has identified new opportunities for developing T-cell therapy or vaccination for leukemia. Obstacles must be addressed before these approaches can be applied broadly, but the promising results of preclinical studies suggest continued efforts in this area will result in the establishment of immunotherapy as a useful modality in clinical practice.
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