A dual role for genetically modified lymphocytes in cancer immunotherapy.
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 'suicide' 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.
Cancer Gene Therapy Unit, Scientific Institute S. Raffaele, Milan, Italy. v.russo@hsr.it
Vincenzo
V
Russo
Attilio
A
Bondanza
Fabio
F
Ciceri
Marco
M
Bregni
Claudio
C
Bordignon
Catia
C
Traversari
Chiara
C
Bonini
D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016219:Immunotherapy, Adoptive / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*