Chronic phase CML patients possess T cells capable of recognising autologous tumour cells

Leuk Lymphoma. 2002 May;43(5):943-51. doi: 10.1080/10428190290021687.

Abstract

Much circumstantial evidence points to the immunogenicity of chronic myloid leukemia (CML) cells, most impressively the well-established T cell-dependent GvL effect seen in bone marrow transplantation. However, only a small number of shared antigens expressed by CML cells have been identified as potential targets for T cell-mediated immune responses which might be exploited for immunotherapy. It may be that unique antigens expressed by individual tumours are more potent rejection antigens if the patient's own T cells could be encouraged to react against them. Work is reviewed here which documents that in vitro mixed cultures between autologous T cells and dendritic cells of chronic-phase CML patients can give rise to sensitised T cells capable of recognising the patient's tumour cells. Additionally, mixed autologous tumour cell/lymphocyte cultures, modified by the addition of cytokine cocktails, may also result in the generation of similarly sensitised T cells. These results could be exploited for adoptive immunotherapy, and possibly, after identification of the antigens recognised, also for active immunotherapy, i.e. including therapeutic vaccination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / physiology
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / analysis
  • Cytokines / physiology
  • Dendritic Cells / physiology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / physiology
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-10