Natural killer cell alloreactivity for leukemia therapy

J Immunother. 2005 May-Jun;28(3):175-82. doi: 10.1097/01.cji.0000161395.88959.1f.

Abstract

Donor-versus-recipient natural killer (NK) cell alloreactivity derives from a mismatch between donor NK clones, carrying specific inhibitory receptors for self MHC class I molecules, and MHC class I ligands on recipient cells. When faced with mismatched allogeneic targets, these donor NK clones sense the missing expression of self HLA class I alleles and mediate alloreactions. Transplantation from NK alloreactive haploidentical donors controls acute myeloid leukemia relapse and improves engraftment without causing graft-versus-host disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • HLA-A Antigens / immunology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Leukemia / therapy*
  • Mice
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • HLA-A Antigens