A subset of CD1c-restricted T lymphocytes exhibits strong reactivity against leukemia cells. These T cells recognize methyl-lysophosphatidic acid (mLPA), a novel lipid antigen produced by acute leukemia cells. Considering that CD1c-restricted T cells display efficacious anti-leukemia activities in a mouse model, this lipid antigen thus represents a novel target in the immunotherapy of hematological malignancies.
Keywords: CD1; autoreactivity; immunesurveillance; immunotherapy; leukemia; lipid antigens.