T-Cell Receptor-Based Immunotherapy for Hematologic Malignancies

Cancer J. 2019 May/Jun;25(3):179-190. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000378.

Abstract

Adoptive immunotherapy with engineered T cells is at the forefront of cancer treatment. T cells can be engineered to express T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) derived from intracellular or cell surface proteins. T cells engineered with TCRs (TCR-T) allow for targeting diverse types of TAAs, including proteins overexpressed in malignant cells, those with lineage-restricted expression, cancer-testis antigens, and neoantigens created from abnormal, malignancy-restricted proteins. Minor histocompatibility antigens can also serve as TAAs for TCR-T to treat relapsed hematologic malignancies after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Moreover, TCR constructs can be modified to improve safety and enhance function and persistence of TCR-T. Transgenic T-cell receptor therapies targeting 3 different TAAs are in early-phase clinical trials for treatment of hematologic malignancies. Preclinical studies of TCR-T specific for many other TAAs are underway and offer great promise as safe and effective therapies for a wide range of cancers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation / immunology
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive* / adverse effects
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive* / methods
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen / genetics
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen