T-cell receptor gene therapy--ready to go viral?

ABSTRACT: T lymphocytes can be redirected to recognize a tumor target and harnessed to combat cancer by genetic introduction of T-cell receptors of a defined specificity. This approach has recently mediated encouraging clinical responses in patients with cancers previously regarded as incurable. However, despite the great promise, T-cell receptor gene therapy still faces a multitude of obstacles. Identification of epitopes that enable effective targeting of all the cells in a heterogeneous tumor while sparing normal tissues remains perhaps the most demanding challenge. Experience from clinical trials has revealed the dangers associated with T-cell receptor gene therapy and highlighted the need for reliable preclinical methods to identify potentially hazardous recognition of both intended and uninten

SUBMITTER: Karpanen T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5528733 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature