Engaging Cytotoxic T and NK Cells for Immunotherapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

ABSTRACT: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by an acquired immune dysfunction. CLL cells affect the phenotype and function of the entire spectrum of innate and adaptive immune cells, including monocytes, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, leading to a tumor-supportive environment and reduced immunosurveillance. Novel immunotherapies like immune checkpoint blockade, bi- and tri-specific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells use the patients' immune system to induce therapeutic responses. Although these novel immunotherapies showed impressive results in several B cell lymphomas, responses in CLL were often disappointing. The strong immunomodulatory effect of CLL is believed to play a pivotal role in the low response rates to these immunotherapeutic strategies.

SUBMITTER: Hofland T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6747204 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature