Cellular immunotherapy of cancer: an overview and future directions.

Publication Title

Immunotherapy

Authors

Ziqi Tao
Shuang Li
Thomas E Ichim
Junbao Yang, Department of Translational Neurosciences and Neurotherapeutics, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
Neil Riordan
Venkata Yenugonda, John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA.Follow
Ivan Babic, Department of Translational Neurosciences and Neurotherapeutics, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USAFollow
Santosh Kesari, Department of Translational Neuro-Oncology and Neurotherapeutics, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health CenterFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2017

Keywords

Animals; Dendritic Cells; Genetic Therapy; Humans; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating; Neoplasms; RNA Interference; Receptors, Steroid; T-Lymphocytes; Tumor Microenvironment

Abstract

The clinical success of checkpoint inhibitors has led to a renaissance of interest in cancer immunotherapies. In particular, the possibility of ex vivo expanding autologous lymphocytes that specifically recognize tumor cells has attracted much research and clinical trial interest. In this review, we discuss the historical background of tumor immunotherapy using cell-based approaches, and provide some rationale for overcoming current barriers to success of autologous immunotherapy. An overview of adoptive transfer of lymphocytes, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and dendritic cell therapies is provided. We conclude with discussing the possibility of gene-manipulating immune cells in order to augment therapeutic activity, including silencing of the immune-suppressive zinc finger orphan nuclear receptor, NR2F6, as an attractive means of overcoming tumor-associated immune suppression.

Area of Special Interest

Cancer

Specialty/Research Institute

Oncology