autologous IL-2 and CD40L-expressing B-CLL vaccine + lenalidomide

This combination immunotherapy regimen, developed by the Baylor College of Medicine, consists of an autologous tumor cell vaccine and the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). The vaccine component is created by genetically modifying a patient's own B-CLL cells in vitro to express Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and human CD40 ligand (CD40L/CD154). IL-2 acts as a potent T-cell growth factor to stimulate anti-tumor immunity, while CD40L expression enhances the antigen-presenting capacity of the leukemia cells. Lenalidomide is co-administered to modulate the immune microenvironment, specifically by reducing the population of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs), with the goal of extending the duration and efficacy of the vaccine-induced immune response. This therapeutic strategy was investigated in the Phase 1 TAIL clinical trial.

Brand names

Revlimid

Other names

BELVIQ-Baylor College of Medicine-B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemiaB-CLL Vaccine + LenalidomideIL-2/CD40L-expressing B-CLL vaccineAutologous IL2 and CD40 Ligand-Expressing Tumor Cells + Lenalidomide