hematopoietic stem cell transplantation donor leukemia-specific cytotoxic T-cells

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) donor leukemia-specific cytotoxic T-cells are a form of adoptive cell therapy in which T cells from an allogeneic (donor) source are selected or engineered to specifically target and kill leukemic cells in the recipient following HSCT. These therapies leverage the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect, where donor immune cells recognize and destroy residual malignant hematopoietic cells. The most common approach involves isolating or engineering CD8+ and/or CD4+ T-cell clones that recognize minor histocompatibility antigens or specific leukemia-associated antigens present on leukemic but not healthy host tissues. These antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes can be expanded ex vivo and infused into patients to prevent or treat relapse after HSCT. Some advanced products use gene-modified receptors (such as HA-1–specific TCRs), safety switches, and selection markers to enhance efficacy and safety[1][3][4][5]. This strategy is primarily used for hematologic malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Other names

donor-derived leukemia-specific cytotoxic T-cellsdonor lymphocyte infusionDLIallogeneic donor T cells targeting leukemia