peptide-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (Shixiu Wu)

Peptide-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) are an autologous adoptive cell therapy developed by Shixiu Wu for the treatment of advanced or recurrent esophageal cancer. The therapeutic approach involves identifying radiation-induced mutation genes through exon sequencing and peptide microarray technologies, which serve as novel tumor-associated antigens (neoantigens). Epitope peptides derived from these mutations are used to prime and expand CTLs ex vivo. These specialized T-cells are then infused back into the patient intravenously, typically following a course of radiation therapy (60 Gy). The goal is for the CTLs to recognize and eliminate cancer cells expressing these specific neoantigens, leveraging the synergistic effect of radiation-induced antigen release and targeted cellular immunotherapy.

Other names

peptide specific CTLCTL therapy