young tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

Young tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (Young TILs) are an autologous cell therapy primarily developed for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and other solid tumors. This approach differs from conventional TIL therapy by utilizing a shortened ex vivo expansion protocol (typically 2-3 weeks) that bypasses the selection for specific tumor-reactive clones in favor of a rapid expansion of the total lymphocyte population harvested from tumor fragments. This "young" protocol is designed to preserve the cells' proliferative potential, longevity, and metabolic fitness—characterized by longer telomeres and higher expression of costimulatory markers like CD27 and CD28—which are often diminished during the standard 5-6 week culture period. Once expanded, these cells are re-infused into the patient following lymphodepleting chemotherapy, where they recognize and destroy tumor cells through the presentation of various neoantigens and tumor-associated antigens.

Other names

Young TILYoung TIL cellsautologous young tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes