Cancer antigen-specific cytotoxicity via transferred lymphocytes

Cancer antigen-specific cytotoxicity via transferred lymphocytes" describes a therapeutic approach in which immune cells (typically cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CTLs) are expanded or engineered ex vivo to specifically recognize tumor antigens, then reinfused into a patient to mediate targeted destruction of cancer cells. The cellular product recognizes peptide antigens presented by HLA molecules on tumor cells, facilitating tumor cell death via cytolytic granule release or induction of apoptosis through death receptors such as Fas. This approach forms the basis of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) protocols, including TIL therapy and engineering approaches such as TCR therapy and CAR-T, but it is not a single molecular target; it encompasses a class of cancer immunotherapies[1][2][3][4]. Key caveat: There is no single molecule or receptor corresponding to this term; it describes a process and class of therapeutics rather than a defined target. For structured data referencing molecular targets, a specific antigen, receptor, or protein (e.g., "NY-ESO-1," "CD19," "WT1," "PR1") should be supplied[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Adoptive cell therapyAdoptive transfer of tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytesACTTumor antigen-specific CTL therapy

Antigen-specific lysis of tumor cells by cytotoxic lymphocytes, typically mediated by recognition of tumor antigen-HLA complexes on cancer cell surfaces and subsequent activation of cytotoxic granule release (perforin, granzymes), and/or engagement of apoptotic signaling pathways such as Fas/FasL[2].