Donor T lymphocyte-mediated cancer cell killing

Donor T lymphocyte-mediated cancer cell killing" refers to the process by which T cells derived from a donor (used in adoptive cell therapies, including allogeneic cell transfer) recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This cytotoxic activity primarily involves: - Recognition of tumor-specific antigens presented on MHC molecules by cancer cells, leading to T cell activation. - Execution of target cell killing through direct mechanisms: delivery of perforin/granzymes that induce membrane disruption and apoptosis, or through engagement of death receptors on tumor cells via ligands such as FasL, TNF-α, or lymphotoxin-α. Both CD8⁺ and cytotoxic CD4⁺ T cells can mediate this effect, and the overall efficacy and risk profile is influenced by T cell density, tumor microenvironment, and immunoregulatory cues. This process forms the mechanistic basis of most current T cell-based immunotherapies, including CAR T cells and donor lymphocyte infusions in cancer or post-transplant relapse settings[1][2][4][5][6].

Other names

Donor T cell-mediated cytotoxicityDonor-derived T-cell cytotoxicityDonor T-cell killing of tumor cells

Donor T lymphocytes (mainly CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells, and also cytotoxic CD4⁺ T cells) recognize specific antigens on tumor cells by their T cell receptor, then induce target cell lysis via: - Granule-dependent mechanisms: secretion of perforin (forms pores in target cell membranes) and granzymes (activate apoptosis or other cell death) - Death-receptor-mediated mechanisms: engagement of Fas ligand (FasL) or TNF superfamily ligands (e.g., TNF-α, LT-α) with their respective target cell receptors, triggering apoptosis pathways - Secretion of inflammatory cytokines[1][2][4][5]