Leukemic cells and immune system

Leukemic cells and immune system refers to the complex biological interplay between malignant hematopoietic cells and the host's immune defenses. In a healthy state, the immune system identifies and eliminates abnormal cells; however, leukemic cells develop sophisticated mechanisms to evade this surveillance, such as the expression of inhibitory checkpoints like PD-L1 or the alteration of the bone marrow microenvironment (Nature Reviews Cancer, 2021). This interaction is the primary focus of modern immunotherapy, which seeks to overcome immune evasion and restore the body's ability to fight the cancer (NIH National Cancer Institute). Therapeutic strategies include the use of monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, all of which aim to bridge the gap between the immune system and the leukemic target (FDA, 2023). Understanding the molecular cross-talk within this system is essential for developing effective treatments and managing complications like cytokine release syndrome (PubMed, 2022). Consequently, this target represents a broad therapeutic landscape rather than a single molecular entity.

Other names

Leukemia-immune microenvironmentLeukemia-immune interactionHematologic malignancy-immune system axis

Therapeutic strategies involve enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate leukemic cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), T-cell activation, or inhibition of oncogenic signaling pathways (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2020).