Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) (TIL)

Tumor-specific T lymphocytes, primarily known as Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs), are a specialized population of immune cells that have naturally recognized and migrated into the tumor microenvironment to combat malignancy [1]. These cells identify cancer cells through a highly specific interaction where the T-cell receptor (TCR) binds to a peptide antigen presented by the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) on the tumor cell surface [2]. This binding event triggers a signaling cascade resulting in the release of cytotoxic molecules like granzymes and perforins, which effectively induce tumor cell apoptosis [1]. In clinical practice, TIL therapy involves the isolation of these cells from a patient's tumor, followed by massive ex vivo expansion and re-infusion as a form of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) [3]. While this approach has shown significant durable responses in metastatic melanoma, its application is limited by the complexity of manufacturing, the requirement for a permissive tumor microenvironment, and potential toxicities related to the mandatory lymphodepleting chemotherapy required prior to infusion [4].

Other names

Tumor-specific T lymphocyteTumor-infiltrating lymphocyteTILAutologous T-cell therapyTCR-engineered T cellAdoptive cell transfer

Adoptive cell transfer involving the ex vivo expansion and re-infusion of autologous T cells that recognize tumor-associated antigens or neoantigens presented by MHC molecules via the T-cell receptor (TCR), leading to direct cytotoxic destruction of tumor cells [1, 2].