Targeted cellular immunotherapy for leukemia patients.

Leukemia-associated antigens (LAAs) which are differentially expressed by leukemic blasts constitute an aim for targeted therapies such as adoptive specific T lymphocytes. Several LAAs have been identified that elicit both cellular and serological immune responses in leukemia patients. CD8(+) T cells expressing a particular T cell receptor (TCR) are able to recognize such LAAs. They can be selected by streptamers and subsequently get infused into leukemia patients. These cells have the potential to lyse leukemic blasts. Streptamers constitute the only good manufacturing practice (GMP)-certified technology, which is available up to date for antigen-specific T cell sorting. Adoptive T cell transfer can restore the antigen-specific immune response in immunocompromised patients.