A co-stimulatory trap set by myeloid leukemia cells

Abstract

The straightforward notion that tumor cells always exert immunosuppressive functions has been contradicted by the finding that myeloid leukemia cells can express potent co-stimulatory molecules. Indeed, the co-stimulatory support offered by leukemia cells can provoke helper T-cell responses. Unfavorably, this interaction allows leukemia cells to acquire immunosuppressive capacities.

Checkpoint Inhibition of PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in a Child with Refractory Acute Leukemia

“…Inhibitors of PD-1 (nivolumab) and CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) have shown promise for the treatment of advanced melanoma and relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma with response rates ranging from 7 to 40% [ 4–6 ]. In vitro studies have shown that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may utilize the PD-1/PD-L1 axis to evade an anticancer immune response [ 7–10 ]. These findings have prompted development of clinical trials utilizing checkpoint inhibitors for adult malignancies.…”