Harnessing novel strategies and cell types to overcome immune tolerance during adoptive cell therapy in cancer

Abstract

Cell therapy encompasses an expanding spectrum of cell-based regimes for the treatment of human ailments, such as the use of immune cells, in particular T cells, for combating tumors and the modulation of inflammatory immune responses. In this review, we focus on cell therapy in the immuno-oncology space, which is largely driven by interests and demands from the clinics for better solutions to target various hard-to-treat cancers. We discuss recent advances in various types of cell therapies, including T cell receptor-T cells, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Particularly, the present review focuses on the strategies to improve therapeutic responses by either enhancing tumor recognition or the resilience of infused immune cells within tumor microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the potential of other innate or innate-like immune cell types currently being explored as promising CAR-cell alternatives that seek to address the limitations of conventional adoptive cell therapies.

Characterization of unique pattern of immune cell profile in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma through flow cytometry and machine learning

“…In addition to T‐cell sufficiency, we observed elevated immune tolerance in the NPC group, which was associated with an increase in the number of PD‐1 + T cells, CTLA4 + T cells, MHC II + T cells and T reg cells in the NPC group (Figure 3 ), thus potentially diminishing the clinical benefits of tumour‐specific cytotoxic T cells. 35 In a clinical trial, Huang et al. 36 transferred autologous EBV‐CTLs to 28 patients with R/M NPC and evaluated their clinical response.…”

Monoclonal War: The Antibody Arsenal and Targets for Expanded Application

“…ADCC involves activating NK cells, a type of lymphoid cell that plays a vital role in immune surveillance against cancer cells. NK cells can recognize and eliminate metastatic growth by inducing direct cell death [41]. Combining NK cell adoptive immunotherapy with mAbs has emerged as a promising approach to overcoming treatment resistance [42].…”

Pathways and molecules for overcoming immunotolerance in metastatic gastrointestinal tumors

“…This immune evasion is particularly impactful during the equilibrium phase of the cancer-immune interaction, where the immune system and cancer cells maintain a dynamic balance of power. The cancer cells' aptitude to induce immune tolerance, similar to physiological tolerance observed in normal tissues, is a fundamental component of their survival strategy (5,6). Thus, addressing these distinct immune evasion tactics is imperative for crafting potent therapeutic approaches against cancer.…”