Autologous white blood cell transfusion: toward a younger immunity

More and more cells and tissues of human origin are considered as unique medical bio-resources and are instrumental in the ongoing development of regenerative medicine. Although a better understanding of the genetic complexity of the major histocompatibility complex has contributed to develop allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the autologous setting was viewed early on only as a means to overcome myelodepression. The contribution of the immune system for adoptive immunotherapy was recognized in the 1990s, when donor lymphocyte infusion demonstrated an antileukemic effect of the transfused T cells. This led to the foundation and development of adoptive immunotherapy in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases and cancer. The recognition that the immune system is undergoing a progressive decline and deterioration with age introduces a new challenge. Immunosenescence results in a well-documented increase in incidence and severity of infections, impaired responses to vaccines, and development of cancer. We propose and argue that autologous white blood cells collected and cryopreserved at a young age will represent a valuable bio-resource for the restoration of immunity and the successful development of adoptive immunotherapies in treating infections and cancer, and will pave the way to anticipatory medicine.