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A guide to cancer immunotherapy: from T cell basic science to clinical practice
Alex D Waldman1,2, Jill M Fritz1,2, Michael J Lenardo3,4
1Molecular Development of the Immune System Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|May 21, 2020
Summary
T lymphocytes are key to cancer immunotherapy, driving new treatments like checkpoint blockade and cellular therapy. Research highlights their regulation, clinical successes, and future potential in fighting cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- T lymphocytes are crucial for anti-cancer immunity, particularly their cytotoxic functions.
- Advances in understanding T cell biology have spurred novel cancer immunotherapeutics.
- Immunological research in cancer has seen significant progress over 50 years, leading to clinical breakthroughs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical and biological overview of cancer immunotherapeutics.
- To emphasize the role of T lymphocyte regulation in cancer treatment.
- To review clinical trial data on efficacy and toxicity of immunotherapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and biological perspectives.
- Analysis of clinical trial outcomes for cancer immunotherapies.
- Synthesis of current research and future directions.
Main Results:
- T cell-mediated cytotoxicity is central to cancer immunotherapy development.
- Checkpoint blockade, adoptive cellular therapy, and cancer vaccinology are key strategies.
- Clinical trials demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy and varying toxicities.
Conclusions:
- T lymphocyte regulation is fundamental to successful cancer immunotherapy.
- Emerging therapies hold promise for improved cancer treatment.
- Further research is needed to address remaining questions and optimize future strategies.
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