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Updated: Oct 15, 2025
Tracking Bispecific Antibody-Induced T Cell Trafficking Using Luciferase-Transduced Human T Cells
Published on: May 12, 2023
Non-invasive cell-tracking methods for adoptive T cell therapies
Jelter Van Hoeck1, Christian Vanhove2, Stefaan C De Smedt1
1Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Adoptive T cell therapies (ACT) have demonstrated groundbreaking results in blood cancers and melanoma. Nevertheless, their significant cost, the occurrence of severe adverse events, and their poor performance in solid tumors are important hurdles hampering more widespread applicability. In vivo cell-tracking allows instantaneous and non-invasive monitoring of the distribution, tumor homing, persistence, and redistribution to other organs of infused T cells in patients. Furthermore, cell-tracking could aid in the clinical management of patients, allowing the detection of non-responders or severe adverse events at an early stage. This review provides a concise overview of the main principles and potential of cell-tracking, followed by a discussion of the clinically relevant labeling strategies and their application in ACT.
Insights
Adoptive T cell therapies (ACT) show promise but face challenges. In vivo cell-tracking offers non-invasive monitoring to improve patient management and overcome hurdles in solid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
Background:
- Adoptive T cell therapies (ACT) have achieved success in hematologic malignancies and melanoma.
- Significant challenges remain, including high costs, severe adverse events, and limited efficacy in solid tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles and potential of in vivo cell-tracking for adoptive T cell therapies.
- To discuss clinically relevant labeling strategies and their application in ACT.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on in vivo cell-tracking techniques.
- Analysis of labeling strategies for T cells used in adoptive cell therapy.
- Discussion of the clinical implications of cell-tracking in patient management.
Main Results:
- In vivo cell-tracking enables real-time, non-invasive monitoring of T cell distribution, tumor homing, persistence, and organ redistribution.
- Cell-tracking can facilitate early detection of non-responders and adverse events.
- Various labeling strategies exist with potential clinical relevance for ACT.
Conclusions:
- In vivo cell-tracking is a valuable tool for monitoring and managing patients undergoing ACT.
- Addressing challenges in cell-tracking and labeling is crucial for expanding ACT applicability, especially in solid tumors.
- Further development and clinical integration of cell-tracking technologies can enhance the safety and efficacy of ACT.
