A CD123-specific chimeric antigen receptor augments anti-acute myeloid leukemia activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells

Aim: To investigate whether anti-CD123 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could be an alternative for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment. Materials & methods:Ex vivo expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were electroporated with anti-CD123 CAR-encoding mRNA. The effector function and specificity of the modified Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were examined by in vitro cytotoxicity, degranulation and cytokine release level. The in vivo function was analyzed using the xenograft KG1-luc model with NOD-SCID-γc-/- mice. Results: The modified Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibited significantly improved effector activities against both AML cell lines and primary AML cells in vitro. In the xenograft mouse model, the modified Vγ9Vδ2 cells displayed an enhanced tumor control potency. Conclusion: Anti-CD123 CAR-expressing Vγ9Vδ2 T cells may serve as an alternative way to target AML.