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Updated: Aug 8, 2025
Isolation and Expansion of Cytotoxic Cytokine-induced Killer T Cells for Cancer Treatment
Published on: January 24, 2020
Targeted Cytokine Delivery for Cancer Treatment: Engineering and Biological Effects
Vladislav S Rybchenko1, Teimur K Aliev1,2, Anna A Panina1
1Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Anti-tumor properties of several cytokines have already been investigated in multiple experiments and clinical trials. However, those studies evidenced substantial toxicities, even at low cytokine doses, and the lack of tumor specificity. These factors significantly limit clinical applications. Due to their high specificity and affinity, tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments are capable of delivering fused cytokines to tumors and, therefore, of decreasing the number and severity of side effects, as well as of enhancing the therapeutic index. The present review surveys the actual antibody-cytokine fusion protein (immunocytokine) formats, their targets, mechanisms of action, and anti-tumor and other biological effects. Special attention is paid to the formats designed to prevent the off-target cytokine-receptor interactions, potentially inducing side effects. Here, we describe preclinical and clinical data and the efficacy of the antibody-mediated cytokine delivery approach, either as a single therapy or in combination with other agents.
Insights
Immunocytokines, antibody-fused proteins, offer targeted cancer therapy by delivering cytokines directly to tumors. This approach minimizes side effects and enhances anti-tumor efficacy compared to traditional cytokine treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cytokines show anti-tumor potential but suffer from severe toxicities and lack of tumor specificity, limiting clinical use.
- Monoclonal antibodies offer high specificity for tumor targeting, enabling precise delivery of fused therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current antibody-cytokine fusion protein (immunocytokine) formats, their targets, and mechanisms of action.
- To evaluate the anti-tumor effects and biological activities of immunocytokines.
- To discuss strategies for preventing off-target cytokine-receptor interactions and associated toxicities.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical data on immunocytokine therapy.
- Analysis of various immunocytokine formats and their design principles.
- Examination of antibody-mediated cytokine delivery as monotherapy or combination treatment.
Main Results:
- Immunocytokines demonstrate enhanced anti-tumor efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity.
- Specific formats are designed to mitigate off-target cytokine effects.
- Antibody-guided cytokine delivery shows promise in preclinical and clinical settings.
Conclusions:
- Immunocytokines represent a promising strategy for improving cancer therapy by enhancing tumor specificity and reducing side effects.
- Further development of immunocytokine formats and combination therapies is warranted.
- Antibody-mediated cytokine delivery holds significant potential for advancing cancer treatment.
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