Current progress in the elucidation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) immune landscapes

Immune evasion is a pivotal hallmark of cancer as mechanisms revolving around this subject remain to be fully elucidated. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), immune evasion plays a critical role in masking the disease from the host immune system. The heterogenous nature of this disease further complicates treatment as this affects several crucial components involved in immune regulation which resulted in AML progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) could be influenced by AML as the bone marrow components could be hijacked. Moreover, AML modulates surface marker expression, this complicates treatment such as hematopoietic stem cell allograft or CAR T-cell therapy which depends on T-cell functionality. Here, we discuss the current development in AML immune landscapes which includes current therapies and immune markers which could potentially serve as possible targets for development of future therapy. We also suggest several prospects by using gene editing technology to improve the efficacy of CAR therapy and the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors which could aid in hematopoietic stem cell allograft and CAR therapy.