Gianpietro Dotti, M.D. Baylor College of Medicine

IMMUNOLOGY

Enhance functionality and safety of T-cell therapies in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Grant awarded in 2009

Abstract:

Chronic B-lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a common blood cancer of B-lymphocytes, which are a cellular component of the immune system. B-CLL cells can occasionally be recognized and eliminated by T-lymphocytes, another type of cell of the immune system. We have generated an artificial receptor to attach to T-lymphocytes that specifically targets a molecule (CD19) expressed on the surface of the cancerous B-cells. When the T-lymphocytes contact the tumor cells, they become activated and release substances that kill the cancer. This effect should not significantly damage the remaining normal B-lymphocytes since only some of these lymphocytes express CD19, and the normal B- lymphocytes that lack CD19 should be able to expand and compensate for any losses. We are now proposing to further potentiate the process by the inclusion of a growth factor for the T-lymphocytes and a molecule to eliminate these cells when the anti-tumor effects are obtained. This approach will be tried in cultures and in animals.