Don M. Benson, Jr., M.D., Ph.D. Ohio State University

TRANSPLANTATION/IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION

Characterization and enhancement of natural killer cell immunity in CLL: a potential, novel therapeutic option

Grant Awarded in 2008

Abstract:

Natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in the body's innate immune system. First recognized over 30 years ago, NK cells have been shown to be able to recognize and kill tumor cells in the body, independent of extra signals from other cells. Because of this, NK cells have held great promise in the immune treatment of cancer, including CLL. However, patients with CLL often have reduced numbers of NK cells because of the disease or chemotherapy. Moreover, often times, NK cells are dysfunctional in patients with CLL.

The purpose of our work is to systematically characterize NK cell development as well as any qualitative defects in their function in patients with CLL. Extrapolating on work done by our group on normal NK cell function in humans, we will seek to understand how NK cells are affected by CLL. Secondly, we will investigate novel strategies to recover and enhance NK cell function as a novel means of therapy for patients with CLL.

These techniques may prove to be effective means to control infections in CLL patients as well as treat the underlying cancer. Especially in the setting of stem cell transplantation, NK cells potentially play a curative role the treatment of other blood cancers. Working in the CLL Global Research Foundation Alliance, we hope to move forward such therapies for patients with CLL in the future.