Re-targeting T-cells against cancer by gene-transfer of tumor-reactive receptors

BACKGROUND: Adoptive transfer of T-lymphocytes is a promising treatment for a variety of malignancies, but is often not feasible due to difficulties in generating T-cells reactive with the targeted antigen from patients. To facilitate rapid generation of cells for therapy, T-cells can be programmed with genes encoding for an antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric receptors. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the molecular design and selected pitfalls of TCR gene modified T-cells and T-cells expressing chimeric receptors, so called T-bodies. METHODS: A selected review of the recent literature. CONCLUSION: Clinical trials report so far only limited efficacy of adoptively transferred genetically modified T-cells. However, the recent progress in engineering tumor-reactive T cells is providing a promising basis to further explore this treatment modality.