B Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy

Wennhold, Kerstin; Shimabukuro-Vornhagen, Alexander and Bergwelt-Baildon, Michael von (2019): B Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy. In: Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy, Vol. 46, No. 1: pp. 36-46

Abstract

B cells are not only producers of antibodies, but also contribute to immune regulation or act as potent antigen-presenting cells. The potential of B cells for cellular therapy is still largely underestimated, despite their multiple diverse effector functions. The CD40L/CD40 signaling pathway is the most potent activator of antigen presentation capacity in B lymphocytes. CD40-activated B cells are potent antigen-presenting cells that induce specific T-cell responses in vitro and in vivo. In preclinical cancer models in mice and dogs, CD40-activated B cell-based cancer immunotherapy was able to induce effective antitumor immunity. So far, there have been only few early-stage clinical studies involving B cell-based cancer vaccines. These trials indicate that B cell-based immunotherapy is generally safe and associated with little toxicity. Furthermore, these studies suggest that B-cell immunotherapy can elicit antitumor T-cell responses. Alongside the recent advances in cellular therapies in general, major obstacles for generation of good manufacturing practice-manufactured B-cell immunotherapies have been overcome. Thus, a first clinical trial involving CD40-activated B cells might be in reach. (C) 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 1660-3796
• Language: English