Generating HPV specific T helper cells for the treatment of HPV induced malignancies using TCR gene transfer
2011

Generating HPV Specific T Helper Cells for Cancer Treatment

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kirsten BJ Scholten, Annelies W Turksma, Janneke J Ruizendaal, Muriel van den Hende, Sjoerd H van der Burg, Mirjam HM Heemskerk, Chris JLM Meijer, Erik Hooijberg

Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center

Hypothesis

Can TCR gene transfer effectively generate HPV specific CD4+ T helper cells for treating HPV induced malignancies?

Conclusion

TCR transfer is a feasible strategy to create HPV16 specific CD4+ T helper cells for treating cervical cancer and other HPV16 induced malignancies.

Supporting Evidence

  • HPV16 specific TCRs were successfully introduced into CD4+ T cells.
  • Functional analysis showed recognition of HPV16 epitopes by TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells.
  • Both Th1 and Th2 cytokines were produced by TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells upon stimulation.

Takeaway

Scientists are trying to make special immune cells that can fight HPV-related cancers by using a method called TCR gene transfer.

Methodology

HPV specific CD4+ T cells were generated using TCR gene transfer and analyzed for functionality through various assays.

Limitations

The study does not address the long-term effectiveness or safety of TCR gene transfer in patients.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5876-9-147

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