Concise Review: Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Produce Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy

Stem Cells. 2018 Feb;36(2):134-145. doi: 10.1002/stem.2754. Epub 2018 Jan 3.

Abstract

Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) provide a promising resource to produce immune cells for adoptive cellular immunotherapy to better treat and potentially cure otherwise lethal cancers. Cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells can now be routinely produced from human PSCs. These PSC-derived lymphocytes have phenotype and function similar to primary lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood. PSC-derived T and NK cells have advantages compared with primary immune cells, as they can be precisely engineered to introduce improved anti-tumor activity and produced in essentially unlimited numbers. Stem Cells 2018;36:134-145.

Keywords: Adoptive cell therapy; Cancer immunotherapy; Human pluripotent stem cell; Natural Killer T cell; Natural Killer cell; T cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / cytology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / physiology
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / physiology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / physiology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / physiology