Adoptive Transfer of Tumor Reactive TGF-β Insensitive CD8+ T-cells for Cancer Therapy

Tumor immunology is characterized by an insufficient immunosurveillance, as most tumors are able to evade host’s immune surveillance program. One of the most profound tumor-derived immune suppressive factors has been TGF-β. Based on this understanding, we have tested adoptive transfer of Indeed, our experimental findings have confirmed this impression. These findings have allowed us to introduce the concept of an antitumor immune response cycle. The postulated cycle consists of three major participants, which are the transferred cytotoxic T-cells, the autologous tumor cells, and the host’s own immune system. The present chapter provides the necessary background, the experimental findings, and the clinical implications of the proposed antitumor immune response cycle. Based on this postulated cycle, we will be able to devise a successful antitumor strategy for advanced cancers.