Transfer of mRNA encoding recombinant immunoreceptors reprograms CD4+ and CD8+ T cells for use in the adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.

Birkholz K, Hombach A, Krug C, Reuter S, Kershaw M, Kämpgen E, Schuler G, Abken H, Schaft N, Dörrie J.
Gene Ther. 2009 May;16(5):596-604. Epub 2009 Jan 22.

Human T lymphocytes can be redirected with a new defined specificity by expression of a chimeric T-cell receptor (immunoreceptor) for the use in adoptive immunotherapy of cancer. Whereas standard procedures use retroviral gene transduction to constitutively express immunoreceptors in T cells, we here explored for the first time mRNA electroporation to achieve transient immunoreceptor expression, and thereby minimizing the risk of persistence of potential autoaggression. CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were efficiently transfected with immunoreceptors specific for ErbB2 and CEA. The immunoreceptor expression was transient with half-maximal expression at day 2 and no detectable immunoreceptor expression at day 9 after electroporation. Immunoreceptor-transfected T cells were specifically activated upon coincubation with ErbB2(+) and CEA(+) tumor cells, respectively, resulting in secretion of interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha). Furthermore, immunoreceptor-transfected CD8(+) T cells specifically lysed ErbB2(+) and CEA(+) tumor cells, respectively. The RNA-transfected T cells retained their cytotoxic function after 2 days of activation and exhibited cytolytic activities like retrovirally transduced T cells. RNA electroporation of T cells thereby provides a versatile tool for transient immunoreceptor expression, which may be of advantage in avoiding the persistence of unintended autoaggression.

URL: http://www.nature.com/gt/journal/v16/n5/abs/gt2008189a.html

Pub Med: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19158846

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