Generation of functional dendritic cells (DC) in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: rationale for a DC-based vaccination program for patients in complete hematological remission

PMID: 17325890
Journal: Leukemia & lymphoma (volume: 48, issue: 2, Leuk. Lymphoma 2007 Feb;48(2):302-10)
Published: 2007-02-01

Authors:
Maggio R, Peragine N, Calabrese E, De Propris MS, Intoppa S, Della Starza I, Ariola C, Vitale A, Foà R, Guarini A

ABSTRACT

The capacity to generate effective dendritic cells (DC) from adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients in complete remission (CR) and off-therapy was investigated. Monocyte-derived DC cultured in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha expressed maturation markers, produced IL-12 and loaded apoptotic bodies to a similar extent to normal DC. Patients‘ circulating T and NK lymphocytes were normally represented and, after stimulation, were capable of producing TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma to a similar extent to control lymphocytes. DC loaded with leukemia-derived apoptotic bodies increased their ability to stimulate both allogeneic and autologous lymphocytes, and to generate specific anti-leukemic CD3 + cells. These findings offer a rationale for the design of DC-based vaccine programs for adult ALL patients in CR with the aim of controlling/eradicating the disease.