T lymphocyte engineering ex vivo for cancer and infectious disease

Background: Basic research contributions towards the molecular and cellular understanding of immune mediated control of cancer and infectious diseases have created opportunities to develop new forms of T-cell-based vaccination for cancer and chronic infections like HIV. In the past two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cell therapy clinical trials around the world aimed at enhancing antitumor immunity, restoring immune function to infectious diseases and augmenting vaccine efficacy. Objective: To provide a review of new and emerging methods of T lymphocyte engineering, gene transfer to T cells and clinical trials. Methods: A review of recent clinical trials, along with a brief historical perspective, with a focus on challenges and recent advances in the field and requirements for successful T-cell therapies. Conclusion: Advances in the technological approaches and methods for ex vivo manipulation have led to T lymphocytes endowed with enhanced potency and unique functions, with promise as the new generation of infused therapeutics.