Open AccessLiposomal phytohemagglutinin: In vivo T‐cell activator as a novel pan‐cancer immunotherapy
Author(s) -
Alhallak Kinan,
Sun Jennifer,
Muz Barbara,
Jeske Amanda,
O’Neal Julie,
Ritchey Julie K.,
Achilefu Samuel,
DiPersio John F.,
Azab Abdel Kareem
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/jcmm.16885
Subject(s) - immunotherapy , cancer immunotherapy , in vivo , cancer research , t cell , immunosuppression , immunology , immune system , cancer , medicine , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
Immunotherapy is an attractive approach for treating cancer. T‐cell engagers (TCEs) are a type of immunotherapy that are highly efficacious; however, they are challenged by weak T‐cell activation and short persistence. Therefore, alternative solutions to induce greater activation and persistence of T cells during TCE immunotherapy is needed. Methods to activate T cells include the use of lectins, such as phytohemagglutinin (PHA). PHA has not been used to activate T cells in vivo, for immunotherapy, due to its biological instability and toxicity. An approach to overcome the limitations of PHA while also preserving its function is needed. In this study, we report a liposomal PHA which increased PHA stability, reduced toxicity and performed as an immunotherapeutic that is able to activate T cells for the use in future cancer immunotherapies to circumvent current obstacles in immunosuppression and T‐cell exhaustion.