The IL-15-based superagonist ALT-803 promotes the antigen-independent conversion of memory CD8⁺ T cells into innate-like effector cells with antitumor activity

Abstract

ALT-803, an interleukin-15-based superagonist, induces memory CD8⁺ T cells to proliferate, upregulate receptors involved in innate immunity, secrete interferon γ and acquire the ability to kill malignant cells in the absence of antigenic stimulation. Thus, ALT-803 can promote the expansion and activation of memory CD8⁺ T cells while converting them into innate immune effector cells that exhibit robust antineoplastic activity.

Keywords: :

• NKG2D
• adaptive immunity
• immunotherapy
• innate immunity
• interferon γ
• interleukin-15
• memory CD8⁺ T cells
• myeloma
• tumor

Citation: Wong HC, Jeng EK, Rhode PR. The IL-15-based superagonist ALT-803 promotes the antigen-independent conversion of memory CD8⁺ T cells into innate-like effector cells with antitumor activity. OncoImmunology 2013; 2:e26442; 10.4161/onci.26442

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

The authors are employees and shareholders of Altor BioScience Corp. Financial support: National Institutes of Health (CA156740) (H. C. Wong).