Modified T cells as therapeutic agents

Immunotherapy is now a well-established modality in the treatment of cancer. Although several platforms to redirect the immune response exist, the use of genetically modified T cells has garnered particular attention in recent years. This is due, in large part, to their success in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. Adoptively transferred T cells have also demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of systemic viral infections that occur following hematopoietic cell transplantation prior to immune reconstitution. Here we discuss the techniques that enable redirection of T lymphocytes to treat cancer or infection and the current indications for these therapies.