Wilms' tumor 1 as a novel target for immunotherapy of leukemia

Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is a leukemia associated antigen (LAA) differentially expressed by leukemic blasts. Thus, WT1 may constitute a target for therapies such as those mediated by adoptive-specific T lymphocytes. Serological and cellular immune responses have been elicited by WT1 in patients with leukemia. Specific CD8+ T cells able to recognize this antigen can be selected by streptamers and then infused into leukemia patients. Potentially, these T cells could lyse leukemic blasts expressing WT1. The only good manufacturing practice-certified technology is streptamers, which are available for antigen-specific T-cell sorting. Immunocompromised patients may have their antigen-specific immune responses restored through the transfer of adoptive T cells specific for this LAA.