[Mechanisms of immunosuppression in leukemia]

Abstract

The mechanisms of immunosuppression and immunotherapy in vitro in leukemia are reviewed. A predominance of Th2 lymphocytes, diminished percentages of T lymphocyte with costimulatory molecule expression and impaired monocyte function play major roles in impaired immunity in this group of diseases. Neoplastic cells can produce immunosuppressive cytokines and have low expressions of costimulatory molecules. In immunotherapy in vitro, blasts are converted to antigen-presenting cells by cytokines (acute myeloid leukemia blasts) or CD40L stimulation (acute lymphoblastic leukemia blasts). Manipulation of the immune system to stimulate anticancer response can be a promising tool in hematology and oncology.