Pilot Study of Genetically Modified Haploidentical Natural Killer Cell Infusions for B-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
NK cell cytotoxicity is most powerful against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, whereas
their capacity to lyse ALL cells is generally low and difficult to predict. A novel method
has been developed to redirect NK cells towards CD19, a molecule highly expressed on the
surface of B-lineage ALL cells, but not expressed on normal cells other than B-lymphocytes.
In this method, donor NK cells are first expanded by co-culture with irradiated K562 cell
line modified to express membrane bound IL-15 and 41BB ligand (K562-mb15-41BBL).
Overexpansion of these proteins promotes selective growth of NK cells. Then, the expanded NK
cells are transduced with a signaling receptor that binds to CD19 (anti-CD19-BB-zeta). NK
cells expressing these receptors showed powerful anti-leukemic activity against CD19+ ALL
cells in vitro and in an animal model of leukemia.
This study represents the translation of laboratory findings into clinical application. It
will allow us to assess the safety of infusing genetically modified NK cells into research
participants who have chemotherapy refractory or relapse B-lineage ALL. In this same
cohort, we also intend to study the in vivo lifespan and phenotype of genetically modified
NK cells and explore the efficacy of NK cells in patients with B-lineage ALL.
Interventional
Endpoint Classification: Safety Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment
This study will determine the maximum tolerated dose of genetically modified NK cells in research participants with relapsed or refractory B-lineage ALL
30 days after the enrollment of the last patient
Yes
David Shook, MD
Principal Investigator
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
United States: Institutional Review Board
NKCD19
NCT00995137
October 2009
October 2014
Name | Location |
---|---|
St Jude Children's Research Hospital | Memphis, Tennessee 38105 |