adoptive cell transfer

Adoptive cell transfer is the passive transfer of cells, most commonly immune-derived cells, into a new recipient host with the goal of transferring the immunologic functionality and characteristics into the new host. Clinically, this approach has been exploited to transfer either immune-promoting or tolergenic cells (often lymphocytes) to patients to either enhance immunity against viruses and cancer or to promote tolerance in the setting of autoimmune disease, such as Type I diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Adoptive cell transfer is used to treat cancer, to prevent and treat viral disease and to induce tolerance in autoimmune disease.