What is the basic process involved in adoptive cell therapy?

Adoptive cell therapy primarily revolves around the use of the patient’s own T cells to enhance the body’s immune response against cancer. The basic process involves collecting T cells from the patient, which are then expanded or activated in the laboratory. After an adequate number of cells has been produced, these T cells are infused back into the patient to help target and destroy cancer cells.

This method capitalizes on the natural ability of T cells to recognize and attack abnormal cells, including cancer cells. By growing the T cells in a lab, they can be manipulated or equipped with additional capabilities, such as improved recognition of tumor-specific antigens, thereby increasing their effectiveness upon reintroduction into the patient.

The other choices describe different approaches to cancer treatment, such as the use of monoclonal antibodies to bind specifically to cancer cells, immune checkpoint inhibition to enhance T cell function, and vaccination strategies to stimulate the immune system. However, these methods do not involve the collection and reinfusion of T cells from the patient, which is the hallmark of adoptive cell therapy.