Generation and characterization of anti-Candida T cells as potential immunotherapy in patients with Candida infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant.

Because lymphocytes play a major role in the host response to Candida infection, adoptive transfer of anti-Candida T cells might be a therapeutic option in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (alloHSCT) who have invasive Candida infection. Using the interferon (IFN)- gamma secretion assay, we isolated human anti-Candida T cells after stimulation with a cellular extract of C. albicans. These cells were expanded within 4 weeks to an average number of 2.6x107 T helper 1 type lymphocytes and significantly lost their alloreactive potential, compared with the original cell population. The generated cells were also stimulated by antigens of C. tropicalis but not by antigens of C. glabrata or various molds. In addition, generated anti-Candida T cells were able to induce damage to C. albicans hyphae and significantly increased hyphal damage induced by human neutrophils. Our data suggest that the generation of functionally active anti-Candida T cells is feasible and may be a promising treatment option for patients undergoing alloHSCT.