Definition

A preparation of autologous ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated leukemic cells loaded with STING-dependent activators (STAVs), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon intravenous administration of STAVs-loaded autologous leukemic cells, the STAVs activates STING-mediated signaling pathways. This activates the immune response through the activation of certain immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), which induces the expression of cytokines and chemokines, and leads to an antigen-specific T-cell mediated immune response against the patient’s own leukemic cells. STING, a transmembrane protein that activates immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), plays a key role in the activation of the innate immune system. By using the patient’s own irradiated cancer cells as antigens, the patient’s immune system is exposed to the entire repertoire of this individual’s tumor-associated antigens (TAAs).