T cells expressing CD123 chimeric antigen receptors for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia

Purpose of review The purpose of this article is to discuss the rationale of targeting CD123 using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for the treatment of leukemia. Recent findings CD123 is a leukemia-associated antigen that expresses at high levels in leukemic stem cells and leukemic blasts and low level in normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Immune-based therapies targeting CD123 are being developed. Preclinical data suggest that CD123 CAR T cells exhibit potent antileukemic activity and various impacts on normal hematopoiesis. Summary CD123 is an attractive surface target for novel antileukemic therapies. CD123 CAR T-cell-based immunotherapy is a promising treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia.