Local cell therapy using CCL19-expressing allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells exerts robust antitumor effects by accumulating CD103⁺ IL-12-producing dendritic cells and priming CD8⁺ T cells without involving draining lymph nodes

These results suggest that allo-iMSC/CCL19 therapy exerts dramatic antitumor effects by promoting the infiltration of CD103⁺ IL-12-producing DCs and thereby priming tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cells at tumor sites. This local cell therapy could be a promising approach to anticancer therapy, particularly for overcoming dysfunction in the cancer-immunity cycle.