51
|
Li Y, Rezvani K, Rafei H. Next-generation chimeric antigen receptors for T- and natural killer-cell therapies against cancer. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:217-235. [PMID: 37548050 PMCID: PMC10841677 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. However, the broad application of this approach for myeloid malignancies and solid cancers has been limited by the paucity and heterogeneity of target antigen expression, and lack of bona fide tumor-specific antigens that can be targeted without cross-reactivity against normal tissues. This may lead to unwanted on-target off-tumor toxicities that could undermine the desired antitumor effect. Recent advances in synthetic biology and genetic engineering have enabled reprogramming of immune effector cells to enhance their selectivity toward tumors, thus mitigating on-target off-tumor adverse effects. In this review, we outline the current strategies being explored to improve CAR selectivity toward tumor cells with a focus on natural killer (NK) cells, and the progress made in translating these strategies to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hind Rafei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Hoces D, Miguens Blanco J, Hernández-López RA. A synthetic biology approach to engineering circuits in immune cells. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:120-137. [PMID: 37464881 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
A synthetic circuit in a biological system involves the designed assembly of genetic elements, biomolecules, or cells to create a defined function. These circuits are central in synthetic biology, enabling the reprogramming of cellular behavior and the engineering of cells with customized responses. In cancer therapeutics, engineering T cells with circuits have the potential to overcome the challenges of current approaches, for example, by allowing specific recognition and killing of cancer cells. Recent advances also facilitate engineering integrated circuits for the controlled release of therapeutic molecules at specified locations, for example, in a solid tumor. In this review, we discuss recent strategies and applications of synthetic receptor circuits aimed at enhancing immune cell functions for cancer immunotherapy. We begin by introducing the concept of circuits in networks at the molecular and cellular scales and provide an analysis of the development and implementation of several synthetic circuits in T cells that have the goal to overcome current challenges in cancer immunotherapy. These include specific targeting of cancer cells, increased T-cell proliferation, and persistence in the tumor microenvironment. By harnessing the power of synthetic biology, and the characteristics of certain circuit architectures, it is now possible to engineer a new generation of immune cells that recognize cancer cells, while minimizing off-target toxicities. We specifically discuss T-cell circuits for antigen density sensing. These circuits allow targeting of solid tumors that share antigens with normal tissues. Additionally, we explore designs for synthetic circuits that could control T-cell differentiation or T-cell fate as well as the concept of synthetic multicellular circuits that leverage cellular communication and division of labor to achieve improved therapeutic efficacy. As our understanding of cell biology expands and novel tools for genome, protein, and cell engineering are developed, we anticipate further innovative approaches to emerge in the design and engineering of circuits in immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hoces
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jesús Miguens Blanco
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Rogelio A Hernández-López
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Garcia JM, Burnett CE, Roybal KT. Toward the clinical development of synthetic immunity to cancer. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:83-99. [PMID: 37491719 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology (synbio) tools, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), have been designed to target, activate, and improve immune cell responses to tumors. These therapies have demonstrated an ability to cure patients with blood cancers. However, there are significant challenges to designing, testing, and efficiently translating these complex cell therapies for patients who do not respond or have immune refractory solid tumors. The rapid progress of synbio tools for cell therapy, particularly for cancer immunotherapy, is encouraging but our development process should be tailored to increase translational success. Particularly, next-generation cell therapies should be rooted in basic immunology, tested in more predictive preclinical models, engineered for potency with the right balance of safety, educated by clinical findings, and multi-faceted to combat a range of suppressive mechanisms. Here, we lay out five principles for engineering future cell therapies to increase the probability of clinical impact, and in the context of these principles, we provide an overview of the current state of synbio cell therapy design for cancer. Although these principles are anchored in engineering immune cells for cancer therapy, we posit that they can help guide translational synbio research for broad impact in other disease indications with high unmet need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute for Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Cassandra E Burnett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute for Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kole T Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute for Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Chen G, Yang Z, Du J, He Z, Zhang Y, Zheng K, Cai S, Chen M, Li Y, Zheng L, Miao Y, Zhang D. Topological Regulating Bismuth Nano-Semiconductor for Immunogenic Cell Death-Mediated Sonocatalytic Hyperthermia Therapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2304032. [PMID: 37528704 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) can activate the body's immune system via dead cell antigens to achieve immunotherapy. Currently, small molecule drugs have been used for ICD treatment in clinical, however, how to precisely control the induced ICD while treating tumors is of great significance for improving therapeutic efficacy. Based on this, a sono/light dual response strategy to tumor therapy and activation of ICD is proposed. A topological synthesis method is used to obtain sulfur-doped bismuth oxide Bi2 O3-x Sx (BS) using BiF3 (BF) as a template through reduction and a morphology-controllable bismuth-based nano-semiconductor with a narrow bandgap is constructed. Under the stimulation of ultrasound, BS can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the sonocatalytic process, which cooperates with BS to consume glutathione and enhance cellular oxidative damage, further inducing ICD. Due to the introduction of sulfur in the reduction reaction, BS can achieve photothermal conversion under light, and combine with ROS to treat tumors. Further, with the assistance of ivermectin (IVM) to form composite (BSM), combined with sono/light dual strategy, ICD is promoted and DCs maturation is accelerated. The proposed ICD-mediated hyperthermia/sonocatalytic therapy strategy will pay the way for synergetic enhancement of tumor treatment efficacy and provide a feasible idea for controllable induction of ICD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guobo Chen
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Institute of Bismuth, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Energy Therapy for Tumors, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Zhijin Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Jun Du
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Institute of Bismuth, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Energy Therapy for Tumors, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Zongyan He
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Institute of Bismuth, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Energy Therapy for Tumors, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Yule Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Kejie Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Shuqi Cai
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Mengya Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Yuhao Li
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Institute of Bismuth, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Energy Therapy for Tumors, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Lulu Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Yuqing Miao
- School of Materials and Chemistry, Institute of Bismuth, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Energy Therapy for Tumors, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, the Ministry of Education & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Cui Y, Luo M, Gu C, He Y, Yao Y, Li P. CAR designs for solid tumors: overcoming hurdles and paving the way for effective immunotherapy. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2023; 9:279-297. [PMID: 38516299 PMCID: PMC10951476 DOI: 10.52601/bpr.2023.230020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized immunotherapy by modifying patients' immune cells genetically. By expressing CARs, these modified cells can specifically identify and eliminate tumor cells. The success of CAR-T therapy in hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma, has been remarkable. Numerous studies have reported improved patient outcomes and increased survival rates. However, the application of CAR-T therapy in treating solid tumors faces significant challenges. Solid tumors possess complex microenvironments containing stromal cells, extracellular matrix components, and blood vessels. These factors can impede the infiltration and persistence of CAR-T cells within the tumor. Additionally, the lack of target antigens exclusively expressed on tumor cells raises concerns about off-target effects and potential toxicity. This review aims to discuss advancements achieved by CAR-T therapy in solid tumors and the clinical outcomes in the realm of solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbin Cui
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Mintao Luo
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Chuanyuan Gu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yuxian He
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0021, USA
| | - Yao Yao
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Peng Li
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Javed M, Ahmed W, Khan A, Rabbani I. Comparison of Efficacy of Fermented Garlic and Orlistat (Lipase Inhibitor) in Obesity Management Using an Experimental Rodent Model. Foods 2023; 12:3905. [PMID: 37959027 PMCID: PMC10647778 DOI: 10.3390/foods12213905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black garlic, also known as fermented garlic, is a useful food that may have therapeutic benefits. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of fermented garlic and orlistat therapy on obese rats. METHODS A total of 40 male albino rats (245-250 g) were fed either an HFD (n = 32) or a normal diet (n = 8) for 6 weeks; therefore we randomly assigned the rats into: group I (normal diet), group II (HFD), groups III and IV (HFD with fermented garlic), and group V (orlistat for) 6 weeks. Two different dosages of fermented garlic (481.2 mg/kg and 963.3 mg/kg) were administered. Afterward, blood was collected, body weight was measured, and tissue was collected for further analysis. RESULTS Both the orlistat and black garlic groups showed a significant reduction in BMI, lipid profiles, and insulin levels compared with the baseline. The orlistat group showed significant elevation (p < 0.005) in body weight, organ weight, lipids, and liver parameters, with histopathological findings. The administration of black garlic improved the inflammatory markers with all other parameters. CONCLUSION The fermented garlic and orlistat reinstated all of the investigated parameters significantly (p < 0.05), especially body weight and lipid profiles, and induced histopathological changes compared to the drug orlistat. Additionally, it showed anti-obesity-related therapeutic impacts compared with the orlistat drug. Black garlic provides a reliable and effective treatment for obesity compared to orlistat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mavra Javed
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Waqas Ahmed
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Azmatullah Khan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Imtiaz Rabbani
- Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 38040, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Tang Y, Liu S, Hao X, Wang Z, Liang M, Lu Y, Zhou X. Near-Infrared Molecular Logic Gate for In Situ Construction and Quantification of Cell-Macromolecule Conjugates. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15818-15825. [PMID: 37815497 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Engineering cell surfaces with macromolecules offers the potential to manipulate and control their phenotype and function for cell-based therapies. In situ construction and real-time evaluation of cell-macromolecule conjugates are vital for characterizing their dynamics, mobility, and function but remain a great challenge. Herein, we design a near-infrared (NIR) heptamethine cyanine (LS)-bearing dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) and norbornene (NB) in its structure for rapid and selective bioorthogonal "click" coupling to azide-labeled cells and tetrazine-functionalized macromolecular precursors. Specifically, only orthogonal dual "click" cell-macromolecule conjugates turn on NIR fluorescence, in which LS behaves as an AND logic gate, with azide- and tetrazine-derivatives being "input" and the emission intensity as the output. LS enables in situ construction and real-time evaluation of the process and functional effects that macromolecules "graft to" cells with high cytocompatibility. This probe is tailor-made for live-cell microscopy technologies, which may open new opportunities for promoting further developments in cell-tracking and cell-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
| | - Shengsen Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoying Hao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
| | - Zigeng Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
| | - Mingchen Liang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
| | - Yingxi Lu
- College of Material Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
| | - Xianfeng Zhou
- College of Material Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Finn P, Chavez M, Chen X, Wang H, Rane DA, Gurjar J, Qi LS. Drug-Mediated Control of Receptor Valency Enhances Immune Cell Potency. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.04.522664. [PMID: 36712002 PMCID: PMC9881924 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.04.522664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Designer T cells offer a novel paradigm for treating diseases like cancer, yet they are often hindered by target recognition evasion and limited in vivo control. To overcome these challenges, we develop valency-controlled receptors (VCRs), a novel class of synthetic receptors engineered to enable precise modulation of immune cell activity. VCRs use custom-designed valency-control ligands (VCLs) to modulate T cell signaling via spatial molecular clustering. Using multivalent DNA origami as VCL, we first establish that valency is important for tuning the activity of CD3-mediated immune activation. We then generate multivalent formats of clinically relevant drugs as VCL and incorporate VCR into the architecture of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Our data demonstrate that VCL-mediated VCRs can significantly amplify CAR activities and improve suboptimal CARs. Finally, through medicinal chemistry, we synthesize programmable, bioavailable VCL drugs that potentiate targeted immune response against low-antigen tumors both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings establish receptor valency as a core mechanism for enhancing CAR functionality and offer a synthetic chemical biology platform for strengthening customizable, potent, and safer cell therapies.
Collapse
|
59
|
Vincent RL, Gurbatri CR, Li F, Vardoshvili A, Coker C, Im J, Ballister ER, Rouanne M, Savage T, de los Santos-Alexis K, Redenti A, Brockmann L, Komaranchath M, Arpaia N, Danino T. Probiotic-guided CAR-T cells for solid tumor targeting. Science 2023; 382:211-218. [PMID: 37824640 PMCID: PMC10915968 DOI: 10.1126/science.add7034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
A major challenge facing tumor-antigen targeting therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells is the identification of suitable targets that are specifically and uniformly expressed on heterogeneous solid tumors. By contrast, certain species of bacteria selectively colonize immune-privileged tumor cores and can be engineered as antigen-independent platforms for therapeutic delivery. To bridge these approaches, we developed a platform of probiotic-guided CAR-T cells (ProCARs), in which tumor-colonizing probiotics release synthetic targets that label tumor tissue for CAR-mediated lysis in situ. This system demonstrated CAR-T cell activation and antigen-agnostic cell lysis that was safe and effective in multiple xenograft and syngeneic models of human and mouse cancers. We further engineered multifunctional probiotics that co-release chemokines to enhance CAR-T cell recruitment and therapeutic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa L. Vincent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Candice R. Gurbatri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Fangda Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ana Vardoshvili
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Courtney Coker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jongwon Im
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Edward R. Ballister
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mathieu Rouanne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Thomas Savage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kenia de los Santos-Alexis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andrew Redenti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Leonie Brockmann
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Meghna Komaranchath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Trehin PV, Muñoz-Guamuro G, Weber W. Dynamic fine-tuning of CAR-T cell therapy. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 30:14-15. [PMID: 37455848 PMCID: PMC10338231 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre V.M. Trehin
- INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS and Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geisler Muñoz-Guamuro
- INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS and Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Saarland University, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS and Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Alsajjan R, Mason WP. Bispecific T-Cell Engagers and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapies in Glioblastoma: An Update. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8501-8549. [PMID: 37754534 PMCID: PMC10529026 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30090619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. The prognosis is extremely poor even with standard treatment of maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recurrence is inevitable within months, and treatment options are very limited. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CART) and bispecific T-cell engagers (TCEs) are two emerging immunotherapies that can redirect T-cells for tumor-specific killing and have shown remarkable success in hematological malignancies and been under extensive study for application in glioblastoma. While there have been multiple clinical trials showing preliminary evidence of safety and efficacy for CART, bispecific TCEs are still in the early stages of clinical testing, with preclinical studies showing very promising results. However, there are multiple shared challenges that need to be addressed in the future, including the route of delivery, antigen escape, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and toxicity resulting from the limited choice of tumor-specific antigens. Efforts are underway to optimize the design of both these treatments and find the ideal combination therapy to overcome these challenges. In this review, we describe the work that has been performed as well as novel approaches in glioblastoma and in other solid tumors that may be applicable in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roa Alsajjan
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Warren P. Mason
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Neeser A, Ramasubramanian R, Wang C, Ma L. Engineering enhanced chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy for solid tumors. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 2023; 19:100385. [PMID: 37483659 PMCID: PMC10362352 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2023.100385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The early clinical success and subsequent US Food and Drug Administration approval of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy for leukemia and lymphoma affirm that engineered T cells can be a powerful treatment for hematologic malignancies. Yet this success has not been replicated in solid tumors. Numerous challenges emerged from clinical experience and well-controlled preclinical animal models must be met to enable safe and efficacious CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors. Here, we review recent advances in bioengineering strategies developed to enhance CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors, focusing on targeted single-gene perturbation, genetic circuits design, cytokine engineering, and interactive biomaterials. These bioengineering approaches present a unique set of tools that synergize with CAR-T cells to overcome obstacles in solid tumors and achieve robust and long-lasting therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Neeser
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - R. Ramasubramanian
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - C. Wang
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
| | - L. Ma
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Zhu S, Wu Y, Song B, Yi M, Yan Y, Mei Q, Wu K. Recent advances in targeted strategies for triple-negative breast cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:100. [PMID: 37641116 PMCID: PMC10464091 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01497-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer, negatively expresses estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Although chemotherapy is the main form of treatment for patients with TNBC, the effectiveness of chemotherapy for TNBC is still limited. The search for more effective therapies is urgent. Multiple targeted therapeutic strategies have emerged according to the specific molecules and signaling pathways expressed in TNBC. These include PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, Notch inhibitors, poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates. Moreover, immune checkpoint inhibitors, for example, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab, are widely explored in the clinic. We summarize recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy in TNBC, with the aim of serving as a reference for the development of individualized treatment of patients with TNBC in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuangli Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bin Song
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yuheng Yan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Teixeira AP, Xue S, Huang J, Fussenegger M. Evolution of molecular switches for regulation of transgene expression by clinically licensed gluconate. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e85. [PMID: 37497781 PMCID: PMC10450161 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology holds great promise to improve the safety and efficacy of future gene and engineered cell therapies by providing new means of endogenous or exogenous control of the embedded therapeutic programs. Here, we focused on gluconate as a clinically licensed small-molecule inducer and engineered gluconate-sensitive molecular switches to regulate transgene expression in human cell cultures and in mice. Several switch designs were assembled based on the gluconate-responsive transcriptional repressor GntR from Escherichia coli. Initially we assembled OFF- and ON-type switches by rewiring the native gluconate-dependent binding of GntR to target DNA sequences in mammalian cells. Then, we utilized the ability of GntR to dimerize in the presence of gluconate to activate gene expression from a split transcriptional activator. By means of random mutagenesis of GntR combined with phenotypic screening, we identified variants that significantly enhanced the functionality of the genetic devices, enabling the construction of robust two-input logic gates. We also demonstrated the potential utility of the synthetic switch in two in vivo settings, one employing implantation of alginate-encapsulated engineered cells and the other involving modification of host cells by DNA delivery. Then, as proof-of-concept, the gluconate-actuated genetic switch was connected to insulin secretion, and the components encoding gluconate-induced insulin production were introduced into type-1 diabetic mice as naked DNA via hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Normoglycemia was restored, thereby showcasing the suitability of oral gluconate to regulate in situ production of a therapeutic protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Palma Teixeira
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shuai Xue
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jinbo Huang
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Kretschmer S, Perry N, Zhang Y, Kortemme T. Multi-input Drug-Controlled Switches of Mammalian Gene Expression Based on Engineered Nuclear Hormone Receptors. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1924-1934. [PMID: 37315218 PMCID: PMC10367131 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based switches that respond to different inputs to regulate cellular outputs, such as gene expression, are central to synthetic biology. For increased controllability, multi-input switches that integrate several cooperating and competing signals for the regulation of a shared output are of particular interest. The nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) superfamily offers promising starting points for engineering multi-input-controlled responses to clinically approved drugs. Starting from the VgEcR/RXR pair, we demonstrate that novel (multi)drug regulation can be achieved by exchange of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) ligand binding domain (LBD) for other human NHR-derived LBDs. For responses activated to saturation by an agonist for the first LBD, we show that outputs can be boosted by an agonist targeting the second LBD. In combination with an antagonist, output levels are tunable by up to three simultaneously present small-molecule drugs. Such high-level control validates NHRs as a versatile, engineerable platform for programming multidrug-controlled responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kretschmer
- Department
of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- California
Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Nicholas Perry
- Department
of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- California
Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- University
of California, Berkeley—University of California, San Francisco
Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department
of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- California
Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Tanja Kortemme
- Department
of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- California
Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- University
of California, Berkeley—University of California, San Francisco
Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Vander Mause ER, Baker JM, Dietze KA, Radhakrishnan SV, Iraguha T, Omili D, Davis P, Chidester SL, Modzelewska K, Panse J, Marvin JE, Olson ML, Steinbach M, Ng DP, Lim CS, Atanackovic D, Luetkens T. Systematic single amino acid affinity tuning of CD229 CAR T cells retains efficacy against multiple myeloma and eliminates on-target off-tumor toxicity. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadd7900. [PMID: 37467316 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.add7900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have shown remarkable therapeutic activity against different types of cancer. However, the wider use of CAR T cells has been hindered by the potential for life-threatening toxicities due to on-target off-tumor killing of cells expressing low amounts of the target antigen. CD229, a signaling lymphocyte-activation molecule (SLAM) family member, has previously been identified as a target for CAR T cell-mediated treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) due to its high expression on the surfaces of MM cells. CD229 CAR T cells have shown effective clearance of MM cells in vitro and in vivo. However, healthy lymphocytes also express CD229, albeit at lower amounts than MM cells, causing their unintended targeting by CD229 CAR T cells. To increase the selectivity of CD229 CAR T cells for MM cells, we used a single amino acid substitution approach of the CAR binding domain to reduce CAR affinity. To identify CARs with increased selectivity, we screened variant binding domains using solid-phase binding assays and biolayer interferometry and determined the cytotoxic activity of variant CAR T cells against MM cells and healthy lymphocytes. We identified a CD229 CAR binding domain with micromolar affinity that, when combined with overexpression of c-Jun, confers antitumor activity comparable to parental CD229 CAR T cells but lacks the parental cells' cytotoxic activity toward healthy lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo. The results represent a promising strategy to improve the efficacy and safety of CAR T cell therapy that requires clinical validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica R Vander Mause
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jillian M Baker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth A Dietze
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sabarinath V Radhakrishnan
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Thierry Iraguha
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Destiny Omili
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Patricia Davis
- Division of Experimental and Clinical Pathology, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sadie L Chidester
- Preclinical Research Resource, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Jens Panse
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Hemostaseology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - James E Marvin
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael L Olson
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Mary Steinbach
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David P Ng
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Carol S Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Djordje Atanackovic
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Medicine and Transplant/Cell Therapy Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tim Luetkens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Medicine and Transplant/Cell Therapy Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Khawar MB, Ge F, Afzal A, Sun H. From barriers to novel strategies: smarter CAR T therapy hits hard to tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1203230. [PMID: 37520522 PMCID: PMC10375020 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1203230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for solid tumors shows promise, but several hurdles remain. Strategies to overcome barriers such as CAR T therapy-related toxicities (CTT), immunosuppression, and immune checkpoints through research and technology are needed to put the last nail to the coffin and offer hope for previously incurable malignancies. Herein we review current literature and infer novel strategies for the mitigation of CTT while impeding immune suppression, stromal barriers, tumor heterogeneity, on-target/off-tumor toxicities, and better transfection strategies with an emphasis on clinical research and prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan
| | - Fei Ge
- Haian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ali Afzal
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haibo Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Zheng Z, Li S, Liu M, Chen C, Zhang L, Zhou D. Fine-Tuning through Generations: Advances in Structure and Production of CAR-T Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3476. [PMID: 37444586 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a promising form of immunotherapy that has seen significant advancements in the past few decades. It involves genetically modifying T cells to target cancer cells expressing specific antigens, providing a novel approach to treating various types of cancer. However, the initial success of first-generation CAR-T cells was limited due to inadequate proliferation and undesirable outcomes. Nonetheless, significant progress has been made in CAR-T cell engineering, leading to the development of the latest fifth-generation CAR-T cells that can target multiple antigens and overcome individual limitations. Despite these advancements, some shortcomings prevent the widespread use of CAR-T therapy, including life-threatening toxicities, T-cell exhaustion, and inadequate infiltration for solid tumors. Researchers have made considerable efforts to address these issues by developing new strategies for improving CAR-T cell function and reducing toxicities. This review provides an overview of the path of CAR-T cell development and highlights some of the prominent advances in its structure and manufacturing process, which include the strategies to improve antigen recognition, enhance T-cell activation and persistence, and overcome immune escape. Finally, the review briefly covers other immune cells for cancer therapy and ends with the discussion on the broad prospects of CAR-T in the treatment of various diseases, not just hematological tumors, and the challenges that need to be addressed for the widespread clinical application of CAR-T cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhibo Zheng
- Department of International Medical Services, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Mohan Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Chuyan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Daobin Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Kringel R, Lamszus K, Mohme M. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Glioblastoma-Current Concepts and Promising Future. Cells 2023; 12:1770. [PMID: 37443804 PMCID: PMC10340625 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor that is largely refractory to treatment and, therefore, invariably relapses. GBM patients have a median overall survival of 15 months and, given this devastating prognosis, there is a high need for therapy improvement. One of the therapeutic approaches currently tested in GBM is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. CAR-T cells are genetically altered T cells that are redirected to eliminate tumor cells in a highly specific manner. There are several challenges to CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors such as GBM, including restricted trafficking and penetration of tumor tissue, a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), as well as heterogeneous antigen expression and antigen loss. In addition, CAR-T cells have limitations concerning safety, toxicity, and the manufacturing process. To date, CAR-T cells directed against several target antigens in GBM including interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL-13Rα2), epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) have been tested in preclinical and clinical studies. These studies demonstrated that CAR-T cell therapy is a feasible option in GBM with at least transient responses and acceptable adverse effects. Further improvements in CAR-T cells regarding their efficacy, flexibility, and safety could render them a promising therapy option in GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Malte Mohme
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (R.K.); (K.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Balke-Want H, Keerthi V, Gkitsas N, Mancini AG, Kurgan GL, Fowler C, Xu P, Liu X, Asano K, Patel S, Fisher CJ, Brown AK, Tunuguntla RH, Patel S, Sotillo E, Mackall CL, Feldman SA. Homology-independent targeted insertion (HITI) enables guided CAR knock-in and efficient clinical scale CAR-T cell manufacturing. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:100. [PMID: 37365642 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells are now standard of care (SOC) for some patients with B cell and plasma cell malignancies and could disrupt the therapeutic landscape of solid tumors. However, access to CAR-T cells is not adequate to meet clinical needs, in part due to high cost and long lead times for manufacturing clinical grade virus. Non-viral site directed CAR integration can be accomplished using CRISPR/Cas9 and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) or single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) via homology-directed repair (HDR), however yields with this approach have been limiting for clinical application (dsDNA) or access to large yields sufficient to meet the manufacturing demands outside early phase clinical trials is limited (ssDNA). METHODS We applied homology-independent targeted insertion (HITI) or HDR using CRISPR/Cas9 and nanoplasmid DNA to insert an anti-GD2 CAR into the T cell receptor alpha constant (TRAC) locus and compared both targeted insertion strategies in our system. Next, we optimized post-HITI CRISPR EnrichMENT (CEMENT) to seamlessly integrate it into a 14-day process and compared our knock-in with viral transduced anti-GD2 CAR-T cells. Finally, we explored the off-target genomic toxicity of our genomic engineering approach. RESULTS Here, we show that site directed CAR integration utilizing nanoplasmid DNA delivered via HITI provides high cell yields and highly functional cells. CEMENT enriched CAR T cells to approximately 80% purity, resulting in therapeutically relevant dose ranges of 5.5 × 108-3.6 × 109 CAR + T cells. CRISPR knock-in CAR-T cells were functionally comparable with viral transduced anti-GD2 CAR-T cells and did not show any evidence of off-target genomic toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides a novel platform to perform guided CAR insertion into primary human T-cells using nanoplasmid DNA and holds the potential to increase access to CAR-T cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyatt Balke-Want
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vimal Keerthi
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nikolaos Gkitsas
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Gavin L Kurgan
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Carley Fowler
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xikun Liu
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kyle Asano
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sunny Patel
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Fisher
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Annie K Brown
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ramya H Tunuguntla
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shabnum Patel
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Steven A Feldman
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Lainšček D, Golob-Urbanc A, Mikolič V, Pantović-Žalig J, Malenšek Š, Jerala R. Regulation of CD19 CAR-T cell activation based on an engineered downstream transcription factor. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 29:77-90. [PMID: 37223115 PMCID: PMC10200817 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cells present a highly effective therapeutic option for several malignant diseases, based on their ability to recognize the selected tumor surface marker in an MHC-independent manner. This triggers cell activation and cytokine production, resulting in the killing of the cancerous cell presenting markers recognized by the chimeric antigen receptor. CAR-T cells are highly potent serial killers that may cause serious side effects, so their activity needs to be carefully controlled. Here we designed a system to control the proliferation and activation state of CARs based on downstream NFAT transcription factors, whose activity can be regulated via chemically induced heterodimerization systems. Chemical regulators were used to either transiently trigger engineered T cell proliferation or suppress CAR-mediated activation when desired or to enhance activation of CAR-T cells upon engagement of cancer cells, shown also in vivo. Additionally, an efficient sensor to monitor activated CD19 CAR-T cells in vivo was introduced. This implementation in CAR-T cell regulation offers an efficient way for on-demand external control of CAR-T cell activity to improve their safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duško Lainšček
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Trg Osvobodilne fronte 13, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Anja Golob-Urbanc
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Veronika Mikolič
- Department of Hematology, Division of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Jelica Pantović-Žalig
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Špela Malenšek
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Trg Osvobodilne fronte 13, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: Insights into oncogenesis and opportunities for targeted therapy. PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phoj.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
|
73
|
Mitra A, Barua A, Huang L, Ganguly S, Feng Q, He B. From bench to bedside: the history and progress of CAR T cell therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1188049. [PMID: 37256141 PMCID: PMC10225594 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1188049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy represents a major breakthrough in cancer care since the approval of tisagenlecleucel by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the treatment of pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia. As of April 2023, six CAR T cell therapies have been approved, demonstrating unprecedented efficacy in patients with B-cell malignancies and multiple myeloma. However, adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity pose significant challenges to CAR T cell therapy. The severity of these adverse events correlates with the pretreatment tumor burden, where a higher tumor burden results in more severe consequences. This observation is supported by the application of CD19-targeted CAR T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and antisynthetase syndrome. These results indicate that initiating CAR T cell therapy early at low tumor burden or using debulking strategy prior to CAR T cell infusion may reduce the severity of adverse events. In addition, CAR T cell therapy is expensive and has limited effectiveness against solid tumors. In this article, we review the critical steps that led to this groundbreaking therapy and explore ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges. With the promise of more effective and safer CAR T cell therapies in development, we are optimistic that a broader range of cancer patients will benefit from this revolutionary therapy in the foreseeable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aroshi Mitra
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Amrita Barua
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Luping Huang
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Departments of Surgery and Urology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Siddhartha Ganguly
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
- Section of Hematology, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qin Feng
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bin He
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Departments of Surgery and Urology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Wang C, Li Y, Gu L, Chen R, Zhu H, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Feng S, Qiu S, Jian Z, Xiong X. Gene Targets of CAR-T Cell Therapy for Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082351. [PMID: 37190280 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis following conventional therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) severely impedes the permeation of chemotherapy drugs, thereby reducing their efficacy. Consequently, it is essential to develop novel GBM treatment methods. A novel kind of pericyte immunotherapy known as chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell treatment uses CAR-T cells to target and destroy tumor cells without the aid of the antigen with great specificity and in a manner that is not major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted. It has emerged as one of the most promising therapy techniques with positive clinical outcomes in hematological cancers, particularly leukemia. Due to its efficacy in hematologic cancers, CAR-T cell therapy could potentially treat solid tumors, including GBM. On the other hand, CAR-T cell treatment has not been as therapeutically effective in treating GBM as it has in treating other hematologic malignancies. CAR-T cell treatments for GBM have several challenges. This paper reviewed the use of CAR-T cell therapy in hematologic tumors and the selection of targets, difficulties, and challenges in GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou 310009, China
| | - Yuntao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou 310009, China
| | - Lijuan Gu
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yonggang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Shi Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Sheng Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou 310009, China
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuromodulation, Huzhou 313003, China
| | - Zhihong Jian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiaoxing Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou 310009, China
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Clubb JD, Gao TA, Chen YY. Synthetic Biology in the Engineering of CAR-T and CAR-NK Cell Therapies: Facts and Hopes. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1390-1402. [PMID: 36454122 PMCID: PMC10106357 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The advent of modern synthetic-biology tools has enabled the development of cellular treatments with engineered specificity, leading to a new paradigm in anticancer immunotherapy. T cells have been at the forefront of such development, with six chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cell products approved by the FDA for the treatment of hematologic malignancies in the last 5 years. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes with potent cytotoxic activities, and they have become an increasingly attractive alternative to T-cell therapies due to their potential for allogeneic, "off-the-shelf" applications. However, both T cells and NK cells face numerous challenges, including antigen escape, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and potential for severe toxicity. Many synthetic-biology strategies have been developed to address these obstacles, most commonly in the T-cell context. In this review, we discuss the array of strategies developed to date, their application in the NK-cell context, as well as opportunities and challenges for clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin D. Clubb
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Torahito A. Gao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yvonne Y. Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Tang Z, Wang X, Tang M, Wu J, Zhang J, Liu X, Gao F, Fu Y, Tang P, Li C. Overcoming the On-Target Toxicity in Antibody-Mediated Therapies via an Indirect Active Targeting Strategy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206912. [PMID: 36683161 PMCID: PMC10037698 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-based therapies could be led astray when target receptors are expressed on nontarget sites, and the on-target toxicity poses critical challenges to clinical applications. Here, a biomimetic indirect active targeting (INTACT) strategy is proposed based on receptor expression disparities between nontarget sites and the targets. By prebinding the antibodies using cell membrane vesicles with appropriate receptor expressions, the INTACT strategy could filter out the interactions on nontarget sites due to their inferior receptor expression, whereas ensure on-demand release at the targets by competitive binding. The strategy is verified on CD47 antibody, realizing drastic alleviation of its clinically concerned hematotoxicity on a series of animal models including humanized patient-derived xenograft platforms, accompanied by preferable therapeutic effects. Furthermore, the INTACT strategy proves extensive applicability for various systems including antibody, antibody-drug conjugate, and targeted delivery systems, providing a potential platform refining the specificity for frontier antibody-related therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Tang
- Medical Research InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqing400715P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyou Wang
- Medical Research InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqing400715P. R. China
| | - Mei Tang
- Medical Research InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqing400715P. R. China
| | - Jin Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgerySouthwest HospitalChongqing400038P. R. China
| | - Jiexuan Zhang
- Medical Research InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqing400715P. R. China
| | - Xinlong Liu
- Medical Research InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqing400715P. R. China
| | - Feiyan Gao
- Medical Research InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqing400715P. R. China
| | - Yu Fu
- Medical Research InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqing400715P. R. China
| | - Peng Tang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgerySouthwest HospitalChongqing400038P. R. China
| | - Chong Li
- Medical Research InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqing400715P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Tousley AM, Rotiroti MC, Labanieh L, Rysavy LW, Kim WJ, Lareau C, Sotillo E, Weber EW, Rietberg SP, Dalton GN, Yin Y, Klysz D, Xu P, de la Serna EL, Dunn AR, Satpathy AT, Mackall CL, Majzner RG. Co-opting signalling molecules enables logic-gated control of CAR T cells. Nature 2023; 615:507-516. [PMID: 36890224 PMCID: PMC10564584 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05778-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Although chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have altered the treatment landscape for B cell malignancies, the risk of on-target, off-tumour toxicity has hampered their development for solid tumours because most target antigens are shared with normal cells1,2. Researchers have attempted to apply Boolean-logic gating to CAR T cells to prevent toxicity3-5; however, a truly safe and effective logic-gated CAR has remained elusive6. Here we describe an approach to CAR engineering in which we replace traditional CD3ζ domains with intracellular proximal T cell signalling molecules. We show that certain proximal signalling CARs, such as a ZAP-70 CAR, can activate T cells and eradicate tumours in vivo while bypassing upstream signalling proteins, including CD3ζ. The primary role of ZAP-70 is to phosphorylate LAT and SLP-76, which form a scaffold for signal propagation. We exploited the cooperative role of LAT and SLP-76 to engineer logic-gated intracellular network (LINK) CAR, a rapid and reversible Boolean-logic AND-gated CAR T cell platform that outperforms other systems in both efficacy and prevention of on-target, off-tumour toxicity. LINK CAR will expand the range of molecules that can be targeted with CAR T cells, and will enable these powerful therapeutic agents to be used for solid tumours and diverse diseases such as autoimmunity7 and fibrosis8. In addition, this work shows that the internal signalling machinery of cells can be repurposed into surface receptors, which could open new avenues for cellular engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aidan M Tousley
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lea Wenting Rysavy
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Won-Ju Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Caleb Lareau
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Evan W Weber
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Skyler P Rietberg
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Yajie Yin
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Klysz
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eva L de la Serna
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexander R Dunn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ansuman T Satpathy
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robbie G Majzner
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Pant A, Lim M. CAR-T Therapy in GBM: Current Challenges and Avenues for Improvement. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1249. [PMID: 36831591 PMCID: PMC9954019 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Completed clinical trials of CAR-T cells in glioblastoma (GBM) have revealed key challenges that limit their efficacy. These include incomplete antigen coverage, downregulation of target antigen in response to therapy, exposure to immunosuppressive cells and cytokines in the tumor microenvironment and exhaustion of CAR-T cells. To overcome these challenges, CAR-T cells have been modified to maximize effector function and resist immunosuppression in the tumor while limiting toxicities to the host. Adoption of these novel CAR-T strategies in GBM can overcome the "cold tumor" phenotype of GBM and trigger an inflammatory cascade that maximizes tumor clearance and minimizes CAR-T dysfunction. To achieve this, understanding and harnessing the antigenic, metabolic and immunological composition of GBM is crucial. Here we review the findings from completed clinical trials of CAR-T cells in GBM as well as novel strategies that could improve CAR-T survival and function in the tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayush Pant
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Labanieh L, Mackall CL. CAR immune cells: design principles, resistance and the next generation. Nature 2023; 614:635-648. [PMID: 36813894 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 156.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable clinical activity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies in B cell and plasma cell malignancies has validated the use of this therapeutic class for liquid cancers, but resistance and limited access remain as barriers to broader application. Here we review the immunobiology and design principles of current prototype CARs and present emerging platforms that are anticipated to drive future clinical advances. The field is witnessing a rapid expansion of next-generation CAR immune cell technologies designed to enhance efficacy, safety and access. Substantial progress has been made in augmenting immune cell fitness, activating endogenous immunity, arming cells to resist suppression via the tumour microenvironment and developing approaches to modulate antigen density thresholds. Increasingly sophisticated multispecific, logic-gated and regulatable CARs display the potential to overcome resistance and increase safety. Early signs of progress with stealth, virus-free and in vivo gene delivery platforms provide potential paths for reduced costs and increased access of cell therapies in the future. The continuing clinical success of CAR T cells in liquid cancers is driving the development of increasingly sophisticated immune cell therapies that are poised to translate to treatments for solid cancers and non-malignant diseases in the coming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Kretschmer S, Perry N, Zhang Y, Kortemme T. Multi-input drug-controlled switches of mammalian gene expression based on engineered nuclear hormone receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.01.526549. [PMID: 36778233 PMCID: PMC9915577 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.526549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based switches that respond to different inputs to regulate cellular outputs, such as gene expression, are central to synthetic biology. For increased controllability, multi-input switches that integrate several cooperating and competing signals for the regulation of a shared output are of particular interest. The nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) superfamily offers promising starting points for engineering multi-input-controlled responses to clinically approved drugs. Starting from the VgEcR/RXR pair, we demonstrate that novel (multi-)drug regulation can be achieved by exchange of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) ligand binding domain (LBD) for other human NHR-derived LBDs. For responses activated to saturation by an agonist for the first LBD, we show that outputs can be boosted by an agonist targeting the second LBD. In combination with an antagonist, output levels are tunable by up to three simultaneously present small-molecule drugs. Such high-level control validates NHRs as a versatile, engineerable platform for programming multi-drug-controlled responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kretschmer
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,Corresponding author:
| | - Nicholas Perry
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,University of California, Berkeley—University of California, San Francisco Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Tanja Kortemme
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,University of California, Berkeley—University of California, San Francisco Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Osorio-Rodríguez DA, Camacho BA, Ramírez-Segura C. Anti-ROR1 CAR-T cells: Architecture and performance. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1121020. [PMID: 36873868 PMCID: PMC9981679 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1121020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is a membrane receptor that plays a key role in development. It is highly expressed during the embryonic stage and relatively low in some normal adult tissues. Malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and some solid tumors overexpress ROR1, making it a promising target for cancer treatment. Moreover, immunotherapy with autologous T-cells engineered to express a ROR1-specific chimeric antigen receptor (ROR1 CAR-T cells) has emerged as a personalized therapeutic option for patients with tumor recurrence after conventional treatments. However, tumor cell heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment (TME) hinder successful clinical outcomes. This review briefly describes the biological functions of ROR1 and its relevance as a tumor therapeutic target, as well as the architecture, activity, evaluation, and safety of some ROR1 CAR-T cells used in basic research and clinical trials. Finally, the feasibility of applying the ROR1 CAR-T cell strategy in combination with therapies targeting other tumor antigens or with inhibitors that prevent tumor antigenic escape is also discussed. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT02706392.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Andrés Osorio-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ingeniería Celular y Molecular, Instituto Distrital de Ciencia, Biotecnología e Innovación en Salud (IDCBIS), Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - César Ramírez-Segura
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ingeniería Celular y Molecular, Instituto Distrital de Ciencia, Biotecnología e Innovación en Salud (IDCBIS), Bogotá, Colombia.,Instituto Distrital de Ciencia, Biotecnología e Innovación en Salud (IDCBIS), Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Overcoming on-target, off-tumour toxicity of CAR T cell therapy for solid tumours. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:49-62. [PMID: 36418477 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00704-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Therapies with genetically modified T cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) specific for CD19 or B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) are approved to treat certain B cell malignancies. However, translating these successes into treatments for patients with solid tumours presents various challenges, including the risk of clinically serious on-target, off-tumour toxicity (OTOT) owing to CAR T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against non-malignant tissues expressing the target antigen. Indeed, severe OTOT has been observed in various CAR T cell clinical trials involving patients with solid tumours, highlighting the importance of establishing strategies to predict, mitigate and control the onset of this effect. In this Review, we summarize current clinical evidence of OTOT with CAR T cells in the treatment of solid tumours and discuss the utility of preclinical mouse models in predicting clinical OTOT. We then describe novel strategies being developed to improve the specificity of CAR T cells in solid tumours, particularly the role of affinity tuning of target binders, logic circuits and synthetic biology. Furthermore, we highlight control strategies that can be used to mitigate clinical OTOT following cell infusion such as regulating or eliminating CAR T cell activity, exogenous control of CAR expression, and local administration of CAR T cells.
Collapse
|
83
|
CAR-NK as a Rapidly Developed and Efficient Immunotherapeutic Strategy against Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010117. [PMID: 36612114 PMCID: PMC9817948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cell therapy has been rapidly developing in recent years, ultimately revolutionizing immunotherapeutic strategies and providing significant anti-tumor potency, mainly in treating hematological neoplasms. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and other adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndromes (CRS) and neurotoxicity associated with CAR-T cell infusion, have raised some concerns about the broad application of this therapy. Natural killer (NK) cells have been identified as promising alternative platforms for CAR-based therapies because of their unique features, such as a lack of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matching restriction, superior safety, and better anti-tumor activity when compared with CAR-T cells. The lack of CRS, neurotoxicity, or GVHD, in the case of CAR-NK therapy, in addition to the possibility of using allogeneic NK cells as a CAR platform for "off-the-shelf" therapy, opens new windows for strategic opportunities. This review underlines recent design achievements in CAR constructs and summarizes preclinical studies' results regarding CAR-NK therapies' safety and anti-tumor potency. Additionally, new approaches in CAR-NK technology are briefly described, and currently registered clinical trials are listed.
Collapse
|
84
|
Liu L, Qu Y, Cheng L, Yoon CW, He P, Monther A, Guo T, Chittle S, Wang Y. Engineering chimeric antigen receptor T cells for solid tumour therapy. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1141. [PMID: 36495108 PMCID: PMC9736813 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based immunotherapy, for example, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapy, has revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly for blood cancers. However, factors such as insufficient T cell tracking, tumour heterogeneity, inhibitory tumour microenvironment (TME) and T cell exhaustion limit the broad application of CAR-based immunotherapy for solid tumours. In particular, the TME is a complex and evolving entity, which is composed of cells of different types (e.g., cancer cells, immune cells and stromal cells), vasculature, soluble factors and extracellular matrix (ECM), with each component playing a critical role in CAR-T immunotherapy. Thus, developing approaches to mitigate the inhibitory TME factors is critical for future success in applying CAR-T cells for solid tumour treatment. Accordingly, understanding the bilateral interaction of CAR-T cells with the TME is in pressing need to pave the way for more efficient therapeutics. In the following review, we will discuss TME-associated aspects with an emphasis on T cell trafficking, ECM barriers, abnormal vasculature, solid tumour heterogenicity and immune suppressive microenvironment. We will then summarize current engineering strategies to overcome the challenges posed by the TME-associated factors. Lastly, the future directions for engineering efficient CAR-T cells for solid tumour therapy will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longwei Liu
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yunjia Qu
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Leonardo Cheng
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Chi Woo Yoon
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Peixiang He
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Abdula Monther
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Tianze Guo
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sarah Chittle
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yingxiao Wang
- Department of BioengineeringInstitute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Qin Y, Xu G. Enhancing CAR T-cell therapies against solid tumors: Mechanisms and reversion of resistance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1053120. [PMID: 36569859 PMCID: PMC9773088 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1053120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, belonging to adoptive immune cells therapy, utilizes engineered immunoreceptors to enhance tumor-specific killing. By now new generations of CAR T-cell therapies dramatically promote the effectiveness and robustness in leukemia cases. However, only a few CAR T-cell therapies gain FDA approval till now, which are applied to hematologic cancers. Targeting solid tumors through CAR T-cell therapies still faces many problems, such as tumor heterogeneity, antigen loss, infiltration inability and immunosuppressive micro-environment. Recent advances provide new insights about the mechanisms of CAR T-cell therapy resistance and give rise to potential reversal therapies. In this review, we mainly introduce existing barriers when treating solid tumors with CAR T-cells and discuss the methods to overcome these challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qin
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China,Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guotai Xu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China,Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Guotai Xu,
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Asmamaw Dejenie T, Tiruneh G/Medhin M, Dessie Terefe G, Tadele Admasu F, Wale Tesega W, Chekol Abebe E. Current updates on generations, approvals, and clinical trials of CAR T-cell therapy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2114254. [PMID: 36094837 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2114254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a novel, customized immunotherapy that is considered a 'living' and self-replicating drug to treat cancer, sometimes resulting in a complete cure. CAR T-cells are manufactured through genetic engineering of T-cells by equipping them with CARs to detect and target antigen-expressing cancer cells. CAR is designed to have an ectodomain extracellularly, a transmembrane domain spanning the cell membrane, and an endodomain intracellularly. Since its first discovery, the CAR structure has evolved greatly, from the first generation to the fifth generation, to offer new therapeutic alternatives for cancer patients. This treatment has achieved long-term and curative therapeutic efficacy in multiple blood malignancies that nowadays profoundly change the treatment landscape of lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. But CART-cell therapy is associated with several hurdles, such as limited therapeutic efficacy, little effect on solid tumors, adverse effects, expensive cost, and feasibility issues, hindering its broader implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Markeshaw Tiruneh G/Medhin
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gashaw Dessie Terefe
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Fitalew Tadele Admasu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Science Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
| | - Wondwossen Wale Tesega
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Endeshaw Chekol Abebe
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Science Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Harrer DC, Schenkel C, Bezler V, Kaljanac M, Hartley J, Barden M, Pan H, Holzinger A, Herr W, Abken H. CAR Triggered Release of Type-1 Interferon Limits CAR T-Cell Activities by an Artificial Negative Autocrine Loop. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233839. [PMID: 36497099 PMCID: PMC9737386 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells expedited the field of cancer immunotherapy enabling durable remissions in patients with refractory hematological malignancies. T cells redirected for universal cytokine-mediated killing (TRUCKs), commonly referred to as "fourth generation" CAR T-cells, are designed to release engineered payloads upon CAR-induced T-cell activation. Building on the TRUCK technology, we aimed to generate CAR T-cells with a CAR-inducible artificial, self-limiting autocrine loop. To this end, we engineered CAR T-cells with CAR triggered secretion of type-1 interferons (IFNs). At baseline, IFNα and IFNβ CAR T-cells showed similar capacities in cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion compared to conventional CAR T-cells. However, under "stress" conditions of repetitive rounds of antigen stimulation using BxPC-3 pancreas carcinoma cells as targets, anti-tumor activity faded in later rounds while being fully active in destructing carcinoma cells during first rounds of stimulation. Mechanistically, the decline in activity was primarily based on type-1 IFN augmented CAR T-cell apoptosis, which was far less the case for CAR T-cells without IFN release. Such autocrine self-limiting loops can be used for applications where transient CAR T-cell activity and persistence upon target recognition is desired to avoid lasting toxicities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Department Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Charlotte Schenkel
- Department Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Valerie Bezler
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marcell Kaljanac
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jordan Hartley
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Barden
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hong Pan
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Holzinger
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herr
- Department Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Abstract
Immune cells are being engineered to recognize and respond to disease states, acting as a "living drug" when transferred into patients. Therapies based on engineered immune cells are now a clinical reality, with multiple engineered T cell therapies approved for treatment of hematologic malignancies. Ongoing preclinical and clinical studies are testing diverse strategies to modify the fate and function of immune cells for applications in cancer, infectious disease, and beyond. Here, we discuss current progress in treating human disease with immune cell therapeutics, emerging strategies for immune cell engineering, and challenges facing the field, with a particular emphasis on the treatment of cancer, where the most effort has been applied to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darrell J. Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marcela V. Maus
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
| | - David J. Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, U.S.A.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, U.S.A
| | - Wilson W. Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
89
|
Stepanov AV, Kalinin RS, Shipunova VO, Zhang D, Xie J, Rubtsov YP, Ukrainskaya VM, Schulga A, Konovalova EV, Volkov DV, Yaroshevich IA, Moysenovich AM, Belogurov AA, Zhang H, Telegin GB, Chernov AS, Maschan MA, Terekhov SS, Wu P, Deyev SM, Lerner RA, Gabibov AG, Altman S. Switchable targeting of solid tumors by BsCAR T cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2210562119. [PMID: 36343224 PMCID: PMC9674235 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210562119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has become a critical milestone in modern oncotherapy. Despite the remarkable in vitro effectiveness, the problem of safety and efficacy of CAR T cell therapy against solid tumors is challenged by the lack of tumor-specific antigens required to avoid on-target off-tumor effects. Spatially separating the cytotoxic function of CAR T cells from tumor antigen recognition provided by protein mediators allows for the precise control of CAR T cell cytotoxicity. Here, the high affinity and capability of the bacterial toxin-antitoxin barnase-barstar system were adopted to guide CAR T cells to solid tumors. The complementary modules based on (1) ankyrin repeat (DARPin)-barnase proteins and (2) barstar-based CAR (BsCAR) were designed to provide switchable targeting to tumor cells. The alteration of the DARPin-barnase switches enabled the targeting of different tumor antigens with a single BsCAR. A gradual increase in cytokine release and tunable BsCAR T cell cytotoxicity was achieved by varying DARPin-barnase loads. Switchable BsCAR T cell therapy was able to eradicate the HER2+ ductal carcinoma in vivo. Guiding BsCAR T cells by DARPin-barnase switches provides a universal approach for a controlled multitargeted adoptive immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V. Stepanov
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Roman S. Kalinin
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Victoria O. Shipunova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Ding Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Jia Xie
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Yuri P. Rubtsov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Valeria M. Ukrainskaya
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey Schulga
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Elena V. Konovalova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Volkov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Igor A. Yaroshevich
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Anastasiia M. Moysenovich
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Belogurov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Hongkai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Georgij B. Telegin
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexandr S. Chernov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Maschan
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Stanislav S. Terekhov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Sergey M. Deyev
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Richard A. Lerner
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Alexander G. Gabibov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Sidney Altman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Lee S, Khalil AS, Wong WW. Recent progress of gene circuit designs in immune cell therapies. Cell Syst 2022; 13:864-873. [PMID: 36395726 PMCID: PMC9681026 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy against hematological cancers has convincingly demonstrated the potential of using genetically engineered cells as therapeutic agents. Although much progress has been achieved in cell therapy, more beneficial capabilities have yet to be fully explored. One of the unique advantages afforded by cell therapies is the possibility to implement genetic control circuits, which enables diverse signal sensing and logical processing for optimal response in the complex tumor microenvironment. In this perspective, we will first outline design considerations for cell therapy control circuits that address clinical demands. We will compare and contrast key design features in some of the latest control circuits developments and conclude by discussing potential future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seunghee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ahmad S Khalil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Wilson W Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Li HS, Wong NM, Tague E, Ngo JT, Khalil AS, Wong WW. High-performance multiplex drug-gated CAR circuits. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:1294-1305.e4. [PMID: 36084652 PMCID: PMC9669166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells can revolutionize cancer medicine. However, overactivation, lack of tumor-specific surface markers, and antigen escape have hampered CAR T cell development. A multi-antigen targeting CAR system regulated by clinically approved pharmaceutical agents is needed. Here, we present VIPER CARs (versatile protease regulatable CARs), a collection of inducible ON and OFF switch CAR circuits engineered with a viral protease domain. We established their controllability using FDA-approved antiviral protease inhibitors in a xenograft tumor and a cytokine release syndrome mouse model. Furthermore, we benchmarked VIPER CARs against other drug-gated systems and demonstrated best-in-class performance. We showed their orthogonality in vivo using the ON VIPER CAR and OFF lenalidomide-CAR systems. Finally, we engineered several VIPER CAR circuits by combining various CAR technologies. Our multiplexed, drug-gated CAR circuits represent the next progression in CAR design capable of advanced logic and regulation for enhancing the safety of CAR T cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Shan Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole M Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elliot Tague
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John T Ngo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmad S Khalil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wilson W Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Zhang J, Du B, Liu M. Let's turn the CAR-T cells ON and OFF precisely. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:1264-1266. [PMID: 36379203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Cancer Cell, Li et al. develop novel tunable ON/OFF switch chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) circuits using clinically approved drugs based on the viral NS3 protease system. These platforms not only show superior controllability but also have high performance and compatibility, thereby providing versatile tools for precisely modulating CAR-T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiqin Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bing Du
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Freitas KA, Belk JA, Sotillo E, Quinn PJ, Ramello MC, Malipatlolla M, Daniel B, Sandor K, Klysz D, Bjelajac J, Xu P, Burdsall KA, Tieu V, Duong VT, Donovan MG, Weber EW, Chang HY, Majzner RG, Espinosa JM, Satpathy AT, Mackall CL. Enhanced T cell effector activity by targeting the Mediator kinase module. Science 2022; 378:eabn5647. [PMID: 36356142 PMCID: PMC10335827 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn5647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
T cells are the major arm of the immune system responsible for controlling and regressing cancers. To identify genes limiting T cell function, we conducted genome-wide CRISPR knockout screens in human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Top hits were MED12 and CCNC, components of the Mediator kinase module. Targeted MED12 deletion enhanced antitumor activity and sustained the effector phenotype in CAR- and T cell receptor-engineered T cells, and inhibition of CDK8/19 kinase activity increased expansion of nonengineered T cells. MED12-deficient T cells manifested increased core Meditator chromatin occupancy at transcriptionally active enhancers-most notably for STAT and AP-1 transcription factors-and increased IL2RA expression and interleukin-2 sensitivity. These results implicate Mediator in T cell effector programming and identify the kinase module as a target for enhancing potency of antitumor T cell responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Freitas
- Immunology Graduate Program, Stanford University School of
Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: KAF and JAB
| | - Julia A. Belk
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: KAF and JAB
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Patrick J. Quinn
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Maria C. Ramello
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Meena Malipatlolla
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bence Daniel
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katalin Sandor
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Klysz
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Bjelajac
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative
Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kylie A. Burdsall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Victor Tieu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of
Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vandon T. Duong
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of
Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Micah G. Donovan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Evan W. Weber
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco,
CA, USA
- Present address: Department of Pediatrics, University of
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Howard Y. Chang
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco,
CA, USA
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robbie G. Majzner
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell
Transplant and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University
School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joaquin M. Espinosa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ansuman T. Satpathy
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco,
CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of
Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: ATS and CLM
| | - Crystal L. Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco,
CA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell
Transplant and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University
School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of BMT and Cell Therapy, Department of Medicine,
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: ATS and CLM
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
Abstract
CAR T-cell therapy has transformed the treatment of hematological malignancies of the B cell lineage. However, the quest to fulfil the same promise for solid tumors is still in its infancy. This review summarizes some of the challenges that the field is trying to overcome for effective treatment of human carcinomas, including tumor heterogeneity, the paucity of truly tumor-specific targets, immunosuppression and metabolic restrictions at solid tumor beds, and defective T-cell trafficking. All these barriers are being currently investigated and, in some cases, targeted, by multiple independent groups. With clinical interventions against multiple human malignancies and different platforms under accelerated clinical development, the next few years will see an array of cellular therapies, including CAR T-cells, progressively becoming routine interventions to eliminate currently incurable diseases, as it happened with some hematological malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose R Conejo-Garcia
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jose A Guevara-Patino
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Zhou Z, Tao C, Li J, Tang JCO, Chan ASC, Zhou Y. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells applied to solid tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:984864. [PMID: 36389701 PMCID: PMC9659902 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.984864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is novel tumor immunotherapy that enables autologous T to express synthetic receptors to specifically recognize the surface tumor-associated antigens for exerting subsequent antitumor effects, and eliminating the resistance, metastases and recurrence of cancer. Although CAR T cells have exhibited success in eradicating hematologic malignancies, their applications to solid tumors has not yet been achieved due to obstacles such as the immune-suppressor tumor microenvironment and lack of tumor specific target antigens. In this review, we presented advancements in the development of CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors, and offered a brief summary of the challenges, as well as novel engineering and pharmaceutical interventions to overcome these barriers. Looking forward, we discussed the latest studies which are expected to reach the clinicals in the next few years, including CRISPR screens-based CAR modification and CAR T cells driven from progenitor-like T cells. Collectively, this review may inspire researchers and clinicians to develop clinical available strategies of CAR T cell therapies in solid tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongguo Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Can Tao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianting Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Johnny Cheuk-on Tang
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Kamford Genetics Company Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Albert Sun-chi Chan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Zhou,
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Mao R, Kong W, He Y. The affinity of antigen-binding domain on the antitumor efficacy of CAR T cells: Moderate is better. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1032403. [PMID: 36325345 PMCID: PMC9618871 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1032403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The overall efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells (CARTs) remain limited in solid tumors despite intensive studies that aim at targeting multiple antigens, enhancing migration, reducing tonic signaling, and improving tumor microenvironment. On the other hand, how the affinity and engaging kinetics of antigen-binding domain (ABD) affects the CART's efficacy has not been carefully investigated. In this article, we first analyzed 38 published solid tumor CART trials and correlated the response rate to their ABD affinity. Not surprisingly, majority (25 trials) of the CARTs utilized high-affinity ABDs, but generated merely 5.7% response rate. In contrast, 35% of the patients treated with the CARTs built from moderate-affinity ABDs had clinical responses. Thus, CARTs with moderate-affinity ABDs not only have less off-target toxicity, but also are more effective. We then reviewed the effects of ABD affinity on the biology and function of CARTs, providing further evidence that moderate-affinity ABDs may be better in CART development. In the end, we propose that a fast-on/fast-off (high Kon and Koff ) kinetics of CART-target engagement in solid tumor allow CARTs to generate sufficient signaling to kill tumor cells without being driven to exhaustion. We believe that studying the ABD affinity and the kinetics of CART-tumor interaction may hold a key to designing effective CARTs for solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Mao
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Wanqing Kong
- South Carolina Governors School for Science and Math, Hartsville, SC, United States
| | - Yukai He
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Choi SI, Yin J. Prospective approaches to enhancing CAR T cell therapy for glioblastoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1008751. [PMID: 36275671 PMCID: PMC9582117 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1008751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor. The poor clinical outcome and overall ineffectiveness of current standard treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, highlight the urgent need for alternative tumor-specific therapies for GBM. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a revolutionary therapeutic strategy for hematological malignancies, but the optimal potency of CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors, especially GBM, has not been achieved. Although CAR T cell therapeutic strategies for GBM have been assessed in clinical trials, the current antitumor activity of CAR T cells remains insufficient. In this review, we present our perspective on genetically modifying CAR constructs, overcoming T cell dysfunctions, and developing additional treatments that can improve CAR T cell effectiveness, such as functionality, persistence, and infiltration into tumor sites. Effectively improved CAR T cells may offer patients with GBM new treatment opportunities, and this review is intended to provide a comprehensive overview for researchers to develop potent CAR T cells using genetic engineering or combinatorial preparations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sun Il Choi
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jinlong Yin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Jinlong Yin,
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
Atar D, Mast AS, Scheuermann S, Ruoff L, Seitz CM, Schlegel P. Adapter CAR T Cell Therapy for the Treatment of B-Lineage Lymphomas. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102420. [PMID: 36289682 PMCID: PMC9599140 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CD19CAR T cells facilitate a transformational treatment in various relapsed and refractory aggressive B-lineage cancers. In general, encouraging response rates have been observed in B-lineage-derived non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas treated with CD19CAR T cells. The major cause of death in heavily pretreated NHL patients is lymphoma progression and lymphoma recurrence. Inefficient CAR T cell therapy is the result of the limited potency of the CAR T cell product or is due to loss of the targeted antigen. Target antigen loss has been identified as the key factor that can be addressed stringently by dual- or multitargeted CAR T cell approaches. We have developed a versatile adapter CAR T cell technology (AdCAR) that allows multitargeting. Screening of three different B-lineage lymphoma cell lines has revealed distinct immune target profiles. Cancer-specific adapter molecule combinations may be utilized to prevent antigen immune escape. In general, CD19CAR T cells become non-functional in CD19 negative lymphoma subsets; however, AdCAR T cells can be redirected to alternative target antigens beyond CD19, such as CD20, CD22, CD79B, and ROR-1. The capability to flexibly shift CAR specificity by exchanging the adapter molecule’s specificity broadens the application and significantly increases the anti-leukemic and anti-lymphoma activity. The clinical evaluation of AdCAR T cells in lymphoma as a new concept of CAR T cell immunotherapy may overcome treatment failure due to antigen immune escape in monotargeted conventional CAR T cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Atar
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anna-Sophia Mast
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sophia Scheuermann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lara Ruoff
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Martin Seitz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Schlegel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Cellular Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney 2145, Australia
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Westmead Children’s Hospital, Sydney 2145, Australia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
He X, Wang J, Yu H, Lv W, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Liu Z, Wu Y. Clinical significance for diagnosis and prognosis of POP1 and its potential role in breast cancer: a comprehensive analysis based on multiple databases. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:6936-6956. [PMID: 36084948 PMCID: PMC9512506 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in women. The discovery of available biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis and improving prognosis. The effect of POP1 in BC remains unrevealed. Our study aims to explore the expression of POP1 in BC and demonstrate its clinical significance and potential molecular mechanisms. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) BC cohort transcriptome data and corresponding clinical information were downloaded. GSE42568 cohort, GSE162228 cohort, GSE7904 cohort, and GSE161533 cohort in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used as verification groups. R software and several web tools were used for statistical analysis. Moreover, the proliferation, transwell, wound healing experiments, and flow cytometry were used for in vitro investigation. Results: Compared with normal breast tissue, POP1 expression was up-regulated in BC tissue with a higher mutation rate. POP1 had good diagnostic value for BC and could be utilized as a new marker. POP1 was significantly correlated with multiple pathways in BC and played an important role in the immune infiltration of BC. High-POP1 expression patients were more prone to be responded to immunotherapy and had a significantly higher percentage of immunotherapy response rate. Moreover, POP1 promoted proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis in BC cells. Conclusions: POP1 expression was up-regulated in BC and was associated with a poor prognosis. Patients with high-POP1 expression were more likely to be responded to immunotherapy. Our study can provide a potential marker POP1 for BC, which is beneficial in the diagnosis and treatment of BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao He
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Ji Wang
- Department of Emergency, The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, The First People's Hospital of Yichang, Yichang 443000, Hubei, China
| | - Honghao Yu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Wenchang Lv
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yichen Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zeming Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yiping Wu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
100
|
Asija S, Chatterjee A, Yadav S, Chekuri G, Karulkar A, Jaiswal AK, Goda JS, Purwar R. Combinatorial approaches to effective therapy in glioblastoma (GBM): Current status and what the future holds. Int Rev Immunol 2022; 41:582-605. [PMID: 35938932 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2022.2101647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The aggressive and recurrent nature of glioblastoma is multifactorial and has been attributed to its biological heterogeneity, dysfunctional metabolic signaling pathways, rigid blood-brain barrier, inherent resistance to standard therapy due to the stemness property of the gliomas cells, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, hypoxia and neoangiogenesis which are very well orchestrated and create the tumor's own highly pro-tumorigenic milieu. Once the relay of events starts amongst these components, eventually it becomes difficult to control the cascade using only the balanced contemporary care of treatment consisting of maximal resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolamide. Over the past few decades, implementation of contemporary treatment modalities has shown benefit to some extent, but no significant overall survival benefit is achieved. Therefore, there is an unmet need for advanced multifaceted combinatorial strategies. Recent advances in molecular biology, development of innovative therapeutics and novel delivery platforms over the years has resulted in a paradigm shift in gliomas therapeutics. Decades of research has led to emergence of several treatment molecules, including immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade, oncolytic virotherapy, adoptive cell therapy, nanoparticles, CED and BNCT, each with the unique proficiency to overcome the mentioned challenges, present research. Recent years are seeing innovative combinatorial strategies to overcome the multifactorial resistance put forth by the GBM cell and its TME. This review discusses the contemporary and the investigational combinatorial strategies being employed to treat GBM and summarizes the evidence accumulated till date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sweety Asija
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Abhishek Chatterjee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sandhya Yadav
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Godhanjali Chekuri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Atharva Karulkar
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Ankesh Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Jayant S Goda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rahul Purwar
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|