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de Jong W, Aerts J, Allard S, Brander C, Buyze J, Florence E, van Gorp E, Vanham G, Leal L, Mothe B, Thielemans K, Plana M, Garcia F, Gruters R. iHIVARNA phase IIa, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of iHIVARNA-01 in chronically HIV-infected patients under stable combined antiretroviral therapy. Trials 2019; 20:361. [PMID: 31208472 PMCID: PMC6580477 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3409-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV therapeutic vaccination aims to improve the immune responses against HIV in order to control viral replication without the need for combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). iHIVARNA-01 is a novel vaccine combining mRNA delivery and T-cell immunogen (HTI) based on conserved targets of effective antiviral T-cell responses. In addition, it holds adequate stimuli required for activating antigen presenting cells (APC)s and co-activating specific T-cells (TriMix), including human CD40L, constitutively active TLR4 (caTLR4) and CD70. We propose that in-vivo targeting of dendritic cells (DCs) by direct administration of a HIV mRNA encoding these immune modulating proteins might be an attractive alternative to target DCs in vitro. METHODS/DESIGN This is a phase-IIa, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter study in chronically HIV-1 infected patients under stable cART. One of the three study arms is randomly allocated to subjects. Three vaccinations with either HIVACAT T-cell immunogen (HTI)-TriMix (iHIVARNA-01), TriMix or water for injection (WFI) (weeks 0, 2 and 4) are administered by intranodal injection in the inguinal region. Two weeks after the last immunization (week 6) cART is stopped for 12 weeks. The two primary endpoints are: (1) safety and tolerability of intranodal iHIVARNA-01 vaccination compared with TriMix or WFI and (2) induced immunogenicity, i.e., increase in the frequency of HIV-specific T-cell responses between baseline, week 6 and 12 weeks after treatment interruption in iHIVARNA-01-treated patients as compared to the control groups, immunized with TriMix-mRNA or WFI measured by an IFNγ ELISPOT assay. Secondary endpoints include the evaluation of time to viral rebound, plasma viral load (pVL) at w18, the proportion of patients with control of viral load, induction of T-cell responses to new HIV epitopes, polyfunctionality of HIV-specific T-cells, CD8+ T-cell in-vitro HIV suppressive capacity, the effect on viral reservoir (measured by proviral DNA and cell-associated RNA), assessment of viral immune escape by mutation and mRNA expression profiles of host immune genes. DISCUSSION This trial aims to direct target DC in situ with mRNA encoding HTI and TriMix for co-stimulation. Intranodal injection circumvents laborious DC isolation and handling in the laboratory. The trial extends on the safety results of a phase-I dose-escalating trial. This candidate vaccine could complement or even replace cART for chronic HIV infection and could be applicable to improve the care and cost of HIV infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2016-002724-83 (22 September 2016); ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02888756 . Registered on 23 August 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley de Jong
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Room Ee-1726, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joeri Aerts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabine Allard
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christian Brander
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,AELIX Therapeutics, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Jozefien Buyze
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine and, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eric Florence
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine and, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eric van Gorp
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Room Ee-1726, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guido Vanham
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine and, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lorna Leal
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Mothe
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain.,University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Montse Plana
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Félipe Garcia
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain. .,Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rob Gruters
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Room Ee-1726, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Wylie B, Macri C, Mintern JD, Waithman J. Dendritic Cells and Cancer: From Biology to Therapeutic Intervention. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E521. [PMID: 30979057 PMCID: PMC6521027 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inducing effective anti-tumor immunity has become a major therapeutic strategy against cancer. Dendritic cells (DC) are a heterogenous population of antigen presenting cells that infiltrate tumors. While DC play a critical role in the priming and maintenance of local immunity, their functions are often diminished, or suppressed, by factors encountered in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, DC populations with immunosuppressive activities are also recruited to tumors, limiting T cell infiltration and promoting tumor growth. Anti-cancer therapies can impact the function of tumor-associated DC and/or alter their phenotype. Therefore, the design of effective anti-cancer therapies for clinical translation should consider how best to boost tumor-associated DC function to drive anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we discuss the different subsets of tumor-infiltrating DC and their role in anti-tumor immunity. Moreover, we describe strategies to enhance DC function within tumors and harness these cells for effective tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Wylie
- Phylogica, Harry Perkins Institute, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Christophe Macri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Bio21, Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Justine D Mintern
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Bio21, Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Jason Waithman
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
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53
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The applications of anti-CD20 antibodies to treat various B cells disorders. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:2415-2426. [PMID: 30551501 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.11.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 (called CD20) is known as an activated-glycosylated phosphoprotein which is expressed on the surface of all B-cells. CD20 is involved in the regulation of trans-membrane Ca2+ conductance and also play critical roles in cell-cycle progression during human B cell proliferation and activation. The appearance of monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology provided an effective field for targeted therapy in treatment of a variety of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Anti-CD20 is one of important antibodies which could be employed in treatment of several diseases. Increasing evidences revealed that efficacy of different anti-CD20 antibodies is implicated by their function. Hence, evaluation of anti-CD20 antibodies function could provide and introduce new anti-CD20 based therapies. In the present study, we summarized several applications of anti-CD20 antibodies in various immune related disorders including B-CLL (B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS) and melanoma.
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54
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Van der Jeught K, De Koker S, Bialkowski L, Heirman C, Tjok Joe P, Perche F, Maenhout S, Bevers S, Broos K, Deswarte K, Malard V, Hammad H, Baril P, Benvegnu T, Jaffrès PA, Kooijmans SAA, Schiffelers R, Lienenklaus S, Midoux P, Pichon C, Breckpot K, Thielemans K. Dendritic Cell Targeting mRNA Lipopolyplexes Combine Strong Antitumor T-Cell Immunity with Improved Inflammatory Safety. ACS NANO 2018; 12:9815-9829. [PMID: 30256609 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b00966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In vitro transcribed mRNA constitutes a versatile platform to encode antigens and to evoke CD8 T-cell responses. Systemic delivery of mRNA packaged into cationic liposomes (lipoplexes) has proven particularly powerful in achieving effective antitumor immunity in animal models. Yet, T-cell responses to mRNA lipoplexes critically depend on the induction of type I interferons (IFN), potent pro-inflammatory cytokines, which inflict dose-limiting toxicities. Here, we explored an advanced hybrid lipid polymer shell mRNA nanoparticle (lipopolyplex) endowed with a trimannose sugar tree as an alternative delivery vehicle for systemic mRNA vaccination. Like mRNA lipoplexes, mRNA lipopolyplexes were extremely effective in conferring antitumor T-cell immunity upon systemic administration. Conversely to mRNA lipoplexes, mRNA lipopolyplexes did not rely on type I IFN for effective T-cell immunity. This differential mode of action of mRNA lipopolyplexes enabled the incorporation of N1 methyl pseudouridine nucleoside modified mRNA to reduce inflammatory responses without hampering T-cell immunity. This feature was attributed to mRNA lipopolyplexes, as the incorporation of thus modified mRNA into lipoplexes resulted in strongly weakened T-cell immunity. Taken together, we have identified lipopolyplexes containing N1 methyl pseudouridine nucleoside modified mRNA as potent yet low-inflammatory alternatives to the mRNA lipoplexes currently explored in early phase clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Van der Jeught
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Brussels 1090 , Belgium
| | | | - Lukasz Bialkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Brussels 1090 , Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Brussels 1090 , Belgium
| | - Patrick Tjok Joe
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Brussels 1090 , Belgium
| | - Federico Perche
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, University and Inserm , Orléans 45071 , France
| | | | - Sanne Bevers
- eTheRNA Immunotherapies NV , Niel 2845 , Belgium
| | - Katrijn Broos
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Brussels 1090 , Belgium
| | - Kim Deswarte
- VIB Inflammation Research Center , UGent , Ghent 9052 , Belgium
| | - Virginie Malard
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, University and Inserm , Orléans 45071 , France
| | - Hamida Hammad
- VIB Inflammation Research Center , UGent , Ghent 9052 , Belgium
| | - Patrick Baril
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, University and Inserm , Orléans 45071 , France
| | - Thierry Benvegnu
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS UMR6226 , Rennes 35708 , France
| | - Paul-Alain Jaffrès
- CEMA, CNRS UMR 6521, SFR148 ScInBioS , Université de Brest , Brest 29238 , France
| | - Sander A A Kooijmans
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteit Utrecht , Utrecht 3584 , Netherlands
| | - Raymond Schiffelers
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteit Utrecht , Utrecht 3584 , Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, University and Inserm , Orléans 45071 , France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, University and Inserm , Orléans 45071 , France
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Brussels 1090 , Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences , Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) , Brussels 1090 , Belgium
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55
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Brabants E, Heyns K, De Smet S, Devreker P, Ingels J, De Cabooter N, Debacker V, Dullaers M, VAN Meerbeeck JP, Vandekerckhove B, Vermaelen KY. An accelerated, clinical-grade protocol to generate high yields of type 1-polarizing messenger RNA-loaded dendritic cells for cancer vaccination. Cytotherapy 2018; 20:1164-1181. [PMID: 30122654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many efforts have been devoted to improve the performance of dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines. Ideally, a DC vaccine should induce robust type 1-polarized T-cell responses and efficiently expand antigen (Ag)-specific cytotoxic T-cells, while being applicable regardless of patient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type. Production time should be short, while maximally being good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant. We developed a method that caters to all of these demands and demonstrated the superiority of the resulting product compared with DCs generated using a well-established "classical" protocol. METHODS Immunomagnetically purified monocytes were cultured in a closed system for 3 days in GMP-compliant serum-free medium and cytokines, and matured for 24 h using monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA)+ interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Mature DCs were electroporated with messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding full-length antigen and cryopreserved. "Classical" DCs were cultured for 8 days in flasks, with one round of medium and cytokine supplementation, and matured with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) + prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) during the last 2 days. RESULTS Four-day MPLA/IFN-γ-matured DCs were superior to 8-day TNF-α/PGE2-matured DCs in terms of yield, co-stimulatory/co-inhibitory molecule expression, resilience to electroporation and cryopreservation and type 1-polarizing cytokine and chemokine release after cell thawing. Electroporated and cryopreserved DCs according to our protocol efficiently present epitopes from tumor antigen-encoding mRNA, inducing a strong expansion of antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells with full cytolytic capacity. CONCLUSION We demonstrate using a GMP-compliant culture protocol the feasibility of generating high yields of mature DCs in a short time, with a superior immunogenic profile compared with 8-day TNF-α/PGE2-matured DCs, and capable of inducing vigorous cytotoxic T-cell responses to antigen from electroporated mRNA. This method is now being applied in our clinical trial program.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Brabants
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - K Heyns
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S De Smet
- Cell Therapy Unit, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - P Devreker
- Cell Therapy Unit, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Ingels
- Cell Therapy Unit, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - N De Cabooter
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Primary Immunodeficiencies Research Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Lung Diseases;-Immunodeficiencies; and-Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - V Debacker
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Primary Immunodeficiencies Research Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Lung Diseases;-Immunodeficiencies; and-Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Dullaers
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Primary Immunodeficiencies Research Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Lung Diseases;-Immunodeficiencies; and-Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J P VAN Meerbeeck
- Center for Oncological Research, Department of Pulmonology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - B Vandekerckhove
- Cell Therapy Unit, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Y Vermaelen
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Cornel AM, van Til NP, Boelens JJ, Nierkens S. Strategies to Genetically Modulate Dendritic Cells to Potentiate Anti-Tumor Responses in Hematologic Malignancies. Front Immunol 2018; 9:982. [PMID: 29867960 PMCID: PMC5968097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccination has been investigated as a potential strategy to target hematologic malignancies, while generating sustained immunological responses to control potential future relapse. Nonetheless, few clinical trials have shown robust long-term efficacy. It has been suggested that a combination of surmountable shortcomings, such as selection of utilized DC subsets, DC loading and maturation strategies, as well as tumor-induced immunosuppression may be targeted to maximize anti-tumor responses of DC vaccines. Generation of DC from CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) may provide potential in patients undergoing allogeneic HSPC transplantations for hematologic malignancies. CD34+ HSPC from the graft can be genetically modified to optimize antigen presentation and to provide sufficient T cell stimulatory signals. We here describe beneficial (gene)-modifications that can be implemented in various processes in T cell activation by DC, among which major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and MHC class II presentation, DC maturation and migration, cross-presentation, co-stimulation, and immunosuppression to improve anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelisa M Cornel
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Niek P van Til
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jaap Jan Boelens
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Pardi N, Hogan MJ, Porter FW, Weissman D. mRNA vaccines - a new era in vaccinology. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:261-279. [PMID: 29326426 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2384] [Impact Index Per Article: 397.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines represent a promising alternative to conventional vaccine approaches because of their high potency, capacity for rapid development and potential for low-cost manufacture and safe administration. However, their application has until recently been restricted by the instability and inefficient in vivo delivery of mRNA. Recent technological advances have now largely overcome these issues, and multiple mRNA vaccine platforms against infectious diseases and several types of cancer have demonstrated encouraging results in both animal models and humans. This Review provides a detailed overview of mRNA vaccines and considers future directions and challenges in advancing this promising vaccine platform to widespread therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Michael J Hogan
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Frederick W Porter
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Spontaneous Activation of Antigen-presenting Cells by Genes Encoding Truncated Homo-Oligomerizing Derivatives of CD40. J Immunother 2018; 40:39-50. [PMID: 28005579 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between the CD40 receptor on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and its trimeric ligand on CD4 T cells is essential for the initiation and progression of the adaptive immune response. Here we undertook to endow CD40 with the capacity to trigger spontaneous APC activation through ligand-independent oligomerization. To this end we exploited the GCN4 yeast transcriptional activator, which contains a leucine zipper DNA-binding motif that induces homophilic interactions. We incorporated GCN4 variants forming homodimers, trimers, or tetramers at the intracellular domain of human and mouse CD40 and replaced the extracellular portion with peptide-β2m or other peptide tags. In parallel we examined similarly truncated CD40 monomers lacking a GCN4 motif. The oligomeric products appeared to arrange in high-molecular-weight aggregates and were considerably superior to the monomer in their ability to trigger nuclear factor kB signaling, substantiating the anticipated constitutively active (ca) phenotype. Cumulative results in human and mouse APC lines transfected with caCD40 mRNA revealed spontaneous upregulation of CD80, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, and IL-12, which could be further enhanced by caTLR4 mRNA. In mouse bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells caCD40 upregulated CD80, CD86, MHC-II, and IL-12 and in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells it elevated surface CD80, CD83 CD86, CCR7, and HLA-DR. Oligomeric products carrying the peptide-β2m extracellular portion could support MHC-I presentation of the linked peptide up to 4 days post-mRNA transfection. These findings demonstrate that the expression of a single caCD40 derivative in APCs can exert multiple immunostimulatory effects, offering a new powerful tool in the design of gene-based cancer vaccines.
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Iavarone C, O'hagan DT, Yu D, Delahaye NF, Ulmer JB. Mechanism of action of mRNA-based vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017; 16:871-881. [PMID: 28701102 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1355245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present review summarizes the growing body of work defining the mechanisms of action of this exciting new vaccine technology that should allow rational approaches in the design of next generation mRNA vaccines. Areas covered: Bio-distribution of mRNA, localization of antigen production, role of the innate immunity, priming of the adaptive immune response, route of administration and effects of mRNA delivery systems. Expert commentary: In the last few years, the development of RNA vaccines had a fast growth, the rising number of proof will enable rational approaches to improving the effectiveness and safety of this modern class of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dong Yu
- a GSK Vaccines , Rockville , MD , USA
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CD70 reverse signaling enhances NK cell function and immunosurveillance in CD27-expressing B-cell malignancies. Blood 2017; 130:297-309. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-12-756585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Points
CD27 expression on malignant B cells triggers CD70 reverse signaling in NK cells and improves lymphoma immunosurveillance. CD70 reverse signaling in NK cells is mediated via the AKT signaling pathway and enhances survival and effector function.
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Fecek RJ, Storkus WJ. Combination strategies to enhance the potency of monocyte-derived dendritic cell-based cancer vaccines. Immunotherapy 2017; 8:1205-18. [PMID: 27605069 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent inducers of adaptive immunity and their clinical use in cancer vaccine formulations remains an area of active translational and clinical investigation. Although cancer vaccines applied as monotherapies have had a modest history of clinical success, there is great enthusiasm for novel therapeutic strategies combining DC-based cancer vaccines with agents that 'normalize' immune function in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Broadly, these combination vaccines are designed to antagonize/remove immunosuppressive networks within the TME that serve to limit the antitumor action of vaccine-induced T cells and/or to condition the TME to facilitate the recruitment and optimal function and durability of vaccine-induced T cells. Such combination regimens are expected to dramatically enhance the clinical potency of DC-based cancer vaccine platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J Fecek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Walter J Storkus
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA.,University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, PA, USA
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63
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Preclinical evaluation of an mRNA HIV vaccine combining rationally selected antigenic sequences and adjuvant signals (HTI-TriMix). AIDS 2017; 31:321-332. [PMID: 27677160 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of a prophylactic vaccine against HIV-1 has so far not been successful. Therefore, attention has shifted more and more toward the development of novel therapeutic vaccines. Here, we evaluated a new mRNA-based therapeutic vaccine against HIV-1-encoding activation signals (TriMix: CD40L + CD70 + caTLR4) combined with rationally selected antigenic sequences [HIVACAT T-cell immunogen (HTI)] sequence: comprises 16 joined fragments from Gag, Pol, Vif, and Nef). METHODS For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-1-infected individuals on cART, lymph node explants from noninfected humans, and splenocytes from immunized mice were collected and several immune functions were measured. RESULTS Electroporation of immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells from HIV-infected patients with mRNA encoding HTI + TriMix potently activated dendritic cells which resulted in upregulation of maturation markers and cytokine production and T-cell stimulation, as evidenced by enhanced proliferation and cytokine secretion (IFN-γ). Responses were HIV specific and were predominantly targeted against the sequences included in HTI. These findings were confirmed in human lymph node explants exposed to HTI + TriMix mRNA. Intranodal immunizations with HTI mRNA in a mouse model increased antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses. The addition of TriMix further enhanced cytotoxic responses. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that uptake of mRNA, encoding strong activation signals and a potent HIV antigen, confers a T-cell stimulatory capacity to dendritic cells and enhances their ability to stimulate antigen-specific immunity. These findings may pave the way for therapeutic HIV vaccine strategies based on antigen-encoding RNA to specifically target antigen-presenting cells.
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Hinz T, Kallen K, Britten CM, Flamion B, Granzer U, Hoos A, Huber C, Khleif S, Kreiter S, Rammensee HG, Sahin U, Singh-Jasuja H, Türeci Ö, Kalinke U. The European Regulatory Environment of RNA-Based Vaccines. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1499:203-222. [PMID: 27987152 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6481-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A variety of different mRNA-based drugs are currently in development. This became possible, since major breakthroughs in RNA research during the last decades allowed impressive improvements of translation, stability and delivery of mRNA. This article focuses on antigen-encoding RNA-based vaccines that are either directed against tumors or pathogens. mRNA-encoded vaccines are developed both for preventive or therapeutic purposes. Most mRNA-based vaccines are directly administered to patients. Alternatively, primary autologous cells from cancer patients are modified ex vivo by the use of mRNA and then are adoptively transferred to patients. In the EU no regulatory guidelines presently exist that specifically address mRNA-based vaccines. The existing regulatory framework, however, clearly defines that mRNA-based vaccines in most cases have to be centrally approved. Interestingly, depending on whether RNA-based vaccines are directed against tumors or infectious disease, they are formally considered gene therapy products or not, respectively. Besides an overview on the current clinical use of mRNA vaccines in various therapeutic areas a detailed discussion of the current regulatory situation is provided and regulatory perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hinz
- Section for Therapeutic Vaccines, Division for Immunology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, 63225, Langen, Germany.
| | | | | | - Bruno Flamion
- URPhyM, NARILIS, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Ulrich Granzer
- Granzer, Regulatory Consulting & Services, Munich, Germany
| | - Axel Hoos
- Glaxo Smith Kline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Hans-Georg Rammensee
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium, DKFZ Partner Site, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Özlem Türeci
- CI3, Cluster for individualized Immune Intervention, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kalinke
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, Twincore, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 7-9, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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Is There Still Room for Cancer Vaccines at the Era of Checkpoint Inhibitors. Vaccines (Basel) 2016; 4:vaccines4040037. [PMID: 27827885 PMCID: PMC5192357 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines4040037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) blockade is considered to be a revolution in cancer therapy, although most patients (70%–80%) remain resistant to this therapy. It has been hypothesized that only tumors with high mutation rates generate a natural antitumor T cell response, which could be revigorated by this therapy. In patients with no pre-existing antitumor T cells, a vaccine-induced T cell response is a rational option to counteract clinical resistance. This hypothesis has been validated in preclinical models using various cancer vaccines combined with inhibitory pathway blockade (PD-1-PDL1-2, CTLA-4-CD80-CD86). Enhanced T cell infiltration of various tumors has been demonstrated following this combination therapy. The timing of this combination appears to be critical to the success of this therapy and multiple combinations of immunomodulating antibodies (CPI antagonists or costimulatory pathway agonists) have reinforced the synergy with cancer vaccines. Only limited results are available in humans and this combined approach has yet to be validated. Comprehensive monitoring of the regulation of CPI and costimulatory molecules after administration of immunomodulatory antibodies (anti-PD1/PD-L1, anti-CTLA-4, anti-OX40, etc.) and cancer vaccines should help to guide the selection of the best combination and timing of this therapy.
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Paret C, Simon P, Vormbrock K, Bender C, Kölsch A, Breitkreuz A, Yildiz Ö, Omokoko T, Hubich-Rau S, Hartmann C, Häcker S, Wagner M, Roldan DB, Selmi A, Türeci Ö, Sahin U. CXorf61 is a target for T cell based immunotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:25356-67. [PMID: 26327325 PMCID: PMC4694836 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a high medical need disease with limited treatment options. CD8+ T cell-mediated immunotherapy may represent an attractive approach to address TNBC. The objectives of this study were to assess the expression of CXorf61 in TNBCs and healthy tissues and to evaluate its capability to induce T cell responses. We show by transcriptional profiling of a broad comprehensive set of normal human tissue that CXorf61 expression is strictly restricted to testis. 53% of TNBC patients express this antigen in at least 30% of their tumor cells. In CXorf61-negative breast cancer cell lines CXorf61 expression is activated by treatment with the hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. By vaccination of HLA-A*02-transgenic mice with CXorf61 encoding RNA we obtained high frequencies of CXorf61-specific T cells. Cloning and characterization of T cell receptors (TCRs) from responding T cells resulted in the identification of the two HLA-A*0201-restricted T cell epitopes CXorf6166–74 and CXorf6179–87. Furthermore, by in vitro priming of human CD8+ T cells derived from a healthy donor recognizing CXorf6166–74 we were able to induce a strong antigen-specific immune response and clone a human TCR recognizing this epitope. In summary, our data confirms this antigen as promising target for T cell based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Paret
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Petra Simon
- BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies, An der Goldgrube 12, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kirsten Vormbrock
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Bender
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anne Kölsch
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Özlem Yildiz
- BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies, An der Goldgrube 12, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tana Omokoko
- BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies, An der Goldgrube 12, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hubich-Rau
- Experimental Oncology, Department of Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Hartmann
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Experimental Oncology, Department of Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabine Häcker
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Meike Wagner
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Experimental Oncology, Department of Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Diana Barea Roldan
- Experimental Oncology, Department of Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Abderaouf Selmi
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies, An der Goldgrube 12, Mainz, Germany.,Experimental Oncology, Department of Medicine III, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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67
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Wilgenhof S, Corthals J, Heirman C, van Baren N, Lucas S, Kvistborg P, Thielemans K, Neyns B. Phase II Study of Autologous Monocyte-Derived mRNA Electroporated Dendritic Cells (TriMixDC-MEL) Plus Ipilimumab in Patients With Pretreated Advanced Melanoma. J Clin Oncol 2016; 34:1330-8. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.63.4121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) electroporated with synthetic mRNA (TriMixDC-MEL) are immunogenic and have antitumor activity as a monotherapy in patients with pretreated advanced melanoma. Ipilimumab, an immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody directed against the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 receptor that counteracts physiologic suppression of T-cell function, improves the overall survival of patients with advanced melanoma. This phase II study investigated the combination of TriMixDC-MEL and ipilimumab in patients with pretreated advanced melanoma. Patients and Methods Thirty-nine patients were treated with TriMixDC-MEL (4 × 106 cells administered intradermally and 20 × 106 cells administered intravenously) plus ipilimumab (10 mg/kg every 3 weeks for a total of four administrations, followed by maintenance therapy every 12 weeks in patients who remained progression free). Six-month disease control rate according to the immune-related response criteria served as the primary end point. Results The 6-month disease control rate was 51% (95% CI, 36% to 67%), and the overall tumor response rate was 38% (including eight complete and seven partial responses). Seven complete responses and one partial tumor response are ongoing after a median follow-up time of 36 months (range, 22 to 43 months). The most common treatment-related adverse events (all grades) consisted of local DC injection site skin reactions (100%), transient post–DC infusion chills (38%) and flu-like symptoms (84%), dermatitis (64%), hepatitis (13%), hypophysitis (15%), and diarrhea/colitis (15%). Grade 3 or 4 immune-related adverse events occurred in 36% of patients. There was no grade 5 adverse event. Conclusion The combination of TriMixDC-MEL and ipilimumab is tolerable and results in an encouraging rate of highly durable tumor responses in patients with pretreated advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Wilgenhof
- Sofie Wilgenhof, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Sofie Wilgenhof, Jurgen Corthals, Carlo Heirman, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Nicolas van Baren, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Sophie Lucas, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; and Pia Kvistborg, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Corthals
- Sofie Wilgenhof, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Sofie Wilgenhof, Jurgen Corthals, Carlo Heirman, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Nicolas van Baren, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Sophie Lucas, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; and Pia Kvistborg, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Sofie Wilgenhof, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Sofie Wilgenhof, Jurgen Corthals, Carlo Heirman, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Nicolas van Baren, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Sophie Lucas, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; and Pia Kvistborg, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicolas van Baren
- Sofie Wilgenhof, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Sofie Wilgenhof, Jurgen Corthals, Carlo Heirman, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Nicolas van Baren, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Sophie Lucas, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; and Pia Kvistborg, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie Lucas
- Sofie Wilgenhof, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Sofie Wilgenhof, Jurgen Corthals, Carlo Heirman, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Nicolas van Baren, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Sophie Lucas, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; and Pia Kvistborg, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pia Kvistborg
- Sofie Wilgenhof, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Sofie Wilgenhof, Jurgen Corthals, Carlo Heirman, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Nicolas van Baren, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Sophie Lucas, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; and Pia Kvistborg, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Sofie Wilgenhof, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Sofie Wilgenhof, Jurgen Corthals, Carlo Heirman, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Nicolas van Baren, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Sophie Lucas, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; and Pia Kvistborg, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Neyns
- Sofie Wilgenhof, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Sofie Wilgenhof, Jurgen Corthals, Carlo Heirman, Kris Thielemans, and Bart Neyns, Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Nicolas van Baren, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Sophie Lucas, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; and Pia Kvistborg, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Wajant
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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69
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Creusot RJ, Battaglia M, Roncarolo MG, Fathman CG. Concise Review: Cell-Based Therapies and Other Non-Traditional Approaches for Type 1 Diabetes. Stem Cells 2016; 34:809-19. [PMID: 26840009 PMCID: PMC5021120 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) therapy has been marked by consecutive shifts, from insulin replacement to immunosuppressive drugs and targeted biologics (following the understanding that T1D is an autoimmune disease), and to more disease‐specific or patient‐oriented approaches such as antigen‐specific and cell‐based therapies, with a goal to provide efficacy, safety, and long‐term protection. At the same time, another important paradigm shift from treatment of new onset T1D patients to prevention in high‐risk individuals has taken place, based on the hypothesis that therapeutic approaches deemed sufficiently safe may show better efficacy if applied early enough to maintain endogenous β cell function, a concept supported by many preclinical studies. This new strategy has been made possible by capitalizing on a variety of biomarkers that can more reliably estimate the risk and rate of progression of the disease. More advanced (“omic”‐based) biomarkers that also shed light on the underlying contributors of disease for each individual will be helpful to guide the choice of the most appropriate therapies, or combinations thereof. In this review, we present current efforts to stratify patients according to biomarkers and current alternatives to conventional drug‐based therapies for T1D, with a special emphasis on cell‐based therapies, their status in the clinic and potential for treatment and/or prevention. Stem Cells2016;34:809–819
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi J Creusot
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Translational Immunology and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Manuela Battaglia
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria-Grazia Roncarolo
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA, USA
| | - C Garrison Fathman
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, CA, USA
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Aerts M, Benteyn D, Van Vlierberghe H, Thielemans K, Reynaert H. Current status and perspectives of immune-based therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:253-61. [PMID: 26755874 PMCID: PMC4698490 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent cancer with a high mortality. For early stage cancer there are potentially curative treatments including local ablation, resection and liver transplantation. However, for more advanced stage disease, there is no optimal treatment available. Even in the case of a "curative" treatment, recurrence or development of a new cancer in the precancerous liver is common. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel and effective (adjuvant) therapies to treat HCC and to prevent recurrence after local treatment in patients with HCC. The unique immune response in the liver favors tolerance, which remains a genuine challenge for conventional immunotherapy in patients with HCC. However, even in this "immunotolerant" organ, spontaneous immune responses against tumor antigens have been detected, although they are insufficient to achieve significant tumor death. Local ablation therapy leads to immunogenic tumor cell death by inducing the release of massive amounts of antigens, which enhances spontaneous immune response. New immune therapies such as dendritic cell vaccination and immune checkpoint inhibition are under investigation. Immunotherapy for cancer has made huge progress in the last few years and clinical trials examining the use of immunotherapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma have shown some success. In this review, we discuss the current status of and offer some perspectives on immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, which could change disease progression in the near future.
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Van Lint S, Renmans D, Broos K, Goethals L, Maenhout S, Benteyn D, Goyvaerts C, Du Four S, Van der Jeught K, Bialkowski L, Flamand V, Heirman C, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. Intratumoral Delivery of TriMix mRNA Results in T-cell Activation by Cross-Presenting Dendritic Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2015; 4:146-56. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-15-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Tagliamonte M, Petrizzo A, Tornesello ML, Buonaguro FM, Buonaguro L. Antigen-specific vaccines for cancer treatment. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 10:3332-46. [PMID: 25483639 DOI: 10.4161/21645515.2014.973317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines targeting pathogens are generally effective and protective because based on foreign non-self antigens which are extremely potent in eliciting an immune response. On the contrary, efficacy of therapeutic cancer vaccines is still disappointing. One of the major reasons for such poor outcome, among others, is the difficulty of identifying tumor-specific target antigens which should be unique to the tumors or, at least, overexpressed on the tumors as compared to normal cells. Indeed, this is the only option to overcome the peripheral immune tolerance and elicit a non toxic immune response. New and more potent strategies are now available to identify specific tumor-associated antigens for development of cancer vaccine approaches aiming at eliciting targeted anti-tumor cellular responses. In the last years this aspect has been addressed and many therapeutic vaccination strategies based on either whole tumor cells or specific antigens have been and are being currently evaluated in clinical trials. This review summarizes the current state of cancer vaccines, mainly focusing on antigen-specific approaches.
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Key Words
- APCs, antigen-presenting cell
- BCG, Bacille Calmette-Guerin
- BCR, B-cell receptor
- CDCA1, cell division cycle associated 1
- CRC, colorectal cancer
- CT, Cancer-testis
- CTL, cytotoxic T-lympocites
- DCs, dendritic cells
- EGT, electro-gene-transfer
- FDA, Food & drug administration
- GB, glioblastoma
- GM-CSF, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor
- HER2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- HPV, human papillomavirus
- HSPs, stress/heat shock proteins
- IFNg, interferon gamma
- Ig Id, immunoglobulin idiotype
- LPs, long peptides
- MAGE-A1, Melanoma-associated antigen 1
- MHC, major histocompatibility complex
- MS, mass spectrometry
- MVA, modified vaccinia strain Ankara
- NSCLC, non-small-cell lung carcinoma
- PAP, prostatic acid phosphatase
- PRRs, Pattern Recognition Receptors
- PSA, Prostate-specific antigen
- RCR, renal cell cancer
- SSX-2, Synovial sarcoma X breakpoint 2
- TAAs, tumor-associated antigens
- TACAs, Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens
- TARP, T-cell receptor gamma alternate reading frame protein
- TLRs, Toll-Like Receptors
- TPA, transporter associated with antigen processing
- WES, whole exome sequencing
- WGS, whole genome sequencing
- cancer vaccine
- clinical trials
- epitopes
- hTERT, human Telomerase reverse transcriptase
- immunotherapeutics
- mCRPC, metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer
- tumor-associated antigens
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tagliamonte
- a Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology; Department of Experimental Oncology; Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori; "Fondazione Pascale" - IRCCS ; Naples , Italy
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Increased extrafollicular expression of the B-cell stimulatory molecule CD70 in HIV-1-infected individuals. AIDS 2015; 29:1757-66. [PMID: 26262581 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE CD70 molecules expressed by activated T cells provide potent B cell stimulatory signals. We hypothesized that an altered CD70 expression might contribute to B cell abnormalities during HIV-1 infection. DESIGN CD70 expression and the functional and migratory properties of the CD4CD70 T lymphocytes were analyzed in HIV-1-infected patients and in humanized mice. Correlations were tested between CD70 expression and features of B-cell activation, apoptosis sensitivity and functional exhaustion. METHODS CD4CD70 T cells were analyzed in cohorts of CD4 T-cell lymphopenic, viremic or nonlymphopenic, nonviremic HIV-1-infected patients and in noninfected individuals. CD70 upregulation was also followed in HIV-1-infected humanized mice. CD38, CD95, LAIR1 and PD-1 expressions were monitored on B-cell subpopulations, Ki67 was assessed to estimate B-cell proliferation and antibody levels were measured in plasma. RESULTS Blood CD4CD70 T-cell frequencies increased in response to CD4 T-cell depletion or high viremia levels as a possible consequence of increased activation and proliferation in this subset. CD4CD70 T cells produced T-helper 1-type cytokines and expressed chemokine receptors mobilizing toward sites of inflammation but not to lymphoid follicles. High CD70 expression was observed in HIV-1-infected humanized mice at extrafollicular sites (peritoneum, bone-marrow). CD4CD70 T-cell frequencies correlated with the expression of the activation marker CD38 and the death receptor CD95 on various memory B-cell subsets, with B-cell proliferation and with plasma IgG levels. CONCLUSIONS CD4CD70 T cells may contribute to B cell hyperactivation and accelerated memory B-cell turnover during HIV-1 infection.
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Bol KF, Figdor CG, Aarntzen EHJG, Welzen MEB, van Rossum MM, Blokx WAM, van de Rakt MWMM, Scharenborg NM, de Boer AJ, Pots JM, olde Nordkamp MAM, van Oorschot TGM, Mus RDM, Croockewit SAJ, Jacobs JFM, Schuler G, Neyns B, Austyn JM, Punt CJA, Schreibelt G, de Vries IJM. Intranodal vaccination with mRNA-optimized dendritic cells in metastatic melanoma patients. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1019197. [PMID: 26405571 PMCID: PMC4570143 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1019197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autologous dendritic cell (DC) therapy is an experimental cellular immunotherapy that is safe and immunogenic in patients with advanced melanoma. In an attempt to further improve the therapeutic responses, we treated 15 patients with melanoma, with autologous monocyte-derived immature DC electroporated with mRNA encoding CD40 ligand (CD40L), CD70 and a constitutively active TLR4 (caTLR4) together with mRNA encoding a tumor-associated antigen (TAA; respectively gp100 or tyrosinase). In addition, DC were pulsed with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) that served as a control antigen. Production of this DC vaccine with high cellular viability, high expression of co-stimulatory molecules and MHC class I and II and production of IL-12p70, was feasible in all patients. A vaccination cycle consisting of three vaccinations with up to 15×106 DC per vaccination at a biweekly interval, was repeated after 6 and 12 months in the absence of disease progression. mRNA-optimized DC were injected intranodally, because of low CCR7 expression on the DC, and induced de novo immune responses against control antigen. T cell responses against tyrosinase were detected in the skin-test infiltrating lymphocytes (SKIL) of two patients. One mixed tumor response and two durable tumor stabilizations were observed among 8 patients with evaluable disease at baseline. In conclusion, autologous mRNA-optimized DC can be safely administered intranodally to patients with metastatic melanoma but showed limited immunological responses against tyrosinase and gp100.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalijn F Bol
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Medical Oncology; Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carl G Figdor
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik HJG Aarntzen
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine; Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke EB Welzen
- Pharmacy; Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Willeke AM Blokx
- Pathology; Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mandy WMM van de Rakt
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole M Scharenborg
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemiek J de Boer
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanette M Pots
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michel AM olde Nordkamp
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom GM van Oorschot
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roel DM Mus
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine; Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Joannes FM Jacobs
- Laboratory Medicine; Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology; University Hospital Erlangen; Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bart Neyns
- Department of Medical Oncology; Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan M Austyn
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences; John Radcliffe Hospital; University of Oxford; Oxford, UK
| | - Cornelis JA Punt
- Department of Medical Oncology; Academic Medical Center; Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerty Schreibelt
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - I Jolanda M de Vries
- Department of Tumor Immunology (Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences); Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Medical Oncology; Radboud university medical centre; Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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75
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Devoldere J, Dewitte H, De Smedt SC, Remaut K. Evading innate immunity in nonviral mRNA delivery: don't shoot the messenger. Drug Discov Today 2015. [PMID: 26210957 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the field of nonviral gene therapy, in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA has emerged as a promising tool for the delivery of genetic information. Over the past few years it has become widely known that the introduction of IVT mRNA into mammalian cells elicits an innate immune response that has favored mRNA use toward immunotherapeutic vaccination strategies. However, for non-immunotherapy-related applications this intrinsic immune-stimulatory activity directly interferes with the aimed therapeutic outcome, because it can seriously compromise the expression of the desired protein. This review presents an overview of the immune-related obstacles that limit mRNA advance for non-immunotherapy-related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke Devoldere
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heleen Dewitte
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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76
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Coosemans A, Tuyaerts S, Vanderstraeten A, Vergote I, Amant F, Van Gool SW. Dendritic cell immunotherapy in uterine cancer. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 10:1822-7. [PMID: 25424788 DOI: 10.4161/hv.28716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine cancer is the most common pelvic gynecological malignancy. Uterine sarcomas and relapsed uterine carcinomas have limited treatment options. The search for new therapies is urgent. Dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy holds much promise, though has been poorly explored in uterine cancer. This commentary gives an insight in existing DC immunotherapy studies in uterine cancer and summarizes the possibilities and the importance of the loading of tumor antigens onto DC and their subsequent maturation. However, the sole application of DC immunotherapy to target uterine cancer will be insufficient because of tumor-induced immunosuppression, which will hamper the establishment of an effective anti-tumor immune response. The authors give an overview on the limited existing immunosuppressive data and propose a novel approach on DC immunotherapy in uterine cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Coosemans
- a Department of Oncology; Leuven Cancer Institute; KU Leuven; Leuven, Belgium
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77
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Willemen Y, Van den Bergh JMJ, Lion E, Anguille S, Roelandts VAE, Van Acker HH, Heynderickx SDI, Stein BMH, Peeters M, Figdor CG, Van Tendeloo VFI, de Vries IJ, Adema GJ, Berneman ZN, Smits ELJ. Engineering monocyte-derived dendritic cells to secrete interferon-α enhances their ability to promote adaptive and innate anti-tumor immune effector functions. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:831-42. [PMID: 25863943 PMCID: PMC11028489 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1688-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccination has demonstrated potential in clinical trials as a new effective cancer treatment, but objective and durable clinical responses are confined to a minority of patients. Interferon (IFN)-α, a type-I IFN, can bolster anti-tumor immunity by restoring or increasing the function of DCs, T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Moreover, type-I IFN signaling on DCs was found to be essential in mice for tumor rejection by the innate and adaptive immune system. Targeted delivery of IFN-α by DCs to immune cells could boost the generation of anti-tumor immunity, while avoiding the side effects frequently associated with systemic administration. Naturally circulating plasmacytoid DCs, major producers of type-I IFN, were already shown capable of inducing tumor antigen-specific T cell responses in cancer patients without severe toxicity, but their limited number complicates their use in cancer vaccination. In the present work, we hypothesized that engineering easily generated human monocyte-derived mature DCs to secrete IFN-α using mRNA electroporation enhances their ability to promote adaptive and innate anti-tumor immunity. Our results show that IFN-α mRNA electroporation of DCs significantly increases the stimulation of tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell as well as anti-tumor NK cell effector functions in vitro through high levels of IFN-α secretion. Altogether, our findings mark IFN-α mRNA-electroporated DCs as potent inducers of both adaptive and innate anti-tumor immunity and pave the way for clinical trial evaluation in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Willemen
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium,
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78
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Cafri G, Sharbi-Yunger A, Tzehoval E, Alteber Z, Gross T, Vadai E, Margalit A, Gross G, Eisenbach L. mRNA-transfected Dendritic Cells Expressing Polypeptides That Link MHC-I Presentation to Constitutive TLR4 Activation Confer Tumor Immunity. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1391-1400. [PMID: 25997427 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have developed a novel genetic platform for improving dendritic cell (DC) induction of peptide-specific CD8 T cells, based on membrane-anchored β2-microglobulin (β2m) linked to a selected antigenic peptide at its N-terminus and to the cytosolic domain of toll-like receptor (TLR)4 C-terminally. In vitro transcribed mRNA transfection of antigen presenting cells resulted in polypeptides that efficiently coupled peptide presentation to cellular activation. In the present study, we evaluated the immunogenicity of such constructs in mRNA-transfected immature murine bone marrow-derived DCs. We show that the encoded peptide β2m-TLR4 products were expressed at the cell surface up to 72 hours and stimulated the maturation of DCs. In vivo, these DCs prompted efficient peptide-specific T-cell activation and target cell killing which were superior to those induced by peptide-loaded, LPS-stimulated DCs. This superiority was also evident in the ability to protect mice from tumor progression following the administration of B16F10.9 melanoma cells and to inhibit the development of pre-established B16F10.9 tumors. Our results provide evidence that the products of two recombinant genes encoding for peptide-hβ2m-TLR4 and peptide-hβ2m-K(b) expressed from exogenous mRNA can cooperate to couple Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC-I) peptide presentation to TLR-mediated signaling, offering a safe, economical and highly versatile genetic platform for a novel category of CTL-inducing vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Cafri
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Adi Sharbi-Yunger
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Esther Tzehoval
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zoya Alteber
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tamar Gross
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ezra Vadai
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alon Margalit
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL, Kiryat Shmona, Israel; Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Gideon Gross
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL, Kiryat Shmona, Israel; Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Lea Eisenbach
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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79
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Enhancement of the antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte-inducing ability in the PMDC11 leukemic plasmacytoid dendritic cell line via lentiviral vector-mediated transduction of the caTLR4 gene. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:2443-50. [PMID: 25936433 PMCID: PMC4464268 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to enhance the efficiency of leukemia immunotherapy by increasing the antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte-inducing ability of leukemia cells. The leukemic plasmacytoid dendritic cell line PMDC05 containing the HLA-A02/24 antigen, which was previously established in our laboratory (Laboratory of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan), was used in the present study. It exhibited higher expression levels of CD80 following transduction with lentiviruses encoding the CD80 gene. This CD80-expressing PMDC05 was named PMDC11. In order to establish a more potent antigen-presenting cell for cellular immunotherapy of tumors or severe infections, PMDC11 cells were transduced with a constitutively active (ca) toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene using the Tet-On system (caTLR4-PMDC11). CD8+ T cells from healthy donors with HLA-A02 were co-cultured with mutant WT1 peptide-pulsed PMDC11, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PMDC11 or caTLR4-PMDC11 cells. Interleukin (IL)-2 (50 IU/ml) and IL-7 (10 ng/ml) were added on day three of culture. Priming with mutant WT1 peptide-pulsed PMDC11, LPS-stimulated PMDC11 or caTLR4-PMDC11 cells was conducted once per week and two thirds of the IL-2/IL-7 containing medium was replenished every 3–4 days. Immediately prior to the priming with these various PMDC11 cells, the cultured cells were analyzed for the secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ in addition to the percentage and number of CD8+/WT1 tetramer+ T cells using flow cytometry. caTLR4-PMDC11 cells were observed to possess greater antigen-presenting abilities compared with those of PMDC11 or LPS-stimulated PMDC11 cells in a mixed leukocyte culture. CD8 T cells positive for the WT1 tetramer were generated following 3–4 weeks of culture and CD8+/WT1 tetramer+ T cells were markedly increased in caTLR4-PMDC11-primed CD8+ T cell culture compared with PMDC11 or LPS-stimulated PMDC11-primed CD8+ T cell culture. These CD8+ T cells co-cultured with caTLR4-PMDC11 cells were demonstrated to secrete IFN-γ and to be cytotoxic to WT1-expressing target cells. These data suggested that the antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-inducing ability of PMDC11 was potentiated via transduction of the caTLR4 gene. The present study also suggested that caTLR4-PMDC11 cells may be applied as potent antigen-presenting cells for generating antigen-specific CTLs in adoptive cellular immunotherapy against tumors and severe viral infections.
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80
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Ex vivo cytosolic delivery of functional macromolecules to immune cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118803. [PMID: 25875117 PMCID: PMC4395260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular delivery of biomolecules, such as proteins and siRNAs, into primary immune cells, especially resting lymphocytes, is a challenge. Here we describe the design and testing of microfluidic intracellular delivery systems that cause temporary membrane disruption by rapid mechanical deformation of human and mouse immune cells. Dextran, antibody and siRNA delivery performance is measured in multiple immune cell types and the approach’s potential to engineer cell function is demonstrated in HIV infection studies.
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81
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Wilgenhof S, Corthals J, Van Nuffel AMT, Benteyn D, Heirman C, Bonehill A, Thielemans K, Neyns B. Long-term clinical outcome of melanoma patients treated with messenger RNA-electroporated dendritic cell therapy following complete resection of metastases. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:381-8. [PMID: 25548092 PMCID: PMC11029539 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1642-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Melanoma patients with a high risk of recurrence may benefit from immunotherapy with mRNA-electroporated autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Further benefit may be found in combining DC-therapy with interferon alfa-2b. PATIENTS AND METHODS The long-term clinical outcome of AJCC stage III/IV melanoma patients who had no evidence of disease at the time of treatment with autologous mRNA-electroporated DCs in a single-center pilot clinical trial was analyzed. Antigen loading was accomplished by co-electroporation of mRNA encoding a fusion protein between MAGE-A1, -A3, -C2, Tyrosinase, MelanA/MART-1, or gp100, and an HLA class II-targeting sequence. DCs were administered by 4-6 bi-weekly intradermal injections. IFN-α-2b (5 MIU TIW) was initiated either at recurrence (cohort 1), concomitant with DCs (cohorts 2 and 3), or following the fourth DC administration (cohort 4). RESULTS Thirty melanoma patients were recruited between April 2006 and June 2009. DC-related adverse events included grade 2 local injection site reactions in all patients, grade 2 fever and flu-like symptoms in one patient, and skin depigmentation in seven patients. After a median follow-up of over 6 years, the median relapse-free survival is 22 months (95% CI 12-32 months). Twelve patients have died. The median overall survival has not been reached; the 2-year and 4-year survival rates are 93 and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Adjuvant therapy following the resection of melanoma metastases with autologous mRNA-electroporated DCs, combined with interferon alfa-2b, is tolerable and results in encouraging long-term overall survival rates justifying further evaluation in a randomized clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Wilgenhof
- Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Corthals
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - An M. T. Van Nuffel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Daphné Benteyn
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aude Bonehill
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Neyns
- Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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82
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Monocyte-derived dendritic cells from cirrhotic patients retain similar capacity for maturation/activation and antigen presentation as those from healthy subjects. Cell Immunol 2015; 295:36-45. [PMID: 25734547 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Few studies have investigated the impact of liver cirrhosis on dendritic cell function. The purpose of this study was to compare the activation and antigen-presentation capacity of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) from cirrhotic patients (CIR) relative to healthy donors (HD). MoDC from CIR and HD were matured, phenotyped, irradiated and pulsed with 15mer peptides for two hepatocellular carcinoma-related antigens, alphafetoprotein and glypican-3, then co-cultured with autologous T-cells. Expanded T-cells were evaluated by interferon-gamma ELISPOT and intracellular staining. 15 CIR and 7 HD were studied. While CD14+ monocytes from CIR displayed enhanced M2 polarization, under MoDC-polarizing conditions, we identified no significant difference between HD and CIR in maturation-induced upregulation of co-stimulation markers. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between CIR and HD in subsequent expansion of tumor antigen-specific IFNγ+ T-cells. CONCLUSION MoDCs isolated from cirrhotic individuals retain similar capacity for in vitro activation, maturation and antigen-presentation as those from healthy donors.
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83
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Van der Jeught K, Bialkowski L, Daszkiewicz L, Broos K, Goyvaerts C, Renmans D, Van Lint S, Heirman C, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. Targeting the tumor microenvironment to enhance antitumor immune responses. Oncotarget 2015; 6:1359-81. [PMID: 25682197 PMCID: PMC4359300 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of tumor-specific antigens and the immune responses directed against them has instigated the development of therapies to enhance antitumor immune responses. Most of these cancer immunotherapies are administered systemically rather than directly to tumors. Nonetheless, numerous studies have demonstrated that intratumoral therapy is an attractive approach, both for immunization and immunomodulation purposes. Injection, recruitment and/or activation of antigen-presenting cells in the tumor nest have been extensively studied as strategies to cross-prime immune responses. Moreover, delivery of stimulatory cytokines, blockade of inhibitory cytokines and immune checkpoint blockade have been explored to restore immunological fitness at the tumor site. These tumor-targeted therapies have the potential to induce systemic immunity without the toxicity that is often associated with systemic treatments. We review the most promising intratumoral immunotherapies, how these affect systemic antitumor immunity such that disseminated tumor cells are eliminated, and which approaches have been proven successful in animal models and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Van der Jeught
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Jette, Belgium
| | - Lukasz Bialkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Jette, Belgium
| | - Lidia Daszkiewicz
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Jette, Belgium
| | - Katrijn Broos
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Jette, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Jette, Belgium
| | - Dries Renmans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Jette, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Jette, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Jette, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Jette, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Immunology-Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Jette, Belgium
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de Goede AL, Vulto AG, Osterhaus ADME, Gruters RA. Understanding HIV infection for the design of a therapeutic vaccine. Part II: Vaccination strategies for HIV. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2014; 73:169-79. [PMID: 25528627 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
HIV infection leads to a gradual loss CD4(+) T lymphocytes comprising immune competence and progression to AIDS. Effective treatment with combined antiretroviral drugs (cART) decreases viral load below detectable levels but is not able to eliminate the virus from the body. The success of cART is frustrated by the requirement of expensive lifelong adherence, accumulating drug toxicities and chronic immune activation resulting in increased risk of several non-AIDS disorders, even when viral replication is suppressed. Therefore, there is a strong need for therapeutic strategies as an alternative to cART. Immunotherapy, or therapeutic vaccination, aims to increase existing immune responses against HIV or induce de novo immune responses. These immune responses should provide a functional cure by controlling viral replication and preventing disease progression in the absence of cART. The key difficulty in the development of an HIV vaccine is our ignorance of the immune responses that control of viral replication, and thus how these responses can be elicited and how they can be monitored. Part one of this review provides an extensive overview of the (patho-) physiology of HIV infection. It describes the structure and replication cycle of HIV, the epidemiology and pathogenesis of HIV infection and the innate and adaptive immune responses against HIV. Part two of this review discusses therapeutic options for HIV. Prevention modalities and antiretroviral therapy are briefly touched upon, after which an extensive overview on vaccination strategies for HIV is provided, including the choice of immunogens and delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L de Goede
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, PO box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, PO box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A G Vulto
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, PO box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A D M E Osterhaus
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, PO box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R A Gruters
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, PO box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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85
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Abstract
mRNA is the central molecule of all forms of life. It is generally accepted that current life on Earth descended from an RNA world. mRNA, after its first therapeutic description in 1992, has recently come into increased focus as a method to deliver genetic information. The recent solution to the two main difficulties in using mRNA as a therapeutic, immune stimulation and potency, has provided the basis for a wide range of applications. While mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies have been in clinical trials for a few years, novel approaches; including, in vivo delivery of mRNA to replace or supplement proteins, mRNA-based generation of pluripotent stem cells, or genome engineering using mRNA-encoded meganucleases are beginning to be realized. This review presents the current state of mRNA drug technologies and potential applications, as well as discussing the challenges and prospects in mRNA development and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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86
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Hoyer S, Prommersberger S, Pfeiffer IA, Schuler-Thurner B, Schuler G, Dörrie J, Schaft N. Concurrent interaction of DCs with CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells improves secondary CTL expansion: It takes three to tango. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:3543-59. [PMID: 25211552 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201444477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
T-cell help is essential for CTL-memory formation. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether the continuous presence of CD4(+) T-helper (Th) cells is required during dendritic cell (DC)/CD8(+) T-cell encounters, or whether a DC will remember the helper signal after the Th cell has departed. This question is relevant for the design of therapeutic cancer vaccines. Therefore, we investigated how human DCs need to interact with CD4(+) T cells to mediate efficient repetitive CTL expansion in vitro. We established an autologous antigen-specific in vitro system with monocyte-derived DCs, as these are primarily used for cancer vaccination. Contrary to common belief, a sequential interaction of licensed DCs with CD8(+) T cells barely improved CTL expansion. In sharp contrast, simultaneous encounter of Th cells and CTLs with the same DC during the first in vitro encounter is a prerequisite for optimal subsequent CTL expansion in our in vitro system. These data suggest that, in contrast to DC maturation, the activation of DCs by Th cells, which is necessary for optimal CTL stimulation, is transient. This knowledge has significant implications for the design of new and more effective DC-based vaccination strategies. Furthermore, our in vitro system could be a valuable tool for preclinical immunotherapeutical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hoyer
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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87
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Wathelet N, Moser M. Role of dendritic cells in the regulation of antitumor immunity. Oncoimmunology 2014; 2:e23973. [PMID: 23734333 PMCID: PMC3654603 DOI: 10.4161/onci.23973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of rodent and human tumors express antigens that can be recognized by T lymphocytes and are infiltrated by immune cells. Although tumor infiltration by T lymphocytes has been associated with a favorable prognosis, the role of dendritic cells (DCs), which may present tumor-associated antigens in an immunogenic or tolerogenic context, remains elusive. Here, we discuss recent observations suggesting that the function of DCs in the tumor microenvironment may impact the spontaneous resistance of neoplasms to chemotherapy as well as treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Wathelet
- Laboratory of Immunobiology; Department of Molecular Biology; Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB); Gosselies, Belgium
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88
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De Keersmaecker B, Fostier K, Corthals J, Wilgenhof S, Heirman C, Aerts JL, Thielemans K, Schots R. Immunomodulatory drugs improve the immune environment for dendritic cell-based immunotherapy in multiple myeloma patients after autologous stem cell transplantation. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:1023-36. [PMID: 24947180 PMCID: PMC11028612 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1571-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a malignant proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow with associated organ damage. Although the prognosis of MM has improved recently, the disease remains incurable for the large majority of patients. The eradication of residual disease in the bone marrow is a main target on the road toward cure. Immune cells play a role in the control of cancer and can be tools to attack residual MM cells. However, the myeloma-associated immune deficiency is a major hurdle to immunotherapy. We evaluated ex vivo the effects of low doses of the immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) lenalidomide and pomalidomide on several immune cell types from MM patients after autologous stem cell transplantation and with low tumor burden. We observed that these drugs increased CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell proliferation and cytokine production, enhanced the lytic capacity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and reduced the suppressive effects of regulatory T cells on CD8(+) T-cell responses. In addition, we found that functional dendritic cells (DCs) can be generated from mononuclear cells from MM patients. The presence of IMiDs improved the quality of antigen-specific T cells induced or expanded by these DCs as evidenced by a higher degree of T-cell polyfunctionality. Our results provide a rationale for the design of early phase clinical studies to assess the efficacy of DC-based immunotherapy in combination with posttransplant maintenance treatment with IMiDs in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda De Keersmaecker
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium,
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89
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Van Lint S, Renmans D, Broos K, Dewitte H, Lentacker I, Heirman C, Breckpot K, Thielemans K. The ReNAissanCe of mRNA-based cancer therapy. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 14:235-51. [PMID: 25263094 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.957685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
About 25 years ago, mRNA became a tool of interest in anticancer vaccination approaches. However, due to its rapid degradation in situ, direct application of mRNA was confronted with considerable skepticism during its early use. Consequently, mRNA was for a long time mainly used for the ex vivo transfection of dendritic cells, professional antigen-presenting cells known to stimulate immunity. The interest in direct application of mRNA experienced a revival, as researchers became aware of the many advantages mRNA offers. Today, mRNA is considered to be an ideal vehicle for the induction of strong immune responses against cancer. The growing numbers of preclinical trials and as a consequence the increasing clinical application of mRNA as an off-the-shelf anticancer vaccine signifies a renaissance for transcript-based antitumor therapy. In this review, we highlight this renaissance using a timeline providing all milestones in the application of mRNA for anticancer vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Jette, Belgium
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90
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Sahin U, Karikó K, Türeci Ö. mRNA-based therapeutics--developing a new class of drugs. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2014; 13:759-80. [PMID: 25233993 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1362] [Impact Index Per Article: 136.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA has recently come into focus as a potential new drug class to deliver genetic information. Such synthetic mRNA can be engineered to transiently express proteins by structurally resembling natural mRNA. Advances in addressing the inherent challenges of this drug class, particularly related to controlling the translational efficacy and immunogenicity of the IVTmRNA, provide the basis for a broad range of potential applications. mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines have entered clinical development. Meanwhile, emerging novel approaches include in vivo delivery of IVT mRNA to replace or supplement proteins, IVT mRNA-based generation of pluripotent stem cells and genome engineering using IVT mRNA-encoded designer nucleases. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of mRNA-based drug technologies and their applications, and discusses the key challenges and opportunities in developing these into a new class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Sahin
- 1] TRON Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany. [2] BioNTech Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Katalin Karikó
- 1] BioNTech Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany. [2] Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Özlem Türeci
- TRON Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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91
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Pfeiffer IA, Hoyer S, Gerer KF, Voll RE, Knippertz I, Gückel E, Schuler G, Schaft N, Dörrie J. Triggering of NF-κB in cytokine-matured human DCs generates superior DCs for T-cell priming in cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:3413-28. [PMID: 25100611 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201344417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the signaling that governs the immunogenicity of human dendritic cells (DCs) is a prerequisite for improving DC-based therapeutic vaccination strategies, in which the ability of DCs to induce robust and lasting Ag-specific CTL responses is of critical importance. Cytokine-matured DCs are regularly used, but to induce memory-type CTLs, they require additional activation stimuli, such as CD4+ T-cell help or TLR activation. One common denominator of these stimuli is the activation of NF-κB. Here, we show that human monocyte-derived, cytokine cocktail-matured DCs transfected with constitutively active mutants of IκB kinases (caIKKs) by mRNA electroporation, further upregulated maturation markers, and secreted enhanced amounts of cytokines, including IL-12p70, which was produced for more than 48 h after transfection. Most importantly, cytotoxic T cells induced by caIKK-transfected DCs combined high CD27 expression, indicating a more memory-like phenotype, and a markedly enhanced secondary expandability with a high lytic capacity. In contrast, CTLs primed and expanded with unmodified cytokine cocktail-matured DCs did not maintain their proliferative capacity upon repetitive stimulations. We hypothesize that "designer" DCs expressing constitutively active IκB kinases will prove highly immunogenic also in vivo and possibly emerge as a new strategy to improve the clinical efficacy of therapeutic vaccinations against cancer and other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell A Pfeiffer
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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92
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Benteyn D, Heirman C, Bonehill A, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. mRNA-based dendritic cell vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 14:161-76. [PMID: 25196947 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2014.957684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been proposed as a powerful treatment modality. Active immunotherapy aspires to stimulate the patient's immune system, particularly T cells. These cells can recognize and kill cancer cells and can form an immunological memory. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the professional antigen-presenting cells of our immune system. They take up and process antigens to present them to T cells. Consequently, DCs have been investigated as a means to stimulate cancer-specific T-cell responses. An efficient strategy to program DCs is the use of mRNA, a well-defined and safe molecule that can be easily generated at high purity. Importantly, vaccines consisting of mRNA-modified DCs showed promising results in clinical trials. Therefore, we will introduce cancer immunotherapy and DCs and give a detailed overview on the application of mRNA to generate cancer-fighting DC vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Benteyn
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Jette, Belgium
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93
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Van Lint S, Wilgenhof S, Heirman C, Corthals J, Breckpot K, Bonehill A, Neyns B, Thielemans K. Optimized dendritic cell-based immunotherapy for melanoma: the TriMix-formula. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:959-67. [PMID: 24878889 PMCID: PMC11029216 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since decades, the main goal of tumor immunologists has been to increase the capacity of the immune system to mediate tumor regression. In this regard, one of the major focuses of cancer immunotherapy has been the design of vaccines promoting strong tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in cancer patients. Here, dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role as they are regarded as nature's adjuvant and as such have become the natural agents for antigen delivery in order to finally elicit strong T cell responses (Villadangos and Schnorrer in Nat Rev Immunol 7:543-555, 2007; Melief in Immunity 29:372-383, 2008; Palucka and Banchereau in Nat Rev Cancer 12:265-277, 2012; Vacchelli et al. in Oncoimmunology 2:e25771, 2013; Galluzzi et al. in Oncoimmunology 1:1111-1134, 2012). Therefore, many investigators are actively pursuing the use of DCs as an efficient way of inducing anticancer immune responses. Nowadays, DCs can be generated at a large scale in closed systems, yielding sufficient numbers of cells for clinical application. In addition, with the identification of tumor-associated antigens, which are either selectively or preferentially expressed by tumors, a whole range of strategies using DCs for immunotherapy have been designed and tested in clinical studies. Despite the evidence that DCs loaded with tumor-associated antigens can elicit immune responses in vivo, clinical responses remained disappointingly low. Therefore, optimization of the cellular product and route of administration was urgently needed. Here, we review the path we have followed in the development of TriMixDC-MEL, a potent DC-based cellular therapy, discussing its development as well as further modifications and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy & Dendritic Cell-bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103E, 1090, Brussels, Belgium,
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94
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Dewitte H, Van Lint S, Heirman C, Thielemans K, De Smedt SC, Breckpot K, Lentacker I. The potential of antigen and TriMix sonoporation using mRNA-loaded microbubbles for ultrasound-triggered cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2014; 194:28-36. [PMID: 25151979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines, where the patient's own immune system is harnessed to target and destroy tumor tissue, have emerged as a potent therapeutic strategy. In the development of such DC vaccines, it is crucial to load the DCs with tumor antigens, and to simultaneously activate them to become more potent antigen-presenting cells. For this, we report on microbubbles, loaded with both antigen mRNA as well as immunomodulating TriMix mRNA, which can be used for the ultrasound-triggered transfection of DCs. In vivo experiments with in vitro sonoporated DCs show the effective induction of antigen-specific T cells, resulting in specific lysis of antigen-expressing cells. Especially in a therapeutic setting, sonoporation with TriMix has an important added value, resulting in a significant reduction of tumor outgrowth and a marked increase in overall survival. What is more, complete tumor regression was observed in 30% of the antigen+TriMix DC vaccinated animals, which also displayed long-term antigen-specific immunological memory. As a result, DC sonoporation using microbubbles loaded with a combination of antigen and TriMix mRNA can elicit powerful immune responses in vivo, and might serve as a potential tool for further in vivo DC vaccination applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleen Dewitte
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Van Lint
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1050 Jette, Belgium.
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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95
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Kallen KJ, Theß A. A development that may evolve into a revolution in medicine: mRNA as the basis for novel, nucleotide-based vaccines and drugs. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN VACCINES 2014; 2:10-31. [PMID: 24757523 DOI: 10.1177/2051013613508729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances strongly suggest that mRNA rather than DNA will be the nucleotide basis for a new class of vaccines and drugs. Therapeutic cancer vaccines against a variety of targets have been developed on this basis and initial clinical experience suggests that preclinical activity can be successfully translated to human application. Likewise, prophylactic vaccines against viral pathogens and allergens have demonstrated their activity in animal models. These successes could be extended preclinically to mRNA protein and gene replacement therapy as well as the induction of pluripotent stem cells by mRNA encoded transcription factors. The production of mRNA-based vaccines and drugs is highly flexible, scalable and cost competitive, and eliminates the requirement of a cold chain. mRNA-based drugs and vaccines offer all the advantages of a nucleotide-based approach at reduced costs and represent a truly disruptive technology that may start a revolution in medicine.
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96
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Phua KKL, Boczkowski D, Dannull J, Pruitt S, Leong KW, Nair SK. Whole blood cells loaded with messenger RNA as an anti-tumor vaccine. Adv Healthc Mater 2014; 3:837-42. [PMID: 24339387 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201300512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The use of a cell-based vaccine composed of autologous whole blood cells loaded with mRNA is described. Mice immunized with whole blood cells loaded with mRNA encoding antigen develop anti-tumor immunity comparable to DC-RNA immunization. This approach offers a simple and affordable alternative to RNA-based cellular therapy by circumventing complex, laborious and expensive ex vivo manipulations required for DC-based immunizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle K. L. Phua
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering; National University of Singapore; Singapore 117576
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Duke University; Durham NC 27708 USA
| | - David Boczkowski
- Department of Surgery; Duke University Medical Center; Durham NC 27710 USA
| | - Jens Dannull
- Department of Surgery; Duke University Medical Center; Durham NC 27710 USA
| | - Scott Pruitt
- Experimental Medicine; Merck Research Laboratories; Rahway NJ 07065 USA
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Duke University; Durham NC 27708 USA
| | - Smita K. Nair
- Department of Surgery; Duke University Medical Center; Durham NC 27710 USA
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97
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Guo C, Manjili MH, Subjeck JR, Sarkar D, Fisher PB, Wang XY. Therapeutic cancer vaccines: past, present, and future. Adv Cancer Res 2014; 119:421-75. [PMID: 23870514 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407190-2.00007-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 365] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccines represent a viable option for active immunotherapy of cancers that aim to treat late stage disease by using a patient's own immune system. The promising results from clinical trials recently led to the approval of the first therapeutic cancer vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This major breakthrough not only provides a new treatment modality for cancer management but also paves the way for rationally designing and optimizing future vaccines with improved anticancer efficacy. Numerous vaccine strategies are currently being evaluated both preclinically and clinically. This review discusses therapeutic cancer vaccines from diverse platforms or targets as well as the preclinical and clinical studies employing these therapeutic vaccines. We also consider tumor-induced immune suppression that hinders the potency of therapeutic vaccines, and potential strategies to counteract these mechanisms for generating more robust and durable antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunqing Guo
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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98
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Bracci L, Capone I, Moschella F, Proietti E, Belardelli F. Exploiting dendritic cells in the development of cancer vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 12:1195-210. [DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2013.836905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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99
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Creusot RJ, Giannoukakis N, Trucco M, Clare-Salzler MJ, Fathman CG. It's time to bring dendritic cell therapy to type 1 diabetes. Diabetes 2014; 63:20-30. [PMID: 24357690 PMCID: PMC3968436 DOI: 10.2337/db13-0886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rémi J. Creusot
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Translational Immunology and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Nick Giannoukakis
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Pediatrics, John G. Rangos Research Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Massimo Trucco
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Pediatrics, John G. Rangos Research Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Michael J. Clare-Salzler
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - C. Garrison Fathman
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Corresponding author: C. Garrison Fathman,
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100
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Seliger B, Massa C. The dark side of dendritic cells: development and exploitation of tolerogenic activity that favor tumor outgrowth and immune escape. Front Immunol 2013; 4:419. [PMID: 24348482 PMCID: PMC3845009 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) play a central role in the regulation of the immune responses by providing the information needed to decide between tolerance, ignorance, or active responses. For this reason different therapies aim at manipulating DC to obtain the desired response, such as enhanced cell-mediated toxicity against tumor and infected cells or the induction of tolerance in autoimmunity and transplantation. In the last decade studies performed in these settings have started to identify (some) molecules/factors involved in the acquisition of a tolerogenic DC phenotype as well as the underlying mechanisms of their regulatory function on different immune cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg , Halle (Saale) , Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg , Halle (Saale) , Germany
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