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Ghorashian S, Veliça P, Chua I, McNicol AM, Carpenter B, Holler A, Nicholson E, Ahmadi M, Zech M, Xue SA, Uckert W, Morris E, Chakraverty R, Stauss HJ. CD8 T cell tolerance to a tumor-associated self-antigen is reversed by CD4 T cells engineered to express the same T cell receptor. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 194:1080-9. [PMID: 25539815 PMCID: PMC4298128 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Ag receptors used for cancer immunotherapy are often directed against tumor-associated Ags also expressed in normal tissues. Targeting of such Ags can result in unwanted autoimmune attack of normal tissues or induction of tolerance in therapeutic T cells. We used a murine model to study the phenotype and function of T cells redirected against the murine double minute protein 2 (MDM2), a tumor-associated Ag that shows low expression in many normal tissues. Transfer of MDM2-TCR–engineered T cells into bone marrow chimeric mice revealed that Ag recognition in hematopoietic tissues maintained T cell function, whereas presentation of MDM2 in nonhematopoietic tissues caused reduced effector function. TCR-engineered CD8+ T cells underwent rapid turnover, downmodulated CD8 expression, and lost cytotoxic function. We found that MDM2-TCR–engineered CD4+ T cells provided help and restored cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells bearing the same TCR. Although the introduction of the CD8 coreceptor enhanced the ability of CD4+ T cells to recognize MDM2 in vitro, the improved self-antigen recognition abolished their ability to provide helper function in vivo. The data indicate that the same class I–restricted TCR responsible for Ag recognition and tolerance induction in CD8+ T cells can, in the absence of the CD8 coreceptor, elicit CD4 T cell help and partially reverse tolerance. Thus MHC class I–restricted CD4+ T cells may enhance the efficacy of therapeutic TCR-engineered CD8+ T cells and can be readily generated with the same TCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ghorashian
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom; Transplantation Immunology Group, Department of Haematology, Division of Cancer Studies, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom; and
| | - Pedro Veliça
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom; Transplantation Immunology Group, Department of Haematology, Division of Cancer Studies, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom; and
| | - Ignatius Chua
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Anne-Marie McNicol
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Carpenter
- Transplantation Immunology Group, Department of Haematology, Division of Cancer Studies, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom; and
| | - Angelika Holler
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Nicholson
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Ahmadi
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Mathias Zech
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Shao-An Xue
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfgang Uckert
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Emma Morris
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Ronjon Chakraverty
- Transplantation Immunology Group, Department of Haematology, Division of Cancer Studies, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom; and
| | - Hans J Stauss
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom;
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52
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Adoptive immunotherapy for hematological malignancies using T cells gene-modified to express tumor antigen-specific receptors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2014; 7:1049-68. [PMID: 25517545 PMCID: PMC4276906 DOI: 10.3390/ph7121049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating clinical evidence suggests that adoptive T-cell immunotherapy could be a promising option for control of cancer; evident examples include the graft-vs-leukemia effect mediated by donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) and therapeutic infusion of ex vivo-expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for melanoma. Currently, along with advances in synthetic immunology, gene-modified T cells retargeted to defined tumor antigens have been introduced as “cellular drugs”. As the functional properties of the adoptive immune response mediated by T lymphocytes are decisively regulated by their T-cell receptors (TCRs), transfer of genes encoding target antigen-specific receptors should enable polyclonal T cells to be uniformly redirected toward cancer cells. Clinically, anticancer adoptive immunotherapy using genetically engineered T cells has an impressive track record. Notable examples include the dramatic benefit of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) gene-modified T cells redirected towards CD19 in patients with B-cell malignancy, and the encouraging results obtained with TCR gene-modified T cells redirected towards NY-ESO-1, a cancer-testis antigen, in patients with advanced melanoma and synovial cell sarcoma. This article overviews the current status of this treatment option, and discusses challenging issues that still restrain the full effectiveness of this strategy, especially in the context of hematological malignancy.
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53
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Gardyan A, Osen W, Zörnig I, Podola L, Agarwal M, Aulmann S, Ruggiero E, Schmidt M, Halama N, Leuchs B, von Kalle C, Beckhove P, Schneeweiss A, Jäger D, Eichmüller SB. Identification of NY-BR-1-specific CD4(+) T cell epitopes using HLA-transgenic mice. Int J Cancer 2014; 136:2588-97. [PMID: 25387692 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29322] [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: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer represents the second most common cancer type worldwide and has remained the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. The differentiation antigen NY-BR-1 appears overexpressed in invasive mammary carcinomas compared to healthy breast tissue, thus representing a promising target antigen for T cell based tumor immunotherapy approaches. Since efficient immune attack of tumors depends on the activity of tumor antigen-specific CD4(+) effector T cells, NY-BR-1 was screened for the presence of HLA-restricted CD4(+) T cell epitopes that could be included in immunological treatment approaches. Upon NY-BR-1-specific DNA immunization of HLA-transgenic mice and functional ex vivo analysis, a panel of NY-BR-1-derived library peptides was determined that specifically stimulated IFNγ secretion among splenocytes of immunized mice. Following in silico analyses, four candidate epitopes were determined which were successfully used for peptide immunization to establish NY-BR-1-specific, HLA-DRB1*0301- or HLA-DRB1*0401-restricted CD4(+) T cell lines from splenocytes of peptide immunized HLA-transgenic mice. Notably, all four CD4(+) T cell lines recognized human HLA-DR-matched dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with lysates of NY-BR-1 expressing human tumor cells, demonstrating natural processing of these epitopes also within the human system. Finally, CD4(+) T cells specific for all four CD4(+) T cell epitopes were detectable among PBMC of breast cancer patients, showing that CD4(+) T cell responses against the new epitopes are not deleted nor inactivated by self-tolerance mechanisms. Our results present the first NY-BR-1-specific HLA-DRB1*0301- and HLA-DRB1*0401-restricted T cell epitopes that could be exploited for therapeutic intervention against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Gardyan
- Department of Translational Immunology, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Germany
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54
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Oren R, Hod-Marco M, Haus-Cohen M, Thomas S, Blat D, Duvshani N, Denkberg G, Elbaz Y, Benchetrit F, Eshhar Z, Stauss H, Reiter Y. Functional comparison of engineered T cells carrying a native TCR versus TCR-like antibody-based chimeric antigen receptors indicates affinity/avidity thresholds. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:5733-43. [PMID: 25362181 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of Ag-specific T lymphocytes is an attractive form of immunotherapy for cancers. However, acquiring sufficient numbers of host-derived tumor-specific T lymphocytes by selection and expansion is challenging, as these cells may be rare or anergic. Using engineered T cells can overcome this difficulty. Such engineered cells can be generated using a chimeric Ag receptor based on common formats composed from Ag-recognition elements such as αβ-TCR genes with the desired specificity, or Ab variable domain fragments fused with T cell-signaling moieties. Combining these recognition elements are Abs that recognize peptide-MHC. Such TCR-like Abs mimic the fine specificity of TCRs and exhibit both the binding properties and kinetics of high-affinity Abs. In this study, we compared the functional properties of engineered T cells expressing a native low affinity αβ-TCR chains or high affinity TCR-like Ab-based CAR targeting the same specificity. We isolated high-affinity TCR-like Abs recognizing HLA-A2-WT1Db126 complexes and constructed CAR that was transduced into T cells. Comparative analysis revealed major differences in function and specificity of such CAR-T cells or native TCR toward the same antigenic complex. Whereas the native low-affinity αβ-TCR maintained potent cytotoxic activity and specificity, the high-affinity TCR-like Ab CAR exhibited reduced activity and loss of specificity. These results suggest an upper affinity threshold for TCR-based recognition to mediate effective functional outcomes of engineered T cells. The rational design of TCRs and TCR-based constructs may need to be optimized up to a given affinity threshold to achieve optimal T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravit Oren
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Moran Hod-Marco
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Maya Haus-Cohen
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Sharyn Thomas
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Immunity, Infection and Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Dan Blat
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; and
| | - Nerri Duvshani
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | | | - Yael Elbaz
- Applied Immune Technologies, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | | | - Zelig Eshhar
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; and
| | - Hans Stauss
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Immunity, Infection and Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Yoram Reiter
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel;
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55
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Xue SA, Gao L, Ahmadi M, Ghorashian S, Barros RD, Pospori C, Holler A, Wright G, Thomas S, Topp M, Morris EC, Stauss HJ. Human MHC Class I-restricted high avidity CD4 + T cells generated by co-transfer of TCR and CD8 mediate efficient tumor rejection in vivo. Oncoimmunology 2014; 2:e22590. [PMID: 23483821 PMCID: PMC3583927 DOI: 10.4161/onci.22590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we generated human MHC Class I-restricted CD4+ T cells specific for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), two herpesviridae associated with lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and medulloblastoma, respectively. Retroviral transfer of virus-specific, HLA-A2-restricted TCR-coding genes generated CD4+ T cells that recognized HLA-A2/peptide multimers and produced cytokines when stimulated with MHC Class II-deficient cells presenting the relevant viral peptides in the context of HLA-A2. Peptide titration revealed that CD4+ T cells had a 10-fold lower avidity than CD8+ T cells expressing the same TCR. The impaired avidity of CD4+ T cells was corrected by simultaneously transferring TCR- and CD8-coding genes. The CD8 co-receptor did not alter the cytokine signature of CD4+ T cells, which remained distinct from that of CD8+ T cells. Using the xenogeneic NOD/SCID mouse model, we demonstrated that human CD4+ T cells expressing a specific TCR and CD8 can confer efficient protection against the growth of tumors expressing the EBV or CMV antigens recognized by the TCR. In summary, we describe a robust approach for generating therapeutic CD4+ T cells capable of providing MHC Class I-restricted immunity against MHC Class II-negative tumors in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-An Xue
- Department of Immunology; University College London; Royal Free Hospital; London, United Kingdom
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56
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Dörrie J, Krug C, Hofmann C, Müller I, Wellner V, Knippertz I, Schierer S, Thomas S, Zipperer E, Printz D, Fritsch G, Schuler G, Schaft N, Geyeregger R. Human adenovirus-specific γ/δ and CD8+ T cells generated by T-cell receptor transfection to treat adenovirus infection after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109944. [PMID: 25289687 PMCID: PMC4188623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Human adenovirus infection is life threatening after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Immunotherapy with donor-derived adenovirus-specific T cells is promising; however, 20% of all donors lack adenovirus-specific T cells. To overcome this, we transfected α/β T cells with mRNA encoding a T-cell receptor (TCR) specific for the HLA-A*0101-restricted peptide LTDLGQNLLY from the adenovirus hexon protein. Furthermore, since allo-reactive endogenous TCR of donor T lymphocytes would induce graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in a mismatched patient, we transferred the TCR into γ/δ T cells, which are not allo-reactive. TCR-transfected γ/δ T cells secreted low quantities of cytokines after antigen-specific stimulation, which were increased dramatically after co-transfection of CD8α-encoding mRNA. In direct comparison with TCR-transfected α/β T cells, TCR-CD8α-co-transfected γ/δ T cells produced more tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and lysed peptide-loaded target cells as efficiently. Most importantly, TCR-transfected α/β T cells and TCR-CD8α-co-transfected γ/δ T cells efficiently lysed adenovirus-infected target cells. We show here, for the first time, that not only α/β T cells but also γ/δ T cells can be equipped with an adenovirus specificity by TCR-RNA electroporation. Thus, our strategy offers a new means for the immunotherapy of adenovirus infection after allogeneic HSCT.
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MESH Headings
- Adenoviridae Infections/etiology
- Adenoviridae Infections/immunology
- Adenoviridae Infections/prevention & control
- Adenoviruses, Human/immunology
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antigens, Viral/chemistry
- Antigens, Viral/genetics
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- CD8 Antigens/chemistry
- CD8 Antigens/genetics
- CD8 Antigens/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/virology
- Cloning, Molecular
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Electroporation
- Gene Expression
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects
- Humans
- Jurkat Cells
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Peptides/chemistry
- Peptides/genetics
- Peptides/immunology
- Peptides/pharmacology
- Primary Cell Culture
- RNA/genetics
- RNA/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/chemistry
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/chemistry
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
- Transfection
- Transplantation, Homologous
- Unrelated Donors
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Krug
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Hofmann
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ina Müller
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena Wellner
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ilka Knippertz
- Department of Immune Modulation at the Dept. of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephan Schierer
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Thomas
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elke Zipperer
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieter Printz
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Fritsch
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Rene Geyeregger
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
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57
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Garber HR, Mirza A, Mittendorf EA, Alatrash G. Adoptive T-cell therapy for Leukemia. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPIES 2014; 2:25. [PMID: 26056592 PMCID: PMC4452065 DOI: 10.1186/2052-8426-2-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is the most robust form of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) and has been tremendously effective in the treatment of leukemia. It is one of the original forms of cancer immunotherapy and illustrates that lymphocytes can specifically recognize and eliminate aberrant, malignant cells. However, because of the high morbidity and mortality that is associated with alloSCT including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), refining the anti-leukemia immunity of alloSCT to target distinct antigens that mediate the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect could transform our approach to treating leukemia, and possibly other hematologic malignancies. Over the past few decades, many leukemia antigens have been discovered that can separate malignant cells from normal host cells and render them vulnerable targets. In concert, the field of T-cell engineering has matured to enable transfer of ectopic high-affinity antigen receptors into host or donor cells with greater efficiency and potency. Many preclinical studies have demonstrated that engineered and conventional T-cells can mediate lysis and eradication of leukemia via one or more leukemia antigen targets. This evidence now serves as a foundation for clinical trials that aim to cure leukemia using T-cells. The recent clinical success of anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cells for treating patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia displays the potential of this new therapeutic modality. In this review, we discuss some of the most promising leukemia antigens and the novel strategies that have been implemented for adoptive cellular immunotherapy of lymphoid and myeloid leukemias. It is important to summarize the data for ACT of leukemia for physicians in-training and in practice and for investigators who work in this and related fields as there are recent discoveries already being translated to the patient setting and numerous accruing clinical trials. We primarily focus on ACT that has been used in the clinical setting or that is currently undergoing preclinical testing with a foreseeable clinical endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haven R Garber
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, Houston, 77030 Texas
| | - Asma Mirza
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, Houston, 77030 Texas
| | - Elizabeth A Mittendorf
- Department Surgical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gheath Alatrash
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, Houston, 77030 Texas
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58
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Abstract
Recent clinical success has underscored the potential for immunotherapy based on the adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of engineered T lymphocytes to mediate dramatic, potent, and durable clinical responses. This success has led to the broader evaluation of engineered T-lymphocyte-based adoptive cell therapy to treat a broad range of malignancies. In this review, we summarize concepts, successes, and challenges for the broader development of this promising field, focusing principally on lessons gleaned from immunological principles and clinical thought. We present ACT in the context of integrating T-cell and tumor biology and the broader systemic immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ruella
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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59
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O'Connor CM, Wilson-Robles H. Developing T Cell Cancer Immunotherapy in the Dog with Lymphoma. ILAR J 2014; 55:169-81. [DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilu020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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60
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Kershaw MH, Westwood JA, Slaney CY, Darcy PK. Clinical application of genetically modified T cells in cancer therapy. Clin Transl Immunology 2014; 3:e16. [PMID: 25505964 PMCID: PMC4232070 DOI: 10.1038/cti.2014.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are emerging as highly promising approaches for the treatment of cancer. In these approaches, a variety of materials are used to boost immunity against malignant cells. A key component of many of these approaches is functional tumor-specific T cells, but the existence and activity of sufficient T cells in the immune repertoire is not always the case. Recent methods of generating tumor-specific T cells include the genetic modification of patient lymphocytes with receptors to endow them with tumor specificity. These T cells are then expanded in vitro followed by infusion of the patient in adoptive cell transfer protocols. Genes used to modify T cells include those encoding T-cell receptors and chimeric antigen receptors. In this review, we provide an introduction to the field of genetic engineering of T cells followed by details of their use against cancer in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Kershaw
- Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Immunology, Monash University , Prahran, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Westwood
- Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clare Y Slaney
- Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phillip K Darcy
- Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Immunology, Monash University , Prahran, Victoria, Australia
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61
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Wright GP, Ehrenstein MR, Stauss HJ. Regulatory T-cell adoptive immunotherapy: potential for treatment of autoimmunity. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 7:213-25. [DOI: 10.1586/eci.10.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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62
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Maus MV, Fraietta JA, Levine BL, Kalos M, Zhao Y, June CH. Adoptive immunotherapy for cancer or viruses. Annu Rev Immunol 2014; 32:189-225. [PMID: 24423116 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-032713-120136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy, or the infusion of lymphocytes, is a promising approach for the treatment of cancer and certain chronic viral infections. The application of the principles of synthetic biology to enhance T cell function has resulted in substantial increases in clinical efficacy. The primary challenge to the field is to identify tumor-specific targets to avoid off-tumor, on-target toxicity. Given recent advances in efficacy in numerous pilot trials, the next steps in clinical development will require multicenter trials to establish adoptive immunotherapy as a mainstream technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela V Maus
- Translational Research Program, Abramson Cancer Center and
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63
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64
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Adoptive T-cell therapy for hematological malignancies using T cells gene-modified to express tumor antigen-specific receptors. Int J Hematol 2013; 99:123-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-013-1493-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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65
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Alloreactive cytotoxic T cells provide means to decipher the immunopeptidome and reveal a plethora of tumor-associated self-epitopes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 111:403-8. [PMID: 24344295 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1306549111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA molecules presenting peptides derived from tumor-associated self-antigens (self-TAA) are attractive targets for T-cell-based immunotherapy of cancer. However, detection of such epitopes is hampered by self-tolerance and limitations in the sensitivity of mass spectrometry. Here, we used T cells from HLA-A2-negative donors as tools to detect HLA-A2-bound peptides from two leukemia-associated differentiation antigens; CD20 and the previously undescribed cancer target myeloperoxidase. A high-throughput platform for epitope discovery was designed using dendritic cells cotransfected with full-length transcripts of self-TAA and HLA-A2 to allow presentation of all naturally processed peptides from a predefined self-protein on foreign HLA. Antigen-reactive T cells were directly detected using panels of color-coded peptide-HLA multimers containing epitopes predicted by a computer algorithm. Strikingly, cytotoxic T cells were generated against 37 out of 50 peptides predicted to bind HLA-A2. Among these, 36 epitopes were previously undescribed. The allorestricted T cells were exquisitely peptide- and HLA-specific and responded strongly to HLA-A2-positive leukemic cells with endogenous expression of CD20 or myeloperoxidase. These results indicate that the repertoire of self-peptides presented on HLA class I has been underestimated and that a wealth of self-TAA can be targeted by T cells when using nontolerized T-cell repertoires.
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66
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Kunert A, Straetemans T, Govers C, Lamers C, Mathijssen R, Sleijfer S, Debets R. TCR-Engineered T Cells Meet New Challenges to Treat Solid Tumors: Choice of Antigen, T Cell Fitness, and Sensitization of Tumor Milieu. Front Immunol 2013; 4:363. [PMID: 24265631 PMCID: PMC3821161 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells gene-engineered with antigen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) has proven its feasibility and therapeutic potential in the treatment of malignant tumors. To ensure further clinical development of TCR gene therapy, it is necessary to target immunogenic epitopes that are related to oncogenesis and selectively expressed by tumor tissue, and implement strategies that result in optimal T cell fitness. In addition, in particular for the treatment of solid tumors, it is equally necessary to include strategies that counteract the immune-suppressive nature of the tumor micro-environment. Here, we will provide an overview of the current status of TCR gene therapy, and redefine the following three challenges of improvement: “choice of target antigen”; “fitness of T cells”; and “sensitization of tumor milieu.” We will categorize and discuss potential strategies to address each of these challenges, and argue that advancement of clinical TCR gene therapy critically depends on developments toward each of the three challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Kunert
- Laboratory of Experimental Tumor Immunology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute , Rotterdam , Netherlands ; Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute , Rotterdam , Netherlands
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67
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Linnemann C, Heemskerk B, Kvistborg P, Kluin RJC, Bolotin DA, Chen X, Bresser K, Nieuwland M, Schotte R, Michels S, Gomez-Eerland R, Jahn L, Hombrink P, Legrand N, Shu CJ, Mamedov IZ, Velds A, Blank CU, Haanen JBAG, Turchaninova MA, Kerkhoven RM, Spits H, Hadrup SR, Heemskerk MHM, Blankenstein T, Chudakov DM, Bendle GM, Schumacher TNM. High-throughput identification of antigen-specific TCRs by TCR gene capture. Nat Med 2013; 19:1534-41. [DOI: 10.1038/nm.3359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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68
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Bendle GM, Linnemann C, Bies L, Song JY, Schumacher TNM. Blockade of TGF-β Signaling Greatly Enhances the Efficacy of TCR Gene Therapy of Cancer. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:3232-9. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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69
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Abstract
T cells have the capacity to eradicate diseased cells, but tumours present considerable challenges that render T cells ineffectual. Cancer cells often make themselves almost 'invisible' to the immune system, and they sculpt a microenvironment that suppresses T cell activity, survival and migration. Genetic engineering of T cells can be used therapeutically to overcome these challenges. T cells can be taken from the blood of cancer patients and then modified with genes encoding receptors that recognize cancer-specific antigens. Additional genes can be used to enable resistance to immunosuppression, to extend survival and to facilitate the penetration of engineered T cells into tumours. Using genetic modification, highly active, self-propagating 'slayers' of cancer cells can be generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Kershaw
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. michael.kershaw@ petermac.org
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70
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Abstract
T-cell immunotherapy is a promising approach to treat disseminated cancer. However, it has been limited by the ability to isolate and expand T cells restricted to tumour-associated antigens. Using ex vivo gene transfer, T cells from patients can be genetically engineered to express a novel T cell receptor or chimeric antigen receptor to specifically recognize a tumour-associated antigen and thereby selectively kill tumour cells. Indeed, genetically engineered T cells have recently been successfully used for cancer treatment in a small number of patients. Here we review the recent progress in the field, and summarize the challenges that lie ahead and the strategies being used to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Essand
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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71
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Greaves P, Gribben JG. The role of B7 family molecules in hematologic malignancy. Blood 2013; 121:734-44. [PMID: 23223433 PMCID: PMC3563361 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-10-385591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The B7 family consists of structurally related, cell-surface proteins that regulate immune responses by delivering costimulatory or coinhibitory signals through their ligands. Eight family members have been identified to date including CD80 (B7-1), CD86 (B7-2), CD274 (programmed cell death-1 ligand [PD-L1]), CD273 (programmed cell death-2 ligand [PD-L2]), CD275 (inducible costimulator ligand [ICOS-L]), CD276 (B7-H3), B7-H4, and B7-H6. B7 ligands are expressed on both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. The importance of the B7 family in regulating immune responses is clear from their demonstrated role in the development of immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases. Manipulation of the signals delivered by B7 ligands shows great potential in the treatment of cancers including leukemias and lymphomas and in regulating allogeneic T-cell responses after stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Greaves
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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72
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γδT cells elicited by CMV reactivation after allo-SCT cross-recognize CMV and leukemia. Leukemia 2013; 27:1328-38. [DOI: 10.1038/leu.2012.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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73
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Weigand LU, Liang X, Schmied S, Mall S, Klar R, Stötzer OJ, Salat C, Götze K, Mautner J, Peschel C, Krackhardt AM. Isolation of human MHC class II-restricted T cell receptors from the autologous T-cell repertoire with potent anti-leukaemic reactivity. Immunology 2012; 137:226-38. [PMID: 23025755 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells genetically modified with tumour-specific T-cell receptors (TCR) is a promising novel approach in the treatment of cancer. We have previously isolated an allorestricted MHC class I-restricted TCR with specificity for Formin-like protein 1 (FMNL1) with potent activity against chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells. CD4(+) T cells have been described to be highly important for tumour elimination although TCR derived from CD4(+) T cells with anti-tumour reactivity have been only rarely described. In this study we aimed to isolate MHC class-II-restricted CD4(+) T cells and TCR with specificity for leukaemia antigens. We used professional antigen-presenting cells pulsed with the leukaemia-associated and tumour-associated antigen FMNL1 for stimulation of autologous T cells in vitro. We isolated two CD4(+) HLA-DR-restricted T-cell clones and T-cell-derived TCR with so far unknown specificity but high reactivity against lymphoma cells and native malignant cells derived from HLA-matched patients with diverse leukaemias. Moreover, characterization of the TCR after TCR gene transfer revealed that specific characteristics of isolated TCR as reactivity in response to Toll-like receptors were transferable on effector cells. Our results have a major impact on the development of novel immunotherapies. They demonstrate that TCR with potent HLA-DR-restricted anti-leukaemic reactivity against so far undefined self-restricted antigens can be isolated from the healthy autorestricted CD4(+) T-cell repertoire and these TCR are highly interesting candidate tools for novel immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise U Weigand
- Medizinische Klinik III, Innere Medizin mit Schwerpunkt Hämatologie und Onkologie, Technische Universität München, Münich
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74
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Bleakley M, Turtle CJ, Riddell SR. Augmentation of anti-tumor immunity by adoptive T-cell transfer after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Expert Rev Hematol 2012; 5:409-25. [PMID: 22992235 PMCID: PMC3590108 DOI: 10.1586/ehm.12.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is currently the standard of care for most patients with high-risk acute leukemias and some other hematologic malignancies. Although HCT can be curative, many patients who undergo allogeneic HCT will later relapse. There is, therefore, a critical need for the development of novel post-HCT therapies for patients who are at high risk for disease recurrence following HCT. One potentially efficacious approach is adoptive T-cell immunotherapy, which is currently undergoing a renaissance that has been inspired by scientific insight into the key issues that impeded its previous clinical application. Translation of the next generation of adoptive T-cell therapies to the allogeneic HCT setting, using donor T cells of defined specificity and function, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The challenges, progress and future of adoptive T-cell therapy following allogeneic HCT are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bleakley
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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75
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Daniel-Meshulam I, Ya'akobi S, Ankri C, Cohen CJ. How (specific) would like your T-cells today? Generating T-cell therapeutic function through TCR-gene transfer. Front Immunol 2012; 3:186. [PMID: 22783259 PMCID: PMC3390604 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cells are central players in the immune response against both pathogens and cancer. Their specificity is solely dictated by the T-cell receptor (TCR) they clonally express. As such, the genetic modification of T lymphocytes using pathogen- or cancer-specific TCRs represents an appealing strategy to generate a desired immune response from peripheral blood lymphocytes. Moreover, notable objective clinical responses were observed in terminally ill cancer patients treated with TCR-gene modified cells in several clinical trials conducted recently. Nevertheless, several key aspects of this approach are the object of intensive research aimed at improving the reliability and efficacy of this strategy. Herein, we will survey recent studies in the field of TCR-gene transfer dealing with the improvement of this approach and its application for the treatment of malignant, autoimmune, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Daniel-Meshulam
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences , Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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76
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Lagisetty KH, Morgan RA. Cancer therapy with genetically-modified T cells for the treatment of melanoma. J Gene Med 2012; 14:400-4. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran H. Lagisetty
- National Institutes of Health; National Cancer Institute, Surgery Branch; Bethesda; MD; USA
| | - Richard A. Morgan
- National Institutes of Health; National Cancer Institute, Surgery Branch; Bethesda; MD; USA
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77
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Abstract
The function of T lymphocytes as orchestrators and effectors of the adaptive immune response is directed by the specificity of their T cell receptors (TCRs). By transferring into T cells the genes encoding antigen-specific receptors, the functional activity of large populations of T cells can be redirected against defined targets including virally infected or cancer cells. The potential of therapeutic T cells to traffic to sites of disease, to expand and to persist after a single treatment remains a major advantage over the currently available immunotherapies that use monoclonal antibodies. Here we review recent progress in the field of TCR gene therapy, outlining challenges to its successful implementation and the strategies being used to overcome them. We detail strategies used in the optimization of affinity and surface expression of the introduced TCR, the choice of T cell subpopulations for gene transfer, and the promotion of persistence of gene-modified T cells in vivo. We review the safety concerns surrounding the use of gene-modified T cells in patients, discussing emerging solutions to these problems, and describe the increasingly positive results from the use of gene-modified T cells in recent clinical trials of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. The increasing sophistication of measures to ensure the safety of engineered T cells is accompanied by an increasing number of clinical trials: these will be essential to guide the effective translation of cellular immunotherapy from the laboratory to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Uttenthal
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Immunity, Infection and Transplantation, University College London (UCL), Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
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78
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Abstract
The outcome for patients with the most common primary brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), remains poor. Several immunotherapeutic approaches are actively being pursued including antibodies and cell-based therapies. While the blood-brain barrier protects brain tumor cells from therapeutic antibodies, immune cells have the ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier and migrate into GBM tumors to exert their therapeutic function. Results of Phase I clinical studies with vaccines to induce GBM-specific T cells are encouraging and Phase II clinical trials are in progress. Nonvaccine-based cell therapy for GBM has been actively explored over the last four decades. Here we will review past clinical experience with adoptive cell therapies for GBM and summarize current strategies on how to improve these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Chow
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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79
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Improving TCR Gene Therapy for Treatment of Haematological Malignancies. Adv Hematol 2012; 2012:404081. [PMID: 22319532 PMCID: PMC3272793 DOI: 10.1155/2012/404081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy using TCR gene modified T cells may allow separation of beneficial Graft versus tumour responses from harmful GvHD. Improvements to this include methods to generate high avidity or high affinity TCR, improvements in vector design and reduction in mispairing. Following adoptive transfer, TCR transduced T cells must be able to survive and persist in vivo to give most effective antitumour responses. Central memory or naive T cells have both been shown to be more effective than effector cells at expanding and persisting in vivo. Lymphodepletion may enhance persistence of transferred T cell populations. TCR gene transfer can be used to redirect CD4 helper T cells, and these could be used in combination with CD8+ tumour specific T cells to provide help for the antitumour response. Antigen specific T regulatory T cells can also be generated by TCR gene transfer and could be used to suppress unwanted alloresponses.
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80
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Simpson AA, Mohammed F, Salim M, Tranter A, Rickinson AB, Stauss HJ, Moss PAH, Steven NM, Willcox BE. Structural and energetic evidence for highly peptide-specific tumor antigen targeting via allo-MHC restriction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:21176-81. [PMID: 22160697 PMCID: PMC3248497 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1108422109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies targeting peptides presented by allogeneic MHC molecules offer the prospect of circumventing tolerance to key tumor-associated self-antigens. However, the degree of antigen specificity mediated by alloreactive T cells, and their ability to discriminate normal tissues from transformed cells presenting elevated antigen levels, is poorly understood. We examined allorecognition of an HLA-A2-restricted Hodgkin's lymphoma-associated antigen and were able to isolate functionally antigen-specific allo-HLA-A2-restricted T cells from multiple donors. Binding and structural studies, focused on a prototypic allo-HLA-A2-restricted T-cell receptor (TCR) termed NB20 derived from an HLA-A3 homozygote, suggested highly peptide-specific allorecognition that was energetically focused on antigen, involving direct recognition of a distinct allopeptide presented within a conserved MHC recognition surface. Although NB20/HLA-A2 affinity was unremarkable, TCR/MHC complexes were very short-lived, consistent with suboptimal TCR triggering and tolerance to low antigen levels. These data provide strong molecular evidence that within the functionally heterogeneous alloreactive repertoire, there is the potential for highly antigen-specific "allo-MHC-restricted" recognition and suggest a kinetic mechanism whereby allo-MHC-restricted T cells may discriminate normal from transformed tissue, thereby outlining a suitable basis for broad-based therapeutic targeting of tolerizing tumor antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A. Simpson
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; and
| | - Fiyaz Mohammed
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; and
| | - Mahboob Salim
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; and
| | - Amy Tranter
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; and
| | - Alan B. Rickinson
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; and
| | - Hans J. Stauss
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Department of Immunology, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A. H. Moss
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; and
| | - Neil M. Steven
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; and
| | - Benjamin E. Willcox
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; and
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81
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Merhavi-Shoham E, Haga-Friedman A, Cohen CJ. Genetically modulating T-cell function to target cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2011; 22:14-22. [PMID: 22210183 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2011.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T-lymphocytes holds promise for the treatment of metastatic cancer. Genetic modulation of T-lymphocytes using TCR transfer with tumor-specific TCR genes is an attractive strategy to generate anti-tumor response, especially against large solid tumors. Recently, several clinical trials have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of this approach which lead to impressive tumor regression in cancer patients. Still, several factors may hinder the clinical benefit of this approach, such as the type of cells to modulate, the vector configuration or the safety of the procedure. In the present review we will aim at giving an overview of the recent developments related to the immune modulation of the anti-tumor adaptive response using genetically engineered lymphocytes and will also elaborate the development of other genetic modifications to enhance their anti-tumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Merhavi-Shoham
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
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82
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Casucci M, Bondanza A, Falcone L, Provasi E, Magnani Z, Bonini C. Genetic engineering of T cells for the immunotherapy of haematological malignancies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 79:4-14. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2011.01799.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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83
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Zhao H, Xi X, Cui L, He W. CDR3δ -grafted γ9δ2T cells mediate effective antitumor reactivity. Cell Mol Immunol 2011; 9:147-54. [PMID: 21909128 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2011.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell-transfer therapy (ACT) has been reported to suppress growing tumors and to overcome tumor escape in animal models. As a candidate ACT effector, γ9δ2T cells can be activated and expanded in vitro and in vivo and display strong antitumor activity against colorectal, lung, prostate, ovarian and renal cell carcinomas. However, it is difficult to obtain a large enough number of γδT cells to meet the need for immunotherapy that can overcome the cancer patients' immune suppressive tumor microenvironment. In previous studies, our lab confirmed that γ9δ2T cells recognized tumor cells via the CDR3δ region of the γδ-T-cell receptor (TCR). We constructed full-length human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived γ9 and δ2 chains in which the CDR3 region was replaced by an ovarian epithelial carcinoma (OEC)-derived CDR3. We transferred the CDR3δ-grafted γ9δ2TCR into peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) to develop genetically modified γ9δ2T cells. In vitro studies have shown that these CDR3δ-grafted γ9δ2T cells can produce cytokines after stimulation with tumor cell extracts and exhibit cytotoxicity towards tumor cells, including human OEC and cervical adenocarcinoma. CDR3δ-grafted γ9δ2T cells adoptively transferred into nude mice bearing a human OEC cell line demonstrated significant antitumor effects. These results indicate that CDR3δ-grafted γ9δ2T cells might be candidates for clinical tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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84
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Scholten KBJ, Turksma AW, Ruizendaal JJ, van den Hende M, van der Burg SH, Heemskerk MHM, Meijer CJLM, Hooijberg E. Generating HPV specific T helper cells for the treatment of HPV induced malignancies using TCR gene transfer. J Transl Med 2011; 9:147. [PMID: 21892941 PMCID: PMC3176193 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with high risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is associated with cancer of the cervix, vagina, penis, vulva, anus and some cases of head and neck carcinomas. The HPV derived oncoproteins E6 and E7 are constitutively expressed in tumor cells and therefore potential targets for T cell mediated adoptive immunotherapy. Effective immunotherapy is dependent on the presence of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. However, low precursor frequencies of HPV16 specific T cells in patients and healthy donors hampers routine isolation of these cells for adoptive transfer purposes. An alternative to generate HPV specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is TCR gene transfer. Methods HPV specific CD4+ T cells were generated using either a MHC class I or MHC class II restricted TCR (from clones A9 and 24.101 respectively) directed against HPV16 antigens. Functional analysis was performed by interferon-γ secretion, proliferation and cytokine production assays. Results Introduction of HPV16 specific TCRs into blood derived CD4+ recipient T cells resulted in recognition of the relevant HPV16 epitope as determined by IFN-γ secretion. Importantly, we also show recognition of the endogenously processed and HLA-DP1 presented HPV16E6 epitope by 24.101 TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells and recognition of the HLA-A2 presented HPV16E7 epitope by A9 TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells. Conclusion Our data indicate that TCR transfer is feasible as an alternative strategy to generate human HPV16 specific CD4+ T helper cells for the treatment of patients suffering from cervical cancer and other HPV16 induced malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten B J Scholten
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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85
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Ghorashian S, Nicholson E, Stauss HJ. T cell gene-engineering to enhance GVT and suppress GVHD. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2011; 24:421-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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86
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Amir AL, van der Steen DM, van Loenen MM, Hagedoorn RS, de Boer R, Kester MDG, de Ru AH, Lugthart GJ, van Kooten C, Hiemstra PS, Jedema I, Griffioen M, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. PRAME-specific Allo-HLA-restricted T cells with potent antitumor reactivity useful for therapeutic T-cell receptor gene transfer. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:5615-25. [PMID: 21771875 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-1066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched stem cell transplantation (SCT), it has been shown that beneficial immune response mediating graft-versus-tumor (GVT) responses can be separated from graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) immune responses. In this study, we investigated whether it would be possible to dissect the beneficial immune response of allo-HLA-reactive T cells with potent antitumor reactivity from GVHD-inducing T cells present in the detrimental immune response after HLA-mismatched SCT. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The presence of specific tumor-reactive T cells in the allo-HLA repertoire was analyzed at the time of severe GVHD after HLA-mismatched SCT, using tetramers composed of different tumor-associated antigens (TAA). RESULTS High-avidity allo-HLA-restricted T cells specific for the TAA preferentially expressed antigen on melanomas (PRAME) were identified that exerted highly single-peptide-specific reactivity. The T cells recognized multiple different tumor cell lines and leukemic cells, whereas no reactivity against a large panel of nonmalignant cells was observed. These T cells, however, also exerted low reactivity against mature dendritic cells (DC) and kidney epithelial cells, which was shown to be because of low PRAME expression. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of potential beneficial specificity and high reactivity, the T-cell receptors of these PRAME-specific T cells may be effective tools for adoptive T-cell therapy. Clinical studies have to determine the significance of the reactivity observed against mature DCs and kidney epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avital L Amir
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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87
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Human T cells expressing affinity-matured TCR display accelerated responses but fail to recognize low density of MHC-peptide antigen. Blood 2011; 118:319-29. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-12-326736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
We have tested whether affinity-matured TCRs that retain peptide specificity improve the ability of primary human CD8+ T cells to mount antigen-specific responses. We found that TCR affinity correlated with the speed of T-cell responses. High affinity TCR–antigen interactions rapidly initiated T-cell responses, but low affinity TCR/antigen interactions required longer time periods to elicit the same responses. Within the “natural” affinity range, increased TCR-to-antigen affinity correlated with improved ability of T cells to recognize low concentration of antigen. However, affinity-matured TCR with 700-fold enhanced affinity for MHC-to-antigen required 100-fold higher antigen-density to initiate T-cell responses than did wild-type TCR. Using modified peptides to reduce the affinity of TCR-to-antigen interaction, we demonstrate that affinity-matured TCRs are not defective, being superior to wild-type TCR in recognizing low concentration of modified peptides. These data indicate that enhancing TCR affinity can accelerate the speed of T-cell activation and reduce the ability to recognize low density of MHC-to-peptide antigen. We predict that future studies of the human T-cell repertoire will reveal 2 types of low avidity T cells: fast and slow responders, with high-affinity and low-affinity TCR, respectively.
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88
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Abstract
The function of T-cell receptor (TCR) gene modified T cells is dependent on efficient surface expression of the introduced TCR α/β heterodimer. We tested whether endogenous CD3 chains are rate-limiting for TCR expression and antigen-specific T-cell function. We show that co-transfer of CD3 and TCR genes into primary murine T cells enhanced TCR expression and antigen-specific T-cell function in vitro. Peptide titration experiments showed that T cells expressing introduced CD3 and TCR genes recognized lower concentration of antigen than T cells expressing TCR only. In vivo imaging revealed that TCR+CD3 gene modified T cells infiltrated tumors faster and in larger numbers, which resulted in more rapid tumor elimination compared with T cells modified by TCR only. After tumor clearance, TCR+CD3 engineered T cells persisted in larger numbers than TCR-only T cells and mounted a more effective memory response when rechallenged with antigen. The data demonstrate that provision of additional CD3 molecules is an effective strategy to enhance the avidity, anti-tumor activity and functional memory formation of TCR gene modified T cells in vivo.
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89
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Marcu-Malina V, Heijhuurs S, van Buuren M, Hartkamp L, Strand S, Sebestyen Z, Scholten K, Martens A, Kuball J. Redirecting αβ T cells against cancer cells by transfer of a broadly tumor-reactive γδT-cell receptor. Blood 2011; 118:50-9. [PMID: 21566093 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-12-325993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Major limitations of currently investigated αβT cells redirected against cancer by transfer of tumor-specific αβTCR arise from their low affinity, MHC restriction, and risk to mediate self-reactivity after pairing with endogenous α or βTCR chains. Therefore, the ability of a defined γ9δ2TCR to redirect αβT cells selectively against tumor cells was tested and its molecular interaction with a variety of targets investigated. Functional analysis revealed that a γ9δ2TCR efficiently reprograms both CD4(+) and CD8(+) αβT cells against a broad panel of cancer cells while ignoring normal cells, and substantially reduces but does not completely abrogate alloreactivity. γ9δ2TCR-transduced αβT cells reduced colony formation of progenitor cells of primary acute myeloid leukemia blasts and inhibited leukemia growth in a humanized mouse model. Thereby, metabolites of a dysregulated mevalonate pathway are targeted and the additional application of widely used biphosphonates is crucial for in vivo efficacy most likely because of its modulating effect on cytokine secretion of γ9δ2TCR-transduced αβT cells. Expression of NKG2D ligands and F1-ATPase contributed to the activity of γ9δ2TCR-transduced αβT cells but were not mandatory. In summary, γ9δ2 TCRs are an attractive alternative to broadly redirect αβT cells against cancer cells with both an improved efficacy and safety profile compared with currently used αβTCRs.
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MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer/methods
- Animals
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Cell Communication/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Dendritic Cells/cytology
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/cytology
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/immunology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Mice
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Marcu-Malina
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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90
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Abstract
T-cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy aims to induce immune reactivity against tumors by introducing genes encoding a tumor-reactive TCR into patient T cells. This approach has been extensively tested in preclinical mouse models, and initial clinical trials have demonstrated the feasibility and potential of TCR gene therapy as a cancer treatment. However, data obtained from preclinical and clinical studies suggest that both the therapeutic efficacy and the safety of TCR gene therapy can be and needs to be further enhanced. This review highlights those strategies that can be followed to develop TCR gene therapy into a clinically relevant treatment option for cancer patients.
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91
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Luo W, Zhang XB, Huang YT, Hao PP, Jiang ZM, Wen Q, Zhou MQ, Jin Q, Ma L. Development of genetically engineered CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing TCRs specific for a M. tuberculosis 38-kDa antigen. J Mol Med (Berl) 2011; 89:903-13. [PMID: 21556811 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-011-0760-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2010] [Revised: 03/16/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell-mediated immunity is critical to the clearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis due to the primarily intracellular niche of this pathogen. Adoptive transfer of M. tuberculosis-specific effector T cells has been shown to confer immunity to M. tuberculosis-infected recipients resulting in M. tuberculosis clearance. However, it is difficult to generate sufficient numbers of M. tuberculosis antigen-specific T cells in a short time. Recent studies have developed T cell receptor (TCR) gene-modified T cells that allow for the rapid generation of large numbers of antigen-specific T cells. Many TCRs that target various tumor and viral antigens have now been isolated and shown to have functional activity. Nevertheless, TCRs specific for intracellular bacterial antigens (including M. tuberculosis antigens) have yet to be isolated and their functionality confirmed. We isolated M. tuberculosis 38-kDa antigen-specific HLA class I and class II-restricted TCRs and modified the TCR gene C regions by substituting nine amino acids with their murine TCR homologs (minimal murinization). Results showed that both wild-type and minimal murinized TCR genes were successfully cloned into retroviral vectors and transduced into primary CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and displayed anti-M. tuberculosis activity. As expected, minimal murinized TCRs displayed higher cell surface expression levels and stronger anti-M. tuberculosis activity than wild-type TCRs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing TCRs targeting M. tuberculosis antigens and this investigation provides the basis for future TCR gene-based immunotherapies that can be designed for the treatment of immunocompromised M. tuberculosis-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Luo
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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92
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Labarriere N, Khammari A, Lang F, Dreno B. Is antigen specificity the key to efficient adoptive T-cell therapy? Immunotherapy 2011; 3:495-505. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.11.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells remains a promising approach in melanoma. Initial clinical trials performed with polyclonal tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte gave limited clinical results. Nonetheless, encouraging results have been reported in adjuvant setting (stage III melanoma), and when tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were associated with lymphodepleting regimens. Specificity of adoptive cell therapy has been achieved with the infusion of antigen specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte clones, associated with some clinical responses. Antigen specificity can also be obtained by the allogeneic transfer of high-avidity T-cell receptors into autologous T cells. We propose an alternative strategy based on the selection of antigen-specific T cells with magnetic beads coated with HLA–peptide multimers. Future improvements of adoptive melanoma immunotherapy may be achieved by its association with other therapeutic strategies such as targeted therapy against signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Labarriere
- Unite Mixte de Recherche Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, Unite 892, Centre de Recherche en Canerologie Nantes-Angers, F-44007 Nantes, France
| | - Amir Khammari
- Unite Mixte de Recherche Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, Unite 892, Centre de Recherche en Canerologie Nantes-Angers, F-44007 Nantes, France
- Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Nantes, Unit of Skin Cancer, F-44093 Nantes, France
| | - Francois Lang
- Unite Mixte de Recherche Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, Unite 892, Centre de Recherche en Canerologie Nantes-Angers, F-44007 Nantes, France
- Université de Nantes, Unite de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, F-44093 Nantes, France
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93
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Al-Khami AA, Mehrotra S, Nishimura MI. Adoptive immunotherapy of cancer: Gene transfer of T cell specificity. SELF NONSELF 2011; 2:80-84. [PMID: 22299059 DOI: 10.4161/self.2.2.15832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of tumor-reactive T cells has emerged as a promising advance in tumor immunotherapy. Specifically, infusion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes has led to long-term objective clinical responses for patients with metastatic melanoma. Donor lymphocyte infusion is also an effective treatment of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. However, adoptive T cell therapy has restrictions in the isolation and expansion of antigen-specific lymphocytes for a large group of patients. One approach to circumvent this limitation and extend adoptive immunotherapy to other cancer types is the genetic modification of T cells with antigen-specific receptors. In this article, we review strategies to redirect T cell specificity, including T cell receptor gene transfer and antibody receptor gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir A Al-Khami
- Division of General Surgery; Department of Surgery; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston, SC USA
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94
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Hudecek M, Anderson LD, Nishida T, Riddell SR. Adoptive T-cell therapy for B-cell malignancies. Expert Rev Hematol 2011; 2:517-32. [PMID: 21083018 DOI: 10.1586/ehm.09.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The success of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for B-cell malignancies is evidence that these tumors can be eliminated by T lymphocytes. This has encouraged the development of specific adoptive T-cell therapy, both for augmenting the anti-tumor effect of HCT and for patients not undergoing HCT. T cells that are capable of recognizing antigens expressed on malignant B cells may be recruited from the endogenous repertoire or engineered to express tumor-targeting receptors. Critical insights into the qualities of T cells that enable their persistence and function in vivo have been derived, and obstacles to effective T-cell-mediated tumor eradication are being elucidated. These advances provide the tools to translate adoptive T-cell transfer into reliable clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hudecek
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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95
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Ochi T, Fujiwara H, Yasukawa M. Requisite considerations for successful adoptive immunotherapy with engineered T-lymphocytes using tumor antigen-specific T-cell receptor gene transfer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 11:699-713. [PMID: 21413911 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.566853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although engineered T-cell-based antitumor immunotherapy using tumor-antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) gene transfer is undoubtedly a promising strategy, a number of studies have revealed that it has several drawbacks. AREAS COVERED This review covers selected articles detailing recent progress in this field, not only for solid tumors, but also for leukemias. In terms of achieving uniform therapeutic quality of TCR gene-modified T cells as an 'off-the-shelf' product, the authors abstract and discuss the requisite conditions for successful outcome, including: i) the optimal target choice reflecting the specificity of the introduced TCR, ii) the quality and quantity of expressed TCRs in gene-modified T cells, and additional genetic modification reflecting enhanced antitumor functionality, and iii) 'on-' and 'off-target' adverse events caused by the quality of the introduced TCRs and other adverse events related to genetic modification itself. Readers will be able to readily abstract recent advances in TCR gene-transferred T-cell therapy, centering notably on efforts to obtain uniformity in the therapeutic functionality of engineered T cells. EXPERT OPINION Harmonizing the functionality and target specificity of TCR will allow the establishment of clinically useful adoptive immunotherapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Ochi
- Department of Bioregulatory Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791 0295, Japan.
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96
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Sangiolo D, Leuci V, Gallo S, Aglietta M, Piacibello W. Gene-modified T lymphocytes in the setting of hematopoietic cell transplantation: potential benefits and possible risks. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 11:655-66. [PMID: 21375466 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.565325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a consolidated treatment for several hematologic malignancies. Donor T lymphocytes can mediate a graft versus tumor (GVT) effect and control opportunistic infections but can also cause severe graft versus host disease (GVHD). Gene-transfer strategies are appealing tools to modulate T cell functions when infused after HCT. AREAS COVERED The current and potential future applications of T cell gene-transfer approaches to HCT. This review is not limited to GVHD control but covers the issues of GVT and immune reconstitution. Clinical data are used to discuss more general issues, perspectives and concerns common to gene-modification of T cells. An overview of the results and limitations emerging from clinical trials with herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) engineered lymphocytes is provided. The review provides perspectives on additional gene-transfer strategies, currently at preclinical level or that have just entered clinical trials, to increase the efficacy and safety of HCT. EXPERT OPINION Gene-transfer can positively interfere with T cell functions after HCT. TK-lymphocytes have proven effective in controlling GVHD while retaining an acceptable GVT effect. Strategies exploiting new suicide molecules or engineered T cell receptors (TCRs) should be further explored to address current limitations with TK-lymphocytes and augment the efficacy and specificity of GVT and antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Sangiolo
- IRCC Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Laboratory of Cell Therapy, Department of Oncological Sciences, Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
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97
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Bleakley M, Riddell SR. Exploiting T cells specific for human minor histocompatibility antigens for therapy of leukemia. Immunol Cell Biol 2011; 89:396-407. [PMID: 21301477 PMCID: PMC3061548 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2010.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Minor histocompatibility (H) antigens are major targets of a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect mediated by donor CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) between human leukocyte antigen identical individuals. In the 15 years since the first molecular characterization of human minor H antigens, significant strides in minor H antigen discovery have been made as a consequence of advances in cellular, genetic and molecular techniques. Much has been learned about the mechanisms of minor H antigen immunogenicity, their expression on normal and malignant cells, and their role in GVL responses. T cells specific for minor H antigens expressed on leukemic cells, including leukemic stem cells, can be isolated and expanded in vitro and infused into allogeneic HCT recipients to augment the GVL effect to prevent and treat relapse. The first report of the adoptive transfer of minor H antigen-specific T-cell clones to patients with leukemic relapse in 2010 illustrates the potential for the manipulation of alloreactivity for therapeutic benefit. This review describes the recent developments in T-cell recognition of human minor H antigens, and efforts to translate these discoveries to reduce leukemia relapse after allogeneic HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bleakley
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109-981024, USA.
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98
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Bleakley M, Riddell SR. Exploiting T cells specific for human minor histocompatibility antigens for therapy of leukemia. Immunol Cell Biol 2011. [PMID: 21301477 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2010.124.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Minor histocompatibility (H) antigens are major targets of a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect mediated by donor CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) between human leukocyte antigen identical individuals. In the 15 years since the first molecular characterization of human minor H antigens, significant strides in minor H antigen discovery have been made as a consequence of advances in cellular, genetic and molecular techniques. Much has been learned about the mechanisms of minor H antigen immunogenicity, their expression on normal and malignant cells, and their role in GVL responses. T cells specific for minor H antigens expressed on leukemic cells, including leukemic stem cells, can be isolated and expanded in vitro and infused into allogeneic HCT recipients to augment the GVL effect to prevent and treat relapse. The first report of the adoptive transfer of minor H antigen-specific T-cell clones to patients with leukemic relapse in 2010 illustrates the potential for the manipulation of alloreactivity for therapeutic benefit. This review describes the recent developments in T-cell recognition of human minor H antigens, and efforts to translate these discoveries to reduce leukemia relapse after allogeneic HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bleakley
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109-981024, USA.
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99
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Jorritsma A, Schumacher TNM, Haanen JBAG. Immunotherapeutic strategies: the melanoma example. Immunotherapy 2011; 1:679-90. [PMID: 20635992 DOI: 10.2217/imt.09.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell-based immunotherapy can be induced by nonspecific activation, by antigen-specific immunization, or by adoptive immunotherapy. In this review, progress in these areas is discussed as based on data from clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Nonspecific immunotherapy has been shown to result in low, but in some cases significant, levels of objective tumor responses, and is often associated with autoimmune reactions. Antigen-specific targeting of tumors via vaccination has only resulted in low to very low levels of objective responses, and these strategies seem to have most value when the T-cell repertoire is not affected by tolerance. Finally, adoptive immunotherapy can be applied by in vitro expansion of autologous lymphocytes that have escaped tolerance or by genetic transfer of allogeneic T-cell receptors (TCRs). Autologous adoptive T-cell transfer has resulted in a very high frequency of clinical responses when combined with chemotherapy and IL-2 administration in single-center studies. Although TCR gene transfer has, until now, only resulted in a low frequency of clinical responses, it does have a broader application potential, and optimization of this strategy is likely to improve its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Jorritsma
- Division of Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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100
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Parkhurst MR, Yang JC, Langan RC, Dudley ME, Nathan DAN, Feldman SA, Davis JL, Morgan RA, Merino MJ, Sherry RM, Hughes MS, Kammula US, Phan GQ, Lim RM, Wank SA, Restifo NP, Robbins PF, Laurencot CM, Rosenberg SA. T cells targeting carcinoembryonic antigen can mediate regression of metastatic colorectal cancer but induce severe transient colitis. Mol Ther 2010; 19:620-6. [PMID: 21157437 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 762] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autologous T lymphocytes genetically engineered to express a murine T cell receptor (TCR) against human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were administered to three patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to standard treatments. All patients experienced profound decreases in serum CEA levels (74-99%), and one patient had an objective regression of cancer metastatic to the lung and liver. However, a severe transient inflammatory colitis that represented a dose limiting toxicity was induced in all three patients. This report represents the first example of objective regression of metastatic colorectal cancer mediated by adoptive T cell transfer and illustrates the successful use of a TCR, raised in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) transgenic mice, against a human tumor associated antigen. It also emphasizes the destructive power of small numbers of highly avid T cells and the limitations of using CEA as a target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria R Parkhurst
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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