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Zajc CU, Sylvander E, Lehner M, Traxlmayr MW. Small molecule-regulated switches to provide functional control of CAR T cells within the patient. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024; 24:425-432. [PMID: 38943466 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2371034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION CAR T cells have generated great excitement due to their remarkable clinical response rates in selected hematologic malignancies. However, these engineered immune cells are living drugs which are hard to control after administration. AREAS COVERED We discuss small molecule-regulated switch systems which can potentially be used to control CAR T cell function within the patient, as well as the most important obstacles in the CAR T cell field, which might be overcome with those switch systems. EXPERT OPINION There is an urgent need to develop advanced switch systems. Once available, we expect that they will open up new avenues for future CAR T cell generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte U Zajc
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria
- CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elise Sylvander
- CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children´s Cancer Research Institute, CCRI, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Lehner
- CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children´s Cancer Research Institute, CCRI, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Anna Kinderspital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael W Traxlmayr
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria
- CD Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
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Talleur AC, Fabrizio VA, Aplenc R, Grupp SA, Mackall C, Majzner R, Nguyen R, Rouce R, Moskop A, McNerney KO. INSPIRED Symposium Part 5: Expanding the Use of CAR T Cells in Children and Young Adults. Transplant Cell Ther 2024; 30:565-579. [PMID: 38588880 PMCID: PMC11139555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in relapsed/refractory (r/r) B cell malignancies, including in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Expanding this success to other hematologic and solid malignancies is an area of active research and, although challenges remain, novel solutions have led to significant progress over the past decade. Ongoing clinical trials for CAR T cell therapy for T cell malignancies and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have highlighted challenges, including antigen specificity with off-tumor toxicity and persistence concerns. In T cell malignancies, notable challenges include CAR T cell fratricide and prolonged T cell aplasia, which are being addressed with strategies such as gene editing and suicide switch technologies. In AML, antigen identification remains a significant barrier, due to shared antigens across healthy hematopoietic progenitor cells and myeloid blasts. Strategies to limit persistence and circumvent the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) created by AML are also being explored. CAR T cell therapies for central nervous system and solid tumors have several challenges, including tumor antigen heterogeneity, immunosuppressive and hypoxic TME, and potential for off-target toxicity. Numerous CAR T cell products have been designed to overcome these challenges, including "armored" CARs and CAR/T cell receptor (TCR) hybrids. Strategies to enhance CAR T cell delivery, augment CAR T cell performance in the TME, and ensure the safety of these products have shown promising results. In this manuscript, we will review the available evidence for CAR T cell use in T cell malignancies, AML, central nervous system (CNS), and non-CNS solid tumor malignancies, and recommend areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee C Talleur
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
| | - Vanessa A Fabrizio
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplant, Children's Hospital Colorado/University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Richard Aplenc
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephan A Grupp
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Crystal Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Rosa Nguyen
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rayne Rouce
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Amy Moskop
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Kevin O McNerney
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Pacalin NM, Steinhart Z, Shi Q, Belk JA, Dorovskyi D, Kraft K, Parker KR, Shy BR, Marson A, Chang HY. Bidirectional epigenetic editing reveals hierarchies in gene regulation. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02213-3. [PMID: 38760566 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02213-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR perturbation methods are limited in their ability to study non-coding elements and genetic interactions. In this study, we developed a system for bidirectional epigenetic editing, called CRISPRai, in which we apply activating (CRISPRa) and repressive (CRISPRi) perturbations to two loci simultaneously in the same cell. We developed CRISPRai Perturb-seq by coupling dual perturbation gRNA detection with single-cell RNA sequencing, enabling study of pooled perturbations in a mixed single-cell population. We applied this platform to study the genetic interaction between two hematopoietic lineage transcription factors, SPI1 and GATA1, and discovered novel characteristics of their co-regulation on downstream target genes, including differences in SPI1 and GATA1 occupancy at genes that are regulated through different modes. We also studied the regulatory landscape of IL2 (interleukin-2) in Jurkat T cells, primary T cells and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and elucidated mechanisms of enhancer-mediated IL2 gene regulation. CRISPRai facilitates investigation of context-specific genetic interactions, provides new insights into gene regulation and will enable exploration of non-coding disease-associated variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi M Pacalin
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zachary Steinhart
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Quanming Shi
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julia A Belk
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dmytro Dorovskyi
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katerina Kraft
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kevin R Parker
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Cartography Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian R Shy
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Marson
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Zhdanov DD, Gladilina YA, Blinova VG, Abramova AA, Shishparenok AN, Eliseeva DD. Induction of FoxP3 Pre-mRNA Alternative Splicing to Enhance the Suppressive Activity of Regulatory T Cells from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1022. [PMID: 38790984 PMCID: PMC11117958 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) is a key transcription factor responsible for the development, maturation, and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). The FoxP3 pre-mRNA is subject to alternative splicing, resulting in the translation of multiple splice variants. We have shown that Tregs from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have reduced expression of full-length (FL) FoxP3, while other truncated splice variants are expressed predominantly. A correlation was observed between the reduced number of Tregs in the peripheral blood of ALS patients, reduced total FoxP3 mRNA, and reduced mRNA of its FL splice variant. Induction of FL FoxP3 was achieved using splice-switching oligonucleotides capable of base pairing with FoxP3 pre-mRNA and selectively modulating the inclusion of exons 2 and 7 in the mature mRNA. Selective expression of FL FoxP3 resulted in the induction of CD127low, CD152, and Helios-positive cells, while the cell markers CD4 and CD25 were not altered. Such Tregs had an increased proliferative activity and a higher frequency of cell divisions per day. The increased suppressive activity of Tregs with the induced FL FoxP3 splice variant was associated with the increased synthesis of the pro-apoptotic granzymes A and B, and perforin, IL-10, and IL-35, which are responsible for contact-independent suppression, and with the increased ability to suppress telomerase in target cells. The upregulation of Treg suppressive and proliferative activity using splice-switching oligonucleotides to induce the predominant expression of the FoxP3 FL variant is a promising approach for regenerative cell therapy in Treg-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya St. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia A. Gladilina
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Varvara G. Blinova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Anna A. Abramova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, 125367 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anastasia N. Shishparenok
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (A.A.A.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Daria D. Eliseeva
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoe Shosse, 80, 125367 Moscow, Russia;
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55
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Perez CR, Garmilla A, Nilsson A, Baghdassarian HM, Gordon KS, Lima LG, Smith BE, Maus MV, Lauffenburger DA, Birnbaum ME. Library-based single-cell analysis of CAR signaling reveals drivers of in vivo persistence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.29.591541. [PMID: 38746119 PMCID: PMC11092467 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.29.591541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The anti-tumor function of engineered T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is dependent on signals transduced through intracellular signaling domains (ICDs). Different ICDs are known to drive distinct phenotypes, but systematic investigations into how ICD architectures direct T cell function-particularly at the molecular level-are lacking. Here, we use single-cell sequencing to map diverse signaling inputs to transcriptional outputs, focusing on a defined library of clinically relevant ICD architectures. Informed by these observations, we functionally characterize transcriptionally distinct ICD variants across various contexts to build comprehensive maps from ICD composition to phenotypic output. We identify a unique tonic signaling signature associated with a subset of ICD architectures that drives durable in vivo persistence and efficacy in liquid, but not solid, tumors. Our findings work toward decoding CAR signaling design principles, with implications for the rational design of next-generation ICD architectures optimized for in vivo function.
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56
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Dai A, Zhang X, Wang X, Liu G, Wang Q, Yu F. Transcription factors in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell development. Hum Cell 2024; 37:571-581. [PMID: 38436882 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01040-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a new and innovative approach to treating cancers that has shown promising results in the treatment of lymphoma. However, it has been found to be less effective in the treatment of solid tumors. To overcome the limitation, researchers have explored the use of combined CAR-T therapy with other complementary regimens that target specific genes or biomarkers, which would enhance the synergistic therapeutic effects. Transcription factors (TFs) have been identified as potential markers that can regulate gene expression in CAR-T cells to enhance their cytotoxicity and safety. TFs are known to bind DNA specifically and recruit cofactor proteins to regulate the expression of target genes. By targeting TFs, it is possible to improve the anti-tumor response of CAR-T cells by altering their phenotype and transcriptional map, thereby increasing their effector function, such as reducing the exhaustion, enhancing the survival, and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells. This review summarizes the application of transcription factors in CART therapy to enhance the synergistic therapeutic effect of CAR-T cells in the treatment of solid tumors and improve their anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anran Dai
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Xiangzhi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suqian First People's Hospital, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Suqian First People's Hospital, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Feng Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
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57
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Doan AE, Mueller KP, Chen AY, Rouin GT, Chen Y, Daniel B, Lattin J, Markovska M, Mozarsky B, Arias-Umana J, Hapke R, Jung IY, Wang A, Xu P, Klysz D, Zuern G, Bashti M, Quinn PJ, Miao Z, Sandor K, Zhang W, Chen GM, Ryu F, Logun M, Hall J, Tan K, Grupp SA, McClory SE, Lareau CA, Fraietta JA, Sotillo E, Satpathy AT, Mackall CL, Weber EW. FOXO1 is a master regulator of memory programming in CAR T cells. Nature 2024; 629:211-218. [PMID: 38600391 PMCID: PMC11062920 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07300-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
A major limitation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies is the poor persistence of these cells in vivo1. The expression of memory-associated genes in CAR T cells is linked to their long-term persistence in patients and clinical efficacy2-6, suggesting that memory programs may underpin durable CAR T cell function. Here we show that the transcription factor FOXO1 is responsible for promoting memory and restraining exhaustion in human CAR T cells. Pharmacological inhibition or gene editing of endogenous FOXO1 diminished the expression of memory-associated genes, promoted an exhaustion-like phenotype and impaired the antitumour activity of CAR T cells. Overexpression of FOXO1 induced a gene-expression program consistent with T cell memory and increased chromatin accessibility at FOXO1-binding motifs. CAR T cells that overexpressed FOXO1 retained their function, memory potential and metabolic fitness in settings of chronic stimulation, and exhibited enhanced persistence and tumour control in vivo. By contrast, overexpression of TCF1 (encoded by TCF7) did not enforce canonical memory programs or enhance the potency of CAR T cells. Notably, FOXO1 activity correlated with positive clinical outcomes of patients treated with CAR T cells or tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, underscoring the clinical relevance of FOXO1 in cancer immunotherapy. Our results show that overexpressing FOXO1 can increase the antitumour activity of human CAR T cells, and highlight memory reprogramming as a broadly applicable approach for optimizing therapeutic T cell states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E Doan
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katherine P Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andy Y Chen
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Rouin
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yingshi Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bence Daniel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Lattin
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Martina Markovska
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brett Mozarsky
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jose Arias-Umana
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert Hapke
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - In-Young Jung
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alice Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Klysz
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Zuern
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Malek Bashti
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Patrick J Quinn
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zhuang Miao
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katalin Sandor
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wenxi Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gregory M Chen
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Faith Ryu
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meghan Logun
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Junior Hall
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kai Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephan A Grupp
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan E McClory
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Caleb A Lareau
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph A Fraietta
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ansuman T Satpathy
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Evan W Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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58
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Ma S, Wu Q, Wu W, Tian Y, Zhang J, Chen C, Sheng X, Zhao F, Ding L, Wang T, Zhao L, Xie Y, Wang Y, Yue X, Wu Z, Wei J, Zhang K, Liang X, Gao L, Wang H, Wang G, Li C, Ma C. Urolithin A Hijacks ERK1/2-ULK1 Cascade to Improve CD8 + T Cell Fitness for Antitumor Immunity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2310065. [PMID: 38447147 PMCID: PMC11095213 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
According to the latest evidence, the microbial metabolite Urolithin A (UA), known for its role in promoting cellular health, modulates CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor activity. However, the direct target protein of UA and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, this research identifies ERK1/2 as the specific target crucial for UA-mediated CD8+ T cell activation. Even at low doses, UA markedly enhances the persistence and effector functions of primary CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, UA interacts directly with ERK1/2 kinases, enhancing their activation and subsequently facilitating T cell activation by engaging ULK1. The UA-ERK1/2-ULK1 axis promotes autophagic flux in CD8+ CTLs, enhancing cellular metabolism and maintaining reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, as evidenced by increased oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates. UA-treated CD8+ CTLs also display elevated ATP levels and enhanced spare respiratory capacity. Overall, UA activates ERK1/2, inducing autophagy and metabolic adaptation, showcasing its potential in tumor immunotherapy and interventions for diseases involving ERKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiya Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Qi Wu
- GI Cancer Research InstituteTongji HospitalHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430074P. R. China
| | - Wenxian Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age‐Related Cardiac and Cerebral DiseaseDepartment of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical UniversityZhanjiangGuangdong524001P. R. China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Shandong UniversityShenzhen518057P. R. China
| | - Ye Tian
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Chaojia Chen
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Xue Sheng
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Fangcheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Lu Ding
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Taixia Wang
- Central LaboratoryTongji University School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Laixi Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Yuying Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age‐Related Cardiac and Cerebral DiseaseDepartment of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical UniversityZhanjiangGuangdong524001P. R. China
| | - Yongxiang Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age‐Related Cardiac and Cerebral DiseaseDepartment of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical UniversityZhanjiangGuangdong524001P. R. China
| | - Xuetian Yue
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Jian Wei
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesShandong UniversityJinan250012P. R. China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Central LaboratoryTongji University School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031P. R. China
| | - Guihua Wang
- GI Cancer Research InstituteTongji HospitalHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430074P. R. China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Histology and EmbryologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
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Chan JD, Scheffler CM, Munoz I, Sek K, Lee JN, Huang YK, Yap KM, Saw NYL, Li J, Chen AXY, Chan CW, Derrick EB, Todd KL, Tong J, Dunbar PA, Li J, Hoang TX, de Menezes MN, Petley EV, Kim JS, Nguyen D, Leung PSK, So J, Deguit C, Zhu J, House IG, Kats LM, Scott AM, Solomon BJ, Harrison SJ, Oliaro J, Parish IA, Quinn KM, Neeson PJ, Slaney CY, Lai J, Beavis PA, Darcy PK. FOXO1 enhances CAR T cell stemness, metabolic fitness and efficacy. Nature 2024; 629:201-210. [PMID: 38600376 PMCID: PMC11062918 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has transformed the treatment of haematological malignancies such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, B cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma1-4, but the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy in solid tumours has been limited5. This is owing to a number of factors, including the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment that gives rise to poorly persisting and metabolically dysfunctional T cells. Analysis of anti-CD19 CAR T cells used clinically has shown that positive treatment outcomes are associated with a more 'stem-like' phenotype and increased mitochondrial mass6-8. We therefore sought to identify transcription factors that could enhance CAR T cell fitness and efficacy against solid tumours. Here we show that overexpression of FOXO1 promotes a stem-like phenotype in CAR T cells derived from either healthy human donors or patients, which correlates with improved mitochondrial fitness, persistence and therapeutic efficacy in vivo. This work thus reveals an engineering approach to genetically enforce a favourable metabolic phenotype that has high translational potential to improve the efficacy of CAR T cells against solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack D Chan
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christina M Scheffler
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Isabelle Munoz
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kevin Sek
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joel N Lee
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yu-Kuan Huang
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kah Min Yap
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole Y L Saw
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jasmine Li
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda X Y Chen
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheok Weng Chan
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily B Derrick
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsten L Todd
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Junming Tong
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phoebe A Dunbar
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jiawen Li
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thang X Hoang
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria N de Menezes
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma V Petley
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joelle S Kim
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dat Nguyen
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick S K Leung
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joan So
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christian Deguit
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joe Zhu
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Imran G House
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lev M Kats
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew M Scott
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Solomon
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon J Harrison
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Clinical Haematology and Centre of Excellence for Cellular Immunotherapies, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Oliaro
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian A Parish
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kylie M Quinn
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J Neeson
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clare Y Slaney
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Junyun Lai
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Paul A Beavis
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Phillip K Darcy
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Clinical Haematology and Centre of Excellence for Cellular Immunotherapies, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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60
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Short L, Holt RA, Cullis PR, Evgin L. Direct in vivo CAR T cell engineering. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:406-418. [PMID: 38614815 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
T cells modified to express intelligently designed chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are exceptionally powerful therapeutic agents for relapsed and refractory blood cancers and have the potential to revolutionize therapy for many other diseases. To circumvent the complexity and cost associated with broad-scale implementation of ex vivo manufactured adoptive cell therapy products, alternative strategies to generate CAR T cells in vivo by direct infusion of nanoparticle-formulated nucleic acids or engineered viral vectors under development have received a great deal of attention in the past few years. Here, we outline the ex vivo manufacturing process as a motivating framework for direct in vivo strategies and discuss emerging data from preclinical models to highlight the potency of the in vivo approach, the applicability for new disease indications, and the remaining challenges associated with clinical readiness, including delivery specificity, long term efficacy, and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauralie Short
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Department, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert A Holt
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Department, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Pieter R Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Laura Evgin
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Department, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Zhu M, Han Y, Gu T, Wang R, Si X, Kong D, Zhao P, Wang X, Li J, Zhai X, Yu Z, Lu H, Li J, Huang H, Qian P. Class I HDAC inhibitors enhance antitumor efficacy and persistence of CAR-T cells by activation of the Wnt pathway. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114065. [PMID: 38578828 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modification shapes differentiation trajectory and regulates the exhaustion state of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells. Limited efficacy induced by terminal exhaustion closely ties with intrinsic transcriptional regulation. However, the comprehensive regulatory mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we identify class I histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) as boosters of CAR-T cell function by high-throughput screening of chromatin-modifying drugs, in which M344 and chidamide enhance memory maintenance and resistance to exhaustion of CAR-T cells that induce sustained antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HDACi decrease HDAC1 expression and enhance H3K27ac activity. Multi-omics analyses from RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and H3K27ac CUT&Tag-seq show that HDACi upregulate expression of TCF4, LEF1, and CTNNB1, which subsequently activate the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Collectively, our findings elucidate the functional roles of class I HDACi in enhancing CAR-T cell function, which provides the basis and therapeutic targets for synergic combination of CAR-T cell therapy and HDACi treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yingli Han
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tianning Gu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China; Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Si
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China; Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Delin Kong
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China; Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiujian Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China; Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinxin Li
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xingyuan Zhai
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China; Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zebin Yu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huan Lu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - He Huang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China; Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Pengxu Qian
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Montoya M, Gallus M, Phyu S, Haegelin J, de Groot J, Okada H. A Roadmap of CAR-T-Cell Therapy in Glioblastoma: Challenges and Future Perspectives. Cells 2024; 13:726. [PMID: 38727262 PMCID: PMC11083543 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor, with a median overall survival of less than 2 years and a nearly 100% mortality rate under standard therapy that consists of surgery followed by combined radiochemotherapy. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. The success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in hematological cancers has prompted preclinical and clinical investigations into CAR-T-cell treatment for GBM. However, recent trials have not demonstrated any major success. Here, we delineate existing challenges impeding the effectiveness of CAR-T-cell therapy for GBM, encompassing the cold (immunosuppressive) microenvironment, tumor heterogeneity, T-cell exhaustion, local and systemic immunosuppression, and the immune privilege inherent to the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma. Additionally, we deliberate on the progress made in developing next-generation CAR-T cells and novel innovative approaches, such as low-intensity pulsed focused ultrasound, aimed at surmounting current roadblocks in GBM CAR-T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Montoya
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Marco Gallus
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Su Phyu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jeffrey Haegelin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - John de Groot
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
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63
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Lin CP, Levy PL, Alflen A, Apriamashvili G, Ligtenberg MA, Vredevoogd DW, Bleijerveld OB, Alkan F, Malka Y, Hoekman L, Markovits E, George A, Traets JJH, Krijgsman O, van Vliet A, Poźniak J, Pulido-Vicuña CA, de Bruijn B, van Hal-van Veen SE, Boshuizen J, van der Helm PW, Díaz-Gómez J, Warda H, Behrens LM, Mardesic P, Dehni B, Visser NL, Marine JC, Markel G, Faller WJ, Altelaar M, Agami R, Besser MJ, Peeper DS. Multimodal stimulation screens reveal unique and shared genes limiting T cell fitness. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:623-645.e10. [PMID: 38490212 PMCID: PMC11003465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Genes limiting T cell antitumor activity may serve as therapeutic targets. It has not been systematically studied whether there are regulators that uniquely or broadly contribute to T cell fitness. We perform genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens in primary CD8 T cells to uncover genes negatively impacting fitness upon three modes of stimulation: (1) intense, triggering activation-induced cell death (AICD); (2) acute, triggering expansion; (3) chronic, causing dysfunction. Besides established regulators, we uncover genes controlling T cell fitness either specifically or commonly upon differential stimulation. Dap5 ablation, ranking highly in all three screens, increases translation while enhancing tumor killing. Loss of Icam1-mediated homotypic T cell clustering amplifies cell expansion and effector functions after both acute and intense stimulation. Lastly, Ctbp1 inactivation induces functional T cell persistence exclusively upon chronic stimulation. Our results functionally annotate fitness regulators based on their unique or shared contribution to traits limiting T cell antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Pu Lin
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pierre L Levy
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Astrid Alflen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Georgi Apriamashvili
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten A Ligtenberg
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David W Vredevoogd
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Onno B Bleijerveld
- Proteomics Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ferhat Alkan
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yuval Malka
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Hoekman
- Proteomics Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ettai Markovits
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-oncology and Melanoma, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52612, Israel; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Austin George
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joleen J H Traets
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Oscar Krijgsman
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alex van Vliet
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joanna Poźniak
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carlos Ariel Pulido-Vicuña
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Beaunelle de Bruijn
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susan E van Hal-van Veen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Julia Boshuizen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pim W van der Helm
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judit Díaz-Gómez
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hamdy Warda
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Leonie M Behrens
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paula Mardesic
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bilal Dehni
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nils L Visser
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gal Markel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel; Davidoff Cancer Center and Samueli Integrative Cancer Pioneering Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | - William J Faller
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Proteomics Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Reuven Agami
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michal J Besser
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-oncology and Melanoma, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52612, Israel; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel; Davidoff Cancer Center and Samueli Integrative Cancer Pioneering Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Daniel S Peeper
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Xiang M, Li H, Zhan Y, Ma D, Gao Q, Fang Y. Functional CRISPR screens in T cells reveal new opportunities for cancer immunotherapies. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:73. [PMID: 38581063 PMCID: PMC10996278 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells are fundamental components in tumour immunity and cancer immunotherapies, which have made immense strides and revolutionized cancer treatment paradigm. However, recent studies delineate the predicament of T cell dysregulation in tumour microenvironment and the compromised efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. CRISPR screens enable unbiased interrogation of gene function in T cells and have revealed functional determinators, genetic regulatory networks, and intercellular interactions in T cell life cycle, thereby providing opportunities to revamp cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we briefly described the central roles of T cells in successful cancer immunotherapies, comprehensively summarised the studies of CRISPR screens in T cells, elaborated resultant master genes that control T cell activation, proliferation, fate determination, effector function, and exhaustion, and highlighted genes (BATF, PRDM1, and TOX) and signalling cascades (JAK-STAT and NF-κB pathways) that extensively engage in multiple branches of T cell responses. In conclusion, this review bridged the gap between discovering element genes to a specific process of T cell activities and apprehending these genes in the global T cell life cycle, deepened the understanding of T cell biology in tumour immunity, and outlined CRISPR screens resources that might facilitate the development and implementation of cancer immunotherapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhan
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Steffin D, Ghatwai N, Montalbano A, Rathi P, Courtney AN, Arnett AB, Fleurence J, Sweidan R, Wang T, Zhang H, Masand P, Maris JM, Martinez D, Pogoriler J, Varadarajan N, Thakkar SG, Lyon D, Lapteva N, Mei Z, Patel K, Lopez-Terrada D, Ramos C, Lulla P, Armaghany T, Grilley BJ, Dotti G, Metelitsa LS, Heslop HE, Brenner MK, Sumazin P, Heczey A. Interleukin-15-armored GPC3-CAR T cells for patients with solid cancers. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4103623. [PMID: 38645165 PMCID: PMC11030543 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4103623/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL15) promotes the survival of T lymphocytes and enhances the antitumor properties of CAR T cells in preclinical models of solid neoplasms in which CAR T cells have limited efficacy1-4. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is expressed in a group of solid cancers5-10, and here we report the first evaluation in humans of the effects of IL15 co-expression on GPC3-CAR T cells. Cohort 1 patients (NCT02905188/NCT02932956) received GPC3-CAR T cells, which were safe but produced no objective antitumor responses and reached peak expansion at two weeks. Cohort 2 patients (NCT05103631/NCT04377932) received GPC3-CAR T cells that co-expressed IL15 (15.CAR), which mediated significantly increased cell expansion and induced a disease control rate of 66% and antitumor response rate of 33%. Infusion of 15.CAR T cells was associated with increased incidence of cytokine release syndrome, which was rapidly ameliorated by activation of the inducible caspase 9 safety switch. Compared to non-responders, tumor-infiltrating 15.CAR T cells from responders showed repression of SWI/SNF epigenetic regulators and upregulation of FOS and JUN family members as well as genes related to type I interferon signaling. Collectively, these results demonstrate that IL15 increases the expansion, intratumoral survival, and antitumor activity of GPC3-CAR T cells in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Steffin
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Nisha Ghatwai
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Antonino Montalbano
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Purva Rathi
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Amy N Courtney
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Azlann B Arnett
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Julien Fleurence
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ramy Sweidan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Thao Wang
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Prakash Masand
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - John M Maris
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel Martinez
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jennifer Pogoriler
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Navin Varadarajan
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Sachin G Thakkar
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Deborah Lyon
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Natasha Lapteva
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Zhuyong Mei
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Kalyani Patel
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Carlos Ramos
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Premal Lulla
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Tannaz Armaghany
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Bambi J Grilley
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Leonid S Metelitsa
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Helen E Heslop
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Malcolm K Brenner
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
| | - Pavel Sumazin
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Andras Heczey
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Texas Children’s Hospital Liver Tumor Program, Houston, Texas
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Appelbaum J, Price AE, Oda K, Zhang J, Leung WH, Tampella G, Xia D, So PP, Hilton SK, Evandy C, Sarkar S, Martin U, Krostag AR, Leonardi M, Zak DE, Logan R, Lewis P, Franke-Welch S, Ngwenyama N, Fitzgerald M, Tulberg N, Rawlings-Rhea S, Gardner RA, Jones K, Sanabria A, Crago W, Timmer J, Hollands A, Eckelman B, Bilic S, Woodworth J, Lamble A, Gregory PD, Jarjour J, Pogson M, Gustafson JA, Astrakhan A, Jensen MC. Drug-regulated CD33-targeted CAR T cells control AML using clinically optimized rapamycin dosing. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e162593. [PMID: 38502193 PMCID: PMC11060733 DOI: 10.1172/jci162593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) designs that incorporate pharmacologic control are desirable; however, designs suitable for clinical translation are needed. We designed a fully human, rapamycin-regulated drug product for targeting CD33+ tumors called dimerizaing agent-regulated immunoreceptor complex (DARIC33). T cell products demonstrated target-specific and rapamycin-dependent cytokine release, transcriptional responses, cytotoxicity, and in vivo antileukemic activity in the presence of as little as 1 nM rapamycin. Rapamycin withdrawal paused DARIC33-stimulated T cell effector functions, which were restored following reexposure to rapamycin, demonstrating reversible effector function control. While rapamycin-regulated DARIC33 T cells were highly sensitive to target antigen, CD34+ stem cell colony-forming capacity was not impacted. We benchmarked DARIC33 potency relative to CD19 CAR T cells to estimate a T cell dose for clinical testing. In addition, we integrated in vitro and preclinical in vivo drug concentration thresholds for off-on state transitions, as well as murine and human rapamycin pharmacokinetics, to estimate a clinically applicable rapamycin dosing schedule. A phase I DARIC33 trial has been initiated (PLAT-08, NCT05105152), with initial evidence of rapamycin-regulated T cell activation and antitumor impact. Our findings provide evidence that the DARIC platform exhibits sensitive regulation and potency needed for clinical application to other important immunotherapy targets.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 3/immunology
- Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 3/metabolism
- Sirolimus/pharmacology
- Sirolimus/administration & dosage
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Appelbaum
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Kaori Oda
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joy Zhang
- 2seventy bio, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Giacomo Tampella
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dong Xia
- 2seventy bio, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Claudya Evandy
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Semanti Sarkar
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Marissa Leonardi
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Rachael Logan
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michael Fitzgerald
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Niklas Tulberg
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stephanie Rawlings-Rhea
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Gardner
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kyle Jones
- Inhibrx, Torrey Pines Science Park, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - William Crago
- Inhibrx, Torrey Pines Science Park, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John Timmer
- Inhibrx, Torrey Pines Science Park, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Andrew Hollands
- Inhibrx, Torrey Pines Science Park, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Adam Lamble
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | - Joshua A. Gustafson
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Michael C. Jensen
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Ghaffari S, Saleh M, Akbari B, Ramezani F, Mirzaei HR. Applications of single-cell omics for chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. Immunology 2024; 171:339-364. [PMID: 38009707 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a promising cancer treatment modality. The breakthroughs in CAR T cell therapy were, in part, possible with the help of cell analysis methods, such as single-cell analysis. Bulk analyses have provided invaluable information regarding the complex molecular dynamics of CAR T cells, but their results are an average of thousands of signals in CAR T or tumour cells. Since cancer is a heterogeneous disease where each minute detail of a subclone could change the outcome of the treatment, single-cell analysis could prove to be a powerful instrument in deciphering the secrets of tumour microenvironment for cancer immunotherapy. With the recent studies in all aspects of adoptive cell therapy making use of single-cell analysis, a comprehensive review of the recent preclinical and clinical findings in CAR T cell therapy was needed. Here, we categorized and summarized the key points of the studies in which single-cell analysis provided insights into the genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics and proteomics as well as their respective multi-omics of CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasan Ghaffari
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Mahshid Saleh
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin Graduate School, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Behnia Akbari
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Ramezani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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68
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Tieu V, Sotillo E, Bjelajac JR, Chen C, Malipatlolla M, Guerrero JA, Xu P, Quinn PJ, Fisher C, Klysz D, Mackall CL, Qi LS. A versatile CRISPR-Cas13d platform for multiplexed transcriptomic regulation and metabolic engineering in primary human T cells. Cell 2024; 187:1278-1295.e20. [PMID: 38387457 PMCID: PMC10965243 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR technologies have begun to revolutionize T cell therapies; however, conventional CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing tools are limited in their safety, efficacy, and scope. To address these challenges, we developed multiplexed effector guide arrays (MEGA), a platform for programmable and scalable regulation of the T cell transcriptome using the RNA-guided, RNA-targeting activity of CRISPR-Cas13d. MEGA enables quantitative, reversible, and massively multiplexed gene knockdown in primary human T cells without targeting or cutting genomic DNA. Applying MEGA to a model of CAR T cell exhaustion, we robustly suppressed inhibitory receptor upregulation and uncovered paired regulators of T cell function through combinatorial CRISPR screening. We additionally implemented druggable regulation of MEGA to control CAR activation in a receptor-independent manner. Lastly, MEGA enabled multiplexed disruption of immunoregulatory metabolic pathways to enhance CAR T cell fitness and anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. MEGA offers a versatile synthetic toolkit for applications in cancer immunotherapy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Tieu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jeremy R Bjelajac
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Crystal Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Meena Malipatlolla
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Justin A Guerrero
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Patrick J Quinn
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chris Fisher
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dorota Klysz
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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69
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Smirnov S, Mateikovich P, Samochernykh K, Shlyakhto E. Recent advances on CAR-T signaling pave the way for prolonged persistence and new modalities in clinic. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335424. [PMID: 38455066 PMCID: PMC10918004 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies. The importance of the receptor costimulatory domain for long-term CAR-T cell engraftment and therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated with second-generation CAR-T cells. Fifth generation CAR-T cells are currently in preclinical trials. At the same time, the processes that orchestrate the activation and differentiation of CAR-T cells into a specific phenotype that predisposes them to long-term persistence are not fully understood. This review highlights ongoing research aimed at elucidating the role of CAR domains and T-cell signaling molecules involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Smirnov
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Polina Mateikovich
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Konstantin Samochernykh
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny Shlyakhto
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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70
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Huang Y, Shao M, Teng X, Si X, Wu L, Jiang P, Liu L, Cai B, Wang X, Han Y, Feng Y, Liu K, Zhang Z, Cui J, Zhang M, Hu Y, Qian P, Huang H. Inhibition of CD38 enzymatic activity enhances CAR-T cell immune-therapeutic efficacy by repressing glycolytic metabolism. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101400. [PMID: 38307031 PMCID: PMC10897548 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy has shown superior efficacy against hematopoietic malignancies. However, many patients failed to achieve sustainable tumor control partially due to CAR-T cell exhaustion and limited persistence. In this study, by performing single-cell multi-omics data analysis on patient-derived CAR-T cells, we identify CD38 as a potential hallmark of exhausted CAR-T cells, which is positively correlated with exhaustion-related transcription factors and further confirmed with in vitro exhaustion models. Moreover, inhibiting CD38 activity reverses tonic signaling- or tumor antigen-induced exhaustion independent of single-chain variable fragment design or costimulatory domain, resulting in improved CAR-T cell cytotoxicity and antitumor response. Mechanistically, CD38 inhibition synergizes the downregulation of CD38-cADPR -Ca2+ signaling and activation of the CD38-NAD+-SIRT1 axis to suppress glycolysis. Collectively, our findings shed light on the role of CD38 in CAR-T cell exhaustion and suggest potential clinical applications of CD38 inhibition in enhancing the efficacy and persistence of CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mi Shao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinyi Teng
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Si
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Longyuan Wu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Penglei Jiang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lianxuan Liu
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bohan Cai
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiujian Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yingli Han
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Youqin Feng
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhaoru Zhang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiazhen Cui
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yongxian Hu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Pengxu Qian
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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71
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Kim MS, Bhargava HK, Shavey GE, Lim WA, El-Samad H, Ng AH. Degron-based bioPROTACs for controlling signaling in CAR T cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.16.580396. [PMID: 38405763 PMCID: PMC10888892 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.16.580396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have made a tremendous impact in the clinic, but potent signaling through the CAR can be detrimental to treatment safety and efficacy. The use of protein degradation to control CAR signaling can address these issues in pre-clinical models. Existing strategies for regulating CAR stability rely on small molecules to induce systemic degradation. In contrast to small molecule regulation, genetic circuits offer a more precise method to control CAR signaling in an autonomous, cell-by-cell fashion. Here, we describe a programmable protein degradation tool that adopts the framework of bioPROTACs, heterobifunctional proteins that are composed of a target recognition domain fused to a domain that recruits the endogenous ubiquitin proteasome system. We develop novel bioPROTACs that utilize a compact four residue degron and demonstrate degradation of cytosolic and membrane protein targets using either a nanobody or synthetic leucine zipper as a protein binder. Our bioPROTACs exhibit potent degradation of CARs and can inhibit CAR signaling in primary human T cells. We demonstrate the utility of our bioPROTACs by constructing a genetic circuit to degrade the tyrosine kinase ZAP70 in response to recognition of a specific membrane-bound antigen. This circuit is able to disrupt CAR T cell signaling only in the presence of a specific cell population. These results suggest that bioPROTACs are a powerful tool for expanding the cell engineering toolbox for CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Kim
- Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Hersh K Bhargava
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Gavin E Shavey
- Current: Arsenal Biociences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA; Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Wendell A Lim
- Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Hana El-Samad
- Current: Altos Labs, Redwood City, CA; Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Andrew H Ng
- Current: Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA; Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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72
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Yang L, Sheets TP, Feng Y, Yu G, Bajgain P, Hsu KS, So D, Seaman S, Lee J, Lin L, Evans CN, Guest MR, Chari R, St. Croix B. Uncovering receptor-ligand interactions using a high-avidity CRISPR activation screening platform. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj2445. [PMID: 38354234 PMCID: PMC10866537 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj2445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The majority of clinically approved drugs target proteins that are secreted or cell surface bound. However, further advances in this area have been hindered by the challenging nature of receptor deorphanization, as there are still many secreted and cell-bound proteins with unknown binding partners. Here, we developed an advanced screening platform that combines CRISPR-CAS9 guide-mediated gene activation (CRISPRa) and high-avidity bead-based selection. The CRISPRa platform incorporates serial enrichment and flow cytometry-based monitoring, resulting in substantially improved screening sensitivity for well-known yet weak interactions of the checkpoint inhibitor family. Our approach has successfully revealed that siglec-4 exerts regulatory control over T cell activation through a low affinity trans-interaction with the costimulatory receptor 4-1BB. Our highly efficient screening platform holds great promise for identifying extracellular interactions of uncharacterized receptor-ligand partners, which is essential to develop next-generation therapeutics, including additional immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Yang
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Timothy P. Sheets
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yang Feng
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Guojun Yu
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Pradip Bajgain
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kuo-Sheng Hsu
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Daeho So
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Steven Seaman
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jaewon Lee
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ling Lin
- Proteomic Instability of Cancer Section, MCGP, NCI, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christine N. Evans
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Mary R. Guest
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Raj Chari
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Brad St. Croix
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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73
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Zhang X, Wang H. Unlocking CAR T cell potential: Inosine-induced stemness and enhanced potency. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:175-177. [PMID: 38278148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine (Ado) drives immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Klysz et al. investigate Ado-mediated immunosuppression. Overexpression of Ado deaminase (ADA-OE), metabolizing Ado to inosine (INO), induces stemness and improves CAR T cell functionality. Likewise, exposure to INO enhances CAR T cells' function and induces stemness features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Haoyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
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74
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Klysz DD, Fowler C, Malipatlolla M, Stuani L, Freitas KA, Chen Y, Meier S, Daniel B, Sandor K, Xu P, Huang J, Labanieh L, Keerthi V, Leruste A, Bashti M, Mata-Alcazar J, Gkitsas N, Guerrero JA, Fisher C, Patel S, Asano K, Patel S, Davis KL, Satpathy AT, Feldman SA, Sotillo E, Mackall CL. Inosine induces stemness features in CAR-T cells and enhances potency. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:266-282.e8. [PMID: 38278150 PMCID: PMC10923096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine (Ado) mediates immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment and exhausted CD8+ CAR-T cells express CD39 and CD73, which mediate proximal steps in Ado generation. Here, we sought to enhance CAR-T cell potency by knocking out CD39, CD73, or adenosine receptor 2a (A2aR) but observed only modest effects. In contrast, overexpression of Ado deaminase (ADA-OE), which metabolizes Ado to inosine (INO), induced stemness and enhanced CAR-T functionality. Similarly, CAR-T cell exposure to INO augmented function and induced features of stemness. INO induced profound metabolic reprogramming, diminishing glycolysis, increasing mitochondrial and glycolytic capacity, glutaminolysis and polyamine synthesis, and reprogrammed the epigenome toward greater stemness. Clinical scale manufacturing using INO generated enhanced potency CAR-T cell products meeting criteria for clinical dosing. These results identify INO as a potent modulator of CAR-T cell metabolism and epigenetic stemness programming and deliver an enhanced potency platform for cell manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota D Klysz
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Carley Fowler
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Meena Malipatlolla
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lucille Stuani
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katherine A Freitas
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yiyun Chen
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Stefanie Meier
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bence Daniel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katalin Sandor
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jing Huang
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Louai Labanieh
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vimal Keerthi
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amaury Leruste
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Malek Bashti
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Janette Mata-Alcazar
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nikolaos Gkitsas
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Justin A Guerrero
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chris Fisher
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sunny Patel
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kyle Asano
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shabnum Patel
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kara L Davis
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ansuman T Satpathy
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Steven A Feldman
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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75
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Morales EA, Dietze KA, Baker JM, Wang A, Avila SV, Iglesias F, Radhakrishnan SV, Mause EV, Olson ML, Sun W, Rosati E, Chidester SL, Iraguha T, Fan X, Atanackovic D, Luetkens T. Restricting CAR T Cell Trafficking Expands Targetable Antigen Space. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.08.579002. [PMID: 38370665 PMCID: PMC10871312 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.08.579002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are an effective treatment for some blood cancers. However, the lack of tumor-specific surface antigens limits their wider use. We identified a set of surface antigens that are limited in their expression to cancer and the central nervous system (CNS). We developed CAR T cells against one of these antigens, LINGO1, which is widely expressed in Ewing sarcoma (ES). To prevent CNS targeting, we engineered LINGO1 CAR T cells lacking integrin α4 (A4ko), an adhesion molecule essential for migration across the blood-brain barrier. A4ko LINGO1 CAR T cells were efficiently excluded from the CNS but retained efficacy against ES. We show that altering adhesion behavior expands the set of surface antigens targetable by CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin A. Morales
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kenneth A. Dietze
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jillian M. Baker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie V. Avila
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Fiorella Iglesias
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York NY, USA
| | - Sabarinath V. Radhakrishnan
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Erica Vander Mause
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael L. Olson
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Wenxiang Sun
- Preclinical Research Resource, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ethan Rosati
- Preclinical Research Resource, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sadie L. Chidester
- Preclinical Research Resource, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Thierry Iraguha
- Department of Medicine and Transplant/Cell Therapy Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoxuan Fan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine and Transplant/Cell Therapy Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Djordje Atanackovic
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Medicine and Transplant/Cell Therapy Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tim Luetkens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Medicine and Transplant/Cell Therapy Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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76
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Garcia J, Daniels J, Lee Y, Zhu I, Cheng K, Liu Q, Goodman D, Burnett C, Law C, Thienpont C, Alavi J, Azimi C, Montgomery G, Roybal KT, Choi J. Naturally occurring T cell mutations enhance engineered T cell therapies. Nature 2024; 626:626-634. [PMID: 38326614 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07018-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapies have produced exceptional responses in a subset of patients with cancer. However, therapeutic efficacy can be hindered by poor T cell persistence and function1. In human T cell cancers, evolution of the disease positively selects for mutations that improve fitness of T cells in challenging situations analogous to those faced by therapeutic T cells. Therefore, we reasoned that these mutations could be co-opted to improve T cell therapies. Here we systematically screened the effects of 71 mutations from T cell neoplasms on T cell signalling, cytokine production and in vivo persistence in tumours. We identify a gene fusion, CARD11-PIK3R3, found in a CD4+ cutaneous T cell lymphoma2, that augments CARD11-BCL10-MALT1 complex signalling and anti-tumour efficacy of therapeutic T cells in several immunotherapy-refractory models in an antigen-dependent manner. Underscoring its potential to be deployed safely, CARD11-PIK3R3-expressing cells were followed up to 418 days after T cell transfer in vivo without evidence of malignant transformation. Collectively, our results indicate that exploiting naturally occurring mutations represents a promising approach to explore the extremes of T cell biology and discover how solutions derived from evolution of malignant T cells can improve a broad range of T cell therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins/genetics
- CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins/metabolism
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Cytokines/immunology
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Evolution, Molecular
- Guanylate Cyclase/genetics
- Guanylate Cyclase/metabolism
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/genetics
- Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/immunology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/pathology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/therapy
- Mutation
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Moonlight Bio, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jay Daniels
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Moonlight Bio, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yujin Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Iowis Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel Goodman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cassandra Burnett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Calvin Law
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chloë Thienpont
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Josef Alavi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Camillia Azimi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Garrett Montgomery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kole T Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute for Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Jaehyuk Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Ong SY, Chen Y, Tan MSY, Ho AYL, Hwang WYK, Lim FLWI. Current perspectives on resistance to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and strategies to improve efficacy in B-cell lymphoma. Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:144-152. [PMID: 36987995 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Although chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in patients with chemo-refractory B-cell lymphoma, a significant portion is refractory or relapse. Resistance is a major barrier to improving treatment efficacy and long-term survival in CAR T-cell therapy, and clinicians have very limited tools to discriminate a priori patients who will or will not respond to treatment. While CD19-negative relapses due to loss of target antigen is well described, it accounts for only about 30% of cases with treatment failure. Recent efforts have shed light on mechanisms of CD19-positive relapse due to tumor intrinsic resistance, T-cell quality/manufacturing, or CAR T-cell exhaustion mediated by hostile tumor microenvironment. Here, we review the latest updates of preclinical and clinical trials to investigate the mechanisms of resistance and relapse post CAR T-cell therapy in B cell lymphoma and discuss novel treatment strategies to overcome resistance as well as advances that are useful for a CAR T therapist to optimize and personalize CAR T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Yeu Ong
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yunxin Chen
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Melinda Si Yun Tan
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - William Ying Khee Hwang
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
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78
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Rasche L, Hudecek M, Einsele H. CAR T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma: mission accomplished? Blood 2024; 143:305-310. [PMID: 38033289 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023021221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are the most potent treatment against multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we review the increasing body of clinical and correlative preclinical data that support their inclusion into firstline therapy and sequencing before T-cell-engaging antibodies. The ambition to cure MM with (BCMA-)CAR T cells is informed by genomic and phenotypic analysis that assess BCMA expression for patient stratification and monitoring, steadily improving early diagnosis and management of side effects, and advances in rapid, scalable CAR T-cell manufacturing to improve access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Rasche
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Liao X, Li W, Zhou H, Rajendran BK, Li A, Ren J, Luan Y, Calderwood DA, Turk B, Tang W, Liu Y, Wu D. The CUL5 E3 ligase complex negatively regulates central signaling pathways in CD8 + T cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:603. [PMID: 38242867 PMCID: PMC10798966 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44885-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells play an important role in anti-tumor immunity. Better understanding of their regulation could advance cancer immunotherapies. Here we identify, via stepwise CRISPR-based screening, that CUL5 is a negative regulator of the core signaling pathways of CD8+ T cells. Knocking out CUL5 in mouse CD8+ T cells significantly improves their tumor growth inhibiting ability, with significant proteomic alterations that broadly enhance TCR and cytokine signaling and their effector functions. Chemical inhibition of neddylation required by CUL5 activation, also enhances CD8 effector activities with CUL5 validated as a major target. Mechanistically, CUL5, which is upregulated by TCR stimulation, interacts with the SOCS-box-containing protein PCMTD2 and inhibits TCR and IL2 signaling. Additionally, CTLA4 is markedly upregulated by CUL5 knockout, and its inactivation further enhances the anti-tumor effect of CUL5 KO. These results together reveal a negative regulatory mechanism for CD8+ T cells and have strong translational implications in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Liao
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutic Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Wenxue Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Hongyue Zhou
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutic Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Barani Kumar Rajendran
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutic Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Ao Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jingjing Ren
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yi Luan
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutic Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - David A Calderwood
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Benjamin Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Wenwen Tang
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutic Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Cancer Research Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Dianqing Wu
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutic Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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80
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Cong Y, Devoogdt N, Lambin P, Dubois LJ, Yaromina A. Promising Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches Based on VHHs for Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:371. [PMID: 38254860 PMCID: PMC10814765 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the distinctive structure of heavy chain-only antibodies in species belonging to the Camelidae family has elicited significant interest in their variable antigen binding domain (VHH) and gained attention for various applications, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. This article presents an overview of the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of VHHs as compared to conventional antibodies, and their usage in diverse applications. The singular properties of VHHs are explained, and several strategies that can augment their utility are outlined. The preclinical studies illustrating the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of distinct VHHs in diverse formats against solid cancers are summarized, and an overview of the clinical trials assessing VHH-based agents in oncology is provided. These investigations demonstrate the enormous potential of VHHs for medical research and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cong
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Group (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J. Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
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81
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López-Cobo S, Fuentealba JR, Gueguen P, Bonté PE, Tsalkitzi K, Chacón I, Glauzy S, Bohineust A, Biquand A, Silva L, Gouveia Z, Goudot C, Perez F, Saitakis M, Amigorena S. SUV39H1 Ablation Enhances Long-term CAR T Function in Solid Tumors. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:120-141. [PMID: 37934001 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-1350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Failure of adoptive T-cell therapies in patients with cancer is linked to limited T-cell expansion and persistence, even in memory-prone 41BB-(BBz)-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. We show here that BBz-CAR T-cell stem/memory differentiation and persistence can be enhanced through epigenetic manipulation of the histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) pathway. Inactivation of the H3K9 trimethyltransferase SUV39H1 enhances BBz-CAR T cell long-term persistence, protecting mice against tumor relapses and rechallenges in lung and disseminated solid tumor models up to several months after CAR T-cell infusion. Single-cell transcriptomic (single-cell RNA sequencing) and chromatin opening (single-cell assay for transposase accessible chromatin) analyses of tumor-infiltrating CAR T cells show early reprogramming into self-renewing, stemlike populations with decreased expression of dysfunction genes in all T-cell subpopulations. Therefore, epigenetic manipulation of H3K9 methylation by SUV39H1 optimizes the long-term functional persistence of BBz-CAR T cells, limiting relapses, and providing protection against tumor rechallenges. SIGNIFICANCE Limited CAR T-cell expansion and persistence hinders therapeutic responses in solid cancer patients. We show that targeting SUV39H1 histone methyltransferase enhances 41BB-based CAR T-cell long-term protection against tumor relapses and rechallenges by increasing stemness/memory differentiation. This opens a safe path to enhancing adoptive cell therapies for solid tumors. See related article by Jain et al., p. 142. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila López-Cobo
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Jaime R Fuentealba
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Paul Gueguen
- Department of Oncology, UNIL CHUV and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Kyriaki Tsalkitzi
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris, France
- Mnemo Therapeutics, Paris, France
| | - Irena Chacón
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Salomé Glauzy
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 144, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Lisseth Silva
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Zelia Gouveia
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 144, Paris, France
| | - Christel Goudot
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Franck Perez
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 144, Paris, France
| | - Michael Saitakis
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris, France
- Mnemo Therapeutics, Paris, France
| | - Sebastian Amigorena
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Inserm U932, Immunity and Cancer, Paris, France
- Mnemo Therapeutics, Paris, France
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82
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Kaczanowska S, Murty T, Alimadadi A, Contreras CF, Duault C, Subrahmanyam PB, Reynolds W, Gutierrez NA, Baskar R, Wu CJ, Michor F, Altreuter J, Liu Y, Jhaveri A, Duong V, Anbunathan H, Ong C, Zhang H, Moravec R, Yu J, Biswas R, Van Nostrand S, Lindsay J, Pichavant M, Sotillo E, Bernstein D, Carbonell A, Derdak J, Klicka-Skeels J, Segal JE, Dombi E, Harmon SA, Turkbey B, Sahaf B, Bendall S, Maecker H, Highfill SL, Stroncek D, Glod J, Merchant M, Hedrick CC, Mackall CL, Ramakrishna S, Kaplan RN. Immune determinants of CAR-T cell expansion in solid tumor patients receiving GD2 CAR-T cell therapy. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:35-51.e8. [PMID: 38134936 PMCID: PMC10947809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts) have remarkable efficacy in liquid tumors, but limited responses in solid tumors. We conducted a Phase I trial (NCT02107963) of GD2 CAR-Ts (GD2-CAR.OX40.28.z.iC9), demonstrating feasibility and safety of administration in children and young adults with osteosarcoma and neuroblastoma. Since CAR-T efficacy requires adequate CAR-T expansion, patients were grouped into good or poor expanders across dose levels. Patient samples were evaluated by multi-dimensional proteomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic analyses. T cell assessments identified naive T cells in pre-treatment apheresis associated with good expansion, and exhausted T cells in CAR-T products with poor expansion. Myeloid cell assessment identified CXCR3+ monocytes in pre-treatment apheresis associated with good expansion. Longitudinal analysis of post-treatment samples identified increased CXCR3- classical monocytes in all groups as CAR-T numbers waned. Together, our data uncover mediators of CAR-T biology and correlates of expansion that could be utilized to advance immunotherapies for solid tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Kaczanowska
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tara Murty
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ahmad Alimadadi
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA; Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Cristina F Contreras
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Caroline Duault
- Stanford Human Immune Monitoring Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Priyanka B Subrahmanyam
- Stanford Human Immune Monitoring Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Warren Reynolds
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Reema Baskar
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Yang Liu
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Vandon Duong
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hima Anbunathan
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Claire Ong
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Radim Moravec
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joyce Yu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mina Pichavant
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Donna Bernstein
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amanda Carbonell
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joanne Derdak
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Klicka-Skeels
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julia E Segal
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eva Dombi
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie A Harmon
- Artificial Intelligence Resource, Molecular Imaging Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Baris Turkbey
- Artificial Intelligence Resource, Molecular Imaging Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bita Sahaf
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sean Bendall
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Holden Maecker
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Steven L Highfill
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Stroncek
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Melinda Merchant
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Catherine C Hedrick
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA; Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sneha Ramakrishna
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Rosandra N Kaplan
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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83
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Li C, Zuo S, Shan L, Huang H, Cui H, Feng X. Myeloid leukemia-derived galectin-1 downregulates CAR expression to hinder cytotoxicity of CAR T cells. J Transl Med 2024; 22:32. [PMID: 38184596 PMCID: PMC10771695 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04832-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown significant activity in B-lineage malignancies. However, their efficacy in myeloid leukemia has not been successful due to unclear molecular mechanisms. METHODS We conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate whether myeloid leukemia cells directly induce CAR down-regulation. Furthermore, we designed a CD33 CARKR in which all lysines in the cytoplasmic domain of CAR were mutated to arginine and verified through in vitro experiments that it could reduce the down-regulation of surface CARs and enhance the killing ability. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on various AML and ALL cell lines and primary samples, and the galectin-1-specific inhibitory peptide (anginex) successfully rescued the killing defect and T-cell activation in in vitro assays. RESULTS CAR down-regulation induced by myeloid leukemia cells under conditions of low effector-to-tumor ratio, which in turn impairs the cytotoxicity of CAR T cells. In contrast, lysosomal degradation or actin polymerization inhibitors can effectively alleviate CAR down-regulation and restore CAR T cell-mediated anti-tumor functions. In addition, this study identified galectin-1 as a critical factor used by myeloid leukemia cells to induce CAR down-regulation, resulting in impaired T-cell activation. CONCLUSION The discovery of the role of galectin-1 in cell surface CAR down-regulation provides important insights for developing strategies to restore anti-tumor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Shiyu Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Lingling Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China
| | - Huifang Huang
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Haidong Cui
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, 301600, China.
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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84
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Si X, Shao M, Teng X, Huang Y, Meng Y, Wu L, Wei J, Liu L, Gu T, Song J, Jing R, Zhai X, Guo X, Kong D, Wang X, Cai B, Shen Y, Zhang Z, Wang D, Hu Y, Qian P, Xiao G, Huang H. Mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase impedes CAR T cell function by restraining antioxidant metabolism and histone acetylation. Cell Metab 2024; 36:176-192.e10. [PMID: 38171332 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is hampered by relapse in hematologic malignancies and by hyporesponsiveness in solid tumors. Long-lived memory CAR T cells are critical for improving tumor clearance and long-term protection. However, during rapid ex vivo expansion or in vivo tumor eradication, metabolic shifts and inhibitory signals lead to terminal differentiation and exhaustion of CAR T cells. Through a mitochondria-related compound screening, we find that the FDA-approved isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) inhibitor enasidenib enhances memory CAR T cell formation and sustains anti-leukemic cytotoxicity in vivo. Mechanistically, IDH2 impedes metabolic fitness of CAR T cells by restraining glucose utilization via the pentose phosphate pathway, which alleviates oxidative stress, particularly in nutrient-restricted conditions. In addition, IDH2 limits cytosolic acetyl-CoA levels to prevent histone acetylation that promotes memory cell formation. In combination with pharmacological IDH2 inhibition, CAR T cell therapy is demonstrated to have superior efficacy in a pre-clinical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Si
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mi Shao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Teng
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ye Meng
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longyuan Wu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jieping Wei
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lianxuan Liu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianning Gu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junzhe Song
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruirui Jing
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingyuan Zhai
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Delin Kong
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiujian Wang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bohan Cai
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoru Zhang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongxian Hu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengxu Qian
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Gang Xiao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China.
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85
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Zhao Y, Chen J, Andreatta M, Feng B, Xie YQ, Wenes M, Wang Y, Gao M, Hu X, Romero P, Carmona S, Sun J, Guo Y, Tang L. IL-10-expressing CAR T cells resist dysfunction and mediate durable clearance of solid tumors and metastases. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-023-02060-8. [PMID: 38168996 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02060-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in treating several hematopoietic malignancies has been difficult to replicate in solid tumors, in part because of T cell exhaustion and eventually dysfunction. To counter T cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment, we metabolically armored CAR T cells by engineering them to secrete interleukin-10 (IL-10). We show that IL-10 CAR T cells preserve intact mitochondrial structure and function in the tumor microenvironment and increase oxidative phosphorylation in a mitochondrial pyruvate carrier-dependent manner. IL-10 secretion promoted proliferation and effector function of CAR T cells, leading to complete regression of established solid tumors and metastatic cancers across several cancer types in syngeneic and xenograft mouse models, including colon cancer, breast cancer, melanoma and pancreatic cancer. IL-10 CAR T cells also induced stem cell-like memory responses in lymphoid organs that imparted durable protection against tumor rechallenge. Our results establish a generalizable approach to counter CAR T cell dysfunction through metabolic armoring, leading to solid tumor eradication and long-lasting immune protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jiangqing Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Massimo Andreatta
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bing Feng
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yu-Qing Xie
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Wenes
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yi Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Min Gao
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Xiaomeng Hu
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Romero
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Santiago Carmona
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Cell Biology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yugang Guo
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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86
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Lei A, Yu H, Lu S, Lu H, Ding X, Tan T, Zhang H, Zhu M, Tian L, Wang X, Su S, Xue D, Zhang S, Zhao W, Chen Y, Xie W, Zhang L, Zhu Y, Zhao J, Jiang W, Church G, Chan FKM, Gao Z, Zhang J. A second-generation M1-polarized CAR macrophage with antitumor efficacy. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:102-116. [PMID: 38012418 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01687-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies have successfully treated hematological malignancies. Macrophages have also gained attention as an immunotherapy owing to their immunomodulatory capacity and ability to infiltrate solid tumors and phagocytize tumor cells. The first-generation CD3ζ-based CAR-macrophages could phagocytose tumor cells in an antigen-dependent manner. Here we engineered induced pluripotent stem cell-derived macrophages (iMACs) with toll-like receptor 4 intracellular toll/IL-1R (TIR) domain-containing CARs resulting in a markedly enhanced antitumor effect over first-generation CAR-macrophages. Moreover, the design of a tandem CD3ζ-TIR dual signaling CAR endows iMACs with both target engulfment capacity and antigen-dependent M1 polarization and M2 resistance in a nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-dependent manner, as well as the capacity to modulate the tumor microenvironment. We also outline a mechanism of tumor cell elimination by CAR-induced efferocytosis against tumor cell apoptotic bodies. Taken together, we provide a second-generation CAR-iMAC with an ability for orthogonal phagocytosis and polarization and superior antitumor functions in treating solid tumors relative to first-generation CAR-macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhua Lei
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- CellOrigin Inc, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hengxing Lu
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xizhong Ding
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Tan
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hailing Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Tian
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siyu Su
- Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Dixuan Xue
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaolong Zhang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuge Chen
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanrun Xie
- Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Zhu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenhong Jiang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - George Church
- Department of Genetics and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Zhihua Gao
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Center of Gene and Cell Therapy and Genome Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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87
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Dougé A, Vituret C, Carraro V, Parry L, Coudy-Gandilhon C, Lemal R, Combaret L, Maurin AC, Averous J, Jousse C, Bay JO, Verrelle P, Fafournoux P, Bruhat A, Rouzaire P. Temporal regulation of transgene expression controlled by amino acid availability in human T cells. HLA 2024; 103:e15252. [PMID: 37848366 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
T cell therapy strategies, from allogeneic stem cell transplantation toward genetically-modified T cells infusion, develop powerful anti-tumor effects but are often accompanied by side effects and their efficacy remains sometimes to be improved. It therefore appears important to provide a flexible and easily reversible gene expression regulation system to control T cells activity. We developed a gene expression regulation technology that exploits the physiological GCN2-ATF4 pathway's ability to induce gene expression in T cells in response to one essential amino acid deficiency. We first demonstrated the functionality of NUTRIREG in human T cells by transient expression of reporter genes. We then validated that NUTRIREG can be used in human T cells to transiently express a therapeutic gene such as IL-10. Overall, our results represent a solid basis for the promising use of NUTRIREG to regulate transgene expression in human T cells in a reversible way, and more generally for numerous preventive or curative therapeutic possibilities in cellular immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Dougé
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cyrielle Vituret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Valérie Carraro
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurent Parry
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Richard Lemal
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Lydie Combaret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Julien Averous
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Jousse
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jacques-Olivier Bay
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Verrelle
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Radiation Oncology Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
- Institut-Curie Recherche, U1196/UMR9187, Orsay, France
| | - Pierre Fafournoux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Alain Bruhat
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Paul Rouzaire
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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88
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Albelda SM. CAR T cell therapy for patients with solid tumours: key lessons to learn and unlearn. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:47-66. [PMID: 37904019 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00832-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been approved for use in patients with B cell malignancies or relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, yet efficacy against most solid tumours remains elusive. The limited imaging and biopsy data from clinical trials in this setting continues to hinder understanding, necessitating a reliance on imperfect preclinical models. In this Perspective, I re-evaluate current data and suggest potential pathways towards greater success, drawing lessons from the few successful trials testing CAR T cells in patients with solid tumours and the clinical experience with tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. The most promising approaches include the use of pluripotent stem cells, co-targeting multiple mechanisms of immune evasion, employing multiple co-stimulatory domains, and CAR ligand-targeting vaccines. An alternative strategy focused on administering multiple doses of short-lived CAR T cells in an attempt to pre-empt exhaustion and maintain a functional effector pool should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Albelda
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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89
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Slavkovic-Lukic D, Fioravanti J, Martín-Santos A, Han E, Zhou J, Gattinoni L. Rapid Screening of CAR T Cell Functional Improvement Strategies by Highly Multiplexed Single-Cell Secretomics. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2748:135-149. [PMID: 38070113 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3593-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The functional fitness of CAR T cells plays a crucial role in determining their clinical efficacy. Several strategies are being explored to increase cellular fitness, but screening these approaches in vivo is expensive and time-consuming, limiting the number of strategies that can be tested at one time. The presence of polyfunctional CAR T cells has emerged as a critical parameter correlating with clinical responses. However, even sophisticated multiplexed secretomic assays often fail to detect differences in cytokine release due to the functional heterogeneity of CAR T cell products. Here, we describe a highly multiplexed single-cell secretomic assay based on the IsoLight platform to rapidly evaluate the impact of new pharmacologic or gene-engineering approaches aiming at improving CAR T cell function. As a key study, we focus on CD19-specific CAR CD8+ T cells modulated by miR-155 overexpression, but the protocol can be applied to characterize other functional immune cell modulation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Slavkovic-Lukic
- Division of Functional Immune Cell Modulation, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Jessica Fioravanti
- Division of Functional Immune Cell Modulation, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Azucena Martín-Santos
- Division of Functional Immune Cell Modulation, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Edward Han
- IsoPlexis Corporation, Branford, CT, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- IsoPlexis Corporation, Branford, CT, USA
| | - Luca Gattinoni
- Division of Functional Immune Cell Modulation, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Regensburg, Germany.
- Center for Immunomedicine in Transplantation and Oncology (CITO), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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90
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DeGolier KR, Danis E, D'Antonio M, Cimons J, Yarnell M, Kedl RM, Kohler ME, Scott-Browne JP, Fry TJ. Antigen experience history directs distinct functional states of CD8+ CAR T cells during the anti-leukemia response. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3712137. [PMID: 38196657 PMCID: PMC10775394 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3712137/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cells are an effective therapy for B-lineage malignancies. However, many patients relapse and this therapeutic has yet to show strong efficacy in other hematologic or solid tumors. One opportunity for improvement lies in the ability to generate T cells with desirable functional characteristics. Here, we dissect the biology of CD8+ CAR T cells (CAR8) by controlling whether the T cell has encountered cognate TCR antigen prior to CAR generation. We find that prior antigen experience influences multiple aspects of in vitro and in vivo CAR8 functionality, resulting in superior effector function and leukemia clearance in the setting of limiting target antigen density compared to antigen-inexperienced T cells. However, this comes at the expense of inferior proliferative capacity, susceptibility to phenotypic exhaustion and dysfunction, and inability to clear wildtype leukemia in the setting of limiting CAR+ cell dose. Epigenomic and transcriptomic comparisons of these cell populations identified overexpression of the Runx2 transcription factor as a novel strategy to enhance CAR8 function, with a differential impact depending on prior cell state. Collectively, our data demonstrate that prior antigen experience determines functional attributes of a CAR T cell, as well as amenability to functional enhancement by transcription factor modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kole R DeGolier
- Department of Immunology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Etienne Danis
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marc D'Antonio
- Department of Immunology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Cimons
- Department of Immunology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael Yarnell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado; Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ross M Kedl
- Department of Immunology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M Eric Kohler
- Department of Immunology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado; Aurora, CO, USA
| | - James P Scott-Browne
- Department of Immunology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Terry J Fry
- Department of Immunology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado; Aurora, CO, USA
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91
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Park JJ, Lee KAV, Lam SZ, Tang K, Chen S. Genome Engineering for Next-Generation Cellular Immunotherapies. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3455-3464. [PMID: 35930700 PMCID: PMC11320893 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, cellular immunotherapies such as CAR-T, TCR-T, and NK cell therapies have achieved tremendous success in cancer treatment. However, various challenges and obstacles remain, including antigen escape, immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment, toxicities, and on-target off-tumor effects. Recent strategies for overcoming these roadblocks have included the use of genome engineering. Multiplexed CRISPR-Cas and synthetic biology approaches facilitate the development of cell therapies with higher potency and sophisticated modular control; they also offer a toolkit for allogeneic therapy development. Engineering approaches have targeted genetic modifications to enhance long-term persistence through cytokine modulation, knockout of genes mediating immunosuppressive signals, and genes such as the endogenous TCR and MHC-I that elicit adverse host-graft interactions in an allogeneic context. Genome engineering approaches for other immune cell types are also being explored, such as CAR macrophages and CAR-NK cells. Future therapeutic development of cellular immunotherapies may also be guided by novel target discovery through unbiased CRISPR genetic screening approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Park
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- M.D.-Ph.D. Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Kyoung A V Lee
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Stanley Z Lam
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
| | - Kaiyuan Tang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
| | - Sidi Chen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- M.D.-Ph.D. Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Immunobiology Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Yale Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
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92
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Talleur AC, Naik S, Gottschalk S. Preventing relapse after CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for pediatric ALL: the role of transplant and enhanced CAR T cells. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2023; 2023:91-96. [PMID: 38066941 PMCID: PMC10727085 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2023000424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has become an integral part of our treatment armamentarium for pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, despite initial remission rates of greater than 80%, durable remission occurs in only 40% to 50% of patients. In this review we summarize our current knowledge of the role of consolidative hematopoietic cell transplantation in the management of pediatric patients who achieved a minimal residual disease-negative complete response post CD19 CAR T-cell therapy. In addition, we review approaches to enhance effector function CD19 CAR T cells, focusing on how to improve persistence and prevent the emergence of CD19- B-ALL blasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee C Talleur
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Swati Naik
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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93
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Lee IK, Sharma N, Noguera-Ortega E, Liousia M, Baroja ML, Etersque JM, Pham J, Sarkar S, Carreno BM, Linette GP, Puré E, Albelda SM, Sellmyer MA. A genetically encoded protein tag for control and quantitative imaging of CAR T cell therapy. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3564-3578. [PMID: 37919903 PMCID: PMC10727978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been successful for hematological malignancies. Still, a lack of efficacy and potential toxicities have slowed its application for other indications. Furthermore, CAR T cells undergo dynamic expansion and contraction in vivo that cannot be easily predicted or controlled. Therefore, the safety and utility of such therapies could be enhanced by engineered mechanisms that engender reversible control and quantitative monitoring. Here, we use a genetic tag based on the enzyme Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (eDHFR), and derivatives of trimethoprim (TMP) to modulate and monitor CAR expression and T cell activity. We fused eDHFR to the CAR C terminus, allowing regulation with TMP-based proteolysis-targeting chimeric small molecules (PROTACs). Fusion of eDHFR to the CAR does not interfere with cell signaling or its cytotoxic function, and the addition of TMP-based PROTACs results in a reversible and dose-dependent inhibition of CAR activity via the proteosome. We show the regulation of CAR expression in vivo and demonstrate imaging of the cells with TMP radiotracers. In vitro immunogenicity assays using primary human immune cells and overlapping peptide fragments of eDHFR showed no memory immune repertoire for eDHFR. Overall, this translationally-orientied approach allows for temporal monitoring and image-guided control of cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris K Lee
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nitika Sharma
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Estela Noguera-Ortega
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria Liousia
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Miren L Baroja
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jean M Etersque
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonathan Pham
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Swarbhanu Sarkar
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Beatriz M Carreno
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gerald P Linette
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven M Albelda
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mark A Sellmyer
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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94
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Marone R, Landmann E, Devaux A, Lepore R, Seyres D, Zuin J, Burgold T, Engdahl C, Capoferri G, Dell’Aglio A, Larrue C, Simonetta F, Rositzka J, Rhiel M, Andrieux G, Gallagher DN, Schröder MS, Wiederkehr A, Sinopoli A, Do Sacramento V, Haydn A, Garcia-Prat L, Divsalar C, Camus A, Xu L, Bordoli L, Schwede T, Porteus M, Tamburini J, Corn JE, Cathomen T, Cornu TI, Urlinger S, Jeker LT. Epitope-engineered human hematopoietic stem cells are shielded from CD123-targeted immunotherapy. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20231235. [PMID: 37773046 PMCID: PMC10541312 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20231235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted eradication of transformed or otherwise dysregulated cells using monoclonal antibodies (mAb), antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), T cell engagers (TCE), or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cells is very effective for hematologic diseases. Unlike the breakthrough progress achieved for B cell malignancies, there is a pressing need to find suitable antigens for myeloid malignancies. CD123, the interleukin-3 (IL-3) receptor alpha-chain, is highly expressed in various hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, shared CD123 expression on healthy hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) bears the risk for myelotoxicity. We demonstrate that epitope-engineered HSPCs were shielded from CD123-targeted immunotherapy but remained functional, while CD123-deficient HSPCs displayed a competitive disadvantage. Transplantation of genome-edited HSPCs could enable tumor-selective targeted immunotherapy while rebuilding a fully functional hematopoietic system. We envision that this approach is broadly applicable to other targets and cells, could render hitherto undruggable targets accessible to immunotherapy, and will allow continued posttransplant therapy, for instance, to treat minimal residual disease (MRD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Marone
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuelle Landmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Devaux
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rosalba Lepore
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Cimeio Therapeutics AG, Basel, Switzerland
- Ridgeline Discovery GmbH, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Denis Seyres
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Zuin
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Burgold
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Engdahl
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppina Capoferri
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Dell’Aglio
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Clément Larrue
- Translational Research Centre in Onco-Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, and Swiss Cancer Center Leman, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Federico Simonetta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Translational Research Center for Onco-Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julia Rositzka
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Rhiel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Danielle N. Gallagher
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Markus S. Schröder
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Anna Haydn
- Ridgeline Discovery GmbH, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Anna Camus
- Cimeio Therapeutics AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Liwen Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lorenza Bordoli
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Torsten Schwede
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthew Porteus
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jérôme Tamburini
- Department of Medicine, Translational Research Center for Onco-Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jacob E. Corn
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana I. Cornu
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Urlinger
- Cimeio Therapeutics AG, Basel, Switzerland
- Ridgeline Discovery GmbH, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas T. Jeker
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
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95
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Xiong D, Zhang L, Sun ZJ. Targeting the epigenome to reinvigorate T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:59. [PMID: 38044445 PMCID: PMC10694991 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00496-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the field of cancer treatment; however, ICI efficacy is constrained by progressive dysfunction of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which is termed T cell exhaustion. This process is driven by diverse extrinsic factors across heterogeneous tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Simultaneously, tumorigenesis entails robust reshaping of the epigenetic landscape, potentially instigating T cell exhaustion. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic mechanisms governing tumor microenvironmental cues leading to T cell exhaustion, and discuss therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic regulators for immunotherapies. Finally, we outline conceptual and technical advances in developing potential treatment paradigms involving immunostimulatory agents and epigenetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, School and and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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96
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Chen Z, Hu Y, Mei H. Advances in CAR-Engineered Immune Cell Generation: Engineering Approaches and Sourcing Strategies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303215. [PMID: 37906032 PMCID: PMC10724421 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a highly efficacious treatment modality for refractory and relapsed hematopoietic malignancies in recent years. Furthermore, CAR technologies for cancer immunotherapy have expanded from CAR-T to CAR-natural killer cell (CAR-NK), CAR-cytokine-induced killer cell (CAR-CIK), and CAR-macrophage (CAR-MΦ) therapy. Nevertheless, the high cost and complex manufacturing processes of ex vivo generation of autologous CAR products have hampered broader application. There is an urgent need to develop an efficient and economical paradigm shift for exploring new sourcing strategies and engineering approaches toward generating CAR-engineered immune cells to benefit cancer patients. Currently, researchers are actively investigating various strategies to optimize the preparation and sourcing of these potent immunotherapeutic agents. In this work, the latest research progress is summarized. Perspectives on the future of CAR-engineered immune cell manufacturing are provided, and the engineering approaches, and diverse sources used for their development are focused upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaozhao Chen
- Institute of HematologyUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology1277 Jiefang AvenueWuhanHubei430022China
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic DiseaseWuhan430022China
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of HematologyUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology1277 Jiefang AvenueWuhanHubei430022China
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic DiseaseWuhan430022China
| | - Heng Mei
- Institute of HematologyUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology1277 Jiefang AvenueWuhanHubei430022China
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic DiseaseWuhan430022China
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97
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Ruella M, Korell F, Porazzi P, Maus MV. Mechanisms of resistance to chimeric antigen receptor-T cells in haematological malignancies. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:976-995. [PMID: 37907724 PMCID: PMC10965011 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells have recently emerged as a powerful therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with chemotherapy-refractory or relapsed blood cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Nevertheless, resistance to CAR-T cell therapies occurs in most patients. In this Review, we summarize the resistance mechanisms to CAR-T cell immunotherapy by analysing CAR-T cell dysfunction, intrinsic tumour resistance and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. We discuss current research strategies to overcome multiple resistance mechanisms, including optimization of the CAR design, improvement of in vivo T cell function and persistence, modulation of the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment and synergistic combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ruella
- Division of Hematology and Oncology and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Felix Korell
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrizia Porazzi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marcela V Maus
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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98
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McCutcheon SR, Swartz AM, Brown MC, Barrera A, McRoberts Amador C, Siklenka K, Humayun L, Ter Weele MA, Isaacs JM, Reddy TE, Allen AS, Nair SK, Antonia SJ, Gersbach CA. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of human CD8 + T cell function identified through orthogonal CRISPR screens. Nat Genet 2023; 55:2211-2223. [PMID: 37945901 PMCID: PMC10703699 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01554-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Clinical response to adoptive T cell therapies is associated with the transcriptional and epigenetic state of the cell product. Thus, discovery of regulators of T cell gene networks and their corresponding phenotypes has potential to improve T cell therapies. Here we developed pooled, epigenetic CRISPR screening approaches to systematically profile the effects of activating or repressing 120 transcriptional and epigenetic regulators on human CD8+ T cell state. We found that BATF3 overexpression promoted specific features of memory T cells and attenuated gene programs associated with cytotoxicity, regulatory T cell function, and exhaustion. Upon chronic antigen stimulation, BATF3 overexpression countered phenotypic and epigenetic signatures of T cell exhaustion. Moreover, BATF3 enhanced the potency of CAR T cells in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models and programmed a transcriptional profile that correlates with positive clinical response to adoptive T cell therapy. Finally, we performed CRISPR knockout screens that defined cofactors and downstream mediators of the BATF3 gene network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean R McCutcheon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Adam M Swartz
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael C Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alejandro Barrera
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christian McRoberts Amador
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Keith Siklenka
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lucas Humayun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maria A Ter Weele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - James M Isaacs
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Timothy E Reddy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew S Allen
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Smita K Nair
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott J Antonia
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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99
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Li D, Guo X, Yang K, Yang Y, Zhou W, Huang Y, Liang X, Su J, Jiang L, Li J, Fu M, He H, Yang J, Shi H, Yang H, Tong A, Chen N, Hu J, Xu Q, Wei YQ, Wang W. EpCAM-targeting CAR-T cell immunotherapy is safe and efficacious for epithelial tumors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg9721. [PMID: 38039357 PMCID: PMC10691766 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg9721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of CAR-T cells for solid tumors is unsatisfactory. EpCAM is a biomarker of epithelial tumors, but the clinical feasibility of CAR-T therapy targeting EpCAM is lacking. Here, we report pre- and clinical investigations of EpCAM-CAR-T cells for solid tumors. We demonstrated that EpCAM-CAR-T cells costimulated by Dectin-1 exhibited robust antitumor activity without adverse effects in xenograft mouse models and EpCAM-humanized mice. Notably, in clinical trials for epithelial tumors (NCT02915445), 6 (50%) of the 12 enrolled patients experienced self-remitted grade 1/2 toxicities, 1 patient (8.3%) experienced reversible grade 3 leukopenia, and no higher-grade toxicity reported. Efficacy analysis determined two patients as partial response. Three patients showed >23 months of progression-free survival, among whom one patient experienced 2-year progress-free survival with detectable CAR-T cells 200 days after infusion. These data demonstrate the feasibility and tolerability of EpCAM-CAR-T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianling Guo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth Peoples’ Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuening Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weilin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhua Su
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Maorong Fu
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haixia He
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hematology, Hematology Research Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanshuo Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Nianyong Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiankun Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth Peoples’ Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Quan Wei
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Schnoegl D, Hiesinger A, Huntington ND, Gotthardt D. AP-1 transcription factors in cytotoxic lymphocyte development and antitumor immunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 85:102397. [PMID: 37931499 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The proper functioning of cytotoxic lymphocytes, such as natural killer and CD8+ T cells, is essential for effective cancer-immunity and immunotherapy responses. The differentiation of these cells is controlled by several transcription factors (TFs), including members of the activator protein (AP)-1 family. The activity of AP-1 family members is regulated by various immune signaling pathways, which can be triggered by activating or inhibitory receptors as well as cytokines. The target genes controlled by AP-1 TFs are central to generate immunity to pathogens or malignancies. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of how AP-1 TFs regulate cytotoxic lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Schnoegl
- Institute for Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Austria; Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angela Hiesinger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Dagmar Gotthardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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