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Neeser A, Ramasubramanian R, Wang C, Ma L. Engineering enhanced chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy for solid tumors. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 2023; 19:100385. [PMID: 37483659 PMCID: PMC10362352 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2023.100385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The early clinical success and subsequent US Food and Drug Administration approval of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy for leukemia and lymphoma affirm that engineered T cells can be a powerful treatment for hematologic malignancies. Yet this success has not been replicated in solid tumors. Numerous challenges emerged from clinical experience and well-controlled preclinical animal models must be met to enable safe and efficacious CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors. Here, we review recent advances in bioengineering strategies developed to enhance CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors, focusing on targeted single-gene perturbation, genetic circuits design, cytokine engineering, and interactive biomaterials. These bioengineering approaches present a unique set of tools that synergize with CAR-T cells to overcome obstacles in solid tumors and achieve robust and long-lasting therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Neeser
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - R. Ramasubramanian
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - C. Wang
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
| | - L. Ma
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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52
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Vanhooren J, Dobbelaere R, Derpoorter C, Deneweth L, Van Camp L, Uyttebroeck A, De Moerloose B, Lammens T. CAR-T in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Barriers and How to Overcome Them. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e937. [PMID: 37674860 PMCID: PMC10479376 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are characterized by high rates of relapse, severe toxicities, and poor overall survival rates. Thus, the development of new therapeutic strategies is crucial for improving the survival and quality of life of AML patients. CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy has been extremely successful in the treatment of B-cell acute lymphoid leukemia and several mature B-cell lymphomas. However, the use of CAR T-cell therapy for AML is currently prevented due to the lack of a myeloid equivalent to CD19, as currently known cell surface targets on leukemic blasts are also expressed on healthy hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as well as their progeny. In addition, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment has a dampening effect on the antitumor activity of CAR-T cells. Here, we review the therapeutic challenges limiting the use of CAR T-cell therapy for AML and discuss promising novel strategies to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Vanhooren
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rani Dobbelaere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Derpoorter
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Larissa Deneweth
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurens Van Camp
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Uyttebroeck
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim Lammens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
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53
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Bouquet L, Bôle-Richard E, Warda W, Neto Da Rocha M, Trad R, Nicod C, Haderbache R, Genin D, Ferrand C, Deschamps M. RapaCaspase-9-based suicide gene applied to the safety of IL-1RAP CAR-T cells. Gene Ther 2023; 30:706-713. [PMID: 37173386 PMCID: PMC10506905 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00404-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Even if adoptive cell transfer (ACT) has already shown great clinical efficiency in different types of disease, such as cancer, some adverse events consistently occur, and suicide genes are an interesting system to manage these events. Our team developed a new medical drug candidate, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP), which needs to be evaluated in clinical trials with a clinically applicable suicide gene system. To prevent side effects and ensure the safety of our candidate, we devised two constructs carrying an inducible suicide gene, RapaCasp9-G or RapaCasp9-A, containing a single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs1052576) affecting the efficiency of endogenous caspase 9. These suicide genes are activated by rapamycin and based on the fusion of human caspase 9 with a modified human FK-binding protein, allowing conditional dimerization. RapaCasp9-G- and RapaCasp9-A-expressing gene-modified T cells (GMTCs) were produced from healthy donors (HDs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) donors. The RapaCasp9-G suicide gene demonstrated better efficiency, and we showed its in vitro functionality in different clinically relevant culture conditions. Moreover, as rapamycin is not pharmacologically inert, we also demonstrated its safe use as part of our therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Bouquet
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Interactions Greffon-Hôte-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25 000, Besançon, France
| | - Elodie Bôle-Richard
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Interactions Greffon-Hôte-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25 000, Besançon, France
| | - Walid Warda
- CanCell Therapeutics, 25 000, Besançon, France
| | | | - Rim Trad
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Interactions Greffon-Hôte-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25 000, Besançon, France
| | - Clémentine Nicod
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Interactions Greffon-Hôte-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25 000, Besançon, France
| | - Rafik Haderbache
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Interactions Greffon-Hôte-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25 000, Besançon, France
| | - Delphine Genin
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Interactions Greffon-Hôte-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25 000, Besançon, France
| | - Christophe Ferrand
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Interactions Greffon-Hôte-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25 000, Besançon, France
- CanCell Therapeutics, 25 000, Besançon, France
| | - Marina Deschamps
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, RIGHT Interactions Greffon-Hôte-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, F-25 000, Besançon, France.
- CanCell Therapeutics, 25 000, Besançon, France.
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54
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Hill TF, Narvekar P, Asher G, Camp N, Thomas KR, Tasian SK, Rawlings DJ, James RG. Human plasma cells engineered to secrete bispecifics drive effective in vivo leukemia killing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.24.554523. [PMID: 37662410 PMCID: PMC10473709 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.24.554523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies are an important tool for the management and treatment of acute leukemias. Advances in genome-engineering have enabled the generation of human plasma cells that secrete therapeutic proteins and are capable of long-term in vivo engraftment in humanized mouse models. As a next step towards clinical translation of engineered plasma cells (ePCs) towards cancer therapy, here we describe approaches for the expression and secretion of bispecific antibodies by human plasma cells. We show that human ePCs expressing either fragment crystallizable domain deficient anti-CD19 × anti-CD3 (blinatumomab) or anti-CD33 × anti-CD3 bispecific antibodies mediate T cell activation and direct T cell killing of specific primary human cell subsets and B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia cell lines in vitro. We demonstrate that knockout of the self-expressed antigen, CD19, boosts anti-CD19 bispecific secretion by ePCs and prevents self-targeting. Further, anti-CD19 bispecific-ePCs elicited tumor eradication in vivo following local delivery in flank-implanted Raji lymphoma cells. Finally, immunodeficient mice engrafted with anti-CD19 bispecific-ePCs and autologous T cells potently prevented in vivo growth of CD19+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia in patient-derived xenografts. Collectively, these findings support further development of ePCs for use as a durable, local delivery system for the treatment of acute leukemias, and potentially other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler F. Hill
- University of Washington, Medical Scientist Training Program, Seattle WA
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Immunity and Immunotherapy, Seattle WA
| | - Parnal Narvekar
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Immunity and Immunotherapy, Seattle WA
| | - Gregory Asher
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Immunity and Immunotherapy, Seattle WA
| | - Nathan Camp
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Immunity and Immunotherapy, Seattle WA
| | - Kerri R. Thomas
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Immunity and Immunotherapy, Seattle WA
| | - Sarah K. Tasian
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Philadelphia PA
- Department of Pediatrics and Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - David J. Rawlings
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Immunity and Immunotherapy, Seattle WA
- University of Washington, Departments of Pediatrics and Immunology, Seattle WA
| | - Richard G. James
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Immunity and Immunotherapy, Seattle WA
- University of Washington, Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Seattle WA
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55
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Singh S, Tian W, Severance ZC, Chaudhary SK, Anokhina V, Mondal B, Pergu R, Singh P, Dhawa U, Singha S, Choudhary A. Proximity-inducing modalities: the past, present, and future. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:5485-5515. [PMID: 37477631 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00943a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Living systems use proximity to regulate biochemical processes. Inspired by this phenomenon, bifunctional modalities that induce proximity have been developed to redirect cellular processes. An emerging example of this class is molecules that induce ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of a protein of interest, and their initial development sparked a flurry of discovery for other bifunctional modalities. Recent advances in this area include modalities that can change protein phosphorylation, glycosylation, and acetylation states, modulate gene expression, and recruit components of the immune system. In this review, we highlight bifunctional modalities that perform functions other than degradation and have great potential to revolutionize disease treatment, while also serving as important tools in basic research to explore new aspects of biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameek Singh
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Wenzhi Tian
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Zachary C Severance
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Santosh K Chaudhary
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Viktoriya Anokhina
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Basudeb Mondal
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Rajaiah Pergu
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Prashant Singh
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Uttam Dhawa
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Santanu Singha
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Amit Choudhary
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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56
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Kretschmer S, Perry N, Zhang Y, Kortemme T. Multi-input Drug-Controlled Switches of Mammalian Gene Expression Based on Engineered Nuclear Hormone Receptors. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1924-1934. [PMID: 37315218 PMCID: PMC10367131 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based switches that respond to different inputs to regulate cellular outputs, such as gene expression, are central to synthetic biology. For increased controllability, multi-input switches that integrate several cooperating and competing signals for the regulation of a shared output are of particular interest. The nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) superfamily offers promising starting points for engineering multi-input-controlled responses to clinically approved drugs. Starting from the VgEcR/RXR pair, we demonstrate that novel (multi)drug regulation can be achieved by exchange of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) ligand binding domain (LBD) for other human NHR-derived LBDs. For responses activated to saturation by an agonist for the first LBD, we show that outputs can be boosted by an agonist targeting the second LBD. In combination with an antagonist, output levels are tunable by up to three simultaneously present small-molecule drugs. Such high-level control validates NHRs as a versatile, engineerable platform for programming multidrug-controlled responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kretschmer
- Department
of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- California
Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Nicholas Perry
- Department
of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- California
Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- University
of California, Berkeley—University of California, San Francisco
Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department
of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- California
Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Tanja Kortemme
- Department
of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- California
Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- University
of California, Berkeley—University of California, San Francisco
Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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57
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Das A, Ghose A, Naicker K, Sanchez E, Chargari C, Rassy E, Boussios S. Advances in adoptive T-cell therapy for metastatic melanoma. Curr Res Transl Med 2023; 71:103404. [PMID: 37478776 DOI: 10.1016/j.retram.2023.103404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) is a fast developing, niche area of immunotherapy (IO), which is revolutionising the therapeutic landscape of solid tumour oncology, especially metastatic melanoma (MM). Identifying tumour antigens (TAs) as potential targets, the ACT response is mediated by either Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) or genetically modified T cells with specific receptors - T cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or more prospectively, natural killer (NK) cells. Clinical trials involving ACT in MM from 2006 to present have shown promising results. Yet it is not without its drawbacks which include significant auto-immune toxicity and need for pre-conditioning lymphodepletion. Although immune-modulation is underway using various combination therapies in the hope of enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity. Our review article explores the role of ACT in MM, including the various modalities - their safety, efficacy, risks and their development in the trial and the real world setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparimita Das
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, ME7 5NY, Gillingham, Kent, United Kingdom; Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chennai, India
| | - Aruni Ghose
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, ME7 5NY, Gillingham, Kent, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Cancer Centre, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Oncology, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Naicker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, ME7 5NY, Gillingham, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabet Sanchez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, ME7 5NY, Gillingham, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Cyrus Chargari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Pitié Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Elie Rassy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Institut, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Stergios Boussios
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, ME7 5NY, Gillingham, Kent, United Kingdom; Kent and Medway Medical School, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom; Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, SE1 9RT, London, United Kingdom; AELIA Organization, 9th Km Thessaloniki, Thermi 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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58
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Pizzato HA, Alonso-Guallart P, Woods J, Johannesson B, Connelly JP, Fehniger TA, Atkinson JP, Pruett-Miller SM, Monsma FJ, Bhattacharya D. Engineering Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines to Evade Xenogeneic Transplantation Barriers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546594. [PMID: 37425790 PMCID: PMC10326974 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cells and tissues for therapeutic transplantation must necessarily overcome immunological rejection by the recipient. To define these barriers and to create cells capable of evading rejection for preclinical testing in immunocompetent mouse models, we genetically ablated β2m, Tap1, Ciita, Cd74, Mica, and Micb to limit expression of HLA-I, HLA-II, and natural killer cell activating ligands in hPSCs. Though these and even unedited hPSCs readily formed teratomas in cord blood-humanized immunodeficient mice, grafts were rapidly rejected by immunocompetent wild-type mice. Transplantation of these cells that also expressed covalent single chain trimers of Qa1 and H2-Kb to inhibit natural killer cells and CD55, Crry, and CD59 to inhibit complement deposition led to persistent teratomas in wild-type mice. Expression of additional inhibitory factors such as CD24, CD47, and/or PD-L1 had no discernible impact on teratoma growth or persistence. Transplantation of HLA-deficient hPSCs into mice genetically deficient in complement and depleted of natural killer cells also led to persistent teratomas. Thus, T cell, NK cell, and complement evasion are necessary to prevent immunological rejection of hPSCs and their progeny. These cells and versions expressing human orthologs of immune evasion factors can be used to refine tissue- and cell type-specific immune barriers, and to conduct preclinical testing in immunocompetent mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A. Pizzato
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - James Woods
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jon P. Connelly
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - John P. Atkinson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shondra M. Pruett-Miller
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Deepta Bhattacharya
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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59
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Schultz L, Mackall CL. The future of CAR T-cell therapy for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in pediatrics and adolescents. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023. [PMID: 37326236 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2227086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antigen down-regulation and early chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell loss have emerged as 2 major challenges threatening outcomes following CD19-specific CAR T cell therapy for children and young adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). In addressing the future of CAR T cell therapy for B-ALL, innovative strategies to avert antigen downregulation and enhance CAR persistence warrant prioritized focus. AREAS COVERED We describe promising engineering strategies to refine CAR constructs to reverse exhaustion, develop regulatable CARs, optimize manufacturing, enrich for immune memory and disrupt immune inhibition. We additionally focus on alternative targeting to CD19-monospecific targeting and contextualize possibilities for expanded CAR utilization. EXPERT OPINION We describe research advances as they are independently reported, however anticipate an integrative strategy incorporating complementary modifications will be required to effectively address CAR loss, overcome antigen downregulation and enhance reliability and durability of CAR T cell responses for B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liora Schultz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford Cancer Institute 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
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60
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Wang H, Tang L, Kong Y, Liu W, Zhu X, You Y. Strategies for Reducing Toxicity and Enhancing Efficacy of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Hematological Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119115. [PMID: 37298069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy in hematologic malignancies has made great progress, but there are still some problems. First, T cells from tumor patients show an exhaustion phenotype; thus, the persistence and function of the CAR-Ts are poor, and achieving a satisfactory curative effect is difficult. Second, some patients initially respond well but quickly develop antigen-negative tumor recurrence. Thirdly, CAR-T treatment is not effective in some patients and is accompanied by severe side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. The solution to these problems is to reduce the toxicity and enhance the efficacy of CAR-T therapy. In this paper, we describe various strategies for reducing the toxicity and enhancing the efficacy of CAR-T therapy in hematological malignancies. In the first section, strategies for modifying CAR-Ts using gene-editing technologies or combining them with other anti-tumor drugs to enhance the efficacy of CAR-T therapy are introduced. The second section describes some methods in which the design and construction of CAR-Ts differ from the conventional process. The aim of these methods is to enhance the anti-tumor activity of CAR-Ts and prevent tumor recurrence. The third section describes modifying the CAR structure or installing safety switches to radically reduce CAR-T toxicity or regulating inflammatory cytokines to control the symptoms of CAR-T-associated toxicity. Together, the knowledge summarized herein will aid in designing better-suited and safer CAR-T treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobing Wang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ling Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yingjie Kong
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Pain Treatment, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yong You
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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61
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Mitra A, Barua A, Huang L, Ganguly S, Feng Q, He B. From bench to bedside: the history and progress of CAR T cell therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1188049. [PMID: 37256141 PMCID: PMC10225594 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1188049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy represents a major breakthrough in cancer care since the approval of tisagenlecleucel by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the treatment of pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia. As of April 2023, six CAR T cell therapies have been approved, demonstrating unprecedented efficacy in patients with B-cell malignancies and multiple myeloma. However, adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity pose significant challenges to CAR T cell therapy. The severity of these adverse events correlates with the pretreatment tumor burden, where a higher tumor burden results in more severe consequences. This observation is supported by the application of CD19-targeted CAR T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and antisynthetase syndrome. These results indicate that initiating CAR T cell therapy early at low tumor burden or using debulking strategy prior to CAR T cell infusion may reduce the severity of adverse events. In addition, CAR T cell therapy is expensive and has limited effectiveness against solid tumors. In this article, we review the critical steps that led to this groundbreaking therapy and explore ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges. With the promise of more effective and safer CAR T cell therapies in development, we are optimistic that a broader range of cancer patients will benefit from this revolutionary therapy in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroshi Mitra
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Amrita Barua
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Luping Huang
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Departments of Surgery and Urology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Siddhartha Ganguly
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
- Section of Hematology, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qin Feng
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bin He
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Departments of Surgery and Urology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
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62
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Atilla E, Benabdellah K. The Black Hole: CAR T Cell Therapy in AML. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2713. [PMID: 37345050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite exhaustive studies, researchers have made little progress in the field of adoptive cellular therapies for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), unlike the notable uptake for B cell malignancies. Various single antigen-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell Phase I trials have been established worldwide and have recruited approximately 100 patients. The high heterogeneity at the genetic and molecular levels within and between AML patients resembles a black hole: a great gravitational field that sucks in everything. One must consider the fact that only around 30% of patients show a response; there are, however, consequential off-tumor effects. It is obvious that a new point of view is needed to achieve more promising results. This review first introduces the unique therapeutic challenges of not only CAR T cells but also other adoptive cellular therapies in AML. Next, recent single-cell sequencing data for AML to assess somatically acquired alterations at the DNA, epigenetic, RNA, and protein levels are discussed to give a perspective on cellular heterogeneity, intercellular hierarchies, and the cellular ecosystem. Finally, promising novel strategies are summarized, including more sophisticated next-generation CAR T, TCR-T, and CAR NK therapies; the approaches with which to tailor the microenvironment and target neoantigens; and allogeneic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erden Atilla
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, 18016 Granada, Spain
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Ruffo E, Butchy AA, Tivon Y, So V, Kvorjak M, Parikh A, Adams EL, Miskov-Zivanov N, Finn OJ, Deiters A, Lohmueller J. Post-translational covalent assembly of CAR and synNotch receptors for programmable antigen targeting. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2463. [PMID: 37160880 PMCID: PMC10169838 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37863-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors are engineered cell-surface receptors that sense a target antigen and respond by activating T cell receptor signaling or a customized gene program, respectively. Here, to expand the targeting capabilities of these receptors, we develop "universal" receptor systems for which receptor specificity can be directed post-translationally via covalent attachment of a co-administered antibody bearing a benzylguanine (BG) motif. A SNAPtag self-labeling enzyme is genetically fused to the receptor and reacts with BG-conjugated antibodies for covalent assembly, programming antigen recognition. We demonstrate that activation of SNAP-CAR and SNAP-synNotch receptors can be successfully targeted by clinically relevant BG-conjugated antibodies, including anti-tumor activity of SNAP-CAR T cells in vivo in a human tumor xenograft mouse model. Finally, we develop a mathematical model to better define the parameters affecting universal receptor signaling. SNAP receptors provide a powerful strategy to post-translationally reprogram the targeting specificity of engineered cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ruffo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Systems Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adam A Butchy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yaniv Tivon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Victor So
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Systems Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Kvorjak
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Systems Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Avani Parikh
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Systems Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eric L Adams
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Systems Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Natasa Miskov-Zivanov
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Olivera J Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jason Lohmueller
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Center for Systems Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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64
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Hadiloo K, Tahmasebi S, Esmaeilzadeh A. CAR-NKT cell therapy: a new promising paradigm of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:86. [PMID: 37158883 PMCID: PMC10165596 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02923-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, cancer treatment is one of the fundamental problems facing clinicians and researchers worldwide. Efforts to find an excellent way to treat this illness continue, and new therapeutic strategies are developed quickly. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is a practical approach that has been emerged to improve clinical outcomes in cancer patients. In the ACT, one of the best ways to arm the immune cells against tumors is by employing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) via genetic engineering. CAR equips cells to target specific antigens on tumor cells and selectively eradicate them. Researchers have achieved promising preclinical and clinical outcomes with different cells by using CARs. One of the potent immune cells that seems to be a good candidate for CAR-immune cell therapy is the Natural Killer-T (NKT) cell. NKT cells have multiple features that make them potent cells against tumors and would be a powerful replacement for T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. NKT cells are cytotoxic immune cells with various capabilities and no notable side effects on normal cells. The current study aimed to comprehensively provide the latest advances in CAR-NKT cell therapy for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Hadiloo
- Student Research Committee, Department of immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Safa Tahmasebi
- Student Research Committee, Department of immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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65
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Jiang K, Koob J, Chen XD, Krajeski RN, Zhang Y, Volf V, Zhou W, Sgrizzi SR, Villiger L, Gootenberg JS, Chen F, Abudayyeh OO. Programmable eukaryotic protein synthesis with RNA sensors by harnessing ADAR. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:698-707. [PMID: 36302988 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Programmable approaches to sense and respond to the presence of specific RNAs in biological systems have broad applications in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Here we engineer a programmable RNA-sensing technology, reprogrammable ADAR sensors (RADARS), which harnesses RNA editing by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR) to gate translation of a cargo protein by the presence of endogenous RNA transcripts. Introduction of a stop codon in a guide upstream of the cargo makes translation contingent on binding of an endogenous transcript to the guide, leading to ADAR editing of the stop codon and allowing translational readthrough. Through systematic sensor engineering, we achieve 277 fold improvement in sensor activation and engineer RADARS with diverse cargo proteins, including luciferases, fluorescent proteins, recombinases, and caspases, enabling detection sensitivity on endogenous transcripts expressed at levels as low as 13 transcripts per million. We show that RADARS are functional as either expressed DNA or synthetic mRNA and with either exogenous or endogenous ADAR. We apply RADARS in multiple contexts, including tracking transcriptional states, RNA-sensing-induced cell death, cell-type identification, and control of synthetic mRNA translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyi Jiang
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy Koob
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xi Dawn Chen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rohan N Krajeski
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Verena Volf
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wenyuan Zhou
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samantha R Sgrizzi
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lukas Villiger
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan S Gootenberg
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Gene Regulation Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Fei Chen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Gene Regulation Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Omar O Abudayyeh
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Gene Regulation Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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66
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Xiong X, Yu Y, Jin X, Xie D, Sun R, Lu W, Wei Y, Guo R, Zhao M. Functional Validation of the RQR8 Suicide /Marker Gene in CD19 CAR-T Cells and CLL1CAR-T Cells. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:1523-1535. [PMID: 37086278 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05227-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CAR-T) is a novel treatment that has produced unprecedented clinical effects in patients with hematological malignancies. Acute adverse events often occur following adoptive immunotherapy. Therefore, a suicide gene is helpful, which is a genetically encoded mechanism that allows selective destruction of adoptively transferred T cells in the face of unacceptable toxicity. RQR8 is a gene that integrates CD34 and CD20 epitopes. In our study, we incorporated the suicide gene RQR8 into CAR-T cells, so it enabled rituximab to eliminate vector/transgene-expressing T cells via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement dependent cytotoxicity. In this work, we explored the functionality of RQR8 CAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo. We believe that RQR8 as a safety switch will make CAR-T cell therapy safer and less costly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xiong
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Army Medical Center of PLA, Chong Qing, China
| | - Yibing Yu
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Danni Xie
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyi Lu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunxiong Wei
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruiting Guo
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingfeng Zhao
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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67
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Sasaki T, Sakoda Y, Adachi K, Tokunaga Y, Tamada K. Therapeutic effects of anti-GM2 CAR-T cells expressing IL-7 and CCL19 for GM2-positive solid cancer in xenograft model. Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 37031457 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5907] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has demonstrated excellent efficacy in hematopoietic malignancies, its clinical application in solid cancers has yet to be achieved. One of the reasons for such hurdle is a lack of suitable CAR targets in solid cancers. METHODS GM2 is one of the gangliosides, a group of glycosphingolipids with sialic acid in the glycan, and overexpressed in various types of solid cancers. In this study, by using interleukin (IL)-7 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19)-producing human CAR-T system which we previously developed, a possibility of GM2 as a solid tumor target for CAR-T cell therapy was explored in a mouse model with human small-cell lung cancer. RESULTS Treatment with anti-GM2 IL-7/CCL19-producing CAR-T cells induced complete tumor regression along with an abundant T cell infiltration into the solid tumor tissue and long-term memory responses, without any detectable adverse events. In addition, as measures to control cytokine-release syndrome and neurotoxicity which could occur in association with clinical use of CAR-T cells, we incorporated Herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK), a suicide system to trigger apoptosis by administration of ganciclovir (GCV). HSV-TK-expressing anti-GM2 IL-7/CCL19-producing human CAR-T cells were efficiently eliminated by GCV administration in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed the promising therapeutic efficacy of anti-GM2 IL-7/CCL19-producing human CAR-T cells with an enhanced safety for clinical application in the treatment of patients with GM2-positive solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Sasaki
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Hematological Science and Therapeutics, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Yukimi Sakoda
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Keishi Adachi
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Tokunaga
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Hematological Science and Therapeutics, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Koji Tamada
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
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Ye L, Lam SZ, Yang L, Suzuki K, Zou Y, Lin Q, Zhang Y, Clark P, Peng L, Chen S. Therapeutic immune cell engineering with an mRNA : AAV- Sleeping Beauty composite system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.14.532651. [PMID: 36993594 PMCID: PMC10055155 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy has shown clinical success in patients with hematological malignancies. Immune cell engineering is critical for production, research, and development of cell therapy; however, current approaches for generation of therapeutic immune cells face various limitations. Here, we establish a composite gene delivery system for the highly efficient engineering of therapeutic immune cells. This system, termed MAJESTIC ( m RNA A AV-Sleeping-Beauty J oint E ngineering of S table T herapeutic I mmune C ells), combines the merits of mRNA, AAV vector, and transposon into one composite system. In MAJESTIC, the transient mRNA component encodes a transposase that mediates permanent genomic integration of the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon, which carries the gene-of-interest and is embedded within the AAV vector. This system can transduce diverse immune cell types with low cellular toxicity and achieve highly efficient and stable therapeutic cargo delivery. Compared with conventional gene delivery systems, such as lentiviral vector, DNA transposon plasmid, or minicircle electroporation, MAJESTIC shows higher cell viability, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transgene expression, therapeutic cell yield, as well as prolonged transgene expression. CAR-T cells generated by MAJESTIC are functional and have strong anti-tumor activity in vivo . This system also demonstrates versatility for engineering different cell therapy constructs such as canonical CAR, bi-specific CAR, kill switch CAR, and synthetic TCR; and for CAR delivery into various immune cells, including T cells, natural killer cells, myeloid cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells.
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69
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Celichowski P, Turi M, Charvátová S, Radhakrishnan D, Feizi N, Chyra Z, Šimíček M, Jelínek T, Bago JR, Hájek R, Hrdinka M. Tuning CARs: recent advances in modulating chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell activity for improved safety, efficacy, and flexibility. J Transl Med 2023; 21:197. [PMID: 36922828 PMCID: PMC10015723 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04041-6] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies utilizing genetically engineered T cells have emerged as powerful personalized therapeutic agents showing dramatic preclinical and clinical results, particularly in hematological malignancies. Ectopically expressed chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) reprogram immune cells to target and eliminate cancer. However, CAR T cell therapy's success depends on the balance between effective anti-tumor activity and minimizing harmful side effects. To improve CAR T cell therapy outcomes and mitigate associated toxicities, scientists from different fields are cooperating in developing next-generation products using the latest molecular cell biology and synthetic biology tools and technologies. The immunotherapy field is rapidly evolving, with new approaches and strategies being reported at a fast pace. This comprehensive literature review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the latest developments in controlling CAR T cell activity for improved safety, efficacy, and flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Celichowski
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Marcello Turi
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Sandra Charvátová
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Dhwani Radhakrishnan
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Neda Feizi
- Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Zuzana Chyra
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Šimíček
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Jelínek
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Juli Rodriguez Bago
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Hájek
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Matouš Hrdinka
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.
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70
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Labanieh L, Mackall CL. CAR immune cells: design principles, resistance and the next generation. Nature 2023; 614:635-648. [PMID: 36813894 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 153.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable clinical activity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies in B cell and plasma cell malignancies has validated the use of this therapeutic class for liquid cancers, but resistance and limited access remain as barriers to broader application. Here we review the immunobiology and design principles of current prototype CARs and present emerging platforms that are anticipated to drive future clinical advances. The field is witnessing a rapid expansion of next-generation CAR immune cell technologies designed to enhance efficacy, safety and access. Substantial progress has been made in augmenting immune cell fitness, activating endogenous immunity, arming cells to resist suppression via the tumour microenvironment and developing approaches to modulate antigen density thresholds. Increasingly sophisticated multispecific, logic-gated and regulatable CARs display the potential to overcome resistance and increase safety. Early signs of progress with stealth, virus-free and in vivo gene delivery platforms provide potential paths for reduced costs and increased access of cell therapies in the future. The continuing clinical success of CAR T cells in liquid cancers is driving the development of increasingly sophisticated immune cell therapies that are poised to translate to treatments for solid cancers and non-malignant diseases in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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71
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Kretschmer S, Perry N, Zhang Y, Kortemme T. Multi-input drug-controlled switches of mammalian gene expression based on engineered nuclear hormone receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.01.526549. [PMID: 36778233 PMCID: PMC9915577 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.526549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based switches that respond to different inputs to regulate cellular outputs, such as gene expression, are central to synthetic biology. For increased controllability, multi-input switches that integrate several cooperating and competing signals for the regulation of a shared output are of particular interest. The nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) superfamily offers promising starting points for engineering multi-input-controlled responses to clinically approved drugs. Starting from the VgEcR/RXR pair, we demonstrate that novel (multi-)drug regulation can be achieved by exchange of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) ligand binding domain (LBD) for other human NHR-derived LBDs. For responses activated to saturation by an agonist for the first LBD, we show that outputs can be boosted by an agonist targeting the second LBD. In combination with an antagonist, output levels are tunable by up to three simultaneously present small-molecule drugs. Such high-level control validates NHRs as a versatile, engineerable platform for programming multi-drug-controlled responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kretschmer
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,Corresponding author:
| | - Nicholas Perry
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,University of California, Berkeley—University of California, San Francisco Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Tanja Kortemme
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,University of California, Berkeley—University of California, San Francisco Joint Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA, USA
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72
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Аpplication of massive parallel reporter analysis in biotechnology and medicine. КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ ПРАКТИКА 2023. [DOI: 10.17816/clinpract115063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and functioning of an organism relies on tissue-specific gene programs. Genome regulatory elements play a key role in the regulation of such programs, and disruptions in their function can lead to the development of various pathologies, including cancers, malformations and autoimmune diseases. The emergence of high-throughput genomic studies has led to massively parallel reporter analysis (MPRA) methods, which allow the functional verification and identification of regulatory elements on a genome-wide scale. Initially MPRA was used as a tool to investigate fundamental aspects of epigenetics, but the approach also has great potential for clinical and practical biotechnology. Currently, MPRA is used for validation of clinically significant mutations, identification of tissue-specific regulatory elements, search for the most promising loci for transgene integration, and is an indispensable tool for creating highly efficient expression systems, the range of application of which extends from approaches for protein development and design of next-generation therapeutic antibody superproducers to gene therapy. In this review, the main principles and areas of practical application of high-throughput reporter assays will be discussed.
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73
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Trentesaux C, Yamada T, Klein OD, Lim WA. Harnessing synthetic biology to engineer organoids and tissues. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:10-19. [PMID: 36608674 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of an organism depends on intrinsic genetic programs of progenitor cells and their spatiotemporally complex extrinsic environment. Ex vivo generation of organoids from progenitor cells provides a platform for recapitulating and exploring development. Current approaches rely largely on soluble morphogens or engineered biomaterials to manipulate the physical environment, but the emerging field of synthetic biology provides a powerful toolbox to genetically manipulate cell communication, adhesion, and even cell fate. Applying these modular tools to organoids should lead to a deeper understanding of developmental principles, improved organoid models, and an enhanced capability to design tissues for regenerative purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Trentesaux
- Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Toshimichi Yamada
- Cell Design Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| | - Wendell A Lim
- Cell Design Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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74
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Overcoming on-target, off-tumour toxicity of CAR T cell therapy for solid tumours. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:49-62. [PMID: 36418477 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00704-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Therapies with genetically modified T cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) specific for CD19 or B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) are approved to treat certain B cell malignancies. However, translating these successes into treatments for patients with solid tumours presents various challenges, including the risk of clinically serious on-target, off-tumour toxicity (OTOT) owing to CAR T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against non-malignant tissues expressing the target antigen. Indeed, severe OTOT has been observed in various CAR T cell clinical trials involving patients with solid tumours, highlighting the importance of establishing strategies to predict, mitigate and control the onset of this effect. In this Review, we summarize current clinical evidence of OTOT with CAR T cells in the treatment of solid tumours and discuss the utility of preclinical mouse models in predicting clinical OTOT. We then describe novel strategies being developed to improve the specificity of CAR T cells in solid tumours, particularly the role of affinity tuning of target binders, logic circuits and synthetic biology. Furthermore, we highlight control strategies that can be used to mitigate clinical OTOT following cell infusion such as regulating or eliminating CAR T cell activity, exogenous control of CAR expression, and local administration of CAR T cells.
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75
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Kaljanac M, Abken H. Do Treg Speed Up with CARs? Chimeric Antigen Receptor Treg Engineered to Induce Transplant Tolerance. Transplantation 2023; 107:74-85. [PMID: 36226849 PMCID: PMC9746345 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Treg) can induce transplant tolerance in preclinical models by suppressing alloantigen-directed inflammatory responses; clinical translation was so far hampered by the low abundance of Treg with allo-specificity in the peripheral blood. In this situation, ex vivo engineering of Treg with a T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) provides a cell population with predefined specificity that can be amplified and administered to the patient. In contrast to TCR-engineered Treg, CAR Treg can be redirected toward a broad panel of targets in an HLA-unrestricted fashion' making these cells attractive to provide antigen-specific tolerance toward the transplanted organ. In preclinical models, CAR Treg accumulate and amplify at the targeted transplant, maintain their differentiated phenotype, and execute immune repression more vigorously than polyclonal Treg. With that, CAR Treg are providing hope in establishing allospecific, localized immune tolerance in the long term' and the first clinical trials administering CAR Treg for the treatment of transplant rejection are initiated. Here, we review the current platforms for developing and manufacturing alloantigen-specific CAR Treg and discuss the therapeutic potential and current hurdles in translating CAR Treg into clinical exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Kaljanac
- Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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76
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Cockey JR, Leifer CA. Racing CARs to veterinary immuno-oncology. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1130182. [PMID: 36876006 PMCID: PMC9982037 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1130182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have demonstrated remarkable promise in human oncology over the past two decades, yet similar strategies in veterinary medicine are still in development. CARs are synthetically engineered proteins comprised of a specific antigen-binding single chain variable fragment (ScFv) fused to the signaling domain of a T cell receptor and co-receptors. Patient T cells engineered to express a CAR are directed to recognize and kill target cells, most commonly hematological malignancies. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved multiple human CAR T therapies, but translation of these therapies into veterinary medicine faces many challenges. In this review, we discuss considerations for veterinary use including CAR design and cell carrier choice, and discuss the future promise of translating CAR therapy into veterinary oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Cockey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Cynthia A Leifer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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77
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Non-viral inducible caspase 9 mRNA delivery using lipid nanoparticles against breast cancer: An in vitro study. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 635:144-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.09.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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78
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Achón Buil B, Tackenberg C, Rust R. Editing a gateway for cell therapy across the blood-brain barrier. Brain 2022; 146:823-841. [PMID: 36397727 PMCID: PMC9976985 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has been shown to improve stroke outcomes in animal models and is currently advancing towards clinical practice. However, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal route for cell delivery to the injured brain. Local intracerebral injections are effective in precisely delivering cells into the stroke cavity but carry the risk of damaging adjacent healthy tissue. Systemic endovascular injections, meanwhile, are minimally invasive, but most injected cells do not cross CNS barriers and become mechanically trapped in peripheral organs. Although the blood-brain barrier and the blood-CSF barrier tightly limit the entrance of cells and molecules into the brain parenchyma, immune cells can cross these barriers especially under pathological conditions, such as stroke. Deciphering the cell surface signature and the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathophysiological process holds promise for improving the targeted delivery of systemic injected cells to the injured brain. In this review, we describe experimental approaches that have already been developed in which (i) cells are either engineered to express cell surface proteins mimicking infiltrating immune cells; or (ii) cell grafts are preconditioned with hypoxia or incubated with pharmacological agents or cytokines. Modified cell grafts can be complemented with strategies to temporarily increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Although these approaches could significantly enhance homing of stem cells into the injured brain, cell entrapment in off-target organs remains a non-negligible risk. Recent developments in safety-switch systems, which enable the precise elimination of transplanted cells on the administration of a drug, represent a promising strategy for selectively removing stem cells stuck in untargeted organs. In sum, the techniques described in this review hold great potential to substantially improve efficacy and safety of future cell therapies in stroke and may be relevant to other brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Achón Buil
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Tackenberg
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruslan Rust
- Correspondence to: Ruslan Rust Institute for Regenerative Medicine Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren Zurich, Switzerland E-mail:
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79
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Tomasik J, Jasiński M, Basak GW. Next generations of CAR-T cells - new therapeutic opportunities in hematology? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1034707. [PMID: 36389658 PMCID: PMC9650233 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the introduction of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies into clinics has been a breakthrough in treating relapsed or refractory malignancies in hematology and oncology. To date, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved six CAR-T therapies for specific non-Hodgkin lymphomas, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and multiple myeloma. All registered treatments and most clinical trials are based on so-called 2nd generation CARs, which consist of an extracellular antigen-binding region, one costimulatory domain, and a CD3z signaling domain. Unfortunately, despite remarkable overall treatment outcomes, a relatively high percentage of patients do not benefit from CAR-T therapy (overall response rate varies between 50 and 100%, with following relapse rates as high as 66% due to limited durability of the response). Moreover, it is associated with adverse effects such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. Advances in immunology and molecular engineering have facilitated the construction of the next generation of CAR-T cells equipped with various molecular mechanisms. These include additional costimulatory domains (3rd generation), safety switches, immune-checkpoint modulation, cytokine expression, or knockout of therapy-interfering molecules, to name just a few. Implementation of next-generation CAR T-cells may allow overcoming current limitations of CAR-T therapies, decreasing unwanted side effects, and targeting other hematological malignancies. Accordingly, some clinical trials are currently evaluating the safety and efficacy of novel CAR-T therapies. This review describes the CAR-T cell constructs concerning the clinical application, summarizes completed and ongoing clinical trials of next-generation CAR-T therapies, and presents future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaromir Tomasik
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Jasiński
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Marcin Jasiński,
| | - Grzegorz W. Basak
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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80
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Zhao J, Tang Z, Selvaraju M, Johnson KA, Douglas JT, Gao PF, Petrassi HM, Wang MZ, Wang J. Cellular Target Deconvolution of Small Molecules Using a Selection-Based Genetic Screening Platform. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:1424-1434. [PMID: 36313155 PMCID: PMC9615120 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule drug target identification is an essential and often rate-limiting step in phenotypic drug discovery and remains a major challenge. Here, we report a novel platform for target identification of activators of signaling pathways by leveraging the power of a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) knockout library. This platform links the expression of a suicide gene to the small-molecule-activated signaling pathway to create a selection system. With this system, loss-of-function screening using a CRISPR single-guide (sg) RNA library positively enriches cells in which the target has been knocked out. The identities of the drug targets and other essential genes required for the activity of small molecules of interest are then uncovered by sequencing. We tested this platform on BDW568, a newly discovered type-I interferon signaling activator, and identified stimulator of interferon genes (STING) as its target and carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) to be a key metabolizing enzyme required to activate BDW568 for target engagement. The platform we present here can be a general method applicable for target identification for a wide range of small molecules that activate different signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxing Zhao
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Zhichao Tang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Manikandan Selvaraju
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Kristen A. Johnson
- Calibr,
Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Justin T. Douglas
- Nuclear
Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, University
of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Philip F. Gao
- Protein
Production Group, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - H. Michael Petrassi
- Calibr,
Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Michael Zhuo Wang
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University
of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Jingxin Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
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81
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Shabaneh TB, Moffett HF, Stull SM, Derezes T, Tait LJ, Park S, Riddell SR, Lajoie MJ. Safety switch optimization enhances antibody-mediated elimination of CAR T cells. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 2:1026474. [PMID: 39086975 PMCID: PMC11285702 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2022.1026474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Activation of a conditional safety switch has the potential to reverse serious toxicities arising from the administration of engineered cellular therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. The functionally inert, non-immunogenic cell surface marker derived from human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRt) is a promising safety switch that has been used in multiple clinical constructs and can be targeted by cetuximab, a clinically available monoclonal antibody. However, this approach requires high and persistent cell surface expression of EGFRt to ensure that antibody-mediated depletion of engineered cells is rapid and complete. Here we show that incorporating a short juxtamembrane sequence into the EGFRt polypeptide enhances its expression on the surface of T cells and their susceptibility to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Incorporating this optimized variant (EGFRopt) into bicistronic and tricistronic CAR designs results in more rapid in vivo elimination of CAR T cells and robust termination of their effector activity compared to EGFRt. These studies establish EGFRopt as a superior safety switch for the development of next-generation cell-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer B. Shabaneh
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Sylvia M. Stull
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Thomas Derezes
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Spencer Park
- Lyell Immunopharma, Inc., Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Stan R. Riddell
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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82
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Li YR, Wilson M, Yang L. Target tumor microenvironment by innate T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:999549. [PMID: 36275727 PMCID: PMC9582148 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.999549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) remains one of the most prevailing barriers obstructing the implementation of effective immunotherapy against solid-state cancers. Eminently composed of immunosuppressive tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) among others, the TME attenuates the effects of immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell therapies, mandating a novel therapy capable of TME remediation. In this review we explore the potential of three innate-like T cell subsets, invariant natural killer T (iNKT), mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and gamma delta T (γδT) cells, that display an intrinsic anti-TAM/MDSC capacity. Exhibiting both innate and adaptive properties, innate-like T cell types express a subset-specific TCR with distinct recombination, morphology, and target cell recognition, further supplemented by a variety of NK activating receptors. Both NK activating receptor and TCR activation result in effector cell cytotoxicity against targeted immunosuppressive cells for TME remediation. In addition, innate-like T cells showcase moderate levels of tumor cell killing, providing dual antitumor and anti-TAM/MDSC function. This latent antitumor capacity can be further bolstered by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering for recognition of tumor specific antigens to enhance antitumor targeting. In contrast with established CAR-T cell therapies, adoption of these innate-like cell types provides an enhanced safety profile without the risk of graft versus host disease (GvHD), due to their non-recognition of mismatched major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, for use as widely accessible, allogeneic “off-the-shelf” cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Lili Yang,
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83
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Ling JP, Bygrave AM, Santiago CP, Carmen-Orozco RP, Trinh VT, Yu M, Li Y, Liu Y, Bowden KD, Duncan LH, Han J, Taneja K, Dongmo R, Babola TA, Parker P, Jiang L, Leavey PJ, Smith JJ, Vistein R, Gimmen MY, Dubner B, Helmenstine E, Teodorescu P, Karantanos T, Ghiaur G, Kanold PO, Bergles D, Langmead B, Sun S, Nielsen KJ, Peachey N, Singh MS, Dalton WB, Rajaii F, Huganir RL, Blackshaw S. Cell-specific regulation of gene expression using splicing-dependent frameshifting. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5773. [PMID: 36182931 PMCID: PMC9526712 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33523-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise and reliable cell-specific gene delivery remains technically challenging. Here we report a splicing-based approach for controlling gene expression whereby separate translational reading frames are coupled to the inclusion or exclusion of mutated, frameshifting cell-specific alternative exons. Candidate exons are identified by analyzing thousands of publicly available RNA sequencing datasets and filtering by cell specificity, conservation, and local intron length. This method, which we denote splicing-linked expression design (SLED), can be combined in a Boolean manner with existing techniques such as minipromoters and viral capsids. SLED can use strong constitutive promoters, without sacrificing precision, by decoupling the tradeoff between promoter strength and selectivity. AAV-packaged SLED vectors can selectively deliver fluorescent reporters and calcium indicators to various neuronal subtypes in vivo. We also demonstrate gene therapy utility by creating SLED vectors that can target PRPH2 and SF3B1 mutations. The flexibility of SLED technology enables creative avenues for basic and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Ling
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
| | - Alexei M Bygrave
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Clayton P Santiago
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rogger P Carmen-Orozco
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Vickie T Trinh
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Minzhong Yu
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Yini Li
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kyra D Bowden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Leighton H Duncan
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jeong Han
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kamil Taneja
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rochinelle Dongmo
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Travis A Babola
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Patrick Parker
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Lizhi Jiang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Patrick J Leavey
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jennifer J Smith
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Rachel Vistein
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Megan Y Gimmen
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Benjamin Dubner
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Eric Helmenstine
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Patric Teodorescu
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Theodoros Karantanos
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Gabriel Ghiaur
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Patrick O Kanold
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Dwight Bergles
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Ben Langmead
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Shuying Sun
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kristina J Nielsen
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Neal Peachey
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - W Brian Dalton
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Fatemeh Rajaii
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Richard L Huganir
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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84
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Falcon C, Smith L, Al-Obaidi M, Abu Zaanona M, Purvis K, Minagawa K, Athar M, Salzman D, Bhatia R, Goldman F, Di Stasi A. Combinatorial suicide gene strategies for the safety of cell therapies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:975233. [PMID: 36189285 PMCID: PMC9515659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.975233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-modified cellular therapies carry inherent risks of severe and potentially fatal adverse events, including the expansion of alloreactive cells or malignant transformation due to insertional mutagenesis. Strategies to mitigate uncontrolled proliferation of gene-modified cells include co-transfection of a suicide gene, such as the inducible caspase 9 safety switch (ΔiC9). However, the activation of the ΔiC9 fails to completely eliminate all gene-modified cells. Therefore, we tested a two suicide gene system used independently or together, with the goal of complete cell elimination. The first approach combined the ΔiC9 with an inducible caspase 8, ΔiC8, which lacks the endogenous prodomain. The rationale was to use a second caspase with an alternative and complementary mechanism of action. Jurkat cells co-transduced to co-express the ΔiC8, activatable by a BB homodimerizer, and the ΔiC9 activatable by the rapamycin analog sirolimus were used in a model to estimate the degree of inducible cell elimination. We found that both agents could activate each caspase independently, with enhanced elimination with superior reduction in cell regrowth of gene-modified cells when both systems were activated simultaneously. A second approach was employed in parallel, combining the ΔiC9 with the RQR8 compact suicide gene. RQR8 incorporates a CD20 mimotope, targeted by the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituxan, and the QBend10, a ΔCD34 selectable marker. Likewise, enhanced cell elimination with superior reduction in cell regrowth was observed when both systems were activated together. A dose-titration effect was also noted utilizing the BB homodimerizer, whereas sirolimus remained very potent at minimal concentrations. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate these novel combination systems, which may play a role in future cancer therapies or regenerative medicine.
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85
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Cas-CLOVER is a novel high-fidelity nuclease for safe and robust generation of TSCM-enriched allogeneic CAR-T cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:979-995. [PMID: 36189080 PMCID: PMC9481872 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of T cells from healthy donors for allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell cancer therapy is attractive because healthy donor T cells can produce versatile off-the-shelf CAR-T treatments. To maximize safety and durability of allogeneic products, the endogenous T cell receptor and major histocompatibility complex class I molecules are often removed via knockout of T cell receptor beta constant (TRBC) (or T cell receptor alpha constant [TRAC]) and B2M, respectively. However, gene editing tools (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9) can display poor fidelity, which may result in dangerous off-target mutations. Additionally, many gene editing technologies require T cell activation, resulting in a low percentage of desirable stem cell memory T cells (TSCM). We characterize an RNA-guided endonuclease, called Cas-CLOVER, consisting of the Clo051 nuclease domain fused with catalytically dead Cas9. In primary T cells from multiple donors, we find that Cas-CLOVER is a high-fidelity site-specific nuclease, with low off-target activity. Notably, Cas-CLOVER yields efficient multiplexed gene editing in resting T cells. In conjunction with the piggyBac transposon for delivery of a CAR transgene against the B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), we produce allogeneic CAR-T cells composed of high percentages of TSCM cells and possessing potent in vivo anti-tumor cytotoxicity.
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86
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Chen L, Xie T, Wei B, Di DL. Current progress in CAR‑T cell therapy for tumor treatment (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 24:358. [PMID: 36168313 PMCID: PMC9478623 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells are a type of tumor immunotherapy that is a breakthrough technology in the clinical treatment of tumors. The basic principle of this method is to extract the patient's T cells and equip them with targeting recognition receptors of tumor cells and return them to the patient's body to recognize and kill tumor cells specifically. Most CAR-T cell therapies treat hematological diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma and achieved encouraging results. The safety and effectiveness of CAR-T cell technology in solid tumor treatment require to be improved, although it has demonstrated promising efficacy in treating hematological malignancies. It is worth noting that certain patients may experience fatal adverse reactions after receiving CAR-T cell therapy. At present, the difficulty of this therapy mainly lies in how to reduce adverse reactions and target escape effects during the course of treatment. The improvement of CAR-T cell therapy mainly focuses on improving CAR-T structure, finding suitable tumor targets and combining them with immune checkpoint inhibitors to the enhance efficacy and safety of treatment. The problems in the rapid development of CAR-T cell therapy provide both obstacles and opportunities. The present review elaborates on the clinical application of CAR-T cell technology to provide a reference for clinical practice and research on tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, P.R. China
| | - Ting Xie
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Bing Wei
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Da-Lin Di
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
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87
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To V, Evtimov VJ, Jenkin G, Pupovac A, Trounson AO, Boyd RL. CAR-T cell development for Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma: current limitations and potential treatment strategies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:968395. [PMID: 36059451 PMCID: PMC9433932 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.968395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy has demonstrated remarkable outcomes for B cell malignancies, however, its application for T cell lymphoma, particularly cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), has been limited. Barriers to effective CAR-T cell therapy in treating CTCL include T cell aplasia in autologous transplants, CAR-T product contamination with leukemic T cells, CAR-T fratricide (when the target antigen is present on normal T cells), and tumor heterogeneity. To address these critical challenges, innovative CAR engineering by targeting multiple antigens to strike a balance between efficacy and safety of the therapy is necessary. In this review, we discuss the current obstacles to CAR-T cell therapy and highlight potential targets in treating CTCL. Looking forward, we propose strategies to develop more powerful dual CARs that are advancing towards the clinic in CTCL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van To
- Cartherics Pty Ltd, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Graham Jenkin
- Cartherics Pty Ltd, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Alan O. Trounson
- Cartherics Pty Ltd, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard L. Boyd
- Cartherics Pty Ltd, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Richard L. Boyd,
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88
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Rana PS, Murphy EV, Kort J, Driscoll JJ. Road testing new CAR design strategies in multiple myeloma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:957157. [PMID: 36016950 PMCID: PMC9395635 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.957157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A deeper understanding of basic immunology principles and advances in bioengineering have accelerated the mass production of genetically-reprogrammed T-cells as living drugs to treat human diseases. Autologous and allogeneic cytotoxic T-cells have been weaponized to brandish MHC-independent chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) that specifically engage antigenic regions on tumor cells. Two distinct CAR-based therapeutics designed to target BCMA are now FDA-approved based upon robust, sustained responses in heavily-pretreated multiple myeloma (MM) patients enrolled on the KarMMa and CARTITUDE-1 studies. While promising, CAR T-cells present unique challenges such as antigen escape and T-cell exhaustion. Here, we review novel strategies to design CARs that overcome current limitations. Co-stimulatory signaling regions were added to second-generation CARs to promote IL-2 synthesis, activate T-cells and preclude apoptosis. Third-generation CARs are composed of multiple co-stimulatory signaling units, e.g., CD28, OX40, 4-1BB, to reduce exhaustion. Typically, CAR T-cells incorporate a potent constitutive promoter that maximizes long-term CAR expression but extended CAR activation may also promote T-cell exhaustion. Hypoxia-inducible elements can be incorporated to conditionally drive CAR expression and selectively target MM cells within bone marrow. CAR T-cell survival and activity is further realized by blocking intrinsic regulators of T-cell inactivation. T-Cells Redirected for Universal Cytokine Killing (TRUCKs) bind a specific tumor antigen and produce cytokines to recruit endogenous immune cells. Suicide genes have been engineered into CAR T-cells given the potential for long-term on-target, off-tumor effects. Universal allo-CAR T-cells represent an off-the-shelf source, while logic-gated CAR T-cells are designed to recognize tumor-specific features coupled with Boolean-generated binary gates that then dictate cell-fate decisions. Future generations of CARs should further revitalize immune responses, enhance tumor specificity and reimagine strategies to treat myeloma and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka S. Rana
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Elena V. Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jeries Kort
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - James J. Driscoll
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: James J. Driscoll,
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89
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Ren P, Zhang C, Li W, Wang X, Liang A, Yang G, Xu H, Ma P. CAR-T Therapy in Clinical Practice: Technical Advances and Current Challenges. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101262. [PMID: 35652169 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) redirect T cells to specifically recognize and eliminate tumor cells. CAR-T therapy has achieved successful clinical outcomes, and it has been transformed into commercially available products to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and B cell lymphoma. These breakthroughs have motivated hundreds of CAR-T clinical trials initiated each year, with ≈900 cases registered on the ClinicalTrials website till 2021. Accumulating clinical experiences have highlighted some limitations of this strategy, e.g., relapse after complete response, poor efficacy in solid tumors, on-target off-tumor toxicities, lack of persistence, and tumor resistance. These challenges limit the therapeutic application of CAR-T cells. Multidisciplinary approaches are actively investigated to address these issues. In this review, the antigens, CAR designs, and cell sources are summarized in clinical trials from 2020 to 2021. The innovative modular and programmable designs in CAR-T cells, including advances in signaling domains, antigen-recognition domains, T cell engineering, and cell resources, are further discussed. Integrative genetic and chemical engineering strategies are promising to improve the versatility, antitumor efficacy, persistence, and safety of CAR-T cells. In the future, the next generation of CAR-T cell therapies will offer more options for patients who are refractory to standard tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Ren
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Chuyue Zhang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Wenping Li
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Xian Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Aibing Liang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China
| | - Guang Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Hongtao Xu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Peixiang Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Implants, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China.,Zhejiang Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China
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90
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Zeng Q, Liu Z, Niu T, He C, Qu Y, Qian Z. Application of nanotechnology in CAR-T-cell immunotherapy. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.107747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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91
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Zhang H, Zhu S, Deng W, Li R, Zhou H, Xiong H. The landscape of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in breast cancer: Perspectives and outlook. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887471. [PMID: 35935930 PMCID: PMC9354605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy is a revolutionary adoptive cell therapy, which could modify and redirect T cells to specific tumor cells. Since CAR-T cell therapy was first approved for B cell-derived malignancies in 2017, it has yielded unprecedented progress in hematological tumors and has dramatically reshaped the landscape of cancer therapy in recent years. Currently, cumulative evidence has demonstrated that CAR-T cell therapy could be a viable therapeutic strategy for solid cancers. However, owing to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and heterogenous tumor antigens, the application of CAR-T cell therapy against solid cancers requires circumventing more challenging obstacles. Breast cancer is characterized by a high degree of invasiveness, malignancy, and poor prognosis. The review highlights the underlying targets of CAR-T cell therapy in breast cancer, summarizes the challenges associated with CAR-T cell therapy, and proposes the strategies to overcome these challenges, which provides a novel approach to breast cancer treatment.
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92
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An JH, Koh H, Ahn Y, Kim J, Han AR, Lee JY, Kim SU, Lee JH. Maintenance of Hypoimmunogenic Features via Regulation of Endogenous Antigen Processing and Presentation Machinery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:936584. [PMID: 36032723 PMCID: PMC9416868 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.936584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Universally acceptable donor cells have been developed to address the unmet need for immunotypically matched materials for regenerative medicine. Since forced expression of hypoimmunogenic genes represses the immune response, we established universal pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) by replacing endogenous β2-microglobulin (β2m) with β2m directly conjugated to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, thereby simultaneously suppressing HLA-I expression and the natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune response. These modified human PSCs retained their pluripotency and differentiation capacity; however, surface presentation of HLA-G was absent from subsequently differentiated cells, particularly cells of neural lineages, due to the downregulation of antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) genes. Induction of APM genes by overexpression of NLR-family CARD domain-containing 5 (NLRC5) or activator subunit of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) heterodimer (RelA) recovered the surface expression of HLA-G and the hypoimmunogenicity of neural cells. Our findings enhance the utility of hypoimmunogenic cells as universal donors and will contribute to the development of off-the-shelf stem-cell therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hyun An
- Futuristic Animal Resource and Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyebin Koh
- Futuristic Animal Resource and Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yujin Ahn
- Futuristic Animal Resource and Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- National Primate Research Center (NPRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
| | - A-Reum Han
- CHA Advanced Research Institute, Bundang CHA Hospital, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Ji Yoon Lee
- CHA Advanced Research Institute, Bundang CHA Hospital, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sun-Uk Kim
- Futuristic Animal Resource and Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jong-Hee Lee
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
- National Primate Research Center (NPRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Ochang, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Jong-Hee Lee,
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93
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Fu W, Lei C, Wang C, Ma Z, Li T, Lin F, Mao R, Zhao J, Hu S. Synthetic libraries of immune cells displaying a diverse repertoire of chimaeric antigen receptors as a potent cancer immunotherapy. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:842-854. [PMID: 35668107 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00895-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies rely on one or few specific tumour-associated antigens. However, the adaptive immune system relies on a large and diverse repertoire of antibodies for antigen recognition. Here we report the development and applicability of libraries of immune cells displaying diverse repertoires of chimaeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can recognize non-self antigens and display antigen-dependent clonal expansion, with the expanded population of tumour-specific effector cells leading to long-lasting antitumour responses in mouse models of epithelial tumours. The intravenous injection of synthetic libraries of murine CARs on TET2- T cells led to robust immunological memory and the recognition of mutated or evolved tumours, owing to the maintenance of CAR diversity. Off-the-shelf libraries of 106 murine or human CAR clones displayed on genetically modified human NK-92 cancer cells completely eliminated established tumours in mice with murine xenografts and patient-derived xenografts. Synthetically generated CAR libraries may aid the discovery of new CARs and the development of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Fu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhai Lei
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Chuqi Wang
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Zetong Ma
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Fangxing Lin
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ruixue Mao
- Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- KOCHKOR Biotech, Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Shi Hu
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China. .,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.
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94
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Gille I, Claas FHJ, Haasnoot GW, Heemskerk MHM, Heidt S. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Regulatory T-Cells in Solid Organ Transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:874157. [PMID: 35720402 PMCID: PMC9204347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.874157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation is the treatment of choice for various end-stage diseases, but requires the continuous need for immunosuppression to prevent allograft rejection. This comes with serious side effects including increased infection rates and development of malignancies. Thus, there is a clinical need to promote transplantation tolerance to prevent organ rejection with minimal or no immunosuppressive treatment. Polyclonal regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are a potential tool to induce transplantation tolerance, but lack specificity and therefore require administration of high doses. Redirecting Tregs towards mismatched donor HLA molecules by modifying these cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) would render Tregs far more effective at preventing allograft rejection. Several studies on HLA-A2 specific CAR Tregs have demonstrated that these cells are highly antigen-specific and show a superior homing capacity to HLA-A2+ allografts compared to polyclonal Tregs. HLA-A2 CAR Tregs have been shown to prolong survival of HLA-A2+ allografts in several pre-clinical humanized mouse models. Although promising, concerns about safety and stability need to be addressed. In this review the current research, obstacles of CAR Treg therapy, and its potential future in solid organ transplantation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Gille
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frans H J Claas
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Eurotransplant Reference Laboratory, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Geert W Haasnoot
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Eurotransplant Reference Laboratory, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Sebastiaan Heidt
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Eurotransplant Reference Laboratory, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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95
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Viral infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: an International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy Stem Cell Engineering Committee review on the role of cellular therapy in prevention and treatment. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:884-891. [PMID: 35705447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the field of HSCT, viral infections remain a frequent causeof morbidity and mortality among HSCT recipients. Adoptive transfer of viral specific T cells has been successfully used both as prophylaxis and treatment of viral infections in immunocompromised HSCT recipients. Increasingly, precise risk stratification of HSCT recipients with infectious complications should incorporate not only pretransplant clinical criteria, but milestones of immune reconstitution as well. These factors can better identify those at highest risk of morbidity and mortality and identify a population of HSCT recipients in whom adoptive therapy with viral specific T cells should be considered for either prophylaxis or second line treatment early after inadequate response to first line antiviral therapy. Broadening these approaches to improve outcomes for transplant recipients in countries with limited resources is a major challenge. While the principles of risk stratification can be applied, early detection of viral reactivation as well as treatment is challenging in regions where commercial PCR assays and antiviral agents are not readily available.
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96
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Shkarina K, Hasel de Carvalho E, Santos JC, Ramos S, Leptin M, Broz P. Optogenetic activators of apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:213145. [PMID: 35420640 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202109038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted and specific induction of cell death in an individual or groups of cells hold the potential for new insights into the response of tissues or organisms to different forms of death. Here, we report the development of optogenetically controlled cell death effectors (optoCDEs), a novel class of optogenetic tools that enables light-mediated induction of three types of programmed cell death (PCD)-apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis-using Arabidopsis thaliana photosensitive protein Cryptochrome-2. OptoCDEs enable a rapid and highly specific induction of PCD in human, mouse, and zebrafish cells and are suitable for a wide range of applications, such as sub-lethal cell death induction or precise elimination of single cells or cell populations in vitro and in vivo. As the proof-of-concept, we utilize optoCDEs to assess the differences in neighboring cell responses to apoptotic or necrotic PCD, revealing a new role for shingosine-1-phosphate signaling in regulating the efferocytosis of the apoptotic cell by epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Shkarina
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - José Carlos Santos
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Saray Ramos
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Maria Leptin
- Director's Research, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petr Broz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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97
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Kretschmer S, Kortemme T. Advances in the Computational Design of Small-Molecule-Controlled Protein-Based Circuits for Synthetic Biology. PROCEEDINGS OF THE IEEE. INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS 2022; 110:659-674. [PMID: 36531560 PMCID: PMC9754107 DOI: 10.1109/jproc.2022.3157898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology approaches living systems with an engineering perspective and promises to deliver solutions to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. A critical component is the design of biomolecular circuits with programmable input-output behaviors. Such circuits typically rely on a sensor module that recognizes molecular inputs, which is coupled to a functional output via protein-level circuits or regulating the expression of a target gene. While gene expression outputs can be customized relatively easily by exchanging the target genes, sensing new inputs is a major limitation. There is a limited repertoire of sensors found in nature, and there are often difficulties with interfacing them with engineered circuits. Computational protein design could be a key enabling technology to address these challenges, as it allows for the engineering of modular and tunable sensors that can be tailored to the circuit's application. In this article, we review recent computational approaches to design protein-based sensors for small-molecule inputs with particular focus on those based on the widely used Rosetta software suite. Furthermore, we review mechanisms that have been harnessed to couple ligand inputs to functional outputs. Based on recent literature, we illustrate how the combination of protein design and synthetic biology enables new sensors for diverse applications ranging from biomedicine to metabolic engineering. We conclude with a perspective on how strategies to address frontiers in protein design and cellular circuit design may enable the next generation of sense-response networks, which may increasingly be assembled from de novo components to display diverse and engineerable input-output behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kretschmer
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA, and affiliated with the California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Tanja Kortemme
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA, and affiliated with the California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
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98
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Advances in Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapies for the Treatment of Primary Brain Tumors. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:antib11020031. [PMID: 35645204 PMCID: PMC9149956 DOI: 10.3390/antib11020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the care of cancer patients. A diverse set of strategies to overcome cancer immunosuppression and enhance the tumor-directed immune response are in clinical use, but have not achieved transformative benefits for brain tumor patients. Adoptive cell therapies, which employ a patient’s own immune cells to generate directed anti-tumor activity, are emerging technologies that hold promise to improve the treatment of primary brain tumors in children and adults. Here, we review recent advances in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for the treatment of aggressive primary brain tumors, including glioblastoma and diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M-mutant. We highlight current approaches, discuss encouraging investigational data, and describe key challenges in the development and implementation of these types of therapies in the neuro-oncology setting.
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99
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Ma Y, Budde MW, Mayalu MN, Zhu J, Lu AC, Murray RM, Elowitz MB. Synthetic mammalian signaling circuits for robust cell population control. Cell 2022; 185:967-979.e12. [PMID: 35235768 PMCID: PMC8995209 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In multicellular organisms, cells actively sense and control their own population density. Synthetic mammalian quorum-sensing circuits could provide insight into principles of population control and extend cell therapies. However, a key challenge is reducing their inherent sensitivity to "cheater" mutations that evade control. Here, we repurposed the plant hormone auxin to enable orthogonal mammalian cell-cell communication and quorum sensing. We designed a paradoxical population control circuit, termed "Paradaux," in which auxin stimulates and inhibits net cell growth at different concentrations. This circuit limited population size over extended timescales of up to 42 days of continuous culture. By contrast, when operating in a non-paradoxical regime, population control became more susceptible to mutational escape. These results establish auxin as a versatile "private" communication system and demonstrate that paradoxical circuit architectures can provide robust population control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Ma
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Mark W Budde
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Primordium Labs, Arcadia, CA 91006, USA
| | - Michaëlle N Mayalu
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Junqin Zhu
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrew C Lu
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Richard M Murray
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Michael B Elowitz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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100
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Dai X, Li J, Chen Y, Ostrikov KK. When Onco-Immunotherapy Meets Cold Atmospheric Plasma: Implications on CAR-T Therapies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837995. [PMID: 35280746 PMCID: PMC8905244 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) have demonstrated its widespread efficacy as a targeted immunotherapeutic modality. Yet, concerns on its specificity, efficacy and generalization prevented it from being established into a first-line approach against cancers. By reviewing challenges limiting its clinical application, ongoing efforts trying to resolve them, and opportunities that emerging oncotherapeutic modalities may bring to temper these challenges, we conclude that careful CAR design should be done to avoid the off-tumor effect, enhance the efficacy of solid tumor treatment, improve product comparability, and resolve problems such as differential efficacies of co-stimulatory molecules, cytokine storm, tumor lysis syndrome, myelosuppression and severe hepatotoxicity. As a promising solution, we propose potential synergies between CAR-T therapies and cold atmospheric plasma, an emerging onco-therapeutic strategy relying on reactive species, towards improved therapeutic efficacies and enhanced safety that deserve extensive investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Dai
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,CAPsoul Biotechnology Company, Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Jitian Li
- Henan Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital)/Henan Provincial Orthopedic Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Kostya Ken Ostrikov
- School of Chemistry and Physics and Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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