101
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T cells expressing VHH-directed oligoclonal chimeric HER2 antigen receptors: Towards tumor-directed oligoclonal T cell therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:378-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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102
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Adoptive T-cell therapy for hematological malignancies using T cells gene-modified to express tumor antigen-specific receptors. Int J Hematol 2013; 99:123-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-013-1493-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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103
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Chimeric antigen receptor modified T cell therapy for B cell malignancies. Int J Hematol 2013; 99:132-40. [PMID: 24338745 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-013-1490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of tumor-reactive T cells into cancer patients with the intent of inducing a cytotoxic anti-tumor effector response and durable immunity has long been proposed as a novel therapy for a broad range of malignancies; however, local and systemic tolerance mechanisms have hindered the generation of effective T cell therapies and limited the clinical efficacy of this approach in cancer patients. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are recombinant receptors that comprise an extracellular antigen-targeting domain in conjunction with one or more intracellular T cell signaling domains that can be introduced into T cells by genetic modification to redirect their specificity to the CAR-targeted antigen. Administration of CD19-specific CAR-modified T cells that target B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas and leukemia has been remarkably effective in recent clinical trials, energizing the field and stimulating new efforts to identify the critical parameters of CAR design and T cell engineering that are necessary for effective cancer therapy.
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104
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Chmielewski M, Hombach AA, Abken H. Of CARs and TRUCKs: chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells engineered with an inducible cytokine to modulate the tumor stroma. Immunol Rev 2013; 257:83-90. [DOI: 10.1111/imr.12125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Chmielewski
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC); University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
- Clinic I for Internal Medicine; University Hospital Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC); University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
- Clinic I for Internal Medicine; University Hospital Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC); University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
- Clinic I for Internal Medicine; University Hospital Cologne; Cologne Germany
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105
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Hombach AA, Rappl G, Abken H. Arming cytokine-induced killer cells with chimeric antigen receptors: CD28 outperforms combined CD28-OX40 "super-stimulation". Mol Ther 2013; 21:2268-77. [PMID: 23985696 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells raised interest for use in cellular antitumor therapy due to their capability to recognize and destroy autologous tumor cells in a HLA-independent fashion. The antitumor attack of CIK cells, predominantly consisting of terminally differentiated CD8(+)CD56(+) cells, can be improved by redirecting by a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that recognizes the tumor cell and triggers CIK cell activation. The requirements for CIK cell activation were, however, so far less explored and are likely to be different from those of "younger" T cells. We revealed that CD28 and OX40 CARs produced higher interferon- secretion as compared with the first-generation ζ-CAR; CD28-ζ and the third-generation CD28-ζ-OX40 CAR, however, performed similar in modulating most CIK cell effector functions. Compared with the CD28-ζ CAR, however, the CD28-ζ-OX40 CAR accelerated terminal maturation of CD56(+) CIK cells producing high frequencies in activation-induced cell death (AICD) and reduced antitumor efficiency in vivo. Consequently, CD28-ζ CAR CIK cells of CD56(-) phenotype were superior in redirected tumor cell elimination. CAR-mediated CIK cell activation also increased antigen-independent target cell lysis; the CD28-ζ CAR was more efficient than the CD28-ζ-OX40 CAR. Translated into therapeutic strategies, CAR-redirected CIK cells benefit from CD28 costimulation; "super-costimulation" by the CD28-ζ-OX40 CAR, however, performed less in antitumor efficacy due to increased AICD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- 1] Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany [2] Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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106
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Hombach AA, Abken H. Young T Cells Age During a Redirected Anti-Tumor Attack: Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Provided Dual Costimulation is Half the Battle. Front Immunol 2013; 4:135. [PMID: 23761793 PMCID: PMC3672777 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T cells showed spectacular efficacy in the treatment of leukemia in recent early phase trials. Patient’s T cells were ex vivo genetically engineered with a CAR, amplified and re-administered to the patient. While T cells mediating the primary response were predominantly of young effector and central memory phenotype, repetitive antigen engagement irreversible triggers T cell maturation leaving late memory cells with the KLRG1+ CD57+ CD7− CCR7− phenotype in the long-term. These cells preferentially accumulate in the periphery, are hypo-responsive upon TCR engagement and prone to activation-induced cell death. A recent report indicates that those T cells can be rescued by CAR provided CD28 and OX40 (CD134) stimulation. We discuss the strategy with respect to prolong the anti-tumor response and to improve the over-all efficacy of adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany ; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne , Cologne , Germany
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107
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Henderson MA, Yong CSM, Duong CPM, Davenport AJ, John LB, Devaud C, Neeson P, Westwood JA, Darcy PK, Kershaw MH. Chimeric antigen receptor-redirected T cells display multifunctional capacity and enhanced tumor-specific cytokine secretion upon secondary ligation of chimeric receptor. Immunotherapy 2013; 5:577-90. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the current study was to fully elucidate the functions of T cells genetically modified with an erbB2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Material & methods: In this study, key functional parameters of CAR T cells were examined following antigen-specific stimulation of the chimeric anti-erbB2 receptor. Results: Gene-modified T cells produced the cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-17, and the chemokine RANTES upon CAR ligation. A multifunctional capacity of these CAR T cells was also demonstrated, where 13.7% of cells were found to simultaneously express IFN-γ and CD107a, indicative of cytolytic granule release. In addition, the CAR T cells were able to respond to a greater degree on the second ligation of CAR, which has not been previously shown. IFN-γ secretion levels were significantly higher on second ligation than those secreted following initial ligation. CAR-expressing T cells were also demonstrated to lyze erbB2-expressing tumor cells in the absence of activity against bystander cells not expressing the erbB2 antigen, thereby demonstrating exquisite specificity. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the specificity of CAR gene-engineered T cells and their capacity to deliver a wide range of functions against tumor cells with an enhanced response capability after initial receptor engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Henderson
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Carmen SM Yong
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Connie PM Duong
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Alexander J Davenport
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Liza B John
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Christel Devaud
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Paul Neeson
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Westwood
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Phillip K Darcy
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Prahran Victoria 3181, Australia
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Michael H Kershaw
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Prahran Victoria 3181, Australia
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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108
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Wang W, Ma Y, Li J, Shi HS, Wang LQ, Guo FC, Zhang J, Li D, Mo BH, Wen F, Liu T, Liu YT, Wang YS, Wei YQ. Specificity redirection by CAR with human VEGFR-1 affinity endows T lymphocytes with tumor-killing ability and anti-angiogenic potency. Gene Ther 2013; 20:970-8. [PMID: 23636245 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2013.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy that is based on adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes, which are genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that recognize tumor-associated antigens, has been demonstrated to be an efficient cancer therapy. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), a vital molecule involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis, has not been targeted by CAR-modified T lymphocytes. In this study, we generated CAR-modified T lymphocytes with human VEGFR-1 specificity (V-1 CAR) by electroporation. V-1 CAR-modified T lymphocytes were demonstrated to elicit lytic cytotoxicity to target cells in a VEGFR-1-dependent manner. The adoptive transfer of V-1 CAR T lymphocytes delayed tumor growth and formation and inhibited pulmonary metastasis in xenograft models and such efficacies were enhanced by cotransfer of T lymphocytes that expressed interleukin-15 (IL-15). Moreover, V-1 CAR-modified T lymphocytes lysed primary endothelial cells and impaired tube formation, in vitro. These data demonstrated the antitumor and anti-angiogenesis ability of V-1 CAR-modified T lymphocytes. Our study provides the rationale for the clinical translation of CAR-modified T lymphocytes with VEGFR-1 specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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109
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Digiusto DL, Kiem HP. Current translational and clinical practices in hematopoietic cell and gene therapy. Cytotherapy 2013; 14:775-90. [PMID: 22799276 DOI: 10.3109/14653249.2012.694420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Clinical trials over the last 15 years have demonstrated that cell and gene therapies for cancer, monogenic and infectious disease are feasible and can lead to long-term benefit for patients. However, these trials have been limited to proof-of-principle and were conducted on modest numbers of patients or over long periods of time. In order for these studies to move towards standard practice and commercialization, scalable technologies for the isolation, ex vivo manipulation and delivery of these cells to patients must be developed. Additionally, regulatory strategies and clinical protocols for the collection, creation and delivery of cell products must be generated. In this article we review recent progress in hematopoietic cell and gene therapy, describe some of the current issues facing the field and discuss clinical, technical and regulatory approaches used to navigate the road to product development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Digiusto
- Department of Virology and Laboratory for Cellular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA.
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110
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Hombach AA, Chmielewski M, Rappl G, Abken H. Adoptive Immunotherapy with Redirected T Cells Produces CCR7− Cells That Are Trapped in the Periphery and Benefit from Combined CD28-OX40 Costimulation. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 24:259-69. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Chmielewski
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Gunter Rappl
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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111
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Baskar S, Muthusamy N. Antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of human B cell malignancies. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2013; 13:33-43. [PMID: 23229130 PMCID: PMC3674564 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-012-0327-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic expression of various phenotypic markers during B cell development not only defines the particular stage in ontogeny but also provides the necessary growth, differentiation, maturation and survival signals. When a B cell at any given stage becomes cancerous, these cell surface molecules, intracellular signaling molecules, and the over-expressed gene products become favorite targets for potential therapeutic intervention. Various adaptive and adoptive immunotherapeutic approaches induce T cell and antibody responses against cancer cells, and successful remission leading to minimal residual disease has been obtained. Nonetheless, subsequent relapse and development of resistant clones prompted further development and several novel strategies are evolving. Engineered monoclonal antibodies with high affinity and specificity to target antigens have been developed and used either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs. They are also used as vehicles to deliver cytotoxic drugs, toxins, or radionuclides that are either directly conjugated or encapsulated in liposomal vesicles. Likewise, genetically engineered T cells bearing chimeric antigen receptors are used to redirect cytotoxicity to antigen-positive target cells. This review describes recent advancements in some of these adoptive immunotherapeutic strategies targeting B cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivasubramanian Baskar
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10/CRC; Room 3E-3248, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine; Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics and Veterinary BioSciences, The OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 455E, OSUCCC, 410, West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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112
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113
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Pratico ED, Sullenger BA, Nair SK. Identification and characterization of an agonistic aptamer against the T cell costimulatory receptor, OX40. Nucleic Acid Ther 2012; 23:35-43. [PMID: 23113766 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2012.0388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Induction of an effective immune response that can target and eliminate malignant cells or virus-infected cells requires the stimulation of antigen-specific effector T cells. A productive and long-lasting memory response requires 2 signals: a specific signal provided by antigen recognition through engagement of the T cell receptor and a secondary signal via engagement of costimulatory molecules (such as OX40) on these newly activated T cells. The OX40-OX40-ligand interaction is critical for the generation of productive effector and memory T cell functions. Thus agonistic antibodies that stimulate OX40 on activated T cells have been used as adjuvants to augment immune responses. We previously demonstrated that an aptamer modified to stimulate murine OX40 enhanced vaccine-mediated immune responses in a murine melanoma model. In this study, we describe the development of an agonistic aptamer that targets human OX40 (hOX40). This hOX40 aptamer was isolated using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment and binds the target purified protein with high affinity [dissociation constants (K(d))<10 nM]. Moreover, the hOX40 aptamer-streptavidin complex has an apparent binding affinity of ~50 nM for hOX40 on activated T cells as determined by flow cytometry and specifically binds activated human T cells. A multivalent version of the aptamer, but not a mutant version of the aptamer, was able to stimulate OX40 on T cells and enhance cell proliferation and interferon-gamma production. Future studies will assess the therapeutic potential of hOX40 aptamers for ex vivo stimulation of antigen specific T cells in conjunction with dendritic cell-based vaccines for adoptive cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Pratico
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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114
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Shi H, Liu L, Wang Z. Improving the efficacy and safety of engineered T cell therapy for cancer. Cancer Lett 2012; 328:191-7. [PMID: 23022475 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a powerful immunotherapeutics approach against metastatic melanoma. The success of TIL therapy has led to novel strategies for redirecting normal T cells to recognize tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) by genetically engineering tumor antigen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) genes. In this manner, large numbers of antigen-specific T cells can be rapidly generated compared with the longer term expansion of TILs. Great efforts have been made to improve these approaches. Initial clinical studies have demonstrated that genetically engineered T cells can mediate tumor regression in vivo. In this review, we discuss the development of TCR and CAR gene-engineered T cells and the safety concerns surrounding the use of these T cells in patients. We highlight the importance of judicious selection of TAAs for modified T cell therapy and propose solutions for potential "on-target, off-organ" toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Shi
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, No. 440 Jiyan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250117, PR China
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115
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Sharifzadeh Z, Rahbarizadeh F, Shokrgozar MA, Ahmadvand D, Mahboudi F, Jamnani FR, Moghimi SM. Genetically engineered T cells bearing chimeric nanoconstructed receptors harboring TAG-72-specific camelid single domain antibodies as targeting agents. Cancer Lett 2012; 334:237-44. [PMID: 22902507 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite the preclinical success of adoptive therapy with T cells bearing chimeric nanoconstructed antigen receptors (CARs), certain limitations of this therapeutic approach such as the immunogenicity of the antigen binding domain, the emergence of tumor cell escape variants and the blocking capacity of soluble antigen still remain. Here, we address these issues using a novel CAR binding moiety based on the oligoclonal camelid single domain antibodies. A unique set of 13 single domain antibodies were selected from an immunized camel phage library based on their target specificity and binding affinity. A combination of these single domain antibodies was used to generate four tumor associated glycoprotein (TAG-72)-specific CARs harboring an identical antigen binding site, but with different signaling and spacer domains. Although all four CARs were functionally active against the TAG-72 expressing tumor cells, the combination of CD3ζ, OX40, CD28 as well as the CH3-CH2-hinge-hinge domains most efficiently triggered T cell activation. Importantly, CAR mediated functions were not blocked by the soluble TAG-72 antigen at a supraphysiological concentration. Our approach may have the potential to reverse multiple tumor immune evasion mechanisms, avoid CAR immunogenicity, and overcome problems in cancer gene therapy with engineered nanoconstructs.
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116
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Chmielewski M, Abken H. CAR T cells transform to trucks: chimeric antigen receptor-redirected T cells engineered to deliver inducible IL-12 modulate the tumour stroma to combat cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:1269-77. [PMID: 22274776 PMCID: PMC11029721 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy recently achieved impressive efficacy in early-phase clinical trials; this significantly raises the profile of immunotherapy in the fight against cancer. A broad variety of tumour cells can specifically be targeted by patients' T cells, which are redirected in an antibody-defined, major histocompatibility complex-unrestricted fashion by endowing them with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Despite promising results for some haematologic malignancies, the stroma of large, established tumours, the broad plethora of infiltrating repressor cells, and cancer cell variants that had lost the target antigen limit their therapeutic efficacy in the long term. This article reviews a newly described strategy for overcoming some of these shortcomings by engineering CAR T cells with inducible or constitutive release of IL-12. Once redirected, these T cells are activated, and released IL-12 accumulates in the tumour lesion where it promotes tumour destruction by at least two mechanisms: (1) induction of an innate immune cell response towards those cancer cells which are invisible to redirected T cells and (2) triggering programmatic changes in immune-suppressive cells. Given the enormous complexity of both tumour progression and immune attack, the upcoming strategies using CAR-redirected T cells for local delivery of immune-modulating payloads exhibited remarkable efficacy in pre-clinical models, suggesting their evaluation in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Chmielewski
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, and Clinic I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, and Clinic I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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117
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Gilham DE, Debets R, Pule M, Hawkins RE, Abken H. CAR-T cells and solid tumors: tuning T cells to challenge an inveterate foe. Trends Mol Med 2012; 18:377-84. [PMID: 22613370 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2012] [Revised: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports on the impressive efficacy of adoptively transferred T cells to challenge cancer in early phase clinical trials have significantly raised the profile of T cell therapy. Concomitantly, general expectations are also raised by these reports, with the natural aspiration to deliver this therapy over a wide range of tumor indications. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) endow T cell populations with defined antigen specificities that function independently of the natural T cell receptor and permit targeting of T cells towards virtually any tumor. Here, we review the current clinical application of CAR-T cells and relate clinical efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell trials to parameters considered critical for CAR engineering, classified as the three T's of CAR-T cell manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Gilham
- Clinical and Experimental Immunotherapy Group, School of Cancer and Enabling Sciences, The University of Manchester, Withington, Manchester M20 4BX, UK.
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118
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Dual targeting of ErbB2 and MUC1 in breast cancer using chimeric antigen receptors engineered to provide complementary signaling. J Clin Immunol 2012; 32:1059-70. [PMID: 22526592 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-012-9689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T-cells occupy an increasing niche in cancer immunotherapy. In this context, CAR-mediated CD3ζ signaling is sufficient to elicit cytotoxicity and interferon-γ production while the additional provision of CD28-mediated signal 2 promotes T-cell proliferation and interleukin (IL)-2 production. This compartmentalisation of signaling opens the possibility that complementary CARs could be used to focus T-cell activation within the tumor microenvironment. METHODS Here, we have tested this principle by co-expressing an ErbB2- and MUC1-specific CAR that signal using CD3ζ and CD28 respectively. Stoichiometric co-expression of transgenes was achieved using the SFG retroviral vector containing an intervening Thosea asigna peptide. RESULTS We found that "dual-targeted" T-cells kill ErbB2(+) tumor cells efficiently and proliferate in a manner that requires co-expression of MUC1 and ErbB2 by target cells. Notably, however, IL-2 production was modest when compared to control CAR-engineered T-cells in which signaling is delivered by a fused CD28 + CD3ζ endodomain. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the principle that dual targeting may be achieved using genetically targeted T-cells and pave the way for testing of this strategy in vivo.
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119
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Koehler P, Schmidt P, Hombach AA, Hallek M, Abken H. Engineered T cells for the adoptive therapy of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Adv Hematol 2011; 2012:595060. [PMID: 21837241 PMCID: PMC3152962 DOI: 10.1155/2012/595060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) remains an incurable disease due to the high risk of relapse, even after complete remission, raising the need to control and eliminate residual tumor cells in long term. Adoptive T cell therapy with genetically engineered specificity is thought to fulfil expectations, and clinical trials for the treatment of CLL are initiated. Cytolytic T cells from patients are redirected towards CLL cells by ex vivo engineering with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which binds to CD19 on CLL cells through an antibody-derived domain and triggers T cell activation through CD3ζ upon tumor cell engagement. Redirected T cells thereby target CLL cells in an MHC-unrestricted fashion, secret proinflammatory cytokines, and eliminate CD19(+) leukaemia cells with high efficiency. Cytolysis of autologous CLL cells by patient's engineered T cells is effective, however, accompanied by lasting elimination of healthy CD19(+) B-cells. In this paper we discuss the potential of the strategy in the treatment of CLL, the currently ongoing trials, and the future challenges in the adoptive therapy with CAR-engineered T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Koehler
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Patrick Schmidt
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas A. Hombach
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Department I of Internal Medicine, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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