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Wang X, Yang X, Wang Y, Chen Y, Yang Y, Shang S, Wang W, Wang Y. Combination of Expanded Allogeneic NK Cells and T Cell-Based Immunotherapy Exert Enhanced Antitumor Effects. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010251. [PMID: 36612246 PMCID: PMC9818244 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010251] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies based on immune checkpoint blockade, neoantigen-reactive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and T cell receptor-engineered T cells (TCR-T) have achieved favorable clinical outcomes in tumor treatment. However, sustained immune response and tumor regression have been observed only in a few patients due to immune escape. Natural killer (NK) cells can mediate direct tumor lysis and target cancer cells with low or no expression of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) that are no longer recognized by T cells during immune escape. Therefore, the combination of T cell-based immunotherapy and NK cell therapy is a promising strategy for improving antitumor response and response rate. However, allogeneic NK cells for adoptive cell therapy have been limited by both the required cell number and quality. Here, we developed an efficient manufacturing system that relies on genetically modified K562 cells for the expansion of high-quality NK cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. NK cells with the optimal expansion and activity were identified by comparing the different culture systems. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the cooperation of NK cells with tumor-reactive T cells or with NY-ESO-1-specific TCR-T cells further enhanced tumors lysis, especially against tumors with downregulated HLA-I expression. The advantages of HLA-mismatch and non-rejection by other allogeneic immune cells demonstrated the potential of "off-the-shelf" NK cells with the capacity to target tumors for immunotherapy. Our results indicate that the combination strategy based on T cell and allogeneic NK cell immunotherapy might have potential for overcoming the barrier of immune incompetence caused by HLA-I downregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yueping Wang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yunshuo Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Siqi Shang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
- LeaLing Biopharma Company, Ltd., Suzhou 215000, China
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yueying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (Y.W.)
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102
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Shah S, Al-Omari A, Cook KW, Paston SJ, Durrant LG, Brentville VA. What do cancer-specific T cells 'see'? DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 2:kyac011. [PMID: 38567060 PMCID: PMC10917189 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Complex cellular interactions between the immune system and cancer can impact tumour development, growth, and progression. T cells play a key role in these interactions; however, the challenge for T cells is to recognize tumour antigens whilst minimizing cross-reactivity with antigens associated with healthy tissue. Some tumour cells, including those associated with viral infections, have clear, tumour-specific antigens that can be targeted by T cells. A high mutational burden can lead to increased numbers of mutational neoantigens that allow very specific immune responses to be generated but also allow escape variants to develop. Other cancer indications and those with low mutational burden are less easily distinguished from normal tissue. Recent studies have suggested that cancer-associated alterations in tumour cell biology including changes in post-translational modification (PTM) patterns may also lead to novel antigens that can be directly recognized by T cells. The PTM-derived antigens provide tumour-specific T-cell responses that both escape central tolerance and avoid the necessity for individualized therapies. PTM-specific CD4 T-cell responses have shown tumour therapy in murine models and highlight the importance of CD4 T cells as well as CD8 T cells in reversing the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. Understanding which cancer-specific antigens can be recognized by T cells and the way that immune tolerance and the tumour microenvironment shape immune responses to cancer is vital for the future development of cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabaria Shah
- Scancell Limited, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Abdullah Al-Omari
- Scancell Limited, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Katherine W Cook
- Scancell Limited, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Samantha J Paston
- Scancell Limited, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lindy G Durrant
- Scancell Limited, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Victoria A Brentville
- Scancell Limited, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, UK
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103
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MEK inhibition enhances presentation of targetable MHC-I tumor antigens in mutant melanomas. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208900119. [PMID: 36454758 PMCID: PMC9894220 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208900119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Combining multiple therapeutic strategies in NRAS/BRAF mutant melanoma-namely MEK/BRAF kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and targeted immunotherapies-may offer an improved survival benefit by overcoming limitations associated with any individual therapy. Still, optimal combination, order, and timing of administration remains under investigation. Here, we measure how MEK inhibition (MEKi) alters anti-tumor immunity by utilizing quantitative immunopeptidomics to profile changes in the peptide major histocompatibility molecules (pMHC) repertoire. These data reveal a collection of tumor antigens whose presentation levels are selectively augmented following therapy, including several epitopes present at over 1,000 copies per cell. We leveraged the tunable abundance of MEKi-modulated antigens by targeting four epitopes with pMHC-specific T cell engagers and antibody drug conjugates, enhancing cell killing in tumor cells following MEK inhibition. These results highlight drug treatment as a means to enhance immunotherapy efficacy by targeting specific upregulated pMHCs and provide a methodological framework for identifying, quantifying, and therapeutically targeting additional epitopes of interest.
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104
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Abstract
Significance: Immune cell therapy involves the administration of immune cells into patients, and it has emerged as one of the most common type of immunotherapy for cancer treatment. Knowledge on the biology and metabolism of the adoptively transferred immune cells and the metabolic requirements of different cell types in the tumor is fundamental for the development of immune cell therapy with higher efficacy. Recent Advances: Adoptive T cell therapy has been shown to be effective in limited types of cancer. Different types and generations of adoptive T cell therapies have evolved in the recent decade. This review covers the basic principles and development of these therapies in cancer treatment. Critical Issues: Our review provides an overview on the basic concepts on T cell metabolism and highlights the metabolic requirements of T and adoptively transferred T cells. Future Directions: Integrating the knowledge just cited will facilitate the development of strategies to maximize the expansion of adoptively transferred T cells ex vivo and in vivo and to promote their durability and antitumor effects. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 1303-1324.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Hui Tan
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Center for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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105
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Mengoni M, Tüting T, Gaffal E. [Immunological mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction under systemic therapy in metastatic melanoma]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 73:937-942. [PMID: 36350371 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-022-05070-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Neurocognitive impairments of memory, speech, and attention can occur in cancer patients as a direct result of the cancer but also in the context of therapy. With the development of modern immunotherapies and their use in combination with surgery and radiation therapy, the number of long-term survivors has significantly increased. As a result, detrimental effects on brain function and structure in cancer patients not only during treatment but also after completion of therapy have become a key issue in clinical oncology. Early diagnosis and treatment of neurocognitive disorders is of great importance for quality of life, therapy adherence, and overall survival of the affected patients. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanisms with a special focus on metastatic melanoma. Furthermore, practice-relevant diagnostics, prophylaxis, and intervention options are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Mengoni
- Universitätshautklinik, Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Tüting
- Universitätshautklinik, Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Evelyn Gaffal
- Universitätshautklinik, Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Deutschland.
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106
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Yi X, Hu W. Advances in adoptive cellular therapy for colorectal cancer: a narrative review. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1404. [PMID: 36660664 PMCID: PMC9843349 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-6196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective In recent years, adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has shown great potential in antitumor treatment. To significantly improve the clinical efficacy of ACT against solid tumors, we may need to carefully study the latest developments in ACT. As one of the most common malignancies, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major risk to human health and has become a significant burden on global healthcare systems. This article reviews the recent advances in the treatment of CRC with ACT. Methods We searched PubMed for articles related to ACT for CRC published as of August 31, 2022, and retrieved relevant clinical trial information on the National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov website. Based on search results, comprehensive and systematic review is made. Key Content and Findings This article provides an overview of the research progress of ACT for CRC, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T-cell therapy, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Common tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) in clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy for CRC are described. Conclusions Despite many obstacles, ACT shows great promise in treating CRC. Therefore, more basic experimental studies and clinical trials are warranted to further clarify the effectiveness and safety of ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Yi
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Wenwei Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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107
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Teppert K, Wang X, Anders K, Evaristo C, Lock D, Künkele A. Joining Forces for Cancer Treatment: From "TCR versus CAR" to "TCR and CAR". Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314563. [PMID: 36498890 PMCID: PMC9739809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapy has demonstrated great therapeutic potential in recent decades, on the one hand, by using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and, on the other hand, by engineering T cells to obtain anti-tumor specificities through the introduction of either engineered T cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Given the distinct design of both receptors and the type of antigen that is encountered, the requirements for proper antigen engagement and downstream signal transduction by TCRs and CARs differ. Synapse formation and signal transduction of CAR T cells, despite further refinement of CAR T cell designs, still do not fully recapitulate that of TCR T cells and might limit CAR T cell persistence and functionality. Thus, deep knowledge about the molecular differences in CAR and TCR T cell signaling would greatly advance the further optimization of CAR designs and elucidate under which circumstances a combination of both receptors would improve the functionality of T cells for cancer treatment. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review about similarities and differences by directly comparing the architecture, synapse formation and signaling of TCRs and CARs, highlighting the knowns and unknowns. In the second part of the review, we discuss the current status of combining CAR and TCR technologies, encouraging a change in perspective from "TCR versus CAR" to "TCR and CAR".
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Teppert
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Xueting Wang
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Kathleen Anders
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - César Evaristo
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Dominik Lock
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
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108
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Cassioli C, Patrussi L, Valitutti S, Baldari CT. Learning from TCR Signaling and Immunological Synapse Assembly to Build New Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14255. [PMID: 36430728 PMCID: PMC9694822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy is a revolutionary pillar in cancer treatment. Clinical experience has shown remarkable successes in the treatment of certain hematological malignancies but only limited efficacy against B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other cancer types, especially solid tumors. A wide range of engineering strategies have been employed to overcome the limitations of CAR T cell therapy. However, it has become increasingly clear that CARs have unique, unexpected features; hence, a deep understanding of how CARs signal and trigger the formation of a non-conventional immunological synapse (IS), the signaling platform required for T cell activation and execution of effector functions, would lead a shift from empirical testing to the rational design of new CAR constructs. Here, we review current knowledge of CARs, focusing on their structure, signaling and role in CAR T cell IS assembly. We, moreover, discuss the molecular features accounting for poor responses in CLL patients treated with anti-CD19 CAR T cells and propose CLL as a paradigm for diseases connected to IS dysfunctions that could significantly benefit from the development of novel CARs to generate a productive anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cassioli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Patrussi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Valitutti
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1037, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, 31037 Toulouse, France
- Department of Pathology, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Cosima T. Baldari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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109
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Advances of Electroporation-Related Therapies and the Synergy with Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111942. [PMID: 36423037 PMCID: PMC9692484 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is the process of instantaneously increasing the permeability of a cell membrane under a pulsed electric field. Depending on the parameters of the electric pulses and the target cell electrophysiological characteristics, electroporation can be either reversible or irreversible. Reversible electroporation facilitates the delivery of functional genetic materials or drugs to target cells, inducing cell death by apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, or pseudoapoptosis; irreversible electroporation is an ablative technology which directly ablates a large amount of tissue without causing harmful thermal effects; electrotherapy using an electric field can induce cell apoptosis without any aggressive invasion. Reversible and irreversible electroporation can also activate systemic antitumor immune response and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent progress related to electroporation, and summarize its latest applications. Further, we discuss the synergistic effects of electroporation-related therapies and immunotherapy. We also propose perspectives for further investigating electroporation and immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
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110
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Maggadóttir SM, Kvalheim G, Wernhoff P, Sæbøe-Larssen S, Revheim ME, Josefsen D, Wälchli S, Helland Å, Inderberg EM. A phase I/II escalation trial design T-RAD: Treatment of metastatic lung cancer with mRNA-engineered T cells expressing a T cell receptor targeting human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Front Oncol 2022; 12:1031232. [PMID: 36439452 PMCID: PMC9685610 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1031232] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) with genetically modified T cells aims to redirect T cells against resistant cancers through introduction of a T cell receptor (TCR). The Radium-4 TCR was isolated from a responding patient in a cancer vaccination study and recognizes the enzymatic component of human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) presented on MHC class II (HLA-DP04). hTERT is a constitutively overexpressed tumor-associated antigen present in most human cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the second most common type of cancer worldwide. Treatment alternatives for relapsing NSCLC are limited and survival is poor. To improve patient outcome we designed a TCR-based ACT study targeting hTERT. Methods T-RAD is a phase I/II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Radium-4 mRNA electroporated autologous T cells in the treatment of metastatic NSCLC with no other treatment option. Transient TCR expression is applied for safety considerations. Participants receive two intravenous injections with escalating doses of redirected T cells weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. Primary objectives are safety and tolerability. Secondary objectives include progression-free survival, time to progression, overall survival, patient reported outcomes and overall radiological response. Discussion Treatment for metastatic NSCLC is scarce and new personalized treatment options are in high demand. hTERT is a tumor target applicable to numerous cancer types. This proof-of-concept study will explore for the first time the safety and efficacy of TCR mRNA electroporated autologous T cells targeting hTERT. The T-RAD study will thus evaluate an attractive candidate for future immunotherapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sólrún Melkorka Maggadóttir
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Section for Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Kvalheim
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Section for Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Patrik Wernhoff
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Sæbøe-Larssen
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Section for Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Dag Josefsen
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Section for Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sébastien Wälchli
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Section for Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åslaug Helland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else Marit Inderberg
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Section for Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Else Marit Inderberg,
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111
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Gerber HP, Presta LG. TCR mimic compounds for pHLA targeting with high potency modalities in oncology. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1027548. [PMID: 36338746 PMCID: PMC9635445 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1027548] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
pHLA complexes represent the largest class of cell surface markers on cancer cells, making them attractive for targeted cancer therapies. Adoptive cell therapies expressing TCRs that recognize tumor specific pHLAs take advantage of the unique selectivity and avidity of TCR: pHLA interactions. More recently, additional protein binding domains binding to pHLAs, known as TCR mimics (TCRm), were developed for tumor targeting of high potency therapeutic modalities, including bispecifics, ADCs, CAR T and -NK cells. TCRm compounds take advantage of the exquisite tumor specificity of certain pHLA targets, including cell lineage commitment markers and cancer testis antigens (CTAs). To achieve meaningful anti-tumor responses, it is critical that TCRm compounds integrate both, high target binding affinities and a high degree of target specificity. In this review, we describe the most advanced approaches to achieve both criteria, including affinity- and specificity engineering of TCRs, antibodies and alternative protein scaffolds. We also discuss the status of current TCRm based therapeutics developed in the clinic, key challenges, and emerging trends to improve treatment options for cancer patients treated with TCRm based therapeutics in Oncology.
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112
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[Preclinical study of T cell receptor specifically reactive with KRAS G12V mutation in the treatment of malignant tumors]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2022; 54. [PMID: 36241231 PMCID: PMC9568380 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE KRAS gene is one of the most common mutations of proto-oncogenes in human tumors, G12V is one of the most common mutation types for KRAS. It's challenging to chemically acquire the targeted drug for this mutation. Recent studies reported that this mutation peptides can form a neoepitope for T cell recognition. Our study aims to clone the T cell receptor (TCR) which specifically recognizes the neoepitope for KRAS G12V mutation and constructs TCR engineered T cells (TCR-T), and to investigate if TCR-Ts have strong antitumor response ability. METHODS In this study, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were obtained from one colorectal cancer patient carrying KRAS G12V mutation. Tumor-reactive TCR was obtained by single-cell RT-5' rapid-amplification of cDNA ends PCR analysis and introduced into peripheral blood lymphocytes to generate TCR-Ts. RESULTS We obtained a high-affinity TCR sequence that specifically recognized the HLA-A*11:01-restricted KRAS G12V8-16 epitope: KVA11-01. KVA11-01 TCR-T could significantly kill various tumor cells such as PANC-1, SW480 and HeLa (overexpressing HLA-A*11:01 and KRAS G12V), and secreting high levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Non-specific killing experiments suggested KVA11-01 specifically recognized tumor cells expressing both mutant KRAS G12V and HLA-A*11:01. In vivo assay, tumor inhibition experiments demonstrated that infusion of approximately 1E7 KVA11-01 TCR-T could significantly inhibit the growth of subcuta-neously transplanted tumors of PANC-1 and HeLa (overexpressing HLA-A*11:01 and KRAS G12V) cells in nude mice. No destruction of the morphologies of the liver, spleen and brain were observed. We also found that KVA11-01 TCR-T could significantly infiltrate into tumor tissue and had a better homing ability. CONCLUSION KVA11-01 TCR-T cells can effectively target a variety of malignant tumor cells carrying KRAS G12V mutation through in vitro and in vivo assay. KVA11-01 TCR-T cells have excellent biological activity, high specificity of target antigen and homing ability into solid tumor tissue. KVA11-01 TCR-T is expected to be an effective treatment for patients with KRAS G12V mutant solid malignancies.
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113
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Abstract
The identification and characterization of tumor antigens are central objectives in developing anti-cancer immunotherapy. Traditionally, tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are considered relatively restricted to tumor cells (i.e., overexpressed proteins in tumor cells), whereas tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) are considered unique to tumor cells. Recent studies have focused on identifying patient-specific neoantigens, which might be highly immunogenic because they are not expressed in normal tissues. The opposite strategy has emerged with the discovery of anti-regulatory T cells (anti-Tregs) that recognize and attack many cell types in the tumor microenvironment, such as regulatory immune cells, in addition to tumor cells. The term proposed in this review is "tumor microenvironment antigens" (TMAs) to describe the antigens that draw this attack. As therapeutic targets, TMAs offer several advantages that differentiate them from more traditional tumor antigens. Targeting TMAs leads not only to a direct attack on tumor cells but also to modulation of the tumor microenvironment, rendering it immunocompetent and tumor-hostile. Of note, in contrast to TAAs and TSAs, TMAs also are expressed in non-transformed cells with consistent human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression. Inflammation often induces HLA expression in malignant cells, so that targeting TMAs could additionally affect tumors with no or very low levels of surface HLA expression. This review defines the characteristics, differences, and advantages of TMAs compared with traditional tumor antigens and discusses the use of these antigens in immune modulatory vaccines as an attractive approach to immunotherapy. Different TMAs are expressed by different cells and could be combined in anti-cancer immunotherapies to attack tumor cells directly and modulate local immune cells to create a tumor-hostile microenvironment and inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Immune modulatory vaccines offer an approach for combinatorial therapy with additional immunotherapy including checkpoint blockade, cellular therapy, or traditional cancer vaccines. These combinations would increase the number of patients who can benefit from such therapeutic measures, which all have optimal efficiency in inflamed tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 25C, 5th floor, DK-2730, Herlev, Denmark.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Vazquez-Lombardi R, Jung JS, Schlatter FS, Mei A, Mantuano NR, Bieberich F, Hong KL, Kucharczyk J, Kapetanovic E, Aznauryan E, Weber CR, Zippelius A, Läubli H, Reddy ST. High-throughput T cell receptor engineering by functional screening identifies candidates with enhanced potency and specificity. Immunity 2022; 55:1953-1966.e10. [PMID: 36174557 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A major challenge in adoptive T cell immunotherapy is the discovery of natural T cell receptors (TCRs) with high activity and specificity to tumor antigens. Engineering synthetic TCRs for increased tumor antigen recognition is complicated by the risk of introducing cross-reactivity and by the poor correlation that can exist between binding affinity and activity of TCRs in response to antigen (peptide-MHC). Here, we developed TCR-Engine, a method combining genome editing, computational design, and deep sequencing to engineer the functional activity and specificity of TCRs on the surface of a human T cell line at high throughput. We applied TCR-Engine to successfully engineer synthetic TCRs for increased potency and specificity to a clinically relevant tumor-associated antigen (MAGE-A3) and validated their translational potential through multiple in vitro and in vivo assessments of safety and efficacy. Thus, TCR-Engine represents a valuable technology for engineering of safe and potent synthetic TCRs for immunotherapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Vazquez-Lombardi
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Engimmune Therapeutics AG, Hegenheimermattweg 167A, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland.
| | - Johanna S Jung
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice S Schlatter
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Mei
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Florian Bieberich
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kai-Lin Hong
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakub Kucharczyk
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edo Kapetanovic
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erik Aznauryan
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cédric R Weber
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Zippelius
- Department of Biomedicine, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Läubli
- Department of Biomedicine, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sai T Reddy
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
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Jin Y, Lorvik KB, Jin Y, Beck C, Sike A, Persiconi I, Kvaløy E, Saatcioglu F, Dunn C, Kyte JA. Development of STEAP1 targeting chimeric antigen receptor for adoptive cell therapy against cancer. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:189-206. [PMID: 35860008 PMCID: PMC9278049 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that retarget T cells against CD19 show clinical efficacy against B cell malignancies. Here, we describe the development of a CAR against the six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate-1 (STEAP1), which is expressed in ∼90% of prostate cancers, and subgroups of other malignancies. STEAP1 is an attractive target, as it is associated with tumor invasiveness and progression and only expressed at low levels in normal tissues, apart from the non-vital prostate gland. We identified the antibody coding sequences from a hybridoma and designed a CAR that is efficiently expressed in primary T cells. The T cells acquired the desired anti-STEAP1 specificity, with a polyfunctional response including production of multiple cytokines, proliferation, and the killing of cancer cells. The response was observed for both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and against all STEAP1+ target cell lines tested. We evaluated the in vivo CAR T activity in both subcutaneous and metastatic xenograft mouse models of prostate cancer. Here, the CAR T cells infiltrated tumors and significantly inhibited tumor growth and extended survival in a STEAP1-dependent manner. We conclude that the STEAP1 CAR exhibits potent in vitro and in vivo functionality and can be further developed toward potential clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Jin
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristina Berg Lorvik
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Yang Jin
- Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Carole Beck
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Adam Sike
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Irene Persiconi
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Emilie Kvaløy
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Fahri Saatcioglu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Claire Dunn
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Amund Kyte
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Mail Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway.,Department of Clinical Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Li P, Chen X, Ping Y, Qin G, Huang L, Zhao Q, Zhang Z, Chen H, Wang L, Yang S, Zhang Y. Clinical Correlation of Function and TCR vβ Diversity of MAGE-C2–Specific CD8+ T Cell Response in Esophageal Cancer. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 209:1039-1047. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Melanoma-associated Ag (MAGE)-C2, an immunogenic cancer germline (testis) Ag, is highly expressed by various tumor cells, thymic medullary epithelial cells, and germ cells. In this study, we aimed to explore the immunologic properties of MAGE-C2–specific CD8+ T cells and the relationship of its TCR β-chain V region (TCR vβ) subfamily distribution to prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. PBMCs and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes expanded by CD3/CD28 Dynabeads and MAGE-C2 peptides in vitro resulted in the induction of lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1 or CD107a) on the cell surface and the production of IFN-γ by MAGE-C2–specific CD8+ T cells. We found differential TCR vβ subfamily distribution among flow-sorted CD107a+IFN-γ+ and CD107a−IFN-γ− CD8+ T cells. The proportion of CD107a+ and/or IFN-γ+ tetramer+ CD8+ T cells was lower in patients with lymph node metastasis, late tumor stage, and poorly differentiated state (p < 0.05). T-box transcription factor was positively correlated with CD107a and IFN-γ. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients whose MAGE-C2–specific CD8+ T cells expressed high CD107a and/or IFN-γ had a longer survival time when compared with patients whose MAGE-C2–specific CD8+ T cells expressed low levels of CD107a and/or IFN-γ. Moreover, analysis of TCR vβ subfamily distribution revealed that a higher frequency of TCR vβ16 in MAGE-C2–specific CD8+ T cells was positively correlated with a better prognosis. These results suggest that the presence of functional MAGE-C2–specific CD8+ T cells had an independent prognostic impact on the survival of patients with esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pupu Li
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xinfeng Chen
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yu Ping
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guohui Qin
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lan Huang
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qitai Zhao
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huanan Chen
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liping Wang
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shengli Yang
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- *Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- †School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- ‡Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; and
- §State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Foster JB, Griffin C, Rokita JL, Stern A, Brimley C, Rathi K, Lane MV, Buongervino SN, Smith T, Madsen PJ, Martinez D, Delaidelli A, Sorensen PH, Wechsler-Reya RJ, Karikó K, Storm PB, Barrett DM, Resnick AC, Maris JM, Bosse KR. Development of GPC2-directed chimeric antigen receptors using mRNA for pediatric brain tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004450. [PMID: 36167467 PMCID: PMC9516314 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in children with an urgent need for innovative therapies. Glypican 2 (GPC2) is a cell surface oncoprotein expressed in neuroblastoma for which targeted immunotherapies have been developed. This work aimed to characterize GPC2 expression in pediatric brain tumors and develop an mRNA CAR T cell approach against this target. METHODS We investigated GPC2 expression across a cohort of primary pediatric brain tumor samples and cell lines using RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. To target GPC2 in the brain with adoptive cellular therapies and mitigate potential inflammatory neurotoxicity, we used optimized mRNA to create transient chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. We developed four mRNA CAR T cell constructs using the highly GPC2-specific fully human D3 single chain variable fragment for preclinical testing. RESULTS We identified high GPC2 expression across multiple pediatric brain tumor types including medulloblastomas, embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes, other central nervous system embryonal tumors, as well as definable subsets of highly malignant gliomas. We next validated and prioritized CAR configurations using in vitro cytotoxicity assays with GPC2-expressing neuroblastoma cells, where the light-to-heavy single chain variable fragment configurations proved to be superior. We expanded the testing of the two most potent GPC2-directed CAR constructs to GPC2-expressing medulloblastoma and high-grade glioma cell lines, showing significant GPC2-specific cell death in multiple models. Finally, biweekly locoregional delivery of 2-4 million GPC2-directed mRNA CAR T cells induced significant tumor regression in an orthotopic medulloblastoma model and significantly prolonged survival in an aggressive orthotopic thalamic diffuse midline glioma xenograft model. No GPC2-directed CAR T cell related neurologic or systemic toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data show that GPC2 is a highly differentially expressed cell surface protein on multiple malignant pediatric brain tumors that can be targeted safely with local delivery of mRNA CAR T cells, laying the framework for the clinical translation of GPC2-directed immunotherapies for pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica B Foster
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Crystal Griffin
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jo Lynne Rokita
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allison Stern
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cameron Brimley
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Komal Rathi
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maria V Lane
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samantha N Buongervino
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tiffany Smith
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peter J Madsen
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Martinez
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alberto Delaidelli
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert J Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Phillip B Storm
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Adam C Resnick
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John M Maris
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristopher R Bosse
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Lam CK, Hyde RK, Patel SA. Synthetic Immunotherapy: Programming Immune Cells with Novel and Sophisticated Logic Capabilities. Transplant Cell Ther 2022; 28:560-571. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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119
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Füchsl F, Krackhardt AM. Paving the Way to Solid Tumors: Challenges and Strategies for Adoptively Transferred Transgenic T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4192. [PMID: 36077730 PMCID: PMC9454442 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are important players in the antitumor immune response. Over the past few years, the adoptive transfer of genetically modified, autologous T cells-specifically redirected toward the tumor by expressing either a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-has been adopted for use in the clinic. At the moment, the therapeutic application of CD19- and, increasingly, BCMA-targeting-engineered CAR-T cells have been approved and have yielded partly impressive results in hematologic malignancies. However, employing transgenic T cells for the treatment of solid tumors remains more troublesome, and numerous hurdles within the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) need to be overcome to achieve tumor control. In this review, we focused on the challenges that these therapies must face on three different levels: infiltrating the tumor, exerting efficient antitumor activity, and overcoming T cell exhaustion and dysfunction. We aimed to discuss different options to pave the way for potent transgenic T cell-mediated tumor rejection by engineering either the TME or the transgenic T cell itself, which responds to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Füchsl
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin III, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Angela M. Krackhardt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin III, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
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120
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Eakins RA, Chobrutskiy A, Teer JK, Patel DN, Hsiang M, Huda TI, Zaman S, Sexton WJ, Coppola D, Falasiri S, Blanck G, Chobrutskiy BI. Chemical complementarity between tumor resident, T-cell receptor CDR3s and MAGEA3/6 correlates with increased melanoma survival: Potential relevance to MAGE vaccine auto-reactivity. Mol Immunol 2022; 150:58-66. [PMID: 35987136 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer testis antigens have been of interest as possible targets for cancer immunotherapies. To better understand the opportunities for the use of such immunotherapy targets, we used a chemical complementarity scoring algorithm and an original web tool to establish aspects of electrostatic complementarity of the CTAs, MAGEA3 and MAGEA6, with melanoma specimen resident, T-cell receptor (TCR) complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) amino acid sequences. Greater electrostatic complementarity between T-cell receptor CDR3 and tumor CTAs MAGEA3/6 was associated with a greater probability of overall survival, for both the cancer genome atlas and Moffitt Cancer Center samples; and was associated with high levels of T-cell cytotoxicity-related gene expression. Most importantly, this approach allowed for the highly efficient screening of specific segments of the MAGEA3/6 antigens which indicated that certain MAGE segments would have either more or less risk of auto-reactivity. In sum, the chemical complementarity algorithm, and its efficient application via the web tool, adaptivematch.com, offers a convenient opportunity to identify likely parameters important for immunotherapy considerations and melanoma patient risk stratifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Eakins
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida 33612, USA
| | - Andrea Chobrutskiy
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jamie K Teer
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Dhruv N Patel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida 33612, USA
| | - Monica Hsiang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida 33612, USA
| | - Taha I Huda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida 33612, USA
| | - Saif Zaman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida 33612, USA
| | - Wade J Sexton
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Domenico Coppola
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Shayan Falasiri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida 33612, USA
| | - George Blanck
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida 33612, USA; Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Boris I Chobrutskiy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Anderson J, Majzner RG, Sondel PM. Immunotherapy of Neuroblastoma: Facts and Hopes. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3196-3206. [PMID: 35435953 PMCID: PMC9344822 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
While the adoption of multimodal therapy including surgery, radiation, and aggressive combination chemotherapy has improved outcomes for many children with high-risk neuroblastoma, we appear to have reached a plateau in what can be achieved with cytotoxic therapies alone. Most children with cancer, including high-risk neuroblastoma, do not benefit from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) that have revolutionized the treatment of many highly immunogenic adult solid tumors. This likely reflects the low tumor mutation burden as well as the downregulated MHC-I that characterizes most high-risk neuroblastomas. For these reasons, neuroblastoma represents an immunotherapeutic challenge that may be a model for the creation of effective immunotherapy for other "cold" tumors in children and adults that do not respond to ICI. The identification of strong expression of the disialoganglioside GD2 on the surface of nearly all neuroblastoma cells provided a target for immune recognition by anti-GD2 mAbs that recruit Fc receptor-expressing innate immune cells that mediate cytotoxicity or phagocytosis. Adoption of anti-GD2 antibodies into both upfront and relapse treatment protocols has dramatically increased survival rates and altered the landscape for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. This review describes how these approaches have been expanded to additional combinations and forms of immunotherapy that have already demonstrated clear clinical benefit. We also describe the efforts to identify additional immune targets for neuroblastoma. Finally, we summarize newer approaches being pursued that may well help both innate and adaptive immune cells, endogenous or genetically engineered, to more effectively destroy neuroblastoma cells, to better induce complete remission and prevent recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Anderson
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robbie G. Majzner
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Paul M. Sondel
- Departments of Pediatrics, Human Oncology and Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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Mazzarella L, Enblad G, Olweus J, Malmberg KJ, Jerkeman M. Advances in immune therapies in hematological malignancies. J Intern Med 2022; 292:205-220. [PMID: 34624160 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy in cancer takes advantage of the exquisite specificity, potency, and flexibility of the immune system to eliminate alien tumor cells. It involves strategies to activate the entire immune defense, by unlocking mechanisms developed by tumor cells to escape from surrounding immune cells, as well as engineered antibody and cellular therapies. What is important to note is that these are therapeutics with curative potential. The earliest example of immune therapy is allogeneic stem cell transplantation, introduced in 1957, which is still an important modality in hematology, most notably in myeloid malignancies. In this review, we discuss developmental trends of immunotherapy in hematological malignancies, focusing on some of the strategies that we believe will have the most impact on future clinical practice in this field. In particular, we delineate novel developments for therapies that have already been introduced into the clinic, such as immune checkpoint inhibition and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of emerging strategies based on T-cell receptors and adoptive transfer of allogeneic natural killer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mazzarella
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Gunilla Enblad
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Experimental and Clinical Oncology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Johanna Olweus
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Jerkeman
- Department of Oncology, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Duncan BB, Dunbar CE, Ishii K. Applying a Clinical Lens to Animal Models of CAR-T Cell Therapies. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:17-31. [PMID: 36156878 PMCID: PMC9478925 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells have emerged as a promising treatment modality for various hematologic and solid malignancies over the past decade. Animal models remain the cornerstone of pre-clinical evaluation of human CAR-T cell products and are generally required by regulatory agencies prior to clinical translation. However, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of adoptively transferred T cells are dependent on various recipient factors, posing challenges for accurately predicting human engineered T cell behavior in non-human animal models. For example, murine xenograft models did not forecast now well-established cytokine-driven systemic toxicities of CAR-T cells seen in humans, highlighting the limitations of animal models that do not perfectly recapitulate complex human immune systems. Understanding the concordance as well as discrepancies between existing pre-clinical animal data and human clinical experiences, along with established advantages and limitations of each model, will facilitate investigators’ ability to appropriately select and design animal models for optimal evaluation of future CAR-T cell products. We summarize the current state of animal models in this field, and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach depending on the pre-clinical questions being asked.
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Simister PC, Border EC, Vieira JF, Pumphrey NJ. Structural insights into engineering a T-cell receptor targeting MAGE-A10 with higher affinity and specificity for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004600. [PMID: 35851311 PMCID: PMC9295655 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004600] [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] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell receptor (TCR) immunotherapy is becoming a viable modality in cancer treatment with efficacy in clinical trials. The safety of patients is paramount, so innovative cell engineering methods are being employed to exploit adaptive immunity while controlling the factors governing antigen receptor (ie, TCR) specificity and cross-reactivity. We recently reported a TCR engineering campaign and selectivity profiling assay (X-scan) targeting a melanoma antigen gene (MAGE)-A10 peptide. This helped to distinguish between two well-performing TCRs based on cross-reactivity potential during preclinical drug evaluation, allowing one to be advanced to T-cell immunotherapeutic clinical trials. Here, we present three-dimensional structural information on those TCRs, highlighting engineering improvements and molecular mechanisms likely underpinning differential selectivity. METHODS Parental and engineered TCRs were purified and crystallized either alone or complexed to human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02:01 presenting the MAGE-A10 9-mer peptide, GLYDGMEHL (pHLA/MAGE-A10-9). Using X-ray diffraction, we solved four high-resolution crystal structures and evaluated them relative to previously reported functional results. RESULTS The unligated parental TCR displayed similar complementarity-determining region (CDR) loop conformations when bound to pHLA/MAGE-A10-9; a rigid-body movement of TCR beta chain variable domain (TRBV) relative to TCR alpha chain variable domain helped optimal pHLA engagement. This first view of an HLA-bound MAGE-A10 peptide revealed an intrachain non-covalent 'staple' between peptide Tyr3 and Glu7. A subtle Glu31-Asp mutation in βCDR1 of the parental TCR generated a high-affinity derivative. Its pHLA-complexed structure shows that the shorter Asp leans toward the pHLA with resulting rigid-body TRBV shift, creating localized changes around the peptide's C-terminus. Structural comparison with a less selective TCR indicated that differential cross-reactivity to MAGE-A10 peptide variants is most readily explained by alterations in surface electrostatics, and the size and geometry of TCR-peptide interfacial cavities. CONCLUSIONS Modest changes in engineered TCRs targeting MAGE-A10 produced significantly different properties. Conformational invariance of TCR and antigen peptide plus more space-filling CDR loop sequences may be desirable properties for clinically relevant TCR-pHLA systems to reduce the likelihood of structurally similar peptide mimics being tolerated by a TCR. Such properties may partially explain why the affinity-enhanced, in vitro-selected TCR has been generally well tolerated in patients.
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Liu C, Liu H, Dasgupta M, Hellman LM, Zhang X, Qu K, Xue H, Wang Y, Fan F, Chang Q, Yu D, Ge L, Zhang Y, Cui Z, Zhang P, Heller B, Zhang H, Shi B, Baker BM, Liu C. Validation and promise of a TCR mimic antibody for cancer immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12068. [PMID: 35840635 PMCID: PMC9287321 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15946-5] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies are at the vanguard of the most promising cancer treatments. Whereas traditional therapeutic antibodies have been limited to extracellular antigens, T cell receptor mimic (TCRm) antibodies can target intracellular antigens presented by cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. TCRm antibodies can therefore target a repertoire of otherwise undruggable cancer antigens. However, the consequences of off-target peptide/MHC recognition with engineered T cell therapies are severe, and thus there are significant safety concerns with TCRm antibodies. Here we explored the specificity and safety profile of a new TCRm-based T cell therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a solid tumor for which no effective treatment exists. We targeted an alpha-fetoprotein peptide presented by HLA-A*02 with a highly specific TCRm, which crystallographic structural analysis showed binds directly over the HLA protein and interfaces with the full length of the peptide. We fused the TCRm to the γ and δ subunits of a TCR, producing a signaling AbTCR construct. This was combined with an scFv/CD28 co-stimulatory molecule targeting glypican-3 for increased efficacy towards tumor cells. This AbTCR + co-stimulatory T cell therapy showed potent activity against AFP-positive cancer cell lines in vitro and an in an in vivo model and undetectable activity against AFP-negative cells. In an in-human safety assessment, no significant adverse events or cytokine release syndrome were observed and evidence of efficacy was seen. Remarkably, one patient with metastatic HCC achieved a complete remission after nine months and ultimately qualified for a liver transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Moumita Dasgupta
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Lance M Hellman
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Xiaogang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Kai Qu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui Xue
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yun Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fenling Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qi Chang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Duo Yu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Linhu Ge
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Ziyou Cui
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Pengbo Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Bradley Heller
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Bingyin Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA.
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Erickson TA, Shih YP, Fass J, Jang M, Tran E. T Cells Engineered to Express Immunoreceptors Targeting the Frequently Expressed Medullary Thyroid Cancer Antigens Calcitonin, CEA, and RET M918T. Thyroid 2022; 32:789-798. [PMID: 35587601 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare malignancy originating from the calcitonin-producing C cells of the thyroid. Despite recent therapeutic advances, metastatic MTC remains incurable. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using genetically engineered T cells targeting either tissue-restricted tumor-associated antigens or mutated neoantigens has led to durable remissions in other metastatic solid tumors. The majority of MTC express the tumor-associated antigens calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and ∼40% of MTC harbor the RET M918T oncogenic driver mutation. Methods: We developed and characterized three immunoreceptors that recognize extracellular CEA, a calcitonin epitope presented by HLA-A*24:02, or an RET M918T neoepitope restricted by HLA-DPB1*04:01/02. The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CEA was synthetically designed, while the T cell receptors (TCRs) targeting calcitonin and RET M918T were isolated from a transgenic mouse and patient with MTC, respectively. These immunoreceptors were genetically engineered into peripheral blood T cells and tested for antigen specificity and antitumor activity. Results: T cells expressing the anti-CEA CAR or the calcitonin-reactive TCR produced effector cytokines and displayed cytotoxicity against cell lines expressing their cognate antigen in vitro. In immunodeficient mice harboring a human MTC cell line, the adoptive transfer of T cells engineered to express the anti-CEA CAR or calcitonin-reactive TCR led to complete tumor regression. T cells expressing the HLA-DPB1*04:01/02-restricted TCR targeting RET M918T, which was cloned from peripheral blood CD4+ T cells of a patient with MTC, demonstrated specific reactivity against cells pulsed with the mutated peptide and MTC tumor cells that expressed HLA-DPB1*04:01 and RET M918T. Conclusion: The preclinical data presented herein demonstrate the potential of using genetically engineered T cells targeting CEA, calcitonin, and/or RET M918T to treat metastatic MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Andrew Erickson
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Yi-Ping Shih
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Joseph Fass
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Myungkyu Jang
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Eric Tran
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Banks LB, D'Angelo SP. The Role of Immunotherapy in the Management of Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Current Landscape and Future Outlook. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2022; 20:834-844. [PMID: 35830892 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2022.7027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a subset of sarcoma, a rare group of heterogeneous malignancies of mesenchymal origin. Current standard of care involves surgical resection with systemic chemotherapy used to treat high-risk localized and metastatic disease. Though classically thought to be immunologically quiet tumors, STS interact with the immune system, undergoing immunoediting that alters tumor immunogenicity and the tumor microenvironment. Recent advances with immune checkpoint inhibition have led to clinical trials exploring the efficacy of immunotherapy in treating STS. Results from these trials point to histologic subtype-specific clinical activity of immune checkpoint blockade. In addition, combinatorial strategies adding immune checkpoint inhibition to local or systemic therapies for STS have further increased their efficacy. Targeted immunotherapies using engineered T-cell receptor-based approaches also show increasing promise as treatment options for some patients with STS. Adoptive transfer of autologous T cells targeting NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A4 have high response rates in sarcomas expressing these antigens, although recurrence is often seen in responding patients. Future work must focus on identifying primary and acquired mechanisms of resistance to these therapies, and extend T-cell receptor discovery to other tumor-associated antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren B Banks
- 1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the development of modified T-cell therapies in sarcomas and discuss relevant published and ongoing clinical trials to date. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous clinical trials are underway evaluating tumor-specific chimeric antigen receptor T cells and high affinity T-cell receptor (TCR)-transduced T cells in sarcomas. Notably, translocation-dependent synovial sarcoma and myxoid/round cell liposarcoma are the subject of several phase II trials evaluating TCRs targeting cancer testis antigens New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-1 (NY-ESO-1) and melanoma antigen-A4 (MAGE A4), and response rates of up to 60% have been observed for NY-ESO-1 directed, modified T cells in synovial sarcoma. Challenges posed by modified T-cell therapy include limitations conferred by HLA-restriction, non-immunogenic tumor microenvironments (TME), aggressive lymphodepletion and immune-mediated toxicities restricting coinfusion of cytokines. SUMMARY Cellular therapy to augment the adaptive immune response through delivery of modified T cells is an area of novel therapeutic development in sarcomas where a reliably expressed, ubiquitous target antigen can be identified. Therapeutic tools to improve the specificity, signaling, proliferation and persistence of modified TCRs and augment clinical responses through safe manipulation of the sarcoma TME will be necessary to harness the full potential of this approach.
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129
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Xu R, Du S, Zhu J, Meng F, Liu B. Neoantigen-targeted TCR-T cell therapy for solid tumors: How far from clinical application. Cancer Lett 2022; 546:215840. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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130
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Zhang Y, Liu Z, Wei W, Li Y. TCR engineered T cells for solid tumor immunotherapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:38. [PMID: 35725570 PMCID: PMC9210724 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00291-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell immunotherapy remains an attractive approach for cancer immunotherapy. T cell immunotherapy mainly employs chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)- and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells. CAR-T cell therapy has been an essential breakthrough in treating hematological malignancies. TCR-T cells can recognize antigens expressed both on cell surfaces and in intracellular compartments. Although TCR-T cells have not been approved for clinical application, a number of clinical trials have been performed, particularly for solid tumors. In this article, we summarized current TCR-T cell advances and their potential advantages for solid tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikai Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipality Tianhe Nuoya Bio-engineering Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, 510663, China.,Guangdong Cord blood bank, Guangzhou, 510663, China.,Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huang Pu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhipeng Liu
- Guangzhou Municipality Tianhe Nuoya Bio-engineering Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, 510663, China.,Guangdong Cord blood bank, Guangzhou, 510663, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Guangzhou Municipality Tianhe Nuoya Bio-engineering Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, 510663, China. .,Guangdong Cord blood bank, Guangzhou, 510663, China.
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China. .,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huang Pu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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131
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Opportunities and obstacles for the melanoma immunotherapy using T cell and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) applications: a literature review. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:10627-10633. [PMID: 35715610 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07633-5] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy procedure includes taking personal T cells and processing or genetic engineering using specific antigens and in vitro expanding and eventually infusing into the patient's body to unleash immune responses. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) includes lymphocytes taking, in vitro selection and expansion and processing for stimulation or activation and infusion into the patient's body. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), ACT and CAR-T cell therapies have demonstrated acceptable results. However, rare CAR-T cells tissue infiltration, off-target toxicity and resistance development include main disadvantages of CAR-T cell based therapy. Selection of suitable target antigens and novel engineered immune cells are warranted in future studies using "surfaceome" analysis. Employment of cytokines (IL-2, IL-7) for T cells activation has been also associated with specific anti-melanoma function which overcome telomeres shortening and further T cells differentiation. In resistant cases, rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma B-type and mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitors have been mostly applied. The aim of this study was evaluation of CAR-T cell and adoptive cell therapies efficiency for the treatment of melanoma.
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132
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Ishihara M, Kitano S, Kageyama S, Miyahara Y, Yamamoto N, Kato H, Mishima H, Hattori H, Funakoshi T, Kojima T, Sasada T, Sato E, Okamoto S, Tomura D, Nukaya I, Chono H, Mineno J, Kairi MF, Diem Hoang Nguyen P, Simoni Y, Nardin A, Newell E, Fehlings M, Ikeda H, Watanabe T, Shiku H. NY-ESO-1-specific redirected T cells with endogenous TCR knockdown mediate tumor response and cytokine release syndrome. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003811. [PMID: 35768164 PMCID: PMC9244667 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Because of the shortage of ideal cell surface antigens, the development of T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells (TCR-T) that target intracellular antigens such as NY-ESO-1 is a promising approach for treating patients with solid tumors. However, endogenous TCRs in vector-transduced T cells have been suggested to impair cell-surface expression of transduced TCR while generating mispaired TCRs that can become self-reactive. Methods We conducted a first-in-human phase I clinical trial with the TCR-transduced T-cell product (TBI-1301) in patients with NY-ESO-1-expressing solid tumors. In manufacturing TCR-T cells, we used a novel affinity-enhanced NY-ESO-1-specific TCR that was transduced by a retroviral vector that enables siRNA (small interfering RNA)-mediated silencing of endogenous TCR. The patients were divided into two cohorts. Cohort 1 was given a dose of 5×108 cells (whole cells including TCR-T cells) preconditioned with 1500 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide. Cohort 2 was given 5× 109 cells preconditioned with 1500 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide. Results In vitro study showed that both the CD8+ and CD4+ T fractions of TCR-T cells exhibited cytotoxic effects against NY-ESO-1-expressing tumor cells. Three patients and six patients were allocated to cohort 1 and cohort 2, respectively. Three of the six patients who received 5×109 cells showed tumor response, while three patients developed early-onset cytokine release syndrome (CRS). One of the patients developed a grade 3 lung injury associated with the infiltration of the TCR-T cells. No siRNA-related adverse events other than CRS were observed. Cytokines including interleukin 6 I and monocyte chemotactic protein-1/chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL2) increased in the sera of patients with CRS. In vitro analysis showed these cytokines were not secreted from the T cells infused. A significant fraction of the manufactured T cells in patients with CRS was found to express either CD244, CD39, or both at high levels. Conclusions The trial showed that endogenous TCR-silenced and affinity-enhanced NY-ESO-1 TCR-T cells were safely administered except for grade 3 lung injury. The TCR-T cell infusion exhibited significant tumor response and early-onset CRS in patients with tumors that express NY-ESO-1 at high levels. The differentiation properties of the manufactured T cells may be prognostic for TCR-T-related CRS. Trial registration number NCT02366546.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shigehisa Kitano
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy Development, Advanced Medical Development Center, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Institue Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kageyama
- Departments of Immuno-Gene Therapy and Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Miyahara
- Departments of Immuno-Gene Therapy and Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Noboru Yamamoto
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Institue Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Kato
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | | | - Hiroyoshi Hattori
- Laboratory of Advanced Therapy, Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takeru Funakoshi
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kojima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Sasada
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Eiichi Sato
- Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hiroaki Ikeda
- Department of Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Watanabe
- Departments of Immuno-Gene Therapy and Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shiku
- Departments of Immuno-Gene Therapy and Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
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Fleming MC, Chiou LF, Tumbale PP, Droby GN, Lim J, Norris-Drouin JL, Williams JG, Pearce KH, Williams RS, Vaziri C, Bowers AA. Discovery and Structural Basis of the Selectivity of Potent Cyclic Peptide Inhibitors of MAGE-A4. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7231-7245. [PMID: 35522528 PMCID: PMC9930912 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
MAGE proteins are cancer testis antigens (CTAs) that are characterized by highly conserved MAGE homology domains (MHDs) and are increasingly being found to play pivotal roles in promoting aggressive cancer types. MAGE-A4, in particular, increases DNA damage tolerance and chemoresistance in a variety of cancers by stabilizing the E3-ligase RAD18 and promoting trans-lesion synthesis (TLS). Inhibition of the MAGE-A4:RAD18 axis could sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutics like platinating agents. We use an mRNA display of thioether cyclized peptides to identify a series of potent and highly selective macrocyclic inhibitors of the MAGE-A4:RAD18 interaction. Co-crystal structure indicates that these inhibitors bind in a pocket that is conserved across MHDs but take advantage of A4-specific residues to achieve high isoform selectivity. Cumulatively, our data represent the first reported inhibitor of the MAGE-A4:RAD18 interaction and establish biochemical tools and structural insights for the future development of MAGE-A4-targeted cellular probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Fleming
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
| | - Lilly F. Chiou
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Percy P. Tumbale
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27709, USA
| | - Gaith N. Droby
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Jiwoong Lim
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
| | - Jacqueline L. Norris-Drouin
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
| | - Jason G. Williams
- Epigenetics & Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, 27709 NC, USA
| | - Kenneth H. Pearce
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
| | - R. Scott Williams
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27709, USA
| | - Cyrus Vaziri
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA,Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - Albert A. Bowers
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States,Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
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134
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Le I, Dhandayuthapani S, Chacon J, Eiring AM, Gadad SS. Harnessing the Immune System with Cancer Vaccines: From Prevention to Therapeutics. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:816. [PMID: 35632572 PMCID: PMC9146235 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prophylactic vaccination against infectious diseases is one of the most successful public health measures of our lifetime. More recently, therapeutic vaccination against established diseases such as cancer has proven to be more challenging. In the host, cancer cells evade immunologic regulation by multiple means, including altering the antigens expressed on their cell surface or recruiting inflammatory cells that repress immune surveillance. Nevertheless, recent clinical data suggest that two classes of antigens show efficacy for the development of anticancer vaccines: tumor-associated antigens and neoantigens. In addition, many different vaccines derived from antigens based on cellular, peptide/protein, and genomic components are in development to establish their efficacy in cancer therapy. Some vaccines have shown promising results, which may lead to favorable outcomes when combined with standard therapeutic approaches. This review provides an overview of the innate and adaptive immune systems, their interactions with cancer cells, and the development of various different vaccines for use in anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilene Le
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Subramanian Dhandayuthapani
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Jessica Chacon
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Anna M. Eiring
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Shrikanth S. Gadad
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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135
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Development of Cancer Immunotherapies. Cancer Treat Res 2022; 183:1-48. [PMID: 35551655 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-96376-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, or the utilization of components of the immune system to target and eliminate cancer, has become a highly active area of research in the past several decades and a common treatment strategy for several cancer types. The concept of harnessing the immune system for this purpose originated over 100 years ago when a physician by the name of William Coley successfully treated several of his cancer patients with a combination of live and attenuated bacteria, later known as "Coley's Toxins", after observing a subset of prior patients enter remission following their diagnosis with the common bacterial infection, erysipelas. However, it was not until late in the twentieth century that cancer immunotherapies were developed for widespread use, thereby transforming the treatment landscape of numerous cancer types. Pivotal studies elucidating molecular and cellular functions of immune cells, such as the discovery of IL-2 and production of monoclonal antibodies, fostered the development of novel techniques for studying the immune system and ultimately the development and approval of several cancer immunotherapies by the United States Food and Drug Association in the 1980s and 1990s, including the tuberculosis vaccine-Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, IL-2, and the CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody. Approval of the first therapeutic cancer vaccine, Sipuleucel-T, for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and the groundbreaking success and approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in the last decade, have driven an explosion of interest in and pursuit of novel cancer immunotherapy strategies. A broad range of modalities ranging from antibodies to adoptive T cell therapies is under investigation for the generalized treatment of a broad spectrum of cancers as well as personalized medicine. This chapter will focus on the recent advances, current strategies, and future outlook of immunotherapy development for the treatment of cancer.
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136
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Ligon JA, Wessel KM, Shah NN, Glod J. Adoptive Cell Therapy in Pediatric and Young Adult Solid Tumors: Current Status and Future Directions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:846346. [PMID: 35273619 PMCID: PMC8901720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.846346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances from novel adoptive cellular therapies have yet to be fully realized for the treatment of children and young adults with solid tumors. This review discusses the strategies and preliminary results, including T-cell, NK-cell and myeloid cell-based therapies. While each of these approaches have shown some early promise, there remain challenges. These include poor trafficking to the tumor as well as a hostile tumor microenvironment with numerous immunosuppressive mechanisms which result in exhaustion of cellular therapies. We then turn our attention to new strategies proposed to address these challenges including novel clinical trials that are ongoing and in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Ligon
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Kristin M Wessel
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nirali N Shah
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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137
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Shafer P, Kelly LM, Hoyos V. Cancer Therapy With TCR-Engineered T Cells: Current Strategies, Challenges, and Prospects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:835762. [PMID: 35309357 PMCID: PMC8928448 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.835762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To redirect T cells against tumor cells, T cells can be engineered ex vivo to express cancer-antigen specific T cell receptors (TCRs), generating products known as TCR-engineered T cells (TCR T). Unlike chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), TCRs recognize HLA-presented peptides derived from proteins of all cellular compartments. The use of TCR T cells for adoptive cellular therapies (ACT) has gained increased attention, especially as efforts to treat solid cancers with ACTs have intensified. In this review, we describe the differing mechanisms of T cell antigen recognition and signal transduction mediated through CARs and TCRs. We describe the classes of cancer antigens recognized by current TCR T therapies and discuss both classical and emerging pre-clinical strategies for antigen-specific TCR discovery, enhancement, and validation. Finally, we review the current landscape of clinical trials for TCR T therapy and discuss what these current results indicate for the development of future engineered TCR approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Shafer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Program in Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lauren M Kelly
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Program in Cancer & Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Valentina Hoyos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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138
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Becker JP, Riemer AB. The Importance of Being Presented: Target Validation by Immunopeptidomics for Epitope-Specific Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883989. [PMID: 35464395 PMCID: PMC9018990 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Presentation of tumor-specific or tumor-associated peptides by HLA class I molecules to CD8+ T cells is the foundation of epitope-centric cancer immunotherapies. While often in silico HLA binding predictions or in vitro immunogenicity assays are utilized to select candidates, mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomics is currently the only method providing a direct proof of actual cell surface presentation. Despite much progress in the last decade, identification of such HLA-presented peptides remains challenging. Here we review typical workflows and current developments in the field of immunopeptidomics, highlight the challenges which remain to be solved and emphasize the importance of direct target validation for clinical immunotherapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas P Becker
- Immunotherapy and Immunoprevention, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelika B Riemer
- Immunotherapy and Immunoprevention, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Vaccine Design, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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139
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Peng S, Chen S, Hu W, Mei J, Zeng X, Su T, Wang W, Chen Z, Xiao H, Zhou Q, Li B, Xie Y, Hu H, He M, Han Y, Tang L, Ma Y, Li X, Zhou X, Dai Z, Liu Z, Tan J, Xu L, Li SQ, Shen S, Li D, Lai J, Peng B, Peng Z, Kuang M. Combination neoantigen-based dendritic cell vaccination and adoptive T-cell transfer induces antitumor responses against recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:728-744. [PMID: 35476700 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A high rate of recurrence after curative therapy is a major challenge for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, no effective adjuvant therapy is available to prevent HCC recurrence. We designed a personalized neoantigen-loaded dendritic cell vaccine and neoantigen-activated T cell therapy, and used it as adjuvant therapy to treat ten HCC patients who had undergone curative resection or radiofrequency ablation in the first stage of a phase II trial (NCT03067493). The primary outcomes were safety and neoantigen-specific immune response. Disease-free survival (DFS) was also evaluated. The immunotherapy was successfully administered to all the patients without unexpected delay and demonstrated a reasonable safety profile with no grade {greater than or equal to}3 treatment-related side effects reported. 70% of patients generated de novo circulating multiclonal neoantigen-specific T-cell responses. Induced neoantigen-specific immunity was maintained over time, and epitope spreading was observed. Patients who generated immune responses to treatment exhibited prolonged DFS compared to nonresponders (p=0.012), with 71.4% experiencing no relapse for two years after curative treatment. High expression of an immune stimulatory signature, enhanced immune-cell infiltration (i.e., CD8+ T cells), and upregulated expression of T-cell inflammatory gene profiles were found in the primary tumors of the responders. In addition, neoantigen depletion (immunoediting) was present in the recurrent tumors compared to the primary tumors (7/9 vs. 1/17, p=0.014), suggesting that immune evasion occurred under the pressure of immunotherapy. Our study indicates that neoantigen-based combination immunotherapy is feasible, safe, and has the potential to reduce HCC recurrence after curative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sui Peng
- Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuling Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Mei
- Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, China
| | - Xuezhen Zeng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Tianhong Su
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University, guangzhou, China
| | - Zebin Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Han Xiao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubin Xie
- Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huanjing Hu
- Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minghui He
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zihao Dai
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zelong Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiehui Tan
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Xu
- Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, China
| | - Shao-Qiang Li
- The First Affiliatd Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shunli Shen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Dongming Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaming Lai
- Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, China
| | - Baogang Peng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Kuang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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140
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Wei F, Cheng XX, Xue JZ, Xue SA. Emerging Strategies in TCR-Engineered T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850358. [PMID: 35432319 PMCID: PMC9006933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer has made tremendous progress in recent years, as demonstrated by the remarkable clinical responses obtained from adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of patient-derived tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells (CAR-T) and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells (TCR-T). TCR-T uses specific TCRS optimized for tumor engagement and can recognize epitopes derived from both cell-surface and intracellular targets, including tumor-associated antigens, cancer germline antigens, viral oncoproteins, and tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) that are largely sequestered in the cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells. Moreover, as TCRS are naturally developed for sensitive antigen detection, they are able to recognize epitopes at far lower concentrations than required for CAR-T activation. Therefore, TCR-T holds great promise for the treatment of human cancers. In this focused review, we summarize basic, translational, and clinical insights into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-T. We review emerging strategies used in current ACT, point out limitations, and propose possible solutions. We highlight the importance of targeting tumor-specific neoAgs and outline a strategy of combining neoAg vaccines, checkpoint blockade therapy, and adoptive transfer of neoAg-specific TCR-T to produce a truly tumor-specific therapy, which is able to penetrate into solid tumors and resist the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We believe such a combination approach should lead to a significant improvement in cancer immunotherapies, especially for solid tumors, and may provide a general strategy for the eradication of multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wei
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Cheng
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - John Zhao Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Shao-An Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
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141
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Zhao X, Kolawole EM, Chan W, Feng Y, Yang X, Gee MH, Jude KM, Sibener LV, Fordyce PM, Germain RN, Evavold BD, Garcia KC. Tuning T cell receptor sensitivity through catch bond engineering. Science 2022; 376:eabl5282. [PMID: 35389803 PMCID: PMC9513562 DOI: 10.1126/science.abl5282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy using engineered T cell receptors (TCRs) is a promising approach for targeting cancer antigens, but tumor-reactive TCRs are often weakly responsive to their target ligands, peptide-major histocompatibility complexes (pMHCs). Affinity-matured TCRs can enhance the efficacy of TCR-T cell therapy but can also cross-react with off-target antigens, resulting in organ immunopathology. We developed an alternative strategy to isolate TCR mutants that exhibited high activation signals coupled with low-affinity pMHC binding through the acquisition of catch bonds. Engineered analogs of a tumor antigen MAGE-A3-specific TCR maintained physiological affinities while exhibiting enhanced target killing potency and undetectable cross-reactivity, compared with a high-affinity clinically tested TCR that exhibited lethal cross-reactivity with a cardiac antigen. Catch bond engineering is a biophysically based strategy to tune high-sensitivity TCRs for T cell therapy with reduced potential for adverse cross-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhao
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Kolawole
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Waipan Chan
- Lymphocyte Biology Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yinnian Feng
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xinbo Yang
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marvin H Gee
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kevin M Jude
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Leah V Sibener
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Polly M Fordyce
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Chan Zuckerberg BioHub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ronald N Germain
- Lymphocyte Biology Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brian D Evavold
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - K Christopher Garcia
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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142
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Wang L, Lan X. Rapid screening of TCR-pMHC interactions by the YAMTAD system. Cell Discov 2022; 8:30. [PMID: 35379810 PMCID: PMC8979966 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00386-2] [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: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Personalized immunotherapy, such as cancer vaccine and TCR-T methods, demands rapid screening of TCR-pMHC interactions. While several screening approaches have been developed, their throughput is limited. Here, the Yeast Agglutination Mediated TCR antigen Discovery system (YAMTAD) was designed and demonstrated to allow fast and unbiased library-on-library screening of TCR-pMHC interactions. Our proof-of-principle study achieved high sensitivity and specificity in identifying antigens for a given TCR and identifying TCRs recognizing a given pMHC for modest library sizes. Finally, the enrichment of high-affinity TCR-pMHC interactions by YAMTAD in library-on-library screening was demonstrated. Given the high throughput (106–108 × 106–108 in theory) and simplicity (identifying TCR-pMHC interactions without purification of TCR and pMHC) of YAMTAD, this study provides a rapid but effective platform for TCR-pMHC interaction screening, with valuable applications in future personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Lan
- Department of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. .,Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. .,MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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143
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Kang S, Li Y, Qiao J, Meng X, He Z, Gao X, Yu L. Antigen-Specific TCR-T Cells for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: State of the Art and Challenges. Front Oncol 2022; 12:787108. [PMID: 35356211 PMCID: PMC8959347 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.787108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytogenetic abnormalities and molecular mutations involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) lead to unique treatment challenges. Although adoptive T-cell therapies (ACT) such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy have shown promising results in the treatment of leukemias, especially B-cell malignancies, the optimal target surface antigen has yet to be discovered for AML. Alternatively, T-cell receptor (TCR)-redirected T cells can target intracellular antigens presented by HLA molecules, allowing the exploration of a broader territory of new therapeutic targets. Immunotherapy using adoptive transfer of WT1 antigen-specific TCR-T cells, for example, has had positive clinical successes in patients with AML. Nevertheless, AML can escape from immune system elimination by producing immunosuppressive factors or releasing several cytokines. This review presents recent advances of antigen-specific TCR-T cells in treating AML and discusses their challenges and future directions in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synat Kang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yisheng Li
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingqiao Qiao
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiangyu Meng
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziqian He
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuefeng Gao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.,Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
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144
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Kortleve D, Coelho RM, Hammerl D, Debets R. Cancer germline antigens and tumor-agnostic CD8+ T cell evasion. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:391-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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145
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Pan K, Farrukh H, Chittepu VCSR, Xu H, Pan CX, Zhu Z. CAR race to cancer immunotherapy: from CAR T, CAR NK to CAR macrophage therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:119. [PMID: 35361234 PMCID: PMC8969382 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02327-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy has made tremendous progress with five CAR T therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for hematological malignancies. However, CAR immunotherapy in solid tumors lags significantly behind. Some of the major hurdles for CAR immunotherapy in solid tumors include CAR T cell manufacturing, lack of tumor-specific antigens, inefficient CAR T cell trafficking and infiltration into tumor sites, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), therapy-associated toxicity, and antigen escape. CAR Natural Killer (NK) cells have several advantages over CAR T cells as the NK cells can be manufactured from pre-existing cell lines or allogeneic NK cells with unmatched major histocompatibility complex (MHC); can kill cancer cells through both CAR-dependent and CAR-independent pathways; and have less toxicity, especially cytokine-release syndrome and neurotoxicity. At least one clinical trial showed the efficacy and tolerability of CAR NK cell therapy. Macrophages can efficiently infiltrate into tumors, are major immune regulators and abundantly present in TME. The immunosuppressive M2 macrophages are at least as efficient as the proinflammatory M1 macrophages in phagocytosis of target cells; and M2 macrophages can be induced to differentiate to the M1 phenotype. Consequently, there is significant interest in developing CAR macrophages for cancer immunotherapy to overcome some major hurdles associated with CAR T/NK therapy, especially in solid tumors. Nevertheless, both CAR NK and CAR macrophages have their own limitations. This comprehensive review article will discuss the current status and the major hurdles associated with CAR T and CAR NK therapy, followed by the structure and cutting-edge research of developing CAR macrophages as cancer-specific phagocytes, antigen presenters, immunostimulators, and TME modifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Pan
- Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Ave, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Hizra Farrukh
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Huihong Xu
- Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.,VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA, USA
| | - Chong-Xian Pan
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, 1400 VFW Parkway Building 3, Room 2B-110, West Roxbury, MA, 02132, USA.
| | - Zheng Zhu
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, 1400 VFW Parkway Building 3, Room 2B-110, West Roxbury, MA, 02132, USA.
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146
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Kiessling A, Ramanathan K, Nilsson OB, Notari L, Renken S, Kiessling R, Grönlund H, Wickström SL. Generation of Tumor-Specific Cytotoxic T Cells From Blood via In Vitro Expansion Using Autologous Dendritic Cells Pulsed With Neoantigen-Coupled Microbeads. Front Oncol 2022; 12:866763. [PMID: 35433456 PMCID: PMC9009257 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.866763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For the past decade, adoptive cell therapy including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, genetically modified cytotoxic lymphocytes expressing a chimeric antigen receptor, or a novel T-cell receptor has revolutionized the treatment of many cancers. Progress within exome sequencing and neoantigen prediction technologies provides opportunities for further development of personalized immunotherapies. In this study, we present a novel strategy to deliver in silico predicted neoantigens to autologous dendritic cells (DCs) using paramagnetic beads (EpiTCer beads). DCs pulsed with EpiTCer beads are superior in enriching for healthy donor and patient blood-derived tumor-specific CD8+ T cells compared to DC loaded with whole-tumor lysate or 9mer neoantigen peptides. A dose-dependent effect was observed, with higher EpiTCer bead per DC being favorable. We concluded that CD8+ T cells enriched by DC loaded with EpiTCer beads are tumor specific with limited tumor cross-reactivity and low recognition of autologous non-activated monocytes or CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, tumor specificity and recognition were improved and preserved after additional expansion using our Good Manufacturing Process (GMP)-compatible rapid expansion protocol. Phenotypic analysis of patient-derived EpiTCer DC expanded CD8+ T cells revealed efficient maturation, with high frequencies of central memory and effector memory T cells, similar to those observed in autologous expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. These results indicate that DC pulsed with EpiTCer beads enrich for a T-cell population with high capacity of tumor recognition and elimination, which are features needed for a T-cell product to be used for personalized adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Kiessling
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ola B. Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- NEOGAP Therapeutics AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luigi Notari
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- NEOGAP Therapeutics AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefanie Renken
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rolf Kiessling
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Cancer, Patient Area Head and Neck, Lung and Skin, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Grönlund
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- NEOGAP Therapeutics AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stina L. Wickström
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- NEOGAP Therapeutics AB, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Cancer, Patient Area Head and Neck, Lung and Skin, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Stina L. Wickström,
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147
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Fereydouni M, Motaghed M, Ahani E, Kafri T, Dellinger K, Metcalfe DD, Kepley CL. Harnessing the Anti-Tumor Mediators in Mast Cells as a New Strategy for Adoptive Cell Transfer for Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:830199. [PMID: 35433433 PMCID: PMC9009255 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.830199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of cancer immunotherapies utilizing adoptive cell transfer (ACT) continues to be one of the most promising strategies for cancer treatment. Mast cells (MCs) which occur throughout vascularized tissues, are most commonly associated with Type I hypersensitivity, bind immunoglobin E (IgE) with high affinity, produce anti-cancer mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and generally populate the tumor microenvironments. Yet, the role of MCs in cancer pathologies remains controversial with evidence for both anti-tumor and pro-tumor effects. Here, we review the studies examining the role of MCs in multiple forms of cancer, provide an alternative, MC-based hypothesis underlying the mechanism of therapeutic tumor IgE efficacy in clinical trials, and propose a novel strategy for using tumor-targeted, IgE-sensitized MCs as a platform for developing new cellular cancer immunotherapies. This autologous MC cancer immunotherapy could have several advantages over current cell-based cancer immunotherapies and provide new mechanistic strategies for cancer therapeutics alone or in combination with current approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Fereydouni
- Department of Nanoscience, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Mona Motaghed
- Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Elnaz Ahani
- Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Tal Kafri
- Gene Therapy Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kristen Dellinger
- Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Dean D. Metcalfe
- Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christopher L. Kepley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lynchburg, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Christopher L. Kepley,
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148
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Song Q, Yang B, Sheng W, Zhou Z, Zhang T, Qin B, Ji L, Li P, Wang D, Zhang X, Sun S, Zhang G, Zhao X, Gan Q, Xiong Q, Guan Y, Xia X, Yi X, Chen X, Guo W, Jiao S. Safety and efficacy of mutant neoantigen-specific T-cell treatment combined anti-PD-1 therapy in stage IV solid tumors. Immunotherapy 2022; 14:553-565. [PMID: 35321561 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This trial explored the safety and efficacy of neoantigen-specific T cells (Nas-Ts) combined with anti-PD-1 (Nas-T + anti-PD-1). Patients & methods: This non-randomized trial recruited participants with solid tumors treated with at least two prior systemic treatment lines. For comparison, 1:1-matched controls who received anti-PD-1 alone were recruited. The primary end point was safety. Results: 15 participants were enrolled in the Nas-T + anti-PD-1 group, the objective response rate was 33.3%, and the disease control rate was 93.3%. The median progression-free survival was significantly different between the Nas-T + anti-PD-1 and control groups (13.8 vs 4.2 months; p = 0.024), but no difference in overall survival was found (p = 0.126). The most common adverse events were maculopapular skin reaction (53.3%), rash (53.3%), hepatotoxicity (53.3%) and fever (53.3%) in the Nas-T + anti-PD-1 group. No serious safety issues were experienced. Conclusion: Nas-Ts combined with anti-PD-1 could be more effective than anti-PD-1 alone in prolonging progression-free survival, with good safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Song
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Sheng
- Department of Tissue Repair & Regeneration, Medical Innovation Research Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zishan Zhou
- Beijing DCTY Biotech Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | | | - Boyu Qin
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Dan Wang
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shengjie Sun
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Zhao
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Gan
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Xiong
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Wei Guo
- BeiGene Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Shunchang Jiao
- Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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149
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Rahaman W, Bag A, Pal S. Influence of Linker Orientation and Regulative Factor(s) in Liposomal Gene Delivery: A Molecular Level Investigation. J Phys Chem A 2022; 126:1816-1822. [PMID: 35286091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.1c09681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Molecular level understanding of liposome-gene interaction is immensely important for the research progress and technological advancement of gene delivery, which is highly significant due to a wide range of applications of gene therapy. The liposomal gene delivery method is one of the most promising techniques due to its efficacy to easily fuse with the cell membrane and its lower toxicity. In vivo gene delivery using liposomes is reported to be extremely successful. However, the success of gene delivery depends on various factors including the chemical nature of the structural unit of the liposome. To explore the regulative factor(s) for liposomal gene delivery, we systematically analyze the linker orientation effect on the gene delivery efficiency of liposomes through a density functional theory (DFT) study. Interestingly, it is observed that the liposome-gene interaction is not the regulating factor for successful gene delivery. The success depends on the gel to liquid melting temperature of the liposome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahida Rahaman
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal 741246, India
| | - Arijit Bag
- Department of Applied Sciences, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Simhat, Haringhata, West Bengal 741249, India
| | - Sourav Pal
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal 741246, India.,Department of Chemistry, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana 131029, India
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150
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Borden ES, Buetow KH, Wilson MA, Hastings KT. Cancer Neoantigens: Challenges and Future Directions for Prediction, Prioritization, and Validation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:836821. [PMID: 35311072 PMCID: PMC8929516 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.836821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prioritization of immunogenic neoantigens is key to enhancing cancer immunotherapy through the development of personalized vaccines, adoptive T cell therapy, and the prediction of response to immune checkpoint inhibition. Neoantigens are tumor-specific proteins that allow the immune system to recognize and destroy a tumor. Cancer immunotherapies, such as personalized cancer vaccines, adoptive T cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibition, rely on an understanding of the patient-specific neoantigen profile in order to guide personalized therapeutic strategies. Genomic approaches to predicting and prioritizing immunogenic neoantigens are rapidly expanding, raising new opportunities to advance these tools and enhance their clinical relevance. Predicting neoantigens requires acquisition of high-quality samples and sequencing data, followed by variant calling and variant annotation. Subsequently, prioritizing which of these neoantigens may elicit a tumor-specific immune response requires application and integration of tools to predict the expression, processing, binding, and recognition potentials of the neoantigen. Finally, improvement of the computational tools is held in constant tension with the availability of datasets with validated immunogenic neoantigens. The goal of this review article is to summarize the current knowledge and limitations in neoantigen prediction, prioritization, and validation and propose future directions that will improve personalized cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Borden
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Research and Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Kenneth H Buetow
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Melissa A Wilson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Karen Taraszka Hastings
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Department of Research and Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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