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Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer (BC) is an aggressive form of cancer and is an absolute challenge to treat. This review discusses the standard treatments available for metastatic BC. It further highlights the rationale for targeting oncodrivers, tumor-associated antigens, and neoantigens in BC. Explaining the significance of immune response in successful immunotherapeutic studies, it draws attention towards how adoptive cell therapy can be a useful immunotherapeutic tool. We focus on adoptive cell therapy in BC covering tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, engineered T cell receptor therapy, chimeric antigen receptor therapy, dendritic cell therapy and natural killer cell therapy. In this work, we aim to provide an overview of clinical data regarding the use of cellular immunotherapies in BC. Eventually, we conclude by proposing future adoptive cell therapy approaches, which can be used to cure BC.
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102
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Chen X, Mirazee JM, Skorupka KA, Matsuo H, Youkharibache P, Taylor N, Walters KJ. The CD8α hinge is intrinsically disordered with a dynamic exchange that includes proline cis-trans isomerization. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2022; 340:107234. [PMID: 35617919 PMCID: PMC9237829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2022.107234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
T cells engineered to express artificial chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that selectively target tumor-specific antigens or deleterious cell types offer transformative therapeutic possibilities. CARs contain an N-terminal extracellular antigen recognition domain, C-terminal intracellular signal transduction domains, and connecting hinge and transmembrane regions, each of which have been varied to optimize targeting and minimize toxicity. We find that a CD22-targeting CAR harboring a CD8α hinge (H) exhibits greater cytotoxicity against a low antigen density CD22+ leukemia as compared to an equivalent CAR with a CD28 H. We therefore studied the biophysical and dynamic properties of the CD8α H by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We find that a large region of the CD8α H undergoes dynamic chemical exchange between distinct and observable states. This exchanging region contains proline residues dispersed throughout the sequence that undergo cis-trans isomerization. Up to four signals of differing intensity are observed, with the most abundantly populated being intrinsically disordered and with all prolines in the trans isomerization state. The lesser populated states all contain cis prolines and evidence of local structural motifs. Altogether, our data suggest that the CD8α H lacks long-range structural order but has local structural motifs that transiently exchange with a dominant disordered state. We propose that structural plasticity and local structural motifs promoted by cis proline states within the CD8α H are important for relaying and amplifying antigen-binding effects to the transmembrane and signal transduction domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Justin M Mirazee
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA; Johns Hopkins University Department of Biology, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Katarzyna A Skorupka
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hiroshi Matsuo
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Philippe Youkharibache
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
| | - Naomi Taylor
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
| | - Kylie J Walters
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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103
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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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104
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Miao L, Zhang J, Huang B, Zhang Z, Wang S, Tang F, Teng M, Li Y. Special Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Modifications of T Cells: A Review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:832765. [PMID: 35392217 PMCID: PMC8981721 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.832765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) -T cell therapy has become one of the hot topics in tumor immunity research in recent years. Although CAR-T cell therapy is highly effective in treating hematological malignancies, there are numerous obstacles that prevent CAR-T cells from having anti-tumor effects. Traditional CARs, from the first to the fourth generation, are incapable of completely overcoming these challenges. Therefore, identifying ways to boost the efficacy of CAR-T cells by utilizing the limited tumor surface antigens has become an urgent area of research. Certain special CARs that have special structures, special systems, or are greatly improved on the basis of traditional CARs, such as tandem CAR, dual-signaling CARs, AND-gate CARs, inhibitory CAR, AND-NOT CARs, CARs with three scFvs, ON/OFF-switch CARs, and universal CARs have been introduced. This study aims to use these special CARs to improve the anti-tumor ability, accuracy, and safety of CAR-T cells. In addition to summarizing various special CARs of T cells, this paper also expounds some of our own conjectures, aiming to provide reference and inspiration for CARs researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Binjie Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhengchao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Muzhou Teng
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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105
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Emerging CAR T Cell Strategies for the Treatment of AML. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051241. [PMID: 35267549 PMCID: PMC8909045 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting CD19 have emerged as a new treatment for hematological malignancies. As a “living therapy”, CARs can precisely target and eliminate tumors while proliferating inside the patient’s body. Various preclinical and clinical studies are ongoing to identify potential CAR-T cell targets for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We shed light on the continuing efforts of CAR development to overcome tumor escape, exhaustion, and toxicities. Furthermore, we summarize the recent progress of a range of putative targets exploring this unmet need to treat AML. Lastly, we discuss the advances in preclinical models that built the foundation for ongoing clinical trials. Abstract Engineered T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their cell surface can redirect antigen specificity. This ability makes CARs one of the most promising cancer therapeutic agents. CAR-T cells for treating patients with B cell hematological malignancies have shown impressive results. Clinical manifestation has yielded several trials, so far five CAR-T cell therapies have received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. However, emerging clinical data and recent findings have identified some immune-related toxicities due to CAR-T cell therapy. Given the outcome and utilization of the same proof of concept, further investigation in other hematological malignancies, such as leukemias, is warranted. This review discusses the previous findings from the pre-clinical and human experience with CAR-T cell therapy. Additionally, we describe recent developments of novel targets for adoptive immunotherapy. Here we present some of the early findings from the pre-clinical studies of CAR-T cell modification through advances in genetic engineering, gene editing, cellular programming, and formats of synthetic biology, along with the ongoing efforts to restore the function of exhausted CAR-T cells through epigenetic remodeling. We aim to shed light on the new targets focusing on acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
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106
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Shi X, Wu H. Recent advances in the prevention and management of cytokine release syndrome after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. EUR J INFLAMM 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x221078727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy has recently garnered widespread interests owing to the successful application of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. CAR-T cells are “living drugs” that can live in patients for several years and act as an effective antitumor agent. Over the last few years, five types of CAR-T cells have been approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of hematologic malignancies. Despite their impressive clinical efficacy, the current application of CAR-T cell therapy is restricted by the uncontrollable release of cytokines (cytokine release syndrome and cytokine release syndrome) due to serious treatment-related toxicities resulting from synchronous activation and rapid proliferation of CAR-T cells. CRS is the most common toxicity and its severity can range from low-grade physical symptoms to a high-grade syndrome linked with life-threatening multiple organ dysfunction. Treatment-related deaths from severe CRS have been reported, suggesting the importance of appropriate intervention. Gaining a better understanding of CRS and developing new treatments for CRS are active areas of laboratory and clinical research. Herein, we summarize the current studies on prevention and management of CRS to expand the safety and applicability of CAR-T cell therapy in various malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Hebei Province, Handan, China
| | - Hongfang Wu
- Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Hebei Province, Handan, China
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107
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Stock S, Kluever AK, Endres S, Kobold S. Enhanced Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy through Co-Application of Synergistic Combination Partners. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020307. [PMID: 35203517 PMCID: PMC8869718 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved remarkable response rates and revolutionized the treatment of patients suffering from defined hematological malignancies. However, many patients still do not respond to this therapy or relapse after an initial remission, underscoring the need for improved efficacy. Insufficient in vivo activity, persistence, trafficking, and tumor infiltration of CAR T cells, as well as antigen escape and treatment-associated adverse events, limit the therapeutic success. Multiple strategies and approaches have been investigated to further improve CAR T cell therapy. Besides genetic modification of the CAR itself, the combination with other treatment modalities has the potential to improve this approach. In particular, combining CAR T cells with clinically approved compounds such as monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors might be a promising strategy. Combination partners could already be applied during the production process to influence the cellular composition and immunophenotype of the final CAR T cell product. Alternatively, simultaneous administration of clinically approved compounds with CAR T cells would be another feasible avenue. In this review, we will discuss current strategies to combine CAR T cells with compounds to overcome recent limitations and further enhance this promising cancer therapy, potentially broadening its application beyond hematology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Stock
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (A.-K.K.); (S.E.)
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, 81337 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Anna-Kristina Kluever
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (A.-K.K.); (S.E.)
| | - Stefan Endres
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (A.-K.K.); (S.E.)
- German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (A.-K.K.); (S.E.)
- German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.K.)
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108
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Chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells and their application in the immunotherapy of solid tumours. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e7. [PMID: 35086597 PMCID: PMC9617572 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2021.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we reviewed the current literature studies and our understanding of the parameters that affect the chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T's) activation, effector function, in vivo persistence, and antitumour effects. These factors include T cell subsets and their differentiation stages, the components of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) design, the expression promoters and delivery vectors, and the CAR-T production process. The CAR signalling and CAR-T activation were also studied in comparison to TCR. The last section of the review gave special consideration of CAR design for solid tumours, focusing on strategies to improve CAR-T tumour infiltration and survival in the hostile tumour microenvironment. With several hundred clinical trials undergoing worldwide, the pace of CAR-T immunotherapy moves from bench to bedside is unprecedented. We hope that the article will provide readers a clear and comprehensive view of this rapidly evolving field and will help scientists and physician to design effective CAR-Ts immunotherapy for solid tumours.
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109
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Buechner J, Caruana I, Künkele A, Rives S, Vettenranta K, Bader P, Peters C, Baruchel A, Calkoen FG. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Paediatric B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: Curative Treatment Option or Bridge to Transplant? Front Pediatr 2022; 9:784024. [PMID: 35145941 PMCID: PMC8823293 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.784024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) targeting CD19 has been associated with remarkable responses in paediatric patients and adolescents and young adults (AYA) with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP-ALL). Tisagenlecleucel, the first approved CD19 CAR-T, has become a viable treatment option for paediatric patients and AYAs with BCP-ALL relapsing repeatedly or after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Based on the chimeric antigen receptor molecular design and the presence of a 4-1BB costimulatory domain, tisagenlecleucel can persist for a long time and thereby provide sustained leukaemia control. "Real-world" experience with tisagenlecleucel confirms the safety and efficacy profile observed in the pivotal registration trial. Recent guidelines for the recognition, management and prevention of the two most common adverse events related to CAR-T - cytokine release syndrome and immune-cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome - have helped to further decrease treatment toxicity. Consequently, the questions of how and for whom CD19 CAR-T could substitute HSCT in BCP-ALL are inevitable. Currently, 40-50% of R/R BCP-ALL patients relapse post CD19 CAR-T with either CD19- or CD19+ disease, and consolidative HSCT has been proposed to avoid disease recurrence. Contrarily, CD19 CAR-T is currently being investigated in the upfront treatment of high-risk BCP-ALL with an aim to avoid allogeneic HSCT and associated treatment-related morbidity, mortality and late effects. To improve survival and decrease long-term side effects in children with BCP-ALL, it is important to define parameters predicting the success or failure of CAR-T, allowing the careful selection of candidates in need of HSCT consolidation. In this review, we describe the current clinical evidence on CAR-T in BCP-ALL and discuss factors associated with response to or failure of this therapy: product specifications, patient- and disease-related factors and the impact of additional therapies given before (e.g., blinatumomab and inotuzumab ozogamicin) or after infusion (e.g., CAR-T re-infusion and/or checkpoint inhibition). We discuss where to position CAR-T in the treatment of BCP-ALL and present considerations for the design of supportive trials for the different phases of disease. Finally, we elaborate on clinical settings in which CAR-T might indeed replace HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Buechner
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susana Rives
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Barcelona, Institut per la Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kim Vettenranta
- University of Helsinki and Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Peter Bader
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christina Peters
- St. Anna Children's Hospital, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - André Baruchel
- Université de Paris et Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis (EA 35-18) and Hôpital Universitaire Robert Debré (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Friso G. Calkoen
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
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110
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Adoptive Cellular Therapy for Multiple Myeloma Using CAR- and TCR-Transgenic T Cells: Response and Resistance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030410. [PMID: 35159220 PMCID: PMC8834324 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the substantial improvement of therapeutic approaches, multiple myeloma (MM) remains mostly incurable. However, immunotherapeutic and especially T cell-based approaches pioneered the therapeutic landscape for relapsed and refractory disease recently. Targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) on myeloma cells has been demonstrated to be highly effective not only by antibody-derived constructs but also by adoptive cellular therapies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-transgenic T cells lead to deep, albeit mostly not durable responses with manageable side-effects in intensively pretreated patients. The spectrum of adoptive T cell-transfer covers synthetic CARs with diverse specificities as well as currently less well-established T cell receptor (TCR)-based personalized strategies. In this review, we want to focus on treatment characteristics including efficacy and safety of CAR- and TCR-transgenic T cells in MM as well as the future potential these novel therapies may have. ACT with transgenic T cells has only entered clinical trials and various engineering strategies for optimization of T cell responses are necessary to overcome therapy resistance mechanisms. We want to outline the current success in engineering CAR- and TCR-T cells, but also discuss challenges including resistance mechanisms of MM for evading T cell therapy and point out possible novel strategies.
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111
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Mohammadi M, Akhoundi M, Malih S, Mohammadi A, Sheykhhasan M. Therapeutic roles of CAR T cells in infectious diseases: Clinical lessons learnt from cancer. Rev Med Virol 2022; 32:e2325. [PMID: 35037732 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has made improvements due to the advances in chimaeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell development, offering a promising treatment option for patients who have failed to respond to traditional treatments. In light of the successful use of adoptive CAR T cell therapy for cancer, researchers have been inspired to develop CARs for the treatment of other diseases beyond cancers such as viral infectious diseases. Nonetheless, various obstacles limit the efficacy of CAR T cell therapies and prevent their widespread usage. Severe toxicities, poor in vivo persistence, antigen escape, and heterogeneity, as well as off-target effect, are key challenges that must all be addressed to broaden the application of CAR T cells to a wider spectrum of diseases. The key advances in CAR T cell treatment for cancer and viral infections are reviewed in this article. We will also discuss revolutionary CAR T cell products developed to improve and enhance the therapeutic advantages of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Mohammadi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Akhoundi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Malih
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sheykhhasan
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, The Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom, Iran
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112
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Heitzeneder S, Bosse KR, Zhu Z, Zhelev D, Majzner RG, Radosevich MT, Dhingra S, Sotillo E, Buongervino S, Pascual-Pasto G, Garrigan E, Xu P, Huang J, Salzer B, Delaidelli A, Raman S, Cui H, Martinez B, Bornheimer SJ, Sahaf B, Alag A, Fetahu IS, Hasselblatt M, Parker KR, Anbunathan H, Hwang J, Huang M, Sakamoto K, Lacayo NJ, Klysz DD, Theruvath J, Vilches-Moure JG, Satpathy AT, Chang HY, Lehner M, Taschner-Mandl S, Julien JP, Sorensen PH, Dimitrov DS, Maris JM, Mackall CL. GPC2-CAR T cells tuned for low antigen density mediate potent activity against neuroblastoma without toxicity. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:53-69.e9. [PMID: 34971569 PMCID: PMC9092726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric cancers often mimic fetal tissues and express proteins normally silenced postnatally that could serve as immune targets. We developed T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting glypican-2 (GPC2), a fetal antigen expressed on neuroblastoma (NB) and several other solid tumors. CARs engineered using standard designs control NBs with transgenic GPC2 overexpression, but not those expressing clinically relevant GPC2 site density (∼5,000 molecules/cell, range 1-6 × 103). Iterative engineering of transmembrane (TM) and co-stimulatory domains plus overexpression of c-Jun lowered the GPC2-CAR antigen density threshold, enabling potent and durable eradication of NBs expressing clinically relevant GPC2 antigen density, without toxicity. These studies highlight the critical interplay between CAR design and antigen density threshold, demonstrate potent efficacy and safety of a lead GPC2-CAR candidate suitable for clinical testing, and credential oncofetal antigens as a promising class of targets for CAR T cell therapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Heitzeneder
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kristopher R Bosse
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhongyu Zhu
- National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Doncho Zhelev
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Robbie G Majzner
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Molly T Radosevich
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Shaurya Dhingra
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Samantha Buongervino
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guillem Pascual-Pasto
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily Garrigan
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jing Huang
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Benjamin Salzer
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alberto Delaidelli
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Swetha Raman
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Hong Cui
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Benjamin Martinez
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | | | - Bita Sahaf
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Anya Alag
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Irfete S Fetahu
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Martin Hasselblatt
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kevin R Parker
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hima Anbunathan
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Min Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kathleen Sakamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Norman J Lacayo
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dorota D Klysz
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Johanna Theruvath
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - José G Vilches-Moure
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Animal Histology Services, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ansuman T Satpathy
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 941209, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Manfred Lehner
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jean-Phillipe Julien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Dimiter S Dimitrov
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - John M Maris
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lorry Lokey Building, Suite G3141, MC: 5456, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 941209, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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113
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Hanssens H, Meeus F, De Veirman K, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N. The antigen-binding moiety in the driver's seat of CARs. Med Res Rev 2022; 42:306-342. [PMID: 34028069 PMCID: PMC9292017 DOI: 10.1002/med.21818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Immuno-oncology has been at the forefront of cancer treatment in recent decades. In particular immune checkpoint and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy have achieved spectacular results. Over the years, CAR-T cell development has followed a steady evolutionary path, focusing on increasing T cell potency and sustainability, which has given rise to different CAR generations. However, there was less focus on the mode of interaction between the CAR-T cell and the cancer cell; more specifically on the targeting moiety used in the CAR and its specific properties. Recently, the importance of optimizing this domain has been recognized and the possibilities have been exploited. Over the last 10 years-in addition to the classical scFv-based CARs-single domain CARs, natural receptor-ligand CARs, universal CARs and CARs targeting more than one antigen have emerged. In addition, the specific parameters of the targeting domain and their influence on T cell activation are being examined. In this review, we concisely present the history of CAR-T cell therapy, and then expand on various developments in the CAR ectodomain. We discuss different formats, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, as well as the developments in affinity tuning, avidity effects, epitope location, and influence of the extracellular spacer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleen Hanssens
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging LaboratoryVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Laboratory of Hematology and ImmunologyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical SciencesVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging LaboratoryVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical SciencesVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Laboratory of Hematology and ImmunologyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical SciencesVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging LaboratoryVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
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114
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Sheykhhasan M, Manoochehri H, Dama P. Use of CAR T-cell for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment: a review study. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1080-1096. [PMID: 34987176 PMCID: PMC9395272 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00418-1] [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: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer-specific lymphoid cell. Induction and consolidation chemotherapy alone or in combination with different therapeutic approaches remain the main treatment. Although complete or partial remission of the disease can be achieved, the risk of relapse or refractory leukemia is still high. More effective and safe therapy options are yet unmet needs. In recent years' new therapeutic approaches have been widely used. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) presents significant limitations and the outcome of the consolidation treatment is patient dependent. Side effects such as Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are extremely common, therefore, using alternative methods to address these challenges for treatment seems crucial. In the last decade, T cells genetically engineered with Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) treatment for the ALL are largely studied and represent the new era of strategy. According to the Phase I/II clinical trials, this technology results seem very promising and can be used in the next future as an effective and safe treatment for ALL treatment. In this review different generations, challenges, and clinical studies related to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells for ALL treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Sheykhhasan
- grid.411950.80000 0004 0611 9280Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran ,Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom, Iran
| | - Hamed Manoochehri
- grid.411950.80000 0004 0611 9280Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Paola Dama
- Research Fellow School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
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115
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Prommersberger S, Monjezi R, Shankar R, Schmeer M, Hudecek M, Ivics Z, Schleef M. Minicircles for CAR T Cell Production by Sleeping Beauty Transposition: A Technological Overview. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2521:25-39. [PMID: 35732991 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2441-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Development and application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has led to a breakthrough in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. In 2017, the FDA approved the first commercialized CD19-specific CAR T cell products for treatment of patients with B-cell malignancies. This success increased the desire to broaden the availability of CAR T cells to a larger patient cohort with hematological but also solid tumors. A critical factor of CAR T cell production is the stable and efficient delivery of the CAR transgene into T cells. This gene transfer is conventionally achieved by viral vectors. However, viral gene transfer is not conducive to affordable, scalable, and timely manufacturing of CAR T cell products. Thus, there is a necessity for developing alternative nonviral engineering platforms, which are more cost-effective, less complex to handle and which provide the scalability requirement for a globally available therapy.One alternative method for engineering of T cells is the nonviral gene transfer by Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposition. Electroporation with two nucleic acids is sufficient to achieve stable CAR transfer into T cells. One of these vectors has to encode the gene of interest, which is the CAR , the second one a recombinase called SB transposase, the enzyme that catalyzes integration of the transgene into the host cell genome. As nucleic acids are easy to produce and handle SB gene transfer has the potential to provide scalability, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility for widespread use of CAR T cell therapies.Nevertheless, the electroporation of two large-size plasmid vectors into T cells leads to high T cell toxicity and low gene transfer rates and has hindered the prevalent clinical application of the SB system. To circumvent these limitations, conventional plasmid vectors can be replaced by minimal-size vectors called minicircles (MC ). MCs are DNA vectors that lack the plasmid backbone, which is relevant for propagation in bacteria, but has no function in a human cell. Thus, their size is drastically reduced compared to conventional plasmids. It has been demonstrated that MC-mediated SB CAR transposition into T cells enhances their viability and gene transfer rate enabling the production of therapeutic doses of CAR T cells. These improvements make CAR SB transposition from MC vectors a promising alternative for engineering of clinical grade CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Razieh Monjezi
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ram Shankar
- PlasmidFactory GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Michael Hudecek
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
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116
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Natural Receptor- and Ligand-Based Chimeric Antigen Receptors: Strategies Using Natural Ligands and Receptors for Targeted Cell Killing. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010021. [PMID: 35011583 PMCID: PMC8750724 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has been widely successful in the treatment of B-cell malignancies, including B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma; and three generations of CAR designs have led to effective FDA approved therapeutics. Traditionally, CAR antigen specificity is derived from a monoclonal antibody where the variable heavy (VH) and variable light (VL) chains are connected by a peptide linker to form a single-chain variable fragment (scFv). While this provides a level of antigen specificity parallel to that of an antibody and has shown great success in the clinic, this design is not universally successful. For instance, issues of stability, immunogenicity, and antigen escape hinder the translational application of some CARs. As an alternative, natural receptor- or ligand-based designs may prove advantageous in some circumstances compared to scFv-based designs. Herein, the advantages and disadvantages of scFv-based and natural receptor- or ligand-based CAR designs are discussed. In addition, several translational aspects of natural receptor- and ligand-based CAR approaches that are being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies will be examined.
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117
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Bister A, Ibach T, Haist C, Smorra D, Roellecke K, Wagenmann M, Scheckenbach K, Gattermann N, Wiek C, Hanenberg H. A novel CD34-derived hinge for rapid and efficient detection and enrichment of CAR T cells. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 23:534-546. [PMID: 34901395 PMCID: PMC8640169 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has revolutionized modern cancer therapy and has achieved remarkable remission and survival rates for several malignancies with historically dismal outcomes. The hinge of the CAR connects the antigen binding to the transmembrane domain and can be exploited to confer features to CAR T cells including additional stimulation, targeted elimination or detection and enrichment of the genetically modified cells. For establishing a novel hinge derived from human CD34, we systematically tested CD34 fragments of different lengths, all containing the binding site of the QBend-10 monoclonal antibody, in a FMC63-based CD19 CAR lentiviral construct. A final construct of 99 amino acids called C6 proved to be the best candidate for flow cytometry-based detection of CAR T cells and >95% enrichment of genetically modified T cells on MACS columns. The C6 hinge was functionally indistinguishable from the commonly used CD8α hinge in vitro as well as in in vivo experiments in NSG mice. We also showed that the C6 hinge can be used for a variety of different CARs and mediates high killing efficacy without unspecific activation by target antigen-negative cells, thus making C6 ideally suited as a universal hinge for CARs for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Bister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Tabea Ibach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Corinna Haist
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Denise Smorra
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Katharina Roellecke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martin Wagenmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kathrin Scheckenbach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Norbert Gattermann
- Department of Hematology, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Constanze Wiek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helmut Hanenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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118
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A Novel Peptide-MHC Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Forms a T Cell-like Immune Synapse. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121875. [PMID: 34944696 PMCID: PMC8699022 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a promising form of adoptive cell therapy that re-engineers patient-derived T cells to express a hybrid receptor specific to a tumour-specific antigen of choice. Many well-characterised tumour antigens are intracellular and therefore not accessible to antibodies at the cell surface. Therefore, the ability to target peptide-MHC tumour targets with antibodies is key for wider applicability of CAR T cell therapy in cancer. One way to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of ligating tumour target cells is studying the immune synapse. Here we generated a second-generation CAR to targeting the HLA-A*02:01 restricted H3.3K27M epitope, identified as a possible therapeutic target in ~75% of diffuse midline gliomas, used as a model antigen to study the immune synapse. The pMHCI-specific CAR demonstrated specificity, potent activation, cytokine secretion and cytotoxic function. Furthermore, we characterised killing kinetics using live cell imaging as well as CAR synapse confocal imaging. Here we provide evidence of robust CAR targeting of a model peptide-MHC antigen and that, in contrast to protein-specific CARs, these CARs form a TCR-like immune synapse which facilitates TCR-like killing kinetics.
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119
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Seitz CM, Mittelstaet J, Atar D, Hau J, Reiter S, Illi C, Kieble V, Engert F, Drees B, Bender G, Krahl AC, Knopf P, Schroeder S, Paulsen N, Rokhvarguer A, Scheuermann S, Rapp E, Mast AS, Rabsteyn A, Schleicher S, Grote S, Schilbach K, Kneilling M, Pichler B, Lock D, Kotter B, Dapa S, Miltenyi S, Kaiser A, Lang P, Handgretinger R, Schlegel P. Novel adapter CAR-T cell technology for precisely controllable multiplex cancer targeting. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:2003532. [PMID: 35686214 PMCID: PMC9172918 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.2003532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy holds great promise to sustainably improve cancer treatment. However, currently, a broad applicability of CAR-T cell therapies is hampered by limited CAR-T cell versatility and tractability and the lack of exclusive target antigens to discriminate cancerous from healthy tissues. To achieve temporal and qualitative control on CAR-T function, we engineered the Adapter CAR (AdCAR) system. AdCAR-T are redirected to surface antigens via biotin-labeled adapter molecules in the context of a specific linker structure, referred to as Linker-Label-Epitope. AdCAR-T execute highly specific and controllable effector function against a multiplicity of target antigens. In mice, AdCAR-T durably eliminate aggressive lymphoma. Importantly, AdCAR-T might prevent antigen evasion by combinatorial simultaneous or sequential targeting of multiple antigens and are capable to identify and differentially lyse cancer cells by integration of adapter molecule-mediated signals based on multiplex antigen expression profiles. In consequence the AdCAR technology enables controllable, flexible, combinatorial, and selective targeting. Adapter CAR-T cells for multiple synchronic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M. Seitz
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Atar
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jana Hau
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Selina Reiter
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Clara Illi
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Verena Kieble
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Fabian Engert
- R&D Department, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Britta Drees
- R&D Department, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Giulia Bender
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Krahl
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Knopf
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Schroeder
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Nikolas Paulsen
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Rokhvarguer
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sophia Scheuermann
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Elena Rapp
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anna-Sophia Mast
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Armin Rabsteyn
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (Exc 2180) “Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sabine Schleicher
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Grote
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karin Schilbach
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Manfred Kneilling
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (Exc 2180) “Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Pichler
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (Exc 2180) “Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Lock
- R&D Department, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Bettina Kotter
- R&D Department, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Sandra Dapa
- R&D Department, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Stefan Miltenyi
- R&D Department, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Andrew Kaiser
- R&D Department, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Peter Lang
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (Exc 2180) “Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (Exc 2180) “Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Schlegel
- Department of General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (Exc 2180) “Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Germany
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Cellular Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, Australia
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Westmead Children’s Hospital, Westmead, Australia
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120
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Taefehshokr S, Parhizkar A, Hayati S, Mousapour M, Mahmoudpour A, Eleid L, Rahmanpour D, Fattahi S, Shabani H, Taefehshokr N. Cancer immunotherapy: Challenges and limitations. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 229:153723. [PMID: 34952426 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although cancer immunotherapy has taken center stage in mainstream oncology inducing complete and long-lasting tumor regression, only a subset of patients receiving treatment respond and others relapse after an initial response. Different tumor types respond differently, and even in cancer types that respond (hot tumors), we still observe tumors that are unresponsive (cold tumors), suggesting the presence of resistance. Hence, the development of intrinsic or acquired resistance is a big challenge for the cancer immunotherapy field. Resistance to immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, oncolytic viruses, and recombinant cytokines arises due to cancer cells employing several mechanisms to evade immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Taefehshokr
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Aram Parhizkar
- Faculty of Natural Science, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shima Hayati
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Morteza Mousapour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Mahmoudpour
- Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Liliane Eleid
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dara Rahmanpour
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sahand Fattahi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Shabani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Nima Taefehshokr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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121
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Using chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy to fight glioblastoma multiforme: past, present and future developments. J Neurooncol 2021; 156:81-96. [PMID: 34825292 PMCID: PMC8714623 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-021-03902-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) constitutes one of the deadliest tumors to afflict humans, although it is still considered an orphan disease. Despite testing multiple new and innovative therapies in ongoing clinical trials, the median survival for this type of malignancy is less than two years after initial diagnosis, regardless of therapy. One class of promising new therapies are chimeric antigen receptor T cells or CAR-T which have been shown to be very effective at treating refractory liquid tumors such as B-cell malignancies. However, CAR-T effectivity against solid tumors such as GBM has been limited thus far. Methods A Pubmed, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, and Web of Science literature search using the terms chimeric antigen receptor or CAR-T, GBM, solid tumor immunotherapy, immunotherapy, and CAR-T combination was performed for publication dates between January 1987 and November 2021. Results In the current review, we present a comprehensive list of CAR-T cells developed to treat GBM, we describe new possible T-cell engineering strategies against GBM while presenting a short introductory history to the reader regarding the origin(s) of this cutting-edge therapy. We have also compiled a unique list of anti-GBM CAR-Ts with their specific protein sequences and their functions as well as an inventory of clinical trials involving CAR-T and GBM. Conclusions The aim of this review is to introduce the reader to the field of T-cell engineering using CAR-Ts to treat GBM and describe the obstacles that may need to be addressed in order to significantly delay the relentless growth of GBM. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11060-021-03902-8.
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122
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Xiao BF, Zhang JT, Zhu YG, Cui XR, Lu ZM, Yu BT, Wu N. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Lung Cancer: Potential and Challenges. Front Immunol 2021; 12:782775. [PMID: 34790207 PMCID: PMC8591168 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.782775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has exhibited a substantial clinical response in hematological malignancies, including B-cell leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Therefore, the feasibility of using CAR-T cells to treat solid tumors is actively evaluated. Currently, multiple basic research projects and clinical trials are being conducted to treat lung cancer with CAR-T cell therapy. Although numerous advances in CAR-T cell therapy have been made in hematological tumors, the technology still entails considerable challenges in treating lung cancer, such as on−target, of−tumor toxicity, paucity of tumor-specific antigen targets, T cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment, and low infiltration level of immune cells into solid tumor niches, which are even more complicated than their application in hematological tumors. Thus, progress in the scientific understanding of tumor immunology and improvements in the manufacture of cell products are advancing the clinical translation of these important cellular immunotherapies. This review focused on the latest research progress of CAR-T cell therapy in lung cancer treatment and for the first time, demonstrated the underlying challenges and future engineering strategies for the clinical application of CAR-T cell therapy against lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu-Fan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Tao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yu-Ge Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Run Cui
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe-Ming Lu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ben-Tong Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery II, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
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Guo X, Kazanova A, Thurmond S, Saragovi HU, Rudd CE. Effective chimeric antigen receptor T cells against SARS-CoV-2. iScience 2021; 24:103295. [PMID: 34693218 PMCID: PMC8520176 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Current therapies to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) involve vaccines against the spike protein S1 of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we outline an alternative approach involving chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) in T cells (CAR-Ts). CAR-T recognition of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) peptide induced ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation, the increased expression of activation antigen, CD69 and effectors, interferon-γ, granzyme B, perforin, and Fas-ligand on overlapping subsets of CAR-Ts. CAR-Ts further showed potent in vitro killing of target cells loaded with RBD, S1 peptide, or expressing the S1 protein. The efficacy of killing varied with different sized hinge regions, whereas time-lapse microscopy showed CAR-T cluster formation around RBD-expressing targets. Cytolysis of targets was mediated primarily by the GZMB/perforin pathway. Lastly, we showed in vivo killing of S1-expressing cells by our SARS-CoV-2 CAR-Ts in mice. The successful generation of SARS-CoV-2 CAR-Ts represents a living vaccine approach for the treatment of COVID-19. Cytolytic CAR-Ts can be successfully developed against SARS-CoV-2 CAR-Ts binding to RBD peptide induced effectors IFN-γ, GZMB, Perforin and FasL CAR-Ts with different hinge regions showed differences in target killing SARS-CoV-2 CAR-Ts show successful in vivo killing of S1-expressing cells in mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Guo
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Division of Immunology-Oncology, Centre de Researche-Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (CR-HMR), Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Alexandra Kazanova
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Division of Immunology-Oncology, Centre de Researche-Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (CR-HMR), Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Stephanie Thurmond
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Division of Immunology-Oncology, Centre de Researche-Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (CR-HMR), Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher E. Rudd
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Division of Immunology-Oncology, Centre de Researche-Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (CR-HMR), Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Division of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Corresponding author
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124
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Cappell KM, Kochenderfer JN. A comparison of chimeric antigen receptors containing CD28 versus 4-1BB costimulatory domains. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2021; 18:715-727. [PMID: 34230645 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00530-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are engineered proteins designed to target T cells to cancer cells. To effectively activate the T cells in which they are expressed, CARs must contain a costimulatory domain. The CAR T cell products approved for the treatment of B cell lymphomas and/or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or multiple myeloma incorporate either a CD28-derived or a 4-1BB-derived costimulatory domain. Almost all other clinically tested CARs also use costimulatory domains from CD28 or 4-1BB. In preclinical experiments, cytokine release is usually greater with CARs containing CD28 versus 4-1BB costimulatory domains; however, constructs with either domain confer similar anticancer activity in mouse models. T cell products expressing CARs with either CD28 or 4-1BB costimulatory domains have been highly efficacious in patients with relapsed haematological malignancies, with anti-CD19 products having similar activity regardless of the source of the costimulatory domain. In large-cohort clinical trials, the rates of neurological toxicities have been higher with CD28-costimulated CARs, although this finding is probably the result of a combination of factors rather than due to CD28 signalling alone. Future preclinical and clinical research should aim to compare different costimulatory domains while controlling for confounding variables. Herein, we provide an overview of T cell costimulation by CD28 and 4-1BB and, using the available preclinical and clinical data, compare the efficacy and toxicity profiles associated with CARs containing either costimulatory domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Cappell
- Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
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125
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Zuccolotto G, Penna A, Fracasso G, Carpanese D, Montagner IM, Dalla Santa S, Rosato A. PSMA-Specific CAR-Engineered T Cells for Prostate Cancer: CD28 Outperforms Combined CD28-4-1BB "Super-Stimulation". Front Oncol 2021; 11:708073. [PMID: 34660275 PMCID: PMC8511814 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.708073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of malignancy-related mortality in males in the Western world. Although treatment like prostatectomy and radiotherapy for localized cancer have good results, similar positive outcomes are not achieved in metastatic PCa. Consequently, these aggressive and metastatic forms of PCa urgently need new methods of treatment. We already described an efficient and specific second-generation (2G) Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) against Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), a glycoprotein overexpressed in prostate cancer and also present on neovasculature of several tumor entities. In an attempt to improve efficacy and in vivo survival of anti-PSMA 2G CAR-T cells, we developed a third generation (3G) CAR containing two costimulatory elements, namely CD28 and 4-1BB co-signaling domains, in addition to CD3ζ. Differently from what described for other 3G receptors, our third generation CAR disclosed an antitumor activity in vitro similar to the related 2G CAR that comprises the CD28 co-signaling domain only. Moreover, the additional costimulatory domain produced detrimental effects, which could be attributed to an increased activation-induced cell death (AICD). Indeed, such "superstimulation" resulted in an exhausted phenotype of CAR-T cells, after prolonged in vitro restimulation, a higher frequency of cell death, and an impairment in yielding sufficient numbers of transgenic T lymphocytes. Thus, the optimal combination of costimulatory domains for CAR development should be assessed cautiously and evaluated case-by-case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Zuccolotto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Penna
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Dalla Santa
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
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126
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Le Q, Castro S, Tang T, Loeb AM, Hylkema T, McKay CN, Perkins L, Srivastava S, Call L, Smith J, Leonti A, Ries R, Pardo L, Loken MR, Correnti C, Fiorenza S, Turtle CJ, Riddell S, Tarlock K, Meshinchi S. Therapeutic Targeting of Mesothelin with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:5718-5730. [PMID: 34380639 PMCID: PMC9401532 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We previously identified mesothelin (MSLN) as highly expressed in a significant fraction of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but entirely silent in normal hematopoiesis, providing a promising antigen for immunotherapeutic targeting that avoids hematopoietic toxicity. Given that T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) are effective at eradicating relapsed/refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia, we developed MSLN-directed CAR T cells for preclinical evaluation in AML. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The variable light (VL) and heavy (VH) sequences from the MSLN-targeting SS1P immunotoxin were used to construct the single-chain variable fragment of the standard CAR containing 41-BB costimulatory and CD3Zeta stimulatory domains. The preclinical efficacy of MSLN CAR T cells was evaluated against AML cell lines and patient samples expressing various levels of MSLN in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We demonstrate that MSLN is expressed on the cell surface of AML blasts and leukemic stem cell-enriched CD34+CD38- subset, but not on normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). We further establish that MSLN CAR T cells are highly effective in eliminating MSLN-positive AML cells in cell line- and patient-derived xenograft models. Importantly, MSLN CAR T cells can target and eradicate CD34+CD38- cells without impacting the viability of normal HSPCs. Finally, we show that CAR T-cell functionality can be improved by inhibition of the ADAM17 metalloprotease that promotes shedding of MSLN. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that MSLN is a viable target for CAR T-cell therapy in AML and that inhibiting MSLN shedding is a promising approach to improve CAR T-cell efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quy Le
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Corresponding Author: Quy Le, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109. Phone: 206-667-6008; Fax: 206-667-6084; E-mail:
| | - Sommer Castro
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Thao Tang
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anisha M. Loeb
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | | | | | - Lindsey Call
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jenny Smith
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amanda Leonti
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rhonda Ries
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Laura Pardo
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Hematologics, Inc, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Colin Correnti
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Cameron J. Turtle
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Katherine Tarlock
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Soheil Meshinchi
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, California
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127
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Zhang A, Sun Y, Du J, Dong Y, Pang H, Ma L, Si S, Zhang Z, He M, Yue Y, Zhang X, Zhao W, Pi J, Chang M, Wang Q, Zhang Y. Reducing Hinge Flexibility of CAR-T Cells Prolongs Survival In Vivo With Low Cytokines Release. Front Immunol 2021; 12:724211. [PMID: 34675920 PMCID: PMC8524077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.724211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells targeting CD19 demonstrate unparalleled responses in B cell malignancies. However, high tumor burden limits clinical efficacy and increases the risk of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, which is associated with over-activation of the CAR-T cells. The hinge domain plays an important role in the function of CAR-T cells. We hypothesized that deletion of glycine, an amino acid with good flexibility, may reduce the flexibility of the hinge region, thereby mitigating CAR-T cell over-activation. This study involved generating a novel CAR by deletion of two consecutive glycine residues in the CD8 hinge domain of second-generation (2nd) CAR, thereafter named 2nd-GG CAR. The 2nd-GG CAR-T cells showed similar efficacy of CAR expression but lower hinge flexibility, and its protein affinity to CD19 protein was lower than that of 2nd CAR-T cells. Compared to the 2nd CAR-T cells, 2nd-GG CAR-T cells reduced proinflammatory cytokine secretion without diminishing the specific cytotoxicity toward tumor cells in vitro. Furthermore, 2nd-GG CAR-T cells prolonged overall survival in an immunodeficient mouse model bearing NALM-6 when tumor burden was high. This study demonstrated that a lower-flexibility of CD8α hinge improved survival under high tumor burden and reduced proinflammatory cytokines in preclinical studies. While there is potential for improved safety and efficacy, yet this needs validation with clinical trials.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD19/genetics
- Antigens, CD19/immunology
- CD8 Antigens/genetics
- CD8 Antigens/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Female
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Lymphocyte Transfusion
- Mice
- Mice, SCID
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Survival Analysis
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Transduction, Genetic
- Tumor Burden
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
- The Department of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Sun
- Department of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Du
- SAFE Pharmaceutical Research Institute Co. Ltd, HeBei, China
| | - Yansheng Dong
- SAFE Pharmaceutical Research Institute Co. Ltd, HeBei, China
| | - Honggang Pang
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoyan Si
- Department of Hematology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
- Comprehensive Basic Experiment, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
- The Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyi He
- Department of Hematology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
- The Department of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yue
- Department of Hematology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
- The Department of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
- The Department of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Weichao Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
- The Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Pi
- Department of Hematology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
- The Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mindong Chang
- Strategic Support Force Medical Center, The Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Quanjun Wang
- National Beijing Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Countermeasures and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yikun Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
- The Department of Hematology, Beijing, China
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128
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Yoo HJ, Harapan BN. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy: basic principles, current advances, and future prospects in neuro-oncology. Immunol Res 2021; 69:471-486. [PMID: 34554405 PMCID: PMC8580929 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
With recent advances, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy has become a promising modality for patients with refractory cancer diseases. The successful results of CAR T cell therapy in relapsed and refractory B-cell malignancies shifted the paradigm of cancer immunotherapy by awakening the scientific, clinical, and commercial interest in translating this technology for the treatment of solid cancers. This review elaborates on fundamental principles of CAR T cell therapy (development of CAR construct, challenges of CAR T cell therapy) and its application on solid tumors as well as CAR T cell therapy potential in the field of neuro-oncology. Glioblastoma (GBM) is identified as one of the most challenging solid tumors with a permissive immunological milieu and dismal prognosis. Standard multimodal treatment using maximal safe resection, radiochemotherapy, and maintenance chemotherapy extends the overall survival beyond a year. Recurrence is, however, inevitable. GBM holds several unique features including its vast intratumoral heterogeneity, immunosuppressive environment, and a partially permissive anatomic blood–brain barrier, which offers a unique opportunity to investigate new treatment approaches. Tremendous efforts have been made in recent years to investigate novel CAR targets and target combinations with standard modalities for solid tumors and GBM to improve treatment efficacy. In this review, we outline the history of CAR immunotherapy development, relevant CAR target antigens validated with CAR T cells as well as preclinical approaches in combination with adjunct approaches via checkpoint inhibition, bispecific antibodies, and second-line systemic therapies that enhance anticancer efficacy of the CAR-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Joo Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Biyan Nathanael Harapan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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129
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Tong C, Wang Y, Han WD. [Structural optimization and prospect of chimeric antigen receptor T cells]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2021; 42:771-777. [PMID: 34753236 PMCID: PMC8607033 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Tong
- The First Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Y Wang
- The First Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - W D Han
- The First Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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130
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Haeseleer F, Fukazawa Y, Park H, Varco-Merth B, Rust BJ, Smedley JV, Eichholz K, Peterson CW, Mason R, Kiem HP, Roederer M, Picker LJ, Okoye AA, Corey L. Immune inactivation of anti-simian immunodeficiency virus chimeric antigen receptor T cells in rhesus macaques. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 22:304-319. [PMID: 34485613 PMCID: PMC8403686 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies are being investigated as potential HIV cures and designed to target HIV reservoirs. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) envelope allowed us to investigate the potency of single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-based anti-SIV CAR T cells. In vitro, CAR T cells expressing the scFv to both the variable loop 1 (V1) or V3 of the SIV envelope were highly potent at eliminating SIV-infected T cells. However, in preclinical studies, in vivo infusion of these CAR T cells in rhesus macaques (RMs) resulted in lack of expansion and no detectable in vivo antiviral activity. Injection of envelope-expressing antigen-presenting cells (APCs) 1 week post-CAR T cell infusion also failed to stimulate CAR T cell expansion in vivo. To investigate this in vitro versus in vivo discrepancy, we examined host immune responses directed at CAR T cells. A humoral immune response against the CAR scFv was detected post-infusion of the anti-SIV CAR T cells; anti-SIV IgG antibodies present in plasma of SIV-infected animals were associated with inhibited CAR T cell effector functions. These data indicate that lack of in vivo expansion and efficacy of CAR T cells might be due to antibodies blocking the interaction between the CAR scFv and its epitope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Haeseleer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yoshinori Fukazawa
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Haesun Park
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Benjamin Varco-Merth
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Blake J Rust
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeremy V Smedley
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Karsten Eichholz
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher W Peterson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rosemarie Mason
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mario Roederer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Louis J Picker
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Afam A Okoye
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Lawrence Corey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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131
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Hwang MS, Miller MS, Thirawatananond P, Douglass J, Wright KM, Hsiue EHC, Mog BJ, Aytenfisu TY, Murphy MB, Aitana Azurmendi P, Skora AD, Pearlman AH, Paul S, DiNapoli SR, Konig MF, Bettegowda C, Pardoll DM, Papadopoulos N, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B, Zhou S, Gabelli SB. Structural engineering of chimeric antigen receptors targeting HLA-restricted neoantigens. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5271. [PMID: 34489470 PMCID: PMC8421441 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25605-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have emerged as a promising class of therapeutic agents, generating remarkable responses in the clinic for a subset of human cancers. One major challenge precluding the wider implementation of CAR therapy is the paucity of tumor-specific antigens. Here, we describe the development of a CAR targeting the tumor-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) with R140Q mutation presented on the cell surface in complex with a common human leukocyte antigen allele, HLA-B*07:02. Engineering of the hinge domain of the CAR, as well as crystal structure-guided optimization of the IDH2R140Q-HLA-B*07:02-targeting moiety, enhances the sensitivity and specificity of CARs to enable targeting of this HLA-restricted neoantigen. This approach thus holds promise for the development and optimization of immunotherapies specific to other cancer driver mutations that are difficult to target by conventional means. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells in the clinic currently target cell-type-specific extracellular antigens on malignant cells. Here, authors engineer tumor-specific chimeric antigen receptor T cells that target human leukocyte antigen-presented neoantigens derived from mutant intracellular proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Hwang
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle S Miller
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Puchong Thirawatananond
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacqueline Douglass
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katharine M Wright
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily Han-Chung Hsiue
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian J Mog
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tihitina Y Aytenfisu
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - P Aitana Azurmendi
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew D Skora
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Co, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alexander H Pearlman
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Suman Paul
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah R DiNapoli
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nickolas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth W Kinzler
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA. .,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Shibin Zhou
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Lustgarten Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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132
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Xue T, Zhao X, Zhao K, Lu Y, Yao J, Ji X. Immunotherapy for lung cancer: Focusing on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. Curr Probl Cancer 2021; 46:100791. [PMID: 34538649 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2021.100791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Besides traditional treatment strategies, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer incidence and death, immunotherapy has also emerged as a new treatment strategy. The goal of immunotherapy is to stimulate the immune system responses against cancer, using various approaches such as therapeutic vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and T-cell therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, one of the most popular cancer immunotherapy approaches in the last decade, are genetically engineered T-cells to redirect patients' immune responses to recognize and eliminate tumor-associated antigens (TAA)-expressing tumor cells. CAR-T cell therapy provides promising benefits in lung tumors. In this review, we summarize different immunotherapy approaches for lung cancer, the structure of CAR-T cells, currently undergoing CARs in clinical trials, and various TAAs are being investigated as potential targets in designing CAR-T cells for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongqing Xue
- Department of Pain and Intervention Management, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City, Huaian 223200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City, Huaian 223200, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- Department of oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City, Huaian 223200, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City, Huaian 223200, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juan Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City, Huaian 223200, Huaian, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xianguo Ji
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City, Huaian 223200, Huaian, Jiangsu, China.
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133
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Shademan B, Karamad V, Nourazarian A, Avcı CB. CAR T Cells: Cancer Cell Surface Receptors Are the Target for Cancer Therapy. Adv Pharm Bull 2021; 12:476-489. [PMID: 35935042 PMCID: PMC9348524 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2022.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a prominent strategy for the treatment of cancer. A method that improves the immune system's ability to attack a tumor (Enhances antigen binding). Targeted killing of malignant cells by adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is a promising immunotherapy technique in the treatment of cancers. For this purpose, the patient's immune cells, with genetic engineering aid, are loaded with chimeric receptors that have particular antigen binding and activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes. That increases the effectiveness of immune cells and destroying cancer cells. This review discusses the basic structure and function of CAR-T cells and how antigenic targets are identified to treat different cancers and address the disadvantages of this treatment for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Shademan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Vahidreza Karamad
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Cigir Biray Avcı
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey
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134
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Watanabe K, Nishikawa H. Engineering strategies for broad application of TCR-T and CAR-T cell therapies. Int Immunol 2021; 33:551-562. [PMID: 34374779 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy, including the transfer of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes after in vitro expansion or T cells redirected to tumor antigens using antigen-specific transgenic T cell receptor T cells (TCR-T cells) or chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells), has shown a significant clinical impact. Particularly, several types of CAR-T cell therapies have been approved for the treatment of hematological malignancies. The striking success of CAR-T cell therapies in hematological malignancies motivates their further expansion to a wide range of solid tumors, yet multiple obstacles, including the lack of proper target antigens exhibiting a tumor-specific expression pattern and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) impairing the effector functions of adoptively transferred T cells, have prevented clinical application. Gene engineering technologies such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system have enabled flexible reprograming of TCR/CAR-T cell signaling or loading genes that are targets of the tumor immunosuppression as a payload to overcome the difficulties. Here, we discuss recent advances in TCR/CAR-T cell engineering: various promising approaches to enhance the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred T cells in the TME for maximizing the efficacy and the safety of adoptive cell therapy are now being tested in the clinic, especially targeting solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Watanabe
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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135
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Sauer T, Parikh K, Sharma S, Omer B, Sedloev D, Chen Q, Angenendt L, Schliemann C, Schmitt M, Müller-Tidow C, Gottschalk S, Rooney CM. CD70-specific CAR T cells have potent activity against acute myeloid leukemia without HSC toxicity. Blood 2021; 138:318-330. [PMID: 34323938 PMCID: PMC8323977 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020008221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains dismal, highlighting the need for novel innovative treatment strategies. The application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy to patients with AML has been limited, in particular by the lack of a tumor-specific target antigen. CD70 is a promising antigen to target AML, as it is expressed on most leukemic blasts, whereas little or no expression is detectable in normal bone marrow samples. To target CD70 on AML cells, we generated a panel of CD70-CAR T cells that contained a common single-chain variable fragment (scFv) for antigen detection, but differed in size and flexibility of the extracellular spacer and in the transmembrane and the costimulatory domains. These CD70scFv CAR T cells were compared with a CAR construct that contained human CD27, the ligand of CD70 fused to the CD3ζ chain (CD27z). The structural composition of the CAR strongly influenced expression levels, viability, expansion, and cytotoxic capacities of CD70scFv-based CAR T cells, but CD27z-CAR T cells demonstrated superior proliferation and antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo, compared with all CD70scFv-CAR T cells. Although CD70-CAR T cells recognized activated virus-specific T cells (VSTs) that expressed CD70, they did not prevent colony formation by normal hematopoietic stem cells. Thus, CD70-targeted immunotherapy is a promising new treatment strategy for patients with CD70-positive AML that does not affect normal hematopoiesis but will require monitoring of virus-specific T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Sauer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathan Parikh
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Sandhya Sharma
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Bilal Omer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - David Sedloev
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Linus Angenendt
- Department of Internal Medicine A, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany; and
| | - Christoph Schliemann
- Department of Internal Medicine A, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany; and
| | - Michael Schmitt
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Cliona M Rooney
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital-Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
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136
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Zhao J, Lin L, Luo Y, Cai Q, Jiang X, Liao C, Wei H. Optimization of GPC3-specific chimeric antigen receptor structure and its effect on killing hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Bioengineered 2021; 12:3674-3683. [PMID: 34261411 PMCID: PMC8806505 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1950261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effect of optimized GPC3-specific chimeric antigen receptor (GPC3-CAR) structure on killing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. We constructed three lentiviral expression vectors with different CAR structures by genetic engineering and molecular cloning techniques. These three CAR structures shared the same intracellular signaling region consisting of 4-1BB and CD3ζ, but had different hinge and transmembrane regions. Specifically, GPC3-O4-CAR contained an optimized CD8α hinge region and a 4-1BB transmembrane domain; GPC3-CD8-CAR contained an optimized CD8α hinge region and a CD8α transmembrane domain; and GPC3-ori-CAR contained an original CD8α hinge region and a 4-1BB transmembrane domain. With similar transfection efficiency, it was observed by fluorescence microscopy that GPC3-O4-CAR expression on the surface of 293 T cells was much higher than those of the other two. Cytotoxicity experiments showed that T or NK cells with GPC3-O4-CAR structure were more lethal and could secrete more IFN-γ than the other two. In conclusion, GPC3-O4-CAR can be efficiently and stably expressed on the cell surface. Moreover, both the killing effect of transduced T and NK cells on GPC3-positive HCC cells and release of IFN-γ are increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Lijuan Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Yihua Luo
- ImmunoCares Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghe Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Xiaojie Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Changxi Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Huimin Wei
- The Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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137
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Liu Y, Liu G, Wang J, Zheng ZY, Jia L, Rui W, Huang D, Zhou ZX, Zhou L, Wu X, Lin S, Zhao X, Lin X. Chimeric STAR receptors using TCR machinery mediate robust responses against solid tumors. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/586/eabb5191. [PMID: 33762437 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb5191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapies have demonstrated high response rate and durable disease control for the treatment of B cell malignancies. However, in the case of solid tumors, CAR-T cells have shown limited efficacy, which is partially attributed to intrinsic defects in CAR signaling. Here, we construct a double-chain chimeric receptor, termed as synthetic T cell receptor (TCR) and antigen receptor (STAR), which incorporates antigen-recognition domain of antibody and constant regions of TCR that engage endogenous CD3 signaling machinery. Under antigen-free conditions, STAR does not trigger tonic signaling, which has been reported to cause exhaustion of traditional CAR-T cells. Upon antigen stimulation, STAR mediates strong and sensitive TCR-like signaling, and STAR-T cells exhibit less susceptibility to dysfunction and better proliferation than traditional 28zCAR-T cells. In addition, STAR-T cells show higher antigen sensitivity than CAR-T cells, which holds potential to reduce the risk of antigen loss-induced tumor relapse in clinical use. In multiple solid tumor models, STAR-T cells prominently outperformed BBzCAR-T cells and generated better or equipotent antitumor effects to 28zCAR-T cells without causing notable toxicity. With these favorable features endowed by native TCR-like signaling, STAR-T cells may provide clinical benefit in treating refractory solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Guangna Liu
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiasheng Wang
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhe-Yu Zheng
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lemei Jia
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Rui
- China Immunotech (Beijing) Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Daosheng Huang
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhi-Xiao Zhou
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liqun Zhou
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Song Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xueqiang Zhao
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Xin Lin
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China. .,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
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138
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Vitanza NA, Johnson AJ, Wilson AL, Brown C, Yokoyama JK, Künkele A, Chang CA, Rawlings-Rhea S, Huang W, Seidel K, Albert CM, Pinto N, Gust J, Finn LS, Ojemann JG, Wright J, Orentas RJ, Baldwin M, Gardner RA, Jensen MC, Park JR. Locoregional infusion of HER2-specific CAR T cells in children and young adults with recurrent or refractory CNS tumors: an interim analysis. Nat Med 2021; 27:1544-1552. [PMID: 34253928 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Locoregional delivery of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has resulted in objective responses in adults with glioblastoma, but the feasibility and tolerability of this approach is yet to be evaluated for pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Here we show that engineering of a medium-length CAR spacer enhances the therapeutic efficacy of human erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (HER2)-specific CAR T cells in an orthotopic xenograft medulloblastoma model. We translated these findings into BrainChild-01 ( NCT03500991 ), an ongoing phase 1 clinical trial at Seattle Children's evaluating repetitive locoregional dosing of these HER2-specific CAR T cells to children and young adults with recurrent/refractory CNS tumors, including diffuse midline glioma. Primary objectives are assessing feasibility, safety and tolerability; secondary objectives include assessing CAR T cell distribution and disease response. In the outpatient setting, patients receive infusions via CNS catheter into either the tumor cavity or the ventricular system. The initial three patients experienced no dose-limiting toxicity and exhibited clinical, as well as correlative laboratory, evidence of local CNS immune activation, including high concentrations of CXCL10 and CCL2 in the cerebrospinal fluid. This interim report supports the feasibility of generating HER2-specific CAR T cells for repeated dosing regimens and suggests that their repeated intra-CNS delivery might be well tolerated and activate a localized immune response in pediatric and young adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Vitanza
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Adam J Johnson
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashley L Wilson
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher Brown
- Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, WA, USA.,Therapeutic Cell Production Core, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jason K Yokoyama
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cindy A Chang
- Office of Animal Care, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephanie Rawlings-Rhea
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wenjun Huang
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Catherine M Albert
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Navin Pinto
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Juliane Gust
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Laura S Finn
- Department of Laboratories, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Ojemann
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jason Wright
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rimas J Orentas
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Baldwin
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rebecca A Gardner
- The Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael C Jensen
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julie R Park
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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139
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Johnson AJ, Wei J, Rosser JM, Künkele A, Chang CA, Reid AN, Jensen MC. Rationally Designed Transgene-Encoded Cell-Surface Polypeptide Tag for Multiplexed Programming of CAR T-cell Synthetic Outputs. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:1047-1060. [PMID: 34244298 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic immunology, as exemplified by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy, has transformed the treatment of relapsed/refractory B cell-lineage malignancies. However, there are substantial barriers-including limited tumor homing, lack of retention of function within a suppressive tumor microenvironment, and antigen heterogeneity/escape-to using this technology to effectively treat solid tumors. A multiplexed engineering approach is needed to equip effector T cells with synthetic countermeasures to overcome these barriers. This, in turn, necessitates combinatorial use of lentiviruses because of the limited payload size of current lentiviral vectors. Accordingly, there is a need for cell-surface human molecular constructs that mark multi-vector cotransduced T cells, to enable their purification ex vivo and their tracking in vivo. To this end, we engineered a cell surface-localizing polypeptide tag based on human HER2, designated HER2t, that was truncated in its extracellular and intracellular domains to eliminate ligand binding and signaling, respectively, and retained the membrane-proximal binding epitope of the HER2-specific mAb trastuzumab. We linked HER2t to CAR coexpression in lentivirally transduced T cells and showed that co-transduction with a second lentivirus expressing our previously described EGFRt tag linked to a second CAR efficiently generated bispecific dual-CAR T cells. Using the same approach, we generated T cells expressing a CAR and a second module, a chimeric cytokine receptor. The HER2txEGFRt multiplexing strategy is now being deployed for the manufacture of CD19xCD22 bispecific CAR T-cell products for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (NCT03330691).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Johnson
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jia Wei
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, Washington
| | - James M Rosser
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, Washington
| | - Annette Künkele
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Cindy A Chang
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Aquene N Reid
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael C Jensen
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington. .,Seattle Children's Therapeutics, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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140
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Luu M, Riester Z, Baldrich A, Reichardt N, Yuille S, Busetti A, Klein M, Wempe A, Leister H, Raifer H, Picard F, Muhammad K, Ohl K, Romero R, Fischer F, Bauer CA, Huber M, Gress TM, Lauth M, Danhof S, Bopp T, Nerreter T, Mulder IE, Steinhoff U, Hudecek M, Visekruna A. Microbial short-chain fatty acids modulate CD8 + T cell responses and improve adoptive immunotherapy for cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4077. [PMID: 34210970 PMCID: PMC8249424 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24331-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging data demonstrate that the activity of immune cells can be modulated by microbial molecules. Here, we show that the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) pentanoate and butyrate enhance the anti-tumor activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells through metabolic and epigenetic reprograming. We show that in vitro treatment of CTLs and CAR T cells with pentanoate and butyrate increases the function of mTOR as a central cellular metabolic sensor, and inhibits class I histone deacetylase activity. This reprogramming results in elevated production of effector molecules such as CD25, IFN-γ and TNF-α, and significantly enhances the anti-tumor activity of antigen-specific CTLs and ROR1-targeting CAR T cells in syngeneic murine melanoma and pancreatic cancer models. Our data shed light onto microbial molecules that may be used for enhancing cellular anti-tumor immunity. Collectively, we identify pentanoate and butyrate as two SCFAs with therapeutic utility in the context of cellular cancer immunotherapy. The activity of immune cells can be regulated by the microbiome. Here, the authors show that the fatty acids pentanoate and butyrate—normally released by the microbiome—increase the anti-tumour activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and chimeric antigen receptor T cells through metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Luu
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zeno Riester
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Adrian Baldrich
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Matthias Klein
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anne Wempe
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Leister
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Hartmann Raifer
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Felix Picard
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Khalid Muhammad
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kim Ohl
- Department of Pediatrics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rossana Romero
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Florence Fischer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christian A Bauer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, University Hospital Marburg, UKGM, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Huber
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, University Hospital Marburg, UKGM, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Center for Tumor- and Immunobiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Danhof
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bopp
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Nerreter
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Steinhoff
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Alexander Visekruna
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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141
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Park CH. Making Potent CAR T Cells Using Genetic Engineering and Synergistic Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133236. [PMID: 34209505 PMCID: PMC8269169 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are emerging as powerful weapons for the treatment of malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells have shown dramatic clinical results in patients with hematological malignancies. However, it is still challenging for CAR T cell therapy to be successful in several types of blood cancer and most solid tumors. Many attempts have been made to enhance the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy by modifying the CAR construct using combination agents, such as compounds, antibodies, or radiation. At present, technology to improve CAR T cell therapy is rapidly developing. In this review, we particularly emphasize the most recent studies utilizing genetic engineering and synergistic agents to improve CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Hoon Park
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34114, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-42-860-7416; Fax: +82-42-861-4246
- Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
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142
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Grunewald L, Lam T, Andersch L, Klaus A, Schwiebert S, Winkler A, Gauert A, Heeren-Hagemann AI, Astrahantseff K, Klironomos F, Thomas A, Deubzer HE, Henssen AG, Eggert A, Schulte JH, Anders K, Kloke L, Künkele A. A Reproducible Bioprinted 3D Tumor Model Serves as a Preselection Tool for CAR T Cell Therapy Optimization. Front Immunol 2021; 12:689697. [PMID: 34267756 PMCID: PMC8276678 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.689697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell performance against solid tumors in mouse models and clinical trials is often less effective than predicted by CAR construct selection in two-dimensional (2D) cocultures. Three-dimensional (3D) solid tumor architecture is likely to be crucial for CAR T cell efficacy. We used a three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting approach for large-scale generation of highly reproducible 3D human tumor models for the test case, neuroblastoma, and compared these to 2D cocultures for evaluation of CAR T cells targeting the L1 cell adhesion molecule, L1CAM. CAR T cells infiltrated the model, and both CAR T and tumor cells were viable for long-term experiments and could be isolated as single-cell suspensions for whole-cell assays quantifying CAR T cell activation, effector function and tumor cell cytotoxicity. L1CAM-specific CAR T cell activation by neuroblastoma cells was stronger in the 3D model than in 2D cocultures, but neuroblastoma cell lysis was lower. The bioprinted 3D neuroblastoma model is highly reproducible and allows detection and quantification of CAR T cell tumor infiltration, representing a superior in vitro analysis tool for preclinical CAR T cell characterization likely to better select CAR T cells for in vivo performance than 2D cocultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grunewald
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany.,Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Lam
- Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Cellbricks GmbH Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena Andersch
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Klaus
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Schwiebert
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Winkler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anton Gauert
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja I Heeren-Hagemann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathy Astrahantseff
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Filippos Klironomos
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Thomas
- Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Cellbricks GmbH Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hedwig E Deubzer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany.,Neuroblastoma Research Group, Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Charité and the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anton G Henssen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathleen Anders
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lutz Kloke
- Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Cellbricks GmbH Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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143
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Marofi F, Rahman HS, Achmad MH, Sergeevna KN, Suksatan W, Abdelbasset WK, Mikhailova MV, Shomali N, Yazdanifar M, Hassanzadeh A, Ahmadi M, Motavalli R, Pathak Y, Izadi S, Jarahian M. A Deep Insight Into CAR-T Cell Therapy in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Application, Opportunities, and Future Directions. Front Immunol 2021; 12:681984. [PMID: 34248965 PMCID: PMC8261235 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.681984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. In NHL, the important part of the immune system, a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes become cancerous. NHL subtypes include marginal zone lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, follicular lymphoma (FL), and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. The disease can emerge in either aggressive or indolent form. 5-year survival duration after diagnosis is poor among patients with aggressive/relapsing form of NHL. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis involved in NHL establishment and progression. In the next step, we can develop innovative therapies for NHL based on our knowledge in signaling pathways, surface antigens, and tumor milieu of NHL. In the recent few decades, several treatment solutions of NHL mainly based on targeted/directed therapies have been evaluated. These approaches include B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), epigenetic modulators, Bcl-2 inhibitors, checkpoint inhibitors, and T-cell therapy. In recent years, methods based on T cell immunotherapy have been considered as a novel promising anti-cancer strategy in the treatment of various types of cancers, and particularly in blood cancers. These methods could significantly increase the capacity of the immune system to induce durable anti-cancer responses in patients with chemotherapy-resistant lymphoma. One of the promising therapy methods involved in the triumph of immunotherapy is the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells with dramatically improved killing activity against tumor cells. The CAR-T cell-based anti-cancer therapy targeting a pan-B-cell marker, CD19 is recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chemotherapy-resistant B-cell NHL. In this review, we will discuss the structure, molecular mechanisms, results of clinical trials, and the toxicity of CAR-T cell-based therapies. Also, we will criticize the clinical aspects, the treatment considerations, and the challenges and possible drawbacks of the application of CAR-T cells in the treatment of NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faroogh Marofi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Heshu Sulaiman Rahman
- College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
| | - Muhammad Harun Achmad
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Klunko Nataliya Sergeevna
- Department of Economics and Industrial Engineering, St. Petersburg University of Management and Economics, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies, Russian New University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Wanich Suksatan
- Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Ali Hassanzadeh
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Ahmadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Roza Motavalli
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yashwant Pathak
- Taneja College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Subaraya, Indonesia
| | - Sepideh Izadi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Jarahian
- German Cancer Research Center, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit (G401), Heidelberg, Germany
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144
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145
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Okuno S, Adachi Y, Terakura S, Julamanee J, Sakai T, Umemura K, Miyao K, Goto T, Murase A, Shimada K, Nishida T, Murata M, Kiyoi H. Spacer Length Modification Facilitates Discrimination between Normal and Neoplastic Cells and Provides Clinically Relevant CD37 CAR T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:2862-2874. [PMID: 34099546 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite the remarkable initial efficacy of CD19 chimeric Ag receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, a high incidence of relapse has been observed. To further increase treatment efficacy and reduce the rate of escape of Ag-negative cells, we need to develop CAR-T cells that target other Ags. Given its restricted expression pattern, CD37 was considered a preferred novel target for immunotherapy in hematopoietic malignancies. Therefore, we designed a CD37-targeting CAR-T (CD37CAR-T) using the single-chain variable fragment of a humanized anti-CD37 Ab, transmembrane and intracellular domains of CD28, and CD3ζ signaling domains. High levels of CD37 expression were confirmed in B cells from human peripheral blood and bone marrow B cell precursors at late developmental stages; by contrast, more limited expression of CD37 was observed in early precursor B cells. Furthermore, we found that human CD37CAR-T cells with longer spacer lengths exhibited high gene transduction efficacy but reduced capacity to proliferate; this may be due to overactivation and fratricide. Spacer length optimization resulted in a modest transduction efficiency together with robust capacity to proliferate. CD37CAR-T cells with optimized spacer length efficiently targeted various CD37+ human tumor cell lines but had no impact on normal leukocytes both in vitro and in vivo. CD37CAR-T cells effectively eradicated Raji cells in xenograft model. Collectively, these results suggested that spacer-optimized CD37CAR-T cells could target CD37-high neoplastic B cells both in vitro and in vivo, with only limited interactions with their normal leukocyte lineages, thereby providing an additional promising therapeutic intervention for patients with B cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Okuno
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Yoshitaka Adachi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Seitaro Terakura
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Jakrawadee Julamanee
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and.,Division of Clinical Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Toshiyasu Sakai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Koji Umemura
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Kotaro Miyao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Tatsunori Goto
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Atsushi Murase
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Kazuyuki Shimada
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Tetsuya Nishida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Makoto Murata
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
| | - Hitoshi Kiyoi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan; and
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146
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Bell M, Gottschalk S. Engineered Cytokine Signaling to Improve CAR T Cell Effector Function. Front Immunol 2021; 12:684642. [PMID: 34177932 PMCID: PMC8220823 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.684642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy with T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a promising approach to improve outcomes for cancer patients. While CAR T cell therapy is effective for hematological malignancies, there is a need to improve the efficacy of this therapeutic approach for patients with solid tumors and brain tumors. At present, several approaches are being pursued to improve the antitumor activity of CAR T cells including i) targeting multiple antigens, ii) improving T cell expansion/persistence, iii) enhancing homing to tumor sites, and iv) rendering CAR T cells resistant to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Augmenting signal 3 of T cell activation by transgenic expression of cytokines or engineered cytokine receptors has emerged as a promising strategy since it not only improves CAR T cell expansion/persistence but also their ability to function in the immunosuppressive TME. In this review, we will provide an overview of cytokine biology and highlight genetic approaches that are actively being pursued to augment cytokine signaling in CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Bell
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
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147
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Orvain C, Boulch M, Bousso P, Allanore Y, Avouac J. Is there a place for CAR-T cells in the treatment of chronic autoimmune rheumatic diseases? Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 73:1954-1965. [PMID: 34042325 DOI: 10.1002/art.41812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric-Antigen-Receptor T cell therapy or CAR-T cell is based on a specific targeting of tumor antigen leading to lysis and destruction of tumor cells development. CAR-T cells have demonstrated high potency for the management of B cell malignancies. This successful story was followed by the development of new CAR-T cell-derived constructions that have the ability to eradicate pathogenic B cells or restore tolerance. The objective of the herein manuscript is to review and discuss how the knowledge and technology generated by the use of CAR-T cells may be translated and integrated in the ongoing therapeutic strategies of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. To this end, we will introduce CAR-T cell technology, describe the meaningful achievements of CAR-T cells observed in onco-hematology and discuss preliminary data obtained with CAR-T cells and their derivative constructions in experimental models of autoimmune diseases. Then, we will focus on how CAR-T cell engineering is interfering with the pathogenesis of three chronic autoimmune rheumatic disorders - rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis - and discuss whether these constructs may permit to gain efficacy compared to current treatments and overcome their adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Orvain
- INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Morgane Boulch
- Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1223, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Bousso
- Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1223, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP.CUP, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Avouac
- INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP.CUP, Paris, France
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148
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Hasegawa A, Saito S, Narimatsu S, Nakano S, Nagai M, Ohnota H, Inada Y, Morokawa H, Nakashima I, Morita D, Ide Y, Matsuda K, Tashiro H, Yagyu S, Tanaka M, Nakazawa Y. Mutated GM-CSF-based CAR-T cells targeting CD116/CD131 complexes exhibit enhanced anti-tumor effects against acute myeloid leukaemia. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1282. [PMID: 33976880 PMCID: PMC8102137 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives As the prognosis of relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) remains poor, novel treatment strategies are urgently needed. Clinical trials have shown that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cells for AML are more challenging than those targeting CD19 in B‐cell malignancies. We recently developed piggyBac‐modified ligand‐based CAR‐T cells that target CD116/CD131 complexes, also known as the GM‐CSF receptor (GMR), for the treatment of juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia. This study therefore aimed to develop a novel therapeutic method for R/R AML using GMR CAR‐T cells. Methods To further improve the efficacy of the original GMR CAR‐T cells, we have developed novel GMR CAR vectors incorporating a mutated GM‐CSF for the antigen‐binding domain and G4S spacer. All GMR CAR‐T cells were generated using a piggyBac‐based gene transfer system. The anti‐tumor effect of GMR CAR‐T cells was tested in mouse AML xenograft models. Results Nearly 80% of the AML cells predominant in myelomonocytic leukaemia were found to express CD116. GMR CAR‐T cells exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against CD116+ AML cells in vitro. Furthermore, GMR CAR‐T cells incorporating a G4S spacer significantly improved long‐term in vitro and in vivo anti‐tumor effects. By employing a mutated GM‐CSF at residue 21 (E21K), the anti‐tumor effects of GMR CAR‐T cells were also improved especially in long‐term in vitro settings. Although GMR CAR‐T cells exerted cytotoxic effects on normal monocytes, their lethality on normal neutrophils, T cells, B cells and NK cells was minimal. Conclusions GMR CAR‐T cell therapy represents a promising strategy for CD116+ R/R AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics Shinshu University School of Medicine Matsumoto Japan
| | - Shoji Saito
- Department of Pediatrics Shinshu University School of Medicine Matsumoto Japan.,Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan
| | - Shogo Narimatsu
- Department of Drug Discovery Science Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan.,Frontier Technology Research Laboratory Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Azumino Japan
| | - Shigeru Nakano
- Department of Drug Discovery Science Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan.,Frontier Technology Research Laboratory Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Azumino Japan
| | - Mika Nagai
- Department of Pediatrics Shinshu University School of Medicine Matsumoto Japan
| | - Hideki Ohnota
- Department of Drug Discovery Science Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan
| | - Yoichi Inada
- Department of Pediatrics Shinshu University School of Medicine Matsumoto Japan.,Department of Drug Discovery Science Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan
| | - Hirokazu Morokawa
- Department of Pediatrics Shinshu University School of Medicine Matsumoto Japan
| | - Ikumi Nakashima
- Department of Pediatrics Shinshu University School of Medicine Matsumoto Japan
| | - Daisuke Morita
- Department of Pediatrics Shinshu University School of Medicine Matsumoto Japan.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan
| | - Yuichiro Ide
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Shinshu University Hospital Matsumoto Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Matsuda
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences Graduate School of Medicine Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan
| | - Haruko Tashiro
- Department of Hematology/Oncology Teikyo University School of Medicine Itabashi Japan
| | - Shigeki Yagyu
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan.,Department of Pediatrics Kyoto Prefectural Medical University Kyoto Japan
| | - Miyuki Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics Shinshu University School of Medicine Matsumoto Japan.,Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan
| | - Yozo Nakazawa
- Department of Pediatrics Shinshu University School of Medicine Matsumoto Japan.,Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research Shinshu University Matsumoto Japan
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149
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Stornaiuolo A, Valentinis B, Sirini C, Scavullo C, Asperti C, Zhou D, Martinez De La Torre Y, Corna S, Casucci M, Porcellini S, Traversari C. Characterization and Functional Analysis of CD44v6.CAR T Cells Endowed with a New Low-Affinity Nerve Growth Factor Receptor-Based Spacer. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:744-760. [PMID: 33554732 PMCID: PMC8312023 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Effectiveness of adoptively transferred chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells strongly depends on the quality of CAR-mediated interaction of the effector cells with the target antigen on tumor cells. A major role in this interaction is played by the affinity of the single-chain variable fragment (scFv) for the antigen, and by the CAR design. In particular, the spacer domain may impact on the CAR T cell function by affecting the length and flexibility of the resulting CAR. This study addresses the need to improve the manufacturing process and the antitumor activity of CD44v6-specific CAR T cells by defining the optimal structure of a spacer region derived from the extracellular domain of the human low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR). We tailored the LNGFR spacer to modulate CAR length to efficiently recognize distal or proximal epitopes and to allow selection of transduced CAR T cells by the use of clinical-grade validated manufacturing systems. The different LNGFR spacers investigated in this study are responsible for the generation of CAR T cells with a different memory phenotype, which is mainly related to the level of CAR expression and the extent of the associated tonic signaling. In particular, the CD44v6-NWN2.CAR T cells are enriched in central memory cells and show improved in vitro functions in terms of killing capability, and in vivo antitumor activity against hematological and solid tumors. Clinical Trial Registration numbers: clinicaltrial.gov NCT04097301; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00423124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stornaiuolo
- Research Department, AGC Biologics SpA (Formerly MolMed SpA), Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Valentinis
- Research Department, AGC Biologics SpA (Formerly MolMed SpA), Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Sirini
- Research Department, AGC Biologics SpA (Formerly MolMed SpA), Milan, Italy.,Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; and.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Scavullo
- Research Department, AGC Biologics SpA (Formerly MolMed SpA), Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Asperti
- Research Department, AGC Biologics SpA (Formerly MolMed SpA), Milan, Italy
| | - Dan Zhou
- Research Department, AGC Biologics SpA (Formerly MolMed SpA), Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Corna
- Research Department, AGC Biologics SpA (Formerly MolMed SpA), Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Casucci
- Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Simona Porcellini
- Research Department, AGC Biologics SpA (Formerly MolMed SpA), Milan, Italy
| | - Catia Traversari
- Research Department, AGC Biologics SpA (Formerly MolMed SpA), Milan, Italy
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150
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Gong Y, Klein Wolterink RGJ, Wang J, Bos GMJ, Germeraad WTV. Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cell design and engineering for cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:73. [PMID: 33933160 PMCID: PMC8088725 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their efficient recognition and lysis of malignant cells, natural killer (NK) cells are considered as specialized immune cells that can be genetically modified to obtain capable effector cells for adoptive cellular treatment of cancer patients. However, biological and technical hurdles related to gene delivery into NK cells have dramatically restrained progress. Recent technological advancements, including improved cell expansion techniques, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and enhanced viral transduction and electroporation, have endowed comprehensive generation and characterization of genetically modified NK cells. These promising developments assist scientists and physicians to design better applications of NK cells in clinical therapy. Notably, redirecting NK cells using CARs holds important promise for cancer immunotherapy. Various preclinical and a limited number of clinical studies using CAR-NK cells show promising results: efficient elimination of target cells without side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity which are seen in CAR-T therapies. In this review, we focus on the details of CAR-NK technology, including the design of efficient and safe CAR constructs and associated NK cell engineering techniques: the vehicles to deliver the CAR-containing transgene, detection methods for CARs, as well as NK cell sources and NK cell expansion. We summarize the current CAR-NK cell literature and include valuable lessons learned from the CAR-T cell field. This review also provides an outlook on how these approaches may transform current clinical products and protocols for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel G J Klein Wolterink
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jianxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,CiMaas BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred T V Germeraad
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,CiMaas BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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