1
|
Mansoori S, Noei A, Maali A, Seyed-Motahari SS, Sharifzadeh Z. Recent updates on allogeneic CAR-T cells in hematological malignancies. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:304. [PMID: 39227937 PMCID: PMC11370086 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03479-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy is known as an effective therapy in patients with hematological malignancies. Since 2017, several autologous CAR-T cell (auto-CAR-T) drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of some kinds of relapsed/refractory hematological malignancies. However, some patients fail to respond to these drugs due to high manufacturing time, batch-to-batch variation, poor quality and insufficient quantity of primary T cells, and their insufficient expansion and function. CAR-T cells prepared from allogeneic sources (allo-CAR-Ts) can be an alternative option to overcome these obstacles. Recently, several allo-CAR-Ts have entered into the early clinical trials. Despite their promising preclinical and clinical results, there are two main barriers, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and allo-rejection that may decline the safety and efficacy of allo-CAR-Ts in the clinic. The successful development of these products depends on the starter cell source, the gene editing method, and the ability to escape immune rejection and prevent GvHD. Here, we summarize the gene editing technologies and the potential of various cell sources for developing allo-CAR-Ts and highlight their advantages for the treatment of hematological malignancies. We also describe preclinical and clinical data focusing on allo-CAR-T therapy in blood malignancies and discuss challenges and future perspectives of allo-CAR-Ts for therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmad Noei
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang K, Shi Y, Jin Z, He J. Advances in tumor vascular growth inhibition. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:2084-2096. [PMID: 38504070 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03432-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Tumor growth and metastasis require neovascularization, which is dependent on a complex array of factors, such as the production of various pro-angiogenic factors by tumor cells, intercellular signaling, and stromal remodeling. The hypoxic, acidic tumor microenvironment is not only conducive to tumor cell proliferation, but also disrupts the equilibrium of angiogenic factors, leading to vascular heterogeneity, which further promotes tumor development and metastasis. Anti-angiogenic strategies to inhibit tumor angiogenesis has, therefore, become an important focus for anti-tumor therapy. The traditional approach involves the use of anti-angiogenic drugs to inhibit tumor neovascularization by targeting upstream and downstream angiogenesis-related pathways or pro-angiogenic factors, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. This review explores the mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis and summarizes currently used anti-angiogenic drugs, including monoclonal antibody, and small-molecule inhibitors, as well as the progress and challenges associated with their use in anti-tumor therapy. It also outlines the opportunities and challenges of treating tumors using more advanced anti-angiogenic strategies, such as immunotherapy and nanomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Ze Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Taylor CA, Glover M, Maher J. CAR-T cell technologies that interact with the tumour microenvironment in solid tumours. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:849-871. [PMID: 39021098 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2380894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells have emerged as a ground-breaking therapy for the treatment of hematological malignancies due to their capacity for rapid tumor-specific killing and long-lasting tumor immunity. However, the same success has not been observed in patients with solid tumors. Largely, this is due to the additional challenges imposed by safe and uniform target selection, inefficient CAR T-cell access to sites of disease and the presence of a hostile immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. AREAS COVERED Literature was reviewed on the PubMed database from the first description of a CAR by Kuwana, Kurosawa and colleagues in December 1987 through to the present day. This literature indicates that in order to tackle solid tumors, CAR T-cells can be further engineered with additional armoring strategies that facilitate trafficking to and infiltration of malignant lesions together with reversal of suppressive immune checkpoints that operate within solid tumor lesions. EXPERT OPINION In this review, we describe a number of recent advances in CAR T-cell technology that set out to combat the problems imposed by solid tumors including tumor recruitment, infiltration, immunosuppression, metabolic compromise, and hypoxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Maher
- Leucid Bio Ltd, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Verhaar ER, van Keizerswaard WJC, Knoflook A, Balligand T, Ploegh HL. Nanobody-based CAR NK cells for possible immunotherapy of MICA + tumors. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae184. [PMID: 38756234 PMCID: PMC11096969 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The glycoproteins MICA and MICB are upregulated on the surface of cells undergoing stress, for instance due to (viral) infection or malignant transformation. MICA/B are the ligands for the activating receptor NKG2D, found on cytotoxic immune cells like NK cells, CD8+ T cells, and γδ T cells. Upon engagement of NKG2D, these cells are activated to eradicate the MICA/B-positive targets, assisted by the secretion of cytokines. Nanobodies, or VHHs, are derived from the variable regions of camelid heavy-chain only immunoglobulins. Nanobodies are characterized by their small size, ease of production, stability, and specificity of recognition. We generated nanobodies that recognize membrane-bound MICA with high affinity. Here, we use these nanobodies as building blocks for a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to establish VHH-based CAR NK cells. These anti-MICA nanobody-based CAR NK cells recognize and selectively kill MICA-positive tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. We track localization of the VHH-based CAR NK cells to MICA-positive lung metastases by immuno-positron emission tomography imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisha R Verhaar
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anouk Knoflook
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thomas Balligand
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hidde L Ploegh
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Verhaar ER, Knoflook A, Pishesha N, Liu X, van Keizerswaard WJC, Wucherpfennig KW, Ploegh HL. MICA-specific nanobodies for diagnosis and immunotherapy of MICA + tumors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368586. [PMID: 38550583 PMCID: PMC10973119 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
MICA and MICB are Class I MHC-related glycoproteins that are upregulated on the surface of cells in response to stress, for instance due to infection or malignant transformation. MICA/B are ligands for NKG2D, an activating receptor on NK cells, CD8+ T cells, and γδ T cells. Upon engagement of MICA/B with NKG2D, these cytotoxic cells eradicate MICA/B-positive targets. MICA is frequently overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells of epithelial and hematopoietic origin. Here, we created nanobodies that recognize MICA. Nanobodies, or VHHs, are the recombinantly expressed variable regions of camelid heavy chain-only immunoglobulins. They retain the capacity of antigen recognition but are characterized by their stability and ease of production. The nanobodies described here detect surface-disposed MICA on cancer cells in vitro by flow cytometry and can be used therapeutically as nanobody-drug conjugates when fused to the Maytansine derivative DM1. The nanobody-DM1 conjugate selectively kills MICA positive tumor cells in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisha R. Verhaar
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anouk Knoflook
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Novalia Pishesha
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xin Liu
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Kai W. Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hidde L. Ploegh
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pessino G, Scotti C, Maggi M, Immuno-Hub Consortium. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:901. [PMID: 38473265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maristella Maggi
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Immuno-Hub Consortium
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang X, Wang J, Tan Y, Chen C, Tang S, Zhao S, Qin Q, Huang H, Duan S. Nanobodies in cytokine‑mediated immunotherapy and immunoimaging (Review). Int J Mol Med 2024; 53:12. [PMID: 38063273 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are the main regulators of innate and adaptive immunity, mediating communications between the cells of the immune system and regulating biological functions, including cell motility, differentiation, growth and apoptosis. Cytokines and cytokine receptors have been used in the treatment of tumors and autoimmune diseases, and to intervene in cytokine storms. Indeed, the use of monoclonal antibodies to block cytokine‑receptor interactions, as well as antibody‑cytokine fusion proteins has exhibited immense potential for the treatment of tumors and autoimmune diseases. Compared with these traditional types of antibodies, nanobodies not only maintain a high affinity and specificity, but also have the advantages of high thermal stability, a high capacity for chemical manipulation, low immunogenicity, good tissue permeability, rapid clearance and economic production. Thus, nanobodies have extensive potential for use in the diagnosis and treatment of cytokine‑related diseases. The present review summarizes the application of nanobodies in cytokine‑mediated immunotherapy and immunoimaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Ying Tan
- Department of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Chaoting Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Shimei Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Qiuhong Qin
- Department of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Hansheng Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Siliang Duan
- Department of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Najafi S, Mortezaee K. Modifying CAR-T cells with anti-checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy: A focus on anti PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Life Sci 2024; 338:122387. [PMID: 38154609 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) are genetically engineered cells to express tumor-specific antigens revolutionizing the treatment of hematologic malignancies. The hostile tumor microenvironment (TME) remains a challenge for CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors. As a solution, combinational therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is shown to improve the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy. To avoid side effects related to the application of ICIs in combinational therapy, engineering CARs to express tumor-specific antigens may help improvement of clinical outcomes. Those CARs expressing single chain variable fragments (scFvs) or nanobodies against immune checkpoint stimulatory or inhibitory molecules, such as the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling axis are being extensively studied in various clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the significance of anti-PD-(L)1 scFv-expressing CAR-T cells in the treatment of human cancers, describing current challenges and potential strategies to overcome such predicaments in the area of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Taheri FH, Hassani M, Sharifzadeh Z, Behdani M, Abdoli S, Sayadi M, Bagherzadeh K, Arashkia A, Abolhassani M. Tuning spacer length improves the functionality of the nanobody-based VEGFR2 CAR T cell. BMC Biotechnol 2024; 24:1. [PMID: 38178096 PMCID: PMC10768260 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-023-00827-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T (CAR-T) cells for cancer immunotherapy have obtained considerable clinical importance. CAR T cells need an optimized intracellular signaling domain to get appropriately activated and also for the proper antigen recognition, the length and composition of the extracellular spacer are critical factors. RESULTS We constructed two third-generation nanobody-based VEGFR2-CARs containing either IgG1 hinge-CH2-CH3 region or hinge-only as long or short extracellular spacers, respectively. Both CARs also contained intracellular activating domains of CD28, OX40, and CD3ζ. The T cells from healthy individuals were transduced efficiently with the two CARs, and showed increased secretion of IL-2 and IFN-γ cytokines, and also CD69 and CD25 activation markers along with cytolytic activity after encountering VEGFR2+ cells. The VEGFR2-CAR T cells harboring the long spacer showed higher cytokine release and CD69 and CD25 expression in addition to a more efficient cytolytic effect on VEGFR2+ target cells. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated that the third-generation anti-VEGFR2 nanobody-based CAR T cell with a long spacer had a superior function and potentially could be a better candidate for solid tumor treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hajari Taheri
- Hybridoma Lab, Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Food and Drug Laboratory Research Center (FDLRC), Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA), MOH & ME, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hassani
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sharifzadeh
- Hybridoma Lab, Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahryar Abdoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Golestan University of Medical Science, Gorgān, Iran
| | - Mahtab Sayadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Kowsar Bagherzadeh
- Eye Research Center, Five Senses Health Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Arashkia
- Department of Molecular Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Abolhassani
- Hybridoma Lab, Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang WD, Guo YY, Yang ZL, Su GL, Sun ZJ. Sniping Cancer Stem Cells with Nanomaterials. ACS NANO 2023; 17:23262-23298. [PMID: 38010076 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c07828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance due to their self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. Despite encouraging progress in cancer treatment, conventional approaches often fail to eliminate CSCs, necessitating the development of precise targeted strategies. Recent advances in materials science and nanotechnology have enabled promising CSC-targeted approaches, harnessing the power of tailoring nanomaterials in diverse therapeutic applications. This review provides an update on the current landscape of nanobased precision targeting approaches against CSCs. We elucidate the nuanced application of organic, inorganic, and bioinspired nanomaterials across a spectrum of therapeutic paradigms, encompassing targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and multimodal synergistic therapies. By examining the accomplishments and challenges in this potential field, we aim to inform future efforts to advance nanomaterial-based therapies toward more effective "sniping" of CSCs and tumor clearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Da Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yan-Yu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Zhong-Lu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Guang-Liang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hojjatipour T, Sharifzadeh Z, Maali A, Azad M. Chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cells: a promising sword against insidious tumor cells. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1843-1864. [PMID: 37477869 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical component of innate immunity, particularly in initial cancer recognition and inhibition of additional tumor growth or metastasis propagation. NK cells recognize transformed cells without prior sensitization via stimulatory receptors and rapidly eradicate them. However, the protective tumor microenvironment facilitates tumor escaping via induction of an exhaustion state in immune cells, including NK cells. Hence, genetic manipulation of NK cells for specific identification of tumor-associated antigens or a more robust response against tumor cells is a promising strategy for NK cells' tumoricidal augmentation. Regarding the remarkable achievement of engineered CAR-T cells in treating hematologic malignancies, there is evolving interest in CAR-NK cell recruitment in cancer immunotherapy. Innate functionality of NK cells, higher safety, superior in vivo maintenance, and the off-the-shelf potential move CAR-NK-based therapy superior to CAR-T cells treatment. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the recent genetic manipulations of CAR-NK cell manufacturing regarding different domains of CAR constructs and their following delivery systems into diverse sources of NK cells. Then highlight the preclinical and clinical investigations of CAR-NK cells and examine the current challenges and prospects as an optimistic remedy in cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Students Research Center, School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciecnes, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, 3419759811, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lahimchi MR, Maroufi F, Maali A. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells: The Intersection of Stem Cells and Immunotherapy. Cell Reprogram 2023; 25:195-211. [PMID: 37782910 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a promising cell-based immunotherapy applicable to various cancers. High cost of production, immune rejection, heterogeneity of cell product, limited cell source, limited expandability, and relatively long production time have created the need to achieve a universal allogeneic CAR-T cell product for "off-the-shelf" application. Since the innovation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by Yamanaka et al., extensive efforts have been made to prepare an unlimited cell source for regenerative medicine, that is, immunotherapy. In the autologous grafting approach, iPSCs prepare the desired cell source for generating autologous CAR-T cells through more accessible and available sources. In addition, generating iPSC-derived CAR-T cells is a promising approach to achieving a suitable source for producing an allogeneic CAR-T cell product. In brief, the first step is reprogramming somatic cells (accessible from peripheral blood, skin, etc.) to iPSCs. In the next step, CAR expression and T cell lineage differentiation should be applied in different arrangements. In addition, in an allogeneic manner, human leukocyte antigen/T cell receptor (TCR) deficiency should be applied in iPSC colonies. The allogeneic iPSC-derived CAR-T cell experiments showed that simultaneous performance of HLA/TCR deficiency, CAR expression, and T cell lineage differentiation could bring the production to the highest efficacy in generating allogeneic iPSC-derived CAR-T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Faezeh Maroufi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dianat-Moghadam H, Nedaeinia R, Keshavarz M, Azizi M, Kazemi M, Salehi R. Immunotherapies targeting tumor vasculature: challenges and opportunities. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1226360. [PMID: 37727791 PMCID: PMC10506263 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1226360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer biology, and neoadjuvant therapies targeting either tumor vasculature or VEGF signaling have been developed to treat solid malignant tumors. However, these therapies induce complete vascular depletion leading to hypoxic niche, drug resistance, and tumor recurrence rate or leading to impaired delivery of chemo drugs and immune cell infiltration at the tumor site. Achieving a balance between oxygenation and tumor growth inhibition requires determining vascular normalization after treatment with a low dose of antiangiogenic agents. However, monotherapy within the approved antiangiogenic agents' benefits only some tumors and their efficacy improvement could be achieved using immunotherapy and emerging nanocarriers as a clinical tool to optimize subsequent therapeutic regimens and reduce the need for a high dosage of chemo agents. More importantly, combined immunotherapies and nano-based delivery systems can prolong the normalization window while providing the advantages to address the current treatment challenges within antiangiogenic agents. This review summarizes the approved therapies targeting tumor angiogenesis, highlights the challenges and limitations of current therapies, and discusses how vascular normalization, immunotherapies, and nanomedicine could introduce the theranostic potentials to improve tumor management in future clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Dianat-Moghadam
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Nedaeinia
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Keshavarz
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azizi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Salehi
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shapiro MB, Boucher J, Brousseau A, Dehkharghani A, Gabriel J, Kamat V, Patil K, Gao F, Walker J, Kelly R, Souders CA. Alpaca single B cell interrogation and heavy-chain-only antibody discovery on an optofluidic platform. Antib Ther 2023; 6:211-223. [PMID: 37680350 PMCID: PMC10481890 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbad018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo VHH discovery approaches have been limited by the lack of methodologies for camelid B cell interrogation. Here, we report a novel application of the Beacon® optofluidic platform to the discovery of heavy-chain-only antibodies by screening alpaca B cells. Methods for alpaca B cell enrichment, culture, IgG2/3 detection, and sequencing were developed and used to discover target-specific VHH from an alpaca immunized with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) or a second target. PSMA-specific hits were expressed as VHH-Fc and characterized using label-free techniques. Anti-PSMA IgG2/3 titer plateaued on day 153, when on-Beacon IgG2/3 secretion and target binding rates peaked. Of 13 recombinantly expressed VHH-Fc, all but one bound with nanomolar affinity, and five were successfully humanized. Repertoire sequencing uncovered additional variants within the clonal lineages of the validated hits. The establishment of this workflow extends the powerful Beacon technology to enable rapid VHH discovery directly from natural camelid immune repertoires.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariya B Shapiro
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
| | - Jacqueline Boucher
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
| | - Anna Brousseau
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
| | - Amin Dehkharghani
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
| | - Justin Gabriel
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
| | - Vishal Kamat
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
| | - Ketan Patil
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Gennao Bio, Hopewell, NJ 08534, USA
| | - Feng Gao
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
| | - Jennifer Walker
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
| | - Ryan Kelly
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
| | - Colby A Souders
- Twist Biopharma Solutions, Twist Bioscience Corporation, Quincy, MA 02169, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Maali A, Gholizadeh M, Feghhi-Najafabadi S, Noei A, Seyed-Motahari SS, Mansoori S, Sharifzadeh Z. Nanobodies in cell-mediated immunotherapy: On the road to fight cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1012841. [PMID: 36761751 PMCID: PMC9905824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1012841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system is essential in recognizing and eliminating tumor cells. The unique characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as heterogeneity, reduced blood flow, hypoxia, and acidity, can reduce the efficacy of cell-mediated immunity. The primary goal of cancer immunotherapy is to modify the immune cells or the TME to enable the immune system to eliminate malignancies successfully. Nanobodies, known as single-domain antibodies, are light chain-free antibody fragments produced from Camelidae antibodies. The unique properties of nanobodies, including high stability, reduced immunogenicity, enhanced infiltration into the TME of solid tumors and facile genetic engineering have led to their promising application in cell-mediated immunotherapy. They can promote the cancer therapy either directly by bridging between tumor cells and immune cells and by targeting cancer cells using immune cell-bound nanobodies or indirectly by blocking the inhibitory ligands/receptors. The T-cell activation can be engaged through anti-CD3 and anti-4-1BB nanobodies in the bispecific (bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs)) and trispecific (trispecific T-cell engager (TriTEs)) manners. Also, nanobodies can be used as natural killer (NK) cell engagers (BiKEs, TriKEs, and TetraKEs) to create an immune synapse between the tumor and NK cells. Nanobodies can redirect immune cells to attack tumor cells through a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) incorporating a nanobody against the target antigen. Various cancer antigens have been targeted by nanobody-based CAR-T and CAR-NK cells for treating both hematological and solid malignancies. They can also cause the continuation of immune surveillance against tumor cells by stopping inappropriate inhibition of immune checkpoints. Other roles of nanobodies in cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy include reprogramming macrophages to reduce metastasis and angiogenesis, as well as preventing the severe side effects occurring in cell-mediated immunotherapy. Here, we highlight the critical functions of various immune cells, including T cells, NK cells, and macrophages in the TME, and discuss newly developed immunotherapy methods based on the targeted manipulation of immune cells and TME with nanobodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Monireh Gholizadeh
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Noei
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Sheila Seyed-Motahari
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Sharifzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Zahra Sharifzadeh,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhong M, Chalbatani GM, Deng M, Li Q, Gharagouzloo E, Hamblin MR, Suarez ER, Hu L, Wang D. Functional characterization and development of novel human kinase insert domain receptor chimeric antigen receptor T-cells for immunotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 180:106331. [PMID: 36384203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy, in which T cells are transfected or transduced with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), is a transformative type of cancer immunotherapy. Despite outstanding success in hematological malignancies, their efficacy against solid tumors has been limited. Here, we aimed to explore whether T cells modified by a CAR targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor 2 receptor/ kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) could destroy tumors and their vasculature. A second-generation KDR-CAR was constructed and transfected into T cells using lentivirus. The 3D structure of the CAR construct and target antigen was predicted. Moreover, in silico analysis, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, were used to evaluate the minimum energy of interaction and stability of the complex. The anti-cancer effect of KDR-specific CAR-T cells was tested with KDR-expressing and KDR overexpressing A549 cell line. The in-silico study suggested that this CAR construct could be effective for lung cancer therapy. We evaluated this using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The KDR-CAR-T cells targeted and killed KDR-A549 with high efficiency by expressing IFN-γ and releasing granzyme B. The in vivo study showed that KDR-CAR-T cells dramatically inhibited the growth of lung cancer KDR-A549 xenografts in BALB/c-nu mice at day 10. The characterization of T cells modified by KDR-CAR by computational biology and wet-lab experiments suggested its applicability as a new treatment strategy for lung cancer and, potentially, for other vascularized solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhong
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Meifang Deng
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuyi Li
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Elahe Gharagouzloo
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Eloah Rabello Suarez
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Lili Hu
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dingding Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nanobody-based CAR T cells targeting intracellular tumor antigens. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113919. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
18
|
Safarzadeh Kozani P, Naseri A, Mirarefin SMJ, Salem F, Nikbakht M, Evazi Bakhshi S, Safarzadeh Kozani P. Nanobody-based CAR-T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Biomark Res 2022; 10:24. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1186/s40364-022-00371-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractChimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is the result of combining genetic engineering-based cancer immunotherapy with adoptive cell therapy (ACT). CAR-T therapy has been successful in treating various types of hematological cancers. CARs are receptors made of an extracellular domain, a membrane-spanning domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain of CARs harbors an antigen-targeting domain responsible for recognizing and binding cell surface-expressed target antigens. Conventionally, the single-chain fragment variable (scFv) of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) is used as the antigen-targeting domain of CARs. However, of late, researchers have exploited nanobodies for this aim based on numerous rationales including the small size of nanobodies, their stability, specificity, and high affinity, and their easy and feasible development process. Many findings have confirmed that nanobody-based CAR-Ts can be as functional as scFv-based CAR-Ts in preclinical and clinical settings. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of scFvs and nanobodies in regards to their application as the targeting domain of CARs. Ultimately, we discuss various CAR target antigens which have been targeted using nanobody-based CAR-T cells for the treatment of different types of malignancies.
Collapse
|
19
|
Jafari M, Kadkhodazadeh M, Shapourabadi MB, Goradel NH, Shokrgozar MA, Arashkia A, Abdoli S, Sharifzadeh Z. Immunovirotherapy: The role of antibody based therapeutics combination with oncolytic viruses. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1012806. [PMID: 36311790 PMCID: PMC9608759 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1012806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that the new drugs and targeted therapies have been approved for cancer therapy during the past 30 years, the majority of cancer types are still remain challenging to be treated. Due to the tumor heterogeneity, immune system evasion and the complex interaction between the tumor microenvironment and immune cells, the great majority of malignancies need multimodal therapy. Unfortunately, tumors frequently develop treatment resistance, so it is important to have a variety of therapeutic choices available for the treatment of neoplastic diseases. Immunotherapy has lately shown clinical responses in malignancies with unfavorable outcomes. Oncolytic virus (OV) immunotherapy is a cancer treatment strategy that employs naturally occurring or genetically-modified viruses that multiply preferentially within cancer cells. OVs have the ability to not only induce oncolysis but also activate cells of the immune system, which in turn activates innate and adaptive anticancer responses. Despite the fact that OVs were translated into clinical trials, with T-VECs receiving FDA approval for melanoma, their use in fighting cancer faced some challenges, including off-target side effects, immune system clearance, non-specific uptake, and intratumoral spread of OVs in solid tumors. Although various strategies have been used to overcome the challenges, these strategies have not provided promising outcomes in monotherapy with OVs. In this situation, it is increasingly common to use rational combinations of immunotherapies to improve patient benefit. With the development of other aspects of cancer immunotherapy strategies, combinational therapy has been proposed to improve the anti-tumor activities of OVs. In this regard, OVs were combined with other biotherapeutic platforms, including various forms of antibodies, nanobodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and dendritic cells, to reduce the side effects of OVs and enhance their efficacy. This article reviews the promising outcomes of OVs in cancer therapy, the challenges OVs face and solutions, and their combination with other biotherapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdie Jafari
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Nasser Hashemi Goradel
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Arash Arashkia
- Department of Molecular Virology, Pasture Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahriyar Abdoli
- School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- *Correspondence: Zahra Sharifzadeh, ; Shahriyar Abdoli,
| | - Zahra Sharifzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Zahra Sharifzadeh, ; Shahriyar Abdoli,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen L, Xie T, Wei B, Di DL. Current progress in CAR-T cell therapy for tumor treatment. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:358. [PMID: 36168313 PMCID: PMC9478623 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells are a type of tumor immunotherapy that is a breakthrough technology in the clinical treatment of tumors. The basic principle of this method is to extract the patient's T cells and equip them with targeting recognition receptors of tumor cells and return them to the patient's body to recognize and kill tumor cells specifically. Most CAR-T cell therapies treat hematological diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma and achieved encouraging results. The safety and effectiveness of CAR-T cell technology in solid tumor treatment require to be improved, although it has demonstrated promising efficacy in treating hematological malignancies. It is worth noting that certain patients may experience fatal adverse reactions after receiving CAR-T cell therapy. At present, the difficulty of this therapy mainly lies in how to reduce adverse reactions and target escape effects during the course of treatment. The improvement of CAR-T cell therapy mainly focuses on improving CAR-T structure, finding suitable tumor targets and combining them with immune checkpoint inhibitors to the enhance efficacy and safety of treatment. The problems in the rapid development of CAR-T cell therapy provide both obstacles and opportunities. The present review elaborates on the clinical application of CAR-T cell technology to provide a reference for clinical practice and research on tumor treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Ting Xie
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, P.R. China
| | - Bing Wei
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Da-Lin Di
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zeng Q, Liu Z, Niu T, He C, Qu Y, Qian Z. Application of nanotechnology in CAR-T-cell immunotherapy. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.107747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
|
22
|
Martín-Otal C, Navarro F, Casares N, Lasarte-Cía A, Sánchez-Moreno I, Hervás-Stubbs S, Lozano T, Lasarte JJ. Impact of tumor microenvironment on adoptive T cell transfer activity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 370:1-31. [PMID: 35798502 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. The use of adoptive cell therapies (ACT) such as those based on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or genetically modified cells (transgenic TCR lymphocytes or CAR-T cells), has shown impressive results in the treatment of several types of cancers. However, cancer cells can exploit mechanisms to escape from immunosurveillance resulting in many patients not responding to these therapies or respond only transiently. The failure of immunotherapy to achieve long-term tumor control is multifactorial. On the one hand, only a limited percentage of the transferred lymphocytes is capable of circulating through the bloodstream, interacting and crossing the tumor endothelium to infiltrate the tumor. Metabolic competition, excessive glucose consumption, the high level of lactic acid secretion and the extracellular pH acidification, the shortage of essential amino acids, the hypoxic conditions or the accumulation of fatty acids in the tumor microenvironment (TME), greatly hinder the anti-tumor activity of the immune cells in ACT therapy strategies. Therefore, there is a new trend in immunotherapy research that seeks to unravel the fundamental biology that underpins the response to therapy and identifies new approaches to better amplify the efficacy of immunotherapies. In this review we address important aspects that may significantly affect the efficacy of ACT, indicating also the therapeutic alternatives that are currently being implemented to overcome these drawbacks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celia Martín-Otal
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Flor Navarro
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noelia Casares
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aritz Lasarte-Cía
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Inés Sánchez-Moreno
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervás-Stubbs
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Teresa Lozano
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Juan José Lasarte
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Awad RM, Meeus F, Ceuppens H, Ertveldt T, Hanssens H, Lecocq Q, Mateusiak L, Zeven K, Valenta H, De Groof TWM, De Vlaeminck Y, Krasniqi A, De Veirman K, Goyvaerts C, D'Huyvetter M, Hernot S, Devoogdt N, Breckpot K. Emerging applications of nanobodies in cancer therapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 369:143-199. [PMID: 35777863 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, requiring treatment tailored to the unique phenotype of the patient's tumor. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and variants thereof have enabled targeted therapies to selectively target cancer cells. Cancer cell-specific mAbs have been used for image-guided surgery and targeted delivery of radionuclides or toxic agents, improving classical treatment strategies. Cancer cell-specific mAbs can further inhibit tumor cell growth or can stimulate immune-mediated destruction of cancer cells, a feature that has also been achieved through mAb-mediated manipulation of immune cells and pathways. Drawbacks of mAbs and their variants, together with the discovery of camelid heavy chain-only antibodies and the many advantageous features of their variable domains, referred to as VHHs, single domain antibodies or nanobodies (Nbs), resulted in the exploration of Nbs as an alternative targeting moiety. We therefore review the state-of-the-art as well as novel exploitation strategies of Nbs for targeted cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heleen Hanssens
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lukasz Mateusiak
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katty Zeven
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hana Valenta
- Lab for Nanobiology, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Timo W M De Groof
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ahmet Krasniqi
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Laboratory for Hematology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'Huyvetter
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Hernot
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Safarzadeh Kozani P, Naseri A, Mirarefin SMJ, Salem F, Nikbakht M, Evazi Bakhshi S, Safarzadeh Kozani P. Nanobody-based CAR-T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Biomark Res 2022; 10:24. [PMID: 35468841 PMCID: PMC9036779 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00371-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is the result of combining genetic engineering-based cancer immunotherapy with adoptive cell therapy (ACT). CAR-T therapy has been successful in treating various types of hematological cancers. CARs are receptors made of an extracellular domain, a membrane-spanning domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain of CARs harbors an antigen-targeting domain responsible for recognizing and binding cell surface-expressed target antigens. Conventionally, the single-chain fragment variable (scFv) of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) is used as the antigen-targeting domain of CARs. However, of late, researchers have exploited nanobodies for this aim based on numerous rationales including the small size of nanobodies, their stability, specificity, and high affinity, and their easy and feasible development process. Many findings have confirmed that nanobody-based CAR-Ts can be as functional as scFv-based CAR-Ts in preclinical and clinical settings. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of scFvs and nanobodies in regards to their application as the targeting domain of CARs. Ultimately, we discuss various CAR target antigens which have been targeted using nanobody-based CAR-T cells for the treatment of different types of malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Naseri
- School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Faeze Salem
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Nikbakht
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Evazi Bakhshi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Pooria Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shoari A, Tahmasebi M, Khodabakhsh F, Cohan RA, Oghalaie A, Behdani M. Angiogenic biomolecules specific nanobodies application in cancer imaging and therapy; review and updates. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 105:108585. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
26
|
Nguyen A, Johanning G, Shi Y. Emerging Novel Combined CAR-T Cell Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061403. [PMID: 35326556 PMCID: PMC8945996 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary As a result of FDA approval of CAR-T cell treatments in the last few years, this immunotherapy has provided further direction to precision medicine through its combination with other therapeutic approaches. In the past year, several review articles have been published focusing on advances in this fast-developing field, especially with respect to efforts to overcome hurdles associated with applying CAR-T cells in solid tumors. This review paper focuses on combining CAR-T cell therapy with small molecule drugs, up-to-date progress in CAR-T cell therapy research, and advances in combined CAR-T immunotherapy with other treatments targeting solid tumors. Abstract Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T cells are T cells engineered to express membrane receptors with high specificity to recognize specific target antigens presented by cancer cells and are co-stimulated with intracellular signals to increase the T cell response. CAR-T cell therapy is emerging as a novel therapeutic approach to improve T cell specificity that will lead to advances in precision medicine. CAR-T cells have had impressive outcomes in hematological malignancies. However, there continue to be significant limitations of these therapeutic responses in targeting solid malignancies such as heterogeneous antigens in solid tumors, tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, risk of on-target/off-tumor, infiltrating CAR-T cells, immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules, and cytokines. This review paper summarizes recent approaches and innovations through combination therapies of CAR-T cells and other immunotherapy or small molecule drugs to counter the above disadvantages to potentiate the activity of CAR-T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anh Nguyen
- College of Graduate Studies, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA;
| | | | - Yihui Shi
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Andrea AE, Chiron A, Mallah S, Bessoles S, Sarrabayrouse G, Hacein-Bey-Abina S. Advances in CAR-T Cell Genetic Engineering Strategies to Overcome Hurdles in Solid Tumors Treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:830292. [PMID: 35211124 PMCID: PMC8861853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.830292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During this last decade, adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) emerged as a valuable therapeutic strategy in hematological cancers. However, this immunotherapy has demonstrated limited efficacy in solid tumors. The main obstacle encountered by CAR-T cells in solid malignancies is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME impedes tumor trafficking and penetration of T lymphocytes and installs an immunosuppressive milieu by producing suppressive soluble factors and by overexpressing negative immune checkpoints. In order to overcome these hurdles, new CAR-T cells engineering strategies were designed, to potentiate tumor recognition and infiltration and anti-cancer activity in the hostile TME. In this review, we provide an overview of the major mechanisms used by tumor cells to evade immune defenses and we critically expose the most optimistic engineering strategies to make CAR-T cell therapy a solid option for solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alain E. Andrea
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Thérapies Moléculaires, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Saint Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Andrada Chiron
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le-Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Sarah Mallah
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stéphanie Bessoles
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Sarrabayrouse
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
| | - Salima Hacein-Bey-Abina
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le-Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Akbari P, Katsarou A, Daghighian R, van Mil LW, Huijbers EJ, Griffioen AW, van Beijnum JR. Directing CAR T cells towards the tumor vasculature for the treatment of solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188701. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Asaadi Y, Jouneghani FF, Janani S, Rahbarizadeh F. A comprehensive comparison between camelid nanobodies and single chain variable fragments. Biomark Res 2021; 9:87. [PMID: 34863296 PMCID: PMC8642758 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00332-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
By the emergence of recombinant DNA technology, many antibody fragments have been developed devoid of undesired properties of natural immunoglobulins. Among them, camelid heavy-chain variable domains (VHHs) and single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) are the most favored ones. While scFv is used widely in various applications, camelid antibodies (VHHs) can serve as an alternative because of their superior chemical and physical properties such as higher solubility, stability, smaller size, and lower production cost. Here, these two counterparts are compared in structure and properties to identify which one is more suitable for each of their various therapeutic, diagnosis, and research applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Asaadi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fazlollahi Jouneghani
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Janani
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
- Research and Development Center of Biotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lanitis E, Kosti P, Ronet C, Cribioli E, Rota G, Spill A, Reichenbach P, Zoete V, Dangaj Laniti D, Coukos G, Irving M. VEGFR-2 redirected CAR-T cells are functionally impaired by soluble VEGF-A competition for receptor binding. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002151. [PMID: 34389616 PMCID: PMC8365827 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has emerged as a potent immunotherapy against some hematological malignancies but not yet for epithelial-derived solid tumors. One critical issue is the paucity of broadly expressed solid tumor antigens (TAs), and another is the presence of suppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can impair CAR-T cell homing, extravasation and effector functions. TAs expressed by endothelial cells of the tumor vasculature are of clinical interest for CAR therapy because of their genomic stability and accessibility to circulating T cells, as well as their expression across multiple tumor types. In this study, we sought to explore limitations to the efficacy of second-generation (2G) murine CAR-T cells redirected against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) with the well-characterized single-chain variable fragment DC101. Methods Primary murine T cells were retrovirally transduced to express a 2G anti-VEGFR-2-CAR, and the in vitro binding to VEGFR-2, as well as reactivity against TA-expressing cells, was evaluated in the absence versus presence of exogenous VEGF-A. The CAR-T cells were further tested in vivo for tumor control alone and in combination with anti-VEGF-A antibody. Finally, we performed ex vivo phenotypic analyses of tumor-infiltrating CAR-T cells for the two treatment groups. Results In line with previous reports, we observed poor control of B16 melanoma by the 2G anti-VEGFR-2 CAR-T cells as a monotherapy. We further showed that VEGFR-2 is not downregulated by B16 melanoma tumors post treatment, but that its soluble ligand VEGF-A is upregulated and furthermore competes in vitro with the CAR-T cells for binding to VEGFR-2. This competition resulted in impaired CAR-T cell adhesion and effector function in vitro that could be restored in the presence of anti-VEGF-A antibody. Finally, we demonstrated that coadministration of anti-VEGF-A antibody in vivo promoted CAR-T cell persistence and tumor control and was associated with reduced frequencies of PD-1+ Ki67- and LAG-3+ Ki67- CAR-T cells in the TME. Conclusions This study represents the first example of impaired function of a vasculature-targeted CAR by an angiogenic ligand and rationalizes the use of combinatorial therapies that target the tumor vasculature and augment CAR-T cell effector function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evripidis Lanitis
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Paris Kosti
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Ronet
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Elisabetta Cribioli
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Giorgia Rota
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Aodrenn Spill
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Reichenbach
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Zoete
- Computer-aided Molecular Engineering Group, Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Denarda Dangaj Laniti
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pierini S, Mishra A, Perales-Linares R, Uribe-Herranz M, Beghi S, Giglio A, Pustylnikov S, Costabile F, Rafail S, Amici A, Facciponte JG, Koumenis C, Facciabene A. Combination of vasculature targeting, hypofractionated radiotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitor elicits potent antitumor immune response and blocks tumor progression. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001636. [PMID: 33563772 PMCID: PMC7875275 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor endothelial marker 1 (TEM1) is a protein expressed in the tumor-associated endothelium and/or stroma of various types of cancer. We previously demonstrated that immunization with a plasmid-DNA vaccine targeting TEM1 reduced tumor progression in three murine cancer models. Radiation therapy (RT) is an established cancer modality used in more than 50% of patients with solid tumors. RT can induce tumor-associated vasculature injury, triggering immunogenic cell death and inhibition of the irradiated tumor and distant non-irradiated tumor growth (abscopal effect). Combination treatment of RT with TEM1 immunotherapy may complement and augment established immune checkpoint blockade. Methods Mice bearing bilateral subcutaneous CT26 colorectal or TC1 lung tumors were treated with a novel heterologous TEM1-based vaccine, in combination with RT, and anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody or combinations of these therapies, tumor growth of irradiated and abscopal tumors was subsequently assessed. Analysis of tumor blood perfusion was evaluated by CD31 staining and Doppler ultrasound imaging. Immunophenotyping of peripheral and tumor-infiltrating immune cells as well as functional analysis was analyzed by flow cytometry, ELISpot assay and adoptive cell transfer (ACT) experiments. Results We demonstrate that addition of RT to heterologous TEM1 vaccination reduces progression of CT26 and TC1 irradiated and abscopal distant tumors as compared with either single treatment. Mechanistically, RT increased major histocompatibility complex class I molecule (MHCI) expression on endothelial cells and improved immune recognition of the endothelium by anti-TEM1 T cells with subsequent severe vascular damage as measured by reduced microvascular density and tumor blood perfusion. Heterologous TEM1 vaccine and RT combination therapy boosted tumor-associated antigen (TAA) cross-priming (ie, anti-gp70) and augmented programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 signaling within CT26 tumor. Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in combination with dual therapy further increased the antitumor effect and gp70-specific immune responses. ACT experiments show that anti-gp70 T cells are required for the antitumor effects of the combination therapy. Conclusion Our findings describe novel cooperative mechanisms between heterologous TEM1 vaccination and RT, highlighting the pivotal role that TAA cross-priming plays for an effective antitumor strategy. Furthermore, we provide rationale for using heterologous TEM1 vaccination and RT as an add-on to immune checkpoint blockade as triple combination therapy into early-phase clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pierini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Ovarian Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Abhishek Mishra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Renzo Perales-Linares
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mireia Uribe-Herranz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Ovarian Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Silvia Beghi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrea Giglio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sergei Pustylnikov
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Francesca Costabile
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stavros Rafail
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Augusto Amici
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Marche, Italy
| | - John G Facciponte
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Costantinos Koumenis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrea Facciabene
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA .,Ovarian Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
The Application of Nanobody in CAR-T Therapy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020238. [PMID: 33567640 PMCID: PMC7914546 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy represents a form of immune cellular therapy with clinical efficacy and a specific target. A typical chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) construct consists of an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain. Nanobodies have been widely applied as the antigen binding domain of CAR-T due to their small size, optimal stability, high affinity, and manufacturing feasibility. The nanobody-based CAR structure has shown a proven function in more than ten different tumor-specific targets. After being transduced in Jurkat cells, natural killer cells, or primary T cells, the resulting nanobody-based CAR-T or CAR-NK cells demonstrate anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, anti-BCMA CAR-T modulated by a single nanobody or bi-valent nanobody displays comparable clinical effects with that of single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-modulated CAR-T. The application of nanobodies in CAR-T therapy has been well demonstrated from bench to bedside and displays great potential in forming advanced CAR-T for more challenging tasks.
Collapse
|
34
|
Filin IY, Solovyeva VV, Kitaeva KV, Rutland CS, Rizvanov AA. Current Trends in Cancer Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120621. [PMID: 33348704 PMCID: PMC7766207 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for an effective drug to treat oncological diseases, which have become the main scourge of mankind, has generated a lot of methods for studying this affliction. It has also become a serious challenge for scientists and clinicians who have needed to invent new ways of overcoming the problems encountered during treatments, and have also made important discoveries pertaining to fundamental issues relating to the emergence and development of malignant neoplasms. Understanding the basics of the human immune system interactions with tumor cells has enabled new cancer immunotherapy strategies. The initial successes observed in immunotherapy led to new methods of treating cancer and attracted the attention of the scientific and clinical communities due to the prospects of these methods. Nevertheless, there are still many problems that prevent immunotherapy from calling itself an effective drug in the fight against malignant neoplasms. This review examines the current state of affairs for each immunotherapy method, the effectiveness of the strategies under study, as well as possible ways to overcome the problems that have arisen and increase their therapeutic potentials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Y. Filin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (I.Y.F.); (V.V.S.); (K.V.K.)
| | - Valeriya V. Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (I.Y.F.); (V.V.S.); (K.V.K.)
| | - Kristina V. Kitaeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (I.Y.F.); (V.V.S.); (K.V.K.)
| | - Catrin S. Rutland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2QL, UK;
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (I.Y.F.); (V.V.S.); (K.V.K.)
- Republic Clinical Hospital, 420064 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-905-316-7599
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gettemans J, De Dobbelaer B. Transforming nanobodies into high-precision tools for protein function analysis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 320:C195-C215. [PMID: 33264078 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00435.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Single-domain antibodies, derived from camelid heavy antibodies (nanobodies) or shark variable new antigen receptors, have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their extremely versatile nature and the opportunities they offer for downstream modification. Discovered more than three decades ago, these 120-amino acid (∼15-kDa) antibody fragments are known to bind their target with high specificity and affinity. Key features of nanobodies that make them very attractive include their single-domain nature, small size, and affordable high-level expression in prokaryotes, and their cDNAs are routinely obtained in the process of their isolation. This facilitates and stimulates new experimental approaches. Hence, it allows researchers to formulate new answers to complex biomedical questions. Through elementary PCR-based technologies and chemical modification strategies, their primary structure can be altered almost at leisure while retaining their specificity and biological activity, transforming them into highly tailored tools that meet the increasing demands of current-day biomedical research. In this review, various aspects of camelid nanobodies are expounded, including intracellular delivery in recombinant format for manipulation of, i.e., cytoplasmic targets, their derivatization to improve nanobody orientation as a capturing device, approaches to reversibly bind their target, their potential as protein-silencing devices in cells, the development of strategies to transfer nanobodies through the blood-brain barrier and their application in CAR-T experimentation. We also discuss some of their disadvantages and conclude with future prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gettemans
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Brian De Dobbelaer
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Verhaar ER, Woodham AW, Ploegh HL. Nanobodies in cancer. Semin Immunol 2020; 52:101425. [PMID: 33272897 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
For treatment and diagnosis of cancer, antibodies have proven their value and now serve as a first line of therapy for certain cancers. A unique class of antibody fragments called nanobodies, derived from camelid heavy chain-only antibodies, are gaining increasing acceptance as diagnostic tools and are considered also as building blocks for chimeric antigen receptors as well as for targeted drug delivery. The small size of nanobodies (∼15 kDa), their stability, ease of manufacture and modification for diverse formats, short circulatory half-life, and high tissue penetration, coupled with excellent specificity and affinity, account for their attractiveness. Here we review applications of nanobodies in the sphere of tumor biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisha R Verhaar
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Andrew W Woodham
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hidde L Ploegh
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhu L, Yang X, Zhong D, Xie S, Shi W, Li Y, Hou X, HuaYao, Zhou H, Zhao M, Ding Z, Zhao X, Mo F, Yin S, Liu A, Lu X. Single-Domain Antibody-Based TCR-Like CAR-T: A Potential Cancer Therapy. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:2454907. [PMID: 32964055 PMCID: PMC7492946 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2454907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retargeting the antigen-binding specificity of T cells to intracellular antigens that are degraded and presented on the tumor surface by engineering chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), also named TCR-like antibody CAR-T, remains limited. With the exception of the commercialized CD19 CAR-T for hematological malignancies and other CAR-T therapies aiming mostly at extracellular antigens achieving great success, the rareness and scarcity of TCR-like CAR-T therapies might be due to their current status and limitations. This review provides the probable optimized initiatives for improving TCR-like CAR-T reprogramming and discusses single-domain antibodies administered as an alternative to conventional scFvs and secreted by CAR-T cells, which might be of great value to the development of CAR-T immunotherapies for intracellular antigens.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Genetic Engineering
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Single-Chain Antibodies/immunology
- Single-Domain Antibodies/genetics
- Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lichen Zhu
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Dani Zhong
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
- Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Shenxia Xie
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Yangzi Li
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Hou
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - HuaYao
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
- School of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Huihui Zhou
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Minlong Zhao
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
- School of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xinyue Zhao
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Fengzhen Mo
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Shihua Yin
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Aiqun Liu
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiaoling Lu
- Nanobody Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
- School of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yang EY, Shah K. Nanobodies: Next Generation of Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1182. [PMID: 32793488 PMCID: PMC7390931 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of targeted medicine has greatly expanded treatment options and spurred new research avenues in cancer therapeutics, with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) emerging as a prevalent treatment in recent years. With mixed clinical success, mAbs still hold significant shortcomings, as they possess limited tumor penetration, high manufacturing costs, and the potential to develop therapeutic resistance. However, the recent discovery of “nanobodies,” the smallest-known functional antibody fragment, has demonstrated significant translational potential in preclinical and clinical studies. This review highlights their various applications in cancer and analyzes their trajectory toward their translation into the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Y Yang
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Departments of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Khalid Shah
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Departments of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Huang D, Miller M, Ashok B, Jain S, Peppas NA. CRISPR/Cas systems to overcome challenges in developing the next generation of T cells for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 158:17-35. [PMID: 32707148 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered immune cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) or modified T cell receptors (TCR) have demonstrated their potential as a potent class of new cancer therapeutic strategy. Despite the clinical success of autologous CD19 CAR T cells in hematological malignancies, allogeneic T cells exhibit many advantages over their autologous counterparts and have recently gathered widespread attention due to the emergence of multiplex genome editing techniques, particularly CRISPR/Cas systems. Furthermore, genetically engineered T cells face a host of major challenges in solid tumors that are not as significant for blood cancers such as T cell targeted delivery, target specificity, proliferation, persistence, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We take this opportunity to analyze recent strategies to develop allogeneic T cells, specifically in consideration of CRISPR/Cas and its delivery systems for multiplex gene editing. Additionally, we discuss the current methods used to delivery CRISPR/Cas systems for immunotherapeutic applications, and the challenges to continued development of novel delivery systems. We also provide a comprehensive analysis of the major challenges that genetically engineered T cells face in solid tumors along with the most recent strategies to overcome these barriers, with an emphasis on CRISPR-based approaches. We illustrate the synergistic prospects for how the combination of synthetic biology and immune-oncology could pave the way for designing the next generation of precision cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
T cells armed with a chimeric antigen receptor, CAR T cells, have shown extraordinary activity against certain B lymphocyte malignancies, when targeted towards the CD19 B cell surface marker. These results have led to the regulatory approval of two CAR T cell approaches. Translation of this result to the solid tumor setting has been problematic until now. A number of differences between liquid and solid tumors are likely to cause this discrepancy. The main ones of these are undoubtedly the uncomplicated availability of the target cell within the blood compartment and the abundant expression of the target molecule on the cancerous cells in the case of hematological malignancies. Targets expressed by solid tumor cells are hard to engage due to the non-adhesive and abnormal vasculature, while conditions in the tumor microenvironment can be extremely immunosuppressive. Targets in the tumor vasculature are readily reachable by CAR T cells and reside outside the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. It is therefore hypothesized that targeting CAR T cells towards the tumor vasculature of solid tumors may share the excellent effects of CAR T cell therapy with that against hematological malignancies. A few reports have shown promising results. Suggestions are provided for further improvement.
Collapse
|
41
|
Lin Y, Chen Z, Hu C, Chen ZS, Zhang L. Recent progress in antitumor functions of the intracellular antibodies. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1109-1120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
42
|
Yang X, Xie S, Yang X, Cueva JC, Hou X, Tang Z, Yao H, Mo F, Yin S, Liu A, Lu X. Opportunities and Challenges for Antibodies against Intracellular Antigens. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:7792-7806. [PMID: 31695801 PMCID: PMC6831482 DOI: 10.7150/thno.35486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies are one most significant advances in immunotherapy, the development of antibodies against disease-associated MHC-peptide complexes led to the introduction of TCR-like antibodies. TCR-like antibodies combine the recognition of intracellular proteins with the therapeutic potency and versatility of monoclonal antibodies (mAb), offering an unparalleled opportunity to expand the repertoire of therapeutic antibodies available to treat diseases like cancer. This review details the current state of TCR-like antibodies and describes their production, mechanisms as well as their applications. In addition, it presents an insight on the challenges that they must overcome in order to become commercially and clinically validated.
Collapse
|
43
|
Lecocq Q, De Vlaeminck Y, Hanssens H, D'Huyvetter M, Raes G, Goyvaerts C, Keyaerts M, Devoogdt N, Breckpot K. Theranostics in immuno-oncology using nanobody derivatives. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:7772-7791. [PMID: 31695800 PMCID: PMC6831473 DOI: 10.7150/thno.34941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have become mainstream in cancer treatment. However, only patient subsets benefit from these expensive therapies, and often responses are short‐lived or coincide with side effects. A growing modality in precision oncology is the development of theranostics, as this enables patient selection, treatment and monitoring. In this approach, labeled compounds and an imaging technology are used to diagnose patients and select the best treatment option, whereas for therapy, related compounds are used to target cancer cells or the tumor stroma. In this context, nanobodies and nanobody-directed therapeutics have gained interest. This interest stems from their high antigen specificity, small size, ease of labeling and engineering, allowing specific imaging and design of therapies targeting antigens on tumor cells, immune cells as well as proteins in the tumor environment. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the state-of-the-art regarding the use of nanobodies as theranostics, and their importance in the emerging field of personalized medicine.
Collapse
|
44
|
Han L, Husaiyin S, Ma C, Niyazi M. Association study between the polymorphisms of angiogenesis-related genes and cervical cancer susceptibility in Chinese Uygur population. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e00899. [PMID: 31478352 PMCID: PMC6785432 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in women, and its invasion and metastasis are regulated by tumor angiogenic growth factors and their cognate receptors. In this study, we explored the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of angiogenesis-related genes (VEGF-C, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3) and the risk of cervical cancer in Chinese Uygur population. METHODS We investigated four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 342 cervical cancer cases and 498 controls to evaluate their association with the risk of cervical cancer. Their correlations were evaluated by chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, t test, and genetic model analyses. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS We observed that rs12646659 in VEGF-C was associated with a lower cervical cancer risk in allele, dominant, and log-additive models (allele: p = .017; dominant: p = .018; log-additive: p = .018). For the individuals older than 43, rs4604006 (VEGF-C) was related to an increased cervical cancer risk under codominant model (p = .035), and rs12646659 was significantly associated with a reduced cervical cancer risk in allele, dominant, log-additive models (allele: p = .028; codominant: p = .037; log-additive: p = .037) However, there were no significant correlation of rs1000611 (VEGFR-2) and rs1195571 (VEGFR-3) with cervical cancer risk in Chinese Uygur population. CONCLUSION Our study firstly provided evidence that rs4604006 and rs12646659 of VEGF-C gene were related to the susceptibility of cervical cancer in Chinese Uygur population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Han
- Department of Gynecology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Sulaiya Husaiyin
- Department of Gynecology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Chunhua Ma
- Department of Gynecology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Mayinuer Niyazi
- Department of Gynecology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| |
Collapse
|