1
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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2
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Yuwen H, Wang H, Li T, Ren Y, Zhang YK, Chen P, Sun A, Bian G, Li B, Flowers D, Presler M, Subramanian K, Xue J, Wang J, Lynch K, Mei J, He X, Shan B, Hou B. ATG-101 Is a Tetravalent PD-L1×4-1BB Bispecific Antibody That Stimulates Antitumor Immunity through PD-L1 Blockade and PD-L1-Directed 4-1BB Activation. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1680-1698. [PMID: 38501978 PMCID: PMC11094422 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have transformed cancer treatment. However, only a minority of patients achieve a profound response. Many patients are innately resistant while others acquire resistance to ICIs. Furthermore, hepatotoxicity and suboptimal efficacy have hampered the clinical development of agonists of 4-1BB, a promising immune-stimulating target. To effectively target 4-1BB and treat diseases resistant to ICIs, we engineered ATG-101, a tetravalent "2+2″ PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody. ATG-101 bound PD-L1 and 4-1BB concurrently, with a greater affinity for PD-L1, and potently activated 4-1BB+ T cells when cross-linked with PD-L1-positive cells. ATG-101 activated exhausted T cells upon PD-L1 binding, indicating a possible role in reversing T-cell dysfunction. ATG-101 displayed potent antitumor activity in numerous in vivo tumor models, including those resistant or refractory to ICIs. ATG-101 greatly increased the proliferation of CD8+ T cells, the infiltration of effector memory T cells, and the ratio of CD8+ T/regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), rendering an immunologically "cold" tumor "hot." Comprehensive characterization of the TME after ATG-101 treatment using single-cell RNA sequencing further revealed an altered immune landscape that reflected increased antitumor immunity. ATG-101 was well tolerated and did not induce hepatotoxicity in non-human primates. According to computational semimechanistic pharmacology modeling, 4-1BB/ATG-101/PD-L1 trimer formation and PD-L1 receptor occupancy were both maximized at around 2 mg/kg of ATG-101, providing guidance regarding the optimal biological dose for clinical trials. In summary, by localizing to PD-L1-rich microenvironments and activating 4-1BB+ immune cells in a PD-L1 cross-linking-dependent manner, ATG-101 safely inhibits growth of ICI resistant and refractory tumors. SIGNIFICANCE The tetravalent PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody ATG-101 activates 4-1BB+ T cells in a PD-L1 cross-linking-dependent manner, minimizing the hepatotoxicity of existing 4-1BB agonists and suppressing growth of ICI-resistant tumors. See related commentary by Ha et al., p. 1546.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yuwen
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Huajing Wang
- Oricell Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Tengteng Li
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yijing Ren
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | | | - Peng Chen
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ao Sun
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Gang Bian
- Shanghai Antengene Corporation Limited, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bohua Li
- Oricell Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | - Jia Xue
- Crown Bioscience Inc., Taicang, P.R. China
| | | | | | - Jay Mei
- Antengene Corporation Co., Ltd, Shaoxing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowen He
- Oricell Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bo Shan
- Antengene Corporation Co., Ltd, Shaoxing, P.R. China
| | - Bing Hou
- Antengene Corporation Co., Ltd, Shaoxing, P.R. China
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3
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Chen X, Kou L, Xie X, Su S, Li J, Li Y. Prognostic biomarkers associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunology 2024; 172:21-45. [PMID: 38214111 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly advanced HCC, has been a serious challenge. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are landmark drugs in the field of cancer therapy in recent years, which have changed the landscape of cancer treatment. In the field of HCC treatment, this class of drugs has shown good therapeutic prospects. For example, atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab has been approved as first-line treatment for advanced HCC due to significant efficacy. However, sensitivity to ICI therapy varies widely among HCC patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for determinants of resistance/sensitivity to ICIs and to screen biomarkers that can predict the efficacy of ICIs. This manuscript reviews the research progress of prognostic biomarkers associated with ICIs in HCC in order to provide a scientific basis for the development of clinically individualised precision medication regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Liqiu Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Song Su
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yaling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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4
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Yang L, Sheets TP, Feng Y, Yu G, Bajgain P, Hsu KS, So D, Seaman S, Lee J, Lin L, Evans CN, Guest MR, Chari R, St. Croix B. Uncovering receptor-ligand interactions using a high-avidity CRISPR activation screening platform. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj2445. [PMID: 38354234 PMCID: PMC10866537 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj2445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The majority of clinically approved drugs target proteins that are secreted or cell surface bound. However, further advances in this area have been hindered by the challenging nature of receptor deorphanization, as there are still many secreted and cell-bound proteins with unknown binding partners. Here, we developed an advanced screening platform that combines CRISPR-CAS9 guide-mediated gene activation (CRISPRa) and high-avidity bead-based selection. The CRISPRa platform incorporates serial enrichment and flow cytometry-based monitoring, resulting in substantially improved screening sensitivity for well-known yet weak interactions of the checkpoint inhibitor family. Our approach has successfully revealed that siglec-4 exerts regulatory control over T cell activation through a low affinity trans-interaction with the costimulatory receptor 4-1BB. Our highly efficient screening platform holds great promise for identifying extracellular interactions of uncharacterized receptor-ligand partners, which is essential to develop next-generation therapeutics, including additional immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Yang
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Timothy P. Sheets
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yang Feng
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Guojun Yu
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Pradip Bajgain
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kuo-Sheng Hsu
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Daeho So
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Steven Seaman
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jaewon Lee
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ling Lin
- Proteomic Instability of Cancer Section, MCGP, NCI, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christine N. Evans
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Mary R. Guest
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Raj Chari
- Genome Modification Core, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Brad St. Croix
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program (MCGP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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5
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Singh R, Kim YH, Lee SJ, Eom HS, Choi BK. 4-1BB immunotherapy: advances and hurdles. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:32-39. [PMID: 38172595 PMCID: PMC10834507 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its initial description 35 years ago as an inducible molecule expressed in cytotoxic and helper T cells, 4-1BB has emerged as a crucial receptor in T-cell-mediated immune functions. Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of 4-1BB in infection and tumor immunity. However, the clinical development of 4-1BB agonist antibodies has been impeded by the occurrence of strong adverse events, notably hepatotoxicity, even though these antibodies have exhibited tremendous promise in in vivo tumor models. Efforts are currently underway to develop a new generation of agonist antibodies and recombinant proteins with modified effector functions that can harness the potent T-cell modulation properties of 4-1BB while mitigating adverse effects. In this review, we briefly examine the role of 4-1BB in T-cell biology, explore its clinical applications, and discuss future prospects in the field of 4-1BB agonist immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Singh
- Immuno-oncology Branch, Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ho Kim
- Diagnostics and Therapeutics Technology Branch, Division of Technology Convergence, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Jin Lee
- Immuno-oncology Branch, Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Seok Eom
- Hematological Malignancy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom K Choi
- Immuno-oncology Branch, Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea.
- Innobationbio, Co., Ltd., Mapo-gu, Seoul, 03929, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Jin X, Yi L, Wang X, Yan Z, Wei P, Yang B, Zhang H. Costimulatory capacity of CD137 mAbs on T cells depends on elaborate CRD structures but not on blocking ligand-receptor binding. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350493. [PMID: 37675596 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350493] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
CD137 is mainly a costimulatory receptor of CD8+ T cells. Two representative CD137 antibodies, utomilumab, and urelumab, show different costimulatory capacities in clinical trials. Balancing the antitumor effect and systemic toxicity of T cells activated by CD137 signaling is a challenge that requires clinical consideration. In this study, a panel of specific anti-human CD137 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared and their affinities, isotypes, CD137-CRD (cysteine-rich domain) binding regions, cross-reactivity to mouse and rhesus CD137, inhibition of ligand-receptor binding and costimulatory activities were analyzed. The results showed that anti-human CD137 mAbs had high cross-reactivity with rhesus CD137. MAbs fell into three clusters according to their different binding regions of the CD137 extracellular domain. They bound to CRDI+CRDII, CRDIII or CRDIV+STP. CRDIII-binding mAbs had the strongest blocking activity. Highly costimulatory CD137 mAbs showed stronger abilities to promote CD8+ T-cell proliferation. However, the costimulatory capacity of mAbs on T cells was not closely related to their ability to block CD137L-CD137 binding and may be controlled by more elaborate CRD conformational structures. This study provides additional information for the development of next-generation CD137 mAbs to meet clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Yi
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuohong Yan
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Panjian Wei
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumour Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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7
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Funk MA, Leitner J, Gerner MC, Hammerler JM, Salzer B, Lehner M, Battin C, Gumpelmair S, Stiasny K, Grabmeier-Pfistershammer K, Steinberger P. Interrogating ligand-receptor interactions using highly sensitive cellular biosensors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7804. [PMID: 38016944 PMCID: PMC10684770 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43589-1] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions of membrane-resident proteins are important targets for therapeutic interventions but most methods to study them are either costly, laborious or fail to reflect the physiologic interaction of membrane resident proteins in trans. Here we describe highly sensitive cellular biosensors as a tool to study receptor-ligand pairs. They consist of fluorescent reporter cells that express chimeric receptors harboring ectodomains of cell surface molecules and intracellular signaling domains. We show that a broad range of molecules can be integrated into this platform and we demonstrate its applicability to highly relevant research areas, including the characterization of immune checkpoints and the probing of cells for the presence of receptors or ligands. The platform is suitable to evaluate the interactions of viral proteins with host receptors and to test for neutralization capability of drugs or biological samples. Our results indicate that cellular biosensors have broad utility as a tool to study protein-interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian A Funk
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Division for Immune Receptors and T cell activation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Division for Immune Receptors and T cell activation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marlene C Gerner
- Division of Biomedical Science, University of Applied Sciences FH Campus Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin M Hammerler
- Division of Biomedical Science, University of Applied Sciences FH Campus Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Salzer
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Lehner
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claire Battin
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Division for Immune Receptors and T cell activation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Gumpelmair
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Division for Immune Receptors and T cell activation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Peter Steinberger
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Division for Immune Receptors and T cell activation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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8
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Wachter S, Angevin T, Bubna N, Tan A, Cichy A, Brown D, Wolfe LS, Sappington R, Lilla E, Berry L, Grismer D, Orth C, Blanusa M, Mostafa S, Kaufmann H, Felderer K. Application of platform process development approaches to the manufacturing of Mabcalin™ bispecifics. J Biotechnol 2023; 377:13-22. [PMID: 37820750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.10.003] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Bispecific biotherapeutics offer potent and highly specific treatment options in oncology and immuno-oncology. However, many bispecific formats are prone to high levels of aggregation and instability, leading to prolonged development timelines, inefficient manufacturing, and high costs. The novel class of Mabcalin™ molecules consist of Anticalin® proteins fused to an IgG and are currently being evaluated in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Here, we describe a robust high-yield manufacturing platform for these therapeutic fusion proteins providing data up to commercially relevant scales. A platform upstream process was established for one of the Mabcalin bispecifics and then applied to other clinically relevant drug candidates with different IgG target specificities. Process performance was compared in 3 L bioreactors and production was scaled-up to up to 1000 L for confirmation. The Mabcalin proteins' structural and biophysical similarities enabled a downstream platform approach consisting of initial protein A capture, viral inactivation, mixed-mode anion exchange polishing, second polishing by cation exchange or hydrophobic interaction chromatography, viral filtration, buffer exchange and concentration by ultrafiltration/diafiltration. All three processes met their target specifications and achieved comparable clearance of impurities and product yields across scales. The described platform approach provides a fast and economic path to process confirmation and is well comparable to classical monoclonal antibody approaches in terms of costs and time to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Wachter
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany.
| | - Thibaut Angevin
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - Niket Bubna
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Adelene Tan
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - Adam Cichy
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - David Brown
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Leslie S Wolfe
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Ryan Sappington
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Edward Lilla
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Luke Berry
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Dane Grismer
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Christian Orth
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - Milan Blanusa
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - Sigma Mostafa
- KBI Biopharma, 4117 Emperor Blvd, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Hitto Kaufmann
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
| | - Karin Felderer
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstr. 3, Hallbergmoos 85399 Germany
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9
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Shen X, Zhang R, Nie X, Yang Y, Hua Y, Lü P. 4-1BB Targeting Immunotherapy: Mechanism, Antibodies, and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2023; 38:431-444. [PMID: 37433196 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2023.0022] [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: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
4-1BB (CD137, TNFRSF9) is a type I transmembrane protein which binds its natural ligand, 4-1BBL. This interaction has been exploited to improve cancer immunotherapy. With ligand binding by 4-1BB, the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway is activated, which results in transcription of corresponding genes such as interleukin-2 and interferon-γ, as well as the induction of T cell proliferation and antiapoptotic signals. Moreover, monoclonal antibodies that target-4-1BB, for example, Urelumab and Utomilumab, are widely used in the treatments of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and other solid tumors. Furthermore, 4-1BB as a costimulatory domain, for chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells, improves T cell proliferation and survival as well as reduces T cell exhaustion. As such, a deeper understanding of 4-1BB will contribute to improvements in cancer immunotherapy. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current 4-1BB studies, with a focus on the use of targeting-4-1BB antibodies and 4-1BB activation domains in CAR-T cells for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Shen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Rusong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaojuan Nie
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yanhua Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ye Hua
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Peng Lü
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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10
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Salek-Ardakani S, Zajonc DM, Croft M. Agonism of 4-1BB for immune therapy: a perspective on possibilities and complications. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228486. [PMID: 37662949 PMCID: PMC10469789 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228486] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Costimulatory receptors on immune cells represent attractive targets for immunotherapy given that these molecules can increase the frequency of individual protective immune cell populations and their longevity, as well as enhance various effector functions. 4-1BB, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, also known as CD137 and TNFRSF9, is one such molecule that is inducible on several cell types, including T cells and NK cells. Preclinical studies in animal models have validated the notion that stimulating 4-1BB with agonist reagents or its natural ligand could be useful to augment conventional T cell and NK cell immunity to protect against tumor growth and against viral infection. Additionally, stimulating 4-1BB can enhance regulatory T cell function and might be useful in the right context for suppressing autoimmunity. Two human agonist antibodies to 4-1BB have been produced and tested in clinical trials for cancer, with variable results, leading to the production of a wealth of second-generation antibody constructs, including bi- and multi-specifics, with the hope of optimizing activity and selectivity. Here, we review the progress to date in agonism of 4-1BB, discuss the complications in targeting the immune system appropriately to elicit the desired activity, together with challenges in engineering agonists, and highlight the untapped potential of manipulating this molecule in infectious disease and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk M. Zajonc
- Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Michael Croft
- Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California (UC) San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Liu G, Luo P. Targeting CD137 (4-1BB) towards improved safety and efficacy for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1208788. [PMID: 37334375 PMCID: PMC10272836 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1208788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells play a critical role in antitumor immunity, where T cell activation is regulated by both inhibitory and costimulatory receptor signaling that fine-tune T cell activity during different stages of T cell immune responses. Currently, cancer immunotherapy by targeting inhibitory receptors such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/L1, and their combination by antagonist antibodies, has been well established. However, developing agonist antibodies that target costimulatory receptors such as CD28 and CD137/4-1BB has faced considerable challenges, including highly publicized adverse events. Intracellular costimulatory domains of CD28 and/or CD137/4-1BB are essential for the clinical benefits of FDA-approved chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapies. The major challenge is how to decouple efficacy from toxicity by systemic immune activation. This review focuses on anti-CD137 agonist monoclonal antibodies with different IgG isotypes in clinical development. It discusses CD137 biology in the context of anti-CD137 agonist drug discovery, including the binding epitope selected for anti-CD137 agonist antibody in competition or not with CD137 ligand (CD137L), the IgG isotype of antibodies selected with an impact on crosslinking by Fc gamma receptors, and the conditional activation of anti-CD137 antibodies for safe and potent engagement with CD137 in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We discuss and compare the potential mechanisms/effects of different CD137 targeting strategies and agents under development and how rational combinations could enhance antitumor activities without amplifying the toxicity of these agonist antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guizhong Liu
- Adagene Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
- Adagene (Suzhou) Limited., Suzhou, China
| | - Peter Luo
- Adagene Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
- Adagene (Suzhou) Limited., Suzhou, China
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Cheng LS, Zhu M, Gao Y, Liu WT, Yin W, Zhou P, Zhu Z, Niu L, Zeng X, Zhang D, Fang Q, Wang F, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Shen G. An Fc-muted bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 and 4-1BB induces antitumor immune activity in colorectal cancer without systemic toxicity. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:47. [PMID: 37259060 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00461-w] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy narrows the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Although 4-1BB is a promising drug target as a costimulatory molecule of immune cells, no 4-1BB agonist has been given clinical approval because of severe liver toxicity or limited efficacy. Therefore, a safe and efficient immunostimulatory molecule is urgently needed for cancer immunotherapy. METHODS HK010 was generated by antibody engineering, and the Fab/antigen complex structure was analyzed using crystallography. The affinity and activity of HK010 were detected by multiple in vitro bioassays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), flow cytometry, and luciferase-reporter assays. Humanized mice bearing human PD-L1-expressing MC38 (MC38/hPDL1) or CT26 (CT26/hPDL1) tumor transplants were established to assess the in vivo antitumor activity of HK010. The pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicity of HK010 were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys. RESULTS HK010 was generated as an Fc-muted immunoglobulin (Ig)G4 PD-L1x4-1BB bispecific antibody (BsAb) with a distinguished Fab/antigen complex structure, and maintained a high affinity for human PD-L1 (KD: 2.27 nM) and low affinity for human 4-1BB (KD: 493 nM) to achieve potent PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and appropriate 4-1BB agonism. HK010 exhibited synergistic antitumor activity by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway and stimulating the 4-1BB signaling pathway simultaneously, and being strictly dependent on the PD-L1 receptor in vitro and in vivo. In particular, when the dose was decreased to 0.3 mg/kg, HK010 still showed a strong antitumor effect in a humanized mouse model bearing MC38/hPDL1 tumors. Strikingly, HK010 treatment enhanced antitumor immunity and induced durable antigen-specific immune memory to prevent rechallenged tumor growth by recruiting CD8+ T cells and other lymphocytes into tumor tissue and activating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Moreover, HK010 not only did not induce nonspecific production of proinflammatory cytokines but was also observed to be well tolerated in cynomolgus monkeys in 5 week repeated-dose (5, 15, or 50 mg/kg) and single-dose (75 or 150 mg/kg) toxicity studies. CONCLUSION We generated an Fc-muted anti-PD-L1x4-1BB BsAb, HK010, with a distinguished structural interaction with PD-L1 and 4-1BB that exhibits a synergistic antitumor effect by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway and stimulating the 4-1BB signaling pathway simultaneously. It is strictly dependent on the PD-L1 receptor with no systemic toxicity, which may offer a new option for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Sheng Cheng
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering Pharmaceutical, Biomedicine Technology Innovation Center of Hefei, Anhui Anke Biotechnology (Group) Co., Ltd., Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Min Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Wen-Ting Liu
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Wu Yin
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Pengfei Zhou
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongliang Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Liwen Niu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoli Zeng
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Dayan Zhang
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Fang
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Fengrong Wang
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- Hefei HankeMab Biotechnology Limited, Hefei, 230088, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Health Service Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Guodong Shen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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Claus C, Ferrara-Koller C, Klein C. The emerging landscape of novel 4-1BB (CD137) agonistic drugs for cancer immunotherapy. MAbs 2023; 15:2167189. [PMID: 36727218 PMCID: PMC9897756 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2167189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical development of 4-1BB agonists for cancer immunotherapy has raised substantial interest during the past decade. The first generation of 4-1BB agonistic antibodies entering the clinic, urelumab (BMS-663513) and utomilumab (PF-05082566), failed due to (liver) toxicity or lack of efficacy, respectively. The two antibodies display differences in the affinity and the 4-1BB receptor epitope recognition, as well as the isotype, which determines the Fc-gamma-receptor (FcγR) crosslinking activity. Based on this experience a very diverse landscape of second-generation 4-1BB agonists addressing the liabilities of first-generation agonists has recently been developed, with many entering clinical Phase 1 and 2 studies. This review provides an overview focusing on differences and their scientific rationale, as well as challenges foreseen during the clinical development of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Claus
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Ferrara-Koller
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
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de Azevedo SSD, Côrtes FH, Villela LM, Hoagland B, Grinsztejn B, Veloso VG, Morgado MG, Bello G. Comparative HIV-1 Proviral Dynamics in Two Individuals That Maintained Viral Replication Control with or without Antiretroviral Therapy following Superinfection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122802. [PMID: 36560806 PMCID: PMC9783199 DOI: 10.3390/v14122802] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of the HIV-1 proviral dynamics after superinfection in the context of both natural and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-mediated suppression could yield unique insights into understanding the persistence of viral variants that seeded the infected cells at different times. In this study, we performed a longitudinal analysis of the env diversity of PBMC-associated HIV DNA quasispecies in two HIV controllers (EEC09 and VC32) that were superinfected with subtype F1 viruses several years after primoinfection with subtype B viruses. Patient EEC09 started ART soon after superinfection, while patient VC32 maintained a natural control of virus replication for at least six years following the superinfection. Our analysis revealed no significant temporal changes in the overall proportion of primo-infecting and superinfecting proviral variants over 2-3 years after superinfection in both HIV controllers. Upon the introduction of ART, individual EEC09 displayed no evidence of HIV-infected cell turnover or viral evolution, while subject VC32 displayed some level of HIV-infected cell reseeding and detectable evolution (divergence) of both viral variants. These results confirm that proviral variants that seeded the reservoir at different times throughout infection could persist for long periods under fully suppressive ART or natural viremic control, but the HIV-1 proviral dynamics could be different in both settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwellen Sardinha Dias de Azevedo
- Laboratório de AIDS and Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz—FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Correspondence: or Auwellendias@gmail; Tel.: +55-21-3865-8147; Fax: +55-21-3865-8173
| | - Fernanda H. Côrtes
- Laboratório de AIDS and Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz—FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Larissa M. Villela
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas-INI, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas-INI, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas-INI, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G. Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas-INI, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Mariza G. Morgado
- Laboratório de AIDS and Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz—FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Bello
- Laboratório de AIDS and Imunologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz—FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
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15
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Zheng L, Yang Q, Li F, Zhu M, Yang H, Tan T, Wu B, Liu M, Xu C, Yin J, Cao C. The Glycosylation of Immune Checkpoints and Their Applications in Oncology. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121451. [PMID: 36558902 PMCID: PMC9783268 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor therapies have entered the immunotherapy era. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved tremendous success, with some patients achieving long-term tumor control. Tumors, on the other hand, can still accomplish immune evasion, which is aided by immune checkpoints. The majority of immune checkpoints are membrane glycoproteins, and abnormal tumor glycosylation may alter how the immune system perceives tumors, affecting the body's anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, RNA can also be glycosylated, and GlycoRNA is important to the immune system. Glycosylation has emerged as a new hallmark of tumors, with glycosylation being considered a potential therapeutic approach. The glycosylation modification of immune checkpoints and the most recent advances in glycosylation-targeted immunotherapy are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zheng
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Biotherapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Feifei Li
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Min Zhu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Haochi Yang
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tian Tan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Binghuo Wu
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Mingxin Liu
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence: (J.Y.); (C.C.)
| | - Chenhui Cao
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence: (J.Y.); (C.C.)
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Kim AMJ, Nemeth MR, Lim SO. 4-1BB: A promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:968360. [PMID: 36185242 PMCID: PMC9515902 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.968360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, powered by its relative efficacy and safety, has become a prominent therapeutic strategy utilized in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including cancer. Within this class of therapeutics, there is a variety of drug types such as immune checkpoint blockade therapies, vaccines, and T cell transfer therapies that serve the purpose of harnessing the body’s immune system to combat disease. Of these different types, immune checkpoint blockades that target coinhibitory receptors, which dampen the body’s immune response, have been widely studied and established in clinic. In contrast, however, there remains room for the development and improvement of therapeutics that target costimulatory receptors and enhance the immune response against tumors, one of which being the 4-1BB (CD137/ILA/TNFRSF9) receptor. 4-1BB has been garnering attention as a promising therapeutic target in the setting of cancer, amongst other diseases, due to its broad expression profile and ability to stimulate various signaling pathways involved in the generation of a potent immune response. Since its discovery and demonstration of potential as a clinical target, major progress has been made in the knowledge of 4-1BB and the development of clinical therapeutics that target it. Thus, we seek to summarize and provide a comprehensive update and outlook on those advancements in the context of cancer and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Min Jung Kim
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Macy Rose Nemeth
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Seung-Oe Lim
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute of Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Seung-Oe Lim,
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Peper-Gabriel JK, Pavlidou M, Pattarini L, Morales-Kastresana A, Jaquin TJ, Gallou C, Hansbauer EM, Richter M, Lelievre H, Scholer-Dahirel A, Bossenmaier B, Sancerne C, Riviere M, Grandclaudon M, Zettl M, Bel Aiba RS, Rothe C, Blanc V, Olwill SA. The PD-L1/4-1BB Bispecific Antibody-Anticalin Fusion Protein PRS-344/S095012 Elicits Strong T-Cell Stimulation in a Tumor-Localized Manner. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3387-3399. [PMID: 35121624 PMCID: PMC9662934 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-2762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE While patients responding to checkpoint blockade often achieve remarkable clinical responses, there is still significant unmet need due to resistant or refractory tumors. A combination of checkpoint blockade with further T-cell stimulation mediated by 4-1BB agonism may increase response rates and durability of response. A bispecific molecule that blocks the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis and localizes 4-1BB costimulation to a PD-L1-positive (PD-L1+) tumor microenvironment (TME) or tumor draining lymph nodes could maximize antitumor immunity and increase the therapeutic window beyond what has been reported for anti-4-1BB mAbs. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We generated and characterized the PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific molecule PRS-344/S095012 for target binding and functional activity in multiple relevant in vitro assays. Transgenic mice expressing human 4-1BB were transplanted with human PD-L1-expressing murine MC38 cells to assess in vivo antitumoral activity. RESULTS PRS-344/S095012 bound to its targets with high affinity and efficiently blocked the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, and PRS-344/S095012-mediated 4-1BB costimulation was strictly PD-L1 dependent. We demonstrated a synergistic effect of both pathways on T-cell stimulation with the bispecific PRS-344/S095012 being more potent than the combination of mAbs. PRS-344/S095012 augmented CD4-positive (CD4+) and CD8-positive (CD8+) T-cell effector functions and enhanced antigen-specific T-cell stimulation. Finally, PRS-344/S095012 demonstrated strong antitumoral efficacy in an anti-PD-L1-resistant mouse model in which soluble 4-1BB was detected as an early marker for 4-1BB agonist activity. CONCLUSIONS The PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific PRS-344/S095012 efficiently combines checkpoint blockade with a tumor-localized 4-1BB-mediated stimulation burst to antigen-specific T cells, more potent than the combination of mAbs, supporting the advancement of PRS-344/S095012 toward clinical development. See related commentary by Shu et al., p. 3182.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lucia Pattarini
- Institut de Recherches Servier, Center for Therapeutic Innovation Oncology, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | | | | | - Catherine Gallou
- Institut de Recherches Servier, Center for Therapeutic Innovation Oncology, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | | | | | - Helene Lelievre
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier Oncology R&D Unit, Suresnes, France
| | - Alix Scholer-Dahirel
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier Oncology R&D Unit, Suresnes, France
| | | | - Celine Sancerne
- Institut de Recherches Servier, Center for Therapeutic Innovation Oncology, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Matthieu Riviere
- Institut de Recherches Servier, Center for Therapeutic Innovation Oncology, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Maximilien Grandclaudon
- Institut de Recherches Servier, Center for Therapeutic Innovation Oncology, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Markus Zettl
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Hallbergmoos, Germany
| | | | | | - Veronique Blanc
- Institut de Recherches Servier, Center for Therapeutic Innovation Oncology, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
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Hong DS, Gopal AK, Shoushtari AN, Patel SP, He AR, Doi T, Ramalingam SS, Patnaik A, Sandhu S, Chen Y, Davis CB, Fisher TS, Huang B, Fly KD, Ribas A. Utomilumab in Patients With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Refractory Melanoma and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:897991. [PMID: 35983060 PMCID: PMC9379324 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.897991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Section HeadClinical/translational cancer immunotherapyBackgroundThe goal of this study was to estimate the objective response rate for utomilumab in adults with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-refractory melanoma and non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsUtomilumab was dosed intravenously every 4 weeks (Q4W) and adverse events (AEs) monitored. Tumor responses by RECIST1.1 were assessed by baseline and on-treatment scans. Tumor biopsies were collected for detection of programmed cell death ligand 1, CD8, 4-1BB, perforin, and granzyme B, and gene expression analyzed by next-generation sequencing. CD8+ T cells from healthy donors were stimulated with anti-CD3 ± utomilumab and compared with control.ResultsPatients with melanoma (n=43) and NSCLC (n=20) received utomilumab 0.24 mg/kg (n=36), 1.2 mg/kg (n=26), or 10 mg/kg (n=1). Treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) occurred in 55 (87.3%) patients and serious TEAEs in 18 (28.6%). Five (7.9%) patients discontinued owing to TEAEs. Thirty-two (50.8%) patients experienced treatment-related AEs, mostly grade 1–2. Objective response rate: 2.3% in patients with melanoma; no confirmed responses for patients with NSCLC. Ten patients each with melanoma (23.3%) or NSCLC (50%) had stable disease; respective median (95% confidence interval, CI) progression-free survival was 1.8 (1.7–1.9) and 3.6 (1.6–6.5) months. Utomilumab exposure increased with dose. The incidences of antidrug and neutralizing antibodies were 46.3% and 19.4%, respectively. Efficacy was associated with immune-active tumor microenvironments, and pharmacodynamic activity appeared to be blunted at higher doses.ConclusionsUtomilumab was well tolerated, but antitumor activity was low in patients who previously progressed on ICIs. The potential of 4-1BB agonists requires additional study to optimize efficacy while maintaining the tolerable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. Hong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: David S. Hong,
| | - Ajay K. Gopal
- National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alexander N. Shoushtari
- Melanoma Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sandip P. Patel
- University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Aiwu R. He
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Toshihiko Doi
- National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Suresh S. Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Shahneen Sandhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ying Chen
- Pfizer Oncology, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Bo Huang
- Pfizer Oncology, Groton, CT, United States
| | | | - Antoni Ribas
- Department of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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19
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Fournier B, Hoshino A, Bruneau J, Bachelet C, Fusaro M, Klifa R, Lévy R, Lenoir C, Soudais C, Picard C, Blanche S, Castelle M, Moshous D, Molina T, Defachelles AS, Neven B, Latour S. Inherited TNFSF9 deficiency causes broad Epstein-Barr virus infection with EBV+ smooth muscle tumors. J Exp Med 2022; 219:213262. [PMID: 35657354 PMCID: PMC9170382 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can infect smooth muscle cells causing smooth muscle tumors (SMTs) or leiomyoma. Here, we report a patient with a heterozygous 22q11.2 deletion/DiGeorge syndrome who developed a unique, broad, and lethal susceptibility to EBV characterized by EBV-infected T and B cells and disseminated EBV+SMT. The patient also harbored a homozygous missense mutation (p.V140G) in TNFSF9 coding for CD137L/4-1BBL, the ligand of the T cell co-stimulatory molecule CD137/4-1BB, whose deficiency predisposes to EBV infection. We show that wild-type CD137L was up-regulated on activated monocytes and dendritic cells, EBV-infected B cells, and SMT. The CD137LV140G mutant was weakly expressed on patient cells or when ectopically expressed in HEK and P815 cells. Importantly, patient EBV-infected B cells failed to trigger the expansion of EBV-specific T cells, resulting in decreased T cell effector responses. T cell expansion was recovered when CD137L expression was restored on B cells. Therefore, these results highlight the critical role of the CD137-CD137L pathway in anti-EBV immunity, in particular in the control of EBV+SMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Fournier
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV infection, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 1163, Paris, France,Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Akihiro Hoshino
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV infection, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Department of Pathology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Camille Bachelet
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV infection, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 1163, Paris, France,Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Fusaro
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV infection, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 1163, Paris, France,Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France,Study Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Roman Klifa
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Romain Lévy
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Christelle Lenoir
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV infection, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Claire Soudais
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV infection, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 1163, Paris, France,Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Capucine Picard
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV infection, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 1163, Paris, France,Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France,Study Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Blanche
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Martin Castelle
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Despina Moshous
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Molina
- Department of Pathology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Bénédicte Neven
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Hematology and Rheumatology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Latour
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Activation and Susceptibility to EBV infection, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR 1163, Paris, France,Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France,Correspondence to Sylvain Latour:
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20
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Ju SA, Park SM, Joe Y, Chung HT, An WG, Kim BS. Anti-4-1BB antibody-based combination therapy augments antitumor immunity by enhancing CD11c +CD8 + T cells in renal cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:43. [PMID: 34976155 PMCID: PMC8674882 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve the potential treatment strategies of incurable renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is highly resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the present study established a combination therapy with immunostimulatory factor (ISTF) and anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to augment the antitumor response in a murine RCC model. ISTF isolated from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans stimulates macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells to produce IL-6, TNF-α, nitric oxide and major histocompatibility complex class II expression. 4-1BB (CD137) is expressed in activated immune cells, including activated T cells, and is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. The administration of anti-4-1BB mAbs promoted antitumor immunity via enhancing CD11c+CD8+ T cells. The CD11c+CD8+ T cells were characterized by high killing activity and IFN-γ-producing ability, representing a phenotype of active effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The present study showed that combination therapy with ISTF and anti-4-1BB mAbs promoted partial tumor regression with established RCC, but monotherapy with ISTF or anti-4-1BB mAbs did not. These effects were speculated to be caused by the increase in CD11c+CD8+ T cells in the spleen and tumor, and IFN-γ production. These insights into the effector mechanisms of the combination of ISTF and anti-4-1BB mAbs may be useful for targeting incurable RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-A Ju
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Yeonsoo Joe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Taeg Chung
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea
| | - Won G An
- Division of Pharmacology, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Sam Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea
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21
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Sun R, Kim AMJ, Murray AA, Lim SO. N-Glycosylation Facilitates 4-1BB Membrane Localization by Avoiding Its Multimerization. Cells 2022; 11:cells11010162. [PMID: 35011724 PMCID: PMC8750214 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Leveraging the T cell immunity against tumors represents a revolutionary type of cancer therapy. 4-1BB is a well-characterized costimulatory immune receptor existing on activated T cells and mediating their proliferation and cytotoxicity under infectious diseases and cancers. Despite the accumulating interest in implementing 4-1BB as a therapeutic target for immune-related disorders, less is known about the pattern of its intracellular behaviors and regulations. It has been previously demonstrated that 4-1BB is heavily modified by N-glycosylation; however, the biological importance of this modification lacks detailed elucidation. Through biochemical, biophysical, and cell-biological approaches, we systematically evaluated the impact of N-glycosylation on the ligand interaction, stability, and localization of 4-1BB. We hereby highlighted that N-glycan functions by preventing the oligomerization of 4-1BB, thus permitting its membrane transportation and fast turn-over. Without N-glycosylation, 4-1BB could be aberrantly accumulated intracellularly and fail to be sufficiently inserted in the membrane. The N-glycosylation-guided intracellular processing of 4-1BB serves as the potential mechanism explicitly modulating the “on” and “off” of 4-1BB through the control of protein abundance. Our study will further solidify the understanding of the biological properties of 4-1BB and facilitate the clinical practice against this promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxuan Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.J.K.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Alyssa Min Jung Kim
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.J.K.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Allison A. Murray
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.J.K.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Seung-Oe Lim
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.J.K.); (A.A.M.)
- Purdue Institute of Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Correspondence:
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22
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Cancer immune therapy with PD-1-dependent CD137 co-stimulation provides localized tumour killing without systemic toxicity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6360. [PMID: 34737267 PMCID: PMC8569200 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26645-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the cell surface receptor CD137 has been shown to enhance anti-cancer T cell function via engagement with its natural ligand 4-1BBL. CD137 ligation with engineered ligands has emerged as a cancer immunotherapy strategy, yet clinical development of agonists has been hindered by either toxicity or limited efficacy. Here we show that a CD137/PD-1 bispecific antibody, IBI319, is able to overcome these limitations by coupling CD137 activation to PD-1-crosslinking. In CT26 and MC38 syngeneic mouse tumour models, IBI319 restricts T cell co-stimulation to PD-1-rich microenvironments, such as tumours and tumour-draining lymph nodes, hence systemic (liver) toxicity arising from generalised T cell activation is reduced. Besides limiting systemic T cell co-stimulation, the anti-PD-1 arm of IBI319 also exhibits checkpoint blockade functions, with an overall result of T and NK cell infiltration into tumours. Toxicology profiling in non-human primates shows that IBI319 is a well-tolerated molecule with IgG-like pharmacokinetic properties, thus a suitable candidate for further clinical development. The toxicity arising from generalised stimulation of T cells restricts applicability of CD137 agonists in cancer immune therapy. Here authors show that a bispecific antibody blocking PD-1 while activating CD137 efficiently restricts T cell activation to the tumour microenvironment, resulting in efficient tumour control and reduced liver toxicity.
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23
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Zhao M, Fu L, Chai Y, Sun M, Li Y, Wang S, Qi J, Zeng B, Kang L, Gao GF, Tan S. Atypical TNF-TNFR superfamily binding interface in the GITR-GITRL complex for T cell activation. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109734. [PMID: 34551288 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related protein (GITR) is a critical regulatory molecule in modulation of T cell immune responses. Here we report the mouse GITR (mGITR) and mGITR ligand (mGITRL) complex structure and find that the binding interface of mGITR and mGITRL is distinct from the typical tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF)/TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) members. mGITR binds to its ligand with a single domain, whereas the binding interface on mGITRL is located on the side, which is distal from conserved binding sites of TNFSF molecules. Mutational analysis reveals that the binding interface of GITR/GITRL in humans is conserved with that in the mouse. Substitution of key interacting D93-I94-V95 (DIV) in mGITR with the corresponding K93-F94-S95 (KFS) in human GITR enables cross-recognition with human GITRL and cross-activation of receptor signaling. The findings of this study substantially expand our understanding of the interaction of TNFSF/TNFRSF superfamily molecules and can benefit the future design of biologics by targeting GITR/GITRL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lijun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Yan Chai
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330013, China; College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Le Kang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - George F Gao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Shuguang Tan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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24
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Geuijen C, Tacken P, Wang LC, Klooster R, van Loo PF, Zhou J, Mondal A, Liu YB, Kramer A, Condamine T, Volgina A, Hendriks LJA, van der Maaden H, Rovers E, Engels S, Fransen F, den Blanken-Smit R, Zondag-van der Zande V, Basmeleh A, Bartelink W, Kulkarni A, Marissen W, Huang CY, Hall L, Harvey S, Kim S, Martinez M, O'Brien S, Moon E, Albelda S, Kanellopoulou C, Stewart S, Nastri H, Bakker ABH, Scherle P, Logtenberg T, Hollis G, de Kruif J, Huber R, Mayes PA, Throsby M. A human CD137×PD-L1 bispecific antibody promotes anti-tumor immunity via context-dependent T cell costimulation and checkpoint blockade. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4445. [PMID: 34290245 PMCID: PMC8295259 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24767-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrate clinical activity in many tumor types, however, only a fraction of patients benefit. Combining CD137 agonists with these inhibitors increases anti-tumor activity preclinically, but attempts to translate these observations to the clinic have been hampered by systemic toxicity. Here we describe a human CD137xPD-L1 bispecific antibody, MCLA-145, identified through functional screening of agonist- and immune checkpoint inhibitor arm combinations. MCLA-145 potently activates T cells at sub-nanomolar concentrations, even under suppressive conditions, and enhances T cell priming, differentiation and memory recall responses. In vivo, MCLA-145 anti-tumor activity is superior to immune checkpoint inhibitor comparators and linked to recruitment and intra-tumor expansion of CD8 + T cells. No graft-versus-host-disease is observed in contrast to other antibodies inhibiting the PD-1 and PD-L1 pathway. Non-human primates treated with 100 mg/kg/week of MCLA-145 show no adverse effects. The conditional activation of CD137 signaling by MCLA-145, triggered by neighboring cells expressing >5000 copies of PD-L1, may provide both safety and potency advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jing Zhou
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Soyeon Kim
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marina Martinez
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shaun O'Brien
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edmund Moon
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven Albelda
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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25
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Zhai T, Wang C, Xu Y, Huang W, Yuan Z, Wang T, Dai S, Peng S, Pang T, Jiang W, Huang Y, Zou Y, Xu Y, Sun J, Gong X, Zhang J, Tsun A, Li B, Miao X. Generation of a safe and efficacious llama single-domain antibody fragment (vHH) targeting the membrane-proximal region of 4-1BB for engineering therapeutic bispecific antibodies for cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002131. [PMID: 34172514 PMCID: PMC8237747 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The discovery of checkpoint inhibitors towards cytotoxic T-lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) has been revolutionary for the treatment of cancers. These therapies have only offered an average of 20%–30% response rates across the tumor spectrum and the combination of agonists towards the tumor-necrosis superfamily members, such as 4-1BB and CD40, has shown potent efficacy in preclinical studies; however, these agonists have exhibited high degrees of toxicity with limited efficacy in human trials. In this study, we have generated a single-domain antibody towards a unique epitope of 4-1BB that limits its potential on-target toxicity while maintaining sufficient potency. This 4-1BB binder is ideal for use in the engineering of multispecific antibodies to localize 4-1BB activation within the tumor microenvironment, as shown here by a anti-PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific candidate (PM1003). Methods To determine the functional activity of the 4-1BB- and PD-L1-binding elements of PM1003, in vitro luciferase reporter and primary cell assays were used to test the potency of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade and PD-L1-mediated 4-1BB activation via cross-bridging. X-ray crystallography was conducted to resolve the binding epitopes of the respective binding arms, and accurate binding kinetics were determined using standard affinity measurement techniques. Human 4-1BB and/or PD-L1 knock-in mice were used in cancer models for testing the in vivo antitumor efficacy of PM1003, and safety was evaluated further. Results PM1003 shows potent activation of 4-1BB and blockade of PD-L1 in cell-based assays. 4-1BB activation was exerted through the bridging of PD-L1 on target cells and 4-1BB on effector cells. No PD-L1-independent activation of 4-1BB was observed. Through X-ray crystallography, a unique binding epitope in the cysteine-rich domain 4 (CRD4) region was resolved that provides high potency and potentially low on-target toxicity as determined by primary immune cell assays and toxicity evaluation in vivo. Conclusions A unique single-domain antibody was discovered that binds to the CRD4 domain of 4-1BB. When incorporated into a 4-1BB/PD-L1 bispecific (PM1003), we have shown the potent inhibition of PD-L1 activity with 4-1BB agonism upon cross-bridging with PD-L1 in vitro. Antitumor activity with minimal toxicity was found in vivo. Thus, PM1003 is a uniquely differentiating and next generation therapeutic agent for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhang Zhai
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yifeng Xu
- Discovery Biology, Biotheus (Suzhou) Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Weifeng Huang
- Discovery Biology, Biotheus (Suzhou) Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Yuan
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shuang Dai
- Discovery Biology, Biotheus (Suzhou) Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Shaogang Peng
- Discovery Biology, Biotheus (Suzhou) Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Tuling Pang
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wenchao Jiang
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuefeng Zou
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yingda Xu
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Joanne Sun
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xinjiang Gong
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jinping Zhang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Andy Tsun
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoniu Miao
- Discovery Biology & Discovery Technology, Biotheus Inc, Zhuhai, China .,Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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26
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Panicker S, Venkatabalasubramanian S, Pathak S, Ramalingam S. The impact of fusion genes on cancer stem cells and drug resistance. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3771-3783. [PMID: 34095988 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With ever increasing evidences on the role of fusion genes as the oncogenic protagonists in myriad cancers, it's time to explore if fusion genes can be the next generational drug targets in meeting the current demands of higher drug efficacy. Eliminating cancer stem cells (CSC) has become the current focus; however, we have reached a standstill in drug development owing to the lack of effective strategies to eradicate CSC. We believe that fusion genes could be the novel targets to overcome this limitation. The intriguing feature of fusion genes is that it dominantly impacts every aspect of CSC including self-renewal, differentiation, lineage commitment, tumorigenicity and stemness. Given the clinical success of fusion gene-based drugs in hematological cancers, our attempt to target fusion genes in eradicating CSC can be rewarding. As fusion genes are expressed explicitly in cancer cells, eradicating CSC by targeting fusion genes provides yet an another advantage of negligible patient side effects since normal cells remain unaffected by the drug. We hereby delineate the latest evidences on how fusion genes regulate CSC and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurav Panicker
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Surajit Pathak
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Chennai, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satish Ramalingam
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
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27
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Glycosylation of Immune Receptors in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051100. [PMID: 34064396 PMCID: PMC8147841 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Evading host immune surveillance is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Immune checkpoint therapy, which aims to eliminate cancer progression by reprogramming the antitumor immune response, currently occupies a solid position in the rapidly expanding arsenal of cancer therapy. As most immune checkpoints are membrane glycoproteins, mounting attention is drawn to asking how protein glycosylation affects immune function. The answers to this fundamental question will stimulate the rational development of future cancer diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.
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28
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Shu D, Zhang L, Bai X, Yu J, Guo P. Stoichiometry of multi-specific immune checkpoint RNA Abs for T cell activation and tumor inhibition using ultra-stable RNA nanoparticles. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:426-435. [PMID: 33868786 PMCID: PMC8042240 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a revolutionary subject in cancer therapy during the past few years. Immune checkpoint-targeting antibodies (Abs) could boost anticancer immune responses. However, certain protein-based immunotherapies revealed side effects and unfavorable biodistribution, so effective non-protein options with lower side effects are highly sought after. RNA's ability to form various three-dimensional configurations allows for the creation of a variety of ligands to bind different cell receptors. The rubber-like properties of RNA nanoparticles (NPs) allow for swift lodging to cancer vasculature with little accumulation in vital organs, resulting in a favorable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profile and safe pharmacological parameters. Multi-specific drugs are expected to be the fourth wave of biopharmaceutical innovation. Herein, we report the development of multi-specific Ab-like RNA NPs carrying multiple ligands for immunotherapy. The stoichiometries and stereo conformations of the checkpoint-activating RNA NPs were optimized for T cell activation. When compared to mono- and bi-specific RNA NPs, the tri-specific Ab-like RNA NPs bound to the trimeric T cell receptor with the highest efficiency, showed the optimal T cell activation, and promoted the strongest anti-tumor function of immune cells. Animal trials demonstrated that the tri-specific RNA NPs inhibited cancer growth. This Ab-like RNA NP platform represents an alternative to protein Abs for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shu
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Long Zhang
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xuefeng Bai
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Upadhyaya P, Lahdenranta J, Hurov K, Battula S, Dods R, Haines E, Kleyman M, Kristensson J, Kublin J, Lani R, Ma J, Mudd G, Repash E, Van Rietschoten K, Stephen T, You F, Harrison H, Chen L, McDonnell K, Brandish P, Keen N. Anticancer immunity induced by a synthetic tumor-targeted CD137 agonist. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001762. [PMID: 33500260 PMCID: PMC7839861 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In contrast to immune checkpoint inhibitors, the use of antibodies as agonists of immune costimulatory receptors as cancer therapeutics has largely failed. We sought to address this problem using a new class of modular synthetic drugs, termed tumor-targeted immune cell agonists (TICAs), based on constrained bicyclic peptides (Bicycles). Methods Phage libraries displaying Bicycles were panned for binders against tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily receptors CD137 and OX40, and tumor antigens EphA2, Nectin-4 and programmed death ligand 1. The CD137 and OX40 Bicycles were chemically conjugated to tumor antigen Bicycles with different linkers and stoichiometric ratios of binders to obtain a library of low molecular weight TICAs (MW <8 kDa). The TICAs were evaluated in a suite of in vitro and in vivo assays to characterize their pharmacology and mechanism of action. Results Linking Bicycles against costimulatory receptors (e.g., CD137) to Bicycles against tumor antigens (e.g., EphA2) created potent agonists that activated the receptors selectively in the presence of tumor cells expressing these antigens. An EphA2/CD137 TICA (BCY12491) efficiently costimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro in the presence of EphA2 expressing tumor cell lines as measured by the increased secretion of interferon γ and interleukin-2. Treatment of C57/Bl6 mice transgenic for the human CD137 extracellular domain (huCD137) bearing EphA2-expressing MC38 tumors with BCY12491 resulted in the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, elimination of tumors and generation of immunological memory. BCY12491 was cleared quickly from the circulation (plasma t1/2 in mice of 1–2 hr), yet intermittent dosing proved effective. Conclusion Tumor target-dependent CD137 agonism using a novel chemical approach (TICAs) afforded elimination of tumors with only intermittent dosing suggesting potential for a wide therapeutic index in humans. This work unlocks a new path to effective cancer immunotherapy via agonism of TNF superfamily receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rachel Dods
- Bicycle Therapeutics, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eric Haines
- Bicycle Therapeutics, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rachid Lani
- Bicycle Therapeutics, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jun Ma
- Bicycle Therapeutics, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gemma Mudd
- Bicycle Therapeutics, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Tom Stephen
- Bicycle Therapeutics, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fanglei You
- Bicycle Therapeutics, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helen Harrison
- Bicycle Therapeutics, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Liuhong Chen
- Bicycle Therapeutics, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
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30
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Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in B-Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020214. [PMID: 33430146 PMCID: PMC7827333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immune-based treatment strategies, which include immune checkpoint inhibition, have recently become a new frontier for the treatment of B-cell-derived lymphoma. Whereas checkpoint inhibition has given oncologists and patients hope in specific lymphoma subtypes like Hodgkin lymphoma, other entities do not benefit from such promising agents. Understanding the factors that determine the efficacy and safety of checkpoint inhibition in different lymphoma subtypes can lead to improved therapeutic strategies, including combinations with various chemotherapies, biologics and/or different immunologic agents with manageable safety profiles. Abstract For years, immunotherapy has been considered a viable and attractive treatment option for patients with cancer. Among the immunotherapy arsenal, the targeting of intratumoral immune cells by immune-checkpoint inhibitory agents has recently revolutionised the treatment of several subtypes of tumours. These approaches, aimed at restoring an effective antitumour immunity, rapidly reached the market thanks to the simultaneous identification of inhibitory signals that dampen an effective antitumor response in a large variety of neoplastic cells and the clinical development of monoclonal antibodies targeting checkpoint receptors. Leading therapies in solid tumours are mainly focused on the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death 1 (PD-1) pathways. These approaches have found a promising testing ground in both Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, mainly because, in these diseases, the malignant cells interact with the immune system and commonly provide signals that regulate immune function. Although several trials have already demonstrated evidence of therapeutic activity with some checkpoint inhibitors in lymphoma, many of the immunologic lessons learned from solid tumours may not directly translate to lymphoid malignancies. In this sense, the mechanisms of effective antitumor responses are different between the different lymphoma subtypes, while the reasons for this substantial difference remain partially unknown. This review will discuss the current advances of immune-checkpoint blockade therapies in B-cell lymphoma and build a projection of how the field may evolve in the near future. In particular, we will analyse the current strategies being evaluated both preclinically and clinically, with the aim of fostering the use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors in lymphoma, including combination approaches with chemotherapeutics, biological agents and/or different immunologic therapies.
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31
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Innamarato P, Asby S, Morse J, Mackay A, Hall M, Kidd S, Nagle L, Sarnaik AA, Pilon-Thomas S. Intratumoral Activation of 41BB Costimulatory Signals Enhances CD8 T Cell Expansion and Modulates Tumor-Infiltrating Myeloid Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:2893-2904. [PMID: 33020146 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The activation of 41BB costimulatory signals by agonistic Abs enhances the expansion and function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for treating cancer patients with adoptive cell therapy. However, the impact of 41BB agonism is not limited to enhancing the activity of T cells, and the mechanism by which additional activation of this costimulatory axis in tumor-associated myeloid cells is poorly understood. In this study, we describe that the intratumoral administration of 41BB agonistic Abs led to increases in CD8 T cell infiltration followed by tumor regression in murine models. We found that granulocytes and monocytes rapidly replaced macrophages and dendritic cells in tumors following administration of anti-41BB Abs. Overall, myeloid cells from anti-41BB-treated tumors had an improved capacity to stimulate T cells in comparison with control-treated tumors. In human coculture systems, we demonstrated that the agonism of the 41BB-41BBL axis enhanced costimulatory signals and effector functions among APC and autologous TILs. Overall, these findings suggest that the effect of 41BB agonistic Abs are supported by additional costimulatory signals from tumor-associated myeloid cells,v leading to enhanced TIL expansion and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Innamarato
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612.,Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620; and
| | - Sarah Asby
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Jennifer Morse
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Amy Mackay
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - MacLean Hall
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612.,Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620; and
| | - Scott Kidd
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Luz Nagle
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Amod A Sarnaik
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612.,Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Shari Pilon-Thomas
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612;
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Abstract
A bispecific antibody (bsAb) can simultaneously bind two different epitopes or antigens, allowing for multiple mechanistic functions with synergistic effects. BsAbs have attracted significant scientific attentions and efforts towards their development as drugs for cancers. There are 21 bsAbs currently undergoing clinical trials in China. Here, we review their platform technologies, expression and production, and biological activities and bioassay of these bsAbs, and summarize their structural formats and mechanisms of actions. T-cell redirection and checkpoint inhibition are two main mechanisms of the bsAbs that we discuss in detail. Furthermore, we provide our perspective on the future of bsAb development in China, including CD3-bsAbs for solid tumors and related cytokine release syndromes, expression and chemistry, manufacturing and controls, clinical development, and immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake City C2-1, No. 666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430075, China
| | - Jizu Yi
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake City C2-1, No. 666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430075, China,To whom correspondence should be addressed. Jizu Yi or Pengfei Zhou. or
| | - Pengfei Zhou
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd, Biolake City C2-1, No. 666 Gaoxin Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430075, China,To whom correspondence should be addressed. Jizu Yi or Pengfei Zhou. or
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Bagheri S, Safaie Qamsari E, Yousefi M, Riazi-Rad F, Sharifzadeh Z. Targeting the 4-1BB costimulatory molecule through single chain antibodies promotes the human T-cell response. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2020; 25:28. [PMID: 32336974 PMCID: PMC7178758 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-020-00219-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) using autologous tumor-reactive T lymphocytes has considerable potential for cancer immunotherapy. In ACT, T cells are isolated from cancer patients and then stimulated and expanded in vitro by cytokines and costimulatory molecules. 4-1BB is an important costimulatory protein belonging to the TNF receptor superfamily. It is involved in T-cell survival, proliferation and activation. Agonistic anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies have been introduced as appropriate tools for ACT. Methods Here, various single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies were used to activate T cells isolated from peripheral blood via immune magnetic isolation. The T cells were stimulated with IL-2 and anti-CD-3 mAb and then treated with agonistic anti-4-1BB scFvs. The results showed the remarkable effects of anti-41BB scFvs on the functional properties of T cells, including their activation, proliferation and cytokine production. The flow cytometry analysis revealed a considerable increase in the expression of the T-cell activation marker CD69. Moreover, T-cell proliferation was evidenced in treated cells by CFSE labeling compared to the control groups. Result Anti-4-1BB scFvs significantly increased IFN-γ and IL-2 mRNA and protein expression in T cells, but exhibited no stimulatory effect on IL-4 expression. These findings show that anti-4-1BB scFvs could evoke a Type I immune response. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that targeting the 4-1BB molecule using agonistic scFvs could be an effective strategy for T-cell stimulation as part of an ACT approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Bagheri
- 1Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,2Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,3Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elmira Safaie Qamsari
- 1Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,2Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,3Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- 2Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Riazi-Rad
- 1Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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