1
|
Gayen S, Mukherjee S, Dasgupta S, Roy S. Emerging druggable targets for immune checkpoint modulation in cancer immunotherapy: the iceberg lies beneath the surface. Apoptosis 2024:10.1007/s10495-024-02022-8. [PMID: 39354213 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-02022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
The immune system serves as a fundamental defender against the initiation and progression of cancer. Failure of the immune system augments immunosuppressive action that leading to cancer manifestation. This immunosuppressive effect causes from significant alterations in immune checkpoint expression associated with tumoral progression. The tumor microenvironment promotes immune escape mechanisms that further amplifying immunosuppressive actions. Notably, substantial targeting of immune checkpoints has been pragmatic in the advancement of cancer research. This study highlights a comprehensive review of emerging druggable targets aimed at modulating immune checkpoint co-inhibitory as well as co-stimulatory molecules in response to immune system activation. This modulation has prompted to the development of newer therapeutic insights, eventually inducing immunogenic cell death through immunomodulatory actions. The study emphasizes the role of immune checkpoints in immunogenic regulation of cancer pathogenesis and explores potential therapeutic avenues in cancer immunotherapy.Modulation of Immunosuppressive and Immunostimulatory pathways of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakuntala Gayen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, 124, B. L. Saha Road, Tara Park, Behala, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Swarupananda Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, 124, B. L. Saha Road, Tara Park, Behala, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Sandipan Dasgupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal, 741249, India
| | - Souvik Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, 124, B. L. Saha Road, Tara Park, Behala, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Minaei E, Ranson M, Aghmesheh M, Sluyter R, Vine KL. Enhancing pancreatic cancer immunotherapy: Leveraging localized delivery strategies through the use of implantable devices and scaffolds. J Control Release 2024; 373:145-160. [PMID: 38996923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains the predominant type of upper gastrointestinal tract cancer, associated with heightened morbidity and a survival rate below 12%. While immunotherapy has brought about transformative changes in the standards of care for most solid tumors, its application in PC is hindered by the ''cold tumor'' microenvironment, marked by the presence of immunosuppressive cells. Modest response rates in PC are attributed, in part to, the fibrotic stroma that obstructs the delivery of systemic immunotherapy. Furthermore, the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (iRAEs) often necessitates the use of sub-therapeutic doses or treatment discontinuation. In the pursuit of innovative approaches to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for PC, implantable drug delivery devices and scaffolds emerge as promising strategies. These technologies offer the potential for sustained drug delivery directly to the tumor site, overcoming stromal barriers, immunosuppression, T cell exclusion, immunotherapy resistance, optimizing drug dosage, and mitigating systemic toxicity. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common and aggressive form of PC, accompanied by a critical analysis of the challenges the microenvironment presents to the development of successful combinational immunotherapy approaches. Despite efforts, these approaches have thus far fallen short in enhancing treatment outcomes for PDAC. The review will subsequently delve into the imperative need for refining delivery strategies, providing an examination of past and ongoing studies in the field of localized immunotherapy for PDAC. Addressing these issues will lay the groundwork for the development of effective new therapies, thereby enhancing treatment response, patient survival, and overall quality of life for individuals diagnosed with PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Minaei
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - M Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - M Aghmesheh
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Bright Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R Sluyter
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - K L Vine
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Santos RLD, Martins MR, Tavares VL, Neto JPD, Torres LC. Analysis of the expression of cytokines and chemokines, platelet-leukocyte aggregates, sCD40L and sCD62P in cutaneous melanoma. J Surg Oncol 2024. [PMID: 39129330 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27748] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a malignancy with a variable incidence worldwide and a poor advanced-stage prognosis. Melanoma growth is closely associated with the immune system. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed on CM patients admitted at the Hospital de Cancer de Pernambuco (HCP) between 2015 and 2018. Fifty-one CM patients were included, and 30 healthy individuals. The study aimed to evaluate the association of platelet activation mechanisms and inflammatory response in patients with cutaneous melanoma. RESULTS Elevated serum IL10 and low serum TNF levels in CM patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). High IL6 levels in patients with negative lymph nodes LN (-) compared to positive lymph nodes group (LN +, p = 0.0005). Low RANTES levels in patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Elevated levels of platelet-lymphocyte (PLA), platelet-monocytes (PMA), and platelet-neutrophils (PNA) aggregates were observed in patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). CM patients with stage II had lower PMA levels than stages I and III (p < 0.05). High PMA levels were observed in patients with LN (+) compared to the LN (-) group (p < 0.0001). Patients with SSM had high levels of sCD40L and sCD62P compared to controls (p < 0.05)). High sCD40L levels in stage II compared to the stage III group, and sCD62P in stages I and II compared to the stage III group (p < 0.05). High sCD62P levels in patients with LN (-) compared to the group LN (+) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION It was observed the immunosuppressive profile in CM may favor tumor progression. High levels of platelet-leukocyte aggregates, sCD40L, and sCD62P may be associated with the worst prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rogerio Luiz Dos Santos
- Translational Research Laboratory Prof. CA Hart (IMIP), Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
- Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Skin Cancer Department, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mário R Martins
- Translational Research Laboratory Prof. CA Hart (IMIP), Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
- Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Skin Cancer Department, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valéria Lobo Tavares
- Translational Research Laboratory Prof. CA Hart (IMIP), Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
- Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Leuridan Cavalcante Torres
- Translational Research Laboratory Prof. CA Hart (IMIP), Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
- Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Postgraduate program in Translational Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Roberts M, Finn J, Lass M, Oviedo-Bermudez E, Kurt RA. Efficacy of IFN-γ, sCD40L, and Poly(I:C) Treated Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages in Murine Mammary Carcinoma. Immunol Invest 2024; 53:857-871. [PMID: 38813886 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2024.2354264] [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: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Here, we explored methods to generate anti-tumor bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and how delivery of the BMDM at early tumor sites could impact disease progression. METHODS BMDM treated with IFN-γ, sCD40L, poly(I:C), and a combination of the three were assessed. RESULTS Treatment with sCD40L had no significant impact on the BMDM. Treating BMDM with IFN-γ impacted IL-1β, MHC Class II, and CD80 expression. While poly(I:C) treatment had a greater impact on the BMDM than IFN-γ when assessed by the in vitro assays, the BMDM treated with poly (I:C) had mixed results in vivo where they decreased growth of the EMT6 tumor, did not impact growth of the 168 tumor, and enhanced growth of the 4T1 tumor. The combination of poly(I:C), IFN-γ, and sCD40L had the greatest impact on the BMDM in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with all three agonists resulted in increased IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-12 expression, decreased expression of arginase and mrc, increased phagocytic activity, nitrite production, and MHC Class II and CD80 expression, and significantly impacted growth of the EMT6 and 168 murine mammary carcinoma models. DISCUSSION Collectively, these data show that treating BMDM with poly(I:C), IFN-γ, and sCD40L generates BMDM with more consistent anti-tumor activity than BMDM generated with the individual agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Roberts
- Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua Finn
- Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Melissa Lass
- Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Robert A Kurt
- Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ma Y, Luo F, Zhang Y, Liu Q, Xue J, Huang Y, Zhao Y, Yang Y, Fang W, Zhou T, Chen G, Cao J, Chen Q, She X, Luo P, Liu G, Zhang L, Zhao H. Preclinical characterization and phase 1 results of ADG106 in patients with advanced solid tumors and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101414. [PMID: 38330942 PMCID: PMC10897605 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101414] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
ADG106, a ligand-blocking agonistic antibody targeting CD137 (4-1BB), exhibits promising results in preclinical studies, demonstrating tumor suppression in various animal models and showing a balanced profile between safety and efficacy. This phase 1 study enrolls 62 patients with advanced malignancies, revealing favorable tolerability up to the 5.0 mg/kg dose level. Dose-limiting toxicity occurs in only one patient (6.3%) at 10.0 mg/kg, resulting in grade 4 neutropenia. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events include leukopenia (22.6%), neutropenia (22.6%), elevated alanine aminotransferase (22.6%), rash (21.0%), itching (17.7%), and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (17.7%). The overall disease control rates are 47.1% for advanced solid tumors and 54.5% for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Circulating biomarkers suggest target engagement by ADG106 and immune modulation of circulating T, B, and natural killer cells and cytokines interferon γ and interleukin-6, which may affect the probability of clinical efficacy. ADG106 has a manageable safety profile and preliminary anti-tumor efficacy in patients with advanced cancers (this study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03802955).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Ma
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Fan Luo
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Qianwen Liu
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jinhui Xue
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yunpeng Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jiaxin Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Qun Chen
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.
| | - Hongyun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen L, Qian W, Pan F, Li D, Yu W, Tong L, Yang Y, Xu Q, Ding J, Dai R, Xian W, Zhu X, Ren P, Zhu H. A trispecific antibody induces potent tumor-directed T-cell activation and antitumor activity by CD3/CD28 co-engagement. Immunotherapy 2024; 16:143-159. [PMID: 38126157 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2023-0256] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: A novel CD19xCD3xCD28 trispecific antibody with a tandem single-chain variable fragments (scFv) structure was developed for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. Methods: The trispecific antibody in inducing tumor-directed T-cell activation and cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo and compared with its bispecific counterpart BiTE-CD19xCD3 lacking a CD28-targeting domain. Results: The trispecific antibody with a co-stimulatory domain exhibited augmented T-cell activation and memory T-cell differentiation capability and it induced faster tumor cell lysis than the bispecific antibody. RNAseq analysis revealed that the trispecific antibody modulates CD3/TCR complex-derived signal and upregulates antiapoptotic factors to influence the survival of T cells. Conclusion: By CD3/CD28 co-engagement, the trispecific antibody demonstrated its advantages in T-cell immunity and potential use as a more powerful and long-lasting T-cell engager.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- CytoCares (Shanghai) Inc., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wenjing Qian
- CytoCares (Shanghai) Inc., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fangfang Pan
- CytoCares (Shanghai) Inc., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Debin Li
- Novoprotein Scientific Inc., Wujiang Economic & Technological Development Zone, Suzhou, 215299, China
| | - Weiwei Yu
- GemPharmatech Co., Ltd, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing, 210031, China
| | - Li Tong
- PharmaLegacy Laboratories, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yingying Yang
- CytoCares (Shanghai) Inc., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qiming Xu
- CytoCares (Shanghai) Inc., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jianfeng Ding
- Novoprotein Scientific Inc., Wujiang Economic & Technological Development Zone, Suzhou, 215299, China
| | - Ruixue Dai
- CytoCares (Shanghai) Inc., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Weiwei Xian
- CytoCares (Shanghai) Inc., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xufeng Zhu
- Novoprotein Scientific Inc., Wujiang Economic & Technological Development Zone, Suzhou, 215299, China
| | - Pu Ren
- CytoCares (Shanghai) Inc., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Huaxing Zhu
- CytoCares (Shanghai) Inc., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Novoprotein Scientific Inc., Wujiang Economic & Technological Development Zone, Suzhou, 215299, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xuan L, Bai C, Ju Z, Luo J, Guan H, Zhou PK, Huang R. Radiation-targeted immunotherapy: A new perspective in cancer radiotherapy. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 75:1-11. [PMID: 38061920 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.11.003] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
In contemporary oncology, radiation therapy and immunotherapy stand as critical treatments, each with distinct mechanisms and outcomes. Radiation therapy, a key player in cancer management, targets cancer cells by damaging their DNA with ionizing radiation. Its effectiveness is heightened when used alongside other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. Employing varied radiation types like X-rays, gamma rays, and proton beams, this approach aims to minimize damage to healthy tissue. However, it is not without risks, including potential damage to surrounding normal cells and side effects ranging from skin inflammation to serious long-term complications. Conversely, immunotherapy marks a revolutionary step in cancer treatment, leveraging the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. It manipulates the immune system's specificity and memory, offering a versatile approach either alone or in combination with other treatments. Immunotherapy is known for its targeted action, long-lasting responses, and fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies. The interaction between radiation therapy and immunotherapy is intricate, with potential for both synergistic and antagonistic effects. Their combined use can be more effective than either treatment alone, but careful consideration of timing and sequence is essential. This review explores the impact of various radiation therapy regimens on immunotherapy, focusing on changes in the immune microenvironment, immune protein expression, and epigenetic factors, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment strategies and ongoing research to enhance the efficacy of these combined therapies in cancer care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Xuan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China; Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Chenjun Bai
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zhao Ju
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China; Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jinhua Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China; Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hua Guan
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Ruixue Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang H, Sun D, Chen J, Li H, Chen L. Nectin-4 has emerged as a compelling target for breast cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176129. [PMID: 38059449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of breast cancer in women has increased year by year, becoming one of the most common malignant tumors in females worldwide. Most patients can be treated with surgery and endocrine drugs, but there are still some patients who lack effective treatment, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Nectin-4, a protein encoded by poliovirus receptor-associated protein 4, is a Ca2+-independent immunoglobulin-like protein. It is mainly involved in the adhesion between cells. In recent years, studies have found that Nectin-4 is overexpressed in breast cancer and several other malignancies. Otherwise, several monoclonal antibodies and inhibitors targeting Nectin-4 have shown prosperous outcomes, so Nectin-4 has great potential to be a therapeutic target for breast cancer. The present review systematically describes the significance of Nectin-4 in each aspect of breast cancer, as well as the molecular mechanisms of these aspects mediated by Nectin-4. We further highlight ongoing or proposed therapeutic strategies for breast cancer specific to Nectin-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Dejuan Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Jinxia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fromm G, de Silva S, Schreiber TH. Reconciling intrinsic properties of activating TNF receptors by native ligands versus synthetic agonists. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1236332. [PMID: 37795079 PMCID: PMC10546206 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1236332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular domain of tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFR) generally require assembly into a homotrimeric quaternary structure as a prerequisite for initiation of signaling via the cytoplasmic domains. TNF receptor homotrimers are natively activated by similarly homo-trimerized TNF ligands, but can also be activated by synthetic agonists including engineered antibodies and Fc-ligand fusion proteins. A large body of literature from pre-clinical models supports the hypothesis that synthetic agonists targeting a diverse range of TNF receptors (including 4-1BB, CD40, OX40, GITR, DR5, TNFRSF25, HVEM, LTβR, CD27, and CD30) could amplify immune responses to provide clinical benefit in patients with infectious diseases or cancer. Unfortunately, however, the pre-clinical attributes of synthetic TNF receptor agonists have not translated well in human clinical studies, and have instead raised fundamental questions regarding the intrinsic biology of TNF receptors. Clinical observations of bell-shaped dose response curves have led some to hypothesize that TNF receptor overstimulation is possible and can lead to anergy and/or activation induced cell death of target cells. Safety issues including liver toxicity and cytokine release syndrome have also been observed in humans, raising questions as to whether those toxicities are driven by overstimulation of the targeted TNF receptor, a non-TNF receptor related attribute of the synthetic agonist, or both. Together, these clinical findings have limited the development of many TNF receptor agonists, and may have prevented generation of clinical data which reflects the full potential of TNF receptor agonism. A number of recent studies have provided structural insights into how different TNF receptor agonists bind and cluster TNF receptors, and these insights aid in deconvoluting the intrinsic biology of TNF receptors with the mechanistic underpinnings of synthetic TNF receptor agonist therapeutics.
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Javid H, Attarian F, Saadatmand T, Rezagholinejad N, Mehri A, Amiri H, Karimi-Shahri M. The therapeutic potential of immunotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer: Rational strategies and recent progress. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:477-494. [PMID: 36966454 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
The second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide is breast cancer (BC), and despite significant advances in BC therapies, a significant proportion of patients develop metastasis and disease recurrence. Currently used treatments, like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone replacement therapy, result in poor responses and high recurrence rates. Alternative therapies are therefore needed for this type of cancer. Cancer patients may benefit from immunotherapy, a novel treatment strategy in cancer treatment. Even though immunotherapy has been successful in many cases, some patients do not respond to the treatment or those who do respond relapse or progress. The purpose of this review is to discuss several different immunotherapy approaches approved for the treatment of BC, as well as different strategies for immunotherapy for the treatment of BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Attarian
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Toktam Saadatmand
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Ali Mehri
- Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamed Amiri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Karimi-Shahri
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mahajan S, Balcioglu HE, Oostvogels A, Dik WA, Chan KCA, Lo KW, Hui EP, Tsang A, Tong J, Lam WKJ, Wong K, Chan ATC, Ma BBY, Debets R. Frequency of Peripheral CD8+ T Cells Expressing Chemo-Attractant Receptors CCR1, 4 and 5 Increases in NPC Patients with EBV Clearance upon Radiotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061887. [PMID: 36980772 PMCID: PMC10047204 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061887] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is the standard-of-care for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), where the post-RT clearance of plasma EBV DNA is prognostic. Currently, it is not known whether the post-RT clearance of plasma EBV DNA is related to the presence of circulating T-cell subsets. Blood samples from NPC patients were used to assess the frequency of T-cell subsets relating to differentiation, co-signaling and chemotaxis. Patients with undetectable versus detectable plasma EBV DNA levels post-RT were categorized as clearers vs. non-clearers. Clearers had a lower frequency of PD1+CD8+ T cells as well as CXCR3+CD8+ T cells during RT compared to non-clearers. Clearers exclusively showed a temporal increase in chemo-attractant receptors CCR1, 4 and/or 5, expressing CD8+ T cells upon RT. The increase in CCR-expressing CD8+ T cells was accompanied by a drop in naïve CD8+ T cells and an increase in OX40+CD8+ T cells. Upon stratifying these patients based on clinical outcome, the dynamics of CCR-expressing CD8+ T cells were in concordance with the non-recurrence of NPC. In a second cohort, non-recurrence associated with higher quantities of circulating CCL14 and CCL15. Collectively, our findings relate plasma EBV DNA clearance post-RT to T-cell chemotaxis, which requires validation in larger cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Mahajan
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hayri E Balcioglu
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Oostvogels
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A Dik
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K C Allen Chan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwok-Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Edwin P Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anna Tsang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joanna Tong
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Kei Jacky Lam
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kenneth Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anthony T C Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Brigette B Y Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus expressing the co-stimulator OX40L as immunopotentiator for colorectal cancer therapy. Gene Ther 2023; 30:64-74. [PMID: 34602608 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NDV as an attractive candidate for oncolytic immunotherapy selectively lyses tumor cells but shows limited anti-tumor immunity. Immune co-stimulator OX40 ligand (OX40L) boosts anti-tumor immunity response by delivering a potent costimulatory signal to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. To improve the anti-tumor immunity of NDV, the recombinant NDV expressing the murine OX40L (rNDV-mOX40L) was engineered. The viral growth kinetics was examined in CT26 cell lines. The ability of rNDV-mOX40L to express mOX40L was detected in the infected tumor cells and tumor tissues. The anti-tumor activity of rNDV-mOX40L was studied in the CT26 animal model. Tumor-specific CD4+, CD8+ and OX40+ T cells were examined by immunohistochemistry staining. The virus growth curve showed that the insertion of the mOX40L gene did not affect the growth kinetics of NDV. rNDV-mOX40L expresses mOX40L and effectively inhibits the growth of CT26 colorectal cancer in vivo. The tumor inhibition rate of the rNDV-mOX40L-treated group was increased by 15.8% compared to that of NDV-treated group in the CT26 model. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry staining of tumor tissues removed from the CT26 model revealed that intense infiltration of tumor-specific CD4+, CD8+ T cells, especially OX40+ T cells were found in the rNDV-mOX40L-treated group. FACS showed that rNDV-mOX40L significantly enhanced the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in spleen. Moreover, compared to the NDV-treated group, the level of mouse IFN-γ protein in the tumor site increased significantly in the rNDV-mOX40L-treated group. Taken together, rNDV-mOX40L exhibited superior anti-tumor immunity by stimulating tumor-specific T cells and may be a promising agent for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Akbari B, Hosseini Z, Shahabinejad P, Ghassemi S, Mirzaei HR, O'Connor RS. Metabolic and epigenetic orchestration of (CAR) T cell fate and function. Cancer Lett 2022; 550:215948. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
15
|
Hamid O, Chiappori AA, Thompson JA, Doi T, Hu-Lieskovan S, Eskens FALM, Ros W, Diab A, Spano JP, Rizvi NA, Wasser JS, Angevin E, Ott PA, Forgie A, Yang W, Guo C, Chou J, El-Khoueiry AB. First-in-human study of an OX40 (ivuxolimab) and 4-1BB (utomilumab) agonistic antibody combination in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005471. [PMID: 36302562 PMCID: PMC9621185 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ivuxolimab (PF-04518600) and utomilumab (PF-05082566) are humanized agonistic IgG2 monoclonal antibodies against OX40 and 4-1BB, respectively. This first-in-human, multicenter, open-label, phase I, dose-escalation/dose-expansion study explored safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of ivuxolimab+utomilumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS Dose-escalation: patients with advanced bladder, gastric, or cervical cancer, melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were unresponsive to available therapies, had no standard therapy available or declined standard therapy were enrolled into five dose cohorts: ivuxolimab (0.1-3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W)) intravenously plus utomilumab (20 or 100 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W)) intravenously. Dose-expansion: patients with melanoma (n=10) and NSCLC (n=20) who progressed on prior anti-programmed death receptor 1/programmed death ligand-1 and/or anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (melanoma) received ivuxolimab 30 mg Q2W intravenously plus utomilumab 20 mg Q4W intravenously. Adverse events (AEs) were graded per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V.4.03 and efficacy was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) V.1.1 and immune-related RECIST (irRECIST). Paired tumor biopsies and whole blood were collected to assess pharmacodynamic effects and immunophenotyping. Whole blood samples were collected longitudinally for immunophenotyping. RESULTS Dose-escalation: 57 patients were enrolled; 2 (3.5%) patients with melanoma (0.3 mg/kg+20 mg and 0.3 mg/kg+100 mg) achieved partial response (PR), 18 (31.6%) patients achieved stable disease (SD); the disease control rate (DCR) was 35.1% across all dose levels. Dose-expansion: 30 patients were enrolled; 1 patient with NSCLC achieved PR lasting >77 weeks. Seven of 10 patients with melanoma (70%) and 7 of 20 patients with NSCLC (35%) achieved SD: median (range) duration of SD was 18.9 (13.9-49.0) weeks for the melanoma cohort versus 24.1 (14.3-77.9+) weeks for the NSCLC cohort; DCR (NSCLC) was 40%. Grade 3-4 treatment-emergent AEs were reported in 28 (49.1%) patients versus 11 (36.7%) patients in dose-escalation and dose-expansion, respectively. There were no grade 5 AEs deemed attributable to treatment. Ivuxolimab area under the concentration-time curve increased in a dose-dependent manner at 0.3-3 mg/kg doses. CONCLUSIONS Ivuxolimab+utomilumab was found to be well tolerated and demonstrated preliminary antitumor activity in selected groups of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02315066.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Hamid
- Translational Research and Immunotherapy, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, A Cedars-Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | - Toshihiko Doi
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ferry A L M Eskens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke Ros
- Department of Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adi Diab
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Spano
- Medical Oncology, APHP-Sorbonne University, IPLEs Inserm1136, Pitie-Salpetrière Hospital-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Naiyer A Rizvi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Wasser
- Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Eric Angevin
- Drug Development Department, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Patrick A Ott
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alison Forgie
- Translational Oncology, Pfizer Inc, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Oncology Computational Biology, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, Calfornia, USA
| | - Cen Guo
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey Chou
- Early Oncology Development and Clinical Research, Pfizer Inc, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anthony B El-Khoueiry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Blokon-Kogan D, Levi-Mann M, Malka-Levy L, Itzhaki O, Besser MJ, Shiftan Y, Szöőr Á, Vereb G, Gross G, Abken H, Weinstein-Marom H. Membrane anchored IL-18 linked to constitutively active TLR4 and CD40 improves human T cell antitumor capacities for adoptive cell therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2022. [PMCID: PMC9442493 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAdoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or blood T cells genetically redirected by an antitumor TCR or CAR induces a strong antitumor response in a proportion of patients with cancer; however, the therapeutic efficacy is often limited by rapid decline in T cell functions. Coadministering supportive cytokines frequently provokes systemic side effects preventing their broad clinical application. We recently showed that cytokines can be anchored to the cell membrane in a functional fashion and that cytokine receptor signaling can synergize with TLR4 and CD40 signaling. Here, we aimed at augmenting T cell activation by simultaneous signaling through the cytokine receptor, toll-like receptor and TNF-type receptor using IL-18, TLR4 and CD40 as prototypes.MethodsGenes were expressed on electroporation of in vitro-transcribed mRNA in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from healthy donors redirected against melanoma cells with an anti-melanotransferrin CAR and in TILs derived from melanoma patients. Functional assays included the activation of signaling pathways, expression of activation and differentiation markers, cytokine secretion and killing of melanoma target cells.ResultsTo provide IL-18 costimulation to T cells in-cis while avoiding systemic effects, we genetically anchored IL-18 to the T cell membrane, either alone (memIL-18) or fused with constitutively active (ca)TLR4 and caCD40 signaling domains arranged in tandem, creating a synthetic ‘all-in-one’ memIL-18-TLR4-CD40 receptor. MemIL-18-TLR4-CD40, but not memIL-18, triggered strong NF-κB activation in cells lacking the IL-18 receptor, attesting to functionality of the TLR-CD40 moiety. While the membrane-anchored cytokine was found to act mainly in-cis, some T cell activation in-trans was also observed. The electroporated T cells exhibited spontaneous T-bet upregulation and IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion. Melanoma-induced activation of CAR-T cells and TILs as manifested by cytokine secretion and cytolytic activity was substantially augmented by both constructs, with memIL-18-TLR4-CD40 exerting stronger effects than memIL-18 alone.ConclusionsLinking membrane anchored IL-18 with caTLR4 and caCD40 signaling in one hybrid transmembrane protein provides simultaneous activation of three T cell costimulatory pathways through one genetically engineered membrane molecule, strongly amplifying T cell functions for adoptive T cell therapy of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Blokon-Kogan
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- The Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Maya Levi-Mann
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- The Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Lior Malka-Levy
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- The Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Orit Itzhaki
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michal J Besser
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikvah, Israel
| | - Yuval Shiftan
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Árpád Szöőr
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Vereb
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, University of Debrecen Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gideon Gross
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- The Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy and University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hadas Weinstein-Marom
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- The Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ekstrand J, Zemmler M, Abrahamsson A, Lundberg P, Forsgren M, Dabrosin C. Breast Density and Estradiol Are Major Determinants for Soluble TNF-TNF-R Proteins in vivo in Human Breast Tissue. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850240. [PMID: 35432372 PMCID: PMC9005790 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
High mammographic density and exposure to sex steroids are independent risk factors for breast cancer by yet unknown mechanisms. Inflammation is one hallmark of cancer and the tumor necrosis factor family of proteins (TNFSFs) and receptors (TNFRSFs) are key determinants of tissue inflammation. The relationship between TNFSFs/TNFRSFs and breast tissue density or local breast estradiol levels is unknown. We investigated whether TNFSFs and soluble TNFRSFs (sTNFRSFs) are dysregulated in vivo in human breast cancer and dense breast tissue of postmenopausal women. We explored TNFSF/TNFRSF correlations with breast density and estradiol, both locally in the breast and in abdominal subcutaneous (s.c.) fat as a measure of systemic effects. Microdialysis was used for local sampling of in vivo proteins and estradiol in a total of 73 women; 12 with breast cancer, 42 healthy postmenopausal women with different breast densities, and 19 healthy premenopausal women. Breast density was determined as lean tissue fraction (LTF) using magnetic resonance imaging. Microdialysis was also performed in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer in mice treated with the pure anti-estrogen fulvestrant and tumor tissue was subjected to immunohistochemistry. 23 members of the TNFSF/sTNFRSF families were quantified using proximity extension assay.Our data revealed upregulation of TNFSF10, 13 and 13B, TNFRSF6, 6B, 9, 11A, 11B, 13B, 14, and 19, and TNFR-1 and -2 in ER+ breast cancer in women. In dense breast tissue TNFSF10, 13, and 14, TNFRSF3, 6, 9, 10B, 13B, 14, 19, and TNFR-1 and -2 were upregulated. Certain TNFSFs/TNFRSFs were increased in premenopausal breasts relative to postmenopausal breasts. Furthermore, estradiol correlated with most of the TNFSF/sTNFRSF members, though LTF only correlated with some of the proteins. Several of these associations were breast tissue-specific, as very few correlated with estradiol in abdominal s.c. fat. Estrogen dependent regulations of TNFSF2 (TNF-α) and TNF-R2 were corroborated in ER+ breast cancer in mice. Taken together, our data indicate TNFSFs/sTNFRSFs may represent potential targetable pathways for treatment of breast cancer patients and in prevention of breast cancer development in women with dense breasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Ekstrand
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maja Zemmler
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Lundberg
- Department of Radiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsgren
- Department of Radiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ye L, Park JJ, Peng L, Yang Q, Chow RD, Dong MB, Lam SZ, Guo J, Tang E, Zhang Y, Wang G, Dai X, Du Y, Kim HR, Cao H, Errami Y, Clark P, Bersenev A, Montgomery RR, Chen S. A genome-scale gain-of-function CRISPR screen in CD8 T cells identifies proline metabolism as a means to enhance CAR-T therapy. Cell Metab 2022; 34:595-614.e14. [PMID: 35276062 PMCID: PMC8986623 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell-based immunotherapy for cancer and immunological diseases has made great strides, but it still faces multiple hurdles. Finding the right molecular targets to engineer T cells toward a desired function has broad implications for the armamentarium of T cell-centered therapies. Here, we developed a dead-guide RNA (dgRNA)-based CRISPR activation screen in primary CD8+ T cells and identified gain-of-function (GOF) targets for CAR-T engineering. Targeted knockin or overexpression of a lead target, PRODH2, enhanced CAR-T-based killing and in vivo efficacy in multiple cancer models. Transcriptomics and metabolomics in CAR-T cells revealed that augmenting PRODH2 expression reshaped broad and distinct gene expression and metabolic programs. Mitochondrial, metabolic, and immunological analyses showed that PRODH2 engineering enhances the metabolic and immune functions of CAR-T cells against cancer. Together, these findings provide a system for identification of GOF immune boosters and demonstrate PRODH2 as a target to enhance CAR-T efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lupeng Ye
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Jonathan J Park
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale M.D.-Ph.D. Program, 367 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MCGD Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Lei Peng
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Quanjun Yang
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Ryan D Chow
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale M.D.-Ph.D. Program, 367 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MCGD Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Matthew B Dong
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale M.D.-Ph.D. Program, 367 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MCGD Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stanley Z Lam
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; The College, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jianjian Guo
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale M.D.-Ph.D. Program, 367 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MCGD Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Erting Tang
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Yueqi Zhang
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Guangchuan Wang
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Dai
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Yaying Du
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Hyunu R Kim
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Hanbing Cao
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Youssef Errami
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Paul Clark
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Alexey Bersenev
- Advanced Cell Therapy Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ruth R Montgomery
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Rheumatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sidi Chen
- System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MCGD Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Palameta S, Manrique-Rincón AJ, Toscaro JM, Semionatto IF, Fonseca MC, Rosa RS, Ruas LP, Oliveira PS, Bajgelman MC. Boosting antitumor response with PSMA-targeted immunomodulatory VLPs, harboring costimulatory TNFSF ligands and GM-CSF cytokine. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 24:650-662. [PMID: 35284623 PMCID: PMC8898762 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies based on immunomodulation have improved cancer therapy. Most approaches target co-stimulatory pathways or the inhibition of immunosuppressive mechanisms, to enhance immune response and overcome the immune tolerance of tumors. Here, we propose a novel platform to deliver targeted immunomodulatory signaling, enhancing antitumor response. The platform is based on virus-like particles derived from lentiviral capsids. These particles may be engineered to harbor multifunctional ligands on the surface that drive tropism to the tumor site and deliver immunomodulatory signaling, boosting the antitumor response. We generated virus-like particles harboring a PSMA-ligand, TNFSF co-stimulatory ligands 4-1BBL or OX40L, and a membrane-anchored GM-CSF cytokine. The virus-like particles are driven to PSMA-expressing tumors and deliver immunomodulatory signaling from the TNFSF surface ligands and the anchored GM-CSF, inducing T cell proliferation, inhibition of regulatory T cells, and potentiating elimination of tumor cells. The PSMA-targeted particles harboring immunomodulators enhanced antitumor activity in immunocompetent challenged mice and may be explored as a potential tool for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
20
|
Huang Q, Wang D, Yao G, Wang H. Impact of General Factors on Glioma Immunotherapy. J Clin Neurol 2022; 18:3-13. [PMID: 35021271 PMCID: PMC8762502 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.18.1.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma remains the most common malignant tumor in the brain and is also the most difficult to treat. Immunotherapy achieving long-lasting tumor remission in multiple cancer types has received considerable attention due to its potential to improve the treatment outcomes of patients with glioma. However, clinical trials have not yet demonstrated major improvements in prognoses, which might be attributable to the extrinsic components and intrinsic mechanisms involved in the tumor microenvironment and immune system. It is particularly noteworthy that there is emerging evidence that current routine treatment modalities and the physical and psychological characteristics of patients have different impacts on the efficacy of glioma immunotherapy. This article addresses how these factors interact with the host immune system and tumor microenvironment, and highlights their potential roles in glioma immunotherapy, with the ultimate goal of developing better immunotherapy-based personalized medicine strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guojie Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, China.
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Waibl Polania J, Lerner EC, Wilkinson DS, Hoyt-Miggelbrink A, Fecci PE. Pushing Past the Blockade: Advancements in T Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:777073. [PMID: 34868044 PMCID: PMC8636733 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.777073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful cancer immunotherapies rely on a replete and functional immune compartment. Within the immune compartment, T cells are often the effector arm of immune-based strategies due to their potent cytotoxic capabilities. However, many tumors have evolved a variety of mechanisms to evade T cell-mediated killing. Thus, while many T cell-based immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have achieved considerable success in some solid cancers and hematological malignancies, these therapies often fail in solid tumors due to tumor-imposed T cell dysfunctions. These dysfunctional mechanisms broadly include reduced T cell access into and identification of tumors, as well as an overall immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that elicits T cell exhaustion. Therefore, novel, rational approaches are necessary to overcome the barriers to T cell function elicited by solid tumors. In this review, we will provide an overview of conventional immunotherapeutic strategies and the various barriers to T cell anti-tumor function encountered in solid tumors that lead to resistance. We will also explore a sampling of emerging strategies specifically aimed to bypass these tumor-imposed boundaries to T cell-based immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily C Lerner
- Duke Medical School, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Daniel S Wilkinson
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Peter E Fecci
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hurov K, Lahdenranta J, Upadhyaya P, Haines E, Cohen H, Repash E, Kanakia D, Ma J, Kristensson J, You F, Campbell C, Witty D, Kelly M, Blakemore S, Jeffrey P, McDonnell K, Brandish P, Keen N. BT7480, a novel fully synthetic Bicycle tumor-targeted immune cell agonist™ ( Bicycle TICA™) induces tumor localized CD137 agonism. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002883. [PMID: 34725211 PMCID: PMC8562524 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002883] [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] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CD137 (4-1BB) is an immune costimulatory receptor with high therapeutic potential in cancer. We are creating tumor target-dependent CD137 agonists using a novel chemical approach based on fully synthetic constrained bicyclic peptide (Bicycle®) technology. Nectin-4 is overexpressed in multiple human cancers that may benefit from CD137 agonism. To this end, we have developed BT7480, a novel, first-in-class, Nectin-4/CD137 Bicycle tumor-targeted immune cell agonist™ (Bicycle TICA™). Methods Nectin-4 and CD137 co-expression analyses in primary human cancer samples was performed. Chemical conjugation of two CD137 Bicycles to a Nectin-4 Bicycle led to BT7480, which was then evaluated using a suite of in vitro and in vivo assays to characterize its pharmacology and mechanism of action. Results Transcriptional profiling revealed that Nectin-4 and CD137 were co-expressed in a variety of human cancers with high unmet need and spatial proteomic imaging found CD137-expressing immune cells were deeply penetrant within the tumor near Nectin-4-expressing cancer cells. BT7480 binds potently, specifically, and simultaneously to Nectin-4 and CD137. In co-cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor cells, this co-ligation causes robust Nectin-4-dependent CD137 agonism that is more potent than an anti-CD137 antibody agonist. Treatment of immunocompetent mice bearing Nectin-4-expressing tumors with BT7480 elicited a profound reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment including an early and rapid myeloid cell activation that precedes T cell infiltration and upregulation of cytotoxicity-related genes. BT7480 induces complete tumor regressions and resistance to tumor re-challenge. Importantly, antitumor activity is not dependent on continuous high drug levels in the plasma since a once weekly dosing cycle provides maximum antitumor activity despite minimal drug remaining in the plasma after day 2. BT7480 appears well tolerated in both rats and non-human primates at doses far greater than those expected to be clinically relevant, including absence of the hepatic toxicity observed with non-targeted CD137 agonists. Conclusion BT7480 is a highly potent Nectin-4-dependent CD137 agonist that produces complete regressions and antitumor immunity with only intermittent drug exposure in syngeneic mouse tumor models and is well tolerated in preclinical safety species. This work supports the clinical investigation of BT7480 for the treatment of cancer in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Hurov
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Punit Upadhyaya
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric Haines
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heather Cohen
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth Repash
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Drasti Kanakia
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jun Ma
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Kristensson
- Bicycle Therapeutics, B900 Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fanglei You
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carly Campbell
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Witty
- Bicycle Therapeutics, B900 Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mike Kelly
- Bicycle Therapeutics, B900 Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephen Blakemore
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Phil Jeffrey
- Bicycle Therapeutics, B900 Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kevin McDonnell
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Philip Brandish
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas Keen
- Bicycle Therapeutics, 4 Hartwell Place, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Immunotoxins Immunotherapy against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Promising Prospect. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13100719. [PMID: 34679012 PMCID: PMC8538445 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. Therefore, fighting against such cancer is reasonable. Chemotherapy drugs are sometimes inefficient and often accompanied by undesirable side effects for patients. On the other hand, the emergence of chemoresistant HCC emphasizes the need for a new high-efficiency treatment strategy. Immunotoxins are armed and rigorous targeting agents that can purposefully kill cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapeutics, immunotoxins because of targeted toxicity, insignificant cross-resistance, easy production, and other favorable properties can be ideal candidates against HCC. In this review, the characteristics of proper HCC-specific biomarkers for immunotoxin targeting were dissected. After that, the first to last immunotoxins developed for the treatment of liver cancer were discussed. So, by reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of these immunotoxins, we attempted to provide keynotes for designing an optimal immunotoxin against HCC.
Collapse
|
24
|
Sopp JM, Peters SJ, Rowley TF, Oldham RJ, James S, Mockridge I, French RR, Turner A, Beers SA, Humphreys DP, Cragg MS. On-target IgG hexamerisation driven by a C-terminal IgM tail-piece fusion variant confers augmented complement activation. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1031. [PMID: 34475514 PMCID: PMC8413284 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02513-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of depleting monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs elicit responses via Fc-FcγR and Fc-C1q interactions. Optimal C1q interaction is achieved through hexameric Fc:Fc interactions at the target cell surface. Herein is described an approach to exploit the tailpiece of the naturally multimeric IgM to augment hexamerisation of IgG. Fusion of the C-terminal tailpiece of IgM promoted spontaneous hIgG hexamer formation, resulting in enhanced C1q recruitment and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) but with off-target complement activation and reduced in-vivo efficacy. Mutation of the penultimate tailpiece cysteine to serine (C575S) ablated spontaneous hexamer formation, but facilitated reversible hexamer formation after concentration in solution. C575S mutant tailpiece antibodies displayed increased complement activity only after target binding, in-line with the concept of 'on-target hexamerisation', whilst retaining efficient in-vivo efficacy and augmented target cell killing in the lymph node. Hence, C575S-tailpiece technology represents an alternative format for promoting on-target hexamerisation and enhanced CDC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Sopp
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | | | - Robert J Oldham
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sonya James
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Mockridge
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ruth R French
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Stephen A Beers
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Mark S Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nelke J, Medler J, Weisenberger D, Beilhack A, Wajant H. CD40- and CD95-specific antibody single chain-Baff fusion proteins display BaffR-, TACI- and BCMA-restricted agonism. MAbs 2021; 12:1807721. [PMID: 32840410 PMCID: PMC7531569 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1807721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies that target a clinically relevant group of receptors within the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), including CD40 and CD95 (Fas/Apo-1), also require binding to Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) to elicit a strong agonistic activity. This FcγR dependency largely relies on the mere cellular anchoring through the antibody’s Fc domain and does not involve the engagement of FcγR signaling. The aim of this study was to elicit agonistic activity from αCD40 and αCD95 antibodies in a myeloma cell anchoring-controlled FcγR-independent manner. For this purpose, various antibody variants (IgG1, IgG1N297A, Fab2) against the TNFRSF members CD40 and CD95 were genetically fused to a single-chain-encoded B-cell activating factor (scBaff) trimer as a C-terminal myeloma-specific anchoring domain substituting for Fc domain-mediated FcγR binding. The antibody-scBaff fusion proteins were evaluated in binding studies and functional assays using tumor cell lines expressing one or more of the three receptors of Baff: BaffR, transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI) and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). Cellular binding studies showed that the binding properties of the different domains within the fusion proteins remained fully intact in the antibody-scBaff fusion proteins. In co-culture assays of CD40- and CD95-responsive cells with BaffR, BCMA or TACI expressing anchoring cells, the antibody fusion proteins displayed strong agonism while only minor receptor stimulation was observed in co-cultures with cells without expression of Baff-interacting receptors. Thus, our CD40 and CD95 antibody fusion proteins display myeloma cell-dependent activity and promise reduced systemic side effects compared to conventional CD40 and CD95 agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Nelke
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Medler
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Beilhack
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
You G, Won J, Lee Y, Moon D, Park Y, Lee SH, Lee SW. Bispecific Antibodies: A Smart Arsenal for Cancer Immunotherapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:724. [PMID: 34358141 PMCID: PMC8310217 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the clinical success of cancer immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors blocking B7/CTLA-4 or PD-1/PD-L1 signaling and ongoing numerous combination therapies in the clinic,3 bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are now emerging as a growing class of immunotherapies with the potential to improve clinical efficacy and safety further. Here, we describe four classes of BsAbs: (a) immune effector cell redirectors; (b) tumor-targeted immunomodulators; (c) dual immunomodulators; and (d) dual tumor-targeting BsAbs. This review describes each of these classes of BsAbs and presents examples of BsAbs in development. We reviewed the biological rationales and characteristics of BsAbs and summarized the current status and limitations of clinical development of BsAbs and strategies to overcome limitations. The field of BsAb-based cancer immunotherapy is growing, and more data from clinical trials are accumulating. Thus, BsAbs could be the next generation of new treatment options for cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gihoon You
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (G.Y.); (D.M.)
| | - Jonghwa Won
- ABL Bio Inc., Seongnam 13488, Korea; (J.W.); (Y.L.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Yangsoon Lee
- ABL Bio Inc., Seongnam 13488, Korea; (J.W.); (Y.L.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Dain Moon
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (G.Y.); (D.M.)
| | - Yunji Park
- Biotechcenter, POSTECH, Pohang 37673, Korea;
| | - Sang Hoon Lee
- ABL Bio Inc., Seongnam 13488, Korea; (J.W.); (Y.L.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea; (G.Y.); (D.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Enell Smith K, Deronic A, Hägerbrand K, Norlén P, Ellmark P. Rationale and clinical development of CD40 agonistic antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1635-1646. [PMID: 34043482 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1934446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: CD40 signaling activates dendritic cells leading to improved T cell priming against tumor antigens. CD40 agonism expands the tumor-specific T cell repertoire and has the potential to increase the fraction of patients that respond to established immunotherapies.Areas covered: This article reviews current as well as emerging CD40 agonist therapies with a focus on antibody-based therapies, including next generation bispecific CD40 agonists. The scientific rationale for different design criteria, binding epitopes, and formats are discussed.Expert opinion: The ability of CD40 agonists to activate dendritic cells and enhance antigen cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells provides an opportunity to elevate response rates of cancer immunotherapies. While there are many challenges left to address, including optimal dose regimen, CD40 agonist profile, combination partners and indications, we are confident that CD40 agonists will play an important role in the challenging task of reprogramming the immune system to fight cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter Ellmark
- Alligator Bioscience AB, Sweden.,Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Darwish M, Wichner S, Li J, Chang JC, Tam C, Franke Y, Li H, Chan P, Blanchette C. High-throughput identification of conditional MHCI ligands and scaled-up production of conditional MHCI complexes. Protein Sci 2021; 30:1169-1183. [PMID: 33840137 PMCID: PMC8138534 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite the need to monitor the impact of Cancer Immunotherapy (CI)/Immuno-Oncology (IO) therapeutics on neoantigen-specific T-cell responses, very few clinical programs incorporate this aspect of immune monitoring due to the challenges in high-throughput (HTP) generation of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I (MHCI) tetramers across a wide range of HLA alleles. This limitation was recently addressed through the development of MHCI complexes with peptides containing a nonnatural UV cleavable amino acid (conditional MHCI ligands) that enabled HTP peptide exchange upon UV exposure. Despite this advancement, the number of alleles with known conditional MHCI ligands is limited. We developed a novel workflow to enable identification and validation of conditional MHCI ligands across a range of HLA alleles. First, known peptide binders were screened via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. Conditional MHCI ligands were designed using the highest-performing peptides and evaluated in the same ELISA assay. The top performers were then selected for scale-up production. Next-generation analytical techniques (LC/MS, SEC-MALS, and 2D LC/MS) were used to characterize the complex after refolding with the conditional MHCI ligands. Finally, we used 2D LC/MS to evaluate peptide exchange with these scaled-up conditional MHCI complexes after UV exposure with validated peptide binders. Successful peptide exchange was observed for all conditional MHCI ligands upon UV exposure, validating our screening approach. This approach has the potential to be broadly applied and enable HTP generation of MHCI monomers and tetramers across a wider range of HLA alleles, which could be critical to enabling the use of MHCI tetramers to monitor neoantigen-specific T-cells in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Wichner
- Protein ChemistryGenentech IncSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jenny Li
- Biochemical and Cellular PharmacologyGenentech IncSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Christine Tam
- BioMolecular ResourcesGenentech IncSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yvonne Franke
- BioMolecular ResourcesGenentech IncSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Hong Li
- Protein ChemistryGenentech IncSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Pamela Chan
- Biochemical and Cellular PharmacologyGenentech IncSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tabana Y, Okoye IS, Siraki A, Elahi S, Barakat KH. Tackling Immune Targets for Breast Cancer: Beyond PD-1/PD-L1 Axis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:628138. [PMID: 33747948 PMCID: PMC7973280 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.628138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of breast cancer is imposing a huge global problem. Drug discovery research and novel approaches to treat breast cancer have been carried out extensively over the last decades. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are showing promising preclinical and clinical results in treating breast cancer, they are facing multiple limitations. From an immunological perspective, a recent report highlighted breast cancer as an "inflamed tumor" with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Consequently, researchers have been focusing on identifying novel immunological targets that can tune up the tumor immune microenvironment. In this context, several novel non-classical immune targets have been targeted to determine their ability to uncouple immunoregulatory pathways at play in the tumor microenvironment. This article will highlight strategies designed to increase the immunogenicity of the breast tumor microenvironment. It also addresses the latest studies on targets which can enhance immune responses to breast cancer and discusses examples of preclinical and clinical trial landscapes that utilize these targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Isobel S. Okoye
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Arno Siraki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Khaled H. Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Immune Therapy Resistance and Immune Escape of Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030551. [PMID: 33535559 PMCID: PMC7867077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The genetic adaptability of malignant cells and their consequent heterogeneity even within the same patient poses a great obstacle to cancer patient treatment. This review summarizes the data obtained in the last decade on different preclinical mice models as well as on various immunotherapeutic clinical trials in distinct solid and hematopoietic cancers on how the immune system can be implemented in tumor therapy. Moreover, the different intrinsic and extrinsic escape strategies utilized by the tumor to avoid elimination by the immune system are recapitulated together with the different approaches proposed to overcome them in order to succeed and/or to enhance therapy efficacy. Abstract Immune therapy approaches such as checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive cell therapy represent promising therapeutic options for cancer patients, but their efficacy is still limited, since patients frequently develop innate or acquired resistances to these therapies. Thus, one major goal is to increase the efficiency of immunotherapies by overcoming tumor-induced immune suppression, which then allows for immune-mediated tumor clearance. Innate resistance to immunotherapies could be caused by a low immunogenicity of the tumor itself as well as an immune suppressive microenvironment composed of cellular, physical, or soluble factors leading to escape from immune surveillance and disease progression. So far, a number of strategies causing resistance to immunotherapy have been described in various clinical trials, which broadly overlap with the immunoediting processes of cancers. This review summarizes the novel insights in the development of resistances to immune therapy as well as different approaches that could be employed to overcome them.
Collapse
|
31
|
Yan S, Wan G. Tumor-associated macrophages in immunotherapy. FEBS J 2021; 288:6174-6186. [PMID: 33492779 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are essential components of the tumor microenvironment involved in the progression and metastasis of cancer. They are intimately involved in angiogenesis and immunosuppression in normal and malignant tissues, as well as pro-fibrotic activities. With the development of immunotherapy, eradication of cancer cells through activation of the innate immune system has achieved inspiring results, whereas only a handful of patients show a durable response. The tumor-suppressive environment has been investigated with respect to playing a vital role in cancer relapse. In this review, we uncover the heterogeneity of the origin of TAMs, as well as the functions of TAMs in tumor progression associated with intricate regulatory networks in the tumor microenvironment, aiming to inspire therapeutic insight for tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shijia Yan
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wan
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hu-Lieskovan S, Malouf GG, Jacobs I, Chou J, Liu L, Johnson ML. Addressing resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: an urgent unmet need. Future Oncol 2021; 17:1401-1439. [PMID: 33475012 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of various cancers by reversing the immunosuppressive mechanisms employed by tumors to restore anticancer immunity. Although ICIs have demonstrated substantial clinical efficacy, patient response can vary in depth and duration, and many do not respond at all or eventually develop resistance. ICI resistance mechanisms can be tumor-intrinsic, related to the tumor microenvironment or patient-specific factors. Multiple resistance mechanisms may be present within one tumor subtype, or heterogeneity exists among patients with the same tumor type. Consequently, designing effective combination treatment strategies is challenging. This review will discuss ICI resistance mechanisms, and summarize findings from key preclinical and clinical trials of ICIs, to identify potential treatment strategies or pathways to overcome ICI resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute / University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Gabriel G Malouf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de Strasbourg & Department of Functional Genomics & Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UNISTRA, Illkirch Cedex, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Li Liu
- Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Melissa L Johnson
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wongthida P, Schuelke MR, Driscoll CB, Kottke T, Thompson JM, Tonne J, Stone C, Huff AL, Wetmore C, Davies JA, Parker AL, Evgin L, Vile RG. Ad-CD40L mobilizes CD4 T cells for the treatment of brainstem tumors. Neuro Oncol 2020; 22:1757-1770. [PMID: 32459315 PMCID: PMC7746943 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse midline glioma, formerly DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma), is the deadliest pediatric brainstem tumor with median survival of less than one year. Here, we investigated (i) whether direct delivery of adenovirus-expressing cluster of differentiation (CD)40 ligand (Ad-CD40L) to brainstem tumors would induce immune-mediated tumor clearance and (ii) if so, whether therapy would be associated with a manageable toxicity due to immune-mediated inflammation in the brainstem. METHODS Syngeneic gliomas in the brainstems of immunocompetent mice were treated with Ad-CD40L and survival, toxicity, and immune profiles determined. A clinically translatable vector, whose replication would be tightly restricted to tumor cells, rAd-Δ24-CD40L, was tested in human patient-derived diffuse midline gliomas and immunocompetent models. RESULTS Expression of Ad-CD40L restricted to brainstem gliomas by pre-infection induced complete rejection, associated with immune cell infiltration, of which CD4+ T cells were critical for therapy. Direct intratumoral injection of Ad-CD40L into established brainstem tumors improved survival and induced some complete cures but with some acute toxicity. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that Ad-CD40L therapy induced neuroinflammatory immune responses associated with interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α. Therefore, to generate a vector whose replication, and transgene expression, would be tightly restricted to tumor cells, we constructed rAd-Δ24-CD40L, the backbone of which has already entered clinical trials for diffuse midline gliomas. Direct intratumoral injection of rAd-Δ24-CD40L, with systemic blockade of IL-6 and IL-1β, generated significant numbers of cures with readily manageable toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Virus-mediated delivery of CD40L has the potential to be effective in treating diffuse midline gliomas without obligatory neuroinflammation-associated toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Timothy Kottke
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jill M Thompson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jason Tonne
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cathy Stone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Amanda L Huff
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cynthia Wetmore
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - James A Davies
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alan L Parker
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Laura Evgin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Richard G Vile
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Koch PD, Pittet MJ, Weissleder R. The chemical biology of IL-12 production via the non-canonical NFkB pathway. RSC Chem Biol 2020; 1:166-176. [PMID: 34458756 PMCID: PMC8341911 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00022a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) has emerged as an attractive cytokine for cancer therapy because it has direct anti-cancer effects and additionally plays a critical role in enhancing checkpoint inhibitors. Given these multiple modes of actions, identifying means to pharmacologically induce IL-12 production in the tumor microenvironment has become important. In this review, we highlight therapeutics that promote IL-12 induction in tumor-associated myeloid cells through the non-canonical NFkB pathway. We discuss existing clinical trials and briefly examine the additional pathway targets that warrant further exploration for drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Koch
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital 185 Cambridge St Boston MA 02114 USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School 200 Longwood Ave Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Mikael J Pittet
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital 185 Cambridge St Boston MA 02114 USA
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital 185 Cambridge St Boston MA 02114 USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School 200 Longwood Ave Boston MA 02115 USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Combined Expression of Genetic Adjuvants Via mRNA Electroporation Exerts Multiple Immunostimulatory Effects on Antitumor T Cells. J Immunother 2020; 42:43-50. [PMID: 30489430 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or gene-modified T cells expressing antitumor TCRs or chimeric antigen receptors often yields a high rate of clinical response in several types of cancer. New approaches for enhancing the functional properties of antitumor T cells could improve the clinical outcome of these treatments. To this end, we created 3 classes of genes, each designed to operate autonomously upon expression in T cells. We recently reported on the enhancing effects of constitutively active toll-like receptor 4 (caTLR4), membrane (mem) interleukin-2, memIL-12, and memIL-15, and self-oligomerizing, constitutively active CD40 (caCD40). Here, we evaluated their combined effects on peripheral blood CD8 T cells and different antimelanoma TIL cultures following mRNA electroporation. Expression in CD8 T cells induced transient production of interferon-γ and prolonged and robust upregulation of CD25, CD69, 4-1BB, and OX40. The adjuvants enhanced cytolytic activity of TILs and production of interferon-γ and TNF-α in the presence of autologous, but not mismatched, melanoma for at least 3 days after electroporation. Expression of the 3 adjuvants in young TILs from different patients markedly increased the expression of CD25, OX40, 4-1BB, CD127, and CD28 and exhibited cooperative and, at times, synergistic effects. Furthermore, predefined mixtures of mRNA encoding these adjuvants markedly enhanced the specific antitumor response of selected TILs and killing of autologous melanoma cells by young TILs. Our findings suggest that combinations of these new genetic adjuvants can substantially improve the functional properties of antitumor T cells, offering a new tool of unique versatility in adoptive cell therapy.
Collapse
|
37
|
Coleman MF, Cozzo AJ, Pfeil AJ, Etigunta SK, Hursting SD. Cell Intrinsic and Systemic Metabolism in Tumor Immunity and Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040852. [PMID: 32244756 PMCID: PMC7225951 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has shown extraordinary promise at treating cancers otherwise resistant to treatment. However, for ICI therapy to be effective, it must overcome the metabolic limitations of the tumor microenvironment. Tumor metabolism has long been understood to be highly dysregulated, with potent immunosuppressive effects. Moreover, T cell activation and longevity within the tumor microenvironment are intimately tied to T cell metabolism and are required for the long-term efficacy of ICI therapy. We discuss in this review the intersection of metabolic competition in the tumor microenvironment, T cell activation and metabolism, the roles of tumor cell metabolism in immune evasion, and the impact of host metabolism in determining immune surveillance and ICI therapy outcomes. We also discussed the effects of obesity and calorie restriction—two important systemic metabolic perturbations that impact intrinsic metabolic pathways in T cells as well as cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Coleman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA; (M.F.C.); (A.J.C.); (A.J.P.); (S.K.E.)
| | - Alyssa J. Cozzo
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA; (M.F.C.); (A.J.C.); (A.J.P.); (S.K.E.)
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Alexander J. Pfeil
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA; (M.F.C.); (A.J.C.); (A.J.P.); (S.K.E.)
| | - Suhas K. Etigunta
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA; (M.F.C.); (A.J.C.); (A.J.P.); (S.K.E.)
| | - Stephen D. Hursting
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA; (M.F.C.); (A.J.C.); (A.J.P.); (S.K.E.)
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Development of oncolytic virotherapy: from genetic modification to combination therapy. Front Med 2020; 14:160-184. [PMID: 32146606 PMCID: PMC7101593 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-020-0750-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) is a novel form of immunotherapy using natural or genetically modified viruses to selectively replicate in and kill malignant cells. Many genetically modified oncolytic viruses (OVs) with enhanced tumor targeting, antitumor efficacy, and safety have been generated, and some of which have been assessed in clinical trials. Combining OVT with other immunotherapies can remarkably enhance the antitumor efficacy. In this work, we review the use of wild-type viruses in OVT and the strategies for OV genetic modification. We also review and discuss the combinations of OVT with other immunotherapies.
Collapse
|
39
|
Lima PMA, Torres LC, Martins MR, da Matta MC, Lima JTO, de Mello MJG, da Silva LM, Cintra EB, Lira CCR, da Fonte EJA, Forones NM. Soluble levels of sCD40L and s4-1BB are associated with a poor prognosis in elderly patients with colorectal cancer. J Surg Oncol 2019; 121:901-905. [PMID: 31858621 DOI: 10.1002/jso.25813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) has improved in the last decades, however, a lower overall survival persists in the elderly. The understanding of immunity changes in the elderly with CRC will allow the emergence of new treatments with higher response rates. 4-1BB and CD40L, an immune checkpoint stimulator, play an important role in T-cell responses and platelets. Our aim was to characterize the soluble levels of CD40L and 4-1BB in CRC elderly patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in 41 patients with CRC and 35 healthy elderly controls. Patients with CRC were divided into three groups according to staging: 13 patients with advanced tumor restricted to the organ (stages II); 16 patients with lymph node metastasis (stage III); and 12 patients with distant metastasis (stage IV). RESULTS There were higher levels of soluble s4-1BB and sCD40L in CRC elderly stage II patients when compared with healthy controls (P = .0009 and P < .0001, respectively), stage III patients (P = .008 and P < .0001, respectively) and stage IV patients (P = .007 and P < .0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS We concluded that sCD40L and s4-1BB molecules may be prognostic biomarkers, since the reduction in plasma levels of these molecules was associated with disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petrus M A Lima
- Translational Research Laboratory, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil.,Gastroenterology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leuridan C Torres
- Translational Research Laboratory, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Mário R Martins
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Marina C da Matta
- Translational Research Laboratory, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
| | - Jurema T O Lima
- Translational Research Laboratory, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
| | - Maria J G de Mello
- Translational Research Laboratory, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
| | - Luciana M da Silva
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Evandro B Cintra
- Translational Research Laboratory, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
| | - Clara C R Lira
- Translational Research Laboratory, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
| | - Eduardo J A da Fonte
- Translational Research Laboratory, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
| | - Nora M Forones
- Gastroenterology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Deng J, Zhao S, Zhang X, Jia K, Wang H, Zhou C, He Y. OX40 (CD134) and OX40 ligand, important immune checkpoints in cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:7347-7353. [PMID: 31564917 PMCID: PMC6735535 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s214211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown promising results in cancer treatment. Research shows that most patients might be resistant to these therapies. So, new immune therapies are needed. OX40 (CD134) and OX40 ligand (OX40L), costimulatory molecules, express on different types of immune cells. The interaction between OX40 and OX40L (OX40/OX40L) induces the expansion and proliferation of T cells and decreases the immunosuppression of regulatory T (Treg) cells to enhance the immune response to the specific antigen. For the important role OX40 takes in the process of immunity, many clinical trials are focusing on OX40 to find out whether it may have active effects in clinical cancer treatment. The results of clinical trials are still not enough. So, we reviewed the OX40 and its ligand (OX40L) function in cancer, clinical trials with OX40/OX40L and the correlation between OX40/OX40L and other immune checkpoints to add more ideas to tumor feasible treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Deng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshen Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Keyi Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.,Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Holtzhausen A, Harris W, Ubil E, Hunter DM, Zhao J, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Liu Q, Wang X, Graham DK, Frye SV, Earp HS. TAM Family Receptor Kinase Inhibition Reverses MDSC-Mediated Suppression and Augments Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Melanoma. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1672-1686. [PMID: 31451482 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid cell receptor tyrosine kinases TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK and their ligands, GAS6 and PROTEIN S, physiologically suppress innate immune responses, including in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we showed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) dramatically upregulated TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK and their ligands [monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSC)>20-fold, polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSC)>15-fold] in tumor-bearing mice. MDSCs from tumor-bearing Mertk-/-, Axl-/- , and Tyro3-/- mice exhibited diminished suppressive enzymatic capabilities, displayed deficits in T-cell suppression, and migrated poorly to tumor-draining lymph nodes. In coimplantation experiments using TYRO3-/-, AXL-/-, and MERTK-/- MDSCs, we showed the absence of these RTKs reversed the protumorigenic properties of MDSCs in vivo Consistent with these findings, in vivo pharmacologic TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK inhibition diminished MDSC suppressive capability, slowed tumor growth, increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and augmented anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. Mechanistically, MERTK regulated MDSC suppression and differentiation in part through regulation of STAT3 serine phosphorylation and nuclear localization. Analysis of metastatic melanoma patients demonstrated an enrichment of circulating MERTK+ and TYRO3+ M-MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs, and early-stage MDSCs (e-MDSC) relative to these MDSC populations in healthy controls. These studies demonstrated that TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK control MDSC functionality and serve as promising pharmacologic targets for regulating MDSC-mediated immune suppression in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Holtzhausen
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - William Harris
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Eric Ubil
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Debra M Hunter
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jichen Zhao
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Yuewei Zhang
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dehui Zhang
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Qingyang Liu
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephen V Frye
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division for Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - H Shelton Earp
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. .,Department of Medicine, Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Polesso F, Sarker M, Weinberg AD, Murray SE, Moran AE. OX40 Agonist Tumor Immunotherapy Does Not Impact Regulatory T Cell Suppressive Function. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:2011-2019. [PMID: 31434709 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OX40 is a costimulatory molecule from the TNFR family. In mice, it is expressed on Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitutively and on conventional CD4 (Tconv) and CD8 T cells after Ag encounter. OX40 agonists are in clinical development to enhance antitumor immune responses, and one proposed mechanism of action is loss of Treg suppressive function. Studies have postulated that agonist OX40 therapy can impair Treg suppressive function. Using tools developed since the initial studies were published, we evaluated a direct effect of OX40 agonism on Treg function. We conclude that OX40 agonist Abs do not intrinsically impair Treg function but rather enhance Tconv cell IL-2 production, increasing Treg and Tconv cell proliferation. OX40-stimulated Tregs retain suppressive function, but also gain IFN-γ, TNF-α, and granzyme B expression. These data help resolve mechanistic questions regarding OX40 agonist immunotherapy and thus are relevant to developing combination therapies that target distinct T cell functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Polesso
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Minhaz Sarker
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Andrew D Weinberg
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, OR 97213; and
| | - Susan E Murray
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239.,Biology Department, University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203
| | - Amy E Moran
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239;
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Konstorum A, Vella AT, Adler AJ, Laubenbacher RC. A mathematical model of combined CD8 T cell costimulation by 4-1BB (CD137) and OX40 (CD134) receptors. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10862. [PMID: 31350431 PMCID: PMC6659676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47333-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined agonist stimulation of the TNFR costimulatory receptors 4-1BB (CD137) and OX40(CD134) has been shown to generate supereffector CD8 T cells that clonally expand to greater levels, survive longer, and produce a greater quantity of cytokines compared to T cells stimulated with an agonist of either costimulatory receptor individually. In order to understand the mechanisms for this effect, we have created a mathematical model for the activation of the CD8 T cell intracellular signaling network by mono- or dual-costimulation. We show that supereffector status is generated via downstream interacting pathways that are activated upon engagement of both receptors, and in silico simulations of the model are supported by published experimental results. The model can thus be used to identify critical molecular targets of T cell dual-costimulation in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Konstorum
- Center for Quantitative Medicine, School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Anthony T Vella
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Adam J Adler
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Reinhard C Laubenbacher
- Center for Quantitative Medicine, School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT, USA.,Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Dai Q, Wang M, Li Y, Li J. Amelioration of CIA by Asarinin Is Associated to a Downregulation of TLR9/NF-κB and Regulation of Th1/Th2/Treg Expression. Biol Pharm Bull 2019; 42:1172-1178. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaomei Dai
- Department of Pathology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Meiqiao Wang
- Department of Pathology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Yaozhang Li
- Department of Pathology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Chinese Formulae, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Liu Y, Gu M, Wu Y, Wang W, Wang R, Du M, Ma P, Zhou X, Wang Y, Cao Y, Zhang H. High-throughput reformatting of phage-displayed antibody fragments to IgGs by one-step emulsion PCR. Protein Eng Des Sel 2019; 31:427-436. [PMID: 31096267 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzz004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-chain variable fragment (scFv) is the most common format for phage display antibody library. The isolated scFvs need to be reformatted to full-length IgGs for further characterization. High throughput reformatting of scFv to IgG without disrupting VH-VL pairing is of great demanding for exhaustive screening of all antibodies in IgG format. Herein, we developed a strategy based on the overlap extension PCR in emulsion to reformat scFv to IgG while maintain the accuracy and complexity of variable region pairing. Using CD40 as an example target, we reformatted phage display derived CD40 binding scFv library to IgG mammalian display library and isolated high affinity CD40 binding IgGs. This robust and reliable antibody reformatting approach could be integrated into any phage display based antibody drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaohui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China.,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Manping Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China.,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaxing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China.,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruikun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China.,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingjuan Du
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peixiang Ma
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingdong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Youjia Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongkai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China.,College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hollingsworth RE, Jansen K. Turning the corner on therapeutic cancer vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2019; 4:7. [PMID: 30774998 PMCID: PMC6368616 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-019-0103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 440] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in several areas are rekindling interest and enabling progress in the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines. These advances have been made in target selection, vaccine technology, and methods for reversing the immunosuppressive mechanisms exploited by cancers. Studies testing different tumor antigens have revealed target properties that yield high tumor versus normal cell specificity and adequate immunogenicity to affect clinical efficacy. A few tumor-associated antigens, normal host proteins that are abnormally expressed in cancer cells, have been demonstrated to serve as good targets for immunotherapies, although many do not possess the needed specificity or immunogenicity. Neoantigens, which arise from mutated proteins in cancer cells, are truly cancer-specific and can be highly immunogenic, though the vast majority are unique to each patient's cancer and thus require development of personalized therapies. Lessons from previous cancer vaccine expeditions are teaching us the type and magnitude of immune responses needed, as well as vaccine technologies that can achieve these responses. For example, we are learning which vaccine approaches elicit the potent, balanced, and durable CD4 plus CD8 T cell expansion necessary for clinical efficacy. Exploration of interactions between the immune system and cancer has elucidated the adaptations that enable cancer cells to suppress and evade immune attack. This has led to breakthroughs in the development of new drugs, and, subsequently, to opportunities to combine these with cancer vaccines and dramatically increase patient responses. Here we review this recent progress, highlighting key steps that are bringing the promise of therapeutic cancer vaccines within reach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathrin Jansen
- Vaccines Research and Development, Pfizer, Pearl River, NY 10965 USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Chen S, Fan J, Zhang M, Qin L, Dominguez D, Long A, Wang G, Ma R, Li H, Zhang Y, Fang D, Sosman J, Zhang B. CD73 expression on effector T cells sustained by TGF-β facilitates tumor resistance to anti-4-1BB/CD137 therapy. Nat Commun 2019; 10:150. [PMID: 30635578 PMCID: PMC6329764 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08123-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Agonist antibodies (Ab) directed against costimulatory molecules on the surface of antigen-primed T cells are in various stages of pre-clinical and clinical trials, albeit with limited therapeutic benefit as single agents. The underlying mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate an inhibitory role of ecto-enzyme CD73 for agonistic anti-4-1BB/CD137 Ab therapy. In particular, anti-4-1BB treatment preferentially drives CD73− effector T cell response for tumor inhibition. Anti-CD73 neutralizing Ab further improves anti-4-1BB therapy associated with enhanced anti-tumor T cell immunity. However, the TGF-β-rich tumor milieu confers resistance to anti-4-1BB therapy by sustaining CD73 expression primarily on infiltrating CD8+ T cells across several tumor models. TGF-β blockade results in downregulation of CD73 expression on infiltrating T cells and sensitizes resistant tumors to agonistic anti-4-1BB therapy. Thus, our findings identify a mechanism of action for more effective clinical targeting of 4-1BB or likely other costimulatory molecules. Targeting the immune-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB has only yielded modest benefit in cancer treatment. In this study, the authors show that CD73 expression on effector T cells sustained by TGF-β drives tumor resistance to anti-4-1BB therapy and therefore TGF- β blockade can be used to overcome such resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jie Fan
- Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lei Qin
- Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Donye Dominguez
- Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Alan Long
- Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Gaoxiang Wang
- Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Renqiang Ma
- Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Allergy Center, Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huabin Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jeffrey Sosman
- Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Costimulatory signals initiated by the interaction between the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand and cognate TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamilies promote clonal expansion, differentiation, and survival of antigen-primed CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and have a pivotal role in T-cell-mediated adaptive immunity and diseases. Accumulating evidence in recent years indicates that costimulatory signals via the subset of the TNFR superfamily molecules, OX40 (TNFRSF4), 4-1BB (TNFRSF9), CD27, DR3 (TNFRSF25), CD30 (TNFRSF8), GITR (TNFRSF18), TNFR2 (TNFRSF1B), and HVEM (TNFRSF14), which are constitutive or inducible on T cells, play important roles in protective immunity, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and tumor immunotherapy. In this chapter, we will summarize the findings of recent studies on these TNFR family of co-signaling molecules regarding their function at various stages of the T-cell response in the context of infection, inflammation, and cancer. We will also discuss how these TNFR co-signals are critical for immune regulation and have therapeutic potential for the treatment of T-cell-mediated diseases.
Collapse
|
49
|
Polesso F, Weinberg AD, Moran AE. Late-Stage Tumor Regression after PD-L1 Blockade Plus a Concurrent OX40 Agonist. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 7:269-281. [PMID: 30563828 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The protective capability of tumor antigen-specific T cells is regulated by costimulatory and inhibitory signals. Current approaches in cancer immunotherapy seek to restore the function of unresponsive T cells by blocking inhibitory pathways. In contrast, providing exogenous costimulatory signals to T cells also enhances antitumor functionality. By combining these two clinical approaches, we demonstrate the synergy of targeting PD-L1 together with the costimulatory molecule OX40, to enhance antitumor immunity. Concurrently blocking PD-L1 and providing a costimulatory agonist to OX40 increased the presence and functionality of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells with simultaneous enhancement of T-helper type 1 (Th1)-skewed CD4+ T cells. This shift was functionally supported by increased glucose metabolism of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and the acquisition of granzyme B by regulatory T cells. Together, this mechanism promoted tumor regression of late-stage tumors beyond that achieved by either blockade as monotherapy. These findings indicate that targeting both T-cell intrinsic (OX40) and extrinsic (PD-L1) regulatory molecules increases the bioenergetic potential of T cells, thereby expanding functional and tumor antigen-specific T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Polesso
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Andrew D Weinberg
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon
| | - Amy E Moran
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wang SJ, Haffty B. Radiotherapy as a New Player in Immuno-Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10120515. [PMID: 30558196 PMCID: PMC6315809 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10120515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent development in radiation biology has revealed potent immunogenic properties of radiotherapy in cancer treatments. However, antitumor immune effects of radiotherapy are limited by the concomitant induction of radiation-dependent immunosuppressive effects. In the growing era of immunotherapy, combining radiotherapy with immunomodulating agents has demonstrated enhancement of radiation-induced antitumor immune activation that correlated with improved treatment outcomes. Yet, how to optimally deliver combination therapy regarding dose-fractionation and timing of radiotherapy is largely unknown. Future prospective testing to fine-tune this promising combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Jui Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Bruce Haffty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| |
Collapse
|