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Lu L, Xie M, Yang B, Zhao WB, Cao J. Enhancing the safety of CAR-T cell therapy: Synthetic genetic switch for spatiotemporal control. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj6251. [PMID: 38394207 PMCID: PMC10889354 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj6251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is a promising and precise targeted therapy for cancer that has demonstrated notable potential in clinical applications. However, severe adverse effects limit the clinical application of this therapy and are mainly caused by uncontrollable activation of CAR-T cells, including excessive immune response activation due to unregulated CAR-T cell action time, as well as toxicity resulting from improper spatial localization. Therefore, to enhance controllability and safety, a control module for CAR-T cells is proposed. Synthetic biology based on genetic engineering techniques is being used to construct artificial cells or organisms for specific purposes. This approach has been explored in recent years as a means of achieving controllability in CAR-T cell therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in synthetic biology methods used to address the major adverse effects of CAR-T cell therapy in both the temporal and spatial dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingqi Xie
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
- Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-bin Zhao
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji Cao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Guindani C, da Silva LC, Cao S, Ivanov T, Landfester K. Synthetic Cells: From Simple Bio-Inspired Modules to Sophisticated Integrated Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202110855. [PMID: 34856047 PMCID: PMC9314110 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202110855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Bottom-up synthetic biology is the science of building systems that mimic the structure and function of living cells from scratch. To do this, researchers combine tools from chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry to develop functional and structural building blocks to construct synthetic cell-like systems. The many strategies and materials that have been developed in recent decades have enabled scientists to engineer synthetic cells and organelles that mimic the essential functions and behaviors of natural cells. Examples include synthetic cells that can synthesize their own ATP using light, maintain metabolic reactions through enzymatic networks, perform gene replication, and even grow and divide. In this Review, we discuss recent developments in the design and construction of synthetic cells and organelles using the bottom-up approach. Our goal is to present representative synthetic cells of increasing complexity as well as strategies for solving distinct challenges in bottom-up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Guindani
- Chemical Engineering ProgramCOPPEFederal University of Rio de Janeiro, PEQ/COPPE/UFRJ, CEP 21941-972Rio de JaneiroRJBrazil
| | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
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3
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Guindani C, Silva LC, Cao S, Ivanov T, Landfester K. Synthetic Cells: From Simple Bio‐Inspired Modules to Sophisticated Integrated Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202110855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Guindani
- Chemical Engineering Program COPPE Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, PEQ/COPPE/UFRJ, CEP 21941-972 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Lucas Caire Silva
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
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4
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Wang X, Wong LM, McElvain ME, Martire S, Lee WH, Li CZ, Fisher FA, Maheshwari RL, Wu ML, Imun MC, Murad R, Warshaviak DT, Yin J, Kamb A, Xu H. A rational approach to assess off-target reactivity of a dual-signal integrator for T cell therapy. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 437:115894. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.115894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Hernandez-Lopez RA, Yu W, Cabral KA, Creasey OA, Lopez Pazmino MDP, Tonai Y, De Guzman A, Mäkelä A, Saksela K, Gartner ZJ, Lim WA. T cell circuits that sense antigen density with an ultrasensitive threshold. Science 2021; 371:1166-1171. [PMID: 33632893 PMCID: PMC8025675 DOI: 10.1126/science.abc1855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Overexpressed tumor-associated antigens [for example, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)] are attractive targets for therapeutic T cells, but toxic "off-tumor" cross-reaction with normal tissues that express low levels of target antigen can occur with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. Inspired by natural ultrasensitive response circuits, we engineered a two-step positive-feedback circuit that allows human cytotoxic T cells to discriminate targets on the basis of a sigmoidal antigen-density threshold. In this circuit, a low-affinity synthetic Notch receptor for HER2 controls the expression of a high-affinity CAR for HER2. Increasing HER2 density thus has cooperative effects on T cells-it increases both CAR expression and activation-leading to a sigmoidal response. T cells with this circuit show sharp discrimination between target cells expressing normal amounts of HER2 and cancer cells expressing 100 times as much HER2, both in vitro and in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Cell Engineering
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- K562 Cells
- Mice
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-2/immunology
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Artificial/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Receptors, Notch/genetics
- Receptors, Notch/metabolism
- Spheroids, Cellular
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio A Hernandez-Lopez
- Cell Design Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Cellular Construction, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wei Yu
- Cell Design Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katelyn A Cabral
- Center for Cellular Construction, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chan Zuckerberg BioHub, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Olivia A Creasey
- Center for Cellular Construction, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chan Zuckerberg BioHub, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria Del Pilar Lopez Pazmino
- Cell Design Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Cellular Construction, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yurie Tonai
- Cell Design Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arsenia De Guzman
- Cell Design Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anna Mäkelä
- Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kalle Saksela
- Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zev J Gartner
- Center for Cellular Construction, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chan Zuckerberg BioHub, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wendell A Lim
- Cell Design Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Center for Cellular Construction, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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6
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Choe JH, Williams JZ, Lim WA. Engineering T Cells to Treat Cancer: The Convergence of Immuno-Oncology and Synthetic Biology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY-SERIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030419-033657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
T cells engineered to recognize and kill tumor cells have emerged as powerful agents for combating cancer. Nonetheless, our ability to engineer T cells remains relatively primitive. Aside from CAR T cells for treating B cell malignancies, most T cell therapies are risky, toxic, and often ineffective, especially those that target solid cancers. To fulfill the promise of cell-based therapies, we must transform cell engineering into a systematic and predictable science by applying the principles and tools of synthetic biology. Synthetic biology uses a hierarchical approach—assembling sets of modular molecular parts that can be combined into larger circuits and systems that perform defined target tasks. We outline the toolkit of synthetic modules that are needed to overcome the challenges of solid cancers, progress in building these components, and how these modules could be used to reliably engineer more effective and precise T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H. Choe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Cell Design Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Jasper Z. Williams
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Cell Design Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Wendell A. Lim
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Cell Design Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
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7
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Abstract
Protein-protein interactions and protein localization are essential mechanisms of cellular signal transduction. The ability to externally control such interactions using chemical and optogenetic methods has facilitated biological research and provided components for the engineering of cell-based therapies and materials. However, chemical and optical methods are limited in their ability to provide spatiotemporal specificity in light-scattering tissues. To overcome these limitations, we present "thermomers", modular protein dimerization domains controlled with temperature-a form of energy that can be delivered to cells both globally and locally in a wide variety of in vitro and in vivo contexts. Thermomers are based on a sharply thermolabile coiled-coil protein, which we engineered to heterodimerize at a tunable transition temperature within the biocompatible range of 37-42 °C. When fused to other proteins, thermomers can reversibly control their association, as demonstrated via membrane localization in mammalian cells. This technology enables remote control of intracellular protein-protein interactions with a form of energy that can be delivered with spatiotemporal precision in a wide range of biological, therapeutic, and living material scenarios.
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8
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Engineering cell–cell communication networks: programming multicellular behaviors. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2019; 52:31-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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9
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Quach DH, Becerra-Dominguez L, Rouce RH, Rooney CM. A strategy to protect off-the-shelf cell therapy products using virus-specific T-cells engineered to eliminate alloreactive T-cells. J Transl Med 2019; 17:240. [PMID: 31340822 PMCID: PMC6657103 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1988-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of “off-the-shelf” cellular therapy products derived from healthy donors addresses many of the challenges associated with customized cell products. However, the potential of allogeneic cell products to produce graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and their likely rejection by host alloreactive T-cells are major barriers to their clinical safety and efficacy. We have developed a molecule that when expressed in T-cells, can eliminate alloreactive T-cells and hence can be used to protect cell therapy products from allospecific rejection. Further, expression of this molecule in virus-specific T-cells (VSTs) should virtually eliminate the potential for recipients to develop GVHD. Methods To generate a molecule that can mediate killing of cognate alloreactive T-cells, we fused beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), a universal component of all human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules, to the cytolytic endodomain of the T cell receptor ζ chain, to create a chimeric HLA accessory receptor (CHAR). To determine if CHAR-modified human VSTs could eliminate alloreactive T-cells, we co-cultured them with allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and assessed proliferation of PBMC-derived alloreactive T-cells and the survival of CHAR-modified VSTs by flow cytometry. Results The CHAR was able to transport HLA molecules to the cell surface of Daudi cells, that lack HLA class I expression due to defective B2M expression, illustrating its ability to complex with human HLA class I molecules. Furthermore, VSTs expressing CHAR were protected from allospecific elimination in co-cultures with allogeneic PBMCs compared to unmodified VSTs, and mediated killing of alloreactive T-cells. Unexpectedly, CHAR-modified VSTs eliminated not only alloreactive HLA class I restricted CD8 T-cells, but also alloreactive CD4 T-cells. This beneficial effect resulted from non-specific elimination of activated T-cells. Of note, we confirmed that CHAR-modified VSTs did not affect pathogen-specific T-cells which are essential for protective immunity. Conclusions Human T-cells can be genetically modified to eliminate alloreactive T-cells, providing a unique strategy to protect off-the-shelf cell therapy products. Allogeneic cell therapies have already proved effective in treating viral infections in the stem cell transplant setting, and have potential in other fields such as regenerative medicine. A strategy to prevent allograft rejection would greatly increase their efficacy and commercial viability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-019-1988-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Quach
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Ave, Suite 1770, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Luis Becerra-Dominguez
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Ave, Suite 1770, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rayne H Rouce
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Ave, Suite 1770, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Cliona M Rooney
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Ave, Suite 1770, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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10
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Kim S, Shah SB, Graney PL, Singh A. Multiscale engineering of immune cells and lymphoid organs. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2019; 4:355-378. [PMID: 31903226 PMCID: PMC6941786 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-019-0100-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Immunoengineering applies quantitative and materials-based approaches for the investigation of the immune system and for the development of therapeutic solutions for various diseases, such as infection, cancer, inflammatory diseases and age-related malfunctions. The design of immunomodulatory and cell therapies requires the precise understanding of immune cell formation and activation in primary, secondary and ectopic tertiary immune organs. However, the study of the immune system has long been limited to in vivo approaches, which often do not allow multidimensional control of intracellular and extracellular processes, and to 2D in vitro models, which lack physiological relevance. 3D models built with synthetic and natural materials enable the structural and functional recreation of immune tissues. These models are being explored for the investigation of immune function and dysfunction at the cell, tissue and organ levels. In this Review, we discuss 2D and 3D approaches for the engineering of primary, secondary and tertiary immune structures at multiple scales. We highlight important insights gained using these models and examine multiscale engineering strategies for the design and development of immunotherapies. Finally, dynamic 4D materials are investigated for their potential to provide stimuli-dependent and context-dependent scaffolds for the generation of immune organ models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwoong Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Sungwoong Kim, Shivem B. Shah, Pamela L. Graney
| | - Shivem B. Shah
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Sungwoong Kim, Shivem B. Shah, Pamela L. Graney
| | - Pamela L. Graney
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Sungwoong Kim, Shivem B. Shah, Pamela L. Graney
| | - Ankur Singh
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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11
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Wang W, Saeed M, Zhou Y, Yang L, Wang D, Yu H. Non‐viral gene delivery for cancer immunotherapy. J Gene Med 2019; 21:e3092. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Wang
- School of PharmacyNantong University Nantong China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of PharmaceuticsShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Madiha Saeed
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of PharmaceuticsShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Yao Zhou
- School of PharmacyNantong University Nantong China
| | - Lili Yang
- School of PharmacyNantong University Nantong China
| | - Dangge Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of PharmaceuticsShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Haijun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of PharmaceuticsShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
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12
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Ramello MC, Benzaïd I, Kuenzi BM, Lienlaf-Moreno M, Kandell WM, Santiago DN, Pabón-Saldaña M, Darville L, Fang B, Rix U, Yoder S, Berglund A, Koomen JM, Haura EB, Abate-Daga D. An immunoproteomic approach to characterize the CAR interactome and signalosome. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/568/eaap9777. [PMID: 30755478 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aap9777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells that express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is an approved immunotherapy that may be curative for some hematological cancers. To better understand the therapeutic mechanism of action, we systematically analyzed CAR signaling in human primary T cells by mass spectrometry. When we compared the interactomes and the signaling pathways activated by distinct CAR-T cells that shared the same antigen-binding domain but differed in their intracellular domains and their in vivo antitumor efficacy, we found that only second-generation CARs induced the expression of a constitutively phosphorylated form of CD3ζ that resembled the endogenous species. This phenomenon was independent of the choice of costimulatory domains, or the hinge/transmembrane region. Rather, it was dependent on the size of the intracellular domains. Moreover, the second-generation design was also associated with stronger phosphorylation of downstream secondary messengers, as evidenced by global phosphoproteome analysis. These results suggest that second-generation CARs can activate additional sources of CD3ζ signaling, and this may contribute to more intense signaling and superior antitumor efficacy that they display compared to third-generation CARs. Moreover, our results provide a deeper understanding of how CARs interact physically and/or functionally with endogenous T cell molecules, which will inform the development of novel optimized immune receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Ramello
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Ismahène Benzaïd
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Brent M Kuenzi
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Maritza Lienlaf-Moreno
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Wendy M Kandell
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Daniel N Santiago
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Mibel Pabón-Saldaña
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Lancia Darville
- Proteomics Core Facility, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Bin Fang
- Proteomics Core Facility, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Uwe Rix
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Sean Yoder
- Molecular Genomics Core Facility, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Anders Berglund
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - John M Koomen
- Proteomics Core Facility, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Eric B Haura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Daniel Abate-Daga
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. .,Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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13
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Si W, Li C, Wei P. Synthetic immunology: T-cell engineering and adoptive immunotherapy. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2018; 3:179-185. [PMID: 30345403 PMCID: PMC6190530 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past decades, the rapidly-evolving cancer is hard to be thoroughly eliminated even though the radiotherapy and chemotherapy do exhibit efficacy in some degree. However, a breakthrough appeared when the adoptive cancer therapy [1] was developed, especially T cells armed with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) showed great potential in tumor clinical trials recently. CAR-T cells successfully elevated the efficiency and specificity of cytotoxicity. In this review, we will talk about the design of CAR and CAR-included combinatory therapeutic applications in the principles of systems and synthetic immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Si
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Cheng Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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14
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Inderberg EM, Mensali N, Oksvold MP, Fallang LE, Fåne A, Skorstad G, Stenvik GE, Progida C, Bakke O, Kvalheim G, Myklebust JH, Wälchli S. Human c-SRC kinase (CSK) overexpression makes T cells dummy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:525-536. [PMID: 29248956 PMCID: PMC11028372 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy with T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells represents a powerful method to redirect the immune system against tumours. However, although TCR recognition is restricted to a specific peptide-MHC (pMHC) complex, increasing numbers of reports have shown cross-reactivity and off-target effects with severe consequences for the patients. This demands further development of strategies to validate TCR safety prior to clinical use. We reasoned that the desired TCR signalling depends on correct pMHC recognition on the outside and a restricted clustering on the inside of the cell. Since the majority of the adverse events are due to TCR recognition of the wrong target, we tested if blocking the signalling would affect the binding. By over-expressing the c-SRC kinase (CSK), a negative regulator of LCK, in redirected T cells, we showed that peripheral blood T cells inhibited anti-CD3/anti-CD28-induced phosphorylation of ERK, whereas TCR proximal signalling was not affected. Similarly, overexpression of CSK together with a therapeutic TCR prevented pMHC-induced ERK phosphorylation. Downstream effector functions were also almost completely blocked, including pMHC-induced IL-2 release, degranulation and, most importantly, target cell killing. The lack of effector functions contrasted with the unaffected TCR expression, pMHC recognition, and membrane exchange activity (trogocytosis). Therefore, co-expression of CSK with a therapeutic TCR did not compromise target recognition and binding, but rendered T cells incapable of executing their effector functions. Consequently, we named these redirected T cells "dummy T cells" and propose to use them for safety validation of new TCRs prior to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Else Marit Inderberg
- Section for Cellular Therapy, Department for Cancer Treatment, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, PO Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nadia Mensali
- Section for Cellular Therapy, Department for Cancer Treatment, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, PO Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten P Oksvold
- Section for Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anne Fåne
- Section for Cellular Therapy, Department for Cancer Treatment, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, PO Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gjertrud Skorstad
- Section for Cellular Therapy, Department for Cancer Treatment, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, PO Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Cinzia Progida
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oddmund Bakke
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Kvalheim
- Section for Cellular Therapy, Department for Cancer Treatment, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, PO Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - June H Myklebust
- Section for Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sébastien Wälchli
- Section for Cellular Therapy, Department for Cancer Treatment, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, PO Box 4953, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
- Section for Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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15
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Kornete M, Marone R, Jeker LT. Highly Efficient and Versatile Plasmid-Based Gene Editing in Primary T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 200:2489-2501. [PMID: 29445007 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell transfer is an important approach for basic research and emerges as an effective treatment for various diseases, including infections and blood cancers. Direct genetic manipulation of primary immune cells opens up unprecedented research opportunities and could be applied to enhance cellular therapeutic products. In this article, we report highly efficient genome engineering in primary murine T cells using a plasmid-based RNA-guided CRISPR system. We developed a straightforward approach to ablate genes in up to 90% of cells and to introduce precisely targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms in up to 25% of the transfected primary T cells. We used gene editing-mediated allele switching to quantify homology-directed repair, systematically optimize experimental parameters, and map a native B cell epitope in primary T cells. Allele switching of a surrogate cell surface marker can be used to enrich cells, with successful simultaneous editing of a second gene of interest. Finally, we applied the approach to correct two disease-causing mutations in the Foxp3 gene. Repairing the cause of the scurfy syndrome, a 2-bp insertion in Foxp3, and repairing the clinically relevant Foxp3K276X mutation restored Foxp3 expression in primary T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Kornete
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; and Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Romina Marone
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; and Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas T Jeker
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; and Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
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16
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17
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Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy holds great promise for the treatment of human disease. Clinical evidence suggests that T cell immunotherapies have the potential to combat cancers that evade traditional immunotherapy. Despite promising results, adverse effects leading to fatalities have left scientists seeking tighter control over these therapies, which is reflected in the growing body of synthetic biology literature focused on developing tightly controlled, context-independent parts. In addition, researchers are adapting these tools for other uses, such as for the treatment of autoimmune disease, HIV infection, and fungal interactions. We review this body of work and devote special attention to approaches that may lend themselves to the development of an "ideal" therapy: one that is safe, efficient, and easy to manufacture. We conclude with a look toward the future of immunotherapy: how synthetic biology can shift the paradigm from the treatment of disease to a focus on wellness and human health as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Brenner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA;
| | - Jang Hwan Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA;
| | - Nicole M L Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA;
| | - Wilson W Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA;
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18
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Milward KF, Wood KJ, Hester J. Enhancing human regulatory T cells in vitro for cell therapy applications. Immunol Lett 2017; 190:139-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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19
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Chang CH, Wang Y, Li R, Rossi DL, Liu D, Rossi EA, Cardillo TM, Goldenberg DM. Combination Therapy with Bispecific Antibodies and PD-1 Blockade Enhances the Antitumor Potency of T Cells. Cancer Res 2017; 77:5384-5394. [PMID: 28819027 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-3431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The DOCK-AND-LOCK (DNL) method is a platform technology that combines recombinant engineering and site-specific conjugation to create multispecific, multivalent antibodies of defined composition with retained bioactivity. We have applied DNL to generate a novel class of trivalent bispecific antibodies (bsAb), each comprising an anti-CD3 scFv covalently conjugated to a stabilized dimer of different antitumor Fabs. Here, we report the further characterization of two such constructs, (E1)-3s and (14)-3s, which activate T cells and target Trop-2- and CEACAM5-expressing cancer cells, respectively. (E1)-3s and (14)-3s, in the presence of human T cells, killed target cells grown as monolayers at subnanomolar concentrations, with a similar potency observed for drug-resistant cells. Antitumor efficacy was demonstrated for (E1)-3s coadministered with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in NOD/SCID mice harboring xenografts of MDA-MB-231, a triple-negative breast cancer line constitutively expressing Trop-2 and PD-L1. Growth inhibition was observed following treatment with (E1)-3s or (14)-3s combined with human PBMC in 3D spheroids generated from target cell lines to mimic the in vivo behavior and microenvironment of these tumors. Moreover, addition of an antagonistic anti-PD-1 antibody increased cell death in 3D spheroids and extended survival of MDA-MB-231-bearing mice. These preclinical results emphasize the potential of combining T-cell-redirecting bsAbs with antagonists or agonists that mitigate T-cell inhibition within the tumor microenvironment to improve immunotherapy of solid cancers in patients. They also support the use of 3D spheroids as a predictive alternative to in vivo models for evaluating T-cell functions. Cancer Res; 77(19); 5384-94. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hsing Chang
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey. .,IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey
| | - Yang Wang
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey
| | - Rongxiu Li
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey
| | | | - Donglin Liu
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey.,IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey
| | | | | | - David M Goldenberg
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey.,IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey
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20
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Smith TT, Stephan SB, Moffett HF, McKnight LE, Ji W, Reiman D, Bonagofski E, Wohlfahrt ME, Pillai SPS, Stephan MT. In situ programming of leukaemia-specific T cells using synthetic DNA nanocarriers. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 12:813-820. [PMID: 28416815 PMCID: PMC5646367 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2017.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 452] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
An emerging approach for treating cancer involves programming patient-derived T cells with genes encoding disease-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), so that they can combat tumour cells once they are reinfused. Although trials of this therapy have produced impressive results, the in vitro methods they require to generate large numbers of tumour-specific T cells are too elaborate for widespread application to treat cancer patients. Here, we describe a method to quickly program circulating T cells with tumour-recognizing capabilities, thus avoiding these complications. Specifically, we demonstrate that DNA-carrying nanoparticles can efficiently introduce leukaemia-targeting CAR genes into T-cell nuclei, thereby bringing about long-term disease remission. These polymer nanoparticles are easy to manufacture in a stable form, which simplifies storage and reduces cost. Our technology may therefore provide a practical, broadly applicable treatment that can generate anti-tumour immunity 'on demand' for oncologists in a variety of settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrel T. Smith
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Sirkka B. Stephan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Howell F. Moffett
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Laura E. McKnight
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Weihang Ji
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Diana Reiman
- Technology Access Foundation (TAF) Academy, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Emmy Bonagofski
- Technology Access Foundation (TAF) Academy, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Martin E. Wohlfahrt
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Smitha P. S. Pillai
- Comparative Pathology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Matthias T. Stephan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
- Technology Access Foundation (TAF) Academy, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
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21
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Ausländer S, Ausländer D, Fussenegger M. Synthetische Biologie - die Synthese der Biologie. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201609229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ausländer
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering; ETH Zürich; Mattenstrasse 26 4058 Basel Schweiz
| | - David Ausländer
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering; ETH Zürich; Mattenstrasse 26 4058 Basel Schweiz
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering; ETH Zürich; Mattenstrasse 26 4058 Basel Schweiz
- Faculty of Science; Universität Basel; Mattenstrasse 26 4058 Basel Schweiz
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22
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Ausländer S, Ausländer D, Fussenegger M. Synthetic Biology-The Synthesis of Biology. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017; 56:6396-6419. [PMID: 27943572 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201609229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology concerns the engineering of man-made living biomachines from standardized components that can perform predefined functions in a (self-)controlled manner. Different research strategies and interdisciplinary efforts are pursued to implement engineering principles to biology. The "top-down" strategy exploits nature's incredible diversity of existing, natural parts to construct synthetic compositions of genetic, metabolic, or signaling networks with predictable and controllable properties. This mainly application-driven approach results in living factories that produce drugs, biofuels, biomaterials, and fine chemicals, and results in living pills that are based on engineered cells with the capacity to autonomously detect and treat disease states in vivo. In contrast, the "bottom-up" strategy seeks to be independent of existing living systems by designing biological systems from scratch and synthesizing artificial biological entities not found in nature. This more knowledge-driven approach investigates the reconstruction of minimal biological systems that are capable of performing basic biological phenomena, such as self-organization, self-replication, and self-sustainability. Moreover, the syntheses of artificial biological units, such as synthetic nucleotides or amino acids, and their implementation into polymers inside living cells currently set the boundaries between natural and artificial biological systems. In particular, the in vitro design, synthesis, and transfer of complete genomes into host cells point to the future of synthetic biology: the creation of designer cells with tailored desirable properties for biomedicine and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ausländer
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Ausländer
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
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23
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CRISPR/Cas9-mediated PD-1 disruption enhances anti-tumor efficacy of human chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:737. [PMID: 28389661 PMCID: PMC5428439 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00462-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 497] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and checkpoint inhibitors (including antibodies that antagonize programmed cell death protein 1 [PD-1]) have both opened new avenues for cancer treatment, but the clinical potential of combined disruption of inhibitory checkpoints and CAR T cell therapy remains incompletely explored. Here we show that programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on tumor cells can render human CAR T cells (anti-CD19 4-1BBζ) hypo-functional, resulting in impaired tumor clearance in a sub-cutaneous xenograft model. To overcome this suppressed anti-tumor response, we developed a protocol for combined Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (Cas9 RNP)-mediated gene editing and lentiviral transduction to generate PD-1 deficient anti-CD19 CAR T cells. Pdcd1 (PD-1) disruption augmented CAR T cell mediated killing of tumor cells in vitro and enhanced clearance of PD-L1+ tumor xenografts in vivo. This study demonstrates improved therapeutic efficacy of Cas9-edited CAR T cells and highlights the potential of precision genome engineering to enhance next-generation cell therapies.
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24
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Bayoumi M, Bayley H, Maglia G, Sapra KT. Multi-compartment encapsulation of communicating droplets and droplet networks in hydrogel as a model for artificial cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45167. [PMID: 28367984 PMCID: PMC5377250 DOI: 10.1038/srep45167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Constructing a cell mimic is a major challenge posed by synthetic biologists. Efforts to this end have been primarily focused on lipid- and polymer-encapsulated containers, liposomes and polymersomes, respectively. Here, we introduce a multi-compartment, nested system comprising aqueous droplets stabilized in an oil/lipid mixture, all encapsulated in hydrogel. Functional capabilities (electrical and chemical communication) were imparted by protein nanopores spanning the lipid bilayer formed at the interface of the encapsulated aqueous droplets and the encasing hydrogel. Crucially, the compartmentalization enabled the formation of two adjoining lipid bilayers in a controlled manner, a requirement for the realization of a functional protocell or prototissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Bayoumi
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200G, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hagan Bayley
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Maglia
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200G, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.,Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - K Tanuj Sapra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Arthur LL, Chung JJ, Jankirama P, Keefer KM, Kolotilin I, Pavlovic-Djuranovic S, Chalker DL, Grbic V, Green R, Menassa R, True HL, Skeath JB, Djuranovic S. Rapid generation of hypomorphic mutations. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14112. [PMID: 28106166 PMCID: PMC5263891 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypomorphic mutations are a valuable tool for both genetic analysis of gene function and for synthetic biology applications. However, current methods to generate hypomorphic mutations are limited to a specific organism, change gene expression unpredictably, or depend on changes in spatial-temporal expression of the targeted gene. Here we present a simple and predictable method to generate hypomorphic mutations in model organisms by targeting translation elongation. Adding consecutive adenosine nucleotides, so-called polyA tracks, to the gene coding sequence of interest will decrease translation elongation efficiency, and in all tested cell cultures and model organisms, this decreases mRNA stability and protein expression. We show that protein expression is adjustable independent of promoter strength and can be further modulated by changing sequence features of the polyA tracks. These characteristics make this method highly predictable and tractable for generation of programmable allelic series with a range of expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L. Arthur
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Joyce J. Chung
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63105, USA
| | - Preetam Jankirama
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A5B7
- Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1391 Sandford Street, London, Ontario, Canada N5V4T3
| | - Kathryn M. Keefer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Igor Kolotilin
- Scattered Gold Biotechnology Inc. 14 Denali Terrace, London, Ontario, Canada N5X 3W2
| | - Slavica Pavlovic-Djuranovic
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Douglas L. Chalker
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63105, USA
| | - Vojislava Grbic
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A5B7
| | - Rachel Green
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Rima Menassa
- Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1391 Sandford Street, London, Ontario, Canada N5V4T3
| | - Heather L. True
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- The Hope Center for Neurological Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - James B. Skeath
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Sergej Djuranovic
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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26
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Prescott AM, Abel SM. Combining in silico evolution and nonlinear dimensionality reduction to redesign responses of signaling networks. Phys Biol 2017; 13:066015. [PMID: 28085678 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/13/6/066015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The rational design of network behavior is a central goal of synthetic biology. Here, we combine in silico evolution with nonlinear dimensionality reduction to redesign the responses of fixed-topology signaling networks and to characterize sets of kinetic parameters that underlie various input-output relations. We first consider the earliest part of the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling network and demonstrate that it can produce a variety of input-output relations (quantified as the level of TCR phosphorylation as a function of the characteristic TCR binding time). We utilize an evolutionary algorithm (EA) to identify sets of kinetic parameters that give rise to: (i) sigmoidal responses with the activation threshold varied over 6 orders of magnitude, (ii) a graded response, and (iii) an inverted response in which short TCR binding times lead to activation. We also consider a network with both positive and negative feedback and use the EA to evolve oscillatory responses with different periods in response to a change in input. For each targeted input-output relation, we conduct many independent runs of the EA and use nonlinear dimensionality reduction to embed the resulting data for each network in two dimensions. We then partition the results into groups and characterize constraints placed on the parameters by the different targeted response curves. Our approach provides a way (i) to guide the design of kinetic parameters of fixed-topology networks to generate novel input-output relations and (ii) to constrain ranges of biological parameters using experimental data. In the cases considered, the network topologies exhibit significant flexibility in generating alternative responses, with distinct patterns of kinetic rates emerging for different targeted responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Prescott
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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27
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Abstract
By using tools from synthetic biology, sophisticated genetic devices can be assembled to reprogram mammalian cell activities. Here, we demonstrate that a self-adjusting synthetic gene circuit can be designed to sense and reverse the insulin-resistance syndrome in different mouse models. By functionally rewiring the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway to produce MAPK-mediated activation of the hybrid transcription factor TetR-ELK1, we assembled a synthetic insulin-sensitive transcription-control device that self-sufficiently distinguished between physiological and increased blood insulin levels and correspondingly fine-tuned the reversible expression of therapeutic transgenes from synthetic TetR-ELK1-specific promoters. In acute experimental hyperinsulinemia, the synthetic insulin-sensing designer circuit reversed the insulin-resistance syndrome by coordinating expression of the insulin-sensitizing compound adiponectin. Engineering synthetic gene circuits to sense pathologic markers and coordinate the expression of therapeutic transgenes may provide opportunities for future gene- and cell-based treatments of multifactorial metabolic disorders.
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28
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The best of both worlds: reaping the benefits from mammalian and bacterial therapeutic circuits. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2016; 34:11-19. [PMID: 27236825 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology has revolutionized the field of biology in the last two decades. By taking apart natural systems and recombining engineered parts in novel constellations, it has not only unlocked a staggering variety of biological control mechanisms but it has also created a panoply of biomedical achievements, such as innovative diagnostics and therapies. The most common mode of action in the field of synthetic biology is mediated by synthetic gene circuits assembled in a systematic and rational manner. This review covers the most recent therapeutic gene circuits implemented in mammalian and bacterial cells designed for the diagnosis and therapy of an extensive array of diseases. Highlighting new tools for therapeutic gene circuits, we describe a future that holds a plethora of potentialities for the medicine of tomorrow.
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29
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Manzoni R, Urrios A, Velazquez-Garcia S, de Nadal E, Posas F. Synthetic biology: insights into biological computation. Integr Biol (Camb) 2016; 8:518-32. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ib00274e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology attempts to rationally engineer biological systems in order to perform desired functions. Our increasing understanding of biological systems guides this rational design, while the huge background in electronics for building circuits defines the methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romilde Manzoni
- Cell Signaling Research Group
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
- E-08003 Barcelona
- Spain
| | - Arturo Urrios
- Cell Signaling Research Group
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
- E-08003 Barcelona
- Spain
| | - Silvia Velazquez-Garcia
- Cell Signaling Research Group
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
- E-08003 Barcelona
- Spain
| | - Eulàlia de Nadal
- Cell Signaling Research Group
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
- E-08003 Barcelona
- Spain
| | - Francesc Posas
- Cell Signaling Research Group
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
- E-08003 Barcelona
- Spain
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