1
|
Lv Y, Qi J, Babon JJ, Cao L, Fan G, Lang J, Zhang J, Mi P, Kobe B, Wang F. The JAK-STAT pathway: from structural biology to cytokine engineering. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:221. [PMID: 39169031 PMCID: PMC11339341 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01934-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway serves as a paradigm for signal transduction from the extracellular environment to the nucleus. It plays a pivotal role in physiological functions, such as hematopoiesis, immune balance, tissue homeostasis, and surveillance against tumors. Dysregulation of this pathway may lead to various disease conditions such as immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, hematologic disorders, and cancer. Due to its critical role in maintaining human health and involvement in disease, extensive studies have been conducted on this pathway, ranging from basic research to medical applications. Advances in the structural biology of this pathway have enabled us to gain insights into how the signaling cascade operates at the molecular level, laying the groundwork for therapeutic development targeting this pathway. Various strategies have been developed to restore its normal function, with promising therapeutic potential. Enhanced comprehension of these molecular mechanisms, combined with advances in protein engineering methodologies, has allowed us to engineer cytokines with tailored properties for targeted therapeutic applications, thereby enhancing their efficiency and safety. In this review, we outline the structural basis that governs key nodes in this pathway, offering a comprehensive overview of the signal transduction process. Furthermore, we explore recent advances in cytokine engineering for therapeutic development in this pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- You Lv
- Center for Molecular Biosciences and Non-communicable Diseases Research, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, China
- Xi'an Amazinggene Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710026, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Jeffrey J Babon
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Longxing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Guohuang Fan
- Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd, No. 10 Lv Zhou Huan Road, Shanghai, 201112, China
| | - Jiajia Lang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Xi'an Amazinggene Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710026, China
| | - Pengbing Mi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Bostjan Kobe
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
| | - Faming Wang
- Center for Molecular Biosciences and Non-communicable Diseases Research, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fabilane CS, Stephenson AC, Leonard EK, VanDyke D, Spangler JB. Cytokine/Antibody Fusion Protein Design and Evaluation. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1061. [PMID: 38775006 PMCID: PMC11115372 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1061] [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: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines constitute a class of secreted proteins that activate transmembrane receptors to coordinate a vast array of physiological processes, particularly those related to immune activity. Due to their vital role in immune regulation, cytokines have garnered great interest as potential therapeutic agents. Unfortunately, the clinical success of cytokine drugs has been limited by their multifunctional activities, which hinder therapeutic performance and lead to harmful toxicities. In addition, the strikingly short circulation half-life of cytokines further hampers their efficacy as drugs. To overcome the translational challenges associated with natural cytokines, significant efforts have focused on engineering cytokines to target their activities and improve their pharmacological properties. One such strategy is the design of fusion proteins that tether a cytokine to an anti-cytokine antibody that selectively biases its functions and extends its serum half-life. These cytokine/antibody fusion proteins (termed immunocytokines) assemble intramolecularly to bias cytokine signaling behavior through multi-layered structural and molecular effects. Here, we present a detailed workflow for the design, production, and functional validation of intramolecularly assembled immunocytokines. In-depth procedures are presented for gene manipulation, mammalian cell-based expression and purification, binding analysis via bio-layer interferometry, and interrogation of cytokine signaling activity on human primary cells. In contrast with immunocytokines in which the tethered cytokine and antibody do not bind one another, intramolecularly assembled immunocytokines require special considerations with respect to their production to avoid oligomerization and/or aggregation. The protocol herein was developed based on experience with immunocytokines that incorporate interleukin-2 (IL-2); however, this modular approach can be extended to any cytokine of interest for a broad range of biomedical applications. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Design and generation of immunocytokine genes Basic Protocol 2: Immunocytokine expression and purification Basic Protocol 3: Validation of immunocytokine assembly and binding by bio-layer interferometry Basic Protocol 4: Analysis of immunocytokine signaling on human primary cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charina S. Fabilane
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A. Carson Stephenson
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elissa K. Leonard
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek VanDyke
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Radi H, Ferdosi-Shahandashti E, Kardar GA, Hafezi N. An Updated Review of Interleukin-2 Therapy in Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024; 44:143-157. [PMID: 38421721 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0178] [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: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that acts in dual and paradoxical ways in the immunotherapy of cancers and autoimmune diseases. Numerous clinical trial studies have shown that the use of different doses of this cytokine in various autoimmune diseases, transplantations, and cancers has resulted in therapeutic success. However, side effects of varying severity have been observed in patients. In recent years, to prevent these side effects, IL-2 has been engineered to bind more specifically to its receptors on the cell surface, decreasing IL-2 toxicities in patients. In this review article, we focus on some recent clinical trial studies and analyze them to determine the appropriate dose of IL-2 drug with the least toxicities. In addition, we discuss the engineering performed on IL-2, which shows that engineered IL-2 increases the specificity function of IL-2 and decreases its adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hale Radi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Elaheh Ferdosi-Shahandashti
- Biomedical and Microbial Advanced Technologies (BMAT) Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Gholam Ali Kardar
- National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Hafezi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ptacin JL, Ma L, Caffaro CE, Acuff NV, Germar K, Severy P, Qu Y, Vela JL, Cai X, San Jose KM, Aerni HR, Chen DB, Esche E, Ismaili TK, Herman R, Pavlova Y, Pena MJ, Nguyen J, Koriazova LK, Shawver LK, Joseph IB, Mooney J, Peakman M, Milla ME. A CD25-biased interleukin-2 for autoimmune therapy engineered via a semi-synthetic organism. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:58. [PMID: 38532017 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00485-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural cytokines are poorly suited as therapeutics for systemic administration due to suboptimal pharmacological and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) has shown promise for treatment of autoimmune (AI) disorders yet exhibits short systemic half-life and opposing immune responses that negate an appropriate therapeutic index. METHODS A semi-synthetic microbial technology platform was used to engineer a site-specifically pegylated form of rhIL-2 with enhanced PK, specificity for induction of immune-suppressive regulatory CD4 + T cells (Tregs), and reduced stimulation of off-target effector T and NK cells. A library of rhIL-2 molecules was constructed with single site-specific, biorthogonal chemistry-compatible non-canonical amino acids installed near the interface where IL-2 engages its cognate receptor βγ (IL-2Rβγ) signaling complex. Biorthogonal site-specific pegylation and functional screening identified variants that retained engagement of the IL-2Rα chain with attenuated potency at the IL-2Rβγ complex. RESULTS Phenotypic screening in mouse identifies SAR444336 (SAR'336; formerly known as THOR-809), rhIL-2 pegylated at H16, as a potential development candidate that specifically expands peripheral CD4+ Tregs with upregulation of markers that correlate with their suppressive function including FoxP3, ICOS and Helios, yet minimally expands CD8 + T or NK cells. In non-human primate, administration of SAR'336 also induces dose-dependent expansion of Tregs and upregulated suppressive markers without significant expansion of CD8 + T or NK cells. SAR'336 administration reduces inflammation in a delayed-type hypersensitivity mouse model, potently suppressing CD4+ and CD8 + T cell proliferation. CONCLUSION SAR'336 is a specific Treg activator, supporting its further development for the treatment of AI diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerod L Ptacin
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Lina Ma
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Carolina E Caffaro
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Nicole V Acuff
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | | | - Peter Severy
- Sanofi, 350 Water St., Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Yanyan Qu
- Sanofi, 350 Water St., Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | | | - Xinming Cai
- Sanofi, 350 Water St., Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Kristine M San Jose
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Hans R Aerni
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - David B Chen
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Ean Esche
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Taylor K Ismaili
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Rob Herman
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Yelena Pavlova
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Michael J Pena
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jasmine Nguyen
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Lilia K Koriazova
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Laura K Shawver
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Ingrid B Joseph
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jill Mooney
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mark Peakman
- Sanofi, 350 Water St., Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Marcos E Milla
- Synthorx, a Sanofi Company, 11099 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 190, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tomasovic LM, Liu K, VanDyke D, Fabilane CS, Spangler JB. Molecular Engineering of Interleukin-2 for Enhanced Therapeutic Activity in Autoimmune Diseases. BioDrugs 2024; 38:227-248. [PMID: 37999893 PMCID: PMC10947368 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis. Its immunosuppressive effects have been harnessed therapeutically via administration of low cytokine doses. Low-dose IL-2 has shown promise in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; however, the clinical use of IL-2 is complicated by its toxicity, its pleiotropic effects on both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive cell subsets, and its short serum half-life, which collectively limit the therapeutic window. As a result, there remains a considerable need for IL-2-based autoimmune disease therapies that can selectively target regulatory T cells with minimal off-target binding to immune effector cells in order to prevent cytokine-mediated toxicities and optimize therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss exciting advances in IL-2 engineering that are empowering the development of novel therapies to treat autoimmune conditions. We describe the structural mechanisms of IL-2 signaling, explore current applications of IL-2-based compounds as immunoregulatory interventions, and detail the progress and challenges associated with clinical adoption of IL-2 therapies. In particular, we focus on protein engineering approaches that have been employed to optimize the regulatory T-cell bias of IL-2, including structure-guided or computational design of cytokine mutants, conjugation to polyethylene glycol, and the development of IL-2 fusion proteins. We also consider future research directions for enhancing the translational potential of engineered IL-2-based therapies. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential to leverage the immunoregulatory properties of IL-2 for targeted treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Tomasovic
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathy Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek VanDyke
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charina S Fabilane
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang T, Chi Y, Wang X, Xu C, Chen X, Liu Y, Huang S, Zhu X, Zhang H, Zhuo H, Wu D. PRL-mediated STAT5B/ARRB2 pathway promotes the progression of prostate cancer through the activation of MAPK signaling. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:128. [PMID: 38341429 PMCID: PMC10858970 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06362-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Previous study showed that higher expression of prolactin (PRL) was found in CRPC samples compared with hormone-naive prostate cancer (HNPC) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) samples. We further investigate the function of PRL in prostate cancer (PCa) and explored its downstream effects. We found heterogeneous expression of the PRLR in clinical prostate samples. The VCaP and 22Rv1 cells exhibited PRLR expression. Among the downstream proteins, STAT5B was the dominant subtype in clinical samples and cell lines. Human recombinant PRL stimulation of PCa cells with PRLR expression resulted in increased phosphorylation of STAT5B(pSTAT5B) and progression of PCa in vitro and in vivo, and STAT5B knockdown can suppress the malignant behavior of PCa. To understand the mechanism further, we performed Bioinformatic analysis, ChIP qPCR, and luciferase reporter gene assay. The results revealed that ARRB2 was the transcription target gene of STAT5B, and higher expression of ARRB2 was related to higher aggression and poorer prognosis of PCa. Additionally, Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that higher expression of ARRB2 was significantly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) demonstrated elevated pSTAT5B, ARRB2, and pERK1/2 expression levels in CRPC tissues compared to HNPC and BPH. Mechanically, ARRB2 enhanced the activation of the MAPK pathway by binding to ERK1/2, thereby promoting the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (pERK1/2). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that PRL stimulation can promote the progression of PCa through STAT5B/ARRB2 pathway and activation of MAPK signaling, which can be suppressed by intervention targeting STAT5B. Blockade of the STAT5B can be a potential therapeutic target for PCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu/The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongnan Chi
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin'an Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengdang Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengsong Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuyou Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Baoshan Branch, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhuo
- Department of Urology, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu/The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Denglong Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li J, Meng Z, Cao Z, Lu W, Yang Y, Li Z, Lu S. ADGRE5-centered Tsurv model in T cells recognizes responders to neoadjuvant cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1304183. [PMID: 38343549 PMCID: PMC10853338 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1304183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neoadjuvant immunotherapy with anti-programmed death-1 (neo-antiPD1) has revolutionized perioperative methods for improvement of overall survival (OS), while approaches for major pathologic response patients' (MPR) recognition along with methods for overcoming non-MPR resistance are still in urgent need. Methods We utilized and integrated publicly-available immune checkpoint inhibitors regimens (ICIs) single-cell (sc) data as the discovery datasets, and innovatively developed a cell-communication analysis pipeline, along with a VIPER-based-SCENIC process, to thoroughly dissect MPR-responding subsets. Besides, we further employed our own non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ICIs cohort's sc data for validation in-silico. Afterward, we resorted to ICIs-resistant murine models developed by us with multimodal investigation, including bulk-RNA-sequencing, Chip-sequencing and high-dimensional cytometry by time of flight (CYTOF) to consolidate our findings in-vivo. To comprehensively explore mechanisms, we adopted 3D ex-vivo hydrogel models for analysis. Furthermore, we constructed an ADGRE5-centered Tsurv model from our discovery dataset by machine learning (ML) algorithms for a wide range of tumor types (NSCLC, melanoma, urothelial cancer, etc.) and verified it in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) sc datasets. Results Through a meta-analysis of multimodal sequential sc sequencing data from pre-ICIs and post-ICIs, we identified an MPR-expanding T cells meta-cluster (MPR-E) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by a stem-like CD8+ T cluster (survT) with STAT5-ADGRE5 axis enhancement compared to non-MPR or pre-ICIs TME. Through multi-omics analysis of murine TME, we further confirmed the existence of survT with silenced function and immune checkpoints (ICs) in MPR-E. After verification of the STAT5-ADGRE5 axis of survT in independent ICIs cohorts, an ADGRE5-centered Tsurv model was then developed through ML for identification of MPR patients pre-ICIs and post-ICIs, both in TME and PBMCs, which was further verified in pan-cancer immunotherapy cohorts. Mechanistically, we unveiled ICIs stimulated ADGRE5 upregulation in a STAT5-IL32 dependent manner in a 3D ex-vivo system (3D-HYGTIC) developed by us previously, which marked Tsurv with better survival flexibility, enhanced stemness and potential cytotoxicity within TME. Conclusion Our research provides insights into mechanisms underlying MPR in neo-antiPD1 and a well-performed model for the identification of non-MPR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ziming Li
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shun Lu
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cho O, Lee JW, Jeong YJ, Kim LK, Jung BK, Heo TH. Celastrol, which targets IL-2/CD25 binding inhibition, induces T cell-mediated antitumor activity in melanoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 962:176239. [PMID: 38043776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) induces contrasting immune responses depending on its binding receptor subunit; thus, selective receptor binding is considered a key challenge in cancer therapeutic strategies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibition of IL-2 action and antitumor activity of celastrol (CEL), a compound identified in a screen for IL-2/CD25 binding inhibitors, and to elucidate the underlying role of CEL in immune cells. We found that CEL selectively impairs the binding of IL-2 and CD25 and directly binds to IL-2 but not to CD25. CEL significantly suppressed the proliferation and signaling of IL-2-dependent murine T cells and interfered with IL-2-responsive STAT5 phosphorylation in IL-2 reporter cells and human PBMCs. After confirming the impact of CEL on IL-2, we evaluated its antitumor activity in C57BL/6 mice bearing B16F10 tumors and found that CEL significantly inhibited tumor growth by increasing CD8+ T cells. We also found that CEL did not inhibit tumor growth in T cell-deficient BALB/c nude mice, suggesting that its activity was mediated by the T-cell response. Moreover, combination therapy with low-dose CEL and a TNFR2 antagonist synergistically improved the therapeutic efficacy of the individual monotherapies by increasing the ratio of intratumoral CD8/Treg cells and suppressing Foxp3 expression. These findings suggest that CEL, which inhibits CD25 binding by targeting IL-2, exerts antitumor activity by mediating the T-cell response and could be a promising candidate for combination therapy in cancer immunotherapy against melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Okki Cho
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for SmartPharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong-Woon Lee
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for SmartPharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jin Jeong
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for SmartPharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Lee Kyung Kim
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for SmartPharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Kyung Jung
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for SmartPharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hwe Heo
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for SmartPharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 14662, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Luo M, Gong W, Zhang Y, Li H, Ma D, Wu K, Gao Q, Fang Y. New insights into the stemness of adoptively transferred T cells by γc family cytokines. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:347. [PMID: 38049832 PMCID: PMC10694921 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has exhibited excellent antitumoral efficacy exemplified by the clinical breakthrough of chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T) in hematologic malignancies. It relies on the pool of functional T cells to retain the developmental potential to serially kill targeted cells. However, failure in the continuous supply and persistence of functional T cells has been recognized as a critical barrier to sustainable responses. Conferring stemness on infused T cells, yielding stem cell-like memory T cells (TSCM) characterized by constant self-renewal and multilineage differentiation similar to pluripotent stem cells, is indeed necessary and promising for enhancing T cell function and sustaining antitumor immunity. Therefore, it is crucial to identify TSCM cell induction regulators and acquire more TSCM cells as resource cells during production and after infusion to improve antitumoral efficacy. Recently, four common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc) family cytokines, encompassing interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21, have been widely used in the development of long-lived adoptively transferred TSCM in vitro. However, challenges, including their non-specific toxicities and off-target effects, have led to substantial efforts for the development of engineered versions to unleash their full potential in the induction and maintenance of T cell stemness in ACT. In this review, we summarize the roles of the four γc family cytokines in the orchestration of adoptively transferred T cell stemness, introduce their engineered versions that modulate TSCM cell formation and demonstrate the potential of their various combinations. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Luo
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjian Gong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuewen Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Silver AB, Tzeng SY, Lager M, Wang J, Ishihara J, Green JJ, Spangler JB. An engineered immunocytokine with collagen affinity improves the tumor bioavailability, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy of IL-2. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101289. [PMID: 37992685 PMCID: PMC10694763 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The clinical utility of human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) is limited by its short serum half-life, preferential activation of regulatory T (TReg) over immune effector cells, and dose-limiting toxicities. We previously engineered F10 immunocytokine (IC), an intramolecularly assembled cytokine/antibody fusion protein that linked hIL-2 to an anti-IL-2 antibody (denoted F10) that extended IL-2 half-life and augmented the immune effector to TReg ratio. Here, we leveraged molecular engineering to improve the anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of F10 IC by developing an iteration, denoted F10 IC-CBD (collagen binding domain), designed for intratumoral administration and in situ retention based on collagen affinity. F10 IC-CBD retained IL-2 bioactivity exclusively in the tumor and eliminated IL-2-associated toxicities. Furthermore, F10 IC exhibited potent single-agent therapeutic efficacy and synergy with systemic immune checkpoint blockade and elicited an abscopal response in mouse tumors models. This engineered fusion protein presents a prototype for the design of intratumoral therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliyah B Silver
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mallory Lager
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jeremy Wang
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jordan J Green
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bernstein ZJ, Shenoy A, Chen A, Heller NM, Spangler JB. Engineering the IL-4/IL-13 axis for targeted immune modulation. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:29-57. [PMID: 37283511 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The structurally and functionally related interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 cytokines play pivotal roles in shaping immune activity. The IL-4/IL-13 axis is best known for its critical role in T helper 2 (Th2) cell-mediated Type 2 inflammation, which protects the host from large multicellular pathogens, such as parasitic helminth worms, and regulates immune responses to allergens. In addition, IL-4 and IL-13 stimulate a wide range of innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as non-hematopoietic cells, to coordinate various functions, including immune regulation, antibody production, and fibrosis. Due to its importance for a broad spectrum of physiological activities, the IL-4/IL-13 network has been targeted through a variety of molecular engineering and synthetic biology approaches to modulate immune behavior and develop novel therapeutics. Here, we review ongoing efforts to manipulate the IL-4/IL-13 axis, including cytokine engineering strategies, formulation of fusion proteins, antagonist development, cell engineering approaches, and biosensor design. We discuss how these strategies have been employed to dissect IL-4 and IL-13 pathways, as well as to discover new immunotherapies targeting allergy, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Looking ahead, emerging bioengineering tools promise to continue advancing fundamental understanding of IL-4/IL-13 biology and enabling researchers to exploit these insights to develop effective interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Bernstein
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anjali Shenoy
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicola M Heller
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Orcutt-Jahns B, Emmel PC, Snyder EM, Taylor SD, Meyer AS. Multivalent, asymmetric IL-2-Fc fusions show enhanced selectivity for regulatory T cells. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg0699. [PMID: 37847758 PMCID: PMC10658882 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg0699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) has the potential to treat autoimmune disease but is limited by its modest specificity toward immunosuppressive regulatory T (Treg) cells. IL-2 receptors consist of combinations of α, β, and γ chains of variable affinity and cell specificity. Engineering IL-2 to treat autoimmunity has primarily focused on retaining binding to the relatively Treg-selective, high-affinity receptor while reducing binding to the less selective, low-affinity receptor. However, we found that refining the designs to focus on targeting the high-affinity receptor through avidity effects is key to optimizing Treg selectivity. We profiled the dynamics and dose dependency of signaling responses in primary human immune cells induced by engineered fusions composed of either wild-type IL-2 or mutant forms with altered affinity, valency, and fusion to the antibody Fc region for stability. Treg selectivity and signaling response variations were explained by a model of multivalent binding and dimer-enhanced avidity-a combined measure of the strength, number, and conformation of interaction sites-from which we designed tetravalent IL-2-Fc fusions that had greater Treg selectivity in culture than do current designs. Biasing avidity toward IL2Rα with an asymmetrical multivalent design consisting of one α/β chain-binding and one α chain-binding mutant further enhanced Treg selectivity. Comparative analysis revealed that IL2Rα was the optimal cell surface target for Treg selectivity, indicating that avidity for IL2Rα may be the optimal route to producing IL-2 variants that selectively target Tregs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Orcutt-Jahns
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peter C. Emmel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eli M. Snyder
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Scott D. Taylor
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aaron S. Meyer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lykhopiy V, Malviya V, Humblet-Baron S, Schlenner SM. "IL-2 immunotherapy for targeting regulatory T cells in autoimmunity". Genes Immun 2023; 24:248-262. [PMID: 37741949 PMCID: PMC10575774 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-023-00221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) are indispensable for immune homoeostasis and for the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) signalling is critical in all aspects of Treg biology. Consequences of defective IL-2 signalling are insufficient numbers or dysfunction of Treg and hence autoimmune disorders in human and mouse. The restoration and maintenance of immune homoeostasis remain central therapeutic aims in the field of autoimmunity. Historically, broadly immunosuppressive drugs with serious side-effects have been used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or prevention of organ-transplant rejection. More recently, ex vivo expanded or in vivo stimulated Treg have been shown to induce effective tolerance in clinical trials supporting the clinical benefit of targeting natural immunosuppressive mechanisms. Given the central role of exogenous IL-2 in Treg homoeostasis, a new and promising focus in drug development are IL-2-based approaches for in vivo targeted expansion of Treg or for enhancement of their suppressive activity. In this review, we summarise the role of IL-2 in Treg biology and consequences of dysfunctional IL-2 signalling pathways. We then examine evidence of efficacy of IL-2-based biological drugs targeting Treg with specific focus on therapeutic candidates in clinical trials and discuss their limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lykhopiy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- argenx BV, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanshika Malviya
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Humblet-Baron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan M Schlenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Leonard WJ, Lin JX. Strategies to therapeutically modulate cytokine action. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:827-854. [PMID: 37542128 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00746-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are secreted or membrane-presented molecules that mediate broad cellular functions, including development, differentiation, growth and survival. Accordingly, the regulation of cytokine activity is extraordinarily important both physiologically and pathologically. Cytokine and/or cytokine receptor engineering is being widely investigated to safely and effectively modulate cytokine activity for therapeutic benefit. IL-2 in particular has been extensively engineered, to create IL-2 variants that differentially exhibit activities on regulatory T cells to potentially treat autoimmune disease versus effector T cells to augment antitumour effects. Additionally, engineering approaches are being applied to many other cytokines such as IL-10, interferons and IL-1 family cytokines, given their immunosuppressive and/or antiviral and anticancer effects. In modulating the actions of cytokines, the strategies used have been broad, including altering affinities of cytokines for their receptors, prolonging cytokine half-lives in vivo and fine-tuning cytokine actions. The field is rapidly expanding, with extensive efforts to create improved therapeutics for a range of diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rojas G, Relova-Hernández E, Pérez-Riverón A, Castro-Martínez C, Diaz-Bravo O, Infante YC, Gómez T, Solozábal J, DíazBravo AB, Schubert M, Becker M, Pérez-Massón B, Pérez-Martínez D, Alvarez-Arzola R, Guirola O, Chinea G, Graca L, Dübel S, León K, Carmenate T. Molecular reshaping of phage-displayed Interleukin-2 at beta chain receptor interface to obtain potent super-agonists with improved developability profiles. Commun Biol 2023; 6:828. [PMID: 37558752 PMCID: PMC10412584 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05188-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) engineered versions, with biased immunological functions, have emerged from yeast display and rational design. Here we reshaped the human IL-2 interface with the IL-2 receptor beta chain through the screening of phage-displayed libraries. Multiple beta super-binders were obtained, having increased receptor binding ability and improved developability profiles. Selected variants exhibit an accumulation of negatively charged residues at the interface, which provides a better electrostatic complementarity to the beta chain, and faster association kinetics. These findings point to mechanistic differences with the already reported superkines, characterized by a conformational switch due to the rearrangement of the hydrophobic core. The molecular bases of the favourable developability profile were tracked to a single residue: L92. Recombinant Fc-fusion proteins including our variants are superior to those based on H9 superkine in terms of expression levels in mammalian cells, aggregation resistance, stability, in vivo enhancement of immune effector responses, and anti-tumour effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gertrudis Rojas
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba.
| | - Ernesto Relova-Hernández
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Annia Pérez-Riverón
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Camila Castro-Martínez
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Osmany Diaz-Bravo
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Yanelys Cabrera Infante
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Tania Gómez
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Joaquín Solozábal
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Ana Beatriz DíazBravo
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Maren Schubert
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biotechnology, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marlies Becker
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biotechnology, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Beatriz Pérez-Massón
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Dayana Pérez-Martínez
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Rydell Alvarez-Arzola
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Osmany Guirola
- Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Ave 31 e/ 158 y 190, apartado 6162, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Glay Chinea
- Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Ave 31 e/ 158 y 190, apartado 6162, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Luis Graca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stefan Dübel
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biotechnology, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kalet León
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Tania Carmenate
- Center of Molecular Immunology, calle 216 esq 15, apartado 16040, Atabey, Playa, CP 11300, La Habana, Cuba
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Leonard EK, Tomala J, Gould JR, Leff MI, Lin JX, Li P, Porter MJ, Johansen ER, Thompson L, Cao SD, Henclova T, Huliciak M, Vaněk O, Kovar M, Leonard WJ, Spangler JB. Engineered cytokine/antibody fusion proteins improve delivery of IL-2 to pro-inflammatory cells and promote antitumor activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539272. [PMID: 37205604 PMCID: PMC10187205 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Progress in cytokine engineering is driving therapeutic translation by overcoming the inherent limitations of these proteins as drugs. The interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine harbors great promise as an immune stimulant for cancer treatment. However, the cytokine's concurrent activation of both pro-inflammatory immune effector cells and anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells, its toxicity at high doses, and its short serum half-life have limited clinical application. One promising approach to improve the selectivity, safety, and longevity of IL-2 is complexation with anti-IL-2 antibodies that bias the cytokine towards the activation of immune effector cells (i.e., effector T cells and natural killer cells). Although this strategy shows therapeutic potential in preclinical cancer models, clinical translation of a cytokine/antibody complex is complicated by challenges in formulating a multi-protein drug and concerns about complex stability. Here, we introduce a versatile approach to designing intramolecularly assembled single-agent fusion proteins (immunocytokines, ICs) comprising IL-2 and a biasing anti-IL-2 antibody that directs the cytokine's activities towards immune effector cells. We establish the optimal IC construction and further engineer the cytokine/antibody affinity to improve immune biasing function. We demonstrate that our IC preferentially activates and expands immune effector cells, leading to superior antitumor activity compared to natural IL-2 without inducing toxicities associated with IL-2 administration. Collectively, this work presents a roadmap for the design and translation of immunomodulatory cytokine/antibody fusion proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elissa K. Leonard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Jakub Tomala
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph R. Gould
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Michael I. Leff
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, USA
| | - Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, USA
| | - Peng Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, USA
| | | | - Eric R. Johansen
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, USA
| | - Ladaisha Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Shanelle D. Cao
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering; Baltimore, USA
| | - Tereza Henclova
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Maros Huliciak
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Vaněk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University; Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Warren J. Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, USA
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering; Baltimore, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
McFarlane A, Pohler E, Moraga I. Molecular and cellular factors determining the functional pleiotropy of cytokines. FEBS J 2023; 290:2525-2552. [PMID: 35246947 PMCID: PMC10952290 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines are soluble factors vital for mammalian physiology. Cytokines elicit highly pleiotropic activities, characterized by their ability to induce a wide spectrum of functional responses in a diverse range of cell subsets, which makes their study very challenging. Cytokines activate signalling via receptor dimerization/oligomerization, triggering activation of the JAK (Janus kinase)/STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) signalling pathway. Given the strong crosstalk and shared usage of key components of cytokine signalling pathways, a long-standing question in the field pertains to how functional diversity is achieved by cytokines. Here, we discuss how biophysical - for example, ligand-receptor binding affinity and topology - and cellular - for example, receptor, JAK and STAT protein levels, endosomal compartment - parameters contribute to the modulation and diversification of cytokine responses. We review how these parameters ultimately converge into a common mechanism to fine-tune cytokine signalling that involves the control of the number of Tyr residues phosphorylated in the receptor intracellular domain upon cytokine stimulation. This results in different kinetics of STAT activation, and induction of specific gene expression programs, ensuring the generation of functional diversity by cytokines using a limited set of signalling intermediaries. We describe how these first principles of cytokine signalling have been exploited using protein engineering to design cytokine variants with more specific and less toxic responses for immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison McFarlane
- Division of Cell Signalling and ImmunologySchool of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeUK
| | - Elizabeth Pohler
- Division of Cell Signalling and ImmunologySchool of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeUK
| | - Ignacio Moraga
- Division of Cell Signalling and ImmunologySchool of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeUK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Raeber ME, Sahin D, Karakus U, Boyman O. A systematic review of interleukin-2-based immunotherapies in clinical trials for cancer and autoimmune diseases. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104539. [PMID: 37004361 PMCID: PMC10111960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) can stimulate both effector immune cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. The ability of selectively engaging either of these effects has spurred interest in using IL-2 for immunotherapy of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Thus, numerous IL-2-based biologic agents with improved bias or delivery towards effector immune cells or Treg cells have been developed. This study systematically reviews clinical results of improved IL-2-based compounds. METHODS We searched the ClinicalTrials.gov database for registered trials using improved IL-2-based agents and different databases for available results of these studies. FINDINGS From 576 registered clinical trials we extracted 36 studies on different improved IL-2-based compounds. Adding another nine agents reported in recent literature reviews and based on our knowledge totalled in 45 compounds. A secondary search for registered clinical trials of each of these 45 compounds resulted in 141 clinical trials included in this review, with 41 trials reporting results. INTERPRETATION So far, none of the improved IL-2-based compounds has gained regulatory approval for the treatment of cancer or autoimmune diseases. NKTR-214 is the only compound completing phase 3 studies. The PIVOT IO-001 trial testing the combination of NKTR-214 plus Pembrolizumab compared to Pembrolizumab monotherapy in metastatic melanoma missed its primary endpoints. Also the PIVOT-09 study, combining NKTR-214 with Nivolumab compared to Sunitinib or Cabozantinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma, missed its primary endpoint. Trials in autoimmune diseases are currently in early stages, thus not allowing definite conclusions on efficacy. FUNDING This work was supported by public funding agencies.
Collapse
|
19
|
Saxton RA, Caveney NA, Moya-Garzon MD, Householder KD, Rodriguez GE, Burdsall KA, Long JZ, Garcia KC. Structural insights into the mechanism of leptin receptor activation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1797. [PMID: 37002197 PMCID: PMC10066393 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37169-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an adipocyte-derived protein hormone that promotes satiety and energy homeostasis by activating the leptin receptor (LepR)-STAT3 signaling axis in a subset of hypothalamic neurons. Leptin signaling is dysregulated in obesity, however, where appetite remains elevated despite high levels of circulating leptin. To gain insight into the mechanism of leptin receptor activation, here we determine the structure of a stabilized leptin-bound LepR signaling complex using single particle cryo-EM. The structure reveals an asymmetric architecture in which a single leptin induces LepR dimerization via two distinct receptor-binding sites. Analysis of the leptin-LepR binding interfaces reveals the molecular basis for human obesity-associated mutations. Structure-based design of leptin variants that destabilize the asymmetric LepR dimer yield both partial and biased agonists that partially suppress STAT3 activation in the presence of wild-type leptin and decouple activation of STAT3 from LepR negative regulators. Together, these results reveal the structural basis for LepR activation and provide insights into the differential plasticity of signaling pathways downstream of LepR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Saxton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Nathanael A Caveney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Maria Dolores Moya-Garzon
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karsten D Householder
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Grayson E Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kylie A Burdsall
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jonathan Z Long
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - K Christopher Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang B, Sun J, Yuan Y, Ji D, Sun Y, Liu Y, Li S, Zhu X, Wu X, Hu J, Xie Q, Wu L, Liu L, Cheng B, Zhang Y, Jiang L, Zhao L, Yu F, Song W, Wang M, Xu Y, Ma S, Fei Y, Zhang L, Zhou D, Zhang X. Proximity-enabled covalent binding of IL-2 to IL-2Rα selectively activates regulatory T cells and suppresses autoimmunity. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:28. [PMID: 36690610 PMCID: PMC9871032 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01208-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a pleiotropic cytokine that orchestrates bidirectional immune responses via regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector cells, leading to paradoxical consequences. Here, we report a strategy that exploited genetic code expansion-guided incorporation of the latent bioreactive artificial amino acid fluorosulfate-L-tyrosine (FSY) into IL-2 for proximity-enabled covalent binding to IL-2Rα to selectively promote Treg activation. We found that FSY-bearing IL-2 variants, such as L72-FSY, covalently bound to IL-2Rα via sulfur-fluoride exchange when in proximity, resulting in persistent recycling of IL-2 and selectively promoting the expansion of Tregs but not effector cells. Further assessment of L72-FSY-expanded Tregs demonstrated that L72-FSY maintained Tregs in a central memory phenotype without driving terminal differentiation, as demonstrated by simultaneously attenuated expression of lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) and enhanced expression of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1). Subcutaneous administration of L72-FSY in murine models of pristane-induced lupus and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) resulted in enhanced and sustained therapeutic efficacy compared with wild-type IL-2 treatment. The efficacy of L72-FSY was further improved by N-terminal PEGylation, which increased its circulatory retention for preferential and sustained effects. This proximity-enabled covalent binding strategy may accelerate the development of pleiotropic cytokines as a new class of immunomodulatory therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jiaqi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yeshuang Yuan
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Dezhong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yeting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yudong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shengjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xingxing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xunyao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Qiu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lulu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Boyang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuanjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lingjuan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lidan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Fei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yue Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shiliang Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yunyun Fei
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lihe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Demin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Deckers J, Anbergen T, Hokke AM, de Dreu A, Schrijver DP, de Bruin K, Toner YC, Beldman TJ, Spangler JB, de Greef TFA, Grisoni F, van der Meel R, Joosten LAB, Merkx M, Netea MG, Mulder WJM. Engineering cytokine therapeutics. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:286-303. [PMID: 37064653 PMCID: PMC9933837 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00030-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have pivotal roles in immunity, making them attractive as therapeutics for a variety of immune-related disorders. However, the widespread clinical use of cytokines has been limited by their short blood half-lives and severe side effects caused by low specificity and unfavourable biodistribution. Innovations in bioengineering have aided in advancing our knowledge of cytokine biology and yielded new technologies for cytokine engineering. In this Review, we discuss how the development of bioanalytical methods, such as sequencing and high-resolution imaging combined with genetic techniques, have facilitated a better understanding of cytokine biology. We then present an overview of therapeutics arising from cytokine re-engineering, targeting and delivery, mRNA therapeutics and cell therapy. We also highlight the application of these strategies to adjust the immunological imbalance in different immune-mediated disorders, including cancer, infection and autoimmune diseases. Finally, we look ahead to the hurdles that must be overcome before cytokine therapeutics can live up to their full potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Deckers
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tom Anbergen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ayla M. Hokke
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Anne de Dreu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - David P. Schrijver
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Koen de Bruin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Yohana C. Toner
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Thijs J. Beldman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Alliance Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht (EWUU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Francesca Grisoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Alliance Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht (EWUU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roy van der Meel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Leo A. B. Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department for Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Willem J. M. Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Emerging principles of cytokine pharmacology and therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:21-37. [PMID: 36131080 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00557-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are secreted signalling proteins that play essential roles in the initiation, maintenance and resolution of immune responses. Although the unique ability of cytokines to control immune function has garnered clinical interest in the context of cancer, autoimmunity and infectious disease, the use of cytokine-based therapeutics has been limited. This is due, in part, to the ability of cytokines to act on many cell types and impact diverse biological functions, resulting in dose-limiting toxicity or lack of efficacy. Recent studies combining structural biology, protein engineering and receptor pharmacology have unlocked new insights into the mechanisms of cytokine receptor activation, demonstrating that many aspects of cytokine function are highly tunable. Here, we discuss the pharmacological principles underlying these efforts to overcome cytokine pleiotropy and enhance the therapeutic potential of this important class of signalling molecules.
Collapse
|
23
|
Sindaco P, Pandey H, Isabelle C, Chakravarti N, Brammer JE, Porcu P, Mishra A. The role of interleukin-15 in the development and treatment of hematological malignancies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1141208. [PMID: 37153603 PMCID: PMC10157481 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1141208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are a vital component of the immune system that controls the activation and growth of blood cells. However, chronic overexpression of cytokines can trigger cellular events leading to malignant transformation. The cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) is of particular interest, which has been shown to contribute to the development and progression of various hematological malignancies. This review will provide an overview of the impact of the immunopathogenic function of IL-15 by studying its role in cell survival, proliferation, inflammation, and treatment resistance. We will also review therapeutic approaches for inhibiting IL-15 in blood cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sindaco
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hritisha Pandey
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Colleen Isabelle
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nitin Chakravarti
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Pierluigi Porcu
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Anjali Mishra
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Anjali Mishra,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mortier E, Maillasson M, Quéméner A. Counteracting Interleukin-15 to Elucidate Its Modes of Action in Physiology and Pathology. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:2-22. [PMID: 36651845 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-15 belongs to the common gamma-dependent cytokine family, along with IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-21. IL-15 is crucial for the homeostasis of Natural Killer (NK) and memory CD8 T cells, and to fight against cancer progression. However, dysregulations of IL-15 expression could occur and participate in the emergence of autoimmune inflammatory diseases as well as hematological malignancies. It is therefore important to understand the different modes of action of IL-15 to decrease its harmful action in pathology without affecting its beneficial effects in the immune system. In this review, we present the different approaches used by researchers to inhibit the action of IL-15, from most broad to the most selective. Indeed, it appears that it is important to selectively target the mode of action of the cytokine rather than the cytokine itself as they are involved in numerous biological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Mortier
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Mike Maillasson
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Agnès Quéméner
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rojas G, Carmenate T, García-Pérez G, Pérez-Martínez D. Phagekines: Directed Evolution and Characterization of Functional Cytokines Displayed on Phages. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2702:149-189. [PMID: 37679619 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3381-6_8] [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: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The current chapter focuses on the use of filamentous phages to display and modify biologically active cytokines, with special emphasis on directed evolution of novel variants showing improved receptor binding. Cytokines are essential protein mediators involved in cell-to-cell communication. Their functional importance and the complexity of their interactions with multichain receptors make cytokine engineering a promising tool for the discovery and optimization of therapeutic molecules. Protocols used at the laboratory are illustrated through examples of manipulation of interleukin-2 and interleukin-6, two members of the family of alpha-helix-bundle cytokines playing pivotal roles in immunity and inflammation.
Collapse
|
26
|
Gaggero S, Martinez-Fabregas J, Cozzani A, Fyfe PK, Leprohon M, Yang J, Thomasen FE, Winkelmann H, Magnez R, Conti AG, Wilmes S, Pohler E, van Gijsel Bonnello M, Thuru X, Quesnel B, Soncin F, Piehler J, Lindorff-Larsen K, Roychoudhuri R, Moraga I, Mitra S. IL-2 is inactivated by the acidic pH environment of tumors enabling engineering of a pH-selective mutein. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eade5686. [PMID: 36459543 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.ade5686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines interact with their receptors in the extracellular space to control immune responses. How the physicochemical properties of the extracellular space influence cytokine signaling is incompletely elucidated. Here, we show that the activity of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine critical to T cell immunity, is profoundly affected by pH, limiting IL-2 signaling within the acidic environment of tumors. Generation of lactic acid by tumors limits STAT5 activation, effector differentiation, and antitumor immunity by CD8+ T cells and renders high-dose IL-2 therapy poorly effective. Directed evolution enabled selection of a pH-selective IL-2 mutein (Switch-2). Switch-2 binds the IL-2 receptor subunit IL-2Rα with higher affinity, triggers STAT5 activation, and drives CD8+ T cell effector function more potently at acidic pH than at neutral pH. Consequently, high-dose Switch-2 therapy induces potent immune activation and tumor rejection with reduced on-target toxicity in normal tissues. Last, we show that sensitivity to pH is a generalizable property of a diverse range of cytokines with broad relevance to immunity and immunotherapy in healthy and diseased tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gaggero
- Inserm UMR1277, CNRS UMR9020-CANTHER, Université de Lille, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | | | - Adeline Cozzani
- Inserm UMR1277, CNRS UMR9020-CANTHER, Université de Lille, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Paul K Fyfe
- Division of Cell Signaling and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Malo Leprohon
- Inserm UMR1277, CNRS UMR9020-CANTHER, Université de Lille, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41 - UAR 2014 - PLBS, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - F Emil Thomasen
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hauke Winkelmann
- Department of Biology/Chemistry and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Barbarastr. 11, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Romain Magnez
- Inserm UMR1277, CNRS UMR9020-CANTHER, Université de Lille, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Alberto G Conti
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephan Wilmes
- Division of Cell Signaling and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Elizabeth Pohler
- Division of Cell Signaling and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Xavier Thuru
- Inserm UMR1277, CNRS UMR9020-CANTHER, Université de Lille, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Bruno Quesnel
- Inserm UMR1277, CNRS UMR9020-CANTHER, Université de Lille, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Fabrice Soncin
- CNRS/IIS/Centre Oscar Lambret/Lille University SMMiL-E Project, CNRS Délégation Hauts-de-France, Lille, France
- CNRS IRL 2820; Laboratory for Integrated Micro Mechatronic Systems, Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jacob Piehler
- Department of Biology/Chemistry and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Barbarastr. 11, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Kresten Lindorff-Larsen
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rahul Roychoudhuri
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ignacio Moraga
- Division of Cell Signaling and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Suman Mitra
- Inserm UMR1277, CNRS UMR9020-CANTHER, Université de Lille, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Raeber ME, Sahin D, Boyman O. Interleukin-2–based therapies in cancer. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabo5409. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo5409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Molecular insights into the mechanism of beneficial and adverse effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2) have resulted in the development of improved IL-2 formulations with IL-2 receptor bias and tissue-targeting properties. Several of these compounds are currently in clinical development and are ushering IL-2 therapy into the current era of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miro E. Raeber
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dilara Sahin
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang CJ, Petersone L, Edner NM, Heuts F, Ovcinnikovs V, Ntavli E, Kogimtzis A, Fabri A, Elfaki Y, Houghton LP, Hosse RJ, Schubert DA, Frei AP, Ross EM, Walker LSK. Costimulation blockade in combination with IL-2 permits regulatory T cell sparing immunomodulation that inhibits autoimmunity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6757. [PMID: 36347877 PMCID: PMC9643453 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34477-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Blockade of CD28 costimulation with CTLA-4-Ig/Abatacept is used to dampen effector T cell responses in autoimmune and transplantation settings. However, a significant drawback of this approach is impaired regulatory T cell homeostasis that requires CD28 signaling. Therefore, strategies that restrict the effects of costimulation blockade to effector T cells would be advantageous. Here we probe the relative roles of CD28 and IL-2 in maintaining Treg. We find provision of IL-2 counteracts the regulatory T cell loss induced by costimulation blockade while minimally affecting the conventional T cell compartment. These data suggest that combining costimulation blockade with IL-2 treatment may selectively impair effector T cell responses while maintaining regulatory T cells. Using a mouse model of autoimmune diabetes, we show combined therapy supports regulatory T cell homeostasis and protects from disease. These findings are recapitulated in humanised mice using clinically relevant reagents and provide an exemplar for rational use of a second immunotherapy to offset known limitations of the first.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Jing Wang
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Lina Petersone
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Natalie M Edner
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Frank Heuts
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Vitalijs Ovcinnikovs
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Elisavet Ntavli
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Alexandros Kogimtzis
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Astrid Fabri
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Yassin Elfaki
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Luke P Houghton
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Ralf J Hosse
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - David A Schubert
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas P Frei
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ellen M Ross
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Lucy S K Walker
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Pears Building, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Jing Z, Li Y, Ma Y, Zhang X, Liang X, Zhang X. Leverage biomaterials to modulate immunity for type 1 diabetes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997287. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogeny of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is mainly provoked by the β-cell loss due to the autoimmune attack. Critically, autoreactive T cells firsthand attack β-cell in islet, that results in the deficiency of insulin in bloodstream and ultimately leads to hyperglycemia. Hence, modulating immunity to conserve residual β-cell is a desirable way to treat new-onset T1D. However, systemic immunosuppression makes patients at risk of organ damage, infection, even cancers. Biomaterials can be leveraged to achieve targeted immunomodulation, which can reduce the toxic side effects of immunosuppressants. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in harness of biomaterials to immunomodulate immunity for T1D. We investigate nanotechnology in targeting delivery of immunosuppressant, biological macromolecule for β-cell specific autoreactive T cell regulation. We also explore the biomaterials for developing vaccines and facilitate immunosuppressive cells to restore immune tolerance in pancreas.
Collapse
|
30
|
Waldmann TA, Waldmann R, Lin JX, Leonard WJ. The implications of IL-15 trans-presentation on the immune response. Adv Immunol 2022; 156:103-132. [PMID: 36410873 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 is a pleiotropic cytokine type I four alpha-helical bundle cytokine that along with IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-21 shares the common cytokine receptor γ chain, γc. IL-15 is vital for the development, survival, and expansion of natural killer cells and for the development of CD8+ memory T cells. Whereas other family γc cytokines signal by directly binding to their target cells, IL-15 is distinctive in that it binds to IL-15Rα, a sushi domain containing binding protein that is expressed on a number of cell types, including monocytes and dendritic cells as well as T cells, and then is trans-presented to responding cells that express IL-2Rβ and γc. This distinctive mechanism for IL-15 relates to its role in signaling in the context of cell-cell interactions and signaling synapses. The actions of IL-15 and ways of manipulating its actions to potential therapeutic benefit are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hernandez R, Põder J, LaPorte KM, Malek TR. Engineering IL-2 for immunotherapy of autoimmunity and cancer. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 22:614-628. [PMID: 35217787 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00680-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical studies of the T cell growth factor activity of IL-2 resulted in this cytokine becoming the first immunotherapy to be approved nearly 30 years ago by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cancer. Since then, we have learnt the important role of IL-2 in regulating tolerance through regulatory T cells (Treg cells) besides promoting immunity through its action on effector T cells and memory T cells. Another pivotal event in the history of IL-2 research was solving the crystal structure of IL-2 bound to its tripartite receptor, which spurred the development of cell type-selective engineered IL-2 products. These new IL-2 analogues target Treg cells to counteract the dysregulated immune system in the context of autoimmunity and inflammatory disorders or target effector T cells, memory T cells and natural killer cells to enhance their antitumour responses. IL-2 biologics have proven to be effective in preclinical studies and clinical assessment of some is now underway. These studies will soon reveal whether engineered IL-2 biologics are truly capable of harnessing the IL-2-IL-2 receptor pathway as effective monotherapies or combination therapies for autoimmunity and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosmely Hernandez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Janika Põder
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kathryn M LaPorte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Thomas R Malek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
MacMullan MA, Wang P, Graham NA. Phospho-proteomics reveals that RSK signaling is required for proliferation of natural killer cells stimulated with IL-2 or IL-15. Cytokine 2022; 157:155958. [PMID: 35841827 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that play a critical role in the innate immune system. Although cytokine signaling is crucial for the development, expansion, and cytotoxicity of NK cells, the signaling pathways stimulated by cytokines are not well understood. Here, we sought to compare the early signaling dynamics induced by the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15 using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based phospho-proteomics. Following stimulation of the immortalized NK cell line NK-92 with IL-2 or IL-15 for 5, 10, 15, or 30 min, we identified 8,692 phospho-peptides from 3,023 proteins. Comparing the kinetic profiles of 3,619 fully quantified phospho-peptides, we found that IL-2 and IL-15 induced highly similar signaling in NK-92 cells. Among the IL-2/IL-15-regulated phospho-peptides were both well-known signaling events like the JAK/STAT pathway and novel signaling events with potential functional significance including LCP1 pSer5, STMN1 pSer25, CHEK1 pSer286, STIM1 pSer608, and VDAC1 pSer104. Using bioinformatic approaches, we sought to identify kinases regulated by IL-2/IL-15 stimulation and found that the p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) family was activated by both cytokines. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we then discovered that RSK signaling is required for IL-2 and IL-15-induced proliferation in NK-92 cells. Taken together, our analysis represents the first phospho-proteomic characterization of cytokine signaling in NK cells and increases our understanding of how cytokine signaling regulates NK cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A MacMullan
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
| | - Pin Wang
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
| | - Nicholas A Graham
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States; Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Whyte CE, Singh K, Burton OT, Aloulou M, Kouser L, Veiga RV, Dashwood A, Okkenhaug H, Benadda S, Moudra A, Bricard O, Lienart S, Bielefeld P, Roca CP, Naranjo-Galindo FJ, Lombard-Vadnais F, Junius S, Bending D, Ono M, Hochepied T, Halim TY, Schlenner S, Lesage S, Dooley J, Liston A. Context-dependent effects of IL-2 rewire immunity into distinct cellular circuits. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20212391. [PMID: 35699942 PMCID: PMC9202720 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a key homeostatic cytokine, with therapeutic applications in both immunogenic and tolerogenic immune modulation. Clinical use has been hampered by pleiotropic functionality and widespread receptor expression, with unexpected adverse events. Here, we developed a novel mouse strain to divert IL-2 production, allowing identification of contextual outcomes. Network analysis identified priority access for Tregs and a competitive fitness cost of IL-2 production among both Tregs and conventional CD4 T cells. CD8 T and NK cells, by contrast, exhibited a preference for autocrine IL-2 production. IL-2 sourced from dendritic cells amplified Tregs, whereas IL-2 produced by B cells induced two context-dependent circuits: dramatic expansion of CD8+ Tregs and ILC2 cells, the latter driving a downstream, IL-5-mediated, eosinophilic circuit. The source-specific effects demonstrate the contextual influence of IL-2 function and potentially explain adverse effects observed during clinical trials. Targeted IL-2 production therefore has the potential to amplify or quench particular circuits in the IL-2 network, based on clinical desirability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carly E. Whyte
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kailash Singh
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver T. Burton
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Meryem Aloulou
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Centre national de la recherche scientifique U5051, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1291, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Lubna Kouser
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Amy Dashwood
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Samira Benadda
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Centre de Recherche Sur L’inflammation, Centre national de la recherche scientifique ERL8252, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1149, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alena Moudra
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Orian Bricard
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Carlos P. Roca
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Félix Lombard-Vadnais
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Immunology-Oncology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Steffie Junius
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Bending
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Masahiro Ono
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tino Hochepied
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Susan Schlenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Lesage
- Centre de Recherche Sur L’inflammation, Centre national de la recherche scientifique ERL8252, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1149, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - James Dooley
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Liston
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jin D, Jiang Y, Chang L, Wei J, Sun J. New therapeutic strategies based on biasing IL-2 mutants for cancers and autoimmune diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108935. [PMID: 35732097 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an immunomodulatory multifunctional cytokine. High-dose IL-2 was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1990s for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma. However, the short half-life of IL-2 and its toxicity caused by high-dose IL-2 limit the clinical use of IL-2. Recently, the development of cell-type-selective engineered IL-2 products become a hot research filed, mainly because IL-2 stimulates both regulatory T cells (Treg) and effector T cells (Teff) in vivo. The selective effect of IL-2 on Treg and Teff can be improved by designing biased IL-2 mutants, which showed reduced toxicity while being more effective in stimulating anti-tumor effector immunity or ameliorating autoimmune diseases. In this review we summarize the biological properties of IL-2 mutants reported so far. The design process and principle of IL-2 mutants, IL-2 mutant antibody complexes and IL-2 fusion proteins were discussed, which provided research basis for the design and application of IL-2 mutants in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongfu Jin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PRChina
| | - Yaxin Jiang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PRChina
| | - Lu Chang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PRChina
| | - Jing Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PRChina.
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PRChina; Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PRChina.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yuan Y, Kolios AGA, Liu Y, Zhang B, Li H, Tsokos GC, Zhang X. Therapeutic potential of interleukin-2 in autoimmune diseases. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:596-612. [PMID: 35624009 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by dysregulation and aberrant activation of cells in the immune system. Therefore, restoration of the immune balance represents a promising therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) can promote the expansion and differentiation of different immune cell subsets dose-dependently. At high doses, IL-2 can promote the differentiation and expansion of effector and memory T cells, whereas at low doses, IL-2 can promote the differentiation, survival, and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells, a CD4+ T cell subset that is essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and immune tolerance. Therefore, IL-2 exerts immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects in autoimmune diseases. The immunoregulatory role of low-dose IL-2 has sparked excitement for the therapeutic exploration of modulating the IL-2-Treg axis in the context of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the therapeutic potential of IL-2 or IL-2-derived molecules in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeshuang Yuan
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Antonios G A Kolios
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yudong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George C Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Valenzuela-Cardenas M, Gowan C, Dryja P, Bartee MY, Bartee E. TNF blockade enhances the efficacy of myxoma virus-based oncolytic virotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004770. [PMID: 35577502 PMCID: PMC9114862 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oncolytic virotherapy (OV) represents a method to treat a variety of solid tumors by inducing antitumor immune responses. While this therapy has been extremely efficacious in preclinical models, translating these successes into human patients has proven challenging. One of the major reasons for these failures is the existence of immune-regulatory mechanisms, which dampen the efficacy of virally induced antitumor immunity. Unfortunately, the full extent of these immune-regulatory pathways remains unclear. METHODS To address this issue, we generated a doubly recombinant, oncolytic myxoma virus which expresses both a soluble fragment of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and an interleukin 12 (IL-12) fusion protein (vPD1/IL-12 (virus-expressing PD1 and IL-12)). We then tested the molecular impact and therapeutic efficacy of this construct in multiple models of disseminated disease to identify novel pathways, which are associated with poor therapeutic outcomes. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that vPD1/IL-12 causes robust inflammation during therapy including inducing high levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Surprisingly, although expression of TNF has generally been assumed to be beneficial to OV, the presence of this TNF appears to inhibit therapeutic efficacy by reducing intratumoral T-cell viability. Likely because of this, disruption of the TNF pathway, either through genetic knockout or antibody-based blockade, significantly enhances the overall outcomes of vPD1/IL-12-based therapy that allows for the generation of complete cures in normally non-responsive models. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that some aspects of OV-induced inflammation might represent a double-edged sword during therapy and that specific blockade of TNF might enhance the efficacy of these treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Valenzuela-Cardenas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Cody Gowan
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinical, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Parker Dryja
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Mee Y Bartee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Eric Bartee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chin SS, Guillen E, Chorro L, Achar S, Ng K, Oberle S, Alfei F, Zehn D, Altan-Bonnet G, Delahaye F, Lauvau G. T cell receptor and IL-2 signaling strength control memory CD8 + T cell functional fitness via chromatin remodeling. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2240. [PMID: 35474218 PMCID: PMC9042912 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognate antigen signal controls CD8+ T cell priming, expansion size and effector versus memory cell fates, but it is not known if and how it modulates the functional features of memory CD8+ T cells. Here we show that the strength of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling controls the requirement for interleukin-2 (IL-2) signals to form a pool of memory CD8+ T cells that competitively re-expand upon secondary antigen encounter. Combining strong TCR and intact IL-2 signaling during priming synergistically induces genome-wide chromatin accessibility in regions targeting a wide breadth of biological processes, consistent with greater T cell functional fitness. Chromatin accessibility in promoters of genes encoding for stem cell, cell cycle and calcium-related proteins correlates with faster intracellular calcium accumulation, initiation of cell cycle and more robust expansion. High-dimensional flow-cytometry analysis of these T cells also highlights higher diversity of T cell subsets and phenotypes with T cells primed with stronger TCR and IL-2 stimulation than those primed with weaker strengths of TCR and/or IL-2 signals. These results formally show that epitope selection in vaccine design impacts memory CD8+ T cell epigenetic programming and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Shien Chin
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Erik Guillen
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Laurent Chorro
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Sooraj Achar
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer & Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, ImmunoDynamics Group, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Karina Ng
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Susanne Oberle
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Francesca Alfei
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
- Swiss Vaccine Research Institute, Epalinges, Switzerland and Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dietmar Zehn
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
- Swiss Vaccine Research Institute, Epalinges, Switzerland and Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Altan-Bonnet
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer & Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, ImmunoDynamics Group, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Fabien Delahaye
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR1283/8199, 59000, Lille, France.
| | - Grégoire Lauvau
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yen M, Ren J, Liu Q, Glassman CR, Sheahan TP, Picton LK, Moreira FR, Rustagi A, Jude KM, Zhao X, Blish CA, Baric RS, Su LL, Garcia KC. Facile discovery of surrogate cytokine agonists. Cell 2022; 185:1414-1430.e19. [PMID: 35325595 PMCID: PMC9021867 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines are powerful immune modulators that initiate signaling through receptor dimerization, but natural cytokines have structural limitations as therapeutics. We present a strategy to discover cytokine surrogate agonists by using modular ligands that exploit induced proximity and receptor dimer geometry as pharmacological metrics amenable to high-throughput screening. Using VHH and scFv to human interleukin-2/15, type-I interferon, and interleukin-10 receptors, we generated combinatorial matrices of single-chain bispecific ligands that exhibited diverse spectrums of functional activities, including potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 by surrogate interferons. Crystal structures of IL-2R:VHH complexes revealed that variation in receptor dimer geometries resulted in functionally diverse signaling outputs. This modular platform enabled engineering of surrogate ligands that compelled assembly of an IL-2R/IL-10R heterodimer, which does not naturally exist, that signaled through pSTAT5 on T and natural killer (NK) cells. This "cytokine med-chem" approach, rooted in principles of induced proximity, is generalizable for discovery of diversified agonists for many ligand-receptor systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Yen
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Junming Ren
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Qingxiang Liu
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Caleb R Glassman
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Timothy P Sheahan
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lora K Picton
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Fernando R Moreira
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Arjun Rustagi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kevin M Jude
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Catherine A Blish
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Leon L Su
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - K Christopher Garcia
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
While computational engineering of therapeutic proteins is a desirable goal, in practice the optimization of protein–protein interactions requires substantial experimental intervention. We present here a computational approach that focuses on stabilizing core protein structures rather than engineering the protein–protein interface. Using this approach, we designed thermostabilized interleukin-2 (IL-2) variants that bind tightly to their receptor without experimental optimization, mimicking the properties of the yeast-display engineered IL-2 variant “super-2.” Our results suggest that structure-guided stabilization may be a general method for in silico affinity maturation of protein–protein interactions. Affinity maturation of protein–protein interactions is an important approach in the development of therapeutic proteins such as cytokines. Typical experimental strategies involve targeting the cytokine-receptor interface with combinatorial libraries and then selecting for higher-affinity variants. Mutations to the binding scaffold are usually not considered main drivers for improved affinity. Here we demonstrate that computational design can provide affinity-enhanced variants of interleukin-2 (IL-2) “out of the box” without any requirement for interface engineering. Using a strategy of global IL-2 structural stabilization targeting metastable regions of the three-dimensional structure, rather than the receptor binding interfaces, we computationally designed thermostable IL-2 variants with up to 40-fold higher affinity for IL-2Rβ without any library-based optimization. These IL-2 analogs exhibited CD25-independent activities on T and natural killer (NK) cells both in vitro and in vivo, mimicking the properties of the IL-2 superkine “super-2” that was engineered through yeast surface display [A. M. Levin et al., Nature, 484, 529–533 (2012)]. Structure-guided stabilization of cytokines is a powerful approach to affinity maturation with applications to many cytokine and protein–protein interactions.
Collapse
|
40
|
Sotolongo Bellón J, Birkholz O, Richter CP, Eull F, Kenneweg H, Wilmes S, Rothbauer U, You C, Walter MR, Kurre R, Piehler J. Four-color single-molecule imaging with engineered tags resolves the molecular architecture of signaling complexes in the plasma membrane. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100165. [PMID: 35474965 PMCID: PMC9017138 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Localization and tracking of individual receptors by single-molecule imaging opens unique possibilities to unravel the assembly and dynamics of signaling complexes in the plasma membrane. We present a comprehensive workflow for imaging and analyzing receptor diffusion and interaction in live cells at single molecule level with up to four colors. Two engineered, monomeric GFP variants, which are orthogonally recognized by anti-GFP nanobodies, are employed for efficient and selective labeling of target proteins in the plasma membrane with photostable fluorescence dyes. This labeling technique enables us to quantitatively resolve the stoichiometry and dynamics of the interferon-γ (IFNγ) receptor signaling complex in the plasma membrane of living cells by multicolor single-molecule imaging. Based on versatile spatial and spatiotemporal correlation analyses, we identify ligand-induced receptor homo- and heterodimerization. Multicolor single-molecule co-tracking and quantitative single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer moreover reveals transient assembly of IFNγ receptor heterotetramers and confirms its structural architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junel Sotolongo Bellón
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Oliver Birkholz
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Christian P. Richter
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Florian Eull
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Hella Kenneweg
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Stephan Wilmes
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, University of Dundee, School of Life Sciences, Dundee, UK
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Changjiang You
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Mark R. Walter
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rainer Kurre
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Jacob Piehler
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics (CellNanOs), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
da Silva LHR, Catharino LCC, da Silva VJ, Evangelista GCM, Barbuto JAM. The War Is on: The Immune System against Glioblastoma—How Can NK Cells Drive This Battle? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020400. [PMID: 35203609 PMCID: PMC8962431 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role in immunosurveillance, acting alongside other immune cells in the response against various types of malignant tumors and the prevention of metastasis. Since their discovery in the 1970s, they have been thoroughly studied for their capacity to kill neoplastic cells without the need for previous sensitization, executing rapid and robust cytotoxic activity, but also helper functions. In agreement with this, NK cells are being exploited in many ways to treat cancer. The broad arsenal of NK-based therapies includes adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded and activated cells, genetically engineered cells to contain chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-NKs), in vivo stimulation of NK cells (by cytokine therapy, checkpoint blockade therapies, etc.), and tumor-specific antibody-guided NK cells, among others. In this article, we review pivotal aspects of NK cells’ biology and their contribution to immune responses against tumors, as well as providing a wide perspective on the many antineoplastic strategies using NK cells. Finally, we also discuss those approaches that have the potential to control glioblastoma—a disease that, currently, causes inevitable death, usually in a short time after diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Rodrigues da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Luana Correia Croda Catharino
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Viviane Jennifer da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Coeli Menezes Evangelista
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - José Alexandre Marzagão Barbuto
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7375
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Tang J, Zhu Q, Li Z, Yang J, Lai Y. Natural killer cell-targeted immunotherapy for cancer. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 17:513-526. [PMID: 34994316 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x17666220107101722] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were initially described in the early 1970s as major histocompatibility complex unrestricted killers due to their ability to spontaneously kill certain tumor cells. In the past decade, the field of NK cell-based treatment has been accelerating exponentially, holding a dominant position in cancer immunotherapy innovation. Generally, research on NK cell-mediated antitumor therapies can be categorized into three areas: choosing the optimal source of allogenic NK cells to yield massively amplified "off-the-shelf" products, improving NK cell cytotoxicity and longevity, and engineering NK cells with the ability of tumor-specific recognition. In this review, we focused on NK cell manufacturing techniques, some auxiliary methods to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of NK cells, chimeric antigen receptor NK cells, and monoclonal antibodies targeting inhibitory receptors, which can significantly augment the antitumor activity of NK cells. Notably, emerging evidence suggests that NK cells are a promising constituent of multipronged therapeutic strategies, strengthening immune responses to cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiahui Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Lai
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Maeng HM, Moore BN, Bagheri H, Steinberg SM, Inglefield J, Dunham K, Wei WZ, Morris JC, Terabe M, England LC, Roberson B, Rosing D, Sachdev V, Pack SD, Miettinen MM, Barr FG, Weiner LM, Panch S, Stroncek DF, Wood LV, Berzofsky JA. Phase I Clinical Trial of an Autologous Dendritic Cell Vaccine Against HER2 Shows Safety and Preliminary Clinical Efficacy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:789078. [PMID: 34976830 PMCID: PMC8716407 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.789078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent advances, there is an urgent need for agents targeting HER2-expressing cancers other than breast cancer. We report a phase I study (NCT01730118) of a dendritic cell (DC) vaccine targeting HER2 in patients with metastatic cancer or bladder cancer at high risk of relapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS Part 1 of the study enrolled patients with HER2-expressing metastatic cancer that had progressed after at least standard treatment and patients who underwent definitive treatment for invasive bladder cancer with no evidence of disease at the time of enrollment. Part 2 enrolled patients with HER2-expressing metastatic cancer who had progressed after anti-HER2 therapy. The DC vaccines were prepared from autologous monocytes and transduced with an adenoviral vector expressing the extracellular and transmembrane domains of HER2 (AdHER2). A total of five doses were planned, and adverse events were recorded in patients who received at least one dose. Objective response was evaluated by unidimensional immune-related response criteria every 8 weeks in patients who received at least two doses. Humoral and cellular immunogenicity were assessed in patients who received more than three doses. RESULTS A total of 33 patients were enrolled at four dose levels (5 × 106, 10 × 106, 20 × 106, and 40 × 106 DCs). Median follow-up duration was 36 weeks (4-124); 10 patients completed five doses. The main reason for going off-study was disease progression. The main adverse events attributable to the vaccine were injection-site reactions. No cardiac toxicity was noted. Seven of 21 evaluable patients (33.3%) demonstrated clinical benefit (1 complete response, 1 partial response, and 5 stable disease). After ≥3 doses, an antibody response was detected in 3 of 13 patients (23.1%), including patients with complete and partial responses. Lymphocytes from 10 of 11 patients (90.9%) showed induction of anti-HER2 responses measured by the production of at least one of interferon-gamma, granzyme B, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and there were multifunctional responses in 8 of 11 patients (72.7%). CONCLUSIONS The AdHER2 DC vaccine showed evidence of immunogenicity and preliminary clinical benefit in patients with HER2-expressing cancers, along with an excellent safety profile. It shows promise for further clinical applications, especially in combination regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hoyoung M. Maeng
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Hoyoung M. Maeng,
| | - Brittni N. Moore
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hadi Bagheri
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Seth M. Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Jon Inglefield
- Clinical Support Laboratory, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Kim Dunham
- Clinical Support Laboratory, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Wei-Zen Wei
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - John C. Morris
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Masaki Terabe
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lee C. England
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Brenda Roberson
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Douglas Rosing
- Cardiovascular Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vandana Sachdev
- Cardiovascular Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Svetlana D. Pack
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Markku M. Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Frederic G. Barr
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Louis M. Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Sandhya Panch
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David F. Stroncek
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lauren V. Wood
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jay A. Berzofsky
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kan WL, Cheung Tung Shing KS, Nero TL, Hercus TR, Tvorogov D, Parker MW, Lopez AF. Messing with βc: A unique receptor with many goals. Semin Immunol 2021; 54:101513. [PMID: 34836771 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2021.101513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the biological role of the βc family of cytokines has evolved enormously since their initial identification as bone marrow colony stimulating factors in the 1960's. It has become abundantly clear over the intervening decades that this family of cytokines has truly astonishing pleiotropic capacity, capable of regulating not only hematopoiesis but also many other normal and pathological processes such as development, inflammation, allergy and cancer. As noted in the current pandemic, βc cytokines contribute to the cytokine storm seen in acutely ill COVID-19 patients. Ongoing studies to discover how these cytokines activate their receptor are revealing insights into the fundamental mechanisms that give rise to cytokine pleiotropy and are providing tantalizing glimpses of how discrete signaling pathways may be dissected for activation with novel ligands for therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Winnie L Kan
- The Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
| | - Karen S Cheung Tung Shing
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Tracy L Nero
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Timothy R Hercus
- The Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
| | - Denis Tvorogov
- The Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
| | - Michael W Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Australian Cancer Research Foundation Rational Drug Discovery Centre, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia.
| | - Angel F Lopez
- The Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia; Australian Cancer Research Foundation Cancer Genomics Facility, SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Site-specific PEGylation of interleukin-2 enhances immunosuppression via the sustained activation of regulatory T cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2021; 5:1288-1305. [PMID: 34580438 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00797-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The preferential activation of regulatory T (Treg) cells by interleukin-2 (IL-2), which selectively binds to the trimeric IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) on Treg cells, makes this cytokine a promising therapeutic for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, IL-2 has a narrow therapeutic window and a short half-life. Here, we show that the pharmacokinetics and half-life of IL-2 can be substantially improved by orthogonally conjugating the cytokine to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) moieties via a copper-free click reaction through the incorporation of azide-bearing amino acids at defined sites. Subcutaneous injection of a PEGylated IL-2 that optimally induced sustained Treg-cell activation and expansion over a wide range of doses through highly selective binding to trimeric IL-2R led to enhanced therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of lupus, collagen-induced arthritis and graft-versus-host disease without compromising the immune defences of the host against viral infection. Site-specific PEGylation could be used more generally to engineer cytokines with improved therapeutic performance for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
|
46
|
Moro-Pérez L, Lozada-Chang SL, Rivas-García G, Álvarez C, Rojas-Pérez L, Boggiano-Ayo T, González-González Y. Purification and Conformational Characterization of a Novel Interleukin-2 Mutein. Protein J 2021; 40:917-928. [PMID: 34643845 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-021-10025-6] [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: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Toxicity of high-dose IL-2-based therapies have motivated the development of the IL-2 mutein, which has low expansion properties for regulatory T lymphocytes. The development of two variants (A and B) for the IL-2 mutein purification as well as a conformational comparative study by Circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy of these products were evaluated. For the first time, in our center, were used of DTT and 2% SDS in the solubilization step to decrease the aggregates on intermediate product, which favors that disulfide bridges are correctly formed during re-folding. A molecular weight of 18 kDa to the monomeric form and of 25-37 kDa to the oligomeric species were estimated by SDS-PAGE. IL-2 mutein showed similar far-UV CD spectral characteristic typical of cytokines with 41% of α-helix content. Batches obtained by Process B showed similar conformational features according near-UV CD and FS studies. However, those obtained by Process A differed in their folding. IL-2 mutein showed that conformational features by near-UV CD were affected by 2% SDS, no variations on secondary structure were observed. Melting temperature values by far-UV CD were higher than 95 °C, indicating a high thermal stability. Finally, the drug product obtained by Process B showed similar conformational characteristics by near-UV CD and FS, and higher biological activity values (7.0 × 103 ng/mL) in the cell proliferation assay with respect to Process A. Also, the recovery was 15% higher than in the Process A and exhibited a 78.48% of purity. Indeed, Process B was selected for the purification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leina Moro-Pérez
- Bioprocess R&D Department, Center of Molecular Immunology, 216 Street and 15 Avenue, Atabey, Playa, P.O. Box 16040, 11600, Havana, Cuba.
| | - Sum Lai Lozada-Chang
- Bioprocess R&D Department, Center of Molecular Immunology, 216 Street and 15 Avenue, Atabey, Playa, P.O. Box 16040, 11600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gabriela Rivas-García
- Center of Molecular Immunology, Quality Control Direction, 216 Street and 15 Avenue, Atabey, Playa, P.O. Box 16040, 11600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Carlos Álvarez
- Biology Faculty, Center for Protein Studies, University of Havana, 25 St. No. 455, Vedado, 10400, Havana, Cuba
| | - Laritza Rojas-Pérez
- Biology Faculty, Center for Protein Studies, University of Havana, 25 St. No. 455, Vedado, 10400, Havana, Cuba
| | - Tammy Boggiano-Ayo
- Bioprocess R&D Department, Center of Molecular Immunology, 216 Street and 15 Avenue, Atabey, Playa, P.O. Box 16040, 11600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yamile González-González
- Center of Molecular Immunology, EPOVAC Facility, 216 Street and 15 Avenue, Atabey, Playa, P.O. Box 16040, 11600, Havana, Cuba
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Akiyama M, Ueki R, Yanagawa M, Abe M, Hiroshima M, Sako Y, Sando S. DNA‐Based Synthetic Growth Factor Surrogates with Fine‐Tuned Agonism**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202105314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Momoko Akiyama
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ueki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| | - Masataka Yanagawa
- Cellular Informatics Laboratory RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Abe
- Cellular Informatics Laboratory RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Michio Hiroshima
- Cellular Informatics Laboratory RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
- Laboratory for Cell Signaling Dynamics RIKEN Center for, Biosystems Dynamics Research 6-2-3, Furuedai, Suita Osaka 565-0874 Japan
| | - Yasushi Sako
- Cellular Informatics Laboratory RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Shinsuke Sando
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
- Department of Bioengineering The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Soni SS, Rodell CB. Polymeric materials for immune engineering: Molecular interaction to biomaterial design. Acta Biomater 2021; 133:139-152. [PMID: 33484909 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Biomaterials continue to evolve as complex engineered tools for interactively instructing biological systems, aiding in the understanding and treatment of various disease states through intimate biological interaction. The immune response to polymeric materials is a critical area of study, as it governs the body's response to biomaterial implants, drug delivery vehicles, and even therapeutic drug formulations. Importantly, the development of the immune response to polymeric biomaterials spans length scales - from single molecular interactions to the complex sensing of bulk biophysical properties, all of which coordinate a tissue- and systems-level response. In this review, we specifically discuss a bottom-up approach to designing biomaterials that use molecular-scale interactions to drive immune response to polymers and discuss how these interactions can be leveraged for biomaterial design. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The immune system is an integral controller of (patho)physiological processes, affecting nearly all aspects of human health and disease. Polymeric biomaterials, whether biologically derived or synthetically produced, can potentially alter the behavior of immune cells due to their molecular-scale interaction with individual cells, as well as their interpretation at the bulk scale. This article reviews common mechanisms by which immune cells interact with polymers at the molecular level and discusses how these interactions are being leveraged to produce the next generation of biocompatible and immunomodulatory materials.
Collapse
|
49
|
Peptide-HLA-based immunotherapeutics platforms for direct modulation of antigen-specific T cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19220. [PMID: 34584159 PMCID: PMC8479091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98716-z] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted pharmacologic activation of antigen-specific (AgS) T cells may bypass limitations inherent in current T cell-based cancer therapies. We describe two immunotherapeutics platforms for selective delivery of costimulatory ligands and peptide-HLA (pHLA) to AgS T cells. We engineered and deployed on these platforms an affinity-attenuated variant of interleukin-2, which selectively expands oligoclonal and polyfunctional AgS T cells in vitro and synergizes with CD80 signals for superior proliferation versus peptide stimulation.
Collapse
|
50
|
Rose-John S. Blocking only the bad side of IL-6 in inflammation and cancer. Cytokine 2021; 148:155690. [PMID: 34474215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is considered an inflammatory cytokine, which is involved not only in most inflammatory states but it also plays a prominent role in inflammation associated cancers. The response of cells to the cytokine strictly depends on the presence of the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R),which presents IL-6 to the signal transducing receptor subunit gp130, which is expressed on all cells of the body. The expression of IL-6R is limited to some cells, which are therefore IL-6 target cells. The IL-6R can be cleaved by proteases and the thus generated soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) still binds the ligand IL-6. The complex of IL-6 and sIL-6R can bind to gp130 on any cell, induce dimerization of gp130 and intracellular signaling. This process has been named IL-6 trans-signaling. A fusion protein of soluble gp130 with the constant portion of human IgG1 (sgp130Fc) turned out to be a potent and specific inhibitor of IL-6 trans-signaling. In many animal models of human diseases the significance of IL-6 trans-signaling has been analyzed. It turned out that the activities of IL-6 mediated by the sIL-6R are the pro-inflammatory activities of the cytokine whereas activities of IL-6 mediated by the membrane-bound IL-6R are rather protective and regenerative. The sgp130Fc protein has recently been developed into a biologic. The possible consequences of a specific IL-6 trans-signaling blockade is discussed in the light of the recent successfully concluded phase II clinical trials in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Collapse
|