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Eguren-Santamaría I, Rodríguez I, Herrero-Martin C, Fernández de Piérola E, Azpilikueta A, Sánchez-Gregorio S, Bolaños E, Gomis G, Molero-Glez P, Chacón E, Mínguez JÁ, Chiva S, Diez-Caballero F, de Andrea C, Teijeira Á, Sanmamed MF, Melero I. Short-term cultured tumor fragments to study immunotherapy combinations based on CD137 (4-1BB) agonism. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2373519. [PMID: 38988823 PMCID: PMC11236292 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2373519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy are an unmet medical need. The group of Daniela Thommen at the NKI recently reported on novel methodologies based on short-term cultures of patient-derived tumor fragments whose cytokine concentrations in the supernatants and activation markers on infiltrating T cells were associated with clinical response to PD-1 blockade. We set up a similar culture technology with tumor-derived fragments using mouse tumors transplanted into syngeneic immunocompetent mice to test an agonist anti-CD137 mAb and its combinations with anti-PD-1 and/or anti-TGF-β. Increases in IFNγ concentrations in the tissue culture supernatants were detected upon in-culture activation with the anti-CD137 and anti-PD-1 mAb combinations or concanavalin A as a positive control. No other cytokine from a wide array was informative of stimulation with these mAbs. Interestingly, increases in Ki67 and other activation markers were substantiated in lymphocytes from cell suspensions gathered at the end of 72 h cultures. In mice bearing bilateral tumors in which one was excised prior to in vivo anti-CD137 + anti-PD-1 treatment to perform the fragment culture evaluation, no association was found between IFNγ production from the fragments and the in vivo therapeutic outcome in the non-resected contralateral tumors. The experimental system permitted freezing and thawing of the fragments with similar functional outcomes. Using a series of patient-derived tumor fragments from excised solid malignancies, we showed IFNγ production in a fraction of the studied cases, that was conserved in frozen/thawed fragments. The small tumor fragment culture technique seems suitable to preclinically explore immunotherapy combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki Eguren-Santamaría
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Rodríguez
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Herrero-Martin
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eva Fernández de Piérola
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantza Azpilikueta
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Sánchez-Gregorio
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elixabet Bolaños
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Gomis
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Paula Molero-Glez
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Chacón
- Gynecology & Obstetrics Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - José Ángel Mínguez
- Gynecology & Obstetrics Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Santiago Chiva
- Urology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Carlos de Andrea
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Pathology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel F. Sanmamed
- Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Immunology, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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2
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Enell Smith K, Fritzell S, Nilsson A, Barchan K, Rosén A, Schultz L, Varas L, Säll A, Rose N, Håkansson M, von Schantz L, Ellmark P. ATOR-1017 (evunzekibart), an Fc-gamma receptor conditional 4-1BB agonist designed for optimal safety and efficacy, activates exhausted T cells in combination with anti-PD-1. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:4145-4159. [PMID: 37796298 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03548-7] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 4-1BB (CD137) is a co-stimulatory receptor highly expressed on tumor reactive effector T cells and NK cells, which upon stimulation prolongs persistence of tumor reactive effector T and NK cells within the tumor and induces long-lived memory T cells. 4-1BB agonistic antibodies have been shown to induce strong anti-tumor effects that synergize with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The first generation of 4-1BB agonists was, however, hampered by dose-limiting toxicities resulting in suboptimal dose levels or poor agonistic activity. METHODS ATOR-1017 (evunzekibart), a second-generation Fc-gamma receptor conditional 4-1BB agonist in IgG4 format, was designed to overcome the limitations of the first generation of 4-1BB agonists, providing strong agonistic effect while minimizing systemic immune activation and risk of hepatoxicity. The epitope of ATOR-1017 was determined by X-ray crystallography, and the functional activity was assessed in vitro and in vivo as monotherapy or in combination with anti-PD1. RESULTS ATOR-1017 binds to a unique epitope on 4-1BB enabling ATOR-1017 to activate T cells, including cells with an exhausted phenotype, and NK cells, in a cross-linking dependent, FcγR-conditional, manner. This translated into a tumor-directed and potent anti-tumor therapeutic effect in vivo, which was further enhanced with anti-PD-1 treatment. CONCLUSIONS These preclinical data demonstrate a strong safety profile of ATOR-1017, together with its potent therapeutic effect as monotherapy and in combination with anti-PD1, supporting further clinical development of ATOR-1017.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Säll
- Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Peter Ellmark
- Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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3
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Sahu P, Donovan C, Paudel KR, Pickles S, Chimankar V, Kim RY, Horvart JC, Dua K, Ieni A, Nucera F, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Mazilli S, Caramori G, Lyons JG, Hansbro PM. Pre-clinical lung squamous cell carcinoma mouse models to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic interventions. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1260411. [PMID: 37817767 PMCID: PMC10560855 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1260411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary lung carcinoma or lung cancer (LC) is classified into small-cell or non-small-cell (NSCLC) lung carcinoma. Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second most common subtype of NSCLC responsible for 30% of all LCs, and its survival remains low with only 24% of patients living for five years or longer post-diagnosis primarily due to the advanced stage of tumors at the time of diagnosis. The pathogenesis of LSCC is still poorly understood and has hampered the development of effective diagnostics and therapies. This review highlights the known risk factors, genetic and epigenetic alterations, miRNA biomarkers linked to the development and diagnosis of LSCC and the lack of therapeutic strategies to target specifically LSCC. We will also discuss existing animal models of LSCC including carcinogen induced, transgenic and xenograft mouse models, and their advantages and limitations along with the chemopreventive studies and molecular studies conducted using them. The importance of developing new and improved mouse models will also be discussed that will provide further insights into the initiation and progression of LSCC, and enable the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sahu
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Chantal Donovan
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Keshav Raj Paudel
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophie Pickles
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vrushali Chimankar
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Y. Kim
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jay C. Horvart
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Nucera
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Sarah Mazilli
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gaetano Caramori
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - J. Guy Lyons
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Sydney at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia, and Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4
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Battin C, De Sousa Linhares A, Leitner J, Grossmann A, Lupinek D, Izadi S, Castilho A, Waidhofer-Söllner P, Grabmeier-Pfistershammer K, Stritzker J, Steinberger P. Engineered soluble, trimerized 4-1BBL variants as potent immunomodulatory agents. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3029-3043. [PMID: 37310433 PMCID: PMC10412504 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03474-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeting co-stimulatory receptors promotes the activation and effector functions of anti-tumor lymphocytes. 4-1BB (CD137/TNFSF9), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFR-SF), is a potent co-stimulatory receptor that plays a prominent role in augmenting effector functions of CD8+ T cells, but also CD4+ T cells and NK cells. Agonistic antibodies against 4-1BB have entered clinical trials and shown signs of therapeutic efficacy. Here, we have used a T cell reporter system to evaluate various formats of 4-1BBL regarding their capacity to functionally engage its receptor. We found that a secreted 4-1BBL ectodomain harboring a trimerization domain derived from human collagen (s4-1BBL-TriXVIII) is a strong inducer of 4-1BB co-stimulation. Similar to the 4-1BB agonistic antibody urelumab, s4-1BBL-TriXVIII is very potent in inducing CD8+ and CD4+ T cell proliferation. We provide first evidence that s4-1BBL-TriXVIII can be used as an effective immunomodulatory payload in therapeutic viral vectors. Oncolytic measles viruses encoding s4-1BBL-TriXVIII significantly reduced tumor burden in a CD34+ humanized mouse model, whereas measles viruses lacking s4-1BBL-TriXVIII were not effective. Natural soluble 4-1BB ligand harboring a trimerization domain might have utility in tumor therapy especially when delivered to tumor tissue as systemic administration might induce liver toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Battin
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annika De Sousa Linhares
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Grossmann
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Lupinek
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shiva Izadi
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Castilho
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Waidhofer-Söllner
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jochen Stritzker
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
- Loop Lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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5
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Earland N, Zhang W, Usmani A, Nene A, Bacchiocchi A, Chen DY, Sznol M, Halaban R, Chaudhuri AA, Newman AM. CD4 T cells and toxicity from immune checkpoint blockade. Immunol Rev 2023; 318:96-109. [PMID: 37491734 PMCID: PMC10838135 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13248] [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: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Immune-related toxicities, otherwise known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs), occur in a substantial fraction of cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening, ICI-induced irAEs can result in hospital admission, high-dose corticosteroid treatment, ICI discontinuation, and in some cases, death. A deeper understanding of the factors underpinning severe irAE development will be essential for improved irAE prediction and prevention, toward maximizing the benefits and safety profiles of ICIs. In recent work, we applied mass cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell V(D)J sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and bulk T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing to identify pretreatment determinants of severe irAE development in patients with advanced melanoma. Across 71 patients separated into three cohorts, we found that two baseline features in circulation-elevated activated CD4 effector memory T-cell abundance and TCR diversity-are associated with severe irAE development, independent of the affected organ system within 3 months of ICI treatment initiation. Here, we provide an extended perspective on this work, synthesize and discuss related literature, and summarize practical considerations for clinical translation. Collectively, these findings lay a foundation for data-driven and mechanistic insights into irAE development, with the potential to reduce ICI morbidity and mortality in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Earland
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Wubing Zhang
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Abul Usmani
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Antonella Bacchiocchi
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Y. Chen
- Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mario Sznol
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ruth Halaban
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aadel A. Chaudhuri
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Aaron M. Newman
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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6
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Exposito F, Redrado M, Houry M, Hastings K, Molero-Abraham M, Lozano T, Solorzano JL, Sanz-Ortega J, Adradas V, Amat R, Redin E, Leon S, Legarra N, Garcia J, Serrano D, Valencia K, Robles-Oteiza C, Foggetti G, Otegui N, Felip E, Lasarte JJ, Paz-Ares L, Zugazagoitia J, Politi K, Montuenga L, Calvo A. PTEN Loss Confers Resistance to Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Increasing Tumor Infiltration of Regulatory T Cells. Cancer Res 2023; 83:2513-2526. [PMID: 37311042 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-3023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be mediated by an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which can be shaped by the mutational landscape of the tumor. Here, we observed genetic alterations in the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and/or loss of PTEN expression in >25% of patients with NSCLC, with higher frequency in lung squamous carcinomas (LUSC). Patients with PTEN-low tumors had higher levels of PD-L1 and PD-L2 and showed worse progression-free survival when treated with immunotherapy. Development of a Pten-null LUSC mouse model revealed that tumors with PTEN loss were refractory to antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1), highly metastatic and fibrotic, and secreted TGFβ/CXCL10 to promote conversion of CD4+ lymphocytes into regulatory T cells (Treg). Human and mouse PTEN-low tumors were enriched in Tregs and expressed higher levels of immunosuppressive genes. Importantly, treatment of mice bearing Pten-null tumors with TLR agonists and anti-TGFβ antibody aimed to alter this immunosuppressive microenvironment and led to tumor rejection and immunologic memory in 100% of mice. These results demonstrate that lack of PTEN causes immunotherapy resistance in LUSCs by establishing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that can be reversed therapeutically. SIGNIFICANCE PTEN loss leads to the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in lung cancer that confers resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy, which can be overcome by targeting PTEN loss-mediated immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Exposito
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miriam Redrado
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maeva Houry
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Katherine Hastings
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Magdalena Molero-Abraham
- Department of Medical Oncology and Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy Research Group, 12 de Octubre Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Lozano
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Solorzano
- Anatomic Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian Sanz-Ortega
- Department of Pathology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Vera Adradas
- Department of Medical Oncology and Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy Research Group, 12 de Octubre Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramon Amat
- Thoracic Cancers Translational Genomics Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Redin
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sergio Leon
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Naroa Legarra
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Garcia
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Diego Serrano
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karmele Valencia
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Giorgia Foggetti
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Nerea Otegui
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enriqueta Felip
- Thoracic Cancers Translational Genomics Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan J Lasarte
- IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luis Paz-Ares
- CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology and Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy Research Group, 12 de Octubre Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jon Zugazagoitia
- CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology and Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy Research Group, 12 de Octubre Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Katerina Politi
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Luis Montuenga
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Calvo
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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7
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Alturki NA. Review of the Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Context of Cancer Treatment. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4301. [PMID: 37445336 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint proteins are an integral part of the immune system and are used by the tumor cells to evade immune response, which helps them grow uncontrollably. By blocking these proteins, immune checkpoint inhibitors can restore the capability of the immune system to attack cancer cells and stop their growth. These findings are backed by adequate clinical trial data and presently, several FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors exist in the market for treating various types of cancers, including melanoma, hepatocellular, endometrial, lung, kidney and others. Their mode of action is inhibition by targeting the checkpoint proteins CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, etc. They can be used alone as well as in amalgamation with other cancer treatments, like surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Since these drugs target only specific immune system proteins, their side effects are reduced in comparison with the traditional chemotherapy drugs, but may still cause a few affects like fatigue, skin rashes, and fever. In rare cases, these inhibitors are known to have caused more serious side effects, such as cardiotoxicity, and inflammation in the intestines or lungs. Herein, we provide an overview of these inhibitors and their role as biomarkers, immune-related adverse outcomes and clinical studies in the treatment of various cancers, as well as present some future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah A Alturki
- Clinical Laboratory Science Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Melero I, Tanos T, Bustamante M, Sanmamed MF, Calvo E, Moreno I, Moreno V, Hernandez T, Martinez Garcia M, Rodriguez-Vida A, Tabernero J, Azaro A, Ponz-Sarvisé M, Spanggaard I, Rohrberg K, Guarin E, Nüesch E, Davydov II, Ooi C, Duarte J, Chesne E, McIntyre C, Ceppi M, Cañamero M, Krieter O. A first-in-human study of the fibroblast activation protein-targeted, 4-1BB agonist RO7122290 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabp9229. [PMID: 37163618 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abp9229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This first-in-human study evaluated RO7122290, a bispecific fusion protein carrying a split trimeric 4-1BB (CD137) ligand and a fibroblast activation protein α (FAP) binding site that costimulates T cells for improved tumor cell killing in FAP-expressing tumors. Patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors received escalating weekly intravenous doses of RO7122290 as a single agent (n = 65) or in combination with a 1200-milligram fixed dose of the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) antibody atezolizumab given every 3 weeks (n = 50), across a tested RO7122290 dose range of 5 to 2000 milligrams and 45 to 2000 milligrams, respectively. Three dose-limiting toxicities were reported, two at different RO7122290 single-agent doses (grade 3 febrile neutropenia and grade 3 cytokine release syndrome) and one for the combination (grade 3 pneumonitis). No maximum tolerated dose was identified. The pharmacokinetic profile of RO7122290 suggested nonlinearity in elimination. The observed changes in peripheral and tissue pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers were consistent with the postulated mechanism of action. Treatment-induced PD changes included an increase in proliferating and activated T cells in peripheral blood both in the single-agent and combination arms. Increased infiltration of intratumoral CD8+ and Ki67+CD8+ T cells was observed for both treatment regimens, accompanied by the up-regulation of T cell activation genes and gene signatures. Eleven patients experienced a complete or partial response, six of whom were confirmed to be immune checkpoint inhibitor naive. These results support further evaluation of RO7122290 in combination with atezolizumab or other immune-oncology agents for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Melero
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clinica Universidad de Navarra and CIMA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tamara Tanos
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mariana Bustamante
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clinica Universidad de Navarra and CIMA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Emiliano Calvo
- START Madrid-CIOCC, Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal, 28050 Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Moreno
- START Madrid-CIOCC, Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal, 28050 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor Moreno
- START Madrid-FJD, Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tatiana Hernandez
- START Madrid-FJD, Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alejo Rodriguez-Vida
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar-CIBERONC, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Tabernero
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Analia Azaro
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvisé
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iben Spanggaard
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Rohrberg
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ernesto Guarin
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eveline Nüesch
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Iakov I Davydov
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chiahuey Ooi
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - José Duarte
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Evelyne Chesne
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christine McIntyre
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Welwyn, AL7 1TW Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Maurizio Ceppi
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marta Cañamero
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Krieter
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
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9
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Melero I, Sanmamed MF, Glez-Vaz J, Luri-Rey C, Wang J, Chen L. CD137 (4-1BB)-Based Cancer Immunotherapy on Its 25th Anniversary. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:552-569. [PMID: 36576322 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-five years ago, we reported that agonist anti-CD137 monoclonal antibodies eradicated transplanted mouse tumors because of enhanced CD8+ T-cell antitumor immunity. Mouse models indicated that anti-CD137 agonist antibodies synergized with various other therapies. In the clinic, the agonist antibody urelumab showed evidence for single-agent activity against melanoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma but caused severe liver inflammation in a fraction of the patients. CD137's signaling domain is included in approved chimeric antigen receptors conferring persistence and efficacy. A new wave of CD137 agonists targeting tumors, mainly based on bispecific constructs, are in early-phase trials and are showing promising safety and clinical activity. SIGNIFICANCE CD137 (4-1BB) is a costimulatory receptor of T and natural killer lymphocytes whose activity can be exploited in cancer immunotherapy strategies as discovered 25 years ago. Following initial attempts that met unacceptable toxicity, new waves of constructs acting agonistically on CD137 are being developed in patients, offering signs of clinical and pharmacodynamic activity with tolerable safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Luri-Rey
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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10
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Pan J, Xiong D, Zhang Q, Palen K, Shoemaker RH, Johnson B, Sei S, Wang Y, You M. Precision immunointerception of EGFR-driven tumorigenesis for lung cancer prevention. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1036563. [PMID: 36875137 PMCID: PMC9982083 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1036563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations occur in about 50% of lung adenocarcinomas in Asia and about 15% in the US. EGFR mutation-specific inhibitors have been developed and made significant contributions to controlling EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer. However, resistance frequently develops within 1 to 2 years due to acquired mutations. No effective approaches that target mutant EGFR have been developed to treat relapse following tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. Vaccination against mutant EGFR is one area of active exploration. In this study, we identified immunogenic epitopes for the common EGFR mutations in humans and formulated a multi-peptide vaccine (Emut Vax) targeting the EGFR L858R, T790M, and Del19 mutations. The efficacy of the Emut Vax was evaluated in both syngeneic and genetic engineered EGFR mutation-driven murine lung tumor models with prophylactic settings, where the vaccinations were given before the onset of the tumor induction. The multi-peptide Emut Vax effectively prevented the onset of EGFR mutation-driven lung tumorigenesis in both syngeneic and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). Flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing were conducted to investigate the impact of Emut Vax on immune modulation. Emut Vax significantly enhanced Th1 responses in the tumor microenvironment and decreased suppressive Tregs to enhance anti-tumor efficacy. Our results show that multi-peptide Emut Vax is effective in preventing common EGFR mutation-driven lung tumorigenesis, and the vaccine elicits broad immune responses that are not limited to anti-tumor Th1 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States.,Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Donghai Xiong
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States.,Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Qi Zhang
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States.,Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Katie Palen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Robert H Shoemaker
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Bryon Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Shizuko Sei
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yian Wang
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States.,Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States.,Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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11
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Sanmamed MF, Berraondo P, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Melero I. Charting roadmaps towards novel and safe synergistic immunotherapy combinations. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:665-680. [PMID: 35764745 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00401-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor-based cancer immunotherapy is often combined in the clinic with other immunotherapy strategies, targeted therapies, chemotherapy or standard-of-care treatments to achieve superior therapeutic efficacy. The large number of immunotherapy combinations that are currently undergoing clinical testing necessitate the establishment of faithful criteria to prioritize optimal combinations with evidence of synergy, to determine their safety and optimal sequence of administration and to identify biomarkers of therapy resistance and response. In this review, we focus on recent developments in immunotherapy combinations and reflect on how combinations should be optimized to maximize the impact of immunotherapy in clinical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Oncology and Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria E Rodriguez-Ruiz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Oncology and Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Departments of Oncology and Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.
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12
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Muik A, Garralda E, Altintas I, Gieseke F, Geva R, Ben-Ami E, Maurice-Dror C, Calvo E, LoRusso PM, Alonso G, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Schoedel KB, Blum JM, Sänger B, Salcedo TW, Burm SM, Stanganello E, Verzijl D, Vascotto F, Sette A, Quinkhardt J, Plantinga TS, Toker A, van den Brink EN, Fereshteh M, Diken M, Satijn D, Kreiter S, Breij EC, Bajaj G, Lagkadinou E, Sasser K, Türeci Ö, Forssmann U, Ahmadi T, Şahin U, Jure-Kunkel M, Melero I. Preclinical Characterization and Phase I Trial Results of a Bispecific Antibody Targeting PD-L1 and 4-1BB (GEN1046) in Patients with Advanced Refractory Solid Tumors. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1248-1265. [PMID: 35176764 PMCID: PMC9662884 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) have revolutionized the treatment paradigm for advanced solid tumors; however, there remains an opportunity to improve response rates and outcomes. In preclinical models, 4-1BB costimulation synergizes with CPIs targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis by activating cytotoxic T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity. DuoBody-PD-L1×4-1BB (GEN1046) is an investigational, first-in-class bispecific immunotherapy agent designed to act on both pathways by combining simultaneous and complementary PD-L1 blockade and conditional 4-1BB stimulation in one molecule. GEN1046 induced T-cell proliferation, cytokine production, and antigen-specific T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity superior to clinically approved PD-(L)1 antibodies in human T-cell cultures and exerted potent antitumor activity in transplantable mouse tumor models. In dose escalation of the ongoing first-in-human study in heavily pretreated patients with advanced refractory solid tumors (NCT03917381), GEN1046 demonstrated pharmacodynamic immune effects in peripheral blood consistent with its mechanism of action, manageable safety, and early clinical activity [disease control rate: 65.6% (40/61)], including patients resistant to prior PD-(L)1 immunotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE DuoBody-PD-L1×4-1BB (GEN1046) is a first-in-class bispecific immunotherapy with a manageable safety profile and encouraging preclinical and early clinical activity. With its ability to confer clinical benefit in tumors typically less sensitive to CPIs, GEN1046 may fill a clinical gap in CPI-relapsed or refractory disease or as a combination therapy with CPIs. See related commentary by Li et al., p. 1184. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1171.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Garralda
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Ravit Geva
- Oncology Division, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eytan Ben-Ami
- Department of Oncology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Emiliano Calvo
- START Madrid-CIOCC, Clara Campal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Guzman Alonso
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eliana Stanganello
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Fulvia Vascotto
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark Fereshteh
- TRON gGmbH, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ignacio Melero
- Department of Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra and CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain.,Corresponding Author: Ignacio Melero, Division of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Av. Pio XII, 55, Pamplona, Navarra 31008, Spain. Phone: 346-5357-4014; E-mail:
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13
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Huang M, Xiong D, Pan J, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Myers CR, Johnson BD, Hardy M, Kalyanaraman B, You M. Prevention of Tumor Growth and Dissemination by In Situ Vaccination with Mitochondria-Targeted Atovaquone. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2101267. [PMID: 35243806 PMCID: PMC9036031 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Atovaquone, an FDA-approved drug for malaria, is known to inhibit mitochondrial electron transport. A recently synthesized mitochondria-targeted atovaquone increased mitochondrial accumulation and antitumor activity in vitro. Using an in situ vaccination approach, local injection of mitochondria-targeted atovaquone into primary tumors triggered potent T cell immune responses locally and in distant tumor sites. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone treatment led to significant reductions of both granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone treatment blocks the expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, which may lead to death of granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone inhibits expression of genes for mitochondrial complex components, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis in both granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. The resulting decreases in intratumoral granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells could facilitate the observed increase in tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone also improves the anti-tumor activity of PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. The results implicate granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells as novel targets of mitochondria-targeted atovaquone that facilitate its antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mofei Huang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Donghai Xiong
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Jing Pan
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Yian Wang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Charles R. Myers
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWI53226USA
| | - Bryon D. Johnson
- Department of MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWI53226USA
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRSICRUMR 7273Marseille13013France
| | - Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of BiophysicsMedical College of Wisconsin8701 Watertown Plank RoadMilwaukeeWI53226USA
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
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14
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Glez-Vaz J, Azpilikueta A, Olivera I, Cirella A, Teijeira A, Ochoa MC, Alvarez M, Eguren-Santamaria I, Luri-Rey C, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Nie X, Chen L, Guedan S, Sanamed MF, Luis Perez Gracia J, Melero I. Soluble CD137 as a dynamic biomarker to monitor agonist CD137 immunotherapies. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003532. [PMID: 35236742 PMCID: PMC8896037 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background On the basis of efficacy in mouse tumor models, multiple CD137 (4-1BB) agonist agents are being preclinically and clinically developed. The costimulatory molecule CD137 is inducibly expressed as a transmembrane or as a soluble protein (sCD137). Moreover, the CD137 cytoplasmic signaling domain is a key part in approved chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Reliable pharmacodynamic biomarkers for CD137 ligation and costimulation of T cells will facilitate clinical development of CD137 agonists in the clinic. Methods We used human and mouse CD8 T cells undergoing activation to measure CD137 transcription and protein expression levels determining both the membrane-bound and soluble forms. In tumor-bearing mice plasma sCD137 concentrations were monitored on treatment with agonist anti-CD137 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Human CD137 knock-in mice were treated with clinical-grade agonist anti-human CD137 mAb (Urelumab). Sequential plasma samples were collected from the first patients intratumorally treated with Urelumab in the INTRUST clinical trial. Anti-mesothelin CD137-encompassing CAR-transduced T cells were stimulated with mesothelin coated microbeads. sCD137 was measured by sandwich ELISA and Luminex. Flow cytometry was used to monitor CD137 surface expression. Results CD137 costimulation upregulates transcription and protein expression of CD137 itself including sCD137 in human and mouse CD8 T cells. Immunotherapy with anti-CD137 agonist mAb resulted in increased plasma sCD137 in mice bearing syngeneic tumors. sCD137 induction is also observed in human CD137 knock-in mice treated with Urelumab and in mice transiently humanized with T cells undergoing CD137 costimulation inside subcutaneously implanted Matrigel plugs. The CD137 signaling domain-containing CAR T cells readily released sCD137 and acquired CD137 surface expression on antigen recognition. Patients treated intratumorally with low dose Urelumab showed increased plasma concentrations of sCD137. Conclusion sCD137 in plasma and CD137 surface expression can be used as quantitative parameters dynamically reflecting therapeutic costimulatory activity elicited by agonist CD137-targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantza Azpilikueta
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria C Ochoa
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñaki Eguren-Santamaria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Luri-Rey
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria E Rodriguez-Ruiz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xinxin Nie
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sonia Guedan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Clinic. Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F Sanamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Perez Gracia
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain .,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
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15
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Muik A, Altintas I, Gieseke F, Schoedel KB, Burm SM, Toker A, Salcedo TW, Verzijl D, Eisel D, Grunwitz C, Kranz LM, Vormehr M, Satijn DP, Diken M, Kreiter S, Sasser K, Ahmadi T, Türeci Ö, Breij EC, Jure-Kunkel M, Sahin U. An Fc-inert PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody mediates potent anti-tumor immunity in mice by combining checkpoint inhibition and conditional 4-1BB co-stimulation. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2030135. [PMID: 35186440 PMCID: PMC8855865 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2030135] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have changed the treatment paradigm for advanced solid tumors; however, many patients experience treatment resistance. In preclinical models 4-1BB co-stimulation synergizes with ICI by activating cytotoxic T- and NK-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Here we characterize the mechanism of action of a mouse-reactive Fc-inert PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody (mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB) and provide proof-of-concept for enhanced anti-tumor activity. In reporter assays mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB exhibited conditional 4-1BB agonist activity that was dependent on simultaneous binding to PD-L1. mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB further blocked the PD-L1/PD-1 interaction independently of 4-1BB binding. By combining both mechanisms, mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB strongly enhanced T-cell proliferation, cytokine production and antigen-specific cytotoxicity using primary mouse cells in vitro. Furthermore, mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB exhibited potent anti-tumor activity in the CT26 and MC38 models in vivo, leading to the rejection of CT26 tumors that were unresponsive to PD-L1 blockade alone. Anti-tumor activity was associated with increased tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and reduced regulatory T cells within the tumor microenvironment and tumor-draining lymph nodes. In immunocompetent tumor-free mice, mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB treatment neither induced T-cell infiltration into the liver nor elevated liver enzymes in the blood. Dual targeting of PD-L1 and 4-1BB with a bispecific antibody may therefore address key limitations of first generation 4-1BB-agonistic antibodies, and may provide a novel approach to improve PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, Mainz, Germany
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
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16
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Yi L, Jin X, Wang J, Yan Z, Cheng X, Wen T, Yang B, Wang X, Che N, Liu Z, Zhang H. CD137 Agonists Targeting CD137-Mediated Negative Regulation Show Enhanced Antitumor Efficacy in Lung Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:771809. [PMID: 35197968 PMCID: PMC8859117 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.771809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Negative immune regulation plays a notable role in tumor immunity. This study aimed to confirm that CD137 mediates negative immunoregulation as well as agonist activity in tumor immunity. Soluble CD137 (sCD137), a prominent splice variant of membrane-bound CD137 (mCD137), was identified, and its concentration in the blood of lung cancer patients was increased. The baseline concentration of sCD137 in the blood was negatively correlated with the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in a pilot study. The percentage of CD137+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the blood of lung cancer patients was also increased, and further enriched at the tumor site; Foxp3, CTLA-4, IL-10, IL-35-Ebi3, sCD137 and costimulatory molecules expression were also higher, indicating increased immunosuppressive activity. A high percentage of CD137+ Tregs in the tumor was associated with worse OS outcomes among patients with high CD137+CD8+ T cell infiltration levels. Notably, targeting CD137+ Tregs using an engineered CD137 agonist with wild-type mouse IgG2a Fc clearly decreased the total Treg numbers and eliminated the tumor in the CT26 model and prolonged the survival rate of a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model. These results indicated it may be possible to empower CD137 agonist with ability to abolish CD137-mediated negative regulation to enhance its antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yi
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuohong Yan
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Cheng
- No. 2 Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wen
- No. 2 Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Nanying Che
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhidong Liu
- No. 2 Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongtao Zhang, ; Zhidong Liu,
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongtao Zhang, ; Zhidong Liu,
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17
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Johnson RL, Cummings M, Thangavelu A, Theophilou G, de Jong D, Orsi NM. Barriers to Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: Metabolic, Genomic, and Immune Perturbations in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6231. [PMID: 34944851 PMCID: PMC8699358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of explicit early clinical signs and effective screening measures mean that ovarian cancer (OC) often presents as advanced, incurable disease. While conventional treatment combines maximal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients frequently develop chemoresistance and disease recurrence. The clinical application of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) aims to restore anti-cancer T-cell function in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Disappointingly, even though tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with superior survival in OC, ICB has offered limited therapeutic benefits. Herein, we discuss specific TME features that prevent ICB from reaching its full potential, focussing in particular on the challenges created by immune, genomic and metabolic alterations. We explore both recent and current therapeutic strategies aiming to overcome these hurdles, including the synergistic effect of combination treatments with immune-based strategies and review the status quo of current clinical trials aiming to maximise the success of immunotherapy in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Louise Johnson
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Michele Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
| | - Amudha Thangavelu
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Georgios Theophilou
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Diederick de Jong
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Nicolas Michel Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
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18
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Valencia K, Sainz C, Bértolo C, de Biurrun G, Agorreta J, Azpilikueta A, Larrayoz MJ, Bosco G, Zandueta C, Redrado M, Redín E, Exposito F, Serrano D, Echepare M, Ajona D, Melero I, Pio R, Thomas R, Calvo A, Montuenga LM. Two alternative cell line models for the study of multiorganic metastasis and immunotherapy in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Dis Model Mech 2021; 15:273637. [PMID: 34870316 PMCID: PMC8822220 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a paucity of adequate mouse models and cell lines available to study lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). We have generated and characterized two models of phenotypically different transplantable LUSC cell lines (UN-SCC679 and UN-SCC680) derived from an N-nitroso-tris-chloroethylurea (NTCU) chemically-induced mouse model in A/J mice. Furthermore, we genetically characterized and compared both LUSC cell lines by performing whole exome and RNA sequencing. These experiments revealed similar genetic and transcriptomic patterns that may correspond to the classical LUSC human subtype. In addition, we compared the immune landscape generated by both tumor cells lines in vivo and assessed their response to immune checkpoint inhibition. The differences between the two cell lines are a good model for the remarkable heterogeneity of human squamous cell carcinoma. Study of the metastatic potential of these models revealed that both cell lines represent the human LUSC organotropism to the brain, bones, liver and adrenal glands. In summary, we have generated a very valuable cell line tools for LUSC research that recapitulates the complexity of the human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karmele Valencia
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Cristina Sainz
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Cristina Bértolo
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gabriel de Biurrun
- Department of Environmental Biology School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jackeline Agorreta
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Health Sciences, Biochemistry Area, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantza Azpilikueta
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta J Larrayoz
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Graziella Bosco
- Department of Translational Genomics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Carolina Zandueta
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Redrado
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Esther Redín
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Francisco Exposito
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Diego Serrano
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mirari Echepare
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Daniel Ajona
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ruben Pio
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Roman Thomas
- Department of Translational Genomics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alfonso Calvo
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luis M Montuenga
- Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA-University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Navarra Health Research Institute (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
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19
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Arnal-Estapé A, Foggetti G, Starrett JH, Nguyen DX, Politi K. Preclinical Models for the Study of Lung Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy Development. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:a037820. [PMID: 34518338 PMCID: PMC8634791 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Experimental preclinical models have been a cornerstone of lung cancer translational research. Work in these model systems has provided insights into the biology of lung cancer subtypes and their origins, contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie tumor progression, and revealed new therapeutic vulnerabilities. Initially patient-derived lung cancer cell lines were the main preclinical models available. The landscape is very different now with numerous preclinical models for research each with unique characteristics. These include genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and three-dimensional culture systems ("organoid" cultures). Here we review the development and applications of these models and describe their contributions to lung cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Arnal-Estapé
- Department of Pathology
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
| | | | | | - Don X Nguyen
- Department of Pathology
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology)
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
| | - Katerina Politi
- Department of Pathology
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology)
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
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20
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Zakaria MA, Rajab NF, Chua EW, Selvarajah GT, Masre SF. NTCU induced pre-malignant and malignant stages of lung squamous cell carcinoma in mice model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22500. [PMID: 34795360 PMCID: PMC8602624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice have served as an excellent model to understand the etiology of lung cancer for years. However, data regarding dual-stage carcinogenesis of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remain elusive. Therefore, we aim to develop pre-malignant (PM) and malignant (M) lung SCC in vivo using N-nitroso-tris-chloroethylurea (NTCU). BALB/C mice were allotted into two main groups; PM and M groups which received treatment for 15 and 30 weeks, respectively. Then, the mice in each main group were allotted into three groups; control, vehicle, and cancer (n = 6), which received normal saline, 70% acetone, and 0.04 M NTCU by skin painting, respectively. Histopathologically, we discovered a mix of hyperplasia, metaplasia, and dysplasia lesions in the PM group and intracellular bridge; an SCC feature in the M group. The M group was positive for cytokeratin 5/6 protein which confirmed the lung SCC subtype. We also found significantly higher (P < 0.05) epithelium thickness in the cancer groups as compared to the vehicle and control groups at both the PM and M. Overall, this study discovered that NTCU is capable of developing PM and M lung SCC in mice model at appropriate weeks and the vehicle group was suggested to be adequate as control group for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asyaari Zakaria
- Centre for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Fadilah Rajab
- Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Eng Wee Chua
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gayathri Thevi Selvarajah
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Fathiah Masre
- Centre for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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21
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Cancer immune therapy with PD-1-dependent CD137 co-stimulation provides localized tumour killing without systemic toxicity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6360. [PMID: 34737267 PMCID: PMC8569200 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26645-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the cell surface receptor CD137 has been shown to enhance anti-cancer T cell function via engagement with its natural ligand 4-1BBL. CD137 ligation with engineered ligands has emerged as a cancer immunotherapy strategy, yet clinical development of agonists has been hindered by either toxicity or limited efficacy. Here we show that a CD137/PD-1 bispecific antibody, IBI319, is able to overcome these limitations by coupling CD137 activation to PD-1-crosslinking. In CT26 and MC38 syngeneic mouse tumour models, IBI319 restricts T cell co-stimulation to PD-1-rich microenvironments, such as tumours and tumour-draining lymph nodes, hence systemic (liver) toxicity arising from generalised T cell activation is reduced. Besides limiting systemic T cell co-stimulation, the anti-PD-1 arm of IBI319 also exhibits checkpoint blockade functions, with an overall result of T and NK cell infiltration into tumours. Toxicology profiling in non-human primates shows that IBI319 is a well-tolerated molecule with IgG-like pharmacokinetic properties, thus a suitable candidate for further clinical development. The toxicity arising from generalised stimulation of T cells restricts applicability of CD137 agonists in cancer immune therapy. Here authors show that a bispecific antibody blocking PD-1 while activating CD137 efficiently restricts T cell activation to the tumour microenvironment, resulting in efficient tumour control and reduced liver toxicity.
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22
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Mapping lung squamous cell carcinoma pathogenesis through in vitro and in vivo models. Commun Biol 2021; 4:937. [PMID: 34354223 PMCID: PMC8342622 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02470-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer death worldwide, with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) being the second most frequent subtype. Preclinical LUSC models recapitulating human disease pathogenesis are key for the development of early intervention approaches and improved therapies. Here, we review advances and challenges in the generation of LUSC models, from 2D and 3D cultures, to murine models. We discuss how molecular profiling of premalignant lesions and invasive LUSC has contributed to the refinement of in vitro and in vivo models, and in turn, how these systems have increased our understanding of LUSC biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities.
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23
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Etxeberria I, Glez-Vaz J, Teijeira Á, Melero I. New emerging targets in cancer immunotherapy: CD137/4-1BB costimulatory axis. ESMO Open 2021; 4:e000733. [PMID: 32611557 PMCID: PMC7333812 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CD137 (4-1BB) is a surface glycoprotein that belongs to the tumour necrosis factor receptor family (TNFRSF9). Its expression is induced on activation on a number of leucocyte types. Interestingly, for cancer immunotherapy, CD137 becomes expressed on primed T and natural killer (NK) cells, which on ligation provides powerful costimulatory signals. Perturbation of CD137 by CD137L or agonist monoclonal antibodies on activated CD8 T cells protects such antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes from apoptosis, enhances effector functionalities and favours persistence and memory differentiation. As a consequence, agonist antibodies exert potent antitumour effects in mouse models and the CD137 signalling domain is critical in chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) of CAR T cells approved to be used in the clinic. New formats of CD137 agonist moieties are being clinically developed, seeking potent costimulation targeted to the tumour microenvironment to avoid liver inflammation side effects, that have thus far limited and delayed clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki Etxeberria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; Department of Immunology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
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24
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Antitumor efficacy and reduced toxicity using an anti-CD137 Probody therapeutic. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2025930118. [PMID: 34172583 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2025930118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Costimulation via CD137 (4-1BB) enhances antitumor immunity mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Anti-CD137 agonist antibodies elicit mild liver inflammation in mice, and the maximum tolerated dose of Urelumab, an anti-human CD137 agonist monoclonal antibody, in the clinic was defined by liver inflammation-related side effects. A protease-activated prodrug form of the anti-mouse CD137 agonist antibody 1D8 (1D8 Probody therapeutic, Pb-Tx) was constructed and found to be selectively activated in the tumor microenvironment. This construct, which encompasses a protease-cleavable linker holding in place a peptide that masks the antigen binding site, exerted antitumor effects comparable to the unmodified antibody but did not result in liver inflammation. Moreover, it efficaciously synergized with both PD-1 blockade and adoptive T-cell therapy. Surprisingly, minimal active Pb-Tx reached tumor-draining lymph nodes, and regional lymphadenectomy did not abrogate antitumor efficacy. By contrast, S1P receptor-dependent recirculation of T cells was absolutely required for efficacy. The preferential cleavage of the anti-CD137 Pb-Tx by tumor proteases offers multiple therapeutic opportunities, including neoadjuvant therapy, as shown by experiments in which the Pb-Tx is given prior to surgery to avoid spontaneous metastases.
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25
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Pourakbari R, Hajizadeh F, Parhizkar F, Aghebati-Maleki A, Mansouri S, Aghebati-Maleki L. Co-stimulatory agonists: An insight into the immunotherapy of cancer. EXCLI JOURNAL 2021; 20:1055-1085. [PMID: 34267616 PMCID: PMC8278219 DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-3522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint pathways consist of stimulatory pathways, which can function like a strong impulse to promote T helper cells or killer CD8+ cells activation and proliferation. On the other hand, inhibitory pathways keep self-tolerance of the immune response. Increasing immunological activity by stimulating and blocking these signaling pathways are recognized as immune checkpoint therapies. Providing the best responses of CD8+ T cell needs the activation of T cell receptor along with the co-stimulation that is generated via stimulatory checkpoint pathways ligation including Inducible Co-Stimulator (ICOS), CD40, 4-1BB, GITR, and OX40. In cancer, programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1), Programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1) and Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte-Associated molecule-4 (CTLA-4) are the most known inhibitory checkpoint pathways, which can hinder the immune responses which have specifically anti-tumor characteristics and attenuate T cell activation and also cytokine production. The use of antagonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block CTLA-4 or PD-1 activation is used in a variety of malignancies. It has been reported that they can lead to an increase in T cells and thereby strengthen anti-tumor immunity. Agonists of stimulatory checkpoint pathways can induce strong immunologic responses in metastatic patients; however, for achieving long-lasting benefits for the wide range of patients, efficient combinatorial therapies are required. In the present review, we focus on the preclinical and basic research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which immune checkpoint inhibitor blockade or other approaches with co-stimulatory agonists work together to improve T-cell antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Pourakbari
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farnaz Hajizadeh
- Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Forough Parhizkar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Aghebati-Maleki
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Mansouri
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Pan Y, Han H, Labbe KE, Zhang H, Wong KK. Recent advances in preclinical models for lung squamous cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2021; 40:2817-2829. [PMID: 33707749 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01723-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) represents a major subtype of non-small cell lung cancer with limited treatment options. Previous studies have elucidated the complex genetic landscape of LUSC and revealed multiple altered genes and pathways. However, in stark contrast to lung adenocarcinoma, few targetable driver mutations have been established so far and targeted therapies for LUSC remain unsuccessful. Immunotherapy has revolutionized LUSC treatment and is currently approved as the new standard of care. To gain a better understanding of the LUSC biology, improved modeling systems are urgently needed. Preclinical models, particularly those mimicking human disease with an intact tumor immune microenvironment, are an invaluable tool to study cancer development and evaluate new therapeutic targets. Here, we discuss recent advances in LUSC preclinical models, with a focus on genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and organoids, in the context of evolving precision medicine and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwang Pan
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Han Han
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen E Labbe
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Redin E, Garmendia I, Lozano T, Serrano D, Senent Y, Redrado M, Villalba M, De Andrea CE, Exposito F, Ajona D, Ortiz-Espinosa S, Remirez A, Bertolo C, Sainz C, Garcia-Pedrero J, Pio R, Lasarte J, Agorreta J, Montuenga LM, Calvo A. SRC family kinase (SFK) inhibitor dasatinib improves the antitumor activity of anti-PD-1 in NSCLC models by inhibiting Treg cell conversion and proliferation. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001496. [PMID: 33658304 PMCID: PMC7931761 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors has drastically improved the management of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but innate and acquired resistances are hurdles needed to be solved. Immunomodulatory drugs that can reinvigorate the immune cytotoxic activity, in combination with antiprogrammed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody, are a great promise to overcome resistance. We evaluated the impact of the SRC family kinases (SFKs) on NSCLC prognosis, and the immunomodulatory effect of the SFK inhibitor dasatinib, in combination with anti-PD-1, in clinically relevant mouse models of NSCLC. METHODS A cohort of patients from University Clinic of Navarra (n=116) was used to study immune infiltrates by multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) and YES1 protein expression in tumor samples. Publicly available resources (TCGA, Km Plotter, and CIBERSORT) were used to study patient's survival based on expression of SFKs and tumor infiltrates. Syngeneic NSCLC mouse models 393P and UNSCC680AJ were used for in vivo drug testing. RESULTS Among the SFK members, YES1 expression showed the highest association with poor prognosis. Patients with high YES1 tumor levels also showed high infiltration of CD4+/FOXP3+ cells (regulatory T cells (Tregs)), suggesting an immunosuppressive phenotype. After testing for YES1 expression in a panel of murine cell lines, 393P and UNSCC680AJ were selected for in vivo studies. In the 393P model, dasatinib+anti-PD-1 treatment resulted in synergistic activity, with 87% tumor regressions and development of immunological memory that impeded tumor growth when mice were rechallenged. In vivo depletion experiments further showed that CD8+ and CD4+ cells are necessary for the therapeutic effect of the combination. The antitumor activity was accompanied by a very significant decrease in the number of Tregs, which was validated by mIF in tumor sections. In the UNSCC680AJ model, the antitumor effects of dasatinib+anti-PD-1 were milder but similar to the 393P model. In in vitro assays, we demonstrated that dasatinib blocks proliferation and transforming growth factor beta-driven conversion of effector CD4+ cells into Tregs through targeting of phospholymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase and downstream effectors pSTAT5 and pSMAD3. CONCLUSIONS YES1 protein expression is associated with increased numbers of Tregs in patients with NSCLC. Dasatinib synergizes with anti-PD-1 to impair tumor growth in NSCLC experimental models. This study provides the preclinical rationale for the combined use of dasatinib and PD-1/programmed death-ligand 1 blockade to improve outcomes of patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Redin
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irati Garmendia
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Teresa Lozano
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Diego Serrano
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Yaiza Senent
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miriam Redrado
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Villalba
- Department of Pathology, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos E De Andrea
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Francisco Exposito
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Daniel Ajona
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sergio Ortiz-Espinosa
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Remirez
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Cristina Bertolo
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Sainz
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juana Garcia-Pedrero
- CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ruben Pio
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Lasarte
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jackeline Agorreta
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luis M Montuenga
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Calvo
- IDISNA and Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain .,CIBERONC, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Immune Therapy: What Can We Learn From Acquired Resistance? Lung Cancer 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74028-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Reithofer M, Rosskopf S, Leitner J, Battin C, Bohle B, Steinberger P, Jahn-Schmid B. 4-1BB costimulation promotes bystander activation of human CD8 T cells. Eur J Immunol 2020; 51:721-733. [PMID: 33180337 PMCID: PMC7986150 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Costimulatory signals potently promote T‐cell proliferation and effector function. Agonistic antibodies targeting costimulatory receptors of the TNFR family, such as 4‐1BB and CD27, have entered clinical trials in cancer patients. Currently there is limited information how costimulatory signals regulate antigen‐specific but also bystander activation of human CD8 T cells. Engineered antigen presenting cells (eAPC) efficiently presenting several common viral epitopes on HLA‐A2 in combination with MHC class I tetramer staining were used to investigate the impact of costimulatory signals on human CD8 T‐cell responses. CD28 costimulation potently augmented the percentage and number of antigen‐reactive CD8 T cells, whereas eAPC expressing 4‐1BB‐ligand induced bystander proliferation of CD8 T cells and massive expansion of NK cells. Moreover, the 4‐1BB agonist urelumab similarly induced bystander proliferation of CD8 T cells and NK cells in a dose‐dependent manner. However, the promotion of bystander CD8 T‐cell responses is not a general attribute of costimulatory TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) members, since CD27 signals enhanced antigen‐specific CD8 T cells responses without promoting significant bystander activation. Thus, the differential effects of costimulatory signals on the activation of human bystander CD8 T cells should be taken into account when costimulatory pathways are harnessed for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Reithofer
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Rosskopf
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claire Battin
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bohle
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrice Jahn-Schmid
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Huang MY, Jiang XM, Wang BL, Sun Y, Lu JJ. Combination therapy with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in non-small cell lung cancer: strategies and mechanisms. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 219:107694. [PMID: 32980443 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade has been approved as the standard-of-care for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Yet, the population of patients who benefit from the treatment remains modest, some of whom would get relapsed and progressed eventually. Combination therapy has emerged as an effective way to broaden beneficiaries from PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy and overcome or delay the resistance. In this review, we discuss the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in combination with conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Meanwhile, we illustrate their underlying mechanisms in regulating the process of the cancer-immunity cycle, providing the rationale for the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade-based combination therapy. The challenges of combination regimens are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Bing-Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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31
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Zizzari IG, Napoletano C, Di Filippo A, Botticelli A, Gelibter A, Calabrò F, Rossi E, Schinzari G, Urbano F, Pomati G, Scagnoli S, Rughetti A, Caponnetto S, Marchetti P, Nuti M. Exploratory Pilot Study of Circulating Biomarkers in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092620. [PMID: 32937860 PMCID: PMC7563741 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The identification of biomarkers in response to therapeutic treatment is one of the main objectives of personalized oncology. Predictive biomarkers are particularly relevant for oncologists challenged by the busy scenario of possible therapeutic options in mRCC patients, including immunotherapy and TKIs. In fact the activation of the immune system can determine the outcome and success of the different therapeutic strategies. In this study we evaluated changes in the immune system of TKI mRCC-treated patients defining immunological profiles related to response characterized by specific biomarkers. The validation of the proposed immune portrait to an extended number of patients could allow characterization and selection of responsive and non-responsive patients from the beginning of the therapeutic process. Abstract With the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and next-generation vascular endothelial growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR–TKIs), the survival of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has improved remarkably. However, not all patients have benefited from treatments, and to date, there are still no validated biomarkers that can be included in the therapeutic algorithm. Thus, the identification of predictive biomarkers is necessary to increase the number of responsive patients and to understand the underlying immunity. The clinical outcome of RCC patients is, in fact, associated with immune response. In this exploratory pilot study, we assessed the immune effect of TKI therapy in order to evaluate the immune status of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients so that we could define a combination of immunological biomarkers relevant to improving patient outcomes. We profiled the circulating levels in 20 mRCC patients of exhausted/activated/regulatory T cell subsets through flow cytometry and of 14 immune checkpoint-related proteins and 20 inflammation cytokines/chemokines using multiplex Luminex assay, both at baseline and during TKI therapy. We identified the CD3+CD8+CD137+ and CD3+CD137+PD1+ T cell populations, as well as seven soluble immune molecules (i.e., IFNγ, sPDL2, sHVEM, sPD1, sGITR, sPDL1, and sCTLA4) associated with the clinical responses of mRCC patients, either modulated by TKI therapy or not. These results suggest an immunological profile of mRCC patients, which will help to improve clinical decision-making for RCC patients in terms of the best combination of strategies, as well as the optimal timing and therapeutic sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Grazia Zizzari
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.G.Z.); (A.D.F.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Chiara Napoletano
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.G.Z.); (A.D.F.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-997-3025
| | - Alessandra Di Filippo
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.G.Z.); (A.D.F.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Andrea Botticelli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (F.U.); (G.P.); (S.S.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Alain Gelibter
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (F.U.); (G.P.); (S.S.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Fabio Calabrò
- Division of Medical Oncology B, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital Rome, 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Ernesto Rossi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico A.Gemelli Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Giovanni Schinzari
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico A.Gemelli Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Federica Urbano
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (F.U.); (G.P.); (S.S.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Giulia Pomati
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (F.U.); (G.P.); (S.S.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Simone Scagnoli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (F.U.); (G.P.); (S.S.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Aurelia Rughetti
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.G.Z.); (A.D.F.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Salvatore Caponnetto
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (F.U.); (G.P.); (S.S.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (A.G.); (F.U.); (G.P.); (S.S.); (S.C.); (P.M.)
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Nuti
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.G.Z.); (A.D.F.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
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Biomarkers for immune checkpoint therapy targeting programmed death 1 and programmed death ligand 1. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110621. [PMID: 34321165 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapidly increasing usages of immune checkpoint therapy for cancer treatment, particularly monoclonal antibodies that target programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, have been achieved due to startling durable therapeutic efficacy with limited toxicity. The therapeutics significantly prolonged the overall survival and progression free survival of patients across multiple cancer types. However, the objective response rate of patients receiving this kind of treatment is substantially low. Therefore, it is of great importance to exploit reliable biomarkers that can robustly predict the therapeutic effects. Several biomarkers have been characterized for the selection of patients, which is mainly based on immunological and genetic criteria. Herein, we focus on the current progress regarding the biomarkers for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
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Yuan C, Liu Y, Wang T, Sun M, Chen X. Nanomaterials as Smart Immunomodulator Delivery System for Enhanced Cancer Therapy. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:4774-4798. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Yuan
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
| | - Ya Liu
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
| | - Mengjie Sun
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
| | - Xiguang Chen
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
- Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, P.R. China
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Effect of the hairpin structure of peptide inhibitors on the blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 527:453-457. [PMID: 32336542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis using antibody drugs has been a clinically efficacious immunotherapy in cancer treatment. However, studies on peptide inhibitors blocking the interaction between PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer treatment in clinical practice have not yet been reported. In this study, a series of peptide inhibitors were synthesized based on a continuous sequence of 14 amino acids from PD-L1 and suitable modifications to form a hairpin structure. The effect of inhibitors on the blockage of PD-1/PD-L1 by increasing the stability of the hairpin structure was determined using BLI and co-culture models. The results showed that increasing the stability of the hairpin improved the affinity of inhibitors to PD-1 and increased IL-2 secretion. Therefore, modifying the hairpin structure of peptide inhibitors may be a useful approach to block the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1.
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Influence of antigen density and immunosuppressive factors on tumor-targeted costimulation with antibody-fusion proteins and bispecific antibody-mediated T cell response. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:2291-2303. [PMID: 32504247 PMCID: PMC7568714 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02624-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Target expression heterogeneity and the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment can hamper severely the efficiency of immunotherapeutic approaches. We have analyzed the potential to encounter and overcome such conditions by a combinatory two-target approach involving a bispecific antibody retargeting T cells to tumor cells and tumor-directed antibody-fusion proteins with costimulatory members of the B7 and TNF superfamily. Targeting the tumor-associated antigens EpCAM and EGFR with the bispecific antibody and costimulatory fusion proteins, respectively, we analyzed the impact of target expression and the influence of the immunosuppressive factors IDO, IL-10, TGF-β, PD-1 and CTLA-4 on the targeting-mediated stimulation of T cells. Here, suboptimal activity of the bispecific antibody at diverse EpCAM expression levels could be effectively enhanced by targeting-mediated costimulation by B7.1, 4-1BBL and OX40L in a broad range of EGFR expression levels. Furthermore, the benefit of combined costimulation by B7.1/4-1BBL and 4-1BBL/OX40L was demonstrated. In addition, the expression of immunosuppressive factors was shown in all co-culture settings, where blocking of prominent factors led to synergistic effects with combined costimulation. Thus, targeting-mediated costimulation showed general promise for a broad application covering diverse target expression levels, with the option for further selective enhancement by the identification and blockade of main immunosuppressive factors of the particular tumor environment.
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Ye L, Jia K, Wang L, Li W, Chen B, Liu Y, Wang H, Zhao S, He Y, Zhou C. CD137, an attractive candidate for the immunotherapy of lung cancer. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:1461-1467. [PMID: 32073704 PMCID: PMC7226203 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a hotspot in cancer therapy in recent years. Several immune checkpoints inhibitors have been used to treat lung cancer. CD137 is a kind of costimulatory molecule that mediates T cell activation, which regulates the activity of immune cells in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Targeting CD137 or its ligand (CD137L) has been studied, aiming to enhance anticancer immune responses. Accumulating studies show that anti-CD137 mAbs alone or combined with other drugs have bright antitumor prospects. In the following, we reviewed the biology of CD137, the antitumor effects of anti-CD137 Ab monotherapy and the combined therapy in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Ye
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Medical schoolTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Keyi Jia
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Medical schoolTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Medical schoolTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Medical schoolTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Sha Zhao
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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Riolobos L, Gad EA, Treuting PM, Timms AE, Hershberg EA, Corulli LR, Rodmaker E, Disis ML. The Effect of Mouse Strain, Sex, and Carcinogen Dose on Toxicity and the Development of Lung Dysplasia and Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Mice. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2019; 12:507-516. [PMID: 31101634 PMCID: PMC7687913 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-18-0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In order to translate new treatments to the clinic, it is necessary to use animal models that closely recapitulate human disease. Lung cancer develops after extended exposure to carcinogens. It has one of the highest mutation rates of all cancer and is highly heterogenic. Topical treatment with N-nitrosotris-(2-chloroethyl)urea (NTCU) induces lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with nonsynonymous mutation rates similar to those reported for human non-small cell lung cancer. However, NTCU induces lung cancer with variable efficacy and toxicity depending on the mouse strain. A detailed characterization of the NTCU model is needed. We have compared the effect of three different NTCU doses (20, 30, and 40 mmol/L) in female and male of NIH Swiss, Black Swiss, and FVB mice on tumor incidence, survival, and toxicity. The main findings in this study are (1) NIH Swiss mice present with a higher incidence of SCC and lower mortality compared with Black Swiss and FVB mice; (2) 30 mmol/L NTCU dose induces SCC at the same rate and incidence as the 40 mmol/L dose with lower mortality; (3) female mice present higher grade and incidence of preinvasive lesions and SCC compared with males; (4) NTCU-induced transformation is principally within the respiratory system; and (5) NTCU treatment does not affect the ability to elicit a specific adaptive immune response. This study provides a reference point for experimental designs to evaluate either preventive or therapeutic treatments for lung SCC, including immunotherapies, before initiating human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Riolobos
- UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Ekram A Gad
- UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Piper M Treuting
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Andrew E Timms
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elliot A Hershberg
- UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lauren R Corulli
- UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Erin Rodmaker
- UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mary L Disis
- UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Nong J, Wang J, Gao X, Zhang Q, Yang B, Yan Z, Wang X, Yi L, Wang Q, Gao Y, Hu A, Qin N, Wei P, Zhang H, Zhang S. Circulating CD137 + CD8 + T cells accumulate along with increased functional regulatory T cells and thoracic tumour burden in lung cancer patients. Scand J Immunol 2019; 89:e12765. [PMID: 30921475 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
CD137 is a promising target for immunostimulation strategies against cancer. Previous studies showed that CD137+ CD8+ T cells are enriched in antitumour effector T cells in both preclinical tumour models and cancer patients, but to date, such T cells in the blood of lung cancer patients have not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, circulating antigen-activated CD8+ T cell subsets, identified as CD137+ CD8+ or PD-1+ (programmed cell death protein 1) CD8+ , and regulatory T cells (Treg), identified as CD4+ CD25+ CD127low/- , in 40 untreated lung cancer patients and in 49 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were assessed by flow cytometry. Results were evaluated for associations with lung cancer patient clinical characteristics. Correlations between antigen-activated CD8+ T cells and effector Treg (CTLA-4+ [cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4] CD4+ CD25+ CD127low/- ) were also investigated. Higher percentages of PD-1+ , CD137+ and PD-1+ CD137+ amongst CD8+ T cells were observed in lung cancer patients compared with HCs. The percentages of CD137+ CD8+ and PD-1+ CD137+ CD8+ T cell subsets amongst CD8+ T cells were positively correlated with thoracic tumour burden and were strongly positively correlated with the percentage of effector Treg subset. Smoking patients harboured higher percentages of the PD-1+ CD8+ T cell subset compared with non-smoking patients. This study demonstrated that circulating antigen-activated CD8+ T cells accumulated in lung cancer patients along with increased effector Treg and thoracic tumour burden. These findings aid a better understanding of immune-host interactions in lung cancer patients using peripheral blood, and further support immunotherapeutic intervention strategies using combination therapy for differential control of Treg and activation of tumour-specific effector T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Nong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Key Laboratory for Drug Resistance Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Key Laboratory for Drug Resistance Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Key Laboratory for Drug Resistance Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuohong Yan
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Key Laboratory for Drug Resistance Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Key Laboratory for Drug Resistance Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Yi
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Key Laboratory for Drug Resistance Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qunhui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Aimin Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Panjian Wei
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Key Laboratory for Drug Resistance Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Key Laboratory for Drug Resistance Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shucai Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Lin W, Chen M, Hong L, Zhao H, Chen Q. Crosstalk Between PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade and Its Combinatorial Therapies in Tumor Immune Microenvironment: A Focus on HNSCC. Front Oncol 2018; 8:532. [PMID: 30519541 PMCID: PMC6258806 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide with a poor prognosis and high mortality. More than two-thirds of HNSCC patients still have no effective control of clinical progression, and the five-year survival rate is < 50%. Moreover, patients with platinum-refractory HNSCC have a median survival of < 6 months. The significant toxicity and low survival rates of current treatment strategies highlight the necessity for new treatment modalities. Recently, a large number of studies have demonstrated that programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand, programmed cell death protein ligand-1 (PD-L1) play an essential role in tumor initiation and progression. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has shown a desired and long-lasting therapeutic effect in the treatment of HNSCC and other malignancies. However, only a small number of patients with HNSCC can benefit from PD-1/PD-L1 blockade monotherapy, while the majority of patients do not respond. To overcome the unsatisfactory therapeutic effect of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade monotherapy, combining other treatment options for HNSCC (including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy) in the treatment scheme has become a commonly used strategy. Herein, the potential mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and its combinatorial therapies for HNSCC were reviewed, and it is hoped that the improved understanding of the crosstalk process would provide further ideas for the design of a combinatorial regimen with a higher efficiency and response rate for the treatment of HNSCC and other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Le Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Singh AP, Adrianzen Herrera D, Zhang Y, Perez-Soler R, Cheng H. Mouse models in squamous cell lung cancer: impact for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:347-358. [PMID: 29394493 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1437137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Squamous cell lung cancer (SQCLC) is the second most common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has limited therapeutic options. Its development is likely a result of a multistep process in response to chronic tobacco exposure, involving sequential metaplasia, dysplasia and invasive carcinoma. Its complex genomic landscape has recently been revealed but no driver mutations have been validated that could lead to molecularly targeted therapy as have emerged in lung adenocarcinoma. Few preclinical murine models exist for testing and developing novel therapeutics in SQCLC. Areas covered: This review discusses the pathophysiology and molecular underpinnings of SQCLC that have limited the development of animal models. It then explores the advantages and limitations of a variety of existing mouse models and illustrates their potential application in drug discovery and chemoprevention. Expert opinion: There are several challenges in the development of mouse models for SQCLC, such as lack of validated driver genetic alterations, unclear cell of origin, and difficulty in reproducing the sophisticated tumor microenvironment of human disease. Nevertheless, several successful SQCLC murine models have emerged, especially Patient Derived Xenografts (PDXs) and Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMMs). Continued efforts are needed to generate more SQCLC animal models to better understand its carcinogenesis and metastasis and to further test novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi P Singh
- a Department of Oncology , Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Diego Adrianzen Herrera
- a Department of Oncology , Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Yifei Zhang
- b Department of Medicine , Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Roman Perez-Soler
- a Department of Oncology , Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Haiying Cheng
- a Department of Oncology , Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA
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41
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Villanueva N, Bazhenova L. New strategies in immunotherapy for lung cancer: beyond PD-1/PD-L1. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2018; 12:1753466618794133. [PMID: 30215300 PMCID: PMC6144513 DOI: 10.1177/1753466618794133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has significantly altered the treatment landscape for many cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently approved immuno-oncology agents for lung cancer are aimed at the reversal of immune checkpoints, programmed death protein-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Although responses to checkpoint inhibitors are encouraging, and in some cases durable, these successes are not universal among all treated patients. In order to optimize our treatment approach utilizing immunotherapy, we must better understand the interaction between cancer and the immune system and evasion mechanisms. In this review, we will provide an overview of the immune system and cancer, and review novel therapies that promote tumor antigen release for immune system detection, activate the effector T-cell response, and reverse inhibitory antitumor signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Villanueva
- University of California, San Diego, Moore’s Cancer Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lyudmila Bazhenova
- 3855 Health Sciences Drive, #0987 La Jolla, University of California, San Diego, Moore’s Cancer Center, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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Impaired HLA Class I Antigen Processing and Presentation as a Mechanism of Acquired Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Lung Cancer. Cancer Discov 2017. [PMID: 29025772 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-17-0593.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms of acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are poorly understood. We leveraged a collection of 14 ICI-resistant lung cancer samples to investigate whether alterations in genes encoding HLA Class I antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) components or interferon signaling play a role in acquired resistance to PD-1 or PD-L1 antagonistic antibodies. Recurrent mutations or copy-number changes were not detected in our cohort. In one case, we found acquired homozygous loss of B2M that caused lack of cell-surface HLA Class I expression in the tumor and a matched patient-derived xenograft (PDX). Downregulation of B2M was also found in two additional PDXs established from ICI-resistant tumors. CRISPR-mediated knockout of B2m in an immunocompetent lung cancer mouse model conferred resistance to PD-1 blockade in vivo, proving its role in resistance to ICIs. These results indicate that HLA Class I APM disruption can mediate escape from ICIs in lung cancer.Significance: As programmed death 1 axis inhibitors are becoming more established in standard treatment algorithms for diverse malignancies, acquired resistance to these therapies is increasingly being encountered. Here, we found that defective antigen processing and presentation can serve as a mechanism of such resistance in lung cancer. Cancer Discov; 7(12); 1420-35. ©2017 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1355.
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Gettinger S, Choi J, Hastings K, Truini A, Datar I, Sowell R, Wurtz A, Dong W, Cai G, Melnick MA, Du VY, Schlessinger J, Goldberg SB, Chiang A, Sanmamed MF, Melero I, Agorreta J, Montuenga LM, Lifton R, Ferrone S, Kavathas P, Rimm DL, Kaech SM, Schalper K, Herbst RS, Politi K. Impaired HLA Class I Antigen Processing and Presentation as a Mechanism of Acquired Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Lung Cancer. Cancer Discov 2017; 7:1420-1435. [PMID: 29025772 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-17-0593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 476] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms of acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are poorly understood. We leveraged a collection of 14 ICI-resistant lung cancer samples to investigate whether alterations in genes encoding HLA Class I antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) components or interferon signaling play a role in acquired resistance to PD-1 or PD-L1 antagonistic antibodies. Recurrent mutations or copy-number changes were not detected in our cohort. In one case, we found acquired homozygous loss of B2M that caused lack of cell-surface HLA Class I expression in the tumor and a matched patient-derived xenograft (PDX). Downregulation of B2M was also found in two additional PDXs established from ICI-resistant tumors. CRISPR-mediated knockout of B2m in an immunocompetent lung cancer mouse model conferred resistance to PD-1 blockade in vivo, proving its role in resistance to ICIs. These results indicate that HLA Class I APM disruption can mediate escape from ICIs in lung cancer.Significance: As programmed death 1 axis inhibitors are becoming more established in standard treatment algorithms for diverse malignancies, acquired resistance to these therapies is increasingly being encountered. Here, we found that defective antigen processing and presentation can serve as a mechanism of such resistance in lung cancer. Cancer Discov; 7(12); 1420-35. ©2017 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1355.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Gettinger
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. .,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Katherine Hastings
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Anna Truini
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ila Datar
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ryan Sowell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Anna Wurtz
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Weilai Dong
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Guoping Cai
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mary Ann Melnick
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Victor Y Du
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joseph Schlessinger
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sarah B Goldberg
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Anne Chiang
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ignacio Melero
- CIMA and Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red de Oncología CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jackeline Agorreta
- CIMA and Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red de Oncología CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Montuenga
- CIMA and Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red de Oncología CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Richard Lifton
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Paula Kavathas
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David L Rimm
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Susan M Kaech
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kurt Schalper
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Roy S Herbst
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Katerina Politi
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. .,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Rodriguez I, Barbes B, Mayorga L, Sanchez-Paulete AR, Ponz-Sarvise M, Pérez-Gracia JL, Melero I. Brachytherapy attains abscopal effects when combined with immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies. Brachytherapy 2017; 16:1246-1251. [PMID: 28838649 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES Preclinical and clinical evidence indicate that the proimmune effects of radiotherapy can be synergistically augmented with immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to act both on irradiated tumor lesions and on tumors at distant, nonirradiated sites. We have recently reported that external beam radiotherapy achieves abscopal effects when combined with antagonist anti-PD1 mAbs and agonist anti-CD137 (4-1BB) mAbs. The goal of this work is to study the abscopal effects of radiotherapy instigated by brachytherapy techniques. METHODS AND MATERIALS Mice bearing a subcutaneous colorectal carcinoma, MC38 (colorectal cancer), in both flanks were randomly assigned to receive brachytherapy or not (8 Gy × three fractions) to only one of the two grafted tumors, in combination with intraperitoneal immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies (anti-PD1, anti-CD137, and/or their respective isotype controls). To study the abscopal effects of brachytherapy, we established an experimental set up that permits irradiation of mouse tumors sparing a distant site resembling metastasis. Such second nonirradiated tumor was used as indicator of abscopal effect. Tumor size was monitored every 2 days. RESULTS Abscopal effects on distant nonirradiated subcutaneous tumor lesions of transplanted MC38-derived tumors only took place when brachytherapy was combined with immunostimulatory anti-PD1 and/or anti-CD137 mAbs. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that immunotherapy-potentiated abscopal effects can be attained by brachytherapy. Accordingly, immunotherapy plus brachytherapy combinations are suitable for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- María E Rodriguez-Ruiz
- Division of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Department of Oncology, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; University Clinic, University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Spain.
| | - Inmaculada Rodriguez
- Division of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Spain
| | - Benigno Barbes
- Department of Oncology, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; University Clinic, University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Lina Mayorga
- Department of Oncology, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; University Clinic, University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Rodriguez Sanchez-Paulete
- Division of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Spain
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvise
- Department of Oncology, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; University Clinic, University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - José Luis Pérez-Gracia
- Department of Oncology, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; University Clinic, University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Division of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Department of Oncology, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; University Clinic, University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Spain.
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Sapski S, Beha N, Kontermann R, Müller D. Tumor-targeted costimulation with antibody-fusion proteins improves bispecific antibody-mediated immune response in presence of immunosuppressive factors. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1361594. [PMID: 29209565 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1361594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies aiming for the induction of an effective immune response at the tumor site can be severely hampered by the encounter of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. We investigated here the potential of concerted costimulation by tumor-directed antibody-fusion proteins with B7.1, 4-1BBL and OX40L to enforce bispecific antibody-induced T cell stimulation in presence of recognized immunosuppressive factors including IL-10, TGF-β, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), PD-L1 and regulatory T cells. The expression and activity of these factors was demonstrated in the HT1080-FAP/PBMC co-culture setting, where individual and combined costimulation were still capable to enhance T cell stimulation, even though the general activation level was reduced. Additional blockade of TGF-ß or PD-1 resulted especially effective in further enhancing the degree of T cell activation. Here, best outcome was achieved by combined costimulation of targeted 4-1BBL and B7.1. Furthermore, their individual impact on the proliferation of naïve, memory and effector CD8+ and CD4+ T cell subsets, suggest the coverage of a comprehensive T cell response. Thus, our costimulatory antibody-fusion proteins show great potential to support T cell activation in adverse conditions dictated by the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Sapski
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nadine Beha
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Roland Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dafne Müller
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, Stuttgart, Germany
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Tolcher AW, Sznol M, Hu-Lieskovan S, Papadopoulos KP, Patnaik A, Rasco DW, Di Gravio D, Huang B, Gambhire D, Chen Y, Thall AD, Pathan N, Schmidt EV, Chow LQM. Phase Ib Study of Utomilumab (PF-05082566), a 4-1BB/CD137 Agonist, in Combination with Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2017. [PMID: 28634283 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This phase Ib study (NCT02179918) evaluated the safety, antitumor activity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of utomilumab, a fully human IgG2 mAb agonist of the T-cell costimulatory receptor 4-1BB/CD137 in combination with the humanized, PD-1-blocking IgG4 mAb pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors.Experimental Design: Utomilumab (0.45-5.0 mg/kg) and pembrolizumab (2 mg/kg) were administered intravenously every 3 weeks. Utomilumab dose escalation was conducted using the time-to-event continual reassessment method.Results: Twenty-three patients received combination treatment with no dose-limiting toxicities. Treatment-emergent adverse events were mostly grades 1 to 2, without any treatment-related discontinuations. Six patients (26.1%) had confirmed complete or partial responses. Pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of utomilumab and pembrolizumab were similar when administered alone or in combination. A trend toward higher levels of activated memory/effector peripheral blood CD8+ T cells was observed in responders versus nonresponders.Conclusions: The safety, tolerability, and clinical activity demonstrated by utomilumab in combination with pembrolizumab support further investigation in patients with advanced solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5349-57. ©2017 AACRSee related commentary by Pérez-Ruiz et al., p. 5326.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Sznol
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | | | - Drew W Rasco
- START Center for Cancer Care, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Bo Huang
- Pfizer Oncology, Groton, Connecticut
| | | | - Ying Chen
- Pfizer Oncology, La Jolla, California
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Jelinek T, Hajek R. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in multiple myeloma: The present and the future. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1254856. [PMID: 28123899 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1254856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibitors has marked a significant milestone in the treatment of various types of solid tumors. The current situation in multiple myeloma (MM) is rather unclear, as distinct research groups have reported discordant results. This discrepancy dominantly concerns the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 molecules as well as the identification of the responsible immune effector cell population. The results of monotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have been unsatisfactory in MM, suggesting that a combination approach is needed. The most logical partners are immunomodulatory agents as they possess many synergistic effects. We are also proposing other rational and promising combinations (e.g., daratumumab, ibrutinib, anti-CD137) that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Jelinek
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic; Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava and Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic; Centro de Investigacion Medica Aplicada (CIMA), Clinica Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - R Hajek
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava and Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava , Czech Republic
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