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Chen Q, Chia A, Hang SK, Lim A, Koh WK, Peng Y, Gao F, Chen J, Ho Z, Wai LE, Kunasegaran K, Tan AT, Le Bert N, Loh CY, Goh YS, Renia L, Dong T, Vathsala A, Bertoletti A. Engineering immunosuppressive drug-resistant armored (IDRA) SARS-CoV-2 T cells for cell therapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1300-1312. [PMID: 37666955 PMCID: PMC10616128 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients receive immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs) and are susceptible to developing severe COVID-19. Here, we analyze the Spike-specific T-cell response after 3 doses of mRNA vaccine in a group of SOT patients (n = 136) treated with different ISDs. We demonstrate that a combination of a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisone (Pred) treatment regimen strongly suppressed the mRNA vaccine-induced Spike-specific cellular response. Such defects have clinical consequences because the magnitude of vaccine-induced Spike-specific T cells was directly proportional to the ability of SOT patients to rapidly clear SARS-CoV-2 after breakthrough infection. To then compensate for the T-cell defects induced by immunosuppressive treatment and to develop an alternative therapeutic strategy for SOT patients, we describe production of 6 distinct SARS-CoV-2 epitope-specific ISD-resistant T-cell receptor (TCR)-T cells engineered using the mRNA electroporation method with reactivity minimally affected by mutations occurring in Beta, Delta, Gamma, and Omicron variants. This strategy with transient expression characteristics marks an improvement in the immunotherapeutic field and provides an attractive and novel therapeutic possibility for immunosuppressed COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Emerging Infectious Disease Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adeline Chia
- Emerging Infectious Disease Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shou Kit Hang
- Emerging Infectious Disease Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amy Lim
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wee Kun Koh
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yanchun Peng
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fei Gao
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jili Chen
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Zack Ho
- Lion TCR Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lu-En Wai
- Lion TCR Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kamini Kunasegaran
- Emerging Infectious Disease Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anthony Tanoto Tan
- Emerging Infectious Disease Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nina Le Bert
- Emerging Infectious Disease Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chiew Yee Loh
- A*STAR ID labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yun Shan Goh
- A*STAR ID labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laurent Renia
- A*STAR ID labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tao Dong
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anantharaman Vathsala
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Disease Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- Singapore Immunology Network, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
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2
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Caballero AC, Escribà-Garcia L, Pujol-Fernández P, Escudero-López E, Ujaldón-Miró C, Montserrat-Torres R, Sierra J, Alvarez-Fernández C, Briones J. High CAR intensity of expression confers enhanced antitumor effect against lymphoma without functional exhaustion. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:51-61. [PMID: 36031661 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00518-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Identifying factors that ameliorates clinical outcomes following CART therapy represents an unmet need. We hypothesized that CAR expression level would have a significant impact on CART efficacy and tested this with CAR30+ TSCM-LIKE enriched cells. By sorting T-cells according to CAR mean fluorescence intensity in two markedly different populations (CARHI and CARLO), we showed that a high CAR expression enhances antitumor efficacy in vitro, that is sustained after sequential re-exposures to tumor cells and is not associated with T-cell exhaustion or differentiation. Furthermore, we found a correlation between high surface CAR expression and antitumor effect with CAR19+ T-cells, thus validating our findings with CAR30. Definitive proof of CARHI T-cells improved antitumor efficacy was demonstrated in a human Hodgkin's lymphoma xenograft mouse model, where CAR30-TSCM-LIKE enriched products with high intensity of CAR expression achieved superior tumor control in vivo and longer survival than those with a low intensity of CAR expression. Our data suggest that modulation of CAR intensity of expression represents an additional strategy to increase CART therapy clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Caballero
- Hematology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB, Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Escribà-Garcia
- Hematology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB, Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Pujol-Fernández
- Hematology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB, Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Escudero-López
- Hematology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB, Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Ujaldón-Miró
- Hematology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB, Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosanna Montserrat-Torres
- Hematology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB, Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Sierra
- Hematology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Alvarez-Fernández
- Hematology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain. .,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB, Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain. .,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Javier Briones
- Hematology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain. .,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB, Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain. .,Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain. .,Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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3
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Alvarez-Fernández C, Escribà-Garcia L, Caballero AC, Escudero-López E, Ujaldón-Miró C, Montserrat-Torres R, Pujol-Fernández P, Sierra J, Briones J. Memory stem T cells modified with a redesigned CD30-chimeric antigen receptor show an enhanced antitumor effect in Hodgkin lymphoma. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1268. [PMID: 33968404 PMCID: PMC8082716 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with mature T cells modified with a chimeric antigen receptor has demonstrated improved outcome for B‐cell malignancies. However, its application for others such as Hodgkin lymphoma remains a clinical challenge. CD30 antigen, expressed in Hodgkin lymphoma cells, is absent in most healthy tissues, representing an ideal target of ACT for this disease. Despite that, efficacy of CD30‐chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for Hodgkin lymphoma remains modest. Here, we have developed and tested a novel CD30‐CAR T to improve efficacy of CD30‐CAR therapy, using a targeting epitope within the non‐cleavable part of CD30 receptor, and memory stem T cells (TSCM) to improve engraftment, persistence and antitumor activity. Methods TSCM‐like cultures were generated and expanded ex vivo and transduced at day 1 or 2 with a lentiviral vector encoding the CD30‐CAR. Therapeutic in vivo experiments were performed using NSG mice injected with L540 (sc) or L428 (iv) and treated with CD30‐CAR T cells when the tumor was established. Results CD30‐CAR TSCM‐like cells generated and expanded ex vivo, despite CD30 expression and fratricide killing of CD30+ CAR T cells, were not impaired by soluble CD30 and completely eradicated Hodgkin lymphoma in vivo, showing high persistence and long‐lasting immunity. In addition, highly enriched CD30‐CAR TSCM‐like products confer a survival advantage in vivo, in contrast to more differentiated CAR T cells, with higher tumor infiltration and enhanced antitumor effect. Conclusion This study supports the use of a refined CD30‐CAR T cells with highly enriched TSCM‐like products to improve clinical efficacy of CAR T for Hodgkin lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Alvarez-Fernández
- Hematology Service Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,José Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Barcelona Spain
| | - Laura Escribà-Garcia
- Hematology Service Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,José Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Barcelona Spain
| | - A C Caballero
- Hematology Service Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,José Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Barcelona Spain.,Autonomous University of Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Eva Escudero-López
- Hematology Service Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,José Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Barcelona Spain.,Autonomous University of Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Cristina Ujaldón-Miró
- Hematology Service Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,José Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Barcelona Spain.,Autonomous University of Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Rosanna Montserrat-Torres
- Hematology Service Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,José Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Barcelona Spain
| | - Paula Pujol-Fernández
- Hematology Service Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,José Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Barcelona Spain
| | - Jorge Sierra
- Hematology Service Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,José Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Barcelona Spain.,Autonomous University of Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Javier Briones
- Hematology Service Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,Laboratory of Experimental Hematology-IIB Institut Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu y Sant Pau Barcelona Spain.,José Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Barcelona Spain.,Autonomous University of Barcelona Barcelona Spain
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4
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Abstract
As the HIV pandemic rapidly spread worldwide in the 1980s and 1990s, a new approach to treat cancer, genetic diseases, and infectious diseases was also emerging. Cell and gene therapy strategies are connected with human pathologies at a fundamental level, by delivering DNA and RNA molecules that could correct and/or ameliorate the underlying genetic factors of any illness. The history of HIV gene therapy is especially intriguing, in that the virus that was targeted was soon co-opted to become part of the targeting strategy. Today, HIV-based lentiviral vectors, along with many other gene delivery strategies, have been used to evaluate HIV cure approaches in cell culture, small and large animal models, and in patients. Here, we trace HIV cell and gene therapy from the earliest clinical trials, using genetically unmodified cell products from the patient or from matched donors, through current state-of-the-art strategies. These include engineering HIV-specific immunity in T-cells, gene editing approaches to render all blood cells in the body HIV-resistant, and most importantly, combination therapies that draw from both of these respective "offensive" and "defensive" approaches. It is widely agreed upon that combinatorial approaches are the most promising route to functional cure/remission of HIV infection. This chapter outlines cell and gene therapy strategies that are poised to play an essential role in eradicating HIV-infected cells in vivo.
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5
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Isoniazid induces a monocytic-like phenotype in HL-60 cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 664:15-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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6
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Shrivastava S, Charlins P, Ackley A, Embree H, Dropulic B, Akkina R, Weinberg MS, Morris KV. Stable Transcriptional Repression and Parasitism of HIV-1. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 12:12-18. [PMID: 30195752 PMCID: PMC6019856 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Gene-based therapies represent a promising treatment for HIV-1 infection, as they offer the potential for sustained viral inhibition and reduced treatment interventions. One approach developed here involves using conditionally replicating vectors (CR-vectors). CR-vectors utilize HIV-expressed proteins to replicate and disseminate along with HIV into the budding viral particles, thereby co-infecting target cellular reservoirs. We generated and characterized several CR-vectors carrying various therapeutic payloads of non-coding RNAs targeted to HIV-1, both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. Both virus and vector expression was followed in cell culture systems and T cells in the presence and absence of mycophenolic acid (MPA) selection. We find here that CR-vectors functionally suppress HIV expression in a long-term stable manner and that transcriptional targeting of and epigenetic silencing of HIV can be passaged to newly infected cells by the action of the CR-vector, ultimately establishing a sustained parasitism of HIV. Our findings suggest that CR-vectors with modulatory non-coding RNAs may be a viable approach to achieving long-term sustained suppression of HIV-1, leading ultimately to a functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya Shrivastava
- Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute and Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute, 1500 Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91007, USA
| | - Paige Charlins
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Amanda Ackley
- Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ramesh Akkina
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Marc S Weinberg
- Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute and Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope-Beckman Research Institute, 1500 Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91007, USA; Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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7
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Chen K, Cao W, Li J, Sprengers D, Hernanda PY, Kong X, van der Laan LJW, Man K, Kwekkeboom J, Metselaar HJ, Peppelenbosch MP, Pan Q. Differential Sensitivities of Fast- and Slow-Cycling Cancer Cells to Inosine Monophosphate Dehydrogenase 2 Inhibition by Mycophenolic Acid. Mol Med 2015; 21:792-802. [PMID: 26467706 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2015.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As uncontrolled cell proliferation requires nucleotide biosynthesis, inhibiting enzymes that mediate nucleotide biosynthesis constitutes a rational approach to the management of oncological diseases. In practice, however, results of this strategy are mixed and thus elucidation of the mechanisms by which cancer cells evade the effect of nucleotide biosynthesis restriction is urgently needed. Here we explored the notion that intrinsic differences in cancer cell cycle velocity are important in the resistance toward inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) by mycophenolic acid (MPA). In short-term experiments, MPA treatment of fast-growing cancer cells effectively elicited G0/G1 arrest and provoked apoptosis, thus inhibiting cell proliferation and colony formation. Forced expression of a mutated IMPDH2, lacking a binding site for MPA but retaining enzymatic activity, resulted in complete resistance of cancer cells to MPA. In nude mice subcutaneously engrafted with HeLa cells, MPA moderately delayed tumor formation by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Importantly, we developed a lentiviral vector-based Tet-on label-retaining system that enables to identify, isolate and functionally characterize slow-cycling or so-called label-retaining cells (LRCs) in vitro and in vivo. We surprisingly found the presence of LRCs in fast-growing tumors. LRCs were superior in colony formation, tumor initiation and resistance to MPA as compared with fast-cycling cells. Thus, the slow-cycling compartment of cancer seems predominantly responsible for resistance to MPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Bio-X Center, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanlu Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dave Sprengers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pratika Y Hernanda
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Biomolecular Research Center, Wijaya Kusuma University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- Bio-X Center, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jaap Kwekkeboom
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Herold J Metselaar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Cieri N, Mastaglio S, Oliveira G, Casucci M, Bondanza A, Bonini C. Adoptive immunotherapy with genetically modified lymphocytes in allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Immunol Rev 2014; 257:165-80. [PMID: 24329796 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a healthy donor (allo-HSCT) represents the most potent form of cellular adoptive immunotherapy to treat malignancies. In allo-HSCT, donor T cells are double edge-swords: highly potent against residual tumor cells, but potentially highly toxic, and responsible for graft versus host disease (GVHD), a major clinical complication of transplantation. Gene transfer technologies coupled with current knowledge on cancer immunology have generated a wide range of approaches aimed at fostering the immunological response to cancer cells, while avoiding or controlling GVHD. In this review, we discuss cell and gene therapy approaches currently tested in preclinical models and in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Cieri
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, PIBIC, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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9
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Abstract
Proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of engineered T cells. Transfer of recombinant antigen-specific T cell receptors (TCR) and chimaeric antigen receptors (CARs) against tumour and viral antigens are under investigation by multiple approaches, including viral- and nonviral-mediated gene transfer into both autologous and allogeneic T cell populations. There have been notable successes recently using viral vector-mediated transfer of CARs specific for B cell antigens, but also reports of anticipated and unanticipated complications in these and other studies. We review progress in this promising area of cellular therapy, and consider developments in antigen receptor therapies including the application of emerging gene-editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Qasim
- Molecular & Cellular Immunology, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK
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10
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Jonnalagadda M, Brown CE, Chang WC, Ostberg JR, Forman SJ, Jensen MC. Engineering human T cells for resistance to methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil as an in vivo cell selection strategy. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65519. [PMID: 23755242 PMCID: PMC3675038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene transfer and drug selection systems that enforce ongoing transgene expression in vitro and in vivo which are compatible with human pharmaceutical drugs are currently underdeveloped. Here, we report on the utility of incorporating human enzyme muteins that confer resistance to the lymphotoxic/immunosuppressive drugs methotrexate (MTX) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in a multicistronic lentiviral vector for in vivo T lymphocyte selection. We found that co-expression of human dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR(FS); L22F, F31S) and inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase II (IMPDH2(IY); T333I, S351Y) conferred T cell resistance to the cytocidal and anti-proliferative effects of these drugs at concentrations that can be achieved clinically (up to 0.1 µM MTX and 1.0 µM MPA). Furthermore, using a immunodeficient mouse model that supports the engraftment of central memory derived human T cells, in vivo selection studies demonstrate that huEGFRt(+)DHFR(FS+)IMPDH2(IY+) T cells could be enriched following adoptive transfer either by systemic administration of MTX alone (4.4 -fold), MMF alone (2.9-fold), or combined MTX and MMF (4.9-fold). These findings demonstrate the utility of both DHFR(FS)/MTX and IMPDH2(IY)/MMF for in vivo selection of lentivirally transduced human T cells. Vectors incorporating these muteins in combination with other therapeutic transgenes may facilitate the selective engraftment of therapeutically active cells in recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Jonnalagadda
- Departments of Cancer Immunotherapeutics & Tumor Immunology, and Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Christine E. Brown
- Departments of Cancer Immunotherapeutics & Tumor Immunology, and Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Wen-Chung Chang
- Departments of Cancer Immunotherapeutics & Tumor Immunology, and Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Julie R. Ostberg
- Departments of Cancer Immunotherapeutics & Tumor Immunology, and Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. Forman
- Departments of Cancer Immunotherapeutics & Tumor Immunology, and Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Michael C. Jensen
- Departments of Cancer Immunotherapeutics & Tumor Immunology, and Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Bleakley M, Turtle CJ, Riddell SR. Augmentation of anti-tumor immunity by adoptive T-cell transfer after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Expert Rev Hematol 2012; 5:409-25. [PMID: 22992235 PMCID: PMC3590108 DOI: 10.1586/ehm.12.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is currently the standard of care for most patients with high-risk acute leukemias and some other hematologic malignancies. Although HCT can be curative, many patients who undergo allogeneic HCT will later relapse. There is, therefore, a critical need for the development of novel post-HCT therapies for patients who are at high risk for disease recurrence following HCT. One potentially efficacious approach is adoptive T-cell immunotherapy, which is currently undergoing a renaissance that has been inspired by scientific insight into the key issues that impeded its previous clinical application. Translation of the next generation of adoptive T-cell therapies to the allogeneic HCT setting, using donor T cells of defined specificity and function, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The challenges, progress and future of adoptive T-cell therapy following allogeneic HCT are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bleakley
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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12
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Pan Q, de Ruiter PE, Metselaar HJ, Kwekkeboom J, de Jonge J, Tilanus HW, Janssen HLA, van der Laan LJW. Mycophenolic acid augments interferon-stimulated gene expression and inhibits hepatitis C Virus infection in vitro and in vivo. Hepatology 2012; 55:1673-83. [PMID: 22213147 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a highly effective immunosuppressant that has broad antiviral activity against different viruses and can act in synergy with interferon-α (IFN-α) on hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. MPA is a potent inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor but the antiviral mechanisms are less understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibition of HCV infection by MPA and the molecular basis for its synergy with IFN-α. The role of IMPDH and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was investigated in two HCV models using gain- or loss-of-function approaches. The in vivo effect of MPA treatment was studied in NOD/SCID mice engrafted with HCV replicon cells. Potent antiviral effects of MPA at clinically relevant concentrations were observed with both the subgenomic and JFH1-derived infectious HCV models. MPA treatment in mice resulted in a specific and robust inhibition of HCV replication. Ectopic expression of an MPA-resistant IMPDH2 mutant in HCV host cells completely reversed the antiproliferative effect of MPA but only partially affected the antiviral potency. However, similar to ribavirin, MPA induced expression of multiple antiviral ISGs, including interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1). Cotreatment of MPA with IFN-α resulted in additive effects on ISG expression and enhanced IFN-induced luciferase reporter activity. Knockdown of IRF1, but not IFITM3, significantly attenuated the inhibition of HCV replication by MPA. CONCLUSION MPA exerts a potent anti-HCV effect in vitro and in mice and acts in synergy with IFN-α. MPA's antiviral activity partially depends on IMPDH but also involves stimulation of ISGs, providing a molecular basis for its synergy with IFN-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Turner AMW, Ackley AM, Matrone MA, Morris KV. Characterization of an HIV-targeted transcriptional gene-silencing RNA in primary cells. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:473-83. [PMID: 22122263 PMCID: PMC3360501 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Small antisense RNAs targeted to the HIV-1 promoter have been shown to remodel the surrounding chromatin to a state unfavorable for transcriptional activation, yet transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) of HIV-1 has, to date, not been shown in primary human cells. We demonstrate here that TGS can reduce viral transcription in primary human CD4(+) T cells; however, increasing viral burden results in the loss of this antiviral effect. This observation suggests a critical level at which viral RNA can dilute out effective targeting by TGS-based RNAs. Furthermore, studies into off-target effects have identified a potential interaction between the small nucleolar RNA pathway and the TGS-based antisense RNA, resulting in activation of p53. Although not overtly toxic to primary cells, this represents a novel interaction between antisense RNAs and a cellular pathway that should be considered when pursuing small antisense RNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie W Turner
- Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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14
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Generation of EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells that are resistant to calcineurin inhibitors for the treatment of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease. Blood 2009; 114:4792-803. [PMID: 19770360 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-07-228387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-driven posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a serious complication of immunosuppression after either stem cell transplantation (SCT) or solid organ transplantation (SOT). Adoptive transfer of EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (EBV-CTLs) is an effective prophylaxis and treatment for PTLD after SCT, but not for PTLD after SOT when pharmacologic immunosuppression cannot be discontinued. We report the generation of calcineurin (CN) mutants that render EBV-CTL resistant to the immunosuppressants tacrolimus (FK506) and cyclosporin A (CsA): mutant CNa12 confers resistance to CsA but not FK506, and mutant CNa22 confers resistance to FK506 but not CsA, whereas mutant CNb30 renders CTLs resistant to both calcineurin inhibitors. Untransduced EBV-CTLs do not proliferate in the presence of FK506/CsA. However, EBV-CTLs transduced with a retroviral vector coding for these mutants retain the ability to both proliferate and secrete normal levels of interferon-gamma in the presence therapeutic levels of FK506 (CNa12), CsA (CNa22), or both (CNb30). The cytotoxicity and phenotype of EBV-CTL lines were unaffected by expression of these mutant CNs. This approach should allow effective immunotherapy with EBV-CTLs in the SOT setting without risking the graft by reduction in immunosuppression, and represents a generic approach to improving immunotherapy in the face of immunosuppression.
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15
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Li Y, Reddy MA, Miao F, Shanmugam N, Yee JK, Hawkins D, Ren B, Natarajan R. Role of the histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferase, SET7/9, in the regulation of NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory genes. Relevance to diabetes and inflammation. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:26771-81. [PMID: 18650421 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m802800200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB)-regulated inflammatory genes, such as TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), play key roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, including diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. However, the nuclear chromatin mechanisms are unclear. We report here that the chromatin histone H3-lysine 4 methyltransferase, SET7/9, is a novel coactivator of NF-kappaB. Gene silencing of SET7/9 with small interfering RNAs in monocytes significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced inflammatory genes and histone H3-lysine 4 methylation on these promoters, as well as monocyte adhesion to endothelial or smooth muscle cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that SET7/9 small interfering RNA could reduce TNF-alpha-induced recruitment of NF-kappaB p65 to inflammatory gene promoters. Inflammatory gene induction by ligands of the receptor for advanced glycation end products was also attenuated in SET7/9 knockdown monocytes. In addition, we also observed increased inflammatory gene expression and SET7/9 recruitment in macrophages from diabetic mice. Microarray profiling revealed that, in TNF-alpha-stimulated monocytes, the induction of 25% NF-kappaB downstream genes, including the histone H3-lysine 27 demethylase JMJD3, was attenuated by SET7/9 depletion. These results demonstrate a novel role for SET7/9 in inflammation and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Gonda Diabetes Center, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
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16
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Anderson J, Akkina R. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 restriction by human-rhesus chimeric tripartite motif 5alpha (TRIM 5alpha) in CD34(+) cell-derived macrophages in vitro and in T cells in vivo in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID-hu) mice transplanted with human fetal tissue. Hum Gene Ther 2008; 19:217-28. [PMID: 18279037 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2007.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Species-specific innate resistance against viral infections offers novel avenues for antiviral therapeutics. The retroviral restriction factor TRIM5alpha (tripartite motif 5alpha protein) has been shown to potently restrict human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection in otherwise susceptible cell lines and CD34(+) cell-derived macrophages. A 13-amino acid patch in the C-terminal B30.2 (SPRY) domain of rhesus macaque TRIM5alpha has been shown to be involved in HIV-1 capsid recognition and is critical for viral inhibition. A chimeric human-rhesus TRIM5alpha (TRIM5alpha-HRH) was generated by replacing an 11-amino acid patch in the human isoform with the rhesus 13-amino acid patch. Here we show that lentiviral vector expression of this human-rhesus chimera in HIV-1-permissive MAGI-CXCR4 cells conferred resistance as well as a selective survival advantage on HIV-1 challenge. To apply these findings in a stem cell gene therapy setting, TRIM5alpha-HRH was expressed in CD34(+) cell-derived macrophages in vitro and in SCID-hu mouse-derived thymocytes in vivo. On viral challenge, transgenic macrophages and thymocytes were highly resistant to HIV-1 compared with control cells. Normal development of TRIM5alpha-HRH-expressing macrophages and in vivo-derived T cells was also observed by phenotypic flow cytometric analysis. These results demonstrate the efficacy of TRIM5alpha-HRH in a stem cell setting and its further advancement for use in gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Anderson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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17
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Singh H, Manuri PR, Olivares S, Dara N, Dawson MJ, Huls H, Hackett PB, Kohn DB, Shpall EJ, Champlin RE, Cooper LJ. Redirecting specificity of T-cell populations for CD19 using the Sleeping Beauty system. Cancer Res 2008; 68:2961-71. [PMID: 18413766 PMCID: PMC2424272 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-5600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Genetic modification of clinical-grade T cells is undertaken to augment function, including redirecting specificity for desired antigen. We and others have introduced a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to enable T cells to recognize lineage-specific tumor antigen, such as CD19, and early-phase human trials are currently assessing safety and feasibility. However, a significant barrier to next-generation clinical studies is developing a suitable CAR expression vector capable of genetically modifying a broad population of T cells. Transduction of T cells is relatively efficient but it requires specialized manufacture of expensive clinical grade recombinant virus. Electrotransfer of naked DNA plasmid offers a cost-effective alternative approach, but the inefficiency of transgene integration mandates ex vivo selection under cytocidal concentrations of drug to enforce expression of selection genes to achieve clinically meaningful numbers of CAR(+) T cells. We report a new approach to efficiently generating T cells with redirected specificity, introducing DNA plasmids from the Sleeping Beauty transposon/transposase system to directly express a CD19-specific CAR in memory and effector T cells without drug selection. When coupled with numerical expansion on CD19(+) artificial antigen-presenting cells, this gene transfer method results in rapid outgrowth of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells expressing CAR to redirect specificity for CD19(+) tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harjeet Singh
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pallavi R. Manuri
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Simon Olivares
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Navid Dara
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Margaret J. Dawson
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Helen Huls
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Perry B. Hackett
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota
| | - Donald B. Kohn
- Division of Research Immunology/Bone Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Elizabeth J. Shpall
- Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Richard E. Champlin
- Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Laurence J.N. Cooper
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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18
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Sangiolo D, Lesnikova M, Nash RA, Jensen MC, Nikitine A, Kiem HP, Georges GE. Lentiviral vector conferring resistance to mycophenolate mofetil and sensitivity to ganciclovir for in vivo T-cell selection. Gene Ther 2007; 14:1549-54. [PMID: 17805303 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3303018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Several clinical studies of gene-modified T cells have shown limited in vivo function of the cells, immunogenicity of the transgene, and lack of a selective advantage for gene-modified T cells. To address these problems, we developed a lentiviral vector (LV) that provides a selectable, proliferative advantage and potentially decreases immunogenicity for transduced T cells. The bicistronic vector expressed two genes linked with an internal ribosomal entry site. One gene is a variant of the inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH(IY)), conferring resistance to the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The other is a suicide gene, herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK), rendering proliferating cells sensitive to ablation with ganciclovir, fused to the selectable transmembrane marker DeltaCD34 (DeltaCD34/TK). Cells transduced with LV-DeltaCD34/TK.IMPDH(IY) were efficiently enriched by immunomagnetic selection for CD34, proliferated in 0.5-5 microM MMF, and were killed by 0.5-25 microg ml(-1) ganciclovir. We demonstrate efficient selection and killing of gene-modified cells and suggest LV-DeltaCD34/TK.IMPDH(IY)-transduced T cells could be used to facilitate allogeneic hematopoietic cell engraftment. The expression of IMPDH(IY) would allow in vivo selection with MMF, and DeltaCD34/TK expression would allow rapid and safe elimination of transduced T cells if graft-versus-host disease developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sangiolo
- Transplantation Biology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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19
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Lo HL, Chang T, Yam P, Marcovecchio PM, Li S, Zaia JA, Yee JK. Inhibition of HIV-1 replication with designed miRNAs expressed from RNA polymerase II promoters. Gene Ther 2007; 14:1503-12. [PMID: 17805304 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3303011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediates sequence-specific RNA cleavage and represents a potential approach to treat the infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Expression of a single siRNA species frequently led to the emergence of HIV escape variants. Thus, multiple siRNAs targeted to different regions in the HIV-1 genome may be required. However, overexpression of different anti-HIV siRNA genes from multiple pol III promoters can induce cell toxicity, thus may not be a viable option in the setting of human gene therapy trials. In the current study, we evaluated the strategy of using pol II promoters to drive the expression of siRNAs against HIV-1. We replaced the stem sequence in the stem-loop structure of the well-characterized miR-30a with siRNA sequences and showed that designed microRNA (miRNA) could be expressed from pol II promoters. We demonstrated efficient inhibition of HIV-1 replication with such designed miRNA, but the efficacy was directly correlated with the expression level. Both the vector copy number and the promoter strength directly affected the ability of the siRNA to inhibit HIV-1 replication. We also showed that a combination of pol II and pol III promoters to express two different siRNAs increased the efficacy against HIV-1 replication without comprising cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-L Lo
- Division of Virology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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20
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Anderson J, Li MJ, Palmer B, Remling L, Li S, Yam P, Yee JK, Rossi J, Zaia J, Akkina R. Safety and efficacy of a lentiviral vector containing three anti-HIV genes--CCR5 ribozyme, tat-rev siRNA, and TAR decoy--in SCID-hu mouse-derived T cells. Mol Ther 2007; 15:1182-1188. [PMID: 17406343 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2006] [Accepted: 12/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapeutic strategies show promise in controlling human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and in restoring immunological function. A number of efficacious anti-HIV gene constructs have been described so far, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), RNA decoys, transdominant proteins, and ribozymes, each with a different mode of action. However, as HIV is prone to generating escape mutants, the use of a single anti-HIV construct would not be adequate to afford long range-viral protection. On this basis, a combination of highly potent anti-HIV genes--namely, a short hairpin siRNA (shRNA) targeting rev and tat, a transactivation response (TAR) decoy, and a CCR5 ribozyme--have been inserted into a third-generation lentiviral vector. Our recent in vitro studies with this construct, Triple-R, established its efficacy in both T-cell lines and CD34 cell-derived macrophages. In this study, we have evaluated this combinatorial vector in vivo. Vector-transduced CD34 cells were injected into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-hu mouse thy/liv grafts to determine their capacity to give rise to T cells. Our results show that phenotypically normal transgenic T cells are generated that are able to resist HIV-1 infection when challenged in vitro. These important attributes of this combinatorial vector show its promise as an excellent candidate for use in human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Anderson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort, Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
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