1
|
Williamson HK, Mendes PM. An integrated perspective on measuring cytokines to inform CAR-T bioprocessing. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 75:108405. [PMID: 38997052 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are emerging as a generation-defining therapeutic however their manufacture remains a major barrier to meeting increased market demand. Monitoring critical quality attributes (CQAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs) during manufacture would vastly enrich acquired information related to the process and product, providing feedback to enable real-time decision making. Here we identify specific CAR-T cytokines as value-adding analytes and discuss their roles as plausible CPPs and CQAs. High sensitivity sensing technologies which can be easily integrated into manufacture workflows are essential to implement real-time monitoring of these cytokines. We therefore present biosensors as enabling technologies and evaluate recent advancements in cytokine detection in cell cultures, offering promising translatability to CAR-T biomanufacture. Finally, we outline emerging sensing technologies with future promise, and provide an overall outlook on existing gaps to implementation and the optimal sensing platform to enable cytokine monitoring in CAR-T biomanufacture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Williamson
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Paula M Mendes
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Boutier H, Loureiro LR, Hoffmann L, Arndt C, Bartsch T, Feldmann A, Bachmann MP. UniCAR T-Cell Potency-A Matter of Affinity between Adaptor Molecules and Adaptor CAR T-Cells? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7242. [PMID: 39000348 PMCID: PMC11241561 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Although Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells have shown high efficacy in hematologic malignancies, they can cause severe to life-threatening side effects. To address these safety concerns, we have developed adaptor CAR platforms, like the UniCAR system. The redirection of UniCAR T-cells to target cells relies on a Target Module (TM), containing the E5B9 epitope and a tumor-specific binding moiety. Appropriate UniCAR-T activation thus involves two interactions: between the TM and the CAR T-cell, and the TM and the target cell. Here, we investigate if and how alterations of the amino acid sequence of the E5B9 UniCAR epitope impact the interaction between TMs and the UniCAR. We identify the new epitope E5B9L, for which the monoclonal antibody 5B9 has the greatest affinity. We then integrate the E5B9L peptide in previously established TMs directed to Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) and assess if such changes in the UniCAR epitope of the TMs affect UniCAR T-cell potency. Binding properties of the newly generated anti-FAP-E5B9L TMs to UniCAR and their ability to redirect UniCAR T-cells were compared side-by-side with the ones of anti-FAP-E5B9 TMs. Despite a substantial variation in the affinity of the different TMs to the UniCAR, no significant differences were observed in the cytotoxic and cytokine-release profiles of the redirected T-cells. Overall, our work indicates that increasing affinity of the UniCAR to the TM does not play a crucial role in such adaptor CAR system, as it does not significantly impact the potency of the UniCAR T-cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Boutier
- Department of Radioimmunology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany; (H.B.); (L.R.L.)
| | - Liliana R. Loureiro
- Department of Radioimmunology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany; (H.B.); (L.R.L.)
| | - Lydia Hoffmann
- Department of Radioimmunology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany; (H.B.); (L.R.L.)
| | - Claudia Arndt
- Department of Radioimmunology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany; (H.B.); (L.R.L.)
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Tabea Bartsch
- Department of Radioimmunology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany; (H.B.); (L.R.L.)
| | - Anja Feldmann
- Department of Radioimmunology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany; (H.B.); (L.R.L.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael P. Bachmann
- Department of Radioimmunology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany; (H.B.); (L.R.L.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lin H, Li C, Zhang W, Wu B, Wang Y, Wang S, Wang D, Li X, Huang H. Synthetic Cells and Molecules in Cellular Immunotherapy. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2833-2859. [PMID: 38904025 PMCID: PMC11186374 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.94346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has emerged as an exciting strategy for cancer treatment, as it aims to enhance the body's immune response to tumor cells by engineering immune cells and designing synthetic molecules from scratch. Because of the cytotoxic nature, abundance in peripheral blood, and maturation of genetic engineering techniques, T cells have become the most commonly engineered immune cells to date. Represented by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy, T cell-based immunotherapy has revolutionized the clinical treatment of hematological malignancies. However, serious side effects and limited efficacy in solid tumors have hindered the clinical application of cellular immunotherapy. To address these limitations, various innovative strategies regarding synthetic cells and molecules have been developed. On one hand, some cytotoxic immune cells other than T cells have been engineered to explore the potential of targeted elimination of tumor cells, while some adjuvant cells have also been engineered to enhance the therapeutic effect. On the other hand, diverse synthetic cellular components and molecules are added to engineered immune cells to regulate their functions, promoting cytotoxic activity and restricting side effects. Moreover, novel bioactive materials such as hydrogels facilitating the delivery of therapeutic immune cells have also been applied to improve the efficacy of cellular immunotherapy. This review summarizes the innovative strategies of synthetic cells and molecules currently available in cellular immunotherapies, discusses the limitations, and provides insights into the next generation of cellular immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haikun Lin
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Chentao Li
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanying Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - Boxiang Wu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - Shimin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - Xia Li
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang J, Yang Q, Wang W, Huang J. CAR products from novel sources: a new avenue for the breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378739. [PMID: 38665921 PMCID: PMC11044028 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has transformed cancer immunotherapy. However, significant challenges limit its application beyond B cell-driven malignancies, including limited clinical efficacy, high toxicity, and complex autologous cell product manufacturing. Despite efforts to improve CAR T cell therapy outcomes, there is a growing interest in utilizing alternative immune cells to develop CAR cells. These immune cells offer several advantages, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent function, tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation, and increased tissue infiltration capabilities. Currently, CAR products from various T cell subtypes, innate immune cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells, and even exosomes are being explored. These CAR products often show enhanced antitumor efficacy, diminished toxicity, and superior tumor penetration. With these benefits in mind, numerous clinical trials are underway to access the potential of these innovative CAR cells. This review aims to thoroughly examine the advantages, challenges, and existing insights on these new CAR products in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wen Wang
- Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang T, Tai Z, Miao F, Zhang X, Li J, Zhu Q, Wei H, Chen Z. Adoptive cell therapy for solid tumors beyond CAR-T: Current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances. J Control Release 2024; 368:372-396. [PMID: 38408567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a highly specific anti-tumor immunotherapy that has shown promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, there has been a slow progress toward the treatment of solid tumors owing to the complex tumor microenvironment that affects the localization and killing ability of the CAR cells. Solid tumors with a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and complex vascular system are unaffected by CAR cell infiltration and attack. To improve their efficacy toward solid tumors, CAR cells have been modified and upgraded by "decorating" and "pruning". This review focuses on the structure and function of CARs, the immune cells that can be engineered by CARs and the transformation strategies to overcome solid tumors, with a view to broadening ideas for the better application of CAR cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingrui Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China; Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Jiadong Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kagoya Y. Cytokine signaling in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Int Immunol 2024; 36:49-56. [PMID: 37591521 PMCID: PMC10872714 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxad033] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy using chimeric antigen-receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells can induce robust antitumor responses against hematologic malignancies. However, its efficacy is not durable in the majority of the patients, warranting further improvement of T-cell functions. Cytokine signaling is one of the key cascades regulating T-cell survival and effector functions. In addition to cytokines that use the common γ chain as a receptor subunit, multiple cytokines regulate T-cell functions directly or indirectly. Modulating cytokine signaling in CAR-T cells by genetic engineering is one promising strategy to augment their therapeutic efficacy. These strategies include ectopic expression of cytokines, cytokine receptors, and synthetic molecules that mimic endogenous cytokine signaling. Alternatively, autocrine IL-2 signaling can be augmented through reprogramming of CAR-T cell properties through transcriptional and epigenetic modification. On the other hand, cytokine production by CAR-T cells triggers systemic inflammatory responses, which mainly manifest as adverse events such as cytokine-release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. In addition to inhibiting direct inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and IL-1 released from activated macrophages, suppression of T-cell-derived cytokines associated with the priming of macrophages can be accomplished through genetic modification of CAR-T cells. In this review, I will outline recently developed synthetic biology approaches to exploit cytokine signaling to enhance CAR-T cell functions. I will also discuss therapeutic target molecules to prevent or alleviate CAR-T cell-related toxicities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kagoya
- Division of Tumor Immunology, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang G, Deng L, Lu H, Zhang W. Bibliometric analysis of research trends and active research areas in chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for hematologic malignancies. Int J Clin Pharm 2024; 46:186-194. [PMID: 38087131 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01670-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past decade, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells have successfully treated cancers, especially hematologic malignancies. Although many articles have been published on CAR T-cell therapy for hematologic malignancies, bibliometric analysis remains unexplored. AIM This study aimed to investigate and analyze existing trends and active research areas on CAR T-cell therapy for hematologic malignancies, providing novel perspectives for clinical decision-making and scientific research. METHOD From 2000 to 2023, the Web of Science Core Collection was searched for articles published on CAR T-cells for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Comprehensive visual analyses of annual publication, country, institutions, authors, co-cited references, and keywords were performed using CiteSpace software and VOSviewer. RESULTS A total of 2,451 articles on CAR T-cells were published to treat hematologic malignancies from 01 January 2000 to 31 August 2023. The United States, China, and Germany were the top three nations in publications. In the keyword analysis, "immunotherapy" and "chimeric antigen receptor" were used most frequently. Moreover, the yellow node, which included terms such as "chimeric antigen receptor T cells," "efficacy," "CAR T-cell therapy," "toxicity," "CAR-NK," and "tumor microenvironment" were most active research areas. CONCLUSION This study provided a comprehensive analysis of publications on CAR T-cell therapy for hematologic malignancies from 2000 to 2023. The findings provide current trends and potential hotspots in CAR T-cell therapy for hematologic malignancies and contribute valuable direction for future studies in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaofeng Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, 541002, Guangxi, China
| | - Lian Deng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, 541002, Guangxi, China
| | - Huirong Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin, 541002, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guilin Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guilin, 541002, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Park JJ, Lee KAV, Lam SZ, Tang K, Chen S. Genome Engineering for Next-Generation Cellular Immunotherapies. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3455-3464. [PMID: 35930700 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, cellular immunotherapies such as CAR-T, TCR-T, and NK cell therapies have achieved tremendous success in cancer treatment. However, various challenges and obstacles remain, including antigen escape, immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment, toxicities, and on-target off-tumor effects. Recent strategies for overcoming these roadblocks have included the use of genome engineering. Multiplexed CRISPR-Cas and synthetic biology approaches facilitate the development of cell therapies with higher potency and sophisticated modular control; they also offer a toolkit for allogeneic therapy development. Engineering approaches have targeted genetic modifications to enhance long-term persistence through cytokine modulation, knockout of genes mediating immunosuppressive signals, and genes such as the endogenous TCR and MHC-I that elicit adverse host-graft interactions in an allogeneic context. Genome engineering approaches for other immune cell types are also being explored, such as CAR macrophages and CAR-NK cells. Future therapeutic development of cellular immunotherapies may also be guided by novel target discovery through unbiased CRISPR genetic screening approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Park
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- M.D.-Ph.D. Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Kyoung A V Lee
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Stanley Z Lam
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
| | - Kaiyuan Tang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
| | - Sidi Chen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology, Yale University, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
- M.D.-Ph.D. Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Immunobiology Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Yale Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vu SH, Pham HH, Pham TTP, Le TT, Vo MC, Jung SH, Lee JJ, Nguyen XH. Adoptive NK Cell Therapy - a Beacon of Hope in Multiple Myeloma Treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1275076. [PMID: 38023191 PMCID: PMC10656693 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1275076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Major advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) have been achieved by effective new agents such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, or monoclonal antibodies. Despite significant progress, MM remains still incurable and, recently, cellular immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for relapsed/refractory MM. The emergence of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology has transformed immunotherapy by enhancing the antitumor functions of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, leading to effective control of hematologic malignancies. Recent advancements in gene delivery to NK cells have paved the way for the clinical application of CAR-NK cell therapy. CAR-NK cell therapy strategies have demonstrated safety, tolerability, and substantial efficacy in treating B cell malignancies in various clinical settings. However, their effectiveness in eliminating MM remains to be established. This review explores multiple approaches to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity, persistence, expansion, and manufacturing processes, and highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with CAR-NK cell therapy against MM. By shedding light on these aspects, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the potential of CAR-NK cell therapy as a promising approach for improving the treatment outcomes of MM patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Son Hai Vu
- Hi-Tech Center and Vinmec-VinUni Institute of Immunology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ha Hong Pham
- Hi-Tech Center and Vinmec-VinUni Institute of Immunology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thao Thi Phuong Pham
- Hi-Tech Center and Vinmec-VinUni Institute of Immunology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Thien Le
- Hi-Tech Center and Vinmec-VinUni Institute of Immunology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Manh-Cuong Vo
- Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Jeollanamdo, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Jung
- Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Jeollanamdo, Republic of Korea
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital and Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Jeollanamdo, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Jung Lee
- Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Jeollanamdo, Republic of Korea
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital and Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Jeollanamdo, Republic of Korea
| | - Xuan-Hung Nguyen
- Hi-Tech Center and Vinmec-VinUni Institute of Immunology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam
- College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Hanoi, Vietnam
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gardam B, Gargett T, Brown MP, Ebert LM. Targeting the dendritic cell-T cell axis to develop effective immunotherapies for glioblastoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1261257. [PMID: 37928547 PMCID: PMC10623138 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1261257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is an aggressive primary brain tumor that has seen few advances in treatments for over 20 years. In response to this desperate clinical need, multiple immunotherapy strategies are under development, including CAR-T cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, oncolytic viruses and dendritic cell vaccines, although these approaches are yet to yield significant clinical benefit. Potential reasons for the lack of success so far include the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, the blood-brain barrier, and systemic changes to the immune system driven by both the tumor and its treatment. Furthermore, while T cells are essential effector cells for tumor control, dendritic cells play an equally important role in T cell activation, and emerging evidence suggests the dendritic cell compartment may be deeply compromised in glioblastoma patients. In this review, we describe the immunotherapy approaches currently under development for glioblastoma and the challenges faced, with a particular emphasis on the critical role of the dendritic cell-T cell axis. We suggest a number of strategies that could be used to boost dendritic cell number and function and propose that the use of these in combination with T cell-targeting strategies could lead to successful tumor control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Gardam
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and South Australia (SA) Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Tessa Gargett
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and South Australia (SA) Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael P. Brown
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and South Australia (SA) Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa M. Ebert
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and South Australia (SA) Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Staudt S, Ziegler-Martin K, Visekruna A, Slingerland J, Shouval R, Hudecek M, van den Brink M, Luu M. Learning from the microbes: exploiting the microbiome to enforce T cell immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269015. [PMID: 37799719 PMCID: PMC10548881 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunities genetic engineering has created in the field of adoptive cellular therapy for cancer are accelerating the development of novel treatment strategies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) T cells. The great success in the context of hematologic malignancies has made especially CAR T cell therapy a promising approach capable of achieving long-lasting remission. However, the causalities involved in mediating resistance to treatment or relapse are still barely investigated. Research on T cell exhaustion and dysfunction has drawn attention to host-derived factors that define both the immune and tumor microenvironment (TME) crucially influencing efficacy and toxicity of cellular immunotherapy. The microbiome, as one of the most complex host factors, has become a central topic of investigations due to its ability to impact on health and disease. Recent findings support the hypothesis that commensal bacteria and particularly microbiota-derived metabolites educate and modulate host immunity and TME, thereby contributing to the response to cancer immunotherapy. Hence, the composition of microbial strains as well as their soluble messengers are considered to have predictive value regarding CAR T cell efficacy and toxicity. The diversity of mechanisms underlying both beneficial and detrimental effects of microbiota comprise various epigenetic, metabolic and signaling-related pathways that have the potential to be exploited for the improvement of CAR T cell function. In this review, we will discuss the recent findings in the field of microbiome-cancer interaction, especially with respect to new trajectories that commensal factors can offer to advance cellular immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Staudt
- Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kai Ziegler-Martin
- Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Visekruna
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - John Slingerland
- Department of Immunology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Roni Shouval
- Department of Medicine, Adult Bone Marrow Transplantation Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcel van den Brink
- Department of Immunology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Maik Luu
- Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Immuntherapie, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ildefonso GV, Finley SD. A data-driven Boolean model explains memory subsets and evolution in CD8+ T cell exhaustion. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:36. [PMID: 37524735 PMCID: PMC10390540 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells play a key role in a variety of immune responses, including infection and cancer. Upon stimulation, naïve CD8+ T cells proliferate and differentiate into a variety of memory and effector cell types; however, failure to clear antigens causes prolonged stimulation of CD8+ T cells, ultimately leading to T cell exhaustion (TCE). The functional and phenotypic changes that occur during CD8+ T cell differentiation are well characterized, but the underlying gene expression state changes are not completely understood. Here, we utilize a previously published data-driven Boolean model of gene regulatory interactions shown to mediate TCE. Our network analysis and modeling reveal the final gene expression states that correspond to TCE, along with the sequence of gene expression patterns that give rise to those final states. With a model that predicts the changes in gene expression that lead to TCE, we could evaluate strategies to inhibit the exhausted state. Overall, we demonstrate that a common pathway model of CD8+ T cell gene regulatory interactions can provide insights into the transcriptional changes underlying the evolution of cell states in TCE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geena V Ildefonso
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lopez E, Hidalgo S, Roa E, Gómez J, Hermansen Truan C, Sanders E, Carrasco C, Pacheco R, Salazar-Onfray F, Varas-Godoy M, Borgna V, Lladser A. Preclinical evaluation of chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting the carcinoembryonic antigen as a potential immunotherapy for gallbladder cancer. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2225291. [PMID: 37363103 PMCID: PMC10288912 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2225291] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is commonly diagnosed at late stages when conventional treatments achieve only modest clinical benefit. Therefore, effective treatments for advanced GBC are needed. In this context, the administration of T cells genetically engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) has shown remarkable results in hematological cancers and is being extensively studied for solid tumors. Interestingly, GBC tumors express canonical tumor-associated antigens, including the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). However, the potential of CEA as a relevant antigen in GBC to be targeted by CAR-T cell-based immunotherapy has not been addressed. Here we show that CEA was expressed in 88% of GBC tumors, with higher levels associated with advanced disease stages. CAR-T cells specifically recognized plate-bound CEA as evidenced by up-regulation of 4-1BB, CD69 and PD-1, and production of effector cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α. In addition, CD8+ CAR-T cells up-regulated the cytotoxic molecules granzyme B and perforin. Interestingly, CAR-T cell activation occurred even in the presence of PD-L1. Consistent with these results, CAR-T cells efficiently recognized GBC cell lines expressing CEA and PD-L1, but not a CEA-negative cell line. Furthermore, CAR-T cells exhibited in vitro cytotoxicity and reduced in vivo tumor growth of GB-d1 cells. In summary, we demonstrate that CEA represents a relevant antigen for GBC that can be targeted by CAR-T cells at the preclinical level. This study warrants further development of the adoptive transfer of CEA-specific CAR-T cells as a potential immunotherapy for GBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Lopez
- Centro Cientifico y Tecnologico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundacion Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sofía Hidalgo
- Centro Cientifico y Tecnologico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundacion Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Roa
- Centro Cientifico y Tecnologico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundacion Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Gómez
- Centro Cientifico y Tecnologico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundacion Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Evy Sanders
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Carrasco
- Subdepartamento de Anatomia Patologica, Hospital Base de Valdivia, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Pacheco
- Centro Cientifico y Tecnologico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundacion Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Flavio Salazar-Onfray
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Centro Cientifico y Tecnologico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundacion Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vincenzo Borgna
- Centro Cientifico y Tecnologico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundacion Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
- Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alvaro Lladser
- Centro Cientifico y Tecnologico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundacion Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kao CY, Mills JA, Burke CJ, Morse B, Marques BF. Role of Cytokines and Growth Factors in the Manufacturing of iPSC-Derived Allogeneic Cell Therapy Products. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050677. [PMID: 37237491 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines and other growth factors are essential for cell expansion, health, function, and immune stimulation. Stem cells have the additional reliance on these factors to direct differentiation to the appropriate terminal cell type. Successful manufacturing of allogeneic cell therapies from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) requires close attention to the selection and control of cytokines and factors used throughout the manufacturing process, as well as after administration to the patient. This paper employs iPSC-derived natural killer cell/T cell therapeutics to illustrate the use of cytokines, growth factors, and transcription factors at different stages of the manufacturing process, ranging from the generation of iPSCs to controlling of iPSC differentiation into immune-effector cells through the support of cell therapy after patient administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yuan Kao
- Process and Product Development, Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jason A Mills
- Process and Product Development, Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carl J Burke
- Process and Product Development, Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Barry Morse
- Research and Development, Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bruno F Marques
- Process and Product Development, Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Andreu-Sanz D, Kobold S. Role and Potential of Different T Helper Cell Subsets in Adoptive Cell Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061650. [PMID: 36980536 PMCID: PMC10046829 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061650] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, CD8+ T cells have been considered the most relevant effector cells involved in the immune response against tumors and have therefore been the focus of most cancer immunotherapy approaches. However, CD4+ T cells and their secreted factors also play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment and can orchestrate both pro- and antitumoral immune responses. Depending on the cytokine milieu to which they are exposed, CD4+ T cells can differentiate into several phenotypically different subsets with very divergent effects on tumor progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the role of the different T helper subsets in the immune system, with special emphasis on their implication in antitumoral immune responses. Furthermore, we also summarize therapeutic applications of each subset and its associated cytokines in the adoptive cell therapy of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Andreu-Sanz
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Munich, Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Almeida JS, Casanova JM, Santos-Rosa M, Tarazona R, Solana R, Rodrigues-Santos P. Natural Killer T-like Cells: Immunobiology and Role in Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032743. [PMID: 36769064 PMCID: PMC9917533 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CD56+ T cells are generally recognized as a distinct population of T cells and are categorized as NKT-like cells. Although our understanding of NKT-like cells is far from satisfactory, it has been shown that aging and a number of disease situations have impacted these cells. To construct an overview of what is currently known, we reviewed the literature on human NKT-like cells. NKT-like cells are highly differentiated T cells with "CD1d-independent" antigen recognition and MHC-unrestricted cell killing. The genesis of NKT-like cells is unclear; however, it is proposed that the acquisition of innate characteristics by T cells could represent a remodeling process leading to successful aging. Additionally, it has been shown that NKT-like cells may play a significant role in several pathological conditions, making it necessary to comprehend whether these cells might function as prognostic markers. The quantification and characterization of these cells might serve as a cutting-edge indicator of individual immune health. Additionally, exploring the mechanisms that can control their killing activity in different contexts may therefore result in innovative therapeutic alternatives in a wide range of disease settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jani-Sofia Almeida
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Casanova
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- University Clinic of Orthopedics, Orthopedics Service, Tumor Unit of the Locomotor Apparatus (UTAL), Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Center (CHUC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel Santos-Rosa
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Tarazona
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Solana
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Immunology Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Thomas S, Abken H. CAR T cell therapy becomes CHIC: "cytokine help intensified CAR" T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1090959. [PMID: 36700225 PMCID: PMC9869021 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1090959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) in the canonical "second generation" format provide two signals for inducing T cell effector functions; the primary "signal-1" is provided through the TCR CD3ζ chain and the "signal-2" through a linked costimulatory domain to augment activation. While therapy with second generation CAR T cells can induce remissions of leukemia/lymphoma in a spectacular fashion, CAR T cell persistence is frequently limited which is thought to be due to timely limited activation. Following the "three-signal" dogma for inducing a sustained T cell response, cytokines were supplemented to provide "signal-3" to CAR T cells. Recent progress in the understanding of structural biology and receptor signaling has allowed to engineer cytokines for more selective, fine-tuned stimulation of CAR T cells including an artificial autocrine loop of a transgenic cytokine, a cytokine anchored to the CAR T cell membrane or inserted into the extracellular CAR domain, and a cytokine receptor signaling moiety co-expressed with the CAR or inserted into the CAR endodomain. Here we discuss the recent strategies and options for engineering such "cytokine help intensified CAR" (CHIC) T cells for use in adoptive cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Thomas
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany,Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany,Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Hinrich Abken,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Di Trani CA, Cirella A, Arrizabalaga L, Bella Á, Fernandez-Sendin M, Russo-Cabrera JS, Gomar C, Olivera I, Bolaños E, González-Gomariz J, Álvarez M, Etxeberria I, Palencia B, Teijeira Á, Melero I, Berraondo P, Aranda F. Intracavitary adoptive transfer of IL-12 mRNA-engineered tumor-specific CD8 + T cells eradicates peritoneal metastases in mouse models. Oncoimmunology 2022; 12:2147317. [PMID: 36531687 PMCID: PMC9757485 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2147317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that local delivery of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes engineered to transiently express single-chain IL-12 mRNA is highly efficacious. Peritoneal dissemination of cancer is a frequent and often fatal patient condition usually diagnosed when the tumor burden is too large and hence uncontrollable with current treatment options. In this study, we have modeled intracavitary adoptive T cell therapy with OVA-specific OT-I T cells electroporated with IL-12 mRNA to treat B16-OVA and PANC02-OVA tumor spread in the peritoneal cavity. Tumor localization in the omentum and the effects of local T-cell encounter with the tumor antigens were monitored, the gene expression profile evaluated, and the phenotypic reprogramming of several immune subsets was characterized. Intraperitoneal administration of T cells promoted homing to the omentum more effectively than intravenous administration. Transient IL-12 expression was responsible for a favorable reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment, longer persistence of transferred T lymphocytes in vivo, and the development of immunity to endogenous antigens following primary tumor eradication. The efficacy of the strategy was at least in part recapitulated with the adoptive transfer of lower affinity transgenic TCR-bearing PMEL-1 T lymphocytes to treat the aggressive intraperitoneally disseminated B16-F10 tumor. Locoregional adoptive transfer of transiently IL-12-armored T cells appears to offer promising therapeutic advantages in terms of anti-tumor efficacy to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Arrizabalaga
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ángela Bella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joan Salvador Russo-Cabrera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Celia Gomar
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elizabeth Bolaños
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - José González-Gomariz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Álvarez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain,Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñaki Etxeberria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Belen Palencia
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain,Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,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,Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,CONTACT Fernando Aranda Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain,Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Aranda
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Biederstädt A, Manzar GS, Daher M. Multiplexed engineering and precision gene editing in cellular immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1063303. [PMID: 36483551 PMCID: PMC9723254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1063303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of cellular immunotherapy in the clinic has entirely redrawn the treatment landscape for a growing number of human cancers. Genetically reprogrammed immune cells, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified immune effector cells as well as T cell receptor (TCR) therapy, have demonstrated remarkable responses across different hard-to-treat patient populations. While these novel treatment options have had tremendous success in providing long-term remissions for a considerable fraction of treated patients, a number of challenges remain. Limited in vivo persistence and functional exhaustion of infused immune cells as well as tumor immune escape and on-target off-tumor toxicities are just some examples of the challenges which restrain the potency of today's genetically engineered cell products. Multiple engineering strategies are being explored to tackle these challenges.The advent of multiplexed precision genome editing has in recent years provided a flexible and highly modular toolkit to specifically address some of these challenges by targeted genetic interventions. This class of next-generation cellular therapeutics aims to endow engineered immune cells with enhanced functionality and shield them from immunosuppressive cues arising from intrinsic immune checkpoints as well as the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). Previous efforts to introduce additional genetic modifications into immune cells have in large parts focused on nuclease-based tools like the CRISPR/Cas9 system or TALEN. However, nuclease-inactive platforms including base and prime editors have recently emerged and promise a potentially safer route to rewriting genetic sequences and introducing large segments of transgenic DNA without inducing double-strand breaks (DSBs). In this review, we discuss how these two exciting and emerging fields-cellular immunotherapy and precision genome editing-have co-evolved to enable a dramatic expansion in the possibilities to engineer personalized anti-cancer treatments. We will lay out how various engineering strategies in addition to nuclease-dependent and nuclease-inactive precision genome editing toolkits are increasingly being applied to overcome today's limitations to build more potent cellular therapeutics. We will reflect on how novel information-rich unbiased discovery approaches are continuously deepening our understanding of fundamental mechanisms governing tumor biology. We will conclude with a perspective of how multiplexed-engineered and gene edited cell products may upend today's treatment paradigms as they evolve into the next generation of more potent cellular immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Biederstädt
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gohar Shahwar Manzar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Watchmaker PB, Colton M, Pineo-Cavanaugh PL, Okada H. Future development of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies for patients suffering from malignant glioma. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:661-669. [PMID: 35855503 PMCID: PMC9560977 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been successful in some haematologic malignancies, but the central nervous system (CNS) presents unique obstacles to its use against tumours arising therein. This review discusses recent improvements in the delivery and design of these cells to improve the efficacy and safety of this treatment against malignant gliomas. RECENT FINDINGS The immunosuppressive environment of the CNS affects the functionality of CAR T cells, but recent developments using metabolic manipulation and cytokine delivery have shown that the performance of CAR T cells can be improved in this environment. Emerging techniques can improve the delivery of CAR T cells to the CNS parenchyma, which is normally well protected from peripheral immune cells. The implementation of novel antigens and CAR-expression regulation strategies will improve the specificity and efficacy of these cells. Finally, although autologous T cells have historically been the standard, recent developments have made the use of allogeneic T cells or natural killer (NK) cells more clinically feasible. SUMMARY The discoveries highlighted in this review will aid the development of CAR cells that are safer, more resilient against immunosuppressive signals in the CNS, and able to specifically target intracranial tumour cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maggie Colton
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Okuma A, Ishida Y, Kawara T, Hisada S, Araki S. Secretory co-factors in next-generation cellular therapies for cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:907022. [PMID: 36059449 PMCID: PMC9433659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.907022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for hematologic malignancies were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, numerous "next-generation" CAR T cells have been developed to improve their safety, efficacy, and applicability. Although some of these novel therapeutic strategies are promising, it remains difficult to apply these therapies to solid tumors and to control adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. CAR T cells are generated using highly scalable genetic engineering techniques. One of the major strategies for producing next-generation CAR T cells involves the integration of useful co-factor(s) into the artificial genetic design of the CAR gene, resulting in next-generation CAR T cells that express both CAR and the co-factor(s). Many soluble co-factors have been reported for CAR T cells and their therapeutic effects and toxicity have been tested by systemic injection; therefore, CAR T cells harnessing secretory co-factors could be close to clinical application. Here, we review the various secretory co-factors that have been reported to improve the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cells and ameliorate adverse events. In addition, we discuss the different co-factor expression systems that have been used to optimize their beneficial effects. Altogether, we demonstrate that combining CAR T cells with secretory co-factors will lead to next-generation CAR T-cell therapies that can be used against broader types of cancers and might provide advanced tools for more complicated synthetic immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Okuma
- Center for Exploratory Research, Research and Development Group, Hitachi Ltd., Kobe, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|