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Hay ZL, Kim DD, Cimons JM, Knapp JR, Kohler ME, Quansah M, Zúñiga TM, Camp FA, Fujita M, Wang XJ, O’Connor BP, Slansky JE. Granzyme F: Exhaustion Marker and Modulator of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1381-1391. [PMID: 38416029 PMCID: PMC10984789 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Granzymes are a family of proteases used by CD8 T cells to mediate cytotoxicity and other less-defined activities. The substrate and mechanism of action of many granzymes are unknown, although they diverge among the family members. In this study, we show that mouse CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) express a unique array of granzymes relative to CD8 T cells outside the tumor microenvironment in multiple tumor models. Granzyme F was one of the most highly upregulated genes in TILs and was exclusively detected in PD1/TIM3 double-positive CD8 TILs. To determine the function of granzyme F and to improve the cytotoxic response to leukemia, we constructed chimeric Ag receptor T cells to overexpress a single granzyme, granzyme F or the better-characterized granzyme A or B. Using these doubly recombinant T cells, we demonstrated that granzyme F expression improved T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against target leukemia cells and induced a form of cell death other than chimeric Ag receptor T cells expressing only endogenous granzymes or exogenous granzyme A or B. However, increasing expression of granzyme F also had a detrimental impact on the viability of the host T cells, decreasing their persistence in circulation in vivo. These results suggest a unique role for granzyme F as a marker of terminally differentiated CD8 T cells with increased cytotoxicity, but also increased self-directed cytotoxicity, suggesting a potential mechanism for the end of the terminal exhaustion pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L.Z. Hay
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dale D. Kim
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Cimons
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Knapp
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - M. Eric Kohler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mary Quansah
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tiffany M. Zúñiga
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Faye A. Camp
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mayumi Fujita
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA and Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA and Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, and since moved to Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brian P. O’Connor
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - Jill E. Slansky
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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2
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Beck JD, Diken M, Suchan M, Streuber M, Diken E, Kolb L, Allnoch L, Vascotto F, Peters D, Beißert T, Akilli-Öztürk Ö, Türeci Ö, Kreiter S, Vormehr M, Sahin U. Long-lasting mRNA-encoded interleukin-2 restores CD8 + T cell neoantigen immunity in MHC class I-deficient cancers. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:568-582.e11. [PMID: 38490213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen presentation deficiency is a common cancer immune escape mechanism, but the mechanistic implications and potential strategies to address this challenge remain poorly understood. Studying β2-microglobulin (B2M) deficient mouse tumor models, we find that MHC class I loss leads to a substantial immune desertification of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and broad resistance to immune-, chemo-, and radiotherapy. We show that treatment with long-lasting mRNA-encoded interleukin-2 (IL-2) restores an immune cell infiltrated, IFNγ-promoted, highly proinflammatory TME signature, and when combined with a tumor-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAB), can overcome therapeutic resistance. Unexpectedly, the effectiveness of this treatment is driven by IFNγ-releasing CD8+ T cells that recognize neoantigens cross-presented by TME-resident activated macrophages. These macrophages acquire augmented antigen presentation proficiency and other M1-phenotype-associated features under IL-2 treatment. Our findings highlight the importance of restoring neoantigen-specific immune responses in the treatment of cancers with MHC class I deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D Beck
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mustafa Diken
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany; BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Suchan
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Streuber
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Elif Diken
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Laura Kolb
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lisa Allnoch
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Fulvia Vascotto
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Peters
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tim Beißert
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Akilli-Öztürk
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kreiter
- TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Freiligrathstr. 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany; BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Zhou S, Song Y, Luo Y, Quinn B, Jiao Y, Long MD, Abrams SI, Lovell JF. Identification of Enhanced Vaccine Mimotopes for the p15E Murine Cancer Antigen. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:958-969. [PMID: 38506662 PMCID: PMC10986479 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Mimotopes of short CD8+ T-cell epitopes generally comprise one or more mutated residues, and can increase the immunogenicity and function of peptide cancer vaccines. We recently developed a two-step approach to generate enhanced mimotopes using positional peptide microlibraries and herein applied this strategy to the broadly used H-2Kb-restricted murine leukemia p15E tumor rejection epitope. The wild-type p15E epitope (sequence: KSPWFTTL) was poorly immunogenic in mice, even when combined with a potent peptide nanoparticle vaccine system and did not delay p15E-expressing MC38 tumor growth. Following positional microlibrary functional screening of over 150 mimotope candidates, two were identified, both with mutations at residue 3 (p15E-P3C; "3C," and p15E-P3M; "3M") that better induced p15E-specific CD8+ T cells and led to tumor rejection. Although 3M was more immunogenic, 3C effectively delayed tumor growth in a therapeutic setting relative to the wild-type p15E. As 3C had less H-2Kb affinity relative to both p15E and 3M, 15 additional mimotope candidates (all that incorporated the 3C mutation) were assessed that maintained or improved predicted MHC-I affinity. Valine substitution at position 2 (3C2V, sequence: KVCWFTTL) led to improved p15E-specific immunogenicity, tumor rejection, and subsequent long-term antitumor immunity. 3C, 3M, and 3C2V mimotopes were more effective than p15E in controlling MC38 and B16-F10 tumors. T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing revealed unique TCR transcripts for mimotopes, but there were no major differences in clonality. These results provide new p15E mimotopes for further vaccine use and illustrate considerations for MHC-I affinity, immunogenicity, and functional efficacy in mimotope design. SIGNIFICANCE The MHC-I-restricted p15E tumor rejection epitope is expressed in multiple murine cancer lines and is used as a marker of antitumor cellular immunity, but has seen limited success as a vaccine immunogen. An in vivo screening approach based on a positional peptide microlibraries is used to identify enhanced p15E mimotopes bearing amino acid mutations that induce significantly improved functional immunogenicity relative to vaccination with the wild-type epitope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Yiting Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Yuan Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Breandan Quinn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Scott I. Abrams
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Jonathan F. Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
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Wu TH, Lu YJ, Chiang MR, Chen PH, Lee YS, Shen MY, Chiang WH, Liu YC, Chuang CY, Amy Lin HC, Hu SH. Lung metastasis-Harnessed in-Situ adherent porous organic nanosponge-mediated antigen capture for A self-cascaded detained dendritic cells and T cell infiltration. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122443. [PMID: 38160627 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122443] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes promises to suppress the most irresistible metastatic tumor for immunotherapy, yet immune privilege and low immunogenic responses in these aggressive clusters often restrict lymphocyte recruitment. Here, an in situ adherent porous organic nanosponge (APON) doubles as organ selection agent and antigen captor to overcome immune privilege is developed. With selective organ targeting, the geometric effect of APON composed of disc catechol-functionalized covalent organic framework (COF) boosts the drug delivery to lung metastases. Along with a self-cascaded immune therapy, the therapeutic agents promote tumor release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and then, in situ deposition of gels to capture these antigens. Furthermore, APON with catechol analogs functions as a reservoir of antigens and delivers autologous DAMPs to detain dendritic cells, resulting in a sustained enhancement of immunity. This disc sponges (APON) at lung metastasis as antigen reservoirs and immune modulators effectively suppress the tumor in 60 days and enhanced the survival rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Hsien Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Tao-Yuan 33305, Taiwan; The College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Min-Ren Chiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Hua Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sheng Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yin Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Hsinchu County, 30272, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsuan Chiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Liu
- Laboratory for Human Immunology (Single Cell Genomics), WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Chun-Yu Chuang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chun Amy Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Hsiu Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan.
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5
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Ponomarev AV, Shubina IZ, Sokolova ZA, Baryshnikova MA, Kosorukov VS. Transplantable Murine Tumors in the Studies of Peptide Antitumor Vaccines. Oncol Rev 2024; 17:12189. [PMID: 38260723 PMCID: PMC10800450 DOI: 10.3389/or.2023.12189] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that antitumor vaccines based on synthetic peptides are safe and can induce both CD8+ and CD4+ tumor-specific T cell responses. However, clinical results are still scarce, and such approach to antitumor treatment has not gained a wide implication, yet. Recently, particular advances have been achieved due to tumor sequencing and the search for immunogenic neoantigens caused by mutations. One of the most important issues for peptide vaccines, along with the choice of optimal adjuvants and vaccination regimens, is the search for effective target antigens. Extensive studies of peptide vaccines, including those on murine models, are required to reveal the effective vaccine constructs. The review presents transplantable murine tumors with the detected peptides that showed antitumor efficacy as a vaccine compound.
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6
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Gibadullin R, Morris RK, Niu J, Sidney J, Sette A, Gellman SH. Thioamide Analogues of MHC I Antigen Peptides. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:25559-25569. [PMID: 37968794 PMCID: PMC10782604 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Short, synthetic peptides that are displayed by major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I) can stimulate CD8 T cells in vivo to destroy virus-infected or cancer cells. The development of such peptides as vaccines that provide protective immunity, however, is limited by rapid proteolytic degradation. Introduction of unnatural amino acid residues can suppress MHC I antigen proteolysis, but the modified peptides typically display lower affinity for MHC I and/or diminished ability to activate CD8 T cells relative to native antigen. Here, we report a new strategy for modifying MHC I antigens to enhance resistance to proteolysis while preserving MHC I affinity and T cell activation properties. This approach, replacing backbone amide groups with thioamides, was evaluated in two well-characterized antigens presented by HLA-A2, a common human MHC I. For each antigen, singly modified thioamide analogues retained affinity for HLA-A2 and activated T cells specific for the native antigen, as measured via interferon-γ secretion. In each system, we identified a highly potent triply substituted thioamide antigen ("thio-antigen") that displayed substantial resistance to proteolytic cleavage. Collectively, our results suggest that thio-antigens may represent a general and readily accessible source of potent vaccine candidates that resist degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan Gibadullin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Present address: Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Rylie K. Morris
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Jiani Niu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - John Sidney
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Samuel H. Gellman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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7
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Lei J, Zhou Z, Fang J, Sun Z, He M, He B, Chen Q, Paek C, Chen P, Zhou J, Wang H, Tang M, Yin L, Chen Y. Aspirin induces immunogenic cell death and enhances cancer immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 121:110350. [PMID: 37290325 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110350] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The use of aspirin is associated with reduced incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we reported that colon cancer cells treated with aspirin showed the hallmarks of immunogenic cell death (ICD), including surface expression of calreticulin (CRT) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Mechanistically, aspirin induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in colon cancer cells. In addition, aspirin decreased the expression of the glucose transporters, GLUT3, and reduced the key enzyme of glycolysis, including HK2, PFKM, PKM2 and LDHA. The changes of tumor glycolysis after aspirin treatment were associated with c-MYC downregulation. Moreover, aspirin potentiated the antitumor efficacy of anti-PD-1 antibody and anti-CTLA-4 antibody in CT26 tumors. However, this antitumor activity of aspirin in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody was abolished by the depletion of CD8+ T cells. Vaccination with tumor antigens is one of the strategies for activating T-cell response against tumors. Here, we demonstrated that aspirin-treated tumor cells in combination with tumor antigens (AH1 peptide) or protective substituted peptide (A5 peptide) could be served as a potent vaccine to eradicate tumors. Overall, our data indicated that aspirin can be used as an inducer of ICD for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Zihao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Jialing Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Zaiqiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Mengting He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Boxiao He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Chonil Paek
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Peng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Hongjian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Mingliang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Lei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China.
| | - Yongshun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China.
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Lhuillier C, Van Nest SJ, Rudqvist NP, Demaria S. Pipeline to identify neoantigens exposed by radiation. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 180:25-37. [PMID: 37890930 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Mutation-associated neoantigens are key targets of tumor-specific T cells and thus play a major role in driving responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy in tumors with high mutational burden. However, only a small number of mutated peptides are actually presented by MHC molecules and only a minority can induce T cell responses. In addition, the recognition of these neoantigens by T cells is limited by the level of expression of the mutated gene product in the tumor cells. Preclinical studies have shown that radiation can convert the irradiated tumor into an in situ vaccine, leading to the priming of tumor-specific T cells and to the rejection of otherwise ICB-resistant tumors. There is now preclinical and clinical evidence that radiation can upregulate the expression of genes containing immunogenic mutations and expose them to the immune system. Therefore, the identification of neoantigens upregulated by radiation could help to predict which patients might benefit from treatment with combinations of radiotherapy and ICB and could also be incorporated into personalized neoantigen vaccination strategies. In this chapter, we present the pipeline that we used to identify relevant radiation-upregulated neoantigens in a poorly immunogenic mouse model of metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Lhuillier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Samantha J Van Nest
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nils-Petter Rudqvist
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
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9
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Daradoumis J, Ragonnaud E, Skandorff I, Nielsen KN, Bermejo AV, Andersson AM, Schroedel S, Thirion C, Neukirch L, Holst PJ. An Endogenous Retrovirus Vaccine Encoding an Envelope with a Mutated Immunosuppressive Domain in Combination with Anti-PD1 Treatment Eradicates Established Tumours in Mice. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040926. [PMID: 37112906 PMCID: PMC10141008 DOI: 10.3390/v15040926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) account for 8% of our genome, and, although they are usually silent in healthy tissues, they become reactivated and expressed in pathological conditions such as cancer. Several studies support a functional role of ERVs in tumour development and progression, specifically through their envelope (Env) protein, which contains a region described as an immunosuppressive domain (ISD). We have previously shown that targeting of the murine ERV (MelARV) Env using virus-like vaccine (VLV) technology, consisting of an adenoviral vector encoding virus-like particles (VLPs), induces protection against small tumours in mice. Here, we investigate the potency and efficacy of a novel MelARV VLV with a mutated ISD (ISDmut) that can modify the properties of the adenoviral vaccine-encoded Env protein. We show that the modification of the vaccine's ISD significantly enhanced T-cell immunogenicity in both prime and prime-boost vaccination regimens. The modified VLV in combination with an α-PD1 checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) exhibited excellent curative efficacy against large established colorectal CT26 tumours in mice. Furthermore, only ISDmut-vaccinated mice that survived CT26 challenge were additionally protected against rechallenge with a triple-negative breast cancer cell line (4T1), showing that our modified VLV provides cross-protection against different tumour types expressing ERV-derived antigens. We envision that translating these findings and technology into human ERVs (HERVs) could provide new treatment opportunities for cancer patients with unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Daradoumis
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- InProTher, Bioinnovation Institute, COBIS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emeline Ragonnaud
- InProTher, Bioinnovation Institute, COBIS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Isabella Skandorff
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- InProTher, Bioinnovation Institute, COBIS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Amaia Vergara Bermejo
- InProTher, Bioinnovation Institute, COBIS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Andersson
- InProTher, Bioinnovation Institute, COBIS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Lasse Neukirch
- InProTher, Bioinnovation Institute, COBIS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- InProTher, Bioinnovation Institute, COBIS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Krähling V, Erbar S, Kupke A, Nogueira SS, Walzer KC, Berger H, Dietzel E, Halwe S, Rohde C, Sauerhering L, Aragão-Santiago L, Moreno Herrero J, Witzel S, Haas H, Becker S, Sahin U. Self-amplifying RNA vaccine protects mice against lethal Ebola virus infection. Mol Ther 2023; 31:374-386. [PMID: 36303436 PMCID: PMC9931551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.10.011] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging viruses, such as Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV), pose a global threat and require immediate countermeasures, including the rapid development of effective vaccines that are easy to manufacture. Synthetic self-amplifying RNAs (saRNAs) attend to these needs, being safe and strong immune stimulators that can be inexpensively produced in large quantities, using cell-free systems and good manufacturing practice. Here, the first goal was to develop and optimize an anti-EBOV saRNA-based vaccine in terms of its antigen composition and route of administration. Vaccinating mice with saRNAs expressing the EBOV glycoprotein (GP) alone or in combination with the nucleoprotein (NP) elicited antigen-specific immune responses. GP-specific antibodies showed neutralizing activity against EBOV. Strong CD4+ T cell response against NP and GP and CD8+ T cell response against NP were detected by ELISpot assays. Intramuscular vaccination with saRNAs conferred better immune response than intradermal. Finally, mice vaccinated in a prime-boost regimen with saRNAs encoding both GP and NP or with GP alone survived an EBOV infection. In addition, a single dose of GP and NP saRNAs was also protective against fatal EBOV infection. Overall, saRNAs expressing viral antigens represent a promising vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Krähling
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Alexandra Kupke
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Erik Dietzel
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sandro Halwe
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Cornelius Rohde
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lucie Sauerhering
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Sonja Witzel
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Heinrich Haas
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Becker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Gießen-Marburg-Langen, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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11
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Grazioli F, Machart P, Mösch A, Li K, Castorina LV, Pfeifer N, Min MR. Attentive Variational Information Bottleneck for TCR-peptide interaction prediction. Bioinformatics 2022; 39:6960920. [PMID: 36571499 PMCID: PMC9825246 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION We present a multi-sequence generalization of Variational Information Bottleneck and call the resulting model Attentive Variational Information Bottleneck (AVIB). Our AVIB model leverages multi-head self-attention to implicitly approximate a posterior distribution over latent encodings conditioned on multiple input sequences. We apply AVIB to a fundamental immuno-oncology problem: predicting the interactions between T-cell receptors (TCRs) and peptides. RESULTS Experimental results on various datasets show that AVIB significantly outperforms state-of-the-art methods for TCR-peptide interaction prediction. Additionally, we show that the latent posterior distribution learned by AVIB is particularly effective for the unsupervised detection of out-of-distribution amino acid sequences. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The code and the data used for this study are publicly available at: https://github.com/nec-research/vibtcr. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pierre Machart
- Biomedical AI Group, NEC Laboratories Europe, Heidelberg 69115, Germany
| | - Anja Mösch
- Biomedical AI Group, NEC Laboratories Europe, Heidelberg 69115, Germany
| | - Kai Li
- Machine Learning Department, NEC Laboratories America, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | | | - Nico Pfeifer
- Methods in Medical Informatics, Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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12
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Murata K, Ly D, Saijo H, Matsunaga Y, Sugata K, Ihara F, Oryoji D, Ohashi Y, Saso K, Wang CH, Zheng EY, Burt BD, Butler MO, Hirano N. Modification of the HLA-A*24:02 Peptide Binding Pocket Enhances Cognate Peptide-Binding Capacity and Antigen-Specific T Cell Activation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 209:1481-1491. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The immunogenicity of a T cell Ag is correlated with the ability of its antigenic epitope to bind HLA and be stably presented to T cells. This presents a challenge for the development of effective cancer immunotherapies, as many self-derived tumor-associated epitopes elicit weak T cell responses, in part due to weak binding affinity to HLA. Traditional methods to increase peptide–HLA binding affinity involve modifying the peptide to reflect HLA allele binding preferences. Using a different approach, we sought to analyze whether the immunogenicity of wild-type peptides could be altered through modification of the HLA binding pocket. After analyzing HLA class I peptide binding pocket alignments, we identified an alanine 81 to leucine (A81L) modification within the F binding pocket of HLA-A*24:02 that was found to heighten the ability of artificial APCs to retain and present HLA-A*24:02–restricted peptides, resulting in increased T cell responses while retaining Ag specificity. This modification led to increased peptide exchange efficiencies for enhanced detection of low-avidity T cells and, when expressed on artificial APCs, resulted in greater expansion of Ag-specific T cells from melanoma-derived tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Our study provides an example of how modifications to the HLA binding pocket can enhance wild-type cognate peptide presentation to heighten T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Murata
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dalam Ly
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hiroshi Saijo
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yukiko Matsunaga
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenji Sugata
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fumie Ihara
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daisuke Oryoji
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yota Ohashi
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- †Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Kayoko Saso
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chung-Hsi Wang
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- †Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Evey Y.F. Zheng
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- †Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Brian D. Burt
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcus O. Butler
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- †Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
- ‡Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naoto Hirano
- *Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- †Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
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13
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Grace BE, Backlund CM, Morgan DM, Kang BH, Singh NK, Huisman BD, Rappazzo CG, Moynihan KD, Maiorino L, Dobson CS, Kyung T, Gordon KS, Holec PV, Mbah OCT, Garafola D, Wu S, Love JC, Wittrup KD, Irvine DJ, Birnbaum ME. Identification of Highly Cross-Reactive Mimotopes for a Public T Cell Response in Murine Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886683. [PMID: 35812387 PMCID: PMC9260506 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While immune checkpoint blockade results in durable responses for some patients, many others have not experienced such benefits. These treatments rely upon reinvigorating specific T cell-antigen interactions. However, it is often unknown what antigens are being recognized by T cells or how to potently induce antigen-specific responses in a broadly applicable manner. Here, we characterized the CD8+ T cell response to a murine model of melanoma following combination immunotherapy to determine the basis of tumor recognition. Sequencing of tumor-infiltrating T cells revealed a repertoire of highly homologous TCR sequences that were particularly expanded in treated mice and which recognized an antigen from an endogenous retrovirus. While vaccination against this peptide failed to raise a protective T cell response in vivo, engineered antigen mimotopes induced a significant expansion of CD8+ T cells cross-reactive to the original antigen. Vaccination with mimotopes resulted in killing of antigen-loaded cells in vivo yet showed modest survival benefit in a prophylactic vaccine paradigm. Together, this work demonstrates the identification of a dominant tumor-associated antigen and generation of mimotopes which can induce robust functional T cell responses that are cross-reactive to the endogenous antigen across multiple individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth E. Grace
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Coralie M. Backlund
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Duncan M. Morgan
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Byong H. Kang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Nishant K. Singh
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Brooke D. Huisman
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - C. Garrett Rappazzo
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Kelly D. Moynihan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Laura Maiorino
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Connor S. Dobson
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Taeyoon Kyung
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Khloe S. Gordon
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Patrick V. Holec
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Daniel Garafola
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Shengwei Wu
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - J. Christopher Love
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - K. Dane Wittrup
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Darrell J. Irvine
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Michael E. Birnbaum
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael E. Birnbaum,
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14
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Muik A, Altintas I, Gieseke F, Schoedel KB, Burm SM, Toker A, Salcedo TW, Verzijl D, Eisel D, Grunwitz C, Kranz LM, Vormehr M, Satijn DP, Diken M, Kreiter S, Sasser K, Ahmadi T, Türeci Ö, Breij EC, Jure-Kunkel M, Sahin U. An Fc-inert PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody mediates potent anti-tumor immunity in mice by combining checkpoint inhibition and conditional 4-1BB co-stimulation. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2030135. [PMID: 35186440 PMCID: PMC8855865 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2030135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have changed the treatment paradigm for advanced solid tumors; however, many patients experience treatment resistance. In preclinical models 4-1BB co-stimulation synergizes with ICI by activating cytotoxic T- and NK-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Here we characterize the mechanism of action of a mouse-reactive Fc-inert PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody (mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB) and provide proof-of-concept for enhanced anti-tumor activity. In reporter assays mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB exhibited conditional 4-1BB agonist activity that was dependent on simultaneous binding to PD-L1. mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB further blocked the PD-L1/PD-1 interaction independently of 4-1BB binding. By combining both mechanisms, mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB strongly enhanced T-cell proliferation, cytokine production and antigen-specific cytotoxicity using primary mouse cells in vitro. Furthermore, mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB exhibited potent anti-tumor activity in the CT26 and MC38 models in vivo, leading to the rejection of CT26 tumors that were unresponsive to PD-L1 blockade alone. Anti-tumor activity was associated with increased tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and reduced regulatory T cells within the tumor microenvironment and tumor-draining lymph nodes. In immunocompetent tumor-free mice, mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB treatment neither induced T-cell infiltration into the liver nor elevated liver enzymes in the blood. Dual targeting of PD-L1 and 4-1BB with a bispecific antibody may therefore address key limitations of first generation 4-1BB-agonistic antibodies, and may provide a novel approach to improve PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, Mainz, Germany
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
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15
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He X, Zhou S, Quinn B, Jahagirdar D, Ortega J, Long MD, Abrams SI, Lovell JF. An In Vivo Screen to Identify Short Peptide Mimotopes with Enhanced Antitumor Immunogenicity. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:314-326. [PMID: 34992135 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated self-antigens are potential cancer vaccine targets but suffer from limited immunogenicity. There are examples of mutated, short self-peptides inducing epitope-specific CD8⁺ T cells more efficiently than the wild-type epitope, but current approaches cannot yet reliably identify such epitopes, which are referred to as enhanced mimotopes ("e-mimotopes"). Here, we present a generalized strategy to develop e-mimotopes, using the tyrosinase-related protein 2 (Trp2) peptide Trp2180-188, which is a murine major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) epitope, as a test case. Using a vaccine adjuvant that induces peptide particle formation and strong cellular responses with nanogram antigen doses, a two-step method systematically identified e-mimotope candidates with murine immunization. First, position-scanning peptide micro libraries were generated in which each position of the wild-type epitope sequence was randomized. Randomization of only one specific residue of the Trp2 epitope increased antitumor immunogenicity. Second, all 20 amino acids were individually substituted and tested at that position, enabling the identification of two e-mimotopes with single amino-acid mutations. Despite similar MHC-I affinity compared to the wild-type epitope, e-mimotope immunization elicited improved Trp2-specific cytotoxic T-cell phenotypes and improved T-cell receptor affinity for both the e-mimotopes and the native epitope, resulting in better outcomes in multiple prophylactic and therapeutic tumor models. The screening method was also applied to other targets with other murine MHC-I restriction elements, including epitopes within glycoprotein 70 and Wilms' Tumor Gene 1, to identify additional e-mimotopes with enhanced potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan He
- Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
| | - Shiqi Zhou
- Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
| | - Breandan Quinn
- Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
| | | | | | - Mark D Long
- Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | - Jonathan F Lovell
- Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
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16
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Lhuillier C, Van Nest SJ, Rudqvist NP, Demaria S. Pipeline to identify neoantigens exposed by radiation. Methods Cell Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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He X, Zhou S, Quinn B, Huang W, Jahagirdar D, Vega M, Ortega J, Long MD, Ito F, Abrams SI, Lovell JF. Position-Scanning Peptide Libraries as Particle Immunogens for Improving CD8 + T-Cell Responses. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2103023. [PMID: 34716694 PMCID: PMC8693074 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Short peptides reflecting major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC-I) epitopes frequently lack sufficient immunogenicity to induce robust antigen (Ag)-specific CD8+ T cell responses. In the current work, it is demonstrated that position-scanning peptide libraries themselves can serve as improved immunogens, inducing Ag-specific CD8+ T cells with greater frequency and function than the wild-type epitope. The approach involves displaying the entire position-scanning library onto immunogenic nanoliposomes. Each library contains the MHC-I epitope with a single randomized position. When a recently identified MHC-I epitope in the glycoprotein gp70 envelope protein of murine leukemia virus (MuLV) is assessed, only one of the eight positional libraries tested, randomized at amino acid position 5 (Pos5), shows enhanced induction of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells. A second MHC-I epitope from gp70 is assessed in the same manner and shows, in contrast, multiple positional libraries (Pos1, Pos3, Pos5, and Pos8) as well as the library mixture give rise to enhanced CD8+ T cell responses. The library mixture Pos1-3-5-8 induces a more diverse epitope-specific T-cell repertoire with superior antitumor efficacy compared to an established single mutation mimotope (AH1-A5). These data show that positional peptide libraries can serve as immunogens for improving CD8+ T-cell responses against endogenously expressed MHC-I epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan He
- University at BuffaloState University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
| | - Shiqi Zhou
- University at BuffaloState University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
| | - Breandan Quinn
- University at BuffaloState University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
| | - Wei‐Chiao Huang
- University at BuffaloState University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
| | - Dushyant Jahagirdar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyMcGill University MontrealQuebecH3A1Y2Canada
| | - Michael Vega
- Division of Research and Innovation PartnershipsNorthern Illinois UniversityDeKalbIL60115USA
| | - Joaquin Ortega
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyMcGill University MontrealQuebecH3A1Y2Canada
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Cancer Genetics and GenomicsRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC)BuffaloNY14263USA
| | - Fumito Ito
- Department of ImmunologyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloNY14263USA
- Center for ImmunotherapyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloNY14263USA
- Department of Surgical OncologyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloNY14263USA
| | - Scott I. Abrams
- Department of ImmunologyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloNY14263USA
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18
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Fujiwara Y, Torphy RJ, Sun Y, Miller EN, Ho F, Borcherding N, Wu T, Torres RM, Zhang W, Schulick RD, Zhu Y. The GPR171 pathway suppresses T cell activation and limits antitumor immunity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5857. [PMID: 34615877 PMCID: PMC8494883 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26135-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently identified G-protein-coupled receptor GPR171 and its ligand BigLEN are thought to regulate food uptake and anxiety. Though GPR171 is commonly used as a T cell signature gene in transcriptomic studies, its potential role in T cell immunity has not been explored. Here we show that GPR171 is transcribed in T cells and its protein expression is induced upon antigen stimulation. The neuropeptide ligand BigLEN interacts with GPR171 to suppress T cell receptor-mediated signalling pathways and to inhibit T cell proliferation. Loss of GPR171 in T cells leads to hyperactivity to antigen stimulation and GPR171 knockout mice exhibit enhanced antitumor immunity. Blockade of GPR171 signalling by an antagonist promotes antitumor T cell immunity and improves immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Together, our study identifies the GPR171/BigLEN axis as a T cell checkpoint pathway that can be modulated for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Fujiwara
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Robert J Torphy
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Emily N Miller
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Felix Ho
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nicholas Borcherding
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Tuoqi Wu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Raul M Torres
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Richard D Schulick
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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19
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Structures suggest an approach for converting weak self-peptide tumor antigens into superagonists for CD8 T cells in cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2100588118. [PMID: 34074778 PMCID: PMC8201969 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2100588118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor vaccines using modified self-antigens that structurally enhance T cell receptor–peptide–major histocompatibility complex interactions greatly improve a T cell protective response against the tumor’s unmodified self-antigen. X-ray crystal structures of these interactions explain how the native and modified peptides can interact with the same T cell receptor, but with different affinities and abilities to drive T cell proliferation and differentiation. Tumors frequently express unmutated self-tumor–associated antigens (self-TAAs). However, trial results using self-TAAs as vaccine targets against cancer are mixed, often attributed to deletion of T cells with high-affinity receptors (TCRs) for self-TAAs during T cell development. Mutating these weak self-TAAs to produce higher affinity, effective vaccines is challenging, since the mutations may not benefit all members of the broad self-TAA–specific T cell repertoire. We previously identified a common weak murine self-TAA that we converted to a highly effective antitumor vaccine by a single amino acid substitution. In this case the modified and natural self-TAAs still raised very similar sets of CD8 T cells. Our structural studies herein show that the modification of the self-TAA resulted in a subtle change in the major histocompatibility complex I–TAA structure. This amino acid substitution allowed a dramatic conformational change in the peptide during subsequent TCR engagement, creating a large increase in TCR affinity and accounting for the efficacy of the modified self-TAA as a vaccine. These results show that carefully selected, well-characterized modifications to a poorly immunogenic self-TAA can rescue the immune response of the large repertoire of weakly responding natural self-TAA–specific CD8 T cells, driving them to proliferate and differentiate into functional effectors. Subsequently, the unmodified self-TAA on the tumor cells, while unable to drive this response, is nevertheless a sufficient target for the CD8 cytotoxic effectors. Our results suggest a pathway for more efficiently identifying variants of common self-TAAs, which could be useful in vaccine development, complementing other current nonantigen-specific immunotherapies.
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20
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Clemen R, Freund E, Mrochen D, Miebach L, Schmidt A, Rauch BH, Lackmann J, Martens U, Wende K, Lalk M, Delcea M, Bröker BM, Bekeschus S. Gas Plasma Technology Augments Ovalbumin Immunogenicity and OT-II T Cell Activation Conferring Tumor Protection in Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2003395. [PMID: 34026437 PMCID: PMC8132054 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202003395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS/RNS) are produced during inflammation and elicit protein modifications, but the immunological consequences are largely unknown. Gas plasma technology capable of generating an unmatched variety of ROS/RNS is deployed to mimic inflammation and study the significance of ROS/RNS modifications using the model protein chicken ovalbumin (Ova vs oxOva). Dynamic light scattering and circular dichroism spectroscopy reveal structural modifications in oxOva compared to Ova. T cells from Ova-specific OT-II but not from C57BL/6 or SKH-1 wild type mice presents enhanced activation after Ova addition. OxOva exacerbates this activation when administered ex vivo or in vivo, along with an increased interferon-gamma production, a known anti-melanoma agent. OxOva vaccination of wild type mice followed by inoculation of syngeneic B16F10 Ova-expressing melanoma cells shows enhanced T cell number and activation, decreased tumor burden, and elevated numbers of antigen-presenting cells when compared to their Ova-vaccinated counterparts. Analysis of oxOva using mass spectrometry identifies three hot spots regions rich in oxidative modifications that are associated with the increased T cell activation. Using Ova as a model protein, the findings suggest an immunomodulating role of multi-ROS/RNS modifications that may spur novel research lines in inflammation research and for vaccination strategies in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Clemen
- ZIK plasmatisLeibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP)Felix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 2Greifswald17489Germany
| | - Eric Freund
- ZIK plasmatisLeibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP)Felix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 2Greifswald17489Germany
- Department of GeneralVisceralThoracicand Vascular SurgeryUniversity Medicine GreifswaldSauerbruchstr. DZ7Greifswald17475Germany
| | - Daniel Mrochen
- ZIK plasmatisLeibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP)Felix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 2Greifswald17489Germany
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity Medicine GreifswaldSauerbruchstr. DZ7Greifswald17475Germany
| | - Lea Miebach
- ZIK plasmatisLeibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP)Felix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 2Greifswald17489Germany
- Department of GeneralVisceralThoracicand Vascular SurgeryUniversity Medicine GreifswaldSauerbruchstr. DZ7Greifswald17475Germany
| | - Anke Schmidt
- ZIK plasmatisLeibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP)Felix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 2Greifswald17489Germany
| | - Bernhard H. Rauch
- Institute of Pharmacology (C_Dat)University Medicine GreifswaldFelix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 1Greifswald17489Germany
| | - Jan‐Wilm Lackmann
- CECAD proteomics facilityUniversity of CologneJoseph‐Stelzmann‐Str. 26Cologne50931Germany
| | - Ulrike Martens
- ZIK HIKEUniversity of GreifswaldFleischmannstr. 42–44Greifswald17489Germany
- Institute of BiochemistryUniversity of GreifswaldFelix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 4Greifswald17489Germany
| | - Kristian Wende
- ZIK plasmatisLeibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP)Felix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 2Greifswald17489Germany
| | - Michael Lalk
- Institute of BiochemistryUniversity of GreifswaldFelix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 4Greifswald17489Germany
| | - Mihaela Delcea
- ZIK HIKEUniversity of GreifswaldFleischmannstr. 42–44Greifswald17489Germany
- Institute of BiochemistryUniversity of GreifswaldFelix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 4Greifswald17489Germany
| | - Barbara M. Bröker
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity Medicine GreifswaldSauerbruchstr. DZ7Greifswald17475Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatisLeibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP)Felix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 2Greifswald17489Germany
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21
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Vogel AB, Kanevsky I, Che Y, Swanson KA, Muik A, Vormehr M, Kranz LM, Walzer KC, Hein S, Güler A, Loschko J, Maddur MS, Ota-Setlik A, Tompkins K, Cole J, Lui BG, Ziegenhals T, Plaschke A, Eisel D, Dany SC, Fesser S, Erbar S, Bates F, Schneider D, Jesionek B, Sänger B, Wallisch AK, Feuchter Y, Junginger H, Krumm SA, Heinen AP, Adams-Quack P, Schlereth J, Schille S, Kröner C, de la Caridad Güimil Garcia R, Hiller T, Fischer L, Sellers RS, Choudhary S, Gonzalez O, Vascotto F, Gutman MR, Fontenot JA, Hall-Ursone S, Brasky K, Griffor MC, Han S, Su AAH, Lees JA, Nedoma NL, Mashalidis EH, Sahasrabudhe PV, Tan CY, Pavliakova D, Singh G, Fontes-Garfias C, Pride M, Scully IL, Ciolino T, Obregon J, Gazi M, Carrion R, Alfson KJ, Kalina WV, Kaushal D, Shi PY, Klamp T, Rosenbaum C, Kuhn AN, Türeci Ö, Dormitzer PR, Jansen KU, Sahin U. BNT162b vaccines protect rhesus macaques from SARS-CoV-2. Nature 2021; 592:283-289. [PMID: 33524990 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03275-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 136.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
A safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 is urgently needed in quantities that are sufficient to immunize large populations. Here we report the preclinical development of two vaccine candidates (BNT162b1 and BNT162b2) that contain nucleoside-modified messenger RNA that encodes immunogens derived from the spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2, formulated in lipid nanoparticles. BNT162b1 encodes a soluble, secreted trimerized receptor-binding domain (known as the RBD-foldon). BNT162b2 encodes the full-length transmembrane S glycoprotein, locked in its prefusion conformation by the substitution of two residues with proline (S(K986P/V987P); hereafter, S(P2) (also known as P2 S)). The flexibly tethered RBDs of the RBD-foldon bind to human ACE2 with high avidity. Approximately 20% of the S(P2) trimers are in the two-RBD 'down', one-RBD 'up' state. In mice, one intramuscular dose of either candidate vaccine elicits a dose-dependent antibody response with high virus-entry inhibition titres and strong T-helper-1 CD4+ and IFNγ+CD8+ T cell responses. Prime-boost vaccination of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with the BNT162b candidates elicits SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing geometric mean titres that are 8.2-18.2× that of a panel of SARS-CoV-2-convalescent human sera. The vaccine candidates protect macaques against challenge with SARS-CoV-2; in particular, BNT162b2 protects the lower respiratory tract against the presence of viral RNA and shows no evidence of disease enhancement. Both candidates are being evaluated in phase I trials in Germany and the USA1-3, and BNT162b2 is being evaluated in an ongoing global phase II/III trial (NCT04380701 and NCT04368728).
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MESH Headings
- Aging/immunology
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/chemistry
- Antigens, Viral/genetics
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- BNT162 Vaccine
- COVID-19/blood
- COVID-19/immunology
- COVID-19/prevention & control
- COVID-19/therapy
- COVID-19/virology
- COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
- COVID-19 Vaccines/chemistry
- COVID-19 Vaccines/genetics
- COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
- Cell Line
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Humans
- Immunization, Passive
- Internationality
- Macaca mulatta/immunology
- Macaca mulatta/virology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Models, Molecular
- Protein Multimerization
- RNA, Viral/analysis
- Respiratory System/immunology
- Respiratory System/virology
- SARS-CoV-2/chemistry
- SARS-CoV-2/genetics
- SARS-CoV-2/immunology
- Solubility
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/chemistry
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- COVID-19 Serotherapy
- mRNA Vaccines
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Journey Cole
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Olga Gonzalez
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Fulvia Vascotto
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthew R Gutman
- VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Center, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | | | - Shannan Hall-Ursone
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kathleen Brasky
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michal Gazi
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo Carrion
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Deepak Kaushal
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech, Mainz, Germany.
- TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
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22
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He X, Zhou S, Huang WC, Seffouh A, Mabrouk MT, Morgan MT, Ortega J, Abrams SI, Lovell JF. A Potent Cancer Vaccine Adjuvant System for Particleization of Short, Synthetic CD8 + T Cell Epitopes. ACS NANO 2021; 15:4357-4371. [PMID: 33606514 PMCID: PMC10184788 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Short major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC-I)-restricted peptides contain the minimal biochemical information to induce antigen (Ag)-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cell responses but are generally ineffective in doing so. To address this, we developed a cobalt-porphyrin (CoPoP) liposome vaccine adjuvant system that induces rapid particleization of conventional, short synthetic MHC-I epitopes, leading to strong cellular immune responses at nanogram dosing. Along with CoPoP (to induce particle formation of peptides), synthetic monophosphoryl lipid A (PHAD) and QS-21 immunostimulatory molecules were included in the liposome bilayer to generate the "CPQ" adjuvant system. In mice, immunization with a short MHC-I-restricted peptide, derived from glycoprotein 70 (gp70), admixed with CPQ safely generated functional, Ag-specific CD8+ T cells, resulting in the rejection of multiple tumor cell lines, with durable immunity. When cobalt was omitted, the otherwise identical peptide and adjuvant components did not result in peptide binding and were incapable of inducing immune responses, demonstrating the importance of stable particle formation. Immunization with the liposomal vaccine was well-tolerated and could control local and metastatic disease in a therapeutic setting. Mechanistic studies showed that particle-based peptides were better taken up by antigen-presenting cells, where they were putatively released within endosomes and phagosomes for display on MHC-I surfaces. On the basis of the potency of the approach, the platform was demonstrated as a tool for in vivo epitope screening of peptide microlibraries comprising a hundred peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering. University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Shiqi Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering. University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Wei-Chiao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering. University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Amal Seffouh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University Montreal, Quebec H3A0C7, Canada
| | - Moustafa T. Mabrouk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering. University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | | | - Joaquin Ortega
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University Montreal, Quebec H3A0C7, Canada
| | - Scott I. Abrams
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
- ,
| | - Jonathan F. Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering. University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
- ,
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23
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Lhuillier C, Rudqvist NP, Yamazaki T, Zhang T, Charpentier M, Galluzzi L, Dephoure N, Clement CC, Santambrogio L, Zhou XK, Formenti SC, Demaria S. Radiotherapy-exposed CD8+ and CD4+ neoantigens enhance tumor control. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:138740. [PMID: 33476307 DOI: 10.1172/jci138740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoantigens generated by somatic nonsynonymous mutations are key targets of tumor-specific T cells, but only a small number of mutations predicted to be immunogenic are presented by MHC molecules on cancer cells. Vaccination studies in mice and patients have shown that the majority of neoepitopes that elicit T cell responses fail to induce significant antitumor activity, for incompletely understood reasons. We report that radiotherapy upregulates the expression of genes containing immunogenic mutations in a poorly immunogenic mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer. Vaccination with neoepitopes encoded by these genes elicited CD8+ and CD4+ T cells that, whereas ineffective in preventing tumor growth, improved the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy. Mechanistically, neoantigen-specific CD8+ T cells preferentially killed irradiated tumor cells. Neoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells were required for the therapeutic efficacy of vaccination and acted by producing Th1 cytokines, killing irradiated tumor cells, and promoting epitope spread. Such a cytotoxic activity relied on the ability of radiation to upregulate class II MHC molecules as well as the death receptors FAS/CD95 and DR5 on the surface of tumor cells. These results provide proof-of-principle evidence that radiotherapy works in concert with neoantigen vaccination to improve tumor control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tuo Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology and.,Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Noah Dephoure
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Biochemistry
| | | | - Laura Santambrogio
- Department of Radiation Oncology and.,Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xi Kathy Zhou
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, and
| | - Silvia C Formenti
- Department of Radiation Oncology and.,Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology and.,Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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24
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Hevey R. The Role of Fluorine in Glycomimetic Drug Design. Chemistry 2020; 27:2240-2253. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.202003135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hevey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Basel, Pharmazentrum Klingelbergstrasse 50 4056 Basel Switzerland
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25
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Zheng DW, Hong S, Zhang QL, Dong X, Pan P, Song WF, Song W, Cheng SX, Zhang XZ. Controllable gelation of artificial extracellular matrix for altering mass transport and improving cancer therapies. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4907. [PMID: 32999289 PMCID: PMC7527557 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18493-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Global alterations in the metabolic network provide substances and energy to support tumor progression. To fuel these metabolic processes, extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a dominant role in supporting the mass transport and providing essential nutrients. Here, we report a fibrinogen and thrombin based coagulation system to construct an artificial ECM (aECM) for selectively cutting-off the tumor metabolic flux. Once a micro-wound is induced, a cascaded gelation of aECM can be triggered to besiege the tumor. Studies on cell behaviors and metabolomics reveal that aECM cuts off the mass transport and leads to a tumor specific starvation to inhibit tumor growth. In orthotopic and spontaneous murine tumor models, this physical barrier also hinders cancer cells from distant metastasis. The in vivo gelation provides an efficient approach to selectively alter the tumor mass transport. This strategy results in a 77% suppression of tumor growth. Most importantly, the gelation of aECM can be induced by clinical operations such as ultrasonic treatment, surgery or radiotherapy, implying this strategy is potential to be translated into a clinical combination regimen. The extracellular matrix (ECM) can influence tumor growth and its response to therapy. Here, the authors develop a fibrinogen and thrombin based artificial ECM that can starve tumours and prevent dissemination of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di-Wei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P.R. China
| | - Qiu-Ling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P.R. China
| | - Xue Dong
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P.R. China
| | - Pei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Fang Song
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P.R. China
| | - Wen Song
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P.R. China
| | - Si-Xue Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P.R. China
| | - Xian-Zheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P.R. China.
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26
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Structural dissimilarity from self drives neoepitope escape from immune tolerance. Nat Chem Biol 2020; 16:1269-1276. [PMID: 32807968 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-020-0610-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
T-cell recognition of peptides incorporating nonsynonymous mutations, or neoepitopes, is a cornerstone of tumor immunity and forms the basis of new immunotherapy approaches including personalized cancer vaccines. Yet as they are derived from self-peptides, the means through which immunogenic neoepitopes overcome immune self-tolerance are often unclear. Here we show that a point mutation in a non-major histocompatibility complex anchor position induces structural and dynamic changes in an immunologically active ovarian cancer neoepitope. The changes pre-organize the peptide into a conformation optimal for recognition by a neoepitope-specific T-cell receptor, allowing the receptor to bind the neoepitope with high affinity and deliver potent T-cell signals. Our results emphasize the importance of structural and physical changes relative to self in neoepitope immunogenicity. Considered broadly, these findings can help explain some of the difficulties in identifying immunogenic neoepitopes from sequence alone and provide guidance for developing novel, neoepitope-based personalized therapies.
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27
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Salomon N, Vascotto F, Selmi A, Vormehr M, Quinkhardt J, Bukur T, Schrörs B, Löewer M, Diken M, Türeci Ö, Sahin U, Kreiter S. A liposomal RNA vaccine inducing neoantigen-specific CD4 + T cells augments the antitumor activity of local radiotherapy in mice. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1771925. [PMID: 32923128 PMCID: PMC7458669 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1771925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antigen-encoding, lipoplex-formulated RNA (RNA-LPX) enables systemic delivery to lymphoid compartments and selective expression in resident antigen-presenting cells. We report here that the rejection of CT26 tumors, mediated by local radiotherapy (LRT), is further augmented in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner by an RNA-LPX vaccine that encodes CD4+ T cell-recognized neoantigens (CD4 neoantigen vaccine). Whereas CD8+ T cells induced by LRT alone were primarily directed against the immunodominant gp70 antigen, mice treated with LRT plus the CD4 neoantigen vaccine rejected gp70-negative tumors and were protected from rechallenge with these tumors, indicating a potent poly-antigenic CD8+ T cell response and T cell memory. In the spleens of CD4 neoantigen-vaccinated mice, we found a high number of activated, poly-functional, Th1-like CD4+ T cells against ME1, the immunodominant CD4 neoantigen within the poly-neoantigen vaccine. LRT itself strongly increased CD8+ T cell numbers and clonal expansion. However, tumor infiltrates of mice treated with CD4 neoantigen vaccine/LRT, as compared to LRT alone, displayed a higher fraction of activated gp70-specific CD8+ T cells, lower PD-1/LAG-3 expression and contained ME1-specific IFNγ+ CD4+ T cells capable of providing cognate help. CD4 neoantigen vaccine/LRT treatment followed by anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy further enhanced the efficacy with complete remission of gp70-negative CT26 tumors and survival of all mice. Our data highlight the power of combining synergistic modes of action and warrants further exploration of the presented treatment schema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Salomon
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Fulvia Vascotto
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Abderaouf Selmi
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Bukur
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Barbara Schrörs
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Löewer
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mustafa Diken
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, 55131 Mainz, Germany.,Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI) of the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kreiter
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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28
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Pilones KA, Charpentier M, Garcia-Martinez E, Daviaud C, Kraynak J, Aryankalayil J, Formenti SC, Demaria S. Radiotherapy Cooperates with IL15 to Induce Antitumor Immune Responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:1054-1063. [PMID: 32532811 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Focal radiotherapy can promote cross-presentation of tumor antigens to T cells, but by itself, it is insufficient to induce therapeutically effective T-cell responses. The common gamma-chain cytokine IL15 promotes and sustains the proliferation and effector function of CD8+ T cells but has limited activity against poorly immunogenic tumors that do not elicit significant spontaneous T-cell responses. Here, we show that radiotherapy and subcutaneous IL15 had complementary effects and induced CD8+ T-cell-mediated tumor regression and long-term protective memory responses in two mouse carcinoma models unresponsive to IL15 alone. Mechanistically, radiotherapy-induced IFN type I production and Batf3-dependent conventional dendritic cells type 1 (cDC1) were required for priming of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and for the therapeutic effect of the combination. IL15 cooperated with radiotherapy to activate and recruit cDC1s to the tumor. IL15 alone and in complex with a hybrid molecule containing the IL15α receptor have been tested in early-phase clinical trials in patients with cancer and demonstrated good tolerability, especially when given subcutaneously. Expansion of natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells was noted, without clear clinical activity, suggesting further testing of IL15 as a component of a combinatorial treatment with other agents. Our results provide the rationale for testing combinations of IL15 with radiotherapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten A Pilones
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Maud Charpentier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Elena Garcia-Martinez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.,Hematology and Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain
| | - Camille Daviaud
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey Kraynak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Silvia C Formenti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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29
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Vormehr M, Lehar S, Kranz LM, Tahtinen S, Oei Y, Javinal V, Delamarre L, Walzer KC, Diken M, Kreiter S, Mellman I, Sahin U, Schartner JM, Türeci Ö. Dexamethasone premedication suppresses vaccine-induced immune responses against cancer. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1758004. [PMID: 32923115 PMCID: PMC7458619 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1758004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticosteroids (GCS) have an established role in oncology and are administered to cancer patients in routine clinical care and in drug development trials as co-medication. Given their strong immune-suppressive activity, GCS may interfere with immune-oncology drugs. We are developing a therapeutic cancer vaccine, which is based on a liposomal formulation of tumor-antigen encoding RNA (RNA-LPX) and induces a strong T-cell response both in mice as well as in humans. In this study, we investigated in vivo in mice and in human PBMCs the effect of the commonly used long-acting GCS Dexamethasone (Dexa) on the efficacy of this vaccine format, with a particular focus on antigen-specific T-cell immune responses. We show that Dexa, when used as premedication, substantially blunts RNA-LPX vaccine-mediated immune effects. Premedication with Dexa inhibits vaccine-dependent induction of serum cytokines and chemokines and reduces both the number and activation of splenic conventional dendritic cells (cDC) expressing vaccine-encoded antigens. Consequently, priming of functional effector T cells and therapeutic activity is significantly impaired. Interestingly, responses are less impacted when Dexa is administered post-vaccination. Consistent with this observation, although many inflammatory cytokines are reduced, IFNα, a key cytokine in T-cell priming, is less impacted and antigen expression by cDCs is intact. These findings warrant special caution when combining GCS with immune therapies relying on priming and activation of antigen-specific T cells and suggest that careful sequencing of these treatments may preserve T-cell induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Vormehr
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals, Mainz, Germany.,Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Yoko Oei
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Javinal
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals, Mainz, Germany.,Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.,BioNTech SE, Mainz, Germany.,TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Mustafa Diken
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals, Mainz, Germany.,TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kreiter
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals, Mainz, Germany.,TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ira Mellman
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ugur Sahin
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany.,BioNTech SE, Mainz, Germany
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30
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Hoffmann MM, Slansky JE. T-cell receptor affinity in the age of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:862-870. [PMID: 32386086 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The strength of the interaction between T-cell receptors (TCRs) and their ligands, peptide/major histocompatibility complex complexes (pMHCs), is one of the most frequently discussed and investigated features of T cells in immuno-oncology today. Although there are many molecules on the surface of T cells that interact with ligands on other cells, the TCR/pMHC is the only receptor-ligand pair that offers antigen specificity and dictates the functional response of the T cell. The strength of the TCR/pMHC interaction, along with the environment in which this interaction takes place, is key to how the T cell will respond. The TCR repertoire of T cells that interact with tumor-associated antigens is vast, although typically of low affinity. Here, we focus on the low-affinity interactions between TCRs from CD8+ T cells and different models used in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele M Hoffmann
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jill E Slansky
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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31
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Abstract
T cells recognize and respond to self antigens in both cancer and autoimmunity. One strategy to influence this response is to incorporate amino acid substitutions into these T cell-specific epitopes. This strategy is being reconsidered now with the goal of increasing time to regression with checkpoint blockade therapies in cancer and antigen-specific immunotherapies in autoimmunity. We discuss how these amino acid substitutions change the interactions with the MHC class I or II molecule and the responding T cell repertoire. Amino acid substitutions in epitopes that are the most effective in therapies bind more strongly to T cell receptor and/or MHC molecules and cross-react with the same repertoire of T cells as the natural antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Slansky
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19thAvenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Maki Nakayama
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 E. 19thAvenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1775 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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32
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Neukirch L, Fougeroux C, Andersson AMC, Holst PJ. The potential of adenoviral vaccine vectors with altered antigen presentation capabilities. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:25-41. [PMID: 31889453 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1711054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite their appeal as vaccine vectors, adenoviral vectors are yet unable to induce protective immune responses against some weakly immunogenic antigens. Additionally, the maximum doses of adenovirus-based vaccines are limited by vector-induced toxicity, causing vector elimination and diminished immune responses against the target antigen. In order to increase immune responses to the transgene, while maintaining a moderate vector dose, new technologies for improved transgene presentation have been developed for adenoviral vaccine vectors.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of different genetic-fusion adjuvants that aim to improve antigen presentation in the context of adenoviral vector-based vaccines. The influence on both T cell and B cell responses are discussed, with a main focus on two technologies: MHC class II-associated invariant chain and virus-like-vaccines.Expert opinion: Different strategies have been tested to improve adenovirus-based vaccinations with varying degrees of success. The reviewed genetic adjuvants were designed to increase antigen processing and MHC presentation, or promote humoral immune responses with an improved conformational antigen display. While none of the introduced technologies is universally applicable, this review shall give an overview to identify potential improvements for future vaccination approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Neukirch
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cyrielle Fougeroux
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Carola Andersson
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,InProTher ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,InProTher ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
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33
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Pan X, Xu J, Jia X. Research Progress Evaluating the Function and Mechanism of Anti-Tumor Peptides. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:397-409. [PMID: 32021452 PMCID: PMC6970611 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s232708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors cause a high mortality rate worldwide, and they severely threaten human health and negatively affect the economy. Despite the advancements in tumor-related molecular genetics and effective new processes in anti-tumor drug development, the anti-tumor drugs currently used in clinical practice are inadequate due to their poor efficacy or severe side effects. Therefore, developing new safe and efficient drugs is a top priority for curing cancer. The peptide has become a suitable agent due to its exact molecular weight between whole protein and small molecule, and it has high targeting ability, high penetrability, low immunogenicity, and is convenient to synthesize and easy to modify. Because of these advantages, peptides have excellent prospect for application as anti-tumor agents. This article reviews the recent research progress evaluating anti-tumor peptides and their anti-tumor mechanisms, and may act as a reference for the future development and clinical application of anti-tumor peptides. ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/snZy3e6sVio
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxing Pan
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Jia
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
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34
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Aaes TL, Verschuere H, Kaczmarek A, Heyndrickx L, Wiernicki B, Delrue I, De Craene B, Taminau J, Delvaeye T, Bertrand MJM, Declercq W, Berx G, Krysko DV, Adjemian S, Vandenabeele P. Immunodominant AH1 Antigen-Deficient Necroptotic, but Not Apoptotic, Murine Cancer Cells Induce Antitumor Protection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:775-787. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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35
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Synergistic cancer immunotherapy combines MVA-CD40L induced innate and adaptive immunity with tumor targeting antibodies. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5041. [PMID: 31695037 PMCID: PMC6834557 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12998-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-based vaccines and appropriate costimulation potently enhance antigen-specific T cell immunity against cancer. Here we report the use of recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (rMVA) encoding costimulatory CD40L against solid tumors. Therapeutic treatment with rMVA-CD40L-expressing tumor-associated antigens results in the control of established tumors. The expansion of tumor-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells is essential for the therapeutic antitumor effects. Strikingly, rMVA-CD40L also induces strong natural killer (NK) cell activation and expansion. Moreover, the combination of rMVA-CD40L and tumor-targeting antibodies results in increased therapeutic antitumor efficacy relying on the presence of Fc receptor and NK cells. We describe a translationally relevant therapeutic synergy between systemic viral vaccination and CD40L costimulation. We show strengthened antitumor immune responses when both rMVA-CD40L-induced innate and adaptive immune mechanisms are exploited by combination with tumor-targeting antibodies. This immunotherapeutic approach could translate into clinical cancer therapies where tumor-targeting antibodies are employed. CD40 agonists have been investigated as a strategy to awaken the immune system against cancers. Here, the authors use a virus encoding CD40L and tumour-associated antigens to enhance innate and adaptive immunity that together with tumour targeting antibodies controls the growth of tumours in mice.
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36
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A Potent and Effective Suicidal Listeria Vaccine Platform. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00144-19. [PMID: 31235641 PMCID: PMC6652770 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00144-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Live-attenuated Listeria monocytogenes has shown encouraging potential as an immunotherapy platform in preclinical and clinical settings. However, additional safety measures will enable application across malignant and infectious diseases. Here, we describe a new vaccine platform, termed Lm-RIID (L. monocytogenes recombinase-induced intracellular death), that induces the deletion of genes required for bacterial viability yet maintains potent T cell responses to encoded antigens. Live-attenuated Listeria monocytogenes has shown encouraging potential as an immunotherapy platform in preclinical and clinical settings. However, additional safety measures will enable application across malignant and infectious diseases. Here, we describe a new vaccine platform, termed Lm-RIID (L. monocytogenes recombinase-induced intracellular death), that induces the deletion of genes required for bacterial viability yet maintains potent T cell responses to encoded antigens. Lm-RIID grows normally in broth but commits suicide inside host cells by inducing Cre recombinase and deleting essential genes flanked by loxP sites, resulting in a self-limiting infection even in immunocompromised mice. Lm-RIID vaccination of mice induces potent CD8+ T cells and protects against virulent challenges, similar to live L. monocytogenes vaccines. When combined with α-PD-1, Lm-RIID is as effective as live-attenuated L. monocytogenes in a therapeutic tumor model. This impressive efficacy, together with the increased clearance rate, makes Lm-RIID ideal for prophylactic immunization against diseases that require T cells for protection.
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37
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Song C, Zheng XJ, Guo H, Cao Y, Zhang F, Li Q, Ye XS, Zhou Y. Fluorine-modified sialyl-Tn-CRM197 vaccine elicits a robust immune response. Glycoconj J 2019; 36:399-408. [PMID: 31267246 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-019-09884-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Even though a vaccine that targets tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens on epithelial carcinoma cells presents an attractive therapeutic approach, relatively poor immunogenicity limits its development. In this study, we investigated the immunological activity of a fluoro-substituted Sialyl-Tn (F-STn) analogue coupled to the non-toxic cross-reactive material of diphtheria toxin197 (CRM197). Our results indicate that F-STn-CRM197 promotes a greater immunogenicity than non-fluorinated STn-CRM197. In the presence or absence of adjuvant, F-STn-CRM197 remarkably enhances both cellular and humoral immunity against STn by increasing antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation and inducing a mixed Th1/Th2 response leading to production of IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokines, as well as STn-specific antibodies. Furthermore, antisera produced from F-STn-CRM197 immunization significantly recognizes STn-positive tumor cells and increases cancer cell lysis induced by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) pathways. Our data suggest that this F-STn vaccine may be useful for cancer immunotherapy and possibly for prophylactic prevention of cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/isolation & purification
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/pharmacology
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity/drug effects
- Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate/chemistry
- Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate/immunology
- Bacterial Proteins/chemistry
- Bacterial Proteins/immunology
- Bacterial Proteins/pharmacology
- Cancer Vaccines/chemical synthesis
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Colonic Neoplasms/immunology
- Colonic Neoplasms/pathology
- Colonic Neoplasms/therapy
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Glycoconjugates/chemical synthesis
- Glycoconjugates/immunology
- Glycoconjugates/pharmacology
- Halogenation
- Humans
- Immune Sera/chemistry
- Immune Sera/pharmacology
- Immunity, Cellular/drug effects
- Immunity, Humoral/drug effects
- Immunization
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Interferon-gamma/genetics
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Interleukin-4/genetics
- Interleukin-4/immunology
- Lymphocytes/drug effects
- Lymphocytes/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Spleen/drug effects
- Spleen/immunology
- Th1-Th2 Balance
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Song
- School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiu-Jing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Haili Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Yafei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Qin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xin-Shan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Yifa Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China.
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38
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Wang J, Sun J, Liu LN, Flies DB, Nie X, Toki M, Zhang J, Song C, Zarr M, Zhou X, Han X, Archer KA, O'Neill T, Herbst RS, Boto AN, Sanmamed MF, Langermann S, Rimm DL, Chen L. Siglec-15 as an immune suppressor and potential target for normalization cancer immunotherapy. Nat Med 2019; 25:656-666. [PMID: 30833750 PMCID: PMC7175920 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 416] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of the B7-H1 (PD-L1) molecule in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a major immune evasion mechanism in some patients with cancer, and antibody blockade of the B7-H1/PD-1 interaction can normalize compromised immunity without excessive side-effects. Using a genome-scale T cell activity array, we identified Siglec-15 as a critical immune suppressor. While only expressed on some myeloid cells normally, Siglec-15 is broadly upregulated on human cancer cells and tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, and its expression is mutually exclusive to B7-H1, partially due to its induction by macrophage colony-stimulating factor and downregulation by IFN-γ. We demonstrate that Siglec-15 suppresses antigen-specific T cell responses in vitro and in vivo. Genetic ablation or antibody blockade of Siglec-15 amplifies anti-tumor immunity in the TME and inhibits tumor growth in some mouse models. Taken together, our results support Siglec-15 as a potential target for normalization cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jingwei Sun
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Xinxin Nie
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maria Toki
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Xu Zhou
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Roy S Herbst
- Department of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Agedi N Boto
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - David L Rimm
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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39
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Adenovirus based virus-like-vaccines targeting endogenous retroviruses can eliminate growing colorectal cancers in mice. Oncotarget 2019; 10:1458-1472. [PMID: 30858929 PMCID: PMC6402721 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) that make up 8% of the human genome have been associated with the development and progression of cancer. The murine model system of the melanoma associated retrovirus (MelARV), which is expressed in different murine cancer cell lines, can be used to study mechanisms and therapeutic approaches against ERVs in cancer. We designed a vaccine strategy (Ad5-MelARV) of adenoviruses encoding the MelARV proteins Gag and Env that assemble in vivo into virus-like particles displaying the cancer-associated MelARV Env to the immune system. The novel vaccine was designed to induce both humoral as well as cellular immune responses in order to attack ERV expressing tumor cells. Despite a lack of antibody induction, we found that T cell responses were strong enough to prevent colorectal CT26 tumor growth and progression in BALB/c mice after a single vaccination before or after tumor challenge. A combination with the checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-1 further increased the efficacy of the vaccination leading to complete tumor regression. Furthermore, immune responses in vaccinated mice were not restricted to only one cancer cell line but vaccinated animals were also protected from a rechallenge with the distinct breast cancer cell line 4T1. Thus, the developed vaccine strategy could represent a novel tool to successfully target diverse ERV-bearing tumors in cancer patients.
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40
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Vormehr M, Reinhard K, Blatnik R, Josef K, Beck JD, Salomon N, Suchan M, Selmi A, Vascotto F, Zerweck J, Wenschuh H, Diken M, Kreiter S, Türeci Ö, Riemer AB, Sahin U. A non-functional neoepitope specific CD8 + T-cell response induced by tumor derived antigen exposure in vivo. Oncoimmunology 2018; 8:1553478. [PMID: 30723585 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1553478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated mutations, mostly single nucleotide variations, can act as neoepitopes and prime targets for effective anti-cancer T-cell immunity. T cells recognizing cancer mutations are critical for the clinical activity of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and they are potent vaccine antigens. High frequencies of mutation-specific T cells are rarely spontaneously induced. Hence, therapies that broaden the tumor specific T-cell response are of interest. Here, we analyzed neoepitope-specific CD8+ T-cell responses mounted either spontaneously or after immunotherapy regimens, which induce local tumor inflammation and cell death, in mice bearing tumors of the widely used colon carcinoma cell line CT26. A comprehensive immune reactivity screening of 2474 peptides covering 628 transcribed CT26 point mutations was conducted. All tested treatment regimens were found to induce a single significant CD8+ T-cell response against a non-synonymous D733A point mutation in the Smc3 gene. Surprisingly, even though Smc3 D733A turned out to be the immune-dominant neoepitope in CT26 tumor bearing mice, neither T cells specific for this neoepitope nor their T cell receptors (TCRs) were able to recognize or lyse tumor cells. Moreover, vaccination with the D733A neoepitope did not result in anti-tumoral activity despite induction of specific T cells. This is to our knowledge the first report that neoepitope specific CD8+ T cells primed by tumor-released antigen exposure in vivo can be functionally irrelevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Vormehr
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany.,Experimental and Translational Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Reinhard
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany
| | - Renata Blatnik
- Immunotherapy & Immunoprevention, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and Molecular Vaccine Design, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Josef
- Immunotherapy & Immunoprevention, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and Molecular Vaccine Design, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan David Beck
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadja Salomon
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Suchan
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Abderraouf Selmi
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fulvia Vascotto
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Mustafa Diken
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany.,TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kreiter
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany.,TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany
| | - Angelika B Riemer
- Immunotherapy & Immunoprevention, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and Molecular Vaccine Design, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany.,Experimental and Translational Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
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41
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Improving mRNA-Based Therapeutic Gene Delivery by Expression-Augmenting 3' UTRs Identified by Cellular Library Screening. Mol Ther 2018; 27:824-836. [PMID: 30638957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA has emerged as a powerful tool for the transfer of genetic information, and it is being explored for a variety of therapeutic applications. Many of these applications require prolonged intracellular persistence of mRNA to improve bioavailability of the encoded protein. mRNA molecules are intrinsically unstable and their intracellular kinetics depend on the UTRs embracing the coding sequence, in particular the 3' UTR elements. We describe here a novel and generally applicable cell-based selection process for the identification of 3' UTRs that augment the expression of proteins encoded by synthetic mRNA. Moreover, we show, for two applications of mRNA therapeutics, namely, (1) the delivery of vaccine antigens in order to mount T cell immune responses and (2) the introduction of reprogramming factors into differentiated cells in order to induce pluripotency, that mRNAs tagged with the 3' UTR elements discovered in this study outperform those with commonly used 3' UTRs. This approach further leverages the utility of mRNA as a gene therapy drug format.
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42
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Kinkead HL, Hopkins A, Lutz E, Wu AA, Yarchoan M, Cruz K, Woolman S, Vithayathil T, Glickman LH, Ndubaku CO, McWhirter SM, Dubensky TW, Armstrong TD, Jaffee EM, Zaidi N. Combining STING-based neoantigen-targeted vaccine with checkpoint modulators enhances antitumor immunity in murine pancreatic cancer. JCI Insight 2018; 3:122857. [PMID: 30333318 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.122857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor neoantigens arising from somatic mutations in the cancer genome are less likely to be subject to central immune tolerance and are therefore attractive targets for vaccine immunotherapy. We utilized whole-exome sequencing, RNA sequencing (RNASeq), and an in silico immunogenicity prediction algorithm, NetMHC, to generate a neoantigen-targeted vaccine, PancVAX, which was administered together with the STING adjuvant ADU-V16 to mice bearing pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Panc02) cells. PancVAX activated a neoepitope-specific T cell repertoire within the tumor and caused transient tumor regression. When given in combination with two checkpoint modulators, namely anti-PD-1 and agonist OX40 antibodies, PancVAX resulted in enhanced and more durable tumor regression and a survival benefit. The addition of OX40 to vaccine reduced the coexpression of T cell exhaustion markers, Lag3 and PD-1, and resulted in rejection of tumors upon contralateral rechallenge, suggesting the induction of T cell memory. Together, these data provide the framework for testing personalized neoantigen-based combinatorial vaccine strategies in patients with pancreatic and other nonimmunogenic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Kinkead
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexander Hopkins
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric Lutz
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Annie A Wu
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kayla Cruz
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Skylar Woolman
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Teena Vithayathil
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura H Glickman
- Aduro Biotechnologies Inc., Berkeley, California, USA.,Actym Therapeutics Inc., Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas W Dubensky
- Aduro Biotechnologies Inc., Berkeley, California, USA.,Tempest Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Todd D Armstrong
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Neeha Zaidi
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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43
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Probst P, Stringhini M, Ritz D, Fugmann T, Neri D. Antibody-based Delivery of TNF to the Tumor Neovasculature Potentiates the Therapeutic Activity of a Peptide Anticancer Vaccine. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:698-709. [PMID: 30327303 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a growing interest in the use of tumor antigens for therapeutic vaccination strategies. Unfortunately, in most cases, the use of peptide vaccines in patients does not mediate shrinkage of solid tumor masses.Experimental Design: Here, we studied the opportunity to boost peptide vaccination with F8-TNF, an antibody fusion protein that selectively delivers TNF to the tumor extracellular matrix. AH1, a model antigen to investigate CD8+ T-cell immunity in BALB/c mice, was used as vaccine. RESULTS Peptide antigens alone exhibited only a modest tumor growth inhibition. However, anticancer activity could be substantially increased by combination with F8-TNF. Analysis of T cells in tumors and in draining lymph nodes revealed a dramatic expansion of AH1-specific CD8+ T cells, which were strongly positive for PD-1, LAG-3, and TIM-3. The synergistic anticancer activity, observed in the combined use of peptide vaccination and F8-TNF, was largely due to the ability of the fusion protein to induce a rapid hemorrhagic necrosis in the tumor mass, thus leaving few residual tumor cells. While the cell surface phenotype of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells did not substantially change upon treatment, the proportion of AH1-specific T cells was strongly increased in the combination therapy group, reaching more than 50% of the CD8+ T cells within the tumor mass. CONCLUSIONS Because both peptide vaccination strategies and tumor-homing TNF fusion proteins are currently being studied in clinical trials, our study provides a rationale for the combination of these 2 regimens for the treatment of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Probst
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stringhini
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland.
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44
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan He
- University at Buffalo; State University of New York; Buffalo NY 14260 USA
| | - Scott I. Abrams
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; Department of Immunology; Buffalo NY 14263 USA
| | - Jonathan F. Lovell
- University at Buffalo; State University of New York; Buffalo NY 14260 USA
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45
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Recombinant Listeria promotes tumor rejection by CD8 + T cell-dependent remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:8179-8184. [PMID: 30038013 PMCID: PMC6094133 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1801910115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Agents that remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME), prime functional tumor-specific T cells, and block inhibitory signaling pathways are essential components of effective immunotherapy. We are evaluating live-attenuated, double-deleted Listeria monocytogenes expressing tumor antigens (LADD-Ag) in the clinic. Here we show in numerous mouse models that while treatment with nonrecombinant LADD induced some changes in the TME, no antitumor efficacy was observed, even when combined with immune checkpoint blockade. In contrast, LADD-Ag promoted tumor rejection by priming tumor-specific KLRG1+PD1loCD62L- CD8+ T cells. These IFNγ-producing effector CD8+ T cells infiltrated the tumor and converted the tumor from an immunosuppressive to an inflamed microenvironment that was characterized by a decrease in regulatory T cells (Treg) levels, a proinflammatory cytokine milieu, and the shift of M2 macrophages to an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)+CD206- M1 phenotype. Remarkably, these LADD-Ag-induced tumor-specific T cells persisted for more than 2 months after primary tumor challenge and rapidly controlled secondary tumor challenge. Our results indicate that the striking antitumor efficacy observed in mice with LADD-based immunotherapy stems from TME remodeling which is a direct consequence of eliciting potent, systemic tumor-specific CD8+ T cells.
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46
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Song C, Zheng XJ, Liu CC, Zhou Y, Ye XS. A cancer vaccine based on fluorine-modified sialyl-Tn induces robust immune responses in a murine model. Oncotarget 2018; 8:47330-47343. [PMID: 28537884 PMCID: PMC5564568 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of an effective vaccine to target tumor associated carbohydrate antigens, aberrantly expressed on the cell surface of various carcinomas, is an appealing approach toward cancer immunotherapy. However, a major problem of carbohydrate antigens is their poor immunogenicity. Immunization with modified-carbohydrate antigens could improve the immunogenicity and induce cross reaction with the native carbohydrate antigens. In this study, we investigated the antitumor ability of three fluoro-substituted sialyl-Tn (STn) analogues (2, 3, 4) coupled to KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) and studied the mechanism of tumor immunotherapy of the vaccines in a murine model of colon cancer. Vaccination with 4-KLH, in which the two N-acetyl groups of STn are substituted with N-fluoroacetyl groups, could remarkably prolong the survival of tumor-bearing mouse and resulted in a significant reduction in tumor burden of lungs compared with STn-KLH (1-KLH). The vaccine 4-KLH could provoke stronger cytotoxic T lymphocytes immune response, T helper (Th) cell-mediated immune response and an earlier-stage Th1 immune response than 1-KLH, thus breaking immune tolerance and generating a therapeutic response. The 4-KLH vaccine induced strong tumor-specific anti-STn antibodies which could mediate complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against human tumor cells. Moreover, in the absence of adjuvant, 4-KLH still elicited stronger immune responses than 1-KLH. Our data suggested that 4-KLH is superior in tumor prevention. The strategic hapten fluorination may be a potential approach applicable to the vaccines development for the cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Song
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.,School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Xiu-Jing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chang-Cheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yifa Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Xin-Shan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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47
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Qu C, Gao S, Shao H, Zhang W, Bo H, Lu X, Chen T, Kou J, Wang Y, Chen GS, Huang S, Shen H. Identification of an HLA-A2-restricted CD147 epitope that can induce specific CTL cytotoxicity against drug resistant MCF-7/Adr cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:6050-6056. [PMID: 29556319 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation (CD)147 is highly expressed in drug-resistant tumor cell lines and is involved in the formation of tumor drug resistance. Therefore, immunotherapy utilizing CD147 epitope peptides is a promising approach for the elimination of drug-resistant tumor cells. However, like most tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), CD147 belongs to the autoantigen category, and T cells that recognize high affinity, immunodominant epitopes from autoantigens are deleted though thymic negative selection. Furthermore, wild-type autoantigen peptides cannot effectively activate and expand T lymphocytes with lower affinity T cell receptors in vivo. However, mutations of TAA peptides have been demonstrated to increase the affinity of major histocompatibility complex molecules and their binding to T cell receptor molecules, leading to activation of T lymphocytes in vitro. In the present study, a high-affinity point mutation peptide, CD147126-134L2, was predicted by the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) binding prediction algorithm and its affinity was testified using a T2 binding assay. In addition, when peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were stimulated with dendritic cells loaded with the CD147126-134L2 peptide under HLA-A*02:01 restriction, interferon-γ release and cytotoxicity assays showed that peptide-specific CTLs effectively cross-recognized and lysed T2 target cells loaded either with the wild-type (CD147126-134) or mutated peptide (CD147126-134L2). Moreover, the CD147126-134L2 peptide-specific CTLs exerted strong cytotoxic activity against drug-resistant MCF-7/Adr cells, which express a high level of CD147 and are HLA-A*02:01-positive, but not against normal MCF-7 cells. Thus, this suggests that the wild-type peptide (CD147126-134) is naturally presented on HLA-A*02:01 of CD147-expressing MCF-7/Adr cells and is cross-recognized by CTLs. In conclusion, an HLA-A*02:01-restricted CD147-point mutant epitope peptide was identified that induces CTLs to efficiently lyse drug-resistant MCF-7 cells that highly express CD147. Therefore, this immunotherapeutic approach should be explored as a potential treatment for drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Qu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Shuhui Gao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Shao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,Institute of Bio-Pharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,Institute of Bio-Pharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Huabben Bo
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,Institute of Bio-Pharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Xin Lu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Tianjiao Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Jing Kou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yue Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Gui Si Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Shulin Huang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,Institute of Bio-Pharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Han Shen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.,Institute of Bio-Pharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
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48
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Toor JS, Rao AA, McShan AC, Yarmarkovich M, Nerli S, Yamaguchi K, Madejska AA, Nguyen S, Tripathi S, Maris JM, Salama SR, Haussler D, Sgourakis NG. A Recurrent Mutation in Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase with Distinct Neoepitope Conformations. Front Immunol 2018; 9:99. [PMID: 29441070 PMCID: PMC5797543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of recurrent human leukocyte antigen (HLA) neoepitopes driving T cell responses against tumors poses a significant bottleneck in the development of approaches for precision cancer therapeutics. Here, we employ a bioinformatics method, Prediction of T Cell Epitopes for Cancer Therapy, to analyze sequencing data from neuroblastoma patients and identify a recurrent anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutation (ALK R1275Q) that leads to two high affinity neoepitopes when expressed in complex with common HLA alleles. Analysis of the X-ray structures of the two peptides bound to HLA-B*15:01 reveals drastically different conformations with measurable changes in the stability of the protein complexes, while the self-epitope is excluded from binding due to steric hindrance in the MHC groove. To evaluate the range of HLA alleles that could display the ALK neoepitopes, we used structure-based Rosetta comparative modeling calculations, which accurately predict several additional high affinity interactions and compare our results with commonly used prediction tools. Subsequent determination of the X-ray structure of an HLA-A*01:01 bound neoepitope validates atomic features seen in our Rosetta models with respect to key residues relevant for MHC stability and T cell receptor recognition. Finally, MHC tetramer staining of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HLA-matched donors shows that the two neoepitopes are recognized by CD8+ T cells. This work provides a rational approach toward high-throughput identification and further optimization of putative neoantigen/HLA targets with desired recognition features for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jugmohit S. Toor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Arjun A. Rao
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Andrew C. McShan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Mark Yarmarkovich
- Division of Oncology, Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Santrupti Nerli
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Karissa Yamaguchi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Ada A. Madejska
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Son Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sarvind Tripathi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - John M. Maris
- Division of Oncology, Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sofie R. Salama
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - David Haussler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Nikolaos G. Sgourakis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
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49
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Holder KA, Grant MD. Modulation of the strength and character of HIV-specific CD8 + T cell responses with heteroclitic peptides. AIDS Res Ther 2017; 14:41. [PMID: 28893274 PMCID: PMC5594471 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-017-0170-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes HIV-specific CD8+ T cell dysfunction and exhaustion. The strong association between non-progression and maintenance of HIV-specific CD8+ T cell cytokine production and proliferative capacities suggests that invigorating CD8+ T cell immune responses would reduce viremia and slow disease progression. A series of studies have demonstrated that sequence variants of native immunogenic peptides can generate more robust CD8+ T cell responses and that stimulation with these ‘heteroclitic’ peptides can steer responses away from the phenotypic and functional attributes of exhaustion acquired during chronic HIV infection. Incorporation of heteroclitic peptide stimulation within therapeutic vaccines could favour induction of more effective cellular antiviral responses, and in combination with ‘shock and kill’ strategies, contribute towards HIV cure.
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50
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Durham NM, Holoweckyj N, MacGill RS, McGlinchey K, Leow CC, Robbins SH. GITR ligand fusion protein agonist enhances the tumor antigen-specific CD8 T-cell response and leads to long-lasting memory. J Immunother Cancer 2017. [PMID: 28649380 PMCID: PMC5477245 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-017-0247-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expansion of antigen-specific CD8 T cells is important in generating an effective and long-lasting immune response to tumors and viruses. Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related receptor (GITR) is a co-stimulatory receptor that binds the GITR ligand (GITRL). Agonism of GITR can produce important signals that drive expansion of effector T cell populations. METHODS We explored two separate murine tumor models, CT26 and TC-1, for responsiveness to GITR Ligand Fusion Protein(GITRL-FP) monotherapy. In TC-1, GITRL-FP was also combined with concurrent administration of an E7-SLP vaccine. We evaluated tumor growth inhibition by tumor volume measurements as well as changes in CD8 T cell populations and function including cytokine production using flow cytometry. Additionally, we interrogated how these therapies resulted in tumor antigen-specific responses using MHC-I dextramer staining and antigen-specific restimulations. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrate that a GITR ligand fusion protein (GITRL-FP) is an effective modulator of antigen-specific CD8 T cells. In a CT26 mouse tumor model, GITRL-FP promoted expansion of antigen-specific T cells, depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and generation of long-lasting CD8 T cell memory. This memory expansion was dependent on the dose of GITRL-FP and resulted in complete tumor clearance and protection from tumor rechallenge. In contrast, in TC-1 tumor-bearing mice, GITRL-FP monotherapy could not prime an antigen-specific CD8 T cell response and was unable to deplete Tregs. However, when combined with a vaccine targeting E7, treatment with GITRL-FP resulted in an augmentation of the vaccine-induced antigen-specific CD8 T cells, the depletion of Tregs, and a potent antitumor immune response. In both model systems, GITR levels on antigen-specific CD8 T cells were higher than on all other CD8 T cells, and GITRL-FP interacted directly with primed antigen-specific CD8 T cells. CONCLUSIONS When taken together, our results demonstrate that the delivery of GITRL-FP as a therapeutic can promote anti-tumor responses in the presence of tumor-specific CD8 T cells. These findings support further study into combination partners for GITRL-FP that may augment CD8 T-cell priming as well as provide hypotheses that can be tested in human clinical trials exploring GITR agonists including GITRL-FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick M Durham
- Department of Translational Medicine, MedImmune, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 USA
| | - Nick Holoweckyj
- Department of Translational Medicine, MedImmune, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 USA
| | - Randall S MacGill
- Department of Infectious Disease and Vaccines, MedImmune, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 USA
| | - Kelly McGlinchey
- Department of Oncology, MedImmune, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 USA
| | - Ching Ching Leow
- Department of Translational Medicine, MedImmune, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 USA
| | - Scott H Robbins
- Department of Infectious Disease and Vaccines, MedImmune, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 USA
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