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Kumari S, Zemek RM, Palendira U, Ebert LM. Celebrating 100 years of Immunology & Cell Biology - a special focus on the field of tumor immunology in Australia. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:783-788. [PMID: 37694341 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
In this Commentary article, as part of the 100-year celebrations of the journal, we reflect on the contribution of articles published in ICB in the field of tumor immunology. A highlight is a series of interviews conducted with three Australian-based ICB authors who have contributed key papers over the years: Rajiv Khanna, Delia Nelson and Ian Frazer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehlata Kumari
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachael M Zemek
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Umaimainthan Palendira
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa M Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Graham PT, Nowak AK, Cornwall SMJ, Larma I, Nelson DJ. The STING agonist, DMXAA, reduces tumor vessels and enhances mesothelioma tumor antigen presentation yet blunts cytotoxic T cell function in a murine model. Front Immunol 2022; 13:969678. [PMID: 36466911 PMCID: PMC9716460 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.969678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We assessed the murine Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) agonist, DMXAA, for anti-mesothelioma potential using the AE17-sOVA model that expresses ovalbumin (OVA) as a neo tumor antigen. Dose response experiments alongside testing different routes of administration identified a safe effective treatment regimen that induced 100% cures in mice with small or large tumors. Three doses of 25mg/kg DMXAA given intra-tumorally every 9 days induced tumor regression and long-term survival (>5 months). Re-challenge experiments showed that tumor-free mice developed protective memory. MTT and propidium-iodide assays showed that DMXAA exerted direct cytotoxic effects at doses >1mg/ml on the murine AE17 and AB1 mesothelioma cell lines. In-vivo studies using a CFSE-based in-vivo proliferation assay showed that DMXAA improved tumor-antigen presentation in tumor-draining lymph nodes, evidenced by OVA-specific OT-1 T cells undergoing more divisions. An in-vivo cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) assay showed that DMXAA blunted the lytic quality of CTLs recognizing the dominant (SIINFEKL) and a subdominant (KVVRFDKL) OVA epitopes. DMXAA reduced tumor vessel size in-vivo and although the proportion of T cells infiltrating tumors reduced, the proportion of tumor-specific T cells increased. These data show careful dosing and treatment protocols reduce mesothelioma cell viability and modulate tumor vessels such that tumor-antigen specific CTLs access the tumor site. However, attempts to enhance DMXAA-induced anti-tumor responses by combination with an agonist anti-CD40 antibody or IL-2 reduced efficacy. These proof-of-concept data suggest that mesothelioma patients could benefit from treatment with a STING agonist, but combination with immunotherapy should be cautiously undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T. Graham
- School of Medicine, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Anna K. Nowak
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | | | - Irma Larma
- Becton Dickinson Pty Limited, Osborne Park, WA, Australia
| | - Delia J. Nelson
- School of Medicine, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, WA, Australia
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Proksch SF, Matthysen CP, Jardine JE, Wyatt KM, Finlay JR, Nelson DJ. Developing a translational murine-to-canine pathway for an IL-2/agonist anti-CD40 antibody cancer immunotherapy. Vet Comp Oncol 2022; 20:602-612. [PMID: 35315197 PMCID: PMC9540797 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human and canine sarcomas are difficult to treat soft tissue malignancies with an urgent need for new improved therapeutic options. Local recurrence rates for humans are between 10%-30%, and 30%-40% develop metastases. Outcomes for dogs with sarcoma vary with grade but can be similar. Pet dogs share the human environment and represent human cancer with genetic variation in hosts and tumours. We asked if our murine studies using genetically identical mice and cloned tumour cells were translatable to larger, genetically diverse domestic dogs with naturally occurring tumours, to (i) develop a canine cancer therapeutic, and (ii) to use as a translational pathway to humans. Our murine studies showed that intra-tumoral delivery of interleukin-2 (IL-2) plus an agonist anti-CD40 antibody (Ab) induces long-term curative responses ranging from 30% to 100%, depending on tumour type. We developed an agonist anti-canine-CD40 Ab and conducted a phase I dose finding/toxicology 3 + 3 clinical trial in dogs (n = 27) with soft tissue sarcomas on account of suitability for intratumoral injection and straightforward monitoring. Dogs were treated with IL-2 plus anti-CD40 antibody for 2 weeks. Three dose levels induced tumour regression with minimal side effects, measured by monitoring, haematological and biochemical assays. Importantly, our mouse and canine studies provide encouraging fundamental proof-of-concept data upon which we can develop veterinary and human immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Francis Proksch
- Curtin Medical SchoolCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
- CHIRI BiosciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Selvax Pty LtdWest PerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Clinton Petrus Matthysen
- Curtin Medical SchoolCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
- CHIRI BiosciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - Ken Mark Wyatt
- Perth Veterinary Specialists (PVS)Osborne ParkWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - Delia Jane Nelson
- Curtin Medical SchoolCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
- CHIRI BiosciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
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Laumont CM, Banville AC, Gilardi M, Hollern DP, Nelson BH. Tumour-infiltrating B cells: immunological mechanisms, clinical impact and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:414-430. [PMID: 35393541 PMCID: PMC9678336 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00466-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Although immunotherapy research to date has focused largely on T cells, there is mounting evidence that tumour-infiltrating B cells and plasma cells (collectively referred to as tumour-infiltrating B lymphocytes (TIL-Bs)) have a crucial, synergistic role in tumour control. In many cancers, TIL-Bs have demonstrated strong predictive and prognostic significance in the context of both standard treatments and immune checkpoint blockade, offering the prospect of new therapeutic opportunities that leverage their unique immunological properties. Drawing insights from autoimmunity, we review the molecular phenotypes, architectural contexts, antigen specificities, effector mechanisms and regulatory pathways relevant to TIL-Bs in human cancer. Although the field is young, the emerging picture is that TIL-Bs promote antitumour immunity through their unique mode of antigen presentation to T cells; their role in assembling and perpetuating immunologically 'hot' tumour microenvironments involving T cells, myeloid cells and natural killer cells; and their potential to combat immune editing and tumour heterogeneity through the easing of self-tolerance mechanisms. We end by discussing the most promising approaches to enhance TIL-B responses in concert with other immune cell subsets to extend the reach, potency and durability of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline M Laumont
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Allyson C Banville
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mara Gilardi
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Daniel P Hollern
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Brad H Nelson
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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Duong L, Pixley FJ, Nelson DJ, Jackaman C. Aging Leads to Increased Monocytes and Macrophages With Altered CSF-1 Receptor Expression and Earlier Tumor-Associated Macrophage Expansion in Murine Mesothelioma. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:848925. [PMID: 35821822 PMCID: PMC9261395 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.848925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Increased cancer incidence occurs with the emergence of immunosenescence, highlighting the indispensability of the immune system in preventing cancer and its dysregulation with aging. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are often present in high numbers and are associated with poor clinical outcomes in solid cancers, including mesothelioma. Monocytes and macrophages from the bone marrow and spleen can respond to tumor-derived factors, such as CSF-1, and initiation of the CSF-1R signaling cascade results in their proliferation, differentiation, and migration to the tumor. Age-related changes occur in monocytes and macrophages in terms of numbers and function, which in turn can impact tumor initiation and progression. Whether this is due to changes in CSF-1R expression with aging is currently unknown and was investigated in this study. We examined monocytes and macrophages in the bone marrow and spleen during healthy aging in young (3–4 months) and elderly (20–24 months) female C57BL/6J mice. Additionally, changes to these tissues and in TAMs were examined during AE17 mesothelioma tumor growth. Healthy aging resulted in an expansion of Ly6Chigh monocytes and macrophages in the bone marrow and spleen. CSF-1R expression levels were reduced in elderly splenic macrophages only, suggesting differences in CSF-1R signaling between both cell type and tissue site. In tumor-bearing mice, Ly6Chigh monocytes increased with tumor growth in the spleen in the elderly and increased intracellular CSF-1R expression occurred in bone marrow Ly6Chigh monocytes in elderly mice bearing large tumors. Age-related changes to bone marrow and splenic Ly6Chigh monocytes were reflected in the tumor, where we observed increased Ly6Chigh TAMs earlier and expansion of Ly6Clow TAMs later during AE17 tumor growth in the elderly compared to young mice. F4/80high TAMs increased with tumor growth in both young and elderly mice and were the largest subset of TAMs in the tumor. Together, this suggests there may be a faster transition of Ly6Chigh towards F4/80high TAMs with aging. Amongst TAM subsets, expression of CSF-1R was lowest in F4/80high TAMs, however Ly6Clow TAMs had higher intracellular CSF-1R expression. This suggests downstream CSF-1R signaling may vary between macrophage subsets, which can have implications towards CSF-1R blockade therapies targeting macrophages in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lelinh Duong
- Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Fiona J. Pixley
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Delia J. Nelson
- Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Connie Jackaman
- Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Connie Jackaman,
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Hiltbrunner S, Mannarino L, Kirschner MB, Opitz I, Rigutto A, Laure A, Lia M, Nozza P, Maconi A, Marchini S, D’Incalci M, Curioni-Fontecedro A, Grosso F. Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Genetic Alterations in Mesothelioma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:660039. [PMID: 34249695 PMCID: PMC8261295 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.660039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and fatal disease of the pleural lining. Up to 80% of the MPM cases are linked to asbestos exposure. Even though its use has been banned in the industrialized countries, the cases continue to increase. MPM is a lethal cancer, with very little survival improvements in the last years, mirroring very limited therapeutic advances. Platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with pemetrexed and surgery are the standard of care, but prognosis is still unacceptably poor with median overall survival of approximately 12 months. The genomic landscape of MPM has been widely characterized showing a low mutational burden and the impairment of tumor suppressor genes. Among them, BAP1 and BLM are present as a germline inactivation in a small subset of patients and increases predisposition to tumorigenesis. Other studies have demonstrated a high frequency of mutations in DNA repair genes. Many therapy approaches targeting these alterations have emerged and are under evaluation in the clinic. High-throughput technologies have allowed the detection of more complex molecular events, like chromotripsis and revealed different transcriptional programs for each histological subtype. Transcriptional analysis has also paved the way to the study of tumor-infiltrating cells, thus shedding lights on the crosstalk between tumor cells and the microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment of MPM is indeed crucial for the pathogenesis and outcome of this disease; it is characterized by an inflammatory response to asbestos exposure, involving a variety of chemokines and suppressive immune cells such as M2-like macrophages and regulatory T cells. Another important feature of MPM is the dysregulation of microRNA expression, being frequently linked to cancer development and drug resistance. This review will give a detailed overview of all the above mentioned features of MPM in order to improve the understanding of this disease and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hiltbrunner
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Mannarino
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milano, Italy
| | | | - Isabelle Opitz
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angelica Rigutto
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Laure
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michela Lia
- Mesothelioma Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Paolo Nozza
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Antonio Maconi
- Infrastruttura Ricerca Formazione Innovazione (IRFI), Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Sergio Marchini
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milano, Italy
| | - Maurizio D’Incalci
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Curioni-Fontecedro
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Federica Grosso
- Mesothelioma Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
- Translational Medicine, Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
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Enell Smith K, Deronic A, Hägerbrand K, Norlén P, Ellmark P. Rationale and clinical development of CD40 agonistic antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1635-1646. [PMID: 34043482 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1934446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: CD40 signaling activates dendritic cells leading to improved T cell priming against tumor antigens. CD40 agonism expands the tumor-specific T cell repertoire and has the potential to increase the fraction of patients that respond to established immunotherapies.Areas covered: This article reviews current as well as emerging CD40 agonist therapies with a focus on antibody-based therapies, including next generation bispecific CD40 agonists. The scientific rationale for different design criteria, binding epitopes, and formats are discussed.Expert opinion: The ability of CD40 agonists to activate dendritic cells and enhance antigen cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells provides an opportunity to elevate response rates of cancer immunotherapies. While there are many challenges left to address, including optimal dose regimen, CD40 agonist profile, combination partners and indications, we are confident that CD40 agonists will play an important role in the challenging task of reprogramming the immune system to fight cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter Ellmark
- Alligator Bioscience AB, Sweden.,Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Napoli F, Listì A, Zambelli V, Witel G, Bironzo P, Papotti M, Volante M, Scagliotti G, Righi L. Pathological Characterization of Tumor Immune Microenvironment (TIME) in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2564. [PMID: 34073720 PMCID: PMC8197227 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and highly aggressive disease that arises from pleural mesothelial cells, characterized by a median survival of approximately 13-15 months after diagnosis. The primary cause of this disease is asbestos exposure and the main issues associated with it are late diagnosis and lack of effective therapies. Asbestos-induced cellular damage is associated with the generation of an inflammatory microenvironment that influences and supports tumor growth, possibly in association with patients' genetic predisposition and tumor genomic profile. The chronic inflammatory response to asbestos fibers leads to a unique tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) composed of a heterogeneous mixture of stromal, endothelial, and immune cells, and relative composition and interaction among them is suggested to bear prognostic and therapeutic implications. TIME in MPM is known to be constituted by immunosuppressive cells, such as type 2 tumor-associated macrophages and T regulatory lymphocytes, plus the expression of several immunosuppressive factors, such as tumor-associated PD-L1. Several studies in recent years have contributed to achieve a greater understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms in tumor development and pathobiology of TIME, that opens the way to new therapeutic strategies. The study of TIME is fundamental in identifying appropriate prognostic and predictive tissue biomarkers. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge about the pathological characterization of TIME in MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Napoli
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (F.N.); (V.Z.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Angela Listì
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Vanessa Zambelli
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (F.N.); (V.Z.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Gianluca Witel
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, City of Health and Science, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Paolo Bironzo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (F.N.); (V.Z.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Mauro Papotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (F.N.); (V.Z.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
- Pathology Unit, City of Health and Science, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Volante
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (F.N.); (V.Z.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Giorgio Scagliotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (F.N.); (V.Z.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Luisella Righi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (F.N.); (V.Z.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
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NF2 and Canonical Hippo-YAP Pathway Define Distinct Tumor Subsets Characterized by Different Immune Deficiency and Treatment Implications in Human Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071561. [PMID: 33805359 PMCID: PMC8036327 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is a long-held notion that loss-of-function mutations in negative regulators of the Hippo-YAP pathway, such as NF2, LATS1/2, have a similar potential to promote nuclear YAP activity, which is thought to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of MPM. Whether loss-of-function in these individual regulators uniformly affects the Hippo-YAP activity and contributes to a similar disease phenotype has not yet been revealed in MPM. Surprisingly and interestingly, we found in this study that loss-of-function in the upstream regulator NF2 of the Hippo pathway is linked to the aberrant activation of Hippo-YAP-independent signaling. More importantly, our work showed NF2 loss-of-function and dysregulated Hippo-YAP pathway define distinct MPM subsets that differ in molecular features, therapeutic implications, patients’ prognosis, and in particular, infiltrative immune signatures. Our findings in this study may be instrumental for the precise management of immunotherapy and/or targeted therapy for MPM patients. Abstract (1) Inactivation of the tumor suppressor NF2 is believed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) by deregulating the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. However, NF2 has functions beyond regulation of the Hippo pathway, raising the possibility that NF2 contributes to MPM via Hippo-independent mechanisms. (2) We performed weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA) in transcriptomic and proteomic datasets obtained from The Cancer Gene Atlas (TCGA) MPM cohort to identify clusters of co-expressed genes highly correlated with NF2 and phospho (p)-YAP protein, surrogate markers of active Hippo signaling and YAP inactivation. The potential targets are experimentally validated using a cell viability assay. (3) MPM tumors with NF2 loss-of-function are not associated with changes in p-YAP level nor YAP/TAZ activity score, but are characterized by a deficient B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway. Conversely, MPM tumors with YAP activation display exhausted CD8 T-cell-mediated immunity together with significantly upregulated PD-L1, which is validated in an independent MPM cohort, suggesting a potential benefit of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in this patient subset. In support of this, mutations in core Hippo signaling components including LATS2, but not NF2, are independently associated with better overall survival in response to ICI in patients. Additionally, based on cancer cell line models, we show that MPM cells with a high Hippo-YAP activity are particularly sensitive to inhibitors of BCR-ABL/SRC, stratifying a unique MPM patient subset that may benefit from BCR-ABL/SRC therapies. Furthermore, we observe that NF2 physically interacts with a considerable number of proteins that are not involved in the canonical Hippo-YAP pathway, providing a possible explanation for its Hippo-independent role in MPM. Finally, survival analyses show that YAP/TAZ scores together with p-YAP protein level, but not NF2, predict the prognosis of MPM patients. (4) NF2 loss-of-function and dysregulated Hippo-YAP pathway define distinct MPM subsets that differ in their molecular features and prognosis, which has important clinical implications for precision oncology in MPM patients.
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Agonistic CD40 Antibodies in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061302. [PMID: 33804039 PMCID: PMC8000216 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary CD40 is a costimulatory molecule that is key for the activation of antigen-presenting cells and other innate immune cells. It plays an important role in anti-tumor immunity, and agonists of CD40 have been shown to eliminate tumors in both pre-clinical and clinical settings, alone and in combination with other treatment modalities. Here we assess the expression of CD40 and associations with other mediators of immunity in a variety of tumor types and review the potential of CD40 agonists for cancer treatment, given the promise of enhancing the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity. Abstract CD40 is expressed on a variety of antigen-presenting cells. Stimulation of CD40 results in inflammation by upregulation of other costimulatory molecules, increased antigen presentation, maturation (licensing) of dendritic cells, and activation of CD8+ T cells. Here we analyzed gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas in melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma and found correlations between CD40 and several genes involved in antigen presentation and T cell function, supporting further exploration of CD40 agonists to treat cancer. Agonist CD40 antibodies have induced anti-tumor effects in several tumor models and the effect has been more pronounced when used in combination with other treatments (immune checkpoint inhibition, chemotherapy, and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibition). The reduction in tumor growth and ability to reprogram the tumor microenvironment in preclinical models lays the foundation for clinical development of agonistic CD40 antibodies (APX005M, ChiLob7/4, ADC-1013, SEA-CD40, selicrelumab, and CDX-1140) that are currently being evaluated in early phase clinical trials. In this article, we focus on CD40 expression and immunity in cancer, agonistic human CD40 antibodies, and their pre-clinical and clinical development. With the broad pro-inflammatory effects of CD40 and its ligand on dendritic cells and macrophages, and downstream B and T cell activation, agonists of this pathway may enhance the anti-tumor activity of other systemic therapies.
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Luke JJ, Barlesi F, Chung K, Tolcher AW, Kelly K, Hollebecque A, Le Tourneau C, Subbiah V, Tsai F, Kao S, Cassier PA, Khasraw M, Kindler HL, Fang H, Fan F, Allaire K, Patel M, Ye S, Chao DT, Henner WR, Hayflick JS, McDevitt MA, Fong L. Phase I study of ABBV-428, a mesothelin-CD40 bispecific, in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002015. [PMID: 33608377 PMCID: PMC7898862 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD40 agonist immunotherapy can potentially license antigen-presenting cells to promote antitumor T-cell activation and re-educate macrophages to destroy tumor stroma. Systemic administration of CD40 agonists has historically been associated with considerable toxicity, providing the rationale for development of tumor-targeted immunomodulators to improve clinical safety and efficacy. This phase I study assessed the safety, tolerability, preliminary antitumor activity, and preliminary biomarkers of ABBV-428, a first-in-class, mesothelin-targeted, bispecific antibody designed for tumor microenvironment-dependent CD40 activation with limited systemic toxicity. METHODS ABBV-428 was administered intravenously every 2 weeks to patients with advanced solid tumors. An accelerated titration (starting at a 0.01 mg/kg dose) and a 3+3 dose escalation scheme were used, followed by recommended phase II dose cohort expansions in ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, tumor types associated with high mesothelin expression. RESULTS Fifty-nine patients were treated at doses between 0.01 and 3.6 mg/kg. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached, and 3.6 mg/kg was selected as the recommended phase II dose. Seven patients (12%) reported infusion-related reactions. Treatment-related grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events were pericardial effusion, colitis, infusion-related reaction, and pleural effusion (n=1 each, 2%), with no cytokine release syndrome reported. The pharmacokinetic profile demonstrated roughly dose-proportional increases in exposure from 0.4 to 3.6 mg/kg. Best response was stable disease in 9/25 patients (36%) treated at the recommended phase II dose. CD40 receptor occupancy >90% was observed on peripheral B-cells starting from 0.8 mg/kg; however, no consistent changes from baseline in intratumoral CD8+ T-cells, programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1+) cells, or immune-related gene expression were detected post-ABBV-428 treatment (cycle 2, day 1). Mesothelin membrane staining showed greater correlation with progression-free survival in ovarian cancer and mesothelioma than in the broader dose escalation population. CONCLUSIONS ABBV-428 monotherapy exhibited dose-proportional pharmacokinetics and an acceptable safety profile, particularly for toxicities characteristic of CD40 agonism, illustrating that utilization of a tumor-targeted, bispecific antibody can improve the safety of CD40 agonism as a therapeutic approach. ABBV-428 monotherapy had minimal clinical activity in dose escalation and in a small expansion cohort of patients with advanced mesothelioma or ovarian cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02955251.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Luke
- Cancer Immunotherapeutics Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Fabrice Barlesi
- Multidisciplinary Oncology & Therapeutic Innovations Department, Aix-Marseille University, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, CEPCM CLIP2, Marseille, France
| | - Ki Chung
- Hematology and Oncology, PRISMA Health System, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Karen Kelly
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Antoine Hollebecque
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Curie Institute, Paris and Saint-Cloud, France.,INSERM U900 Research Unit, Saint-Cloud, France.,Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frank Tsai
- Hematology/Oncology, HonorHealth Research Institute, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Steven Kao
- Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hedy L Kindler
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hua Fang
- Precision Medicine, AbbVie Inc, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Frances Fan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kathryn Allaire
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maulik Patel
- Clinical Pharmacology, AbbVie Inc, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Shiming Ye
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Debra T Chao
- Search & Evaluation, Oncology, AbbVie Inc, Redwood City, California, USA
| | | | - Joel S Hayflick
- Oncology Early Development, AbbVie Inc, Redwood City, California, USA
| | | | - Lawrence Fong
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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12
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Nicolini F, Bocchini M, Angeli D, Bronte G, Delmonte A, Crinò L, Mazza M. Fully Human Antibodies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Targeting. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E915. [PMID: 32276524 PMCID: PMC7226231 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is the most promising therapeutic approach against malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Despite technological progress, the number of targetable antigens or specific antibodies is limited, thus hindering the full potential of recent therapeutic interventions. All possibilities of finding new targeting molecules must be exploited. The specificity of targeting is guaranteed by the use of monoclonal antibodies, while fully human antibodies are preferred, as they are functional and generate no neutralizing antibodies. The aim of this review is to appraise the latest advances in screening methods dedicated to the identification and harnessing of fully human antibodies. The scope of identifying useful molecules proceeds along two avenues, i.e., through the antigen-first or binding-first approaches. The first relies on screening human antibody libraries or plasma from immunized transgenic mice or humans to isolate binders to specific antigens. The latter takes advantage of specific binding to tumor cells of antibodies present in phage display libraries or in responders' plasma samples without prior knowledge of the antigens. Additionally, next-generation sequencing analysis of B-cell receptor repertoire pre- and post-therapy in memory B-cells from responders allows for the identification of clones expanded and matured upon treatment. Human antibodies identified can be subsequently reformatted to generate a plethora of therapeutics like antibody-drug conjugates, immunotoxins, and advanced cell-therapeutics such as chimeric antigen receptor-transduced T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Nicolini
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (F.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Martine Bocchini
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (F.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Davide Angeli
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Angelo Delmonte
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Lucio Crinò
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Massimiliano Mazza
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (F.N.); (M.B.)
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13
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14
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Ye S, Cohen D, Belmar NA, Choi D, Tan SS, Sho M, Akamatsu Y, Kim H, Iyer R, Cabel J, Lake M, Song D, Harlan J, Zhang C, Fang Y, Wahl AF, Culp P, Hollenbaugh D, Chao DT. A Bispecific Molecule Targeting CD40 and Tumor Antigen Mesothelin Enhances Tumor-Specific Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1864-1875. [PMID: 31462409 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Agonistic CD40 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have demonstrated some clinical activity, but with dose-limiting toxicity. To reduce systemic toxicity, we developed a bispecific molecule that was maximally active in the presence of a tumor antigen and had limited activity in the absence of the tumor antigen. LB-1 is a bispecific molecule containing single-chain Fv domains targeting mouse CD40 and the tumor antigen mesothelin. LB-1 exhibited enhanced activity upon binding to cell-surface mesothelin but was less potent in the absence of mesothelin binding. In a mouse model implanted with syngeneic 4T1 tumors expressing cell-surface mesothelin, LB-1 demonstrated comparable antitumor activity as an agonistic CD40 mAb but did not cause elevation of serum cytokines and liver enzymes, as was observed in anti-CD40-treated mice. The results from our study of LB-1 were used to develop a human cross-reactive bispecific molecule (ABBV-428) that targeted human CD40 and mesothelin. ABBV-428 demonstrated enhanced activation of antigen-presenting cells and T cells upon binding to cell-surface mesothelin, and inhibition of cultured or implanted PC3 tumor cell growth after immune activation. Although expression of cell-surface mesothelin is necessary, the bispecific molecules induced immune-mediated antitumor activity against both mesothelin+ and mesothelin- tumor cells. ABBV-428 represents a class of bispecific molecules with conditional activity dependent on the binding of a tumor-specific antigen, and such activity could potentially maximize antitumor potency while limiting systemic toxicity in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Ye
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, California.
| | - Diane Cohen
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | - Donghee Choi
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Siu Sze Tan
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Mien Sho
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | - Han Kim
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | | | - Marc Lake
- AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | | | - Yuni Fang
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Alan F Wahl
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Patricia Culp
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | - Debra T Chao
- AbbVie Biotherapeutics Inc., Redwood City, California
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15
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Remer M, White A, Glennie M, Al-Shamkhani A, Johnson P. The Use of Anti-CD40 mAb in Cancer. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2019; 405:165-207. [PMID: 25651948 DOI: 10.1007/82_2014_427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy is at the forefront of developing cancer therapeutics with numerous targeted agents proving highly effective in selective patients at stimulating protective host immunity, capable of eradicating established tumours and leading to long-term disease-free states. The cell surface marker CD40 is expressed on a range of immune cells and transformed cells in malignant states whose signalling plays a critical role in modulating adaptive immune responses. Anti-CD40 mAb therapy acts via multiple mechanisms to stimulate anti-tumour immunity across a broad range of lymphoid and solid malignancies. A wealth of preclinical research in this field has led to the successful development of multiple anti-CD40 mAb agents that have shown promise in early-phase clinical trials. Significant progress has been made to enhance the engagement of antibodies with immune effectors through their interactions with Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) by the process of Fc engineering. As more is understood about how to best optimise these agents, principally through the fine-tuning of mAb structure and choice of synergistic partnerships, our ability to generate robust, clinically beneficial anti-tumour activity will form the foundation for the next generation of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Remer
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Ann White
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Martin Glennie
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Aymen Al-Shamkhani
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Peter Johnson
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
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16
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Gardner JK, Jackaman C, Mamotte CDS, Nelson DJ. The Regulatory Status Adopted by Lymph Node Dendritic Cells and T Cells During Healthy Aging Is Maintained During Cancer and May Contribute to Reduced Responses to Immunotherapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:337. [PMID: 30560130 PMCID: PMC6287204 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with an increased incidence of cancer. One contributing factor could be modulation of immune cells responsible for anti-tumor responses, such as dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. These immunological changes may also impact the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies in the elderly. The effects of healthy aging on DCs and T cells, and their impact on anti-mesothelioma immune responses, had not been reported. This study examined DCs and T cells in young (2–5 months; equivalent to 16–26 human years) and elderly (20–24 months; equivalent to 60–70 human years) healthy and mesothelioma-bearing C57BL/6J mice. During healthy aging, elderly lymph nodes adopted a regulatory profile, characterized by: (i) increased plasmacytoid DCs, (ii) increased expression of the adenosine-producing enzyme CD73 on CD11c+ cells, and (iii) increased expression of multiple regulatory markers (including CD73, the adenosine A2B receptor, CTLA-4, PD-1, ICOS, LAG-3, and IL-10) on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, compared to lymph nodes from young mice. Although mesotheliomas grew faster in elderly mice, the increased regulatory status observed in healthy elderly lymph node DCs and T cells was not further exacerbated. However, elderly tumor-bearing mice demonstrated reduced MHC-I, MHC-II and CD80 on CD11c+ cells, and decreased IFN-γ by CD8+ and CD4+ T cells within tumors, compared to young counterparts, implying loss of function. An agonist CD40 antibody based immunotherapy was less efficient at promoting tumor regression in elderly mice, which may be due to: (i) failure of elderly CD8+ T cells to up-regulate perforin, and (ii) increased expression of multiple regulatory markers on CD11c+ cells and T cells in elderly tumor-draining lymph nodes (including CD73, PD-1, ICOS, LAG-3, and TGF-β). Our findings suggest that checkpoint blockade may improve responses to immunotherapy in elderly hosts with mesothelioma, and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne K Gardner
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Connie Jackaman
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Cyril D S Mamotte
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Delia J Nelson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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17
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Ishihara J, Ishihara A, Potin L, Hosseinchi P, Fukunaga K, Damo M, Gajewski TF, Swartz MA, Hubbell JA. Improving Efficacy and Safety of Agonistic Anti-CD40 Antibody Through Extracellular Matrix Affinity. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:2399-2411. [PMID: 30097487 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CD40 is an immune costimulatory receptor expressed by antigen-presenting cells. Agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies have demonstrated considerable antitumor effects yet can also elicit serious treatment-related adverse events, such as liver toxicity, including in man. We engineered a variant that binds extracellular matrix through a super-affinity peptide derived from placenta growth factor-2 (PlGF-2123-144) to enhance anti-CD40's effects when administered locally. Peritumoral injection of PlGF-2123-144-anti-CD40 antibody showed prolonged tissue retention at the injection site and substantially decreased systemic exposure, resulting in decreased liver toxicity. In four mouse tumor models, PlGF-2123-144-anti-CD40 antibody demonstrated enhanced antitumor efficacy compared with its unmodified form and correlated with activated dendritic cells, B cells, and T cells in the tumor and in the tumor-draining lymph node. Moreover, in a genetically engineered BrafV600E βCatSTA melanoma model that does not respond to checkpoint inhibitors, PlGF-2123-144-anti-CD40 antibody treatment enhanced T-cell infiltration into the tumors and slowed tumor growth. Together, these results demonstrate the marked therapeutic advantages of engineering matrix-binding domains onto agonistic anti-CD40 antibody as a therapeutic given by tumori-regional injection for cancer immunotherapy.Implications: Extracellular matrix-binding peptide conjugation to agonistic anti-CD40 antibody enhances antitumor efficacy and reduces treatment-related adverse events. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(11); 2399-411. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ishihara
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ako Ishihara
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lambert Potin
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peyman Hosseinchi
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kazuto Fukunaga
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Martina Damo
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Thomas F Gajewski
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Ben May Department of Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Melody A Swartz
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Ben May Department of Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeffrey A Hubbell
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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18
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Dahlén E, Veitonmäki N, Norlén P. Bispecific antibodies in cancer immunotherapy. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2018; 6:3-17. [PMID: 29998217 DOI: 10.1177/2515135518763280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the clinical success of immune checkpoint antibodies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1 or PD-L1 in cancer treatment, bispecific antibodies are now emerging as a growing class of immunotherapies with potential to further improve clinical efficacy and safety. We describe three classes of immunotherapeutic bispecific antibodies: (a) cytotoxic effector cell redirectors; (b) tumor-targeted immunomodulators; and (c) dual immunomodulators. Cytotoxic effector cell redirectors are dominated by T-cell redirecting compounds, bispecific compounds engaging a tumor-associated antigen and the T-cell receptor/CD3 complex, thereby redirecting T-cell cytotoxicity to malignant cells. This is the most established class of bispecific immunotherapies, with two compounds having reached the market and numerous compounds in clinical development. Tumor-targeted immunomodulators are bispecific compounds binding to a tumor-associated antigen and an immunomodulating receptor, such as CD40 or 4-1BB. Such compounds are usually designed to be inactive until binding the tumor antigen, thereby localizing immune stimulation to the tumor environment, while minimizing immune activation elsewhere. This is expected to induce powerful activation of tumor-specific T cells with reduced risk of immune-related adverse events. Finally, dual immunomodulators are bispecific compounds that bind two distinct immunomodulating targets, often combining targeting of PD-1 or PD-L1 with that of LAG-3 or TIM-3. The rationale is to induce superior tumor immunity compared to monospecific antibodies to the same targets. In this review, we describe each of these classes of bispecific antibodies, and present examples of compounds in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Dahlén
- Alligator Bioscience, 22381 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Per Norlén
- Alligator Bioscience, 22381 Lund, Sweden
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19
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Zhang JQ, Zeng S, Vitiello GA, Seifert AM, Medina BD, Beckman MJ, Loo JK, Santamaria-Barria J, Maltbaek JH, Param NJ, Moral JA, Zhao JN, Balachandran V, Rossi F, Antonescu CR, DeMatteo RP. Macrophages and CD8 + T Cells Mediate the Antitumor Efficacy of Combined CD40 Ligation and Imatinib Therapy in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:434-447. [PMID: 29467128 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibition of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) is effective but typically culminates in resistance and is rarely curative. Immunotherapy has potential application to GIST, as we previously showed that T-cell checkpoint blockade increases the antitumor effects of imatinib. Here, we showed that ligation of CD40 using an agonistic antibody (anti-CD40) activated tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in vivo in a knock-in mouse model of GIST harboring a germline mutation in Kit exon 11. Activated TAMs had greater TNFα production and NFκB signaling and directly inhibited tumor cells in vitro Anti-CD40 required concomitant therapy with imatinib for efficacy and depended on TAMs, and to a lesser extent CD8+ T cells, but not on CD4+ T cells or B cells. In an analysis of 50 human GIST specimens by flow cytometry, we found that CD40 was expressed on human TAMs and tumor cells yet was downregulated after response to imatinib. CD40 ligation did not have a direct inhibitory effect on human GIST cells. Our findings provide the rationale for combining anti-CD40 and tyrosine kinase inhibition to treat human GIST. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(4); 434-47. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Q Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Gerardo A Vitiello
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Adrian M Seifert
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Benjamin D Medina
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael J Beckman
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer K Loo
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Joanna H Maltbaek
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nesteene J Param
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - John A Moral
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Julia N Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Vinod Balachandran
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ferdinand Rossi
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Cristina R Antonescu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ronald P DeMatteo
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. .,Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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20
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Shen M, Sun Q, Wang J, Pan W, Ren X. Positive and negative functions of B lymphocytes in tumors. Oncotarget 2018; 7:55828-55839. [PMID: 27331871 PMCID: PMC5342456 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicated that B lymphocytes exerted complex functions in tumor immunity. On the one hand, B lymphocytes can inhibit tumor development through antibody generation, antigen presentation, tumor tissue interaction, and direct killing. On the other hand, B lymphocytes have tumor-promoting functions. A typical type of B lymphocytes, termed regulatory B cells, is confirmed to attenuate immune response in a tumor environment. In this paper, we summarize the current understanding of B-cell functions in tumor immunology, which may shed light on potential therapeutic strategies against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Shen
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
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21
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Molecular and Histopathological Characterization of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Advanced Stage of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. J Thorac Oncol 2018; 13:124-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2017.09.1968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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22
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Jackaman C, Yeoh TL, Acuil ML, Gardner JK, Nelson DJ. Murine mesothelioma induces locally-proliferating IL-10(+)TNF-α(+)CD206(-)CX3CR1(+) M3 macrophages that can be selectively depleted by chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1173299. [PMID: 27471652 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1173299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We used a murine model to monitor changes to myeloid cell subsets, i.e., myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), M1 macrophages that secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and express CD40 and CD80 and suppressive M2 macrophages that secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines and express CD206 and CX3CR1, during mesothelioma progression and during chemotherapy or immunotherapy-induced tumor regression. In vitro studies showed that mesothelioma-conditioned media generated CD206(-)CX3CR1(+)MCP-1(+)TGF-β(+) macrophages that induced T cell proliferation but prevented T cell IFNγ production. In vivo studies showed that co-inoculation of macrophages with mesothelioma cells led to faster tumor growth, and depleting macrophages using anti-F4/80 antibody induced tumor regression. Flow cytometry revealed increasing levels of different suppressive myeloid cells in lymphoid organs: MDSCs dominated bone marrow (BM) and spleens, M2 macrophages dominated tumor-draining lymph nodes (DLN) and a mixed IL-10(+)TNF-α(+)CD206(-)CX3CR1(+) M1/M2 (M3) macrophage subset dominated the mesothelioma microenvironment. Ki67 staining and cell cycle analysis showed that tumor-associated M1 and M3, but not M2, macrophages were proliferating in situ, with M1 cells arrested in the G1 phase while M3 cells progressed to mitosis. Immunohistochemistry showed that M1 and M3 cells were co-located supporting the hypothesis that M1 cells transition to M3 cells during proliferation. Gemcitabine reduced tumor-associated M3 and MDSCs, but not M2 macrophages, the latter likely contributing to the tumor outgrowth seen following treatment cessation. In contrast, IL-2/agonist anti-CD40 antibody therapy reduced M3 cells and polarized macrophages into M1 cells coinciding with tumor regression. These data show that myeloid cells, particularly M3 cells, represent a therapeutic target for the generation of antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Jackaman
- Immunology and Cancer Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, WA, Australia; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Teong L Yeoh
- Immunology and Cancer Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, WA, Australia; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Manyual L Acuil
- Immunology and Cancer Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, WA, Australia; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Joanne K Gardner
- Immunology and Cancer Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, WA, Australia; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Delia J Nelson
- Immunology and Cancer Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, WA, Australia; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Cornwall SMJ, Wikstrom M, Musk AW, Alvarez J, Nowak AK, Nelson DJ. Human mesothelioma induces defects in dendritic cell numbers and antigen-processing function which predict survival outcomes. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1082028. [PMID: 27057464 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1082028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma is an almost invariably fatal tumor with chemotherapy extending survival by a few months. One immunotherapeutic strategy is to target dendritic cells (DCs), key antigen-presenting cells involved in antigen presentation, to induce antigen-specific T cell responses. However, DC-targeting will only be effective if DCs are fit-for-purpose, and the functional status of DCs in mesothelioma patients was not clear. We found that mesothelioma patients have significantly decreased numbers of circulating myeloid (m)DC1 cells, mDC2 cells and plasmacytoid (p)DCs relative to healthy age and gender-matched controls. Blood monocytes from patients could not differentiate into immature monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs), indicated by a significantly reduced ability to process antigen and reduced expression of costimulatory (CD40, CD80 and CD86) and MHC (HLA-DR) molecules, relative to controls. Activation of mesothelioma-derived MoDCs with LPS+/-IFNγ generated partially mature MoDCs, evident by limited upregulation of the maturation marker, CD83, and the costimulatory markers. Attempts to rescue mesothelioma-derived DC function using CD40Ligand(L) also failed, indicated by maintenance of antigen-processing capacity and limited upregulation of CD40, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR. These data suggest that mesothelioma patients have significant numerical and functional DC defects and that their reduced capacity to process antigen and reduced expression of costimulatory molecules could induce anergized/tolerized T cells. Nonetheless, survival analyses revealed that individuals with mesothelioma and higher than median levels of mDC1s and/or whose MoDCs matured in response to LPS, IFNγ or CD40L lived longer, implying their selection for DC-targeting therapy could be promising especially if combined with another treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M J Cornwall
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Immunology and Cancer Group, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia; CHIRI Biosciences Research Precinct, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Arthur W Musk
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital , Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - John Alvarez
- The Mount Hospital , 150 Mounts Bay Rd , Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Anna K Nowak
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, WA, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Delia J Nelson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Immunology and Cancer Group, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia; CHIRI Biosciences Research Precinct, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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24
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Shimabukuro-Vornhagen A, Schlößer HA, Gryschok L, Malcher J, Wennhold K, Garcia-Marquez M, Herbold T, Neuhaus LS, Becker HJ, Fiedler A, Scherwitz P, Koslowsky T, Hake R, Stippel DL, Hölscher AH, Eidt S, Hallek M, Theurich S, von Bergwelt-Baildon MS. Characterization of tumor-associated B-cell subsets in patients with colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 5:4651-64. [PMID: 25026291 PMCID: PMC4148088 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: A precise understanding of the mechanisms by which human immune cell subsets affect tumor biology will be critical for successful treatment of cancer using immunotherapeutic approaches. Recent evidence suggests that B cells can both promote and inhibit the development and progression of tumors. The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of the B-cell infiltrates in colorectal cancers (CRC) in order to gain further insight into the role of B cells in CRC. Experimental Design: In this study we characterized B-cell subsets in primary tumors (n=38), metastases (n=6) and blood (n=46) of 51 patients with a diagnosis of CRC and blood of 10 healthy controls. B-cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry. Results: Peripheral blood of CRC patients contained a higher percentage of memory B cells than that of age-matched healthy controls. Furthermore, the percentage of B cells within tumors was higher than that in the peripheral blood of CRC patients while metastases were typically devoid of tumor-infiltrating B cells. Tumor-associated B cells were enriched for activated and terminally differentiated B cells. Relevant proportions of regulatory B cells could only be detected in advanced cancer and metastases. Conclusion: B cells constitute a significant proportion of the immune infiltrate in CRC. The B-cell infiltrate of primary CRC is characterized by an accumulation of terminally differentiated memory B cells or plasma cells suggestive of a specific immune response against the tumor. However advanced tumors and metastases are also infiltrated by a considerable number of regulatory B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Shimabukuro-Vornhagen
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany. Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. This authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Hans A Schlößer
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany. Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Germany. This authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Luise Gryschok
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Joke Malcher
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wennhold
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Till Herbold
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany. Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Laura S Neuhaus
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans J Becker
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Anne Fiedler
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Roland Hake
- Institute of Pathology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dirk L Stippel
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Arnulf H Hölscher
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Eidt
- Institute of Pathology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Theurich
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany. Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael S von Bergwelt-Baildon
- Cologne Interventional Immunology, University of Cologne, Germany. Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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25
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Abstract
We aimed to determine if the tumor microenvironment could be turned into a “self”-vaccine site. We show that provoking a local inflammatory response modulates endothelia to permit the infiltration of innate and adaptive effector cells which collaborate to eradicate the inflamed tumor and other tumor deposits, and provide long-term protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia J Nelson
- Immunology and Cancer Group; School of Biomedical Sciences; Curtin University; Kent St.; Bentley; Perth, WA Australia ; Western Australian Biomedical Research Institute; Bentley; Perth, WA Australia ; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute; Bentley; Perth, WA Australia
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26
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Krishnan S, Bakker E, Lee C, Kissick HT, Ireland DJ, Beilharz MW. Successful combined intratumoral immunotherapy of established murine mesotheliomas requires B-cell involvement. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2014; 35:100-7. [PMID: 25259549 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2014.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination immunotherapy has resulted in a number of impressive outcomes in mouse models and clinical settings. In this study, we report that a timed triple immunotherapy (TTI) protocol using 3 agonist antibodies (anti-CD25mAb, anti-TGF-βmAb, and anti-CTLA-4mAb) produced complete clearance of established AB1 murine mesothelioma tumors. Combining all 3 agonist antibodies into a single cocktail for intratumoral injection was as effective as the TTI in tumor eradication. Cured mice showed elevated levels of tumor-specific IgG antibodies at 95 days posttreatment. Time-course studies of tumor clearance showed (1) that IgG levels were not elevated during tumor clearance and (2) that B-cell numbers were increased in the tumor-draining lymph nodes and spleens during tumor clearance. Finally, employment of B-cell knockout mice indicated a significant role for B cells in the successful eradication of the established tumors by the triple immunotherapy cocktail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Krishnan
- 1 School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M502), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia , Crawley, Australia
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27
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Siliņa K, Rulle U, Kalniņa Z, Linē A. Manipulation of tumour-infiltrating B cells and tertiary lymphoid structures: a novel anti-cancer treatment avenue? Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:643-62. [PMID: 24695950 PMCID: PMC11029173 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1544-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Combining different standard therapies with immunotherapy for the treatment of solid tumours has proven to yield a greater clinical benefit than when each is applied separately; however, the percentage of complete responses is still far from optimal, and there is an urgent need for improved treatment modalities. The latest literature data suggest that tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), previously shown to correlate with the severity of autoimmune diseases or transplant rejection, are also formed in tumours, have a significant beneficial effect on survival and might reflect the generation of an effective immune response in close proximity to the tumour. Thus, the facilitation of TLS formation in tumour stroma could provide novel means to improve the efficiency of immunotherapy and other standard therapies. However, little is known about the mechanisms regulating the formation of tumour-associated TLS. Studies of chronic inflammatory diseases and transplant rejection have demonstrated that TLS formation and/or function requires the presence of B cells. Additionally, the infiltration of B cells into the tumour stroma has been demonstrated to be a significant prognostic factor for improved survival in different human tumours. This suggests that B cells could play a beneficial role in anti-tumour immune response not only in the context of antibody production, antigen presentation and Th1-promoting cytokine production, but also TLS formation. This review focuses on the latest discoveries in tumour-infiltrating B cell functions, their role in TLS formation and relevance in human tumour control, revealing novel opportunities to improve cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karīna Siliņa
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1, Riga, 1067, Latvia,
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28
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The "Trojan Horse" approach to tumor immunotherapy: targeting the tumor microenvironment. J Immunol Res 2014; 2014:789069. [PMID: 24955376 PMCID: PMC4052171 DOI: 10.1155/2014/789069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Most anticancer therapies including immunotherapies are given systemically; yet therapies given directly into tumors may be more effective, particularly those that overcome natural suppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment. The “Trojan Horse” approach of intratumoural delivery aims to promote immune-mediated destruction by inducing microenvironmental changes within the tumour at the same time as avoiding the systemic toxicity that is often associated with more “full frontal” treatments such as transfer of large numbers of laboratory-expanded tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes or large intravenous doses of cytokine. Numerous studies have demonstrated that intratumoural therapy has the capacity to minimizing local suppression, inducing sufficient “dangerous” tumor cell death to cross-prime strong immune responses, and rending tumor blood vessels amenable to immune cell traffic to induce effector cell changes in secondary lymphoid organs. However, the key to its success is the design of a sound rational approach based on evidence. There is compelling preclinical data for local immunotherapy approaches in tumor immunology. This review summarises how immune events within a tumour can be modified by local approaches, how this can affect systemic antitumor immunity such that distal sites are attacked, and what approaches have been proven most successful so far in animals and patients.
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29
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Identification of IFN-γ-producing innate B cells. Cell Res 2013; 24:161-76. [PMID: 24296781 PMCID: PMC3915900 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2013.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although B cells play important roles in the humoral immune response and the regulation of adaptive immunity, B cell subpopulations with unique phenotypes, particularly those with non-classical immune functions, should be further investigated. By challenging mice with Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, vesicular stomatitis virus and Toll-like receptor ligands, we identified an inducible CD11a(hi)FcγRIII(hi) B cell subpopulation that is significantly expanded and produces high levels of IFN-γ during the early stage of the immune response. This subpopulation of B cells can promote macrophage activation via generating IFN-γ, thereby facilitating the innate immune response against intracellular bacterial infection. As this new subpopulation is of B cell origin and exhibits the phenotypic characteristics of B cells, we designated these cells as IFN-γ-producing innate B cells. Dendritic cells were essential for the inducible generation of these innate B cells from the follicular B cells via CD40L-CD40 ligation. Increased Bruton's tyrosine kinase activation was found to be responsible for the increased activation of non-canonical NF-κB pathway in these innate B cells after CD40 ligation, with the consequent induction of additional IFN-γ production. The identification of this new population of innate B cells may contribute to a better understanding of B cell functions in anti-infection immune responses and immune regulation.
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30
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Sandin LC, Orlova A, Gustafsson E, Ellmark P, Tolmachev V, Tötterman TH, Mangsbo SM. Locally delivered CD40 agonist antibody accumulates in secondary lymphoid organs and eradicates experimental disseminated bladder cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2013; 2:80-90. [PMID: 24778163 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-13-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy with intratumoral injection of adenoviral vectors expressing CD40L has yielded positive results in experimental and clinical bladder cancer. We therefore hypothesized that anti-CD40 antibody would be effective in this setting. Agonistic CD40 antibodies were developed as vaccine adjuvants but have later been used as treatment of advanced solid tumors and hematologic cancers. Systemic anti-CD40 therapy has been associated with immune-related adverse events, such as cytokine release syndrome and liver toxicity, and local delivery is an attractive approach that could reduce toxicity. Herein, we compared local and systemic anti-CD40 antibody delivery to evaluate efficacy, toxicity, and biodistribution in the experimental MB49 bladder cancer model. Antitumor effects were confirmed in the B16 model. In terms of antitumor efficacy, local anti-CD40 antibody stimulation was superior to systemic therapy at an equivalent dose and CD8 T cells were crucial for tumor growth inhibition. Both administration routes were dependent on host CD40 expression for therapeutic efficacy. In vivo biodistribution studies revealed CD40-specific antibody accumulation in the tumor-draining lymph nodes and the spleen, most likely reflecting organs with frequent target antigen-expressing immune cells. Systemic administration led to higher antibody concentrations in the liver and blood compared with local delivery, and was associated with elevated levels of serum haptoglobin. Despite the lack of a slow-release system, local anti-CD40 therapy was dependent on tumor antigen at the injection site for clearance of distant tumors. To summarize, local low-dose administration of anti-CD40 antibody mediates antitumor effects in murine models with reduced toxicity and may represent an attractive treatment alternative in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda C Sandin
- Authors' Affiliations: Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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31
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Luheshi N, Davies G, Poon E, Wiggins K, McCourt M, Legg J. Th1 cytokines are more effective than Th2 cytokines at licensing anti-tumour functions in CD40-activated human macrophages in vitro. Eur J Immunol 2013; 44:162-72. [PMID: 24114634 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201343351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CD40 agonists are showing activity in early clinical trials in patients with advanced cancer. In animal models, CD40 agonists synergise with T-cell-activating therapies to inhibit tumour growth by driving tumour macrophage repolarisation from an immunosuppressive to a Th1 immunostimulatory, tumouricidal phenotype. We therefore tested the hypothesis that T-cell-derived cytokines license anti-tumour functions in CD40-activated human macrophages. CD40 ligand (CD40L) alone activated macrophages to produce immunosuppressive IL-10, in a similar fashion to bacterial LPS, but failed to promote anti-tumour functions. The Th1 cytokine IFN-γ optimally licensed CD40L-induced macrophage anti-tumour functions, inducing a switch from IL-10 to IL-12p70 production, promoting macrophage-mediated Th1 T-cell skewing and enhancing tumouricidal activity. We found that even the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 promoted IL-12p70 production (albeit without inhibiting IL-10 production) and enhanced Th1 T-cell skewing by CD40L-activated macrophages. However, IL-4 and IL-13 did not enhance tumouricidal activity in CD40L-activated macrophages. Thus, while both Th1 and Th2 cytokines biased macrophages to a Th1 immunostimulatory phenotype, only Th1 cytokines promoted tumouricidal activity in CD40L-activated macrophages. The presence of tumour-infiltrating Th1 or Th2 cells might therefore be predictive for patient response to CD40 agonism.
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32
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Jackaman C, Majewski D, Fox SA, Nowak AK, Nelson DJ. Chemotherapy broadens the range of tumor antigens seen by cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells in vivo. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:2343-56. [PMID: 22714286 PMCID: PMC11029427 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic chemotherapies may expose the immune system to high levels of tumor antigens and expand the CD8(+) T-cell response to include weak or subdominant antigens. Here, we evaluated the in vivo CTL response to tumor antigens using a murine mesothelioma tumor cell line transfected with a neotumor antigen, ovalbumin, that contains a known hierarchy of epitopes for MHC class I molecules. We show that as tumors progress, effector CTLs are generated in vivo that focus on the dominant epitope SIINFEKL, although a weak response was seen to one (KVVRFDKL) subdominant epitope. These CTLs did not prevent tumor growth. Cisplatin treatment slowed tumor growth, slightly improved in vivo SIINFEKL presentation to T cells and reduced SIINFEKL-CTL activity. However, the CTL response to KVVRFDKL was amplified, and a response to another subdominant epitope, NAIVFKGL, was revealed. Similarly, gemcitabine cured most mice, slightly enhanced SIINFEKL presentation, reduced SIINFEKL-CTL activity yet drove a significant CTL response to NAIVFKGL, but not KVVRFDKL. These NAIVFKGL-specific CTLs secreted IFNγ and proliferated in response to in vitro NAIVFKGL stimulation. IL-2 treatment during chemotherapy refocused the response to SIINFEKL and simultaneously degraded the cisplatin-driven subdominant CTL response. These data show that chemotherapy reveals weaker tumor antigens to the immune system, a response that could be rationally targeted. Furthermore, while integrating IL-2 into the chemotherapy regimen interfered with the hierarchy of the response, IL-2 or other strategies that support CTL activity could be considered upon completion of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Jackaman
- Immunology and Cancer Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Western Australia Biomedical Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
| | - David Majewski
- Immunology and Cancer Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Western Australia Biomedical Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
| | - Simon A. Fox
- Western Australia Biomedical Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Curtin University, Kent St., Perth, WA 6102 Australia
| | - Anna K. Nowak
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands Perth, WA 6009 Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Delia J. Nelson
- Immunology and Cancer Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Western Australia Biomedical Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
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33
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Khong A, Nelson DJ, Nowak AK, Lake RA, Robinson BWS. The use of agonistic anti-CD40 therapy in treatments for cancer. Int Rev Immunol 2012; 31:246-66. [PMID: 22804570 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2012.698338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Agonistic anti-CD40 antibody is a potent stimulator of anti-tumor immune responses due to its action on both immune and tumor cells. It has the ability to "precondition" dendritic cells, allowing them to prime effective cytotoxic T-cell responses. Thus, anti-CD40 antibody provides an ideal therapy for combination with traditional cancer treatments (i.e., chemotherapy, surgery) in order to elicit immune-mediated anti-tumor effects. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action of agonistic anti-CD40, the use of mouse models to investigate its effects and combinations with other therapies in vivo, and current clinical trials combining humanized anti-CD40 antibody with chemotherapy and/or other immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Khong
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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34
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Rakhmilevich AL, Alderson KL, Sondel PM. T-cell-independent antitumor effects of CD40 ligation. Int Rev Immunol 2012; 31:267-78. [PMID: 22804571 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2012.698337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CD40 ligation has been shown to induce antitumor effects in mice and cancer patients. Most of the studies have focused on the ability of an agonistic anti-CD40 mAb to either directly kill CD40-positive tumor cells or activate T-cell immune responses. In this review the authors focus on the ability of CD40 ligation to activate antitumor effector mechanisms of the cells of innate immunity such as macrophages and NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Rakhmilevich
- Department of Human Oncology and Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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35
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Immunity and malignant mesothelioma: From mesothelial cell damage to tumor development and immune response-based therapies. Cancer Lett 2012; 322:18-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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36
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Gu L, Ruff LE, Qin Z, Corr MP, Hedrick SM, Sailor MJ. Multivalent porous silicon nanoparticles enhance the immune activation potency of agonistic CD40 antibody. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2012; 24:3981-7. [PMID: 22689074 PMCID: PMC3517000 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201200776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
One of the fundamental paradigms in the use of nanoparticles to treat disease is to evade or suppress the immune system in order to minimize systemic side effects and deliver sufficient nanoparticle quantities to the intended tissues. However, the immune system is the body's most important and effective defense against diseases. It protects the host by identifying and eliminating foreign pathogens as well as self-malignancies. Here we report a nanoparticle engineered to work with the immune system, enhancing the intended activation of antigen presenting cells (APCs). We show that luminescent porous silicon nanoparticles (LPSiNPs), each containing multiple copies of an agonistic antibody (FGK45) to the APC receptor CD40, greatly enhance activation of B cells. The cellular response to the nanoparticle-based stimulators is equivalent to a 30-40 fold larger concentration of free FGK45. The intrinsic near-infrared photoluminescence of LPSiNPs is used to monitor degradation and track the nanoparticles inside APCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luo Gu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Laura E. Ruff
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Zhengtao Qin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Maripat P. Corr
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Stephen M. Hedrick
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Michael J. Sailor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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Jackaman C, Nelson DJ. Intratumoral interleukin-2/agonist CD40 antibody drives CD4+ -independent resolution of treated-tumors and CD4+ -dependent systemic and memory responses. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:549-60. [PMID: 22002241 PMCID: PMC11029634 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1120-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Targeting interleukin-2 (IL-2) and/or agonist anti-CD40 antibody (Ab) into tumors represents an effective vaccination strategy that avoids systemic toxicity and resolves treated-site tumors. Here, we examined IL-2 and/or anti-CD40 Ab-driven local versus systemic T cell function and the installation of T cell memory. Single tumor studies showed that IL-2 induced a potent CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response that was limited to the draining lymph node and treated-site tumor, and lymph node tumor-specific CD8+ T cells did not upregulate CD44. A two-tumor model showed that while IL-2-treated-site tumors resolved, distal tumors continued to grow, implying limited systemic immunity. In contrast, anti-CD40 Ab treatment with or without IL-2 expanded the systemic T cell response to non-draining lymph nodes, and distal tumors resolved. Tumor-specific T cells in lymph nodes of anti-CD40 Ab ± IL-2-treated mice upregulated CD44, demonstrating activation and transition to effector/memory migratory cells. While CD40-activated CD4+ T cells were not required for eradicating treated-site tumors, they, plus CD8+ T cells, were crucial for removing distal tumors. Rechallenge/depletion experiments showed that the effector/memory phase required the presence of previously CD40/IL-2-activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to prevent recurrence. These novel findings show that different T cell effector mechanisms can operate for the eradication of local treated-site tumors versus untreated distal tumors and that signaling through CD40 generates a whole of body, effector/memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response that is amplified and prolonged via IL-2. Thus, successful immunotherapy needs to generate collaborating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells for a complete long-term protective cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Jackaman
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Immunology and Cancer Group, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Western Australia Biomedical Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
| | - Delia J. Nelson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Immunology and Cancer Group, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Western Australia Biomedical Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
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Jackaman C, Lansley S, Allan JE, Robinson BWS, Nelson DJ. IL-2/CD40-driven NK cells install and maintain potency in the anti-mesothelioma effector/memory phase. Int Immunol 2012; 24:357-68. [DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxs005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Kwong B, Liu H, Irvine DJ. Induction of potent anti-tumor responses while eliminating systemic side effects via liposome-anchored combinatorial immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2011; 32:5134-47. [PMID: 21514665 PMCID: PMC3140866 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Immunostimulatory therapies that activate immune response pathways are of great interest for overcoming the immunosuppression present in advanced tumors. Agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies and CpG oligonucleotides have previously demonstrated potent, synergistic anti-tumor effects, but their clinical use even as monotherapies is hampered by dose-limiting inflammatory toxicity provoked upon systemic exposure. We hypothesized that by anchoring immuno-agonist compounds to lipid nanoparticles we could retain the bioactivity of therapeutics in the local tumor tissue and tumor-draining lymph node, but limit systemic exposure to these potent molecules. We prepared PEGylated liposomes bearing surface-conjugated anti-CD40 and CpG and assessed their therapeutic efficacy and systemic toxicity compared to soluble versions of the same immuno-agonists, injected intratumorally in the B16F10 murine model of melanoma. Anti-CD40/CpG-liposomes significantly inhibited tumor growth and induced a survival benefit similar to locally injected soluble anti-CD40 + CpG. Biodistribution analyses following local delivery showed that the liposomal carriers successfully sequestered anti-CD40 and CpG in vivo, reducing leakage into systemic circulation while allowing draining to the tumor-proximal lymph node. Contrary to locally-administered soluble immunotherapy, anti-CD40/CpG-liposomes did not elicit significant increases in serum levels of ALT enzyme, systemic inflammatory cytokines, or overall weight loss, confirming that off-target inflammatory effects had been minimized. The development of a delivery strategy capable of inducing robust anti-tumor responses concurrent with minimal systemic side effects is crucial for the continued progress of potent immunotherapies toward widespread clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Kwong
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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