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van Diest E, Nicolasen MJT, Kramer L, Zheng J, Hernández-López P, Beringer DX, Kuball J. The making of multivalent gamma delta TCR anti-CD3 bispecific T cell engagers. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1052090. [PMID: 36685546 PMCID: PMC9851377 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1052090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We have recently developed a novel T cell engager concept by utilizing γ9δ2TCR as tumor targeting domain, named gamma delta TCR anti-CD3 bispecific molecule (GAB), targeting the phosphoantigen-dependent orchestration of BTN2A1 and BTN3A1 at the surface of cancer cells. GABs are made by the fusion of the ectodomains of a γδTCR to an anti-CD3 single chain variable fragment (scFv) (γδECTO-αCD3), here we explore alternative designs with the aim to enhance GAB effectivity. Methods The first alternative design was made by linking the variable domains of the γ and δ chain to an anti-CD3 scFv (γδVAR-αCD3). The second alternative design was multimerizing γδVAR-αCD3 proteins to increase the tumor binding valency. Both designs were expressed and purified and the potency to target tumor cells by T cells of the alternative designs was compared to γδECTO-αCD3, in T cell activation and cytotoxicity assays. Results and discussion The γδVAR-αCD3 proteins were poorly expressed, and while the addition of stabilizing mutations based on finding for αβ single chain formats increased expression, generation of meaningful amounts of γδVAR-αCD3 protein was not possible. As an alternative strategy, we explored the natural properties of the original GAB design (γδECTO-αCD3), and observed the spontaneous formation of γδECTO-αCD3-monomers and -dimers during expression. We successfully enhanced the fraction of γδECTO-αCD3-dimers by shortening the linker length between the heavy and light chain in the anti-CD3 scFv, though this also decreased protein yield by 50%. Finally, we formally demonstrated with purified γδECTO-αCD3-dimers and -monomers, that γδECTO-αCD3-dimers are superior in function when compared to similar concentrations of monomers, and do not induce T cell activation without simultaneous tumor engagement. In conclusion, a γδECTO-αCD3-dimer based GAB design has great potential, though protein production needs to be further optimized before preclinical and clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline van Diest
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mara J. T. Nicolasen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lovro Kramer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jiali Zheng
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Patricia Hernández-López
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Dennis X. Beringer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Jürgen Kuball,
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2
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Dekkers JF, Alieva M, Cleven A, Keramati F, Wezenaar AKL, van Vliet EJ, Puschhof J, Brazda P, Johanna I, Meringa AD, Rebel HG, Buchholz MB, Barrera Román M, Zeeman AL, de Blank S, Fasci D, Geurts MH, Cornel AM, Driehuis E, Millen R, Straetemans T, Nicolasen MJT, Aarts-Riemens T, Ariese HCR, Johnson HR, van Ineveld RL, Karaiskaki F, Kopper O, Bar-Ephraim YE, Kretzschmar K, Eggermont AMM, Nierkens S, Wehrens EJ, Stunnenberg HG, Clevers H, Kuball J, Sebestyen Z, Rios AC. Uncovering the mode of action of engineered T cells in patient cancer organoids. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:60-69. [PMID: 35879361 PMCID: PMC9849137 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01397-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Extending the success of cellular immunotherapies against blood cancers to the realm of solid tumors will require improved in vitro models that reveal therapeutic modes of action at the molecular level. Here we describe a system, called BEHAV3D, developed to study the dynamic interactions of immune cells and patient cancer organoids by means of imaging and transcriptomics. We apply BEHAV3D to live-track >150,000 engineered T cells cultured with patient-derived, solid-tumor organoids, identifying a 'super engager' behavioral cluster comprising T cells with potent serial killing capacity. Among other T cell concepts we also study cancer metabolome-sensing engineered T cells (TEGs) and detect behavior-specific gene signatures that include a group of 27 genes with no previously described T cell function that are expressed by super engager killer TEGs. We further show that type I interferon can prime resistant organoids for TEG-mediated killing. BEHAV3D is a promising tool for the characterization of behavioral-phenotypic heterogeneity of cellular immunotherapies and may support the optimization of personalized solid-tumor-targeting cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna F Dekkers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Alieva
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Cleven
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Farid Keramati
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amber K L Wezenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Esmée J van Vliet
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jens Puschhof
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Microbiome and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Brazda
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Inez Johanna
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Angelo D Meringa
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Heggert G Rebel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maj-Britt Buchholz
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Barrera Román
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amber L Zeeman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sam de Blank
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Domenico Fasci
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten H Geurts
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelisa M Cornel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Else Driehuis
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rosemary Millen
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mara J T Nicolasen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tineke Aarts-Riemens
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrikus C R Ariese
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hannah R Johnson
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ravian L van Ineveld
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Froso Karaiskaki
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Oded Kopper
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Yotam E Bar-Ephraim
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kai Kretzschmar
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center for Cancer Research Würzburg, University Hospital Würzburg, MSNZ/IZKF, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander M M Eggermont
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Comprehensive Cancer Center München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen J Wehrens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Pharma, Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anne C Rios
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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3
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van Diest E, Hernández López P, Meringa AD, Vyborova A, Karaiskaki F, Heijhuurs S, Gumathi Bormin J, van Dooremalen S, Nicolasen MJT, Gatti LCDE, Johanna I, Straetemans T, Sebestyén Z, Beringer DX, Kuball J. Gamma delta TCR anti-CD3 bispecific molecules (GABs) as novel immunotherapeutic compounds. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003850. [PMID: 34815357 PMCID: PMC8611453 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background γ9δ2 T cells hold great promise as cancer therapeutics because of their unique capability of reacting to metabolic changes with tumor cells. However, it has proven very difficult to translate this promise into clinical success. Methods In order to better utilize the tumor reactivity of γ9δ2T cells and combine this with the great potential of T cell engager molecules, we developed a novel bispecific molecule by linking the extracellular domains of tumor-reactive γ9δ2TCRs to a CD3-binding moiety, creating gamma delta TCR anti-CD3 bispecific molecules (GABs). GABs were tested in vitro and in vivo for ability to redirect T lymphocytes to a variety of tumor cell lines and primary patient material. Results GABs utilizing naturally occurring high affinity γ9δ2TCRs efficiently induced αβT cell mediated phosphoantigen-dependent recognition of tumor cells. Reactivity was substantially modulated by variations in the Vδ2 CDR3-region and the BTN2A1-binding HV4-region between CDR2 and CDR3 of the γ-chain was crucial for functionality. GABs redirected αβT cells against a broad range of hematopoietic and solid tumor cell lines and primary acute myeloid leukemia. Furthermore, they enhanced infiltration of immune cells in a 3D bone marrow niche and left healthy tissues intact, while eradicating primary multiple myeloma cells. Lastly, GABs constructed from natural high affinity γ9δ2TCR sequences significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo in a subcutaneous myeloma xenograft model. Conclusions We conclude that GABs allow for the introduction of metabolic targeting of cancer cells to the field of T cell engagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline van Diest
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Hernández López
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo D Meringa
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Vyborova
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Froso Karaiskaki
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Heijhuurs
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Gumathi Bormin
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne van Dooremalen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mara J T Nicolasen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lucrezia C D E Gatti
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inez Johanna
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyén
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis X Beringer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands .,Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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4
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Johanna I, Hernández-López P, Heijhuurs S, Scheper W, Bongiovanni L, de Bruin A, Beringer DX, Oostvogels R, Straetemans T, Sebestyen Z, Kuball J. Adding Help to an HLA-A*24:02 Tumor-Reactive γδTCR Increases Tumor Control. Front Immunol 2021; 12:752699. [PMID: 34759930 PMCID: PMC8573335 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.752699] [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: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
γδT cell receptors (γδTCRs) recognize a broad range of malignantly transformed cells in mainly a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent manner, making them valuable additions to the engineered immune effector cell therapy that currently focuses primarily on αβTCRs and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). As an exception to the rule, we have previously identified a γδTCR, which exerts antitumor reactivity against HLA-A*24:02-expressing malignant cells, however without the need for defined HLA-restricted peptides, and without exhibiting any sign of off-target toxicity in humanized HLA-A*24:02 transgenic NSG (NSG-A24:02) mouse models. This particular tumor-HLA-A*24:02-specific Vγ5Vδ1TCR required CD8αα co-receptor for its tumor reactive capacity when introduced into αβT cells engineered to express a defined γδTCR (TEG), referred to as TEG011; thus, it was only active in CD8+ TEG011. We subsequently explored the concept of additional redirection of CD4+ T cells through co-expression of the human CD8α gene into CD4+ and CD8+ TEG011 cells, later referred as TEG011_CD8α. Adoptive transfer of TEG011_CD8α cells in humanized HLA-A*24:02 transgenic NSG (NSG-A24:02) mice injected with tumor HLA-A*24:02+ cells showed superior tumor control in comparison to TEG011, and to mock control groups. The total percentage of mice with persisting TEG011_CD8α cells, as well as the total number of TEG011_CD8α cells per mice, was significantly improved over time, mainly due to a dominance of CD4+CD8+ double-positive TEG011_CD8α, which resulted in higher total counts of functional T cells in spleen and bone marrow. We observed that tumor clearance in the bone marrow of TEG011_CD8α-treated mice associated with better human T cell infiltration, which was not observed in the TEG011-treated group. Overall, introduction of transgenic human CD8α receptor on TEG011 improves antitumor reactivity against HLA-A*24:02+ tumor cells and further enhances in vivo tumor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inez Johanna
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Sabine Heijhuurs
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Wouter Scheper
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Laura Bongiovanni
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Dennis X Beringer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rimke Oostvogels
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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5
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Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Platforms With Ex Vivo and In Vivo Immune Manipulations: Count and Adjust. Hemasphere 2021; 5:e580. [PMID: 34095763 PMCID: PMC8171366 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Various allogeneic (allo) stem cell transplantation platforms have been developed over the last 2 decades. In this review we focus on the impact of in vivo and ex vivo graft manipulation on immune reconstitution and clinical outcome. Strategies include anti-thymocyte globulin- and post-transplantation cyclophosphamide-based regimens, as well as graft engineering, such as CD34 selection and CD19/αβT cell depletion. Differences in duration of immune suppression, reconstituting immune repertoires, and associated graft-versus-leukemia effects and toxicities mediated through viral reactivations are highlighted. In addition, we discuss the impact of different reconstituting repertoires on donor lymphocyte infusions and post allo pharmacological interventions to enhance tumor control. We advocate for precisely counting all graft ingredients and therapeutic drug monitoring during conditioning in the peripheral blood, and for adjusting dosing accordingly on an individual basis. In addition, we propose novel trial designs to better assess the impact of variations in transplantation platforms in order to better learn from our diversity of “counts” and potential “adjustments.” This will, in the future, allow daily clinical practice, strategic choices, and future trial designs to be based on data guided decisions, rather than relying on dogma and habits.
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6
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Chaudhry K, Dowlati E, Bollard CM. Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered natural killer cells: a promising cancer immunotherapy. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:643-659. [PMID: 33821731 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1911648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction:Widespread success of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for the treatment of hematological malignancies have shifted the focus from conventional cancer treatments toward adoptive immunotherapy. There are major efforts to improve CAR constructs and to identify new target antigens. Even though the Food and Drug Administration has approved commercialization of some CD19 CART cell therapies, there are still some limitations that restrict their widespread clinical use. The manufacture of autologous products for individual patients is logistically cumbersome and expensive and allogeneic T cell products may pose an appreciable risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).Areas covered:Natural killer (NK) cells are an attractive alternative for CART-based immunotherapies. They have the innate ability to detect and eliminate malignant cells and are safer in the 'off-the-shelf' setting. This review discusses the current progress within the CAR NK cell field, including the challenges, and future prospects. Gene engineered NK cells was used as the search term in PubMed and Google Scholar through to December 2020.Expert opinion:CAR NK cell therapies hold promise as an 'off-the-shelf' cell therapy for cancer. It is hoped that an enhanced understanding of their immunobiology and molecular mechanisms of action will improve their in vivo potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Chaudhry
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, WA, USA
| | - Ehsan Dowlati
- Department of Neurosurgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, WA, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, WA, USA.,GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, WA, USA.,Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, WA, USA
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7
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Minculescu L, Sengelov H, Marquart HV, Ryder LP, Fischer-Nielsen A, Haastrup E. Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Effectively Mobilizes TCR γδ and NK Cells Providing an Allograft Potentially Enhanced for the Graft-Versus-Leukemia Effect for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:625165. [PMID: 33777007 PMCID: PMC7988077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.625165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential cure for patients with hematological malignancies but substantial risks of recurrence of the malignant disease remain. TCR γδ and NK cells are perceived as potent innate effector cells in HSCT and have been associated with post-transplant protection from relapse in clinical studies. Immunocompetent cells from the donor are crucial for patient outcomes and peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) are being increasingly applied as graft source. G-CSF is the preferential mobilizing agent in healthy donors for PBSC grafts, yet effects of G-CSF on TCR γδ and NK cells are scarcely uncovered and could influence the graft composition and potency of these cells. Therefore, we analyzed T and NK cell subsets and activation markers in peripheral blood samples of 49 donors before and after G-CSF mobilization and—for a subset of donors—also in the corresponding graft samples using multicolor flowcytometry with staining for CD3, CD4, CD8, TCRαβ, TCRγδ, Vδ1, Vδ2, HLA-DR, CD45RA, CD197, CD45RO, HLA-DR, CD16, CD56, and CD314. We found that TCR γδ cells were mobilized and harvested with an efficiency corresponding that of TCR αβ cells. For TCR γδ as well as for TCR αβ cells, G-CSF preferentially mobilized naïve and terminally differentiated effector (TEMRA) cells over memory cells. In the TCR γδ cell compartment, G-CSF preferentially mobilized cells of the nonVδ2 types and increased the fraction of HLA-DR positive TCR γδ cells. For NK cells, mobilization by G-CSF was increased compared to that of T cells, yet NK cells appeared to be less efficiently harvested than T cells. In the NK cell compartment, G-CSF-stimulation preserved the proportion of CD56dim NK effector cells which have been associated with relapse protection. The expression of the activating receptor NKG2D implied in anti-leukemic responses, was significantly increased in both CD56dim and CD56bright NK cells after G-CSF stimulation. These results indicate differentiated mobilization and altering properties of G-CSF which could improve the effects of donor TCR γδ and NK cells in the processes of graft-versus-leukemia for relapse prevention after HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Minculescu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Sengelov
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Vibeke Marquart
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Peter Ryder
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Fischer-Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva Haastrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Identification of a tumor-specific allo-HLA-restricted γδTCR. Blood Adv 2020; 3:2870-2882. [PMID: 31585951 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019032409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
γδT cells are key players in cancer immune surveillance because of their ability to recognize malignant transformed cells, which makes them promising therapeutic tools in the treatment of cancer. However, the biological mechanisms of how γδT-cell receptors (TCRs) interact with their ligands are poorly understood. Within this context, we describe the novel allo-HLA-restricted and CD8α-dependent Vγ5Vδ1TCR. In contrast to the previous assumption of the general allo-HLA reactivity of a minor fraction of γδTCRs, we show that classic anti-HLA-directed, γδTCR-mediated reactivity can selectively act on hematological and solid tumor cells, while not harming healthy tissues in vitro and in vivo. We identified the molecular interface with proximity to the peptide-binding groove of HLA-A*24:02 as the essential determinant for recognition and describe the critical role of CD8 as a coreceptor. We conclude that alloreactive γδT-cell repertoires provide therapeutic opportunities, either within the context of haplotransplantation or as individual γδTCRs for genetic engineering of tumor-reactive T cells.
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9
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Vyborova A, Beringer DX, Fasci D, Karaiskaki F, van Diest E, Kramer L, de Haas A, Sanders J, Janssen A, Straetemans T, Olive D, Leusen J, Boutin L, Nedellec S, Schwartz SL, Wester MJ, Lidke KA, Scotet E, Lidke DS, Heck AJ, Sebestyen Z, Kuball J. γ9δ2T cell diversity and the receptor interface with tumor cells. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:4637-4651. [PMID: 32484803 PMCID: PMC7456241 DOI: 10.1172/jci132489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
γ9δ2T cells play a major role in cancer immune surveillance, yet the clinical translation of their in vitro promise remains challenging. To address limitations of previous clinical attempts using expanded γ9δ2T cells, we explored the clonal diversity of γ9δ2T cell repertoires and characterized their target. We demonstrated that only a fraction of expanded γ9δ2T cells was active against cancer cells and that activity of the parental clone, or functional avidity of selected γ9δ2 T cell receptors (γ9δ2TCRs), was not associated with clonal frequency. Furthermore, we analyzed the target-receptor interface and provided a 2-receptor, 3-ligand model. We found that activation was initiated by binding of the γ9δ2TCR to BTN2A1 through the regions between CDR2 and CDR3 of the TCR γ chain and modulated by the affinity of the CDR3 region of the TCRδ chain, which was phosphoantigen independent (pAg independent) and did not depend on CD277. CD277 was secondary, serving as a mandatory coactivating ligand. We found that binding of CD277 to its putative ligand did not depend on the presence of γ9δ2TCR, did depend on usage of the intracellular CD277, created pAg-dependent proximity to BTN2A1, enhanced cell-cell conjugate formation, and stabilized the immunological synapse (IS). This process critically depended on the affinity of the γ9δ2TCR and required membrane flexibility of the γ9δ2TCR and CD277, facilitating their polarization and high-density recruitment during IS formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Vyborova
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Dennis X. Beringer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Domenico Fasci
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Froso Karaiskaki
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Eline van Diest
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lovro Kramer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Aram de Haas
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jasper Sanders
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anke Janssen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Daniel Olive
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie Marseille, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Jeanette Leusen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lola Boutin
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCINA, LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology,” Nantes, France
| | - Steven Nedellec
- Structure Fédérative de Recherche en Santé François Bonamy (SFR-Santé), INSERM, CNRS, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Michael J. Wester
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico (UNM), Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Keith A. Lidke
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico (UNM), Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Emmanuel Scotet
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCINA, LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology,” Nantes, France
| | | | - Albert J.R. Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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10
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Johanna I, Hernández-López P, Heijhuurs S, Bongiovanni L, de Bruin A, Beringer D, van Dooremalen S, Shultz LD, Ishikawa F, Sebestyen Z, Straetemans T, Kuball J. TEG011 persistence averts extramedullary tumor growth without exerting off-target toxicity against healthy tissues in a humanized HLA-A*24:02 transgenic mice. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 107:1069-1079. [PMID: 32022317 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ma0120-228r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
γδT cells play an important role in cancer immunosurveillance and are able to distinguish malignant cells from their healthy counterparts via their γδTCR. This characteristic makes γδT cells an attractive candidate for therapeutic application in cancer immunotherapy. Previously, we have identified a novel CD8α-dependent tumor-specific allo-HLA-A*24:02-restricted Vγ5Vδ1TCR with potential therapeutic value when used to engineer αβT cells from HLA-A*24:02 harboring individuals. αβT cells engineered to express this defined Vγ5Vδ1TCR (TEG011) have been suggested to recognize spatial changes in HLA-A*24:02 present selectively on tumor cells but not their healthy counterparts. However, in vivo efficacy and toxicity studies of TEG011 are still limited. Therefore, we extend the efficacy and toxicity studies as well as the dynamics of TEG011 in vivo in a humanized HLA-A*24:02 transgenic NSG (NSG-A24:02) mouse model to allow the preparation of a first-in-men clinical safety package for adoptive transfer of TEG011. Mice treated with TEG011 did not exhibit any graft-versus-host disease-like symptoms and extensive analysis of pathologic changes in NSG-A24:02 mice did not show any off-target toxicity of TEG011. However, loss of persistence of TEG011 in tumor-bearing mice was associated with the outgrowth of extramedullary tumor masses as also observed for mock-treated mice. In conclusion, TEG011 is well tolerated without harming HLA-A*24:02+ expressing healthy tissues, and TEG011 persistence seems to be crucial for long-term tumor control in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inez Johanna
- Department of Hematology and Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Hernández-López
- Department of Hematology and Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Heijhuurs
- Department of Hematology and Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Bongiovanni
- Department of Pathobiology, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department of Pathobiology, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Beringer
- Department of Hematology and Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne van Dooremalen
- Department of Hematology and Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard D Shultz
- Department of Immunology, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
| | - Fumihiko Ishikawa
- Laboratory for Human Disease Models, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Department of Hematology and Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Department of Hematology and Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Department of Hematology and Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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11
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Janssen A, Villacorta Hidalgo J, Beringer DX, van Dooremalen S, Fernando F, van Diest E, Terrizi AR, Bronsert P, Kock S, Schmitt-Gräff A, Werner M, Heise K, Follo M, Straetemans T, Sebestyen Z, Chudakov DM, Kasatskaya SA, Frenkel FE, Ravens S, Spierings E, Prinz I, Küppers R, Malkovsky M, Fisch P, Kuball J. γδ T-cell Receptors Derived from Breast Cancer-Infiltrating T Lymphocytes Mediate Antitumor Reactivity. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:530-543. [PMID: 32019779 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
γδ T cells in human solid tumors remain poorly defined. Here, we describe molecular and functional analyses of T-cell receptors (TCR) from tumor-infiltrating γδ T lymphocytes (γδ TIL) that were in direct contact with tumor cells in breast cancer lesions from archival material. We observed that the majority of γδ TILs harbored a proinflammatory phenotype and only a minority associated with the expression of IL17. We characterized TCRγ or TCRδ chains of γδ TILs and observed a higher proportion of Vδ2+ T cells compared with other tumor types. By reconstructing matched Vδ2- TCRγ and TCRδ pairs derived from single-cell sequencing, our data suggest that γδ TILs could be active against breast cancer and other tumor types. The reactivity pattern against tumor cells depended on both the TCRγ and TCRδ chains and was independent of additional costimulation through other innate immune receptors. We conclude that γδ TILs can mediate tumor reactivity through their individual γδ TCR pairs and that engineered T cells expressing TCRγ and δ chains derived from γδ TILs display potent antitumor reactivity against different cancer cell types and, thus, may be a valuable tool for engineering immune cells for adoptive cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Janssen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jose Villacorta Hidalgo
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dennis X Beringer
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne van Dooremalen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Febilla Fernando
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eline van Diest
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Antonela R Terrizi
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bronsert
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Kock
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annette Schmitt-Gräff
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Werner
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Heise
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marie Follo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dmitry M Chudakov
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Center for Data-Intensive Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofya A Kasatskaya
- Center for Data-Intensive Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Sarina Ravens
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eric Spierings
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralf Küppers
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Paul Fisch
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands. .,Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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12
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Zaghi E, Calvi M, Di Vito C, Mavilio D. Innate Immune Responses in the Outcome of Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation to Cure Hematologic Malignancies. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2794. [PMID: 31849972 PMCID: PMC6892976 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of allogeneic transplant platforms, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) represents one of the latest and most promising curative strategies for patients affected by high-risk hematologic malignancies. Indeed, this platform ensures a suitable stem cell source immediately available for virtually any patents in need. Moreover, the establishment in recipients of a state of immunologic tolerance toward grafted hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remarkably improves the clinical outcome of this transplant procedure in terms of overall and disease free survival. However, the HLA-mismatch between donors and recipients has not been yet fully exploited in order to optimize the Graft vs. Leukemia effect. Furthermore, the efficacy of haplo-HSCT is currently hampered by several life-threatening side effects including the onset of Graft vs. Host Disease (GvHD) and the occurrence of opportunistic viral infections. In this context, the quality and the kinetic of the immune cell reconstitution (IR) certainly play a major role and several experimental efforts have been greatly endorsed to better understand and accelerate the post-transplant recovery of a fully competent immune system in haplo-HSCT. In particular, the IR of innate immune system is receiving a growing interest, as it recovers much earlier than T and B cells and it is able to rapidly exert protective effects against both tumor relapses, GvHD and the onset of life-threatening opportunistic infections. Herein, we review our current knowledge in regard to the kinetic and clinical impact of Natural Killer (NK), γδ and Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) IRs in both allogeneic and haplo-HSCT. The present paper also provides an overview of those new therapeutic strategies currently being implemented to boost the alloreactivity of the above-mentioned innate immune effectors in order to ameliorate the prognosis of patients affected by hematologic malignancies and undergone transplant procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Zaghi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Calvi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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13
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Sebestyen Z, Prinz I, Déchanet-Merville J, Silva-Santos B, Kuball J. Translating gammadelta (γδ) T cells and their receptors into cancer cell therapies. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 19:169-184. [PMID: 31492944 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Clinical responses to checkpoint inhibitors used for cancer immunotherapy seemingly require the presence of αβT cells that recognize tumour neoantigens, and are therefore primarily restricted to tumours with high mutational load. Approaches that could address this limitation by engineering αβT cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells, are being investigated intensively, but these approaches have other issues, such as a scarcity of appropriate targets for CAR T cells in solid tumours. Consequently, there is renewed interest among translational researchers and commercial partners in the therapeutic use of γδT cells and their receptors. Overall, γδT cells display potent cytotoxicity, which usually does not depend on tumour-associated (neo)antigens, towards a large array of haematological and solid tumours, while preserving normal tissues. However, the precise mechanisms of tumour-specific γδT cells, as well as the mechanisms for self-recognition, remain poorly understood. In this Review, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for the clinical implementation of cancer immunotherapies based on γδT cells and their receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Sebestyen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Julie Déchanet-Merville
- ImmunoConcept, CNRS UMR 5164, Equipe Labelisee Ligue Contre le Cancer, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Bruno Silva-Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Haematology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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14
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Minculescu L, Marquart HV, Ryder LP, Andersen NS, Schjoedt I, Friis LS, Kornblit BT, Petersen SL, Haastrup E, Fischer-Nielsen A, Reekie J, Sengelov H. Improved Overall Survival, Relapse-Free-Survival, and Less Graft-vs.-Host-Disease in Patients With High Immune Reconstitution of TCR Gamma Delta Cells 2 Months After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1997. [PMID: 31507601 PMCID: PMC6714591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell receptor (TCR) γδ cells are perceived as innate-like effector cells with the possibility of mediating graft-vs. -tumor (GVT) without causing graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) in the setting of hematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We conducted a prospective study to assess the clinical impact of TCR γδ cell immune reconstitution on overall survival, relapse-free-survival, relapse and GVHD. The impact of CD3, CD4, and CD8 T cells together with NK cells including subtypes were analyzed in parallel. A total of 108 patients with hematological malignancies transplanted with HLA-matched, T cell replete stem cell grafts were included for analyses of absolute concentrations of CD3, CD4, and CD8 positive T cells and NK cells together with a multi-color flow cytometry panel with staining for TCRαβ, TCRγδ, Vδ1, Vδ2, CD3, CD4, CD8, HLA-DR, CD196, CD45RO, CD45RA, CD16, CD56, CD337, and CD314 at 28, 56, 91, 180, and 365 days after transplantation. Immune reconstitution data including subsets and differentiation markers of T and NK cells during the first year after transplantation was provided. Patients with TCR γδ cell concentrations above the median value of 21 (0–416) × 106 cells/L 56 days after transplantation had significantly improved overall survival (p = 0.001) and relapse-free survival (p = 0.007) compared to patients with concentrations below this value. When day 56 cell subset concentrations were included as continuous variables, TCR γδ cells were the only T cell subsets with a significant impact on OS and RFS; the impact of TCR γδ cells remained statistically significant in multivariate analyses adjusted for pre-transplant risk factors. The risk of death from relapse was significantly decreased in patients with high concentrations of TCR γδ cells 56 days after transplantation (p = 0.003). Also, the risk of acute GVHD was significantly lower in patients with day 28 TCR γδ cell concentrations above the median of 18 × 106 cells/L compared to patients with low concentrations (p = 0.01). These results suggest a protective role of TCR γδ cells in relapse and GVHD and encourage further research in developing adaptive TCR γδ cell therapy for improving outcomes after HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Minculescu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Vibeke Marquart
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Peter Ryder
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ida Schjoedt
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Smidstrup Friis
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Brian Thomas Kornblit
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Lykke Petersen
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva Haastrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Fischer-Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joanne Reekie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, PERSIMUNE, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Sengelov
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Johanna I, Straetemans T, Heijhuurs S, Aarts-Riemens T, Norell H, Bongiovanni L, de Bruin A, Sebestyen Z, Kuball J. Evaluating in vivo efficacy - toxicity profile of TEG001 in humanized mice xenografts against primary human AML disease and healthy hematopoietic cells. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:69. [PMID: 30871629 PMCID: PMC6419469 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0558-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND γ9δ2T cells, which express Vγ9 and Vδ2 chains of the T cell receptor (TCR), mediate cancer immune surveillance by sensing early metabolic changes in malignant leukemic blast and not their healthy hematopoietic stem counterparts via the γ9δ2TCR targeting joined conformational and spatial changes of CD277 at the cell membrane (CD277J). This concept led to the development of next generation CAR-T cells, so-called TEGs: αβT cells Engineered to express a defined γδTCR. The high affinity γ9δ2TCR clone 5 has recently been selected within the TEG format as a clinical candidate (TEG001). However, exploring safety and efficacy against a target, which reflects an early metabolic change in tumor cells, remains challenging given the lack of appropriate tools. Therefore, we tested whether TEG001 is able to eliminate established leukemia in a primary disease model, without harming other parts of the healthy hematopoiesis in vivo. METHODS Separate sets of NSG mice were respectively injected with primary human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts and cord blood-derived human progenitor cells from healthy donors. These mice were then treated with TEG001 and mock cells. Tumor burden and human cells engraftment were measured in peripheral blood and followed up over time by quantifying for absolute cell number by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric 2-tailed Mann-Whitney t-test. RESULTS We successfully engrafted primary AML blasts and healthy hematopoietic cells after 6-8 weeks. Here we report that metabolic cancer targeting through TEG001 eradicated established primary leukemic blasts in vivo, while healthy hematopoietic compartments derived from human cord-blood remained unharmed in spite of TEGs persistence up to 50 days after infusion. No additional signs of off-target toxicity were observed in any other tissues. CONCLUSION Within the limitations of humanized PD-X models, targeting CD277J by TEG001 is safe and efficient. Therefore, we have initiated clinical testing of TEG001 in a phase I first-in-human clinical trial (NTR6541; date of registration 25 July 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Inez Johanna
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Heijhuurs
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke Aarts-Riemens
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Håkan Norell
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Laura Bongiovanni
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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16
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Arruda LCM, Gaballa A, Uhlin M. Graft γδ TCR Sequencing Identifies Public Clonotypes Associated with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Efficacy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients and Unravels Cytomegalovirus Impact on Repertoire Distribution. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:1859-1870. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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17
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Castella B, Melaccio A, Foglietta M, Riganti C, Massaia M. Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells as Strategic Weapons to Improve the Potency of Immune Checkpoint Blockade and Immune Interventions in Human Myeloma. Front Oncol 2018; 8:508. [PMID: 30460198 PMCID: PMC6232124 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of immune checkpoint (ICP) blockade has introduced an unprecedented paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer. Though very promising, there is still a substantial proportion of patients who do not respond or develop resistance to ICP blockade. In vitro and in vivo models are eagerly needed to identify mechanisms to maximize the immune potency of ICP blockade and overcome primary and acquired resistance to ICP blockade. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells isolated from the bone marrow (BM) from multiple myeloma (MM) are excellent tools to investigate the mechanisms of resistance to PD-1 blockade and to decipher the network of mutual interactions between PD-1 and the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Vγ9Vδ2 T cells can easily be interrogated to dissect the progressive immune competence impairment generated in the TME by the long-lasting exposure to myeloma cellss. BM MM Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are PD-1+ and anergic to phosphoantigen (pAg) stimulation; notably, single agent PD-1 blockade is insufficient to fully recover their anti-tumor activity in vitro indicating that additional players are involved in the anergy of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. In this mini-review we will discuss the value of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells as investigational tools to improve the potency of ICP blockade and immune interventions in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Castella
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue, Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Assunta Melaccio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche ed Oncologia Umana, Sezione di Medicina Interna ed Oncologia, Università degli studi di Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Myriam Foglietta
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue, Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy.,SC Ematologia, AO S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Massaia
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue, Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy.,SC Ematologia, AO S.Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
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18
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Wang X, Liu J, Gao H, Mo XD, Han T, Xu LP, Zhang XH, Huang XJ. Dendritic Cells Are Critical for the Activation and Expansion of Vδ2 + T Cells After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Transplantation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2528. [PMID: 30443256 PMCID: PMC6221956 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells perform antitumor and antiviral effector functions and are involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. Vδ2+ T cells represent the predominant γδ T subset in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects. Vδ2+ T cells can be selectively activated and expanded by phosphoantigens (pAgs). Dendritic cells (DCs), as potent antigen-presenting cells, are capable of mediating pAgs–triggered Vδ2+ T cells expansion. However, the association between DCs and Vδ2+ T cell recovery in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that the recovery of Vδ2+ T cells was hampered and inversely correlated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in patients undergoing haploidentical HSCT (haploHSCT). Whether Vδ2+ T cells from haploHSCT recipients can be expanded by stimulation with aminobisphosphonates or pAg–presenting DCs is of particular interest. Herein, we showed that Vδ2+ T cells recovered after haploHSCT failed to expand after ex-vivo stimulation with pamidronate. In addition, we found that the recovery of DC subsets was significantly decreased, and the concentration of myeloid DCs (mDCs) correlated significantly with Vδ2+ T cell recovery in the setting of allogeneic HSCT. Furthermore, coculture of peripheral lymphocytes from recipients with monocyte-derived and pamidronate-pretreated autologous or allogeneic DCs induced the successful expansion of Vδ2+ T cells. Of note, allogeneic DCs from third-party donors stimulated a significantly higher efficiency of Vδ2+ T cell expansion than autologous DCs. More importantly, the memory features were well-retained and the cytotoxic cytokines-production capacity was significantly enhanced in the expanded Vδ2+ T cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the frequency and function of DCs are critical for the recovery of Vδ2+ T cells after allogeneic HSCT. The fact that vigorous expansions of Vδ2+ T cells were induced by phosphoantigen-pretreated DCs, especially by allogeneic third-party DCs, provides additional options for the development of individualized immunotherapy strategies that utilize the anti-viral and anti-leukemic effects of γδ T cells in the context of hematopoietic transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Beijing Hightrust Diagnostics, Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangying Liu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Gao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Mo
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Lan-Ping Xu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
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19
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de Witte MA, Sarhan D, Davis Z, Felices M, Vallera DA, Hinderlie P, Curtsinger J, Cooley S, Wagner J, Kuball J, Miller JS. Early Reconstitution of NK and γδ T Cells and Its Implication for the Design of Post-Transplant Immunotherapy. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2018; 24:1152-1162. [PMID: 29505821 PMCID: PMC5993609 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Relapse is the most frequent cause of treatment failure after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Natural killer (NK) cells and γδ T cells reconstitute early after allo-HSCT, contribute to tumor immunosurveillance via major histocompatibility complex-independent mechanisms and do not induce graft-versus-host disease. Here we performed a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the NK and γδ T cell repertoire in healthy individuals, recipients of HLA-matched sibling or unrelated donor allo-HSCT (MSD/MUD-HSCT) and umbilical cord blood-HSCT (UCB-HSCT). NK cells are present at high frequencies in all allo-HSCT recipients. Immune reconstitution (IR) of vδ2+ cells depended on stem cell source. In MSD/MUD-HSCT recipients, vδ2+ comprise up to 8% of the total lymphocyte pool, whereas vδ2+ T cells are barely detectable in UCB-HSCT recipients. Vδ1+ IR was driven by CMV reactivation and was comparable between MSD/MUD-HSCT and UCB-HSCT. Strategies to augment NK cell mediated tumor responses, similar to IL-15 and antibodies, also induced vδ2+ T cell responses against a variety of different tumor targets. Vδ1+ γδ T cells were induced less by these same stimuli. We also identified elevated expression of the checkpoint inhibitory molecule TIGIT (T cell Ig and ITIM domain), which is also observed on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and epidermal γδ T cells. Collectively, these data show multiple strategies that can result in a synergized NK and γδ T cell antitumor response. In the light of recent developments of low-toxicity allo-HSCT platforms, these interventions may contribute to the prevention of early relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniek A de Witte
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Hematology, Cancer Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dhifaf Sarhan
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Zachary Davis
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Martin Felices
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Daniel A Vallera
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology-Radiation Oncology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Peter Hinderlie
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Julie Curtsinger
- Translational Therapy Laboratory, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sarah Cooley
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - John Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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20
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Straetemans T, Kierkels GJJ, Doorn R, Jansen K, Heijhuurs S, dos Santos JM, van Muyden ADD, Vie H, Clemenceau B, Raymakers R, de Witte M, Sebestyén Z, Kuball J. GMP-Grade Manufacturing of T Cells Engineered to Express a Defined γδTCR. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1062. [PMID: 29899740 PMCID: PMC5988845 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
γ9δ2T cells play a critical role in daily cancer immune surveillance by sensing cancer-mediated metabolic changes. However, a major limitation of the therapeutic application of γ9δ2T cells is their diversity and regulation through innate co-receptors. In order to overcome natural obstacles of γ9δ2T cells, we have developed the concept of T cells engineered to express a defined γδT cell receptor (TEGs). This next generation of chimeric antigen receptor engineered T (CAR-T) cells not only allows for targeting of hematological but also of solid tumors and, therefore, overcomes major limitations of many CAR-T and γδT cell strategies. Here, we report on the development of a robust manufacturing procedure of T cells engineered to express the high affinity Vγ9Vδ2T cell receptor (TCR) clone 5 (TEG001). We determined the best concentration of anti-CD3/CD28 activation and expansion beads, optimal virus titer, and cell density for retroviral transduction, and validated a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-grade purification procedure by utilizing the CliniMACS system to deplete non- and poorly-engineered T cells. To the best of our knowledge, we have developed the very first GMP manufacturing procedure in which αβTCR depletion is used as a purification method, thereby delivering untouched clinical grade engineered immune cells. This enrichment method is applicable to any engineered T cell product with a reduced expression of endogenous αβTCRs. We report on release criteria and the stability of TEG001 drug substance and TEG001 drug product. The GMP-grade production procedure is now approved by Dutch authorities and allows TEG001 to be generated in cell numbers sufficient to treat patients within the approved clinical trial NTR6541. NTR6541 will investigate the safety and tolerability of TEG001 in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia, high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy Straetemans
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Guido J. J. Kierkels
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ruud Doorn
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Koen Jansen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sabine Heijhuurs
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joao M. dos Santos
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Henri Vie
- CRCINA, INSERM 1232, CNRS, Université d’Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- CHU de Nantes, Hôtel Dieu, UTCG, Nantes, France
| | - Béatrice Clemenceau
- CRCINA, INSERM 1232, CNRS, Université d’Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- CHU de Nantes, Hôtel Dieu, UTCG, Nantes, France
| | - Reinier Raymakers
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Moniek de Witte
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyén
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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21
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Litjens NHR, van der Wagen L, Kuball J, Kwekkeboom J. Potential Beneficial Effects of Cytomegalovirus Infection after Transplantation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:389. [PMID: 29545802 PMCID: PMC5838002 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can cause significant complications after transplantation, but recent emerging data suggest that CMV may paradoxically also exert beneficial effects in two specific allogeneic transplant settings. These potential benefits have been underappreciated and are therefore highlighted in this review. First, after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell-replete grafts, CMV reactivation is associated with protection from leukemic relapse. This association was not observed for other hematologic malignancies. This anti-leukemic effect might be mediated by CMV-driven expansion of donor-derived memory-like NKG2C+ NK and Vδ2negγδ T-cells. Donor-derived NK cells probably recognize recipient leukemic blasts by engagement of NKG2C with HLA-E and/or by the lack of donor (self) HLA molecules. Vδ2negγδ T cells probably recognize as yet unidentified antigens on leukemic blasts via their TCR. Second, immunological imprints of CMV infection, such as expanded numbers of Vδ2negγδ T cells and terminally differentiated TCRαβ+ T cells, as well as enhanced NKG2C gene expression in peripheral blood of operationally tolerant liver transplant patients, suggest that CMV infection or reactivation may be associated with liver graft acceptance. Mechanistically, poor alloreactivity of CMV-induced terminally differentiated TCRαβ+ T cells and CMV-induced IFN-driven adaptive immune resistance mechanisms in liver grafts may be involved. In conclusion, direct associations indicate that CMV reactivation may protect against AML relapse after allogeneic HSCT, and indirect associations suggest that CMV infection may promote allograft acceptance after liver transplantation. The causative mechanisms need further investigations, but are probably related to the profound and sustained imprint of CMV infection on the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolle H R Litjens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lotte van der Wagen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jaap Kwekkeboom
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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22
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Fleischer T, Chang TT, Chiang JH, Yen HR. A Controlled Trial of Sheng-Yu-Tang for Post-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Leukemia Patients: A Proposed Protocol and Insights From a Preliminary Pilot Study. Integr Cancer Ther 2018; 17:665-673. [PMID: 29431027 PMCID: PMC6142101 DOI: 10.1177/1534735418756736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has become a well-established treatment for hematologic disorders including acute leukemia. However, long-term survival rates following this procedure are still extremely low, due to posttransplantation relapse, infections, and graft-versus-host disease. We propose that adjunctive Chinese herbal medicine may benefit posttransplantation patients. In preparation for a randomized clinical trial, we conducted a pilot trial. Methods and Analysis: Between September 2015 and June 2017, 18 patients were consecutively enrolled at China Medical University Hospital and followed for up to 1 year. Fresh blood samples were obtained on a monthly basis, and immune reconstitution was analyzed. In addition to the standard-care treatment administered by their oncologist, a number of patients also received a Chinese herbal formula (Sheng-Yu-Tang) for up to 6 months. Results were used to improve on study protocol and estimate required sample size for a future randomized trial. Ethics and Dissemination: Study protocol was approved by the institutional review board of China Medical University Hospital (DMR-105-005), and all participants provided informed consent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tung-Ti Chang
- China Medical University, Taichung,
Taiwan
- China Medical University Hospital,
Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Huai Chiang
- China Medical University, Taichung,
Taiwan
- China Medical University Hospital,
Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Rong Yen
- China Medical University, Taichung,
Taiwan
- China Medical University Hospital,
Taichung, Taiwan
- Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Hung-Rong Yen, Research Center for
Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Medical Research and Department of
Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, 2 Yude Road, North
District, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
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23
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Bian Z, Xu LP, Fu Q, Huo M, Liu L, Zhao X, Huang XJ, Liu J. Homeostatic γδ T Cell Contents Are Preserved by Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Priming and Correlate with the Early Recovery of γδ T Cell Subsets after Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2017; 24:252-259. [PMID: 29061533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2017.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence from graft manipulations and immunotherapeutic treatments has highlighted a favorable effect of γδ T cells in the setting of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). However, γδ T cell subsets and their distinct features in the allograft have not been characterized. Additionally, whether homeostatic γδ T cell fractions are influenced by treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) remains elusive. We initially compared the phenotypes of γδ T cell subsets, including CD27+, CD27-, Vδ1+, Vδ2+, Vδ1+CD27+, Vδ1+CD27-, Vδ2+CD27+, and Vδ2+CD27- cells, in the peripheral blood of 20 healthy donors before and after G-CSF mobilization. The effects of G-CSF on the cytokine production capacities of γδ T cell subsets were also detected. Moreover, the correlation between donor homeostatic γδ T cell content and the early recoveries of γδ T cell subgroups after haploidentical HSCT was investigated in 40 pairs of donors and recipients. We found that both the proportions and IFN-γ secretion capacities of peripheral γδ T cell subsets were preserved in G-CSF-primed grafts. Homeostatic Vδ1 and Vδ2 proportions of donors significantly correlated with the early recoveries of Vδ1 and Vδ2 cells after haploidentical HSCT. Interestingly, a higher day 30 Vδ1 concentration was associated with a lower incidence of cytomegalovirus reactivation in recipients. These results not only clarify the preservation of γδ T cell phenotypes and functional features by G-CSF mobilization but also suggest the importance of homeostatic γδ T cell content for immune recovery after alloHSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilei Bian
- Department of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Lan-Ping Xu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Mingrui Huo
- Department of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaosu Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Department of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangying Liu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.
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24
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de Witte MA, Kuball J, Miller JS. NK Cells and γδT Cells for Relapse Protection After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT). CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2017; 3:301-311. [PMID: 29399441 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-017-0106-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review The outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is still compromised by relapse and complications. NK cells and γδT cells, effectors which both function through MHC-unrestricted mechanisms, can target transformed and infected cells without inducing Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD). Allo-HCT platforms based on CD34+ selection or αβ-TCR depletion result in low grades of GVHD, early immune reconstitution (IR) of NK and γδT cells and minimal usage of GVHD prophylaxis. In this review we will discuss strategies to retain and expand the quantity, diversity and functionality of these reconstituting innate cell types. Recent findings Bisphosphonates, IL-15 cytokine administration, specific antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors and (CMV based) vaccination are currently being evaluated to enhance IR. All these approaches have shown to potentially enhance both NK and γδT cell immuno-repertoires. Summary Rapidly accumulating data linking innate biology to proposed clinical immune interventions, will give unique opportunities to unravel shared pathways which determine the Graft-versus-Tumor effects of NK and γδT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniek A de Witte
- Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Hematology, Cancer Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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25
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Ravens S, Schultze-Florey C, Raha S, Sandrock I, Drenker M, Oberdörfer L, Reinhardt A, Ravens I, Beck M, Geffers R, von Kaisenberg C, Heuser M, Thol F, Ganser A, Förster R, Koenecke C, Prinz I. Human γδ T cells are quickly reconstituted after stem-cell transplantation and show adaptive clonal expansion in response to viral infection. Nat Immunol 2017; 18:393-401. [DOI: 10.1038/ni.3686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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26
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Strategies before, during, and after hematopoietic cell transplantation to improve T-cell immune reconstitution. Blood 2016; 128:2607-2615. [PMID: 27697775 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-06-724005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell immune reconstitution (IR) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is highly variable between patients and may take several months to even years. Patients with delayed or unbalanced T-cell IR have a higher probability of developing transplantation-related morbidity, mortality, and relapse of disease. Hence, there is a need for strategies to better predict and improve IR to reduce these limitations of allo-HCT. In this review, we provide an update of current and in-near-future clinically relevant strategies before, during, and after transplantation to achieve successful T-cell IR. Potent strategies are choosing the right HCT source (eg, donor-recipient matching, cell dose, graft manipulation), individualized conditioning and serotherapy (eg, antithymocyte globulin), nutritional status, exercise, home care, modulation of microbiota, enhancing homeostatic peripheral expansion, promoting thymopoiesis, and the use of adjuvant-targeted cellular immunotherapies. Strategies to prevent graft-versus-host disease are important as well because this complication and the subsequent need for immunosuppression affects T-cell IR and function. These options aim for personalized precision transplantation, where allo-HCT therapy is designed to boost a well-balanced T-cell IR and limit complications in individual patients, resulting in overall lower morbidity and higher survival chances.
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27
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Minculescu L, Marquart HV, Friis LS, Petersen SL, Schiødt I, Ryder LP, Andersen NS, Sengeloev H. Early Natural Killer Cell Reconstitution Predicts Overall Survival in T Cell-Replete Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2016; 22:2187-2193. [PMID: 27664326 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Early immune reconstitution plays a critical role in clinical outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Natural killer (NK) cells are the first lymphocytes to recover after transplantation and are considered powerful effector cells in HSCT. We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of early NK cell recovery in T cell-replete transplant recipients. Immune reconstitution was studied in 298 adult patients undergoing HSCT for acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome from 2005 to 2013. In multivariate analysis NK cell numbers on day 30 (NK30) > 150 cells/µL were independently associated with superior overall survival (hazard ratio, .79; 95% confidence interval, .66 to .95; P = .01). Cumulative incidence analyses showed that patients with NK30 > 150 cells/µL had significantly less transplant-related mortality (TRM), P = .01. Patients with NK30 > 150 cells/µL experienced significantly lower numbers of life-threatening bacterial infections as well as viral infections, including cytomegalovirus. No association was observed in relation to relapse. These results suggest an independent protective effect of high early NK cell reconstitution on TRM that translates into improved overall survival after T cell-replete HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Minculescu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Hanne Vibeke Marquart
- Department of Clinical Immunology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Smidstrup Friis
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Department of Hematology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Soeren Lykke Petersen
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Department of Hematology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Schiødt
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Department of Hematology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Peter Ryder
- Department of Clinical Immunology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Smedegaard Andersen
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Department of Hematology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Sengeloev
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Department of Hematology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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28
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Verduyn Lunel FM, Raymakers R, van Dijk A, van der Wagen L, Minnema MC, Kuball J. Cytomegalovirus Status and the Outcome of T Cell-Replete Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2016; 22:1883-1887. [PMID: 27470287 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus of donor and recipient are frequently used in algorithms of donor selection, whereas the impact of CMV reactivation on transplantation-related mortality, leukemia control, and overall survival (OS) remains controversial. Therefore, we retrospectively studied the impact of latent or active CMV infections on the outcome and occurrence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in 294 patients during the period from 2004 to 2010. CMV viral load was routinely monitored in plasma using a quantitative PCR. Preemptive antiviral therapy was initiated when the viral load in plasma exceeded a predefined threshold. In a proportional hazards model, a seropositive recipient was significantly associated with increased occurrence of acute GVHD. However the CMV serostatus of both recipient and donor and the presence of active CMV infection was not associated with the occurrence of relapses, chronic GVHD, or OS. We conclude that in the presence of viral load monitoring and preemptive treatment, latent or active CMV infection does not substantially affect the OS after T cell-replete RIC allogeneic SCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans M Verduyn Lunel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Eijkman Winkler Institute for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Inflammation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Reinier Raymakers
- Department of Hematology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anette van Dijk
- Department of Hematology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte van der Wagen
- Department of Hematology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monique C Minnema
- Department of Hematology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Department of Hematology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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29
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Sebestyen Z, Scheper W, Vyborova A, Gu S, Rychnavska Z, Schiffler M, Cleven A, Chéneau C, van Noorden M, Peigné CM, Olive D, Lebbink RJ, Oostvogels R, Mutis T, Schuurhuis GJ, Adams EJ, Scotet E, Kuball J. RhoB Mediates Phosphoantigen Recognition by Vγ9Vδ2 T Cell Receptor. Cell Rep 2016; 15:1973-85. [PMID: 27210746 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.04.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells respond to tumor cells by sensing elevated levels of phosphorylated intermediates of the dysregulated mevalonate pathway, which is translated into activating signals by the ubiquitously expressed butyrophilin A1 (BTN3A1) through yet unknown mechanisms. Here, we developed an unbiased, genome-wide screening method that identified RhoB as a critical mediator of Vγ9Vδ2 TCR activation in tumor cells. Our results show that Vγ9Vδ2 TCR activation is modulated by the GTPase activity of RhoB and its redistribution to BTN3A1. This is associated with cytoskeletal changes that directly stabilize BTN3A1 in the membrane, and the subsequent dissociation of RhoB from BTN3A1. Furthermore, phosphoantigen accumulation induces a conformational change in BTN3A1, rendering its extracellular domains recognizable by Vγ9Vδ2 TCRs. These complementary events provide further evidence for inside-out signaling as an essential step in the recognition of tumor cells by a Vγ9Vδ2 TCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Sebestyen
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter Scheper
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Vyborova
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Siyi Gu
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3508 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Zuzana Rychnavska
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen Schiffler
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Cleven
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Coraline Chéneau
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Martje van Noorden
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Cassie-Marie Peigné
- INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche 892, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie Nantes Angers, 44000 Nantes, France; University of Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche 6299, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Robert Jan Lebbink
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584, the Netherlands
| | - Rimke Oostvogels
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3508 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Tuna Mutis
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3508 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jan Schuurhuis
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 1081, the Netherlands
| | - Erin J Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, 929 East 57(th) Street, Chicago, IL 60615, USA
| | - Emmanuel Scotet
- INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche 892, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie Nantes Angers, 44000 Nantes, France; University of Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche 6299, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands.
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30
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Kierkels GJJ, Straetemans T, de Witte MA, Kuball J. The next step toward GMP-grade production of engineered immune cells. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1076608. [PMID: 27057450 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1076608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Removing less potent T cell subsets as well as poorly- or non-engineered cells can optimize effectiveness of engineered T cell therapy against cancer. We have recently described a novel, GMP-ready method for the purification of engineered immune cells that might further boost the clinical success of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido J J Kierkels
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Moniek A de Witte
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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31
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Minculescu L, Sengeløv H. The role of gamma delta T cells in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Scand J Immunol 2015; 81:459-68. [PMID: 25753378 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Although haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential curative treatment for haematological malignancies, it is still a procedure associated with substantial morbidity and mortality due to toxicity, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and relapse. Recent attempts of developing safer transplantation modalities increasingly focuses on selective cell depletion and graft engineering with the aim of retaining beneficial immune donor cells for the graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) effect. In this context, the adoptive and especially innate effector functions of γδ T cells together with clinical studies investigating the effect of γδ T cells in relation to HSCT are reviewed. In addition to phospho-antigen recognition by the γδ T cell receptor (TCR), γδ T cells express receptors of the natural killer (NK) and natural cytotoxicity (NCR) families enabling them to recognize and kill leukaemia cells. Antigen recognition independent from the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) allows for the theoretical possibility of mediating GVL without an allogeneic response in terms of GVHD. Early studies on the impact of γδ T cells in HSCT have reported conflicting results. Recent studies, however, do suggest an overall favourable effect of high γδ T cell immune reconstitution after HSCT; patients with elevated numbers of γδ T cells had a significantly higher overall survival rate and a decreased rate of acute GVHD compared to patients with low or normal γδ T cell counts. Further research in terms of effector mechanisms, subtypes and tissue distribution during the course of HSCT is needed to assess the potentially beneficial effects of γδ T cells in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Minculescu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H Sengeløv
- Department of Haematology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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32
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Lindemans CA, Te Boome LCJ, Admiraal R, Jol-van der Zijde EC, Wensing AM, Versluijs AB, Bierings MB, Kuball J, Boelens JJ. Sufficient Immunosuppression with Thymoglobulin Is Essential for a Successful Haplo-Myeloid Bridge in Haploidentical-Cord Blood Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2015; 21:1839-45. [PMID: 26119367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In haploidentical (haplo)-cord blood (CB) transplantations, early haplo donor engraftment serves as a myeloid bridge to sustainable CB engraftment and is associated with early neutrophil recovery. The conditioning regimens as published for haplo-cord protocols usually contain serotherapy, such as rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) (Thymoglobulin, Genzyme, Cambridge, MA). However, reducing or omitting serotherapy is an important strategy to improve early immune reconstitution after transplantation. The need for serotherapy in successful haplo-cord transplantation, defined as having a haplo-derived myeloid bridge to CB engraftment, has not been investigated before. Two consecutive cohorts of patients underwent transplantation with haplo-CB. The first group underwent transplantation with haplo-CB for active infection and/or an underlying condition with expected difficult engraftment without a conventional donor available. They received a single unit (s) CB and haplo donor cells (CD34(+) selected, 5 × 10(6) CD34(+)/kg). The second cohort included patients with poor-risk malignancies, not eligible for other treatment protocols. They received a sCB and haplo donor cells (CD19/αβTCR-depleted; 5 × 10(6) CD34(+)/kg). Retrospectively in both cohorts, active ATG (Thymoglobulin) levels were measured and post-hematopoietic cell transplantation area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The influence of ATG exposure for having a successful haplo-myeloid bridge (early haplo donor engraftment before CB engraftment and no secondary neutropenia) and transplantation-related mortality (TRM) were analyzed as primary endpoints. Twenty patients were included (16 in the first cohort and 4 in the second cohort). In 58% of evaluable patients, there was no successful haplo-derived myeloid bridge to CB engraftment, for which a low post-transplantation ATG exposure appeared to be a predictor (P <.001). TRM in the unsuccessful haplo-bridge group was 70% ± 16% versus 12% ± 12% in the successful haplo-bridge group (P = .012). In conclusion, sufficient in vivo T depletion with ATG is required for a successful haplo-myeloid bridge to CB engraftment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Lindemans
- Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Program, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Liane C J Te Boome
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; Tumorimmunology, Lab Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Admiraal
- Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Program, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; Tumorimmunology, Lab Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Pharmacology, Leiden Academic center for Drug Research, University of Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anne M Wensing
- Virology, Deptartment of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Birgitta Versluijs
- Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Program, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc B Bierings
- Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Program, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; Tumorimmunology, Lab Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap J Boelens
- Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Program, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; Tumorimmunology, Lab Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
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33
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de Witte MA, Kierkels GJJ, Straetemans T, Britten CM, Kuball J. Orchestrating an immune response against cancer with engineered immune cells expressing αβTCRs, CARs, and innate immune receptors: an immunological and regulatory challenge. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:893-902. [PMID: 25990073 PMCID: PMC4481298 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1710-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Over half a century ago, the first allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) initiated cellular immunotherapy. For several decades, little progress was made, and toxicity of allo-SCT remained a major challenge. However, recent breakthroughs have opened new avenues to further develop this modality and to provide less toxic and equally efficient interventions for patients suffering from hematological or solid malignancies. Current novel cellular immune interventions include ex vivo expansion and adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating immune cells or administration of drugs which antagonize tolerizing mechanisms. Alternatively, transfer of immune cells engineered to express defined T cell receptors (TCRs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has shown its potential. A valuable addition to ‘engineered’ adaptive immunity has emerged recently through the improved understanding of how innate immune cells can attack cancer cells without substantial side effects. This has enabled the development of transplantation platforms with limited side effects allowing early immune interventions as well as the design of engineered immune cells expressing innate immune receptors. Here, we focus on innate immune interventions and their orchestration with TCR- and CAR-engineered immune cells. In addition, we discuss how the exploitation of the full potential of cellular immune interventions is influenced by regulatory frameworks. Finally, we highlight and discuss substantial differences in the current landscape of clinical trials in Europe as compared to the USA. The aim is to stimulate international efforts to support regulatory authorities and funding agencies, especially in Europe, to create an environment that will endorse the development of engineered immune cells for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moniek A de Witte
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Room Number Q05.4.301, PO Box 85500, 3508, GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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34
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Straetemans T, Gründer C, Heijhuurs S, Hol S, Slaper-Cortenbach I, Bönig H, Sebestyen Z, Kuball J. Untouched GMP-Ready Purified Engineered Immune Cells to Treat Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:3957-68. [PMID: 25991821 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-2860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Engineering T cells with receptors to redirect the immune system against cancer has most recently been described as a scientific breakthrough. However, a main challenge remains the GMP-grade purification of immune cells selectively expressing the introduced receptor in order to reduce potential side effects due to poorly or nonengineered cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In order to test a novel purification strategy, we took advantage of a model γδT cell receptor (TCR), naturally interfering with endogenous TCR expression and designed the optimal retroviral expression cassette to achieve maximal interference with endogenous TCR chains. Following retroviral transduction, nonengineered and poorly engineered immune cells characterized by a high endogenous αβTCR expression were efficiently depleted with GMP-grade anti-αβTCR beads. Next, the engineered immune cells were validated for TCR expression, function against a panel of tumor cell lines and primary tumors and potential allo-reactivity. Engineered immune cells were further validated in two humanized mouse tumor models. RESULTS The untouched enrichment of engineered immune cells translated into highly purified receptor-engineered cells with strong antitumor reactivity both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, this approach eliminated residual allo-reactivity of engineered immune cells. Our data demonstrate that even with long-term suboptimal interference with endogenous TCR chains such as in resting cells, allo-reactivity remained absent and tumor control preserved. CONCLUSIONS We present a novel enrichment method for the production of untouched engineered immune cells, ready to be translated into a GMP-grade method and potentially applicable to all receptor-modified cells even if interference with endogenous TCR chains is far from complete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy Straetemans
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cordula Gründer
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Heijhuurs
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Samantha Hol
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Halvard Bönig
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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35
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Dosani T, Carlsten M, Maric I, Landgren O. The cellular immune system in myelomagenesis: NK cells and T cells in the development of myeloma [corrected] and their uses in immunotherapies. Blood Cancer J 2015; 5:e306. [PMID: 25885426 PMCID: PMC4450330 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2015.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As vast strides are being made in the management and treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), recent interests are increasingly focusing on understanding the development of the disease. The knowledge that MM develops exclusively from a protracted phase of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance provides an opportunity to study tumor evolution in this process. Although the immune system has been implicated in the development of MM, the scientific literature on the role and status of various immune components in this process is broad and sometimes contradictory. Accordingly, we present a review of cellular immune subsets in myelomagenesis. We summarize the current literature on the quantitative and functional profiles of natural killer cells and T-cells, including conventional T-cells, natural killer T-cells, γδ T-cells and regulatory T-cells, in myelomagenesis. Our goal is to provide an overview of the status and function of these immune cells in both the peripheral blood and the bone marrow during myelomagenesis. This provides a better understanding of the nature of the immune system in tumor evolution, the knowledge of which is especially significant considering that immunotherapies are increasingly being explored in the treatment of both MM and its precursor conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Dosani
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M Carlsten
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - I Maric
- Hematology Section, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - O Landgren
- Myeloma Service, Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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36
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Scheper W, Sebestyen Z, Kuball J. Cancer Immunotherapy Using γδT Cells: Dealing with Diversity. Front Immunol 2014; 5:601. [PMID: 25477886 PMCID: PMC4238375 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The broad and potent tumor-reactivity of innate-like γδT cells makes them valuable additions to current cancer immunotherapeutic concepts based on adaptive immunity, such as monoclonal antibodies and αβT cells. However, clinical success using γδT cells to treat cancer has so far fallen short. Efforts of recent years have revealed a striking diversity in γδT cell functions and immunobiology, putting these cells forward as true “swiss army knives” of immunity. At the same time, however, this heterogeneity poses new challenges to the design of γδT cell-based therapeutic concepts and could explain their rather limited clinical efficacy in cancer patients. This review outlines the recent new insights into the different levels of γδT cell diversity, including the myriad of γδT cell-mediated immune functions, the diversity of specificities and affinities within the γδT cell repertoire, and the multitude of complex molecular requirements for γδT cell activation. A careful consideration of the diversity of antibodies and αβT cells has delivered great progress to their clinical success; addressing also the extraordinary diversity in γδT cells will therefore hold the key to more effective immunotherapeutic strategies with γδT cells as additional and valuable tools to battle cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Scheper
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , Netherlands
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