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Talbot LJ, Chabot A, Ross AB, Beckett A, Nguyen P, Fleming A, Chockley PJ, Shepphard H, Wang J, Gottschalk S, DeRenzo C. Redirecting B7-H3.CAR T Cells to Chemokines Expressed in Osteosarcoma Enhances Homing and Antitumor Activity in Preclinical Models. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:4434-4449. [PMID: 39101835 PMCID: PMC11443211 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells against pediatric osteosarcoma (OS) has been limited. One strategy to improve efficacy may be to drive chemokine-mediated homing of CAR T cells to tumors. We sought to determine the primary chemokines secreted by OS and evaluate the efficacy of B7-H3.CAR T cells expressing the cognate receptors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We developed a pipeline to identify chemokines secreted by OS by correlating RNA-seq data with chemokine protein detected in media from fresh surgical specimens. We identified CXCR2 and CXCR6 as promising receptors for enhancing CAR T-cell homing against OS. We evaluated the homing kinetics and efficiency of CXCR2- and CXCR6.T cells and homing, cytokine production, and antitumor activity of CXCR2- and CXCR6.B7-H3.CAR T cells in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS T cells transgenically expressing CXCR2 or CXCR6 exhibited ligand-specific enhanced migration over T cells modified with nonfunctional control receptors. Differential homing kinetics were observed, with CXCR2.T-cell homing quickly and plateauing early, whereas CXCR6.T cells took longer to home but achieved a similar plateau. When expressed in B7-H3.CAR T cells, CXCR2- and CXCR6 modification conferred enhanced homing toward OS in vitro and in vivo. CXCR2- and CXCR6-B7-H3.CAR-treated mice experienced prolonged survival in a metastatic model compared with B7-H3.CAR T-cell-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS Our patient-based pipeline identified targets for chemokine receptor modification of CAR T cells targeting OS. CXCR2 and CXCR6 expression enhanced the homing and anti-OS activity of B7-H3.CAR T cells. These findings support clinical evaluation of CXCR-modified CAR T cells to improve adoptive cell therapy for patients with OS.
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MESH Headings
- Osteosarcoma/immunology
- Osteosarcoma/therapy
- Osteosarcoma/pathology
- Osteosarcoma/genetics
- Animals
- Humans
- Mice
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Receptors, CXCR6/genetics
- Receptors, CXCR6/metabolism
- Receptors, CXCR6/immunology
- B7 Antigens/genetics
- B7 Antigens/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Chemokines/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Receptors, Interleukin-8B/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-8B/metabolism
- Bone Neoplasms/immunology
- Bone Neoplasms/pathology
- Bone Neoplasms/therapy
- Cell Movement
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay J Talbot
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Ashley Chabot
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Aaron B Ross
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Alexandra Beckett
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Phuong Nguyen
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Andrew Fleming
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Peter J Chockley
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Heather Shepphard
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Christopher DeRenzo
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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2
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Kang X, Mita N, Zhou L, Wu S, Yue Z, Babu RJ, Chen P. Nanotechnology in Advancing Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1228. [PMID: 39339264 PMCID: PMC11435308 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16091228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for hematological cancers, yet it faces significant hurdles, particularly regarding its efficacy in solid tumors and concerning associated adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the advancements and ongoing challenges in CAR-T therapy. We highlight the transformative potential of nanotechnology in enhancing CAR-T therapy by improving targeting precision, modulating the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment, and overcoming physical barriers. Nanotechnology facilitates efficient CAR gene delivery into T cells, boosting transfection efficiency and potentially reducing therapy costs. Moreover, nanotechnology offers innovative solutions to mitigate cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Cutting-edge nanotechnology platforms for real-time monitoring of CAR-T cell activity and cytokine release are also discussed. By integrating these advancements, we aim to provide valuable insights and pave the way for the next generation of CAR-T cell therapies to overcome current limitations and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejia Kang
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (L.Z.); (S.W.)
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (N.M.); (Z.Y.); (R.J.B.)
| | - Nur Mita
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (N.M.); (Z.Y.); (R.J.B.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Mulawarman University, Samarinda 75119, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia
| | - Lang Zhou
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (L.Z.); (S.W.)
| | - Siqi Wu
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (L.Z.); (S.W.)
| | - Zongliang Yue
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (N.M.); (Z.Y.); (R.J.B.)
| | - R. Jayachandra Babu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (N.M.); (Z.Y.); (R.J.B.)
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (L.Z.); (S.W.)
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3
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Ronsley R, Bertrand KC, Song EZ, Timpanaro A, Choe M, Tlais D, Vitanza NA, Park JR. CAR T cell therapy for pediatric central nervous system tumors: a review of the literature and current North American trials. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10208-4. [PMID: 39251462 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Typical therapy for CNS tumors in children involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While upfront therapy is effective for many high-grade tumors, therapy at the time of relapse remains limited. Furthermore, for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and diffuse midline glioma (DMG), there are currently no curative therapies. Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy is a promising novel treatment avenue for these tumors. Here, we review the preclinical evidence for CAR T cell use in pediatric brain tumors, the preliminary clinical experience of CNS CAR T cell trials, toxicity associated with systemic and locoregional CAR T cell therapy for CNS tumors, challenges in disease response evaluation with CAR T cell therapy, and the knowledge gained from correlative biologic studies from these trials in the pediatric and young adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ronsley
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelsey C Bertrand
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Edward Z Song
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrea Timpanaro
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michelle Choe
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dana Tlais
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nicholas A Vitanza
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julie R Park
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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4
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Giordano G, Tucciarello C, Merlini A, Cutrupi S, Pignochino Y. Targeting the EphA2 pathway: could it be the way for bone sarcomas? Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:433. [PMID: 39252029 PMCID: PMC11382444 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01811-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone sarcomas are malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin. Complete surgical resection is the cornerstone of multidisciplinary treatment. However, advanced, unresectable forms remain incurable. A crucial step towards addressing this challenge involves comprehending the molecular mechanisms underpinning tumor progression and metastasis, laying the groundwork for innovative precision medicine-based interventions. We previously showed that tyrosine kinase receptor Ephrin Type-A Receptor 2 (EphA2) is overexpressed in bone sarcomas. EphA2 is a key oncofetal protein implicated in metastasis, self-renewal, and chemoresistance. Molecular, genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological approaches have been developed to target EphA2 and its signaling pathway aiming to interfere with its tumor-promoting effects or as a carrier for drug delivery. This review synthesizes the main functions of EphA2 and their relevance in bone sarcomas, providing strategies devised to leverage this receptor for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, with a focus on its applicability in the three most common bone sarcoma histotypes: osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giordano
- Sarcoma Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Cristina Tucciarello
- Sarcoma Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Alessandra Merlini
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Santina Cutrupi
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Ymera Pignochino
- Sarcoma Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, TO, Italy.
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5
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Zhang M, Wang H, Wang M, Zhang H, Li H, Ma P, Zheng J, Wang G, Li S. EphA2 specific chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells for the treatment of prostate cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 50:102111. [PMID: 39255722 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte receptor A2 (EphA2) is an attractive target for immunotherapy due to its high expression in a variety of solid tumors including prostate cancer. Among various types of immunotherapeutics, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has made promising progress in hematological and solid tumors. Here, we detected the expression of EphA2 in prostate cancer cells and developed a second-generation CAR targeting EphA2 with CD28 as a co-stimulatory receptor to explore its tumor suppressive potential for prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. EphA2 was highly expressed on the surface of PC3 and DU145 cells. EphA2 CART cells effectively inhibited prostate cancer growth in an antigen-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. In addition, tumor cells could stimulate the proliferation of CAR-T cells and the release of cytokine IFN-γ in vitro. These findings shed light on EphA2 as a potential target for prostate cancer, promising EphA2 specific CAR-T cells for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiting Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haoliang Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huizhong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shibao Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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6
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Zhang Y, Gu A, An Z, Huang S, Zhang C, Zhong X, Hu Y. B cells enhance EphA2 chimeric antigen receptor T cells cytotoxicity against glioblastoma via improving persistence. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:111093. [PMID: 39243423 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.111093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a powerful adoptive immunotherapy against blood cancers, but the therapeutic effect was not efficient enough on solid tumors. B cells have been reported to play a critical role in regulating memory T differentiation and cytotoxic T development. However, as of yet the influence of such B cells on CAR T cells has not been discussed. In this study, using ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) specific CAR T cells, we cultured B cells successfully to stimulate CAR T cells in vitro, and investigated the cell differentiation and anti-tumor efficiency. We observed that EphA2-CAR T cells stimulated by B cells performed increased interferon γ (IFN γ) production and upregulated OX40 expression, as well as the enhanced anti-tumor activity and reduced PD-1 expression. The persistence of CAR T cells was enhanced after B cells stimulation for more than 7 days with the increased subset of central memory T cells (TCM). In addition, next generation sequencing was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. The up-regulated genes clustered in, immune response activation, chemokine signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway and et al. which contributed to the upregulated anti-glioblastoma (GBM) activity of CAR T cells stimulated by B cell. Furthermore, MEF2C, CD40, SYK and TNFRSF13B were upregulated in CAR T cells after co-culturing with B cells. These genes functionally enriched in promoting lymphocytes proliferation and may contribute to the enhanced persistence of CAR T cells. In conclusion, these results indicated the critical role of B cells in prolonging CAR T cells longevity and enhancing anti-tumor activity, which paves the way for the therapeutic exploitation of EphA2-CAR T cells against GBM in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Aiqin Gu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Zhijing An
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Can Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Xiaosong Zhong
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China.
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Lin H, Liu C, Hu A, Zhang D, Yang H, Mao Y. Understanding the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma: mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:31. [PMID: 38720342 PMCID: PMC11077829 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the predominant and primary malignant intracranial tumor, poses a formidable challenge due to its immunosuppressive microenvironment, thereby confounding conventional therapeutic interventions. Despite the established treatment regimen comprising surgical intervention, radiotherapy, temozolomide administration, and the exploration of emerging modalities such as immunotherapy and integration of medicine and engineering technology therapy, the efficacy of these approaches remains constrained, resulting in suboptimal prognostic outcomes. In recent years, intensive scrutiny of the inhibitory and immunosuppressive milieu within GBM has underscored the significance of cellular constituents of the GBM microenvironment and their interactions with malignant cells and neurons. Novel immune and targeted therapy strategies have emerged, offering promising avenues for advancing GBM treatment. One pivotal mechanism orchestrating immunosuppression in GBM involves the aggregation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), glioma-associated macrophage/microglia (GAM), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Among these, MDSCs, though constituting a minority (4-8%) of CD45+ cells in GBM, play a central component in fostering immune evasion and propelling tumor progression, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. MDSCs deploy intricate immunosuppressive mechanisms that adapt to the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the interplay between GBM and MDSCs provides a compelling basis for therapeutic interventions. This review seeks to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms inherent in the GBM microenvironment, explore existing therapeutic targets, and consolidate recent insights into MDSC induction and their contribution to GBM immunosuppression. Additionally, the review comprehensively surveys ongoing clinical trials and potential treatment strategies, envisioning a future where targeting MDSCs could reshape the immune landscape of GBM. Through the synergistic integration of immunotherapy with other therapeutic modalities, this approach can establish a multidisciplinary, multi-target paradigm, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life in patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaxian Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Duanwu Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Chen X, Cui Y, Zou L. Treatment advances in high-grade gliomas. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1287725. [PMID: 38660136 PMCID: PMC11039916 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1287725] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
High-grade gliomas (HGG) pose significant challenges in modern tumour therapy due to the distinct biological properties and limitations of the blood-brain barrier. This review discusses recent advancements in HGG treatment, particularly in the context of immunotherapy and cellular therapy. Initially, treatment strategies focus on targeting tumour cells guided by the molecular characteristics of various gliomas, encompassing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy for enhanced precision. Additionally, technological enhancements are augmenting traditional treatment modalities. Furthermore, immunotherapy, emphasising comprehensive tumour management, has gained widespread attention. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines and CAR-T cells exhibit promising efficacy against recurrent HGG. Moreover, emerging therapies such as tumour treating fields (TTFields) offer additional treatment avenues for patients with HGG. The combination of diverse treatments holds promise for improving the prognosis of HGG, particularly in cases of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liqun Zou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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9
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Li X, Sun S, Zhang W, Liang Z, Fang Y, Sun T, Wan Y, Ma X, Zhang S, Xu Y, Tian R. Identification of genetic modifiers enhancing B7-H3-targeting CAR T cell therapy against glioblastoma through large-scale CRISPRi screening. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:95. [PMID: 38561797 PMCID: PMC10986136 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis. Current treatment options are limited and often ineffective. CAR T cell therapy has shown success in treating hematologic malignancies, and there is growing interest in its potential application in solid tumors, including GBM. However, current CAR T therapy lacks clinical efficacy against GBM due to tumor-related resistance mechanisms and CAR T cell deficiencies. Therefore, there is a need to improve CAR T cell therapy efficacy in GBM. METHODS We conducted large-scale CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screens in GBM cell line U87 MG cells co-cultured with B7-H3 targeting CAR T cells to identify genetic modifiers that can enhance CAR T cell-mediated tumor killing. Flow cytometry-based tumor killing assay and CAR T cell activation assay were performed to validate screening hits. Bioinformatic analyses on bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data and the TCGA database were employed to elucidate the mechanism underlying enhanced CAR T efficacy upon knocking down the selected screening hits in U87 MG cells. RESULTS We established B7-H3 as a targetable antigen for CAR T therapy in GBM. Through large-scale CRISPRi screening, we discovered genetic modifiers in GBM cells, including ARPC4, PI4KA, ATP6V1A, UBA1, and NDUFV1, that regulated the efficacy of CAR T cell-mediated tumor killing. Furthermore, we discovered that TNFSF15 was upregulated in both ARPC4 and NDUFV1 knockdown GBM cells and revealed an immunostimulatory role of TNFSF15 in modulating tumor-CAR T interaction to enhance CAR T cell efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the power of CRISPR-based genetic screening in investigating tumor-CAR T interaction and identifies potential druggable targets in tumor cells that confer resistance to CAR T cell killing. Furthermore, we devised targeted strategies that synergize with CAR T therapy against GBM. These findings shed light on the development of novel combinatorial strategies for effective immunotherapy of GBM and other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China
| | - Shiyu Sun
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China
| | - Wansong Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China
| | - Ziwei Liang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China
| | - Yitong Fang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China
| | - Tianhu Sun
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
| | - Xingcong Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China
| | - Shuqun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China.
| | - Yang Xu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China.
| | - Ruilin Tian
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China.
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518055, China.
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10
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Poniatowski ŁA, Woźnica M, Wojdasiewicz P, Mela-Kalicka A, Romanowska-Próchnicka K, Purrahman D, Żurek G, Krawczyk M, Nameh Goshay Fard N, Furtak-Niczyporuk M, Jaroszyński J, Mahmoudian-Sani MR, Joniec-Maciejak I. The Role of Progranulin (PGRN) in the Pathogenesis of Glioblastoma Multiforme. Cells 2024; 13:124. [PMID: 38247816 PMCID: PMC10814625 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents the most common and aggressive malignant form of brain tumour in adults and is characterized by an extremely poor prognosis with dismal survival rates. Currently, expanding concepts concerning the pathophysiology of GBM are inextricably linked with neuroinflammatory phenomena. On account of this fact, the identification of novel pathomechanisms targeting neuroinflammation seems to be crucial in terms of yielding successful individual therapeutic strategies. In recent years, the pleiotropic growth factor progranulin (PGRN) has attracted significant attention in the neuroscience and oncological community regarding its neuroimmunomodulatory and oncogenic functions. This review of the literature summarizes and updates contemporary knowledge about PGRN, its associated receptors and signalling pathway involvement in GBM pathogenesis, indicating possible cellular and molecular mechanisms with potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets in order to yield successful individual therapeutic strategies. After a review of the literature, we found that there are possible PGRN-targeted therapeutic approaches for implementation in GBM treatment algorithms both in preclinical and future clinical studies. Furthermore, PGRN-targeted therapies exerted their highest efficacy in combination with other established chemotherapeutic agents, such as temozolomide. The results of the analysis suggested that the possible implementation of routine determinations of PGRN and its associated receptors in tumour tissue and biofluids could serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of GBM. Furthermore, promising preclinical applications of PGRN-related findings should be investigated in clinical studies in order to create new diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz A. Poniatowski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Klinikum, Salvador-Allende-Straße 30, 17036 Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Michał Woźnica
- Department of Spine Surgery, 7th Navy Hospital, Polanki 117, 80-305 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Piotr Wojdasiewicz
- Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland (K.R.-P.)
| | - Aneta Mela-Kalicka
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CePT), Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Romanowska-Próchnicka
- Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland (K.R.-P.)
- Department of Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases, Eleonora Reicher National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daryush Purrahman
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; (D.P.)
| | - Grzegorz Żurek
- Department of Biostructure, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, I. J. Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Maciej Krawczyk
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Najmeh Nameh Goshay Fard
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; (D.P.)
| | - Marzena Furtak-Niczyporuk
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Janusz Jaroszyński
- Department of Administrative Proceedings, Faculty of Law and Administration, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University of Lublin, Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mohammad-Reza Mahmoudian-Sani
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; (D.P.)
| | - Ilona Joniec-Maciejak
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CePT), Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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11
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Haydar D, Ibañez-Vega J, Crawford JC, Chou CH, Guy CS, Meehl M, Yi Z, Perry S, Laxton J, Cunningham T, Langfitt D, Vogel P, DeRenzo C, Gottschalk S, Roussel MF, Thomas PG, Krenciute G. CAR T-cell Design-dependent Remodeling of the Brain Tumor Immune Microenvironment Modulates Tumor-associated Macrophages and Anti-glioma Activity. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2430-2446. [PMID: 37971169 PMCID: PMC10689147 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the intricate dynamics between adoptively transferred immune cells and the brain tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is crucial for the development of effective T cell-based immunotherapies. In this study, we investigated the influence of the TIME and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) design on the anti-glioma activity of B7-H3-specific CAR T-cells. Using an immunocompetent glioma model, we evaluated a panel of seven fully murine B7-H3 CARs with variations in transmembrane, costimulatory, and activation domains. We then investigated changes in the TIME following CAR T-cell therapy using high-dimensional flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. Our results show that five out of six B7-H3 CARs with single costimulatory domains demonstrated robust functionality in vitro. However, these CARs had significantly varied levels of antitumor activity in vivo. To enhance therapeutic effectiveness and persistence, we incorporated 41BB and CD28 costimulation through transgenic expression of 41BBL on CD28-based CAR T-cells. This CAR design was associated with significantly improved anti-glioma efficacy in vitro but did not result in similar improvements in vivo. Analysis of the TIME revealed that CAR T-cell therapy influenced the composition of the TIME, with the recruitment and activation of distinct macrophage and endogenous T-cell subsets crucial for successful antitumor responses. Indeed, complete brain macrophage depletion using a CSF1R inhibitor abrogated CAR T-cell antitumor activity. In sum, our study highlights the critical role of CAR design and its modulation of the TIME in mediating the efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy for high-grade glioma. SIGNIFICANCE CAR T-cell immunotherapies hold great potential for treating brain cancers; however, they are hindered by a challenging immune environment that dampens their effectiveness. In this study, we show that the CAR design influences the makeup of the immune environment in brain tumors, underscoring the need to target specific immune components to improve CAR T-cell performance, and highlighting the significance of using models with functional immune systems to optimize this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Haydar
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
- Children's National Hospital, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jorge Ibañez-Vega
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Ching-Heng Chou
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Clifford S. Guy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Michaela Meehl
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
- Department of Microbiology Immunology Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Zhongzhen Yi
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
- Children's National Hospital, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Scott Perry
- Flow Cytometry Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan Laxton
- Flow Cytometry Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Trevor Cunningham
- Flow Cytometry Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Deanna Langfitt
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Peter Vogel
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Christopher DeRenzo
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Martine F. Roussel
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Paul G. Thomas
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Giedre Krenciute
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
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12
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Jacobs MT, Wong P, Zhou AY, Becker-Hapak M, Marin ND, Marsala L, Foster M, Foltz JA, Cubitt CC, Tran J, Russler-Germain DA, Neal C, Kersting-Schadek S, Chang L, Schappe T, Pence P, McClain E, Zevallos JP, Rich JT, Paniello RC, Jackson c RS, Pipkorn P, Adkins DR, DeSelm CJ, Berrien-Elliott MM, Puram SV, Fehniger TA. Memory-like Differentiation, Tumor-Targeting mAbs, and Chimeric Antigen Receptors Enhance Natural Killer Cell Responses to Head and Neck Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4196-4208. [PMID: 37556118 PMCID: PMC10796148 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive tumor with low response rates to frontline PD-1 blockade. Natural killer (NK) cells are a promising cellular therapy for T cell therapy-refractory cancers, but are frequently dysfunctional in patients with HNSCC. Strategies are needed to enhance NK cell responses against HNSCC. We hypothesized that memory-like (ML) NK cell differentiation, tumor targeting with cetuximab, and engineering with an anti-EphA2 (Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) enhance NK cell responses against HNSCC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We generated ML NK and conventional (c)NK cells from healthy donors, then evaluated their ability to produce IFNγ, TNF, degranulate, and kill HNSCC cell lines and primary HNSCC cells, alone or in combination with cetuximab, in vitro and in vivo using xenograft models. ML and cNK cells were engineered to express anti-EphA2 CAR-CD8A-41BB-CD3z, and functional responses were assessed in vitro against HNSCC cell lines and primary HNSCC tumor cells. RESULTS Human ML NK cells displayed enhanced IFNγ and TNF production and both short- and long-term killing of HNSCC cell lines and primary targets, compared with cNK cells. These enhanced responses were further improved by cetuximab. Compared with controls, ML NK cells expressing anti-EphA2 CAR had increased IFNγ and cytotoxicity in response to EphA2+ cell lines and primary HNSCC targets. CONCLUSIONS These preclinical findings demonstrate that ML differentiation alone or coupled with either cetuximab-directed targeting or EphA2 CAR engineering were effective against HNSCCs and provide the rationale for investigating these combination approaches in early phase clinical trials for patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam T. Jacobs
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Pamela Wong
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Alice Y. Zhou
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle Becker-Hapak
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Nancy D. Marin
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Lynne Marsala
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Mark Foster
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Jennifer A. Foltz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Celia C. Cubitt
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Jennifer Tran
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - David A. Russler-Germain
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carly Neal
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | | | - Lily Chang
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Timfothy Schappe
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Patrick Pence
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Ethan McClain
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Jose P. Zevallos
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jason T Rich
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Randal C. Paniello
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ryan S. Jackson c
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Patrik Pipkorn
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Douglas R. Adkins
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carl J. DeSelm
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Melissa M. Berrien-Elliott
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sidharth V. Puram
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
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13
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Chockley PJ, Ibanez-Vega J, Krenciute G, Talbot LJ, Gottschalk S. Synapse-tuned CARs enhance immune cell anti-tumor activity. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1434-1445. [PMID: 36732477 PMCID: PMC10394118 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technologies have been clinically implemented for the treatment of hematological malignancies; however, solid tumors remain resilient to CAR therapeutics. Natural killer (NK) cells may provide an optimal class of immune cells for CAR-based approaches due to their inherent anti-tumor functionality. In this study, we sought to tune CAR immune synapses by adding an intracellular scaffolding protein binding site to the CAR. We employ a PDZ binding motif (PDZbm) that enables additional scaffolding crosslinks that enhance synapse formation and NK CAR cell polarization. Combined effects of this CAR design result in increased effector cell functionality in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we used T cells and observed similar global enhancements in effector function. Synapse-tuned CAR immune cells exhibit amplified synaptic strength, number and abundance of secreted cytokines, enhanced killing of tumor cells and prolonged survival in numerous different tumor models, including solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Chockley
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Jorge Ibanez-Vega
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Giedre Krenciute
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lindsay J Talbot
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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14
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Alsajjan R, Mason WP. Bispecific T-Cell Engagers and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapies in Glioblastoma: An Update. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8501-8549. [PMID: 37754534 PMCID: PMC10529026 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30090619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. The prognosis is extremely poor even with standard treatment of maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recurrence is inevitable within months, and treatment options are very limited. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CART) and bispecific T-cell engagers (TCEs) are two emerging immunotherapies that can redirect T-cells for tumor-specific killing and have shown remarkable success in hematological malignancies and been under extensive study for application in glioblastoma. While there have been multiple clinical trials showing preliminary evidence of safety and efficacy for CART, bispecific TCEs are still in the early stages of clinical testing, with preclinical studies showing very promising results. However, there are multiple shared challenges that need to be addressed in the future, including the route of delivery, antigen escape, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and toxicity resulting from the limited choice of tumor-specific antigens. Efforts are underway to optimize the design of both these treatments and find the ideal combination therapy to overcome these challenges. In this review, we describe the work that has been performed as well as novel approaches in glioblastoma and in other solid tumors that may be applicable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roa Alsajjan
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Warren P. Mason
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
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15
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Nehama D, Woodell AS, Maingi SM, Hingtgen SD, Dotti G. Cell-based therapies for glioblastoma: Promising tools against tumor heterogeneity. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:1551-1562. [PMID: 37179459 PMCID: PMC10484163 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive tumor with a devastating impact on quality-of-life and abysmal survivorship. Patients have very limited effective treatment options. The successes of targeted small molecule drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors seen in various solid tumors have not translated to GBM, despite significant advances in our understanding of its molecular, immune, and microenvironment landscapes. These discoveries, however, have unveiled GBM's incredible heterogeneity and its role in treatment failure and survival. Novel cellular therapy technologies are finding successes in oncology and harbor characteristics that make them uniquely suited to overcome challenges posed by GBM, such as increased resistance to tumor heterogeneity, modularity, localized delivery, and safety. Considering these advantages, we compiled this review article on cellular therapies for GBM, focusing on cellular immunotherapies and stem cell-based therapies, to evaluate their utility. We categorize them based on their specificity, review their preclinical and clinical data, and extract valuable insights to help guide future cellular therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Nehama
- Department of Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alex S Woodell
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Spencer M Maingi
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shawn D Hingtgen
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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16
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Wang S, Wei W, Yuan Y, Sun B, Yang D, Liu N, Zhao X. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting cell surface GRP78 efficiently kill glioblastoma and cancer stem cells. J Transl Med 2023; 21:493. [PMID: 37481592 PMCID: PMC10362566 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04330-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is recognized as among the most aggressive forms of brain tumor. Patients typically present with a five-year survival rate of less than 6% with traditional surgery and chemoradiotherapy, which calls for novel immunotherapies like chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells therapy. In response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in multiple tumor cells including GBM, the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) expression increases and the protein is partially translocated to the cell surface, while it is restricted to the cytoplasm and the nucleus in normal cells. METHODS In this study, to target the cell surface GRP78 (csGRP78), CAR-T cells based on its binding peptide were generated. In vitro two GBM cell lines and glioma stem cells (GSCs) were used to confirm the localization of csGRP78 and the cytotoxicity of the CAR-T cells. In vivo a GBM xenograft model was used to assess the killing activity and the safety of the CAR-T cells. RESULTS We confirmed the localization of csGRP78 at the cell surface of two GBM cell lines (U-251MG and U-87MG) and in GSCs. Co-culture experiments revealed that the CAR-T cells could specifically kill the GBM tumor cells and GSCs with specific IFN-γ release. Furthermore, in the tumor xenograft model, the CAR-T cells could decrease the number of GSCs and significantly suppress tumor cell growth. Importantly, we found no obvious off-target effects or T cell infiltration in major organs following systemic administration of these cells. CONCLUSIONS The csGRP78 targeted CAR-T cells efficiently kill GBM tumor cells and GSCs both in vitro and in vivo, and ultimately suppress the xenograft tumors growth without obvious tissue injuries. Therefore, our study demonstrates that csGRP78 represents a valuable target and the csGRP78-targeted CAR-T cells strategy is an effective immunotherapy against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Wang
- Department of Targeting Therapy and Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Department of Targeting Therapy and Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuncang Yuan
- Department of Targeting Therapy and Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Targeting Therapy and Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Targeting Therapy and Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Department of Targeting Therapy and Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Targeting Therapy and Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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17
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Haydar D, Ibañez-Vega J, Crawford JC, Chou CH, Guy C, Meehl M, Yi Z, Langfitt D, Vogel P, DeRenzo C, Gottschalk S, Roussel MF, Thomas PG, Krenciute G. CAR T-cell design dependent remodeling of the brain tumor immune microenvironment identify macrophages as key players that inhibit or promote anti-tumor activity. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2972427. [PMID: 37333156 PMCID: PMC10275057 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2972427/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Understanding interactions between adoptively transferred immune cells and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is critical for developing successful T-cell based immunotherapies. Here we investigated the impact of the TIME and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) design on anti-glioma activity of B7-H3-specific CAR T-cells. We show that five out of six B7-H3 CARs with varying transmembrane, co-stimulatory, and activation domains, exhibit robust functionality in vitro. However, in an immunocompetent glioma model, these CAR T-cells demonstrated significantly varied levels of anti-tumor activity. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to examine the brain TIME after CAR T-cell therapy. We show that the TIME composition was influenced by CAR T-cell treatment. We also found that successful anti-tumor responses were supported by the presence and activity of macrophages and endogenous T-cells. Together, our study demonstrates that efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in high-grade glioma is dependent on CAR structural design and its capacity to modulate the TIME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Haydar
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
- Children’s National Hospital, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jorge Ibañez-Vega
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Ching-Heng Chou
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Immunology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Cliff Guy
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Immunology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Michaela Meehl
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Department of Microbiology Immunology Biochemistry, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Zhongzhen Yi
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
- Children’s National Hospital, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Deanna Langfitt
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Peter Vogel
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Pathology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christopher DeRenzo
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Martine F Roussel
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Paul G. Thomas
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Immunology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Giedre Krenciute
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
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18
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Wang M, Wang X, Jin X, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Liu Y, Zhang J. Cell-based and cell-free immunotherapies for glioblastoma: current status and future directions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175118. [PMID: 37304305 PMCID: PMC10248152 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175118] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is among the most fatal and recurring malignant solid tumors. It arises from the GBM stem cell population. Conventional neurosurgical resection, temozolomide (TMZ)-dependent chemotherapy and radiotherapy have rendered the prognosis of patients unsatisfactory. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can frequently induce non-specific damage to healthy brain and other tissues, which can be extremely hazardous. There is therefore a pressing need for a more effective treatment strategy for GBM to complement or replace existing treatment options. Cell-based and cell-free immunotherapies are currently being investigated to develop new treatment modalities against cancer. These treatments have the potential to be both selective and successful in minimizing off-target collateral harm in the normal brain. In this review, several aspects of cell-based and cell-free immunotherapies related to GBM will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Basic Medical School, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jin
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yiyuan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yusi Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
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19
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Luksik AS, Yazigi E, Shah P, Jackson CM. CAR T Cell Therapy in Glioblastoma: Overcoming Challenges Related to Antigen Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051414. [PMID: 36900205 PMCID: PMC10000604 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor, yet prognosis remains dismal with current treatment. Immunotherapeutic strategies have had limited effectiveness to date in GBM, but recent advances hold promise. One such immunotherapeutic advance is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, where autologous T cells are extracted and engineered to express a specific receptor against a GBM antigen and are then infused back into the patient. There have been numerous preclinical studies showing promising results, and several of these CAR T cell therapies are being tested in clinical trials for GBM and other brain cancers. While results in tumors such as lymphomas and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas have been encouraging, early results in GBM have not shown clinical benefit. Potential reasons for this are the limited number of specific antigens in GBM, their heterogenous expression, and their loss after initiating antigen-specific therapy due to immunoediting. Here, we review the current preclinical and clinical experiences with CAR T cell therapy in GBM and potential strategies to develop more effective CAR T cells for this indication.
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20
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Guzman G, Pellot K, Reed MR, Rodriguez A. CAR T-cells to treat brain tumors. Brain Res Bull 2023; 196:76-98. [PMID: 36841424 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Tremendous success using CAR T therapy in hematological malignancies has garnered significant interest in developing such treatments for solid tumors, including brain tumors. This success, however, has yet to be mirrored in solid organ neoplasms. CAR T function has shown limited efficacy against brain tumors due to several factors including the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, blood-brain barrier, and tumor-antigen heterogeneity. Despite these considerations, CAR T-cell therapy has the potential to be implemented as a treatment modality for brain tumors. Here, we review adult and pediatric brain tumors, including glioblastoma, diffuse midline gliomas, and medulloblastomas that continue to portend a grim prognosis. We describe insights gained from different preclinical models using CAR T therapy against various brain tumors and results gathered from ongoing clinical trials. Furthermore, we outline the challenges limiting CAR T therapy success against brain tumors and summarize advancements made to overcome these obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Guzman
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | | | - Megan R Reed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Analiz Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
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21
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Teng M, Li Z, Zhou Y, Zhang Z, Miao L, Bai X, Li Y, Wang S. Real-Time Monitoring of CAR-T Cell Efficiency through a Biorthogonal Cycloaddition Labeling Strategy. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:443-452. [PMID: 36748916 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) recognizing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) effectively target tumor cells without using the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). However, CARs have inaccurate dose determination in clinical practice, and the methods that can solve this problem often produce cytotoxic substances, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) insertion. Therefore, in this study, we tried to anchor harmless fluorescent labels on CAR-T cell membranes using highly biologically compatible strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) without any byproducts. Our conjugated fluorescent label was stable on the CAR-T cell surface for at least two weeks, with excellent light stability and metrology. Also, this method enabled the rapid quantification of the living CAR-T cells without affecting their activity. Thus, this method is a promising reliable strategy for accurately diagnosing and treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzhou Teng
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhijia Li
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Yali Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhengchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Lele Miao
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiao Bai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Song Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
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22
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CAR-T-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Promising Development of CAR-T Anti-Tumor Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041052. [PMID: 36831396 PMCID: PMC9954490 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogenous population of plasma membrane-surrounded particles that are released in the extracellular milieu by almost all types of living cells. EVs are key players in intercellular crosstalk, both locally and systemically, given that they deliver their cargoes (consisting of proteins, lipids, mRNAs, miRNAs, and DNA fragments) to target cells, crossing biological barriers. Those mechanisms further trigger a wide range of biological responses. Interestingly, EV phenotypes and cargoes and, therefore, their functions, stem from their specific parental cells. For these reasons, EVs have been proposed as promising candidates for EV-based, cell-free therapies. One of the new frontiers of cell-based immunotherapy for the fight against refractory neoplastic diseases is represented by genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) lymphocytes, which in recent years have demonstrated their effectiveness by reaching commercialization and clinical application for some neoplastic diseases. CAR-T-derived EVs represent a recent promising development of CAR-T immunotherapy approaches. This crosscutting innovative strategy is designed to exploit the advantages of genetically engineered cell-based immunotherapy together with those of cell-free EVs, which in principle might be safer and more efficient in crossing biological and tumor-associated barriers. In this review, we underlined the potential of CAR-T-derived EVs as therapeutic agents in tumors.
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23
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Huang Z, Dewanjee S, Chakraborty P, Jha NK, Dey A, Gangopadhyay M, Chen XY, Wang J, Jha SK. CAR T cells: engineered immune cells to treat brain cancers and beyond. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:22. [PMID: 36721153 PMCID: PMC9890802 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors rank among the most challenging type of malignancies to manage. The current treatment protocol commonly entails surgery followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, however, the median patient survival rate is poor. Recent developments in immunotherapy for a variety of tumor types spark optimism that immunological strategies may help patients with brain cancer. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells exploit the tumor-targeting specificity of antibodies or receptor ligands to direct the cytolytic capacity of T cells. Several molecules have been discovered as potential targets for immunotherapy-based targeting, including but not limited to EGFRvIII, IL13Rα2, and HER2. The outstanding clinical responses to CAR T cell-based treatments in patients with hematological malignancies have generated interest in using this approach to treat solid tumors. Research results to date support the astounding clinical response rates of CD19-targeted CAR T cells, early clinical experiences in brain tumors demonstrating safety and evidence for disease-modifying activity, and the promise for further advances to ultimately assist patients clinically. However, several variable factors seem to slow down the progress rate regarding treating brain cancers utilizing CAR T cells. The current study offers a thorough analysis of CAR T cells' promise in treating brain cancer, including design and delivery considerations, current strides in clinical and preclinical research, issues encountered, and potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoufang Huang
- grid.452437.3Department of Hematology, Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- grid.216499.10000 0001 0722 3459Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032 India
| | - Pratik Chakraborty
- grid.216499.10000 0001 0722 3459Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032 India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- grid.412552.50000 0004 1764 278XDepartment of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310 India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- grid.412537.60000 0004 1768 2925Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032 India
| | - Moumita Gangopadhyay
- grid.502979.00000 0004 6087 8632Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126 India
| | - Xuan-Yu Chen
- grid.264091.80000 0001 1954 7928Institute for Biotechnology, St. John’s University, Queens, New York, 11439 USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Affiliated Jiangyin People’s Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, 214400 China
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- grid.412552.50000 0004 1764 278XDepartment of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310 India ,grid.448792.40000 0004 4678 9721Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413 India ,grid.449906.60000 0004 4659 5193Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007 India
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24
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Morimoto T, Nakazawa T, Maeoka R, Nakagawa I, Tsujimura T, Matsuda R. Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy against Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032111. [PMID: 36768432 PMCID: PMC9916747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite multimodality treatment involving surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and tumor-treating fields, the median overall survival (OS) after diagnosis is approximately 2 years and the 5-year OS is poor. Considering the poor prognosis, novel treatment strategies are needed, such as immunotherapies, which include chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccine therapy, and oncolytic virus therapy. However, these therapies have not achieved satisfactory outcomes. One reason for this is that these therapies are mainly based on activating T cells and controlling GBM progression. Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy involves the new feature of recognizing GBM via differing mechanisms from that of T cell-based immunotherapy. In this review, we focused on NK cell-based immunotherapy as a novel GBM treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara City Hospital, Nara 630-8305, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (T.N.); Tel.: +81-744-22-3051 (T.M.); +81-745-84-9335 (T.N.)
| | - Tsutomu Nakazawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (T.N.); Tel.: +81-744-22-3051 (T.M.); +81-745-84-9335 (T.N.)
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsujimura
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
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25
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Definition and Characterization of SOX11-Derived T Cell Epitopes towards Immunotherapy of Glioma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031943. [PMID: 36768267 PMCID: PMC9916519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor SOX11 is a tumor-associated antigen with low expression in normal cells, but overexpression in glioblastoma (GBM). So far, conventional surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have not substantially improved the dismal prognosis of relapsed/refractory GBM patients. Immunotherapy is considered a promising strategy against GBM, but there is a fervent need for better immunotargets in GBM. To this end, we performed an in silico prediction study on SOX11, which primarily yielded ten promising HLA-A*0201-restricted peptides derived from SOX11. We defined a novel peptide FMACSPVAL, which had the highest score according to in silico prediction (6.02 nM by NetMHC-4.0) and showed an exquisite binding affinity to the HLA-A*0201 molecule in the peptide-binding assays. In the IFN-γ ELISPOT assays, FMACSPVAL demonstrated a high efficiency for generating SOX11-specific CD8+ T cells. Nine out of thirty-two healthy donors showed a positive response to SOX11, as assessed by the ELISPOT assays. Therefore, this novel antigen peptide epitope seems to be promising as a target for T cell-based immunotherapy in GBM. The adoptive transfer of in vitro elicited SOX11-specific CD8+ T cells constitutes a potential approach for the treatment of GBM patients.
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26
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Zhong M, Chalbatani GM, Deng M, Li Q, Gharagouzloo E, Hamblin MR, Suarez ER, Hu L, Wang D. Functional characterization and development of novel human kinase insert domain receptor chimeric antigen receptor T-cells for immunotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 180:106331. [PMID: 36384203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy, in which T cells are transfected or transduced with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), is a transformative type of cancer immunotherapy. Despite outstanding success in hematological malignancies, their efficacy against solid tumors has been limited. Here, we aimed to explore whether T cells modified by a CAR targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor 2 receptor/ kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) could destroy tumors and their vasculature. A second-generation KDR-CAR was constructed and transfected into T cells using lentivirus. The 3D structure of the CAR construct and target antigen was predicted. Moreover, in silico analysis, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, were used to evaluate the minimum energy of interaction and stability of the complex. The anti-cancer effect of KDR-specific CAR-T cells was tested with KDR-expressing and KDR overexpressing A549 cell line. The in-silico study suggested that this CAR construct could be effective for lung cancer therapy. We evaluated this using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The KDR-CAR-T cells targeted and killed KDR-A549 with high efficiency by expressing IFN-γ and releasing granzyme B. The in vivo study showed that KDR-CAR-T cells dramatically inhibited the growth of lung cancer KDR-A549 xenografts in BALB/c-nu mice at day 10. The characterization of T cells modified by KDR-CAR by computational biology and wet-lab experiments suggested its applicability as a new treatment strategy for lung cancer and, potentially, for other vascularized solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhong
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Meifang Deng
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuyi Li
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Elahe Gharagouzloo
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Eloah Rabello Suarez
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Lili Hu
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dingding Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China.
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27
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Schmidts A, Srivastava AA, Ramapriyan R, Bailey SR, Bouffard AA, Cahill DP, Carter BS, Curry WT, Dunn GP, Frigault MJ, Gerstner ER, Ghannam JY, Kann MC, Larson RC, Leick MB, Nahed BV, Richardson LG, Scarfò I, Sun J, Wakimoto H, Maus MV, Choi BD. Tandem chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting EGFRvIII and IL-13Rα2 are effective against heterogeneous glioblastoma. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 5:vdac185. [PMID: 36751672 PMCID: PMC9896600 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have achieved remarkable responses in patients with hematological malignancies; however, the potential of this therapeutic platform for solid tumors like glioblastoma (GBM) has been limited, due in large part to the targeting of single antigens in a heterogeneous disease. Strategies that allow CAR T cells to engage multiple antigens concomitantly may broaden therapeutic responses and mitigate the effects of immune escape. Methods Here we have developed a novel, dual-specific, tandem CAR T (TanCART) cell with the ability to simultaneously target both EGFRvIII and IL-13Rα2, two well-characterized tumor antigens that are frequently found on the surface of GBM cells but completely absent from normal brain tissues. We employed both standard immunological assays and multiple orthotopic preclinical models including patient-derived xenograft to demonstrate efficacy of this approach against heterogeneous tumors. Results Tandem CAR T cells displayed enhanced cytotoxicity in vitro against heterogeneous GBM populations, including patient-derived brain tumor cultures (P < .05). Compared to CAR T cells targeting single antigens, dual antigen engagement through the tandem construct was necessary to achieve long-term, complete, and durable responses in orthotopic murine models of heterogeneous GBM, including patient-derived xenografts (P < .05). Conclusions We demonstrate that TanCART is effective against heterogeneous tumors in the brain. These data lend further credence to the development of multi-specific CAR T cells in the treatment of GBM and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schmidts
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ambike A Srivastava
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rishab Ramapriyan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stefanie R Bailey
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amanda A Bouffard
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel P Cahill
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bob S Carter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William T Curry
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gavin P Dunn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew J Frigault
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Gerstner
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (E.R.G.)
| | - Jack Y Ghannam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael C Kann
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca C Larson
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark B Leick
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian V Nahed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leland G Richardson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Irene Scarfò
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hiroaki Wakimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marcela V Maus
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bryan D Choi
- Corresponding Author: Bryan D. Choi, MD, PhD, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 502, Boston, MA 02114, USA ()
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Watchmaker PB, Colton M, Pineo-Cavanaugh PL, Okada H. Future development of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies for patients suffering from malignant glioma. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:661-669. [PMID: 35855503 PMCID: PMC9560977 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been successful in some haematologic malignancies, but the central nervous system (CNS) presents unique obstacles to its use against tumours arising therein. This review discusses recent improvements in the delivery and design of these cells to improve the efficacy and safety of this treatment against malignant gliomas. RECENT FINDINGS The immunosuppressive environment of the CNS affects the functionality of CAR T cells, but recent developments using metabolic manipulation and cytokine delivery have shown that the performance of CAR T cells can be improved in this environment. Emerging techniques can improve the delivery of CAR T cells to the CNS parenchyma, which is normally well protected from peripheral immune cells. The implementation of novel antigens and CAR-expression regulation strategies will improve the specificity and efficacy of these cells. Finally, although autologous T cells have historically been the standard, recent developments have made the use of allogeneic T cells or natural killer (NK) cells more clinically feasible. SUMMARY The discoveries highlighted in this review will aid the development of CAR cells that are safer, more resilient against immunosuppressive signals in the CNS, and able to specifically target intracranial tumour cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maggie Colton
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
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Bunse L, Bunse T, Krämer C, Chih YC, Platten M. Clinical and Translational Advances in Glioma Immunotherapy. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1799-1817. [PMID: 36303101 PMCID: PMC9723056 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are highly treatment refractory against immune checkpoint blockade, an immunotherapeutic modality that revolutionized therapy for many tumors. At the same time, technological innovation has dramatically accelerated the development of immunotherapeutic approaches such as personalized tumor-specific vaccine production, dendritic cell vaccine manufacture, patient-individual target selection and chimeric antigen receptor, and T cell receptor T cell manufacture. Here we review recent clinical and translational advances in glioma immunotherapy with a focus on targets and their cognate immune receptor derivates as well as concepts to improve intratumoral T cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Bunse
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Theresa Bunse
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christopher Krämer
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yu-Chan Chih
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Immune Monitoring Unit, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Helmholtz Institute of Translational Oncology (HI-TRON), Mainz, Germany.
- DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
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Gimple RC, Yang K, Halbert ME, Agnihotri S, Rich JN. Brain cancer stem cells: resilience through adaptive plasticity and hierarchical heterogeneity. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:497-514. [PMID: 35710946 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00486-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant brain tumours are complex ecosystems containing neoplastic and stromal components that generate adaptive and evolutionarily driven aberrant tissues in the central nervous system. Brain cancers are cultivated by a dynamic population of stem-like cells that enforce intratumoural heterogeneity and respond to intrinsic microenvironment or therapeutically guided insults through proliferation, plasticity and restructuring of neoplastic and stromal components. Far from a rigid hierarchy, heterogeneous neoplastic populations transition between cellular states with differential self-renewal capacities, endowing them with powerful resilience. Here we review the biological machinery used by brain tumour stem cells to commandeer tissues in the intracranial space, evade immune responses and resist chemoradiotherapy. Through recent advances in single-cell sequencing, improved models to investigate the role of the tumour microenvironment and a deeper understanding of the fundamental role of the immune system in cancer biology, we are now better equipped to explore mechanisms by which these processes can be exploited for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Gimple
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kailin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Matthew E Halbert
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sameer Agnihotri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jeremy N Rich
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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31
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Giotta Lucifero A, Luzzi S. Emerging immune-based technologies for high-grade gliomas. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:957-980. [PMID: 35924820 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2110072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The selection of a tailored and successful strategy for high-grade gliomas (HGGs) treatment is still a concern. The abundance of aberrant mutations within the heterogenic genetic landscape of glioblastoma strongly influences cell expansion, proliferation, and therapeutic resistance. Identification of immune evasion pathways opens the way to novel immune-based strategies. This review intends to explore the emerging immunotherapies for HGGs. The immunosuppressive mechanisms related to the tumor microenvironment and future perspectives to overcome glioma immunity barriers are also debated. AREAS COVERED An extensive literature review was performed on the PubMed/Medline and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Only highly relevant articles in English and published in the last 20 years were selected. Data about immunotherapies coming from preclinical and clinical trials were summarized. EXPERT OPINION The overall level of evidence about the efficacy and safety of immunotherapies for HGGs is noteworthy. Monoclonal antibodies have been approved as second-line treatment, while peptide vaccines, viral gene strategies, and adoptive technologies proved to boost a vivid antitumor immunization. Malignant brain tumor-treating fields are ever-changing in the upcoming years. Constant refinements and development of new routes of drug administration will permit to design of novel immune-based treatment algorithms thus improving the overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Giotta Lucifero
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabino Luzzi
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Barish ME, Weng L, Awabdeh D, Zhai Y, Starr R, D'Apuzzo M, Rockne RC, Li H, Badie B, Forman SJ, Brown CE. Spatial organization of heterogeneous immunotherapy target antigen expression in high-grade glioma. Neoplasia 2022; 30:100801. [PMID: 35550513 PMCID: PMC9108993 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
High-grade (WHO grades III-IV) glioma remains one of the most lethal human cancers. Adoptive transfer of tumor-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T cells for high-grade glioma has revealed promising indications of anti-tumor activity, but objective clinical responses remain elusive for most patients. A significant challenge to effective immunotherapy is the highly heterogeneous structure of these tumors, including large variations in the magnitudes and distributions of target antigen expression, observed both within individual tumors and between patients. To obtain a more detailed understanding of immunotherapy target antigens within patient tumors, we immunochemically mapped at single cell resolution three clinically-relevant targets, IL13Rα2, HER2 and EGFR, on tumor samples drawn from a 43-patient cohort. We observed that within individual tumor samples, expression of these antigens was neither random nor uniform, but rather that they mapped into local neighborhoods - phenotypically similar cells within regions of cellular tumor - reflecting not well understood properties of tumor cells and their milieu. Notably, tumor cell neighborhoods of high antigen expression were not arranged independently within regions. For example, in cellular tumor regions, neighborhoods of high IL13Rα2 and HER2 expression appeared to be reciprocal to those of EGFR, while in areas of pseudopalisading necrosis, expression of IL13Rα2 and HER2, but not EGFR, appeared to reflect the radial organization of tumor cells around hypoxic cores. Other structural features affecting expression of immunotherapy target antigens remain to be elucidated. This structured but heterogeneous organization of antigen expression in high grade glioma is highly permissive for antigen escape, and combinatorial antigen targeting is a commonly suggested potential mitigating strategy. Deeper understanding of antigen expression within and between patient tumors will enhance optimization of combination immunotherapies, the most immediate clinical application of the observations presented here being the importance of including (wild-type) EGFR as a target antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Barish
- Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States.
| | - Lihong Weng
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, National Medical Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States
| | - Dina Awabdeh
- Department of Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States
| | - Yubo Zhai
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, National Medical Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States
| | - Renate Starr
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, National Medical Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States
| | - Massimo D'Apuzzo
- Department of Pathology, National Medical Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States
| | - Russell C Rockne
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Division of Mathematical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States
| | - Haiqing Li
- Integrative Genomics Core, Division of Translational Bioinformatics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States
| | - Behnam Badie
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, National Medical Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States
| | - Stephen J Forman
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, National Medical Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States
| | - Christine E Brown
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, National Medical Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States; Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, United States.
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Zhang P, Zhang Y, Ji N. Challenges in the Treatment of Glioblastoma by Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Immunotherapy and Possible Solutions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:927132. [PMID: 35874698 PMCID: PMC9300859 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.927132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most lethal brain cancers in adults, accounts for 48.6% of all malignant primary CNS tumors diagnosed each year. The 5-year survival rate of GBM patients remains less than 10% even after they receive the standard-of-care treatment, including maximal safe resection, adjuvant radiation, and chemotherapy with temozolomide. Therefore, new therapeutic modalities are urgently needed for this deadly cancer. The last decade has witnessed great advances in chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapy for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Up to now, the US FDA has approved six CAR-T cell products in treating hematopoietic cancers including B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Meanwhile, the number of clinical trials on CAR-T cell has increased significantly, with more than 80% from China and the United States. With its achievements in liquid cancers, the clinical efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy has also been explored in a variety of solid malignancies that include GBMs. However, attempts to expand CAR-T cell immunotherapy in GBMs have not yet presented promising results in hematopoietic malignancies. Like other solid tumors, CAR-T cell therapies against GBM still face several challenges, such as tumor heterogeneity, tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, and CAR-T cell persistence. Hence, developing strategies to overcome these challenges will be necessary to accelerate the transition of CAR-T cell immunotherapy against GBMs from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Ji,
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Lin YJ, Mashouf LA, Lim M. CAR T Cell Therapy in Primary Brain Tumors: Current Investigations and the Future. Front Immunol 2022; 13:817296. [PMID: 35265074 PMCID: PMC8899093 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.817296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells) are engineered cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against a specific tumor antigen (TA) that allows for the identification and elimination of cancer cells. The remarkable clinical effect seen with CAR T cell therapies against hematological malignancies have attracted interest in developing such therapies for solid tumors, including brain tumors. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults and is associated with poor prognosis due to its highly aggressive nature. Pediatric brain cancers are similarly aggressive and thus are a major cause of pediatric cancer-related death. CAR T cell therapy represents a promising avenue for therapy against these malignancies. Several specific TAs, such as EGFR/EGFRvIII, IL13Rα2, B7-H3, and HER2, have been targeted in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Unfortunately, CAR T cells against brain tumors have showed limited efficacy due to TA heterogeneity, difficulty trafficking from blood to tumor sites, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here, we review current CAR T cell approaches in treating cancers, with particular focus on brain cancers. We also describe a novel technique of focused ultrasound controlling the activation of engineered CAR T cells to achieve the safer cell therapies. Finally, we summarize the development of combinational strategies to improve the efficacy and overcome historical limitations of CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jui Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Leila A Mashouf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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35
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Gatto L, Di Nunno V, Franceschi E, Tosoni A, Bartolini S, Brandes AA. Pharmacotherapeutic Treatment of Glioblastoma: Where Are We to Date? Drugs 2022; 82:491-510. [PMID: 35397073 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01702-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The clinical management of glioblastoma (GBM) is still bereft of treatments able to significantly improve the poor prognosis of the disease. Despite the extreme clinical need for novel therapeutic drugs, only a small percentage of patients with GBM benefit from inclusion in a clinical trial. Moreover, often clinical studies do not lead to final interpretable conclusions. From the mistakes and negative results obtained in the last years, we are now able to plan a novel generation of clinical studies for patients with GBM, allowing the testing of multiple anticancer agents at the same time. This assumes critical importance, considering that, thanks to improved knowledge of altered molecular mechanisms related to the disease, we are now able to propose several potential effective compounds in patients with both newly diagnosed and recurrent GBM. Among the novel compounds assessed, the initially great enthusiasm toward trials employing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) was disappointing due to the negative results that emerged in three randomized phase III trials. However, novel biological insights into the disease suggest that immunotherapy can be a convincing and effective treatment in GBM even if ICIs failed to prolong the survival of these patients. In this regard, the most promising approach consists of engineered immune cells such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T, CAR M, and CAR NK alone or in combination with other treatments. In this review, we discuss several issues related to systemic treatments in GBM patients. First, we assess critical issues toward the planning of clinical trials and the strategies employed to overcome these obstacles. We then move on to the most relevant interventional studies carried out on patients with previously untreated (newly diagnosed) GBM and those with recurrent and pretreated disease. Finally, we investigate novel immunotherapeutic approaches with special emphasis on preclinical and clinical data related to the administration of engineered immune cells in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Gatto
- Department of Oncology, AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Franceschi
- Nervous System Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 3, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alicia Tosoni
- Nervous System Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Bartolini
- Nervous System Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alba Ariela Brandes
- Nervous System Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Via Altura 3, Bologna, Italy
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Recent advances in the therapeutic strategies of glioblastoma multiforme. Neuroscience 2022; 491:240-270. [PMID: 35395355 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common, most formidable, and deadliest malignant types of primary astrocytoma with a poor prognosis. At present, the standard of care includes surgical tumor resection, followed by radiation therapy concomitant with chemotherapy and temozolomide. New developments and significant advances in the treatment of GBM have been achieved in recent decades. However, despite the advances, recurrence is often inevitable, and the survival of patients remains low. Various factors contribute to the difficulty in identifying an effective therapeutic option, among which are tumor complexity, the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the presence of GBM cancer stem cells, prompting the need for improving existing treatment approaches and investigating new treatment alternatives for ameliorating the treatment strategies of GBM. In this review, we outline some of the most recent literature on the various available treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, phototherapy, nanotherapy, and tumor treating fields in the treatment of GBM, and we list some of the potential future directions of GBM. The reviewed studies confirm that GBM is a sophisticated disease with several challenges for scientists to address. Hence, more studies and a multimodal therapeutic approach are crucial to yield an effective cure and prolong the survival of GBM patients.
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A novel TanCAR targeting IL13Rα2 and EphA2 for enhanced glioblastoma therapy. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 24:729-741. [PMID: 35317513 PMCID: PMC8908045 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has been shown to be an effective strategy for combatting non-solid tumors; however, CAR-T therapy is still a challenge for solid tumors, such as glioblastoma. To improve CAR-T therapy for glioblastoma, a new TanCAR, comprising the tandem arrangement of IL13 (4MS) and EphA2 scFv, was generated and validated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the novel TanCAR-redirected T cells killed glioblastoma tumor cells by recognizing either IL-13 receptor α2 (IL13Rα2) or EphA2 alone or together upon simultaneous encounter of both targets, but did not kill normal cells bearing only the IL13Rα1/IL4Rα receptor. As further proof of principle, the novel TanCAR was tested in a subcutaneous glioma xenograft mouse model. The results indicated that the novel TanCAR-redirected T cells produced greater glioma tumor regression than single CAR-T cells. Thus, the novel TanCAR-redirected T cells kill gliomas more efficiently and selectively than a single IL13 CAR or EphA2 scFv CAR, with the potential for preventing antigen escape and reduced off-target cytotoxicity.
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38
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Grady C, Melnick K, Porche K, Dastmalchi F, Hoh DJ, Rahman M, Ghiaseddin A. Glioma Immunotherapy: Advances and Challenges for Spinal Cord Gliomas. Neurospine 2022; 19:13-29. [PMID: 35130421 PMCID: PMC8987559 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2143210.605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord gliomas are rare entities that often have limited surgical options. Immunotherapy has shown promise in intracranial gliomas with some research suggesting benefit for spinal cord gliomas. A focused review of immunotherapies that have been investigated in spinal cord gliomas was performed. The primary methods of immunotherapy investigated in spinal cord gliomas include immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell therapies, and vaccine strategies. There are innumerable challenges that must be overcome to effectively apply immunotherapeutic strategies to the spinal cord gliomas including low incidence, few antigenic targets, the blood spinal cord barrier, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and neurotoxic treatment effects. Nonetheless, research has suggested ways to overcome these challenges and treatments have been effective in case reports for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, midline glioma and glioblastoma. Current therapies for spinal cord gliomas are markedly limited. Further research is needed to determine if the success of immunotherapy for intracranial gliomas can be effectively applied to these unique tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Grady
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Melnick
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Corresponding Author Kaitlyn Melnick https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2657-2176 Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Box 100265, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ken Porche
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Farhad Dastmalchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Daniel J. Hoh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maryam Rahman
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ashley Ghiaseddin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Bryant JP, Lu VM, Govindarajan V, Perez-Roman RJ, Levi AD. Immunotherapeutic treatments for spinal and peripheral nerve tumors: a primer. Neurosurg Focus 2022; 52:E8. [PMID: 35104797 DOI: 10.3171/2021.11.focus21590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal and peripheral nerve tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality despite the current standard of care. Immunotherapy is an emerging therapeutic option to improve the prognoses of these tumors. Therefore, the authors sought to present an updated and unifying review on the use of immunotherapy in treating tumors of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, including a discussion on mechanism of action, drug delivery, current treatment techniques, and preclinical and clinical studies. METHODS Current data in the literature regarding immunotherapy were collated and summarized. Targeted tumors included primary and secondary spinal tumors, as well as peripheral nerve tumors. RESULTS Four primary modalities of immunotherapy (CAR T cell, monoclonal antibody, viral, and cytokine) have been reported to target spine and peripheral nerve tumors. Of the primary spinal tumors, spinal cord astrocytomas had the most preclinical evidence supporting immunotherapy success with CAR T-cell therapy targeting the H3K27M mutation, whereas spinal schwannomas and ependymomas had the most evidence reported for monoclonal antibody therapy preclinically. Of the secondary spinal tumors, primary CNS lymphomas demonstrated some clinical response to immunotherapy, whereas multiple myeloma and bone tumor experiences with immunotherapy were largely limited to concept only. Within peripheral nerve tumors, the use of immunotherapy to treat neurofibromas in the setting of syndromes has been suggested in theory, and possible immunotherapeutic targets have been identified in malignant peripheral nerve tumors. To date, there have been 2 clinical trials involving spine tumors and 2 clinical trials involving peripheral nerve tumors that have reported results, all of which are promising but require validation. CONCLUSIONS Immunotherapy to treat spinal and peripheral nerve tumors has become an emerging area of research and interest. A large amount of preclinical data supporting the translation of this therapy into practice, aimed at ameliorating the poor prognoses of specific tumors, have been reported. Future clinical studies for translation will focus on the optimal therapy type and administration route to best target these tumors, which often preclude total surgical resection given their proximity to the neural and vascular elements of the spine.
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The phosphatase and tensin homolog gene inserted between NP and P gene of recombinant New castle disease virus oncolytic effect test to glioblastoma cell and xenograft mouse model. Virol J 2022; 19:21. [PMID: 35093115 PMCID: PMC8800283 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01746-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma is one of the most serious brain cancer. Previous studies have demonstrated that PTEN function disorder affects the causing and exacerbation of glioblastoma. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has been studied as a cancer virotherapeutics. In this study, PTEN gene was delivered to glioblastoma by recombinant NDV (rNDV) and translated into protein at the cytoplasm of the glioblastoma.
Methods We did comparison tests PTEN protein expression efficiency and oncolytic effect depend on the PTEN gene insertion site at the between NP and P genes and the between P and M gene. PTEN protein mRNA transcription, translation in glioblastoma cell, and functional PTEN protein effect of the rNDV in vitro and in vivo test performed using western blotting, RT-qPCR, MTT assay, and Glioblastoma xenograft animal model test. Results The result of this study demonstrates that rNDV-PTEN kills glioblastoma cells and reduces cancer tissue better than rNDV without the PTEN gene. In molecular immunological and cytological assays, PTEN expression level was high at located in the between NP and P gene, and PTEN gene was successfully delivered to the glioblastoma cell using rNDV and PTEN gene translated to functional protein and inhibits hTERT and AKT gene. Conclusions PTEN gene enhances the oncolytic effect of the rNDV. And our study demonstrated that NP and P gene site is better than P and M gene site which is commonly and conventionally used. PTEN gene containing rNDV is a good candidate virotherapeutics for glioblastoma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12985-022-01746-w.
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Engineered cells as glioblastoma therapeutics. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:156-166. [PMID: 33753869 PMCID: PMC8850190 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00320-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In spite of significant recent advances in our understanding of the genetics and cell biology of glioblastoma, to date, this has not led to improved treatments for this cancer. In addition to small molecule, antibody, and engineered virus approaches, engineered cells are also being explored as glioblastoma therapeutics. This includes CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells, as well as engineered neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells. Here we review the state of this field, starting with clinical trial studies. These have established the feasibility and safety of engineered cell therapies for glioblastoma and show some evidence for activity. Next, we review the preclinical literature and compare the strengths and weaknesses of various starting cell types for engineered cell therapies. Finally, we discuss future directions for this nascent but promising modality for glioblastoma therapy.
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Wang EJ, Chen JS, Jain S, Morshed RA, Haddad AF, Gill S, Beniwal AS, Aghi MK. Immunotherapy Resistance in Glioblastoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:750675. [PMID: 34976006 PMCID: PMC8718605 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.750675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite treatment consisting of surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, survival remains poor at a rate of 26.5% at 2 years. Recent successes in using immunotherapies to treat a number of solid and hematologic cancers have led to a growing interest in harnessing the immune system to target glioblastoma. Several studies have examined the efficacy of various immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, adoptive transfer of lymphocytes, and oncolytic virotherapy in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. However, these therapies have yielded mixed results at best when applied to glioblastoma. While the initial failures of immunotherapy were thought to reflect the immunoprivileged environment of the brain, more recent studies have revealed immune escape mechanisms created by the tumor itself and adaptive resistance acquired in response to therapy. Several of these resistance mechanisms hijack key signaling pathways within the immune system to create a protumoral microenvironment. In this review, we discuss immunotherapies that have been trialed in glioblastoma, mechanisms of tumor resistance, and strategies to sensitize these tumors to immunotherapies. Insights gained from the studies summarized here may help pave the way for novel therapies to overcome barriers that have thus far limited the success of immunotherapy in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaina J. Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jia-Shu Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Saket Jain
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ramin A. Morshed
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alexander F. Haddad
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sabraj Gill
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Angad S. Beniwal
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Manish K. Aghi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Kilian M, Bunse T, Wick W, Platten M, Bunse L. Genetically Modified Cellular Therapies for Malignant Gliomas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12810. [PMID: 34884607 PMCID: PMC8657496 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive preclinical research on immunotherapeutic approaches, malignant glioma remains a devastating disease of the central nervous system for which standard of care treatment is still confined to resection and radiochemotherapy. For peripheral solid tumors, immune checkpoint inhibition has shown substantial clinical benefit, while promising preclinical results have yet failed to translate into clinical efficacy for brain tumor patients. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies, tumor antigens and corresponding T cell receptors (TCR) and antibodies have been identified, leading to the development of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), which are comprised of an extracellular antibody part and an intracellular T cell receptor signaling part, to genetically engineer T cells for antigen recognition. Due to efficacy in other tumor entities, a plethora of CARs has been designed and tested for glioma, with promising signs of biological activity. In this review, we describe glioma antigens that have been targeted using CAR T cells preclinically and clinically, review their drawbacks and benefits, and illustrate how the emerging field of transgenic TCR therapy can be used as a potent alternative for cell therapy of glioma overcoming antigenic limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kilian
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Theresa Bunse
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic, Heidelberg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- DKTK CCU Neurooncology, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Immune Monitoring Unit, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute of Translational Oncology (HI-TRON), 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lukas Bunse
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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Prinzing B, Zebley CC, Petersen CT, Fan Y, Anido AA, Yi Z, Nguyen P, Houke H, Bell M, Haydar D, Brown C, Boi SK, Alli S, Crawford JC, Riberdy JM, Park JJ, Zhou S, Velasquez MP, DeRenzo C, Lazzarotto CR, Tsai SQ, Vogel P, Pruett-Miller SM, Langfitt DM, Gottschalk S, Youngblood B, Krenciute G. Deleting DNMT3A in CAR T cells prevents exhaustion and enhances antitumor activity. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabh0272. [PMID: 34788079 PMCID: PMC8733956 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abh0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is revolutionizing cancer immunotherapy for patients with B cell malignancies and is now being developed for solid tumors and chronic viral infections. Although clinical trials have demonstrated the curative potential of CAR T cell therapy, a substantial and well-established limitation is the heightened contraction and transient persistence of CAR T cells during prolonged antigen exposure. The underlying mechanism(s) for this dysfunctional state, often termed CAR T cell exhaustion, remains poorly defined. Here, we report that exhaustion of human CAR T cells occurs through an epigenetic repression of the T cell’s multipotent developmental potential. Deletion of the de novo DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) in T cells expressing first- or second-generation CARs universally preserved the cells’ ability to proliferate and mount an antitumor response during prolonged tumor exposure. The increased functionality of the exhaustion-resistant DNMT3A knockout CAR T cells was coupled to an up-regulation of interleukin-10, and genome-wide DNA methylation profiling defined an atlas of genes targeted for epigenetic silencing. This atlas provides a molecular definition of CAR T cell exhaustion, which includes many transcriptional regulators that limit the “stemness” of immune cells, including CD28, CCR7, TCF7, and LEF1. Last, we demonstrate that this epigenetically regulated multipotency program is firmly coupled to the clinical outcome of prior CAR T cell therapies. These data document the critical role epigenetic mechanisms play in limiting the fate potential of human T cells and provide a road map for leveraging this information for improving CAR T cell efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Prinzing
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Caitlin C. Zebley
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- Department of Immunology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Christopher T. Petersen
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yiping Fan
- Department of Bioinformatics, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alejandro Allo Anido
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Zhongzhen Yi
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Phuong Nguyen
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Haley Houke
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Matthew Bell
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Dalia Haydar
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Charmaine Brown
- Department of Immunology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shannon K. Boi
- Department of Immunology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shanta Alli
- Department of Immunology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jeremy Chase Crawford
- Department of Immunology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Janice M. Riberdy
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jeoungeun J. Park
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mireya Paulina Velasquez
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Chris DeRenzo
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cicera R. Lazzarotto
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shengdar Q. Tsai
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Peter Vogel
- Department of Pathology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shondra M. Pruett-Miller
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Deanna M. Langfitt
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ben Youngblood
- Department of Immunology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Giedre Krenciute
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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Gatto L, Franceschi E, Di Nunno V, Maggio I, Lodi R, Brandes AA. Engineered CAR-T and novel CAR-based therapies to fight the immune evasion of glioblastoma: gutta cavat lapidem. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:1333-1353. [PMID: 34734551 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1997599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The field of cancer immunotherapy has achieved great advancements through the application of genetically engineered T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), that have shown exciting success in eradicating hematologic malignancies and have proved to be safe with promising early signs of antitumoral activity in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). AREAS COVERED We discuss the use of CAR T cells in GBM, focusing on limitations and obstacles to advancement, mostly related to toxicities, hostile tumor microenvironment, limited CAR T cells infiltration and persistence, target antigen loss/heterogeneity and inadequate trafficking. Furthermore, we introduce the refined strategies aimed at strengthening CAR T activity and offer insights in to novel immunotherapeutic approaches, such as the potential use of CAR NK or CAR M to optimize anti-tumor effects for GBM management. EXPERT OPINION With the progressive wide use of CAR T cell therapy, significant challenges in treating solid tumors, including central nervous system (CNS) tumors, are emerging, highlighting early disease relapse and cancer cell resistance issues, owing to hostile immunosuppressive microenvironment and tumor antigen heterogeneity. In addition to CAR T cells, there is great interest in utilizing other types of CAR-based therapies, such as CAR natural killer (CAR NK) or CAR macrophages (CAR M) cells for CNS tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Gatto
- Medical Oncology Department, Azienda USL, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Franceschi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Oncologia Medica del Sistema Nervoso, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Maggio
- Medical Oncology Department, Azienda USL, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaele Lodi
- IrcssIstituto di Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alba Ariela Brandes
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Oncologia Medica del Sistema Nervoso, Bologna, Italy
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Ferreras C, Fernández L, Clares-Villa L, Ibáñez-Navarro M, Martín-Cortázar C, Esteban-Rodríguez I, Saceda J, Pérez-Martínez A. Facing CAR T Cell Challenges on the Deadliest Paediatric Brain Tumours. Cells 2021; 10:2940. [PMID: 34831165 PMCID: PMC8616287 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tumours comprise 25% of the paediatric cancer diagnoses and are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Current treatments for paediatric CNS tumours are far from optimal and fail for those that relapsed or are refractory to treatment. Besides, long-term sequelae in the developing brain make it mandatory to find new innovative approaches. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy has increased survival in patients with B-cell malignancies, but the intrinsic biological characteristics of CNS tumours hamper their success. The location, heterogeneous antigen expression, limited infiltration of T cells into the tumour, the selective trafficking provided by the blood-brain barrier, and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment have emerged as the main hurdles that need to be overcome for the success of CAR T cell therapy. In this review, we will focus mainly on the characteristics of the deadliest high-grade CNS paediatric tumours (medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and high-grade gliomas) and the potential of CAR T cell therapy to increase survival and patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferreras
- Translational Research in Paediatric Oncology, Haematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.F.); (L.C.-V.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Lucía Fernández
- Haematological Malignancies H12O, Clinical Research Department, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (L.F.); (M.I.-N.)
| | - Laura Clares-Villa
- Translational Research in Paediatric Oncology, Haematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.F.); (L.C.-V.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Marta Ibáñez-Navarro
- Haematological Malignancies H12O, Clinical Research Department, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (L.F.); (M.I.-N.)
| | - Carla Martín-Cortázar
- Translational Research in Paediatric Oncology, Haematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.F.); (L.C.-V.); (C.M.-C.)
| | | | - Javier Saceda
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Antonio Pérez-Martínez
- Translational Research in Paediatric Oncology, Haematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.F.); (L.C.-V.); (C.M.-C.)
- Paediatric Haemato-Oncology Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Giordano G, Merlini A, Ferrero G, Mesiano G, Fiorino E, Brusco S, Centomo ML, Leuci V, D’Ambrosio L, Aglietta M, Sangiolo D, Grignani G, Pignochino Y. EphA2 Expression in Bone Sarcomas: Bioinformatic Analyses and Preclinical Characterization in Patient-Derived Models of Osteosarcoma, Ewing's Sarcoma and Chondrosarcoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112893. [PMID: 34831119 PMCID: PMC8616526 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone sarcomas are a group of heterogeneous malignant mesenchymal tumors. Complete surgical resection is still the cornerstone of treatment, but, in the advanced/unresectable setting, their management remains challenging and not significantly improved by target- and immuno-therapies. We focused on the tyrosine kinase Eph type-A receptor-2 (EphA2), a key oncoprotein implicated in self-renewal, angiogenesis, and metastasis, in several solid tumors and thus representing a novel potential therapeutic target. Aiming at better characterizing its expression throughout the main bone sarcoma histotypes, we investigated EPHA2 expression in the Cancer Cell Lines Encyclopedia and in public datasets with clinical annotations. looking for correlations with molecular, histopathological and patients’ features and clinical outcomes in a total of 232 osteosarcomas, 197 Ewing’s sarcomas, and 102 chondrosarcomas. We observed EPHA2 expression in bone sarcoma cell lines. We demonstrated higher EPHA2 expression in tumor tissues when compared to normal counterparts. A significant correlation was found between EPHA2 expression and Huvos grade (osteosarcoma) and with worse overall survival (dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma). Next, we characterized EPHA2 expression and activation in bone sarcoma primary tissues and in patient-derived xenografts generated in our laboratory to verify their reliability as in vivo models of osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma and chondrosarcoma. Furthermore, for the first time, we demonstrated EPHA2 expression in chondrosarcoma, suggesting its potential key role in this histotype. Indeed, we observed a significant dose-dependent antitumor effect of the EphA2-inhibitor ALW-II-41-27 in patient-derived in vitro models. In conclusion, EphA2 targeting represents a promising novel therapeutic strategy against bone sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giordano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Merlini
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0119933503
| | - Giulio Ferrero
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy;
- Department of Computer Science, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Mesiano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
| | - Erika Fiorino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
| | - Silvia Brusco
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
| | - Maria Laura Centomo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Valeria Leuci
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
| | - Lorenzo D’Ambrosio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
- Cardinal Massaia Hospital, 14100 Asti, Italy
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grignani
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
| | - Ymera Pignochino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO–IRCCS Str. Prov.le 142, Km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (M.L.C.); (V.L.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (D.S.); (G.G.); (Y.P.)
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy;
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Haydar D, Ibañez-Vega J, Krenciute G. T-Cell Immunotherapy for Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: New Insights to Overcoming Therapeutic Challenges. Front Oncol 2021; 11:718030. [PMID: 34760690 PMCID: PMC8573171 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.718030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors remain the most debilitating, difficult to treat, and deadliest cancers. Current therapies, including radiation, chemotherapy, and/or surgery, are unable to cure these diseases and are associated with serious adverse effects and long-term impairments. Immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has the potential to elucidate therapeutic antitumor immune responses that improve survival without the devastating adverse effects associated with other therapies. Yet, despite the outstanding performance of CAR T cells against hematologic malignancies, they have shown little success targeting brain tumors. This lack of efficacy is due to a scarcity of targetable antigens, interactions with the immune microenvironment, and physical and biological barriers limiting the homing and trafficking of CAR T cells to brain tumors. In this review, we summarize experiences with CAR T-cell therapy for pediatric CNS tumors in preclinical and clinical settings and focus on the current roadblocks and novel strategies to potentially overcome those therapeutic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giedre Krenciute
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
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49
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Yoo HJ, Harapan BN. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy: basic principles, current advances, and future prospects in neuro-oncology. Immunol Res 2021; 69:471-486. [PMID: 34554405 PMCID: PMC8580929 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
With recent advances, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy has become a promising modality for patients with refractory cancer diseases. The successful results of CAR T cell therapy in relapsed and refractory B-cell malignancies shifted the paradigm of cancer immunotherapy by awakening the scientific, clinical, and commercial interest in translating this technology for the treatment of solid cancers. This review elaborates on fundamental principles of CAR T cell therapy (development of CAR construct, challenges of CAR T cell therapy) and its application on solid tumors as well as CAR T cell therapy potential in the field of neuro-oncology. Glioblastoma (GBM) is identified as one of the most challenging solid tumors with a permissive immunological milieu and dismal prognosis. Standard multimodal treatment using maximal safe resection, radiochemotherapy, and maintenance chemotherapy extends the overall survival beyond a year. Recurrence is, however, inevitable. GBM holds several unique features including its vast intratumoral heterogeneity, immunosuppressive environment, and a partially permissive anatomic blood–brain barrier, which offers a unique opportunity to investigate new treatment approaches. Tremendous efforts have been made in recent years to investigate novel CAR targets and target combinations with standard modalities for solid tumors and GBM to improve treatment efficacy. In this review, we outline the history of CAR immunotherapy development, relevant CAR target antigens validated with CAR T cells as well as preclinical approaches in combination with adjunct approaches via checkpoint inhibition, bispecific antibodies, and second-line systemic therapies that enhance anticancer efficacy of the CAR-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Joo Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Biyan Nathanael Harapan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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An Z, Hu Y, Bai Y, Zhang C, Xu C, Kang X, Yang S, Li W, Zhong X. Antitumor activity of the third generation EphA2 CAR-T cells against glioblastoma is associated with interferon gamma induced PD-L1. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1960728. [PMID: 34408922 PMCID: PMC8366541 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1960728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive brain malignancy in adults and is currently incurable with conventional therapies. The use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cells has been successful in clinical treatment of blood cancers, except solid tumors such as GBM. This study generated two third-generation CARs targeting different epitopes of ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) and examined their anti-GBM efficacy in vitro and in tumor-bearing mice. We observed that these two types of T cells expressing CAR (CAR-T) targeting EphA2 could be activated and expanded by EphA2 positive tumor cells in vitro. The survival of tumor-bearing mice after EphA2 CAR-T cell treatment was significantly improved. T cells transduced with one of the two EphA2 CARs exhibited better anti-tumor activity, which is related to the upregulation of CXCR-1/2 and appropriate interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production. CAR-T cells expressed excessively high level of IFN-γ exhibited poor anti-tumor activity resulting from inducing the upregulation of PD-L1 in GBM cells. The combination of CAR-T cells with poor anti-tumor activity and PD1 blockade improved the efficacy in tumor-bearing mice. In conclusion, both types of EphA2 CAR-T cells eliminated 20%-50% of GBM in xenograft mouse models. The appropriate combination of IFN-γ and CXCR-1/2 levels is a key factor for evaluating the antitumor efficiency of CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijing An
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Hu
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Bai
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Can Zhang
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Xu
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shoubo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenbin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaosong Zhong
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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