1
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Döring M, Brux M, Paszkowski-Rogacz M, Guillem-Gloria PM, Buchholz F, Pisabarro MT, Theis M. Nucleolar protein TAAP1/ C22orf46 confers pro-survival signaling in non-small cell lung cancer. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302257. [PMID: 38228372 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells subvert immune surveillance or lytic stress by harnessing inhibitory signals. Hence, bispecific antibodies have been developed to direct CTLs to the tumor site and foster immune-dependent cytotoxicity. Although applied with success, T cell-based immunotherapies are not universally effective partially because of the expression of pro-survival factors by tumor cells protecting them from apoptosis. Here, we report a CRISPR/Cas9 screen in human non-small cell lung cancer cells designed to identify genes that confer tumors with the ability to evade the cytotoxic effects of CD8+ T lymphocytes engaged by bispecific antibodies. We show that the gene C22orf46 facilitates pro-survival signals and that tumor cells devoid of C22orf46 expression exhibit increased susceptibility to T cell-induced apoptosis and stress by genotoxic agents. Although annotated as a non-coding gene, we demonstrate that C22orf46 encodes a nucleolar protein, hereafter referred to as "Tumor Apoptosis Associated Protein 1," up-regulated in lung cancer, which displays remote homologies to the BH domain containing Bcl-2 family of apoptosis regulators. Collectively, the findings establish TAAP1/C22orf46 as a pro-survival oncogene with implications to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marietta Döring
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 National Center for Tumor Diseases/University Cancer Center (NCT/UCC): German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Melanie Brux
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 National Center for Tumor Diseases/University Cancer Center (NCT/UCC): German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- https://ror.org/00e7dfm13 Medical Systems Biologyhttps://ror.org/042aqky30 , Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maciej Paszkowski-Rogacz
- https://ror.org/00e7dfm13 Medical Systems Biologyhttps://ror.org/042aqky30 , Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Pedro M Guillem-Gloria
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 Structural Bioinformatics, BIOTEC, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Buchholz
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 National Center for Tumor Diseases/University Cancer Center (NCT/UCC): German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- https://ror.org/00e7dfm13 Medical Systems Biologyhttps://ror.org/042aqky30 , Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Dresden, Germany
| | - M Teresa Pisabarro
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 Structural Bioinformatics, BIOTEC, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko Theis
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 National Center for Tumor Diseases/University Cancer Center (NCT/UCC): German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- https://ror.org/00e7dfm13 Medical Systems Biologyhttps://ror.org/042aqky30 , Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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2
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Nicolini A, Rossi G, Ferrari P. Experimental and clinical evidence in favour of an effective immune stimulation in ER-positive, endocrine-dependent metastatic breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1225175. [PMID: 38332913 PMCID: PMC10850262 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1225175] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In ER+ breast cancer, usually seen as the low immunogenic type, the main mechanisms favouring the immune response or tumour growth and immune evasion in the tumour microenvironment (TME) have been examined. The principal implications of targeting the oestrogen-mediated pathways were also considered. Recent experimental findings point out that anti-oestrogens contribute to the reversion of the immunosuppressive TME. Moreover, some preliminary clinical data with the hormone-immunotherapy association in a metastatic setting support the notion that the reversion of immune suppression in TME is likely favoured by the G0-G1 state induced by anti-oestrogens. Following immune stimulation, the reverted immune suppression allows the boosting of the effector cells of the innate and adaptive immune response. This suggests that ER+ breast cancer is a molecular subtype where a successful active immune manipulation can be attained. If this is confirmed by a prospective multicentre trial, which is expected in light of the provided evidence, the proposed hormone immunotherapy can also be tested in the adjuvant setting. Furthermore, the different rationale suggests a synergistic activity of our proposed immunotherapy with the currently recommended regimen consisting of antioestrogens combined with cyclin kinase inhibitors. Overall, this lays the foundation for a shift in clinical practice within this most prevalent molecular subtype of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rossi
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council and Gabriele Monasterio Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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3
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Gutwillig A, Santana-Magal N, Farhat-Younis L, Rasoulouniriana D, Madi A, Luxenburg C, Cohen J, Padmanabhan K, Shomron N, Shapira G, Gleiberman A, Parikh R, Levy C, Feinmesser M, Hershkovitz D, Zemser-Werner V, Zlotnik O, Kroon S, Hardt WD, Debets R, Reticker-Flynn NE, Rider P, Carmi Y. Transient cell-in-cell formation underlies tumor relapse and resistance to immunotherapy. eLife 2022; 11:80315. [PMID: 36124553 PMCID: PMC9489212 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable successes of cancer immunotherapies, the majority of patients will experience only partial response followed by relapse of resistant tumors. While treatment resistance has frequently been attributed to clonal selection and immunoediting, comparisons of paired primary and relapsed tumors in melanoma and breast cancers indicate that they share the majority of clones. Here, we demonstrate in both mouse models and clinical human samples that tumor cells evade immunotherapy by generating unique transient cell-in-cell structures, which are resistant to killing by T cells and chemotherapies. While the outer cells in this cell-in-cell formation are often killed by reactive T cells, the inner cells remain intact and disseminate into single tumor cells once T cells are no longer present. This formation is mediated predominantly by IFNγ-activated T cells, which subsequently induce phosphorylation of the transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and early growth response-1 (EGR-1) in tumor cells. Indeed, inhibiting these factors prior to immunotherapy significantly improves its therapeutic efficacy. Overall, this work highlights a currently insurmountable limitation of immunotherapy and reveals a previously unknown resistance mechanism which enables tumor cells to survive immune-mediated killing without altering their immunogenicity. Cancer immunotherapies use the body’s own immune system to fight off cancer. But, despite some remarkable success stories, many patients only see a temporary improvement before the immunotherapy stops being effective and the tumours regrow. It is unclear why this occurs, but it may have to do with how the immune system attacks cancer cells. Immunotherapies aim to activate a special group of cells known as killer T-cells, which are responsible for the immune response to tumours. These cells can identify cancer cells and inject toxic granules through their membranes, killing them. However, killer T-cells are not always effective. This is because cancer cells are naturally good at avoiding detection, and during treatment, their genes can mutate, giving them new ways to evade the immune system. Interestingly, when scientists analysed the genes of tumour cells before and after immunotherapy, they found that many of the genes that code for proteins recognized by T-cells do not change significantly. This suggests that tumours’ resistance to immune attack may be physical, rather than genetic. To investigate this hypothesis, Gutwillig et al. developed several mouse tumour models that stop responding to immunotherapy after initial treatment. Examining cells from these tumours revealed that when the immune system attacks, they reorganise by getting inside one another. This allows some cancer cells to hide under many layers of cell membrane. At this point killer T-cells can identify and inject the outer cell with toxic granules, but it cannot reach the cells inside. This ability of cancer cells to hide within one another relies on them recognising when the immune system is attacking. This happens because the cancer cells can detect certain signals released by the killer T-cells, allowing them to hide. Gutwillig et al. identified some of these signals, and showed that blocking them stopped cancer cells from hiding inside each other, making immunotherapy more effective. This new explanation for how cancer cells escape the immune system could guide future research and lead to new cancer treatments, or approaches to boost existing treatments. Understanding the process in more detail could allow scientists to prevent it from happening, by revealing which signals to block, and when, for best results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Gutwillig
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | | | - Leen Farhat-Younis
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | | | - Asaf Madi
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | - Chen Luxenburg
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | - Jonathan Cohen
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | | | - Noam Shomron
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | - Guy Shapira
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | - Annette Gleiberman
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | - Roma Parikh
- Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | - Carmit Levy
- Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | - Meora Feinmesser
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
- Institute of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Hospital
| | - Dov Hershkovitz
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
- Institute of Pathology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
| | | | - Oran Zlotnik
- Department of General Surgery, Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Campus
| | - Sanne Kroon
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbiology
| | | | - Reno Debets
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute
| | | | - Peleg Rider
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
| | - Yaron Carmi
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
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4
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Tan LY, Cockshell MP, Moore E, Myo Min KK, Ortiz M, Johan MZ, Ebert B, Ruszkiewicz A, Brown MP, Ebert LM, Bonder CS. Vasculogenic mimicry structures in melanoma support the recruitment of monocytes. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2043673. [PMID: 35295096 PMCID: PMC8920250 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2043673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of cancer is facilitated by infiltrating leukocytes which can either actively kill cancer cells or promote their survival. Our current understanding of leukocyte recruitment into tumors is largely limited to the adhesion molecules and chemokines expressed by conventional blood vessels that are lined by endothelial cells (ECs). However, cancer cells themselves can form their own vascular structures (a process known as vasculogenic mimicry (VM)); but whether they actively participate in the recruitment of leukocytes remains to be elucidated. Herein, we demonstrate that VM-competent human melanoma cell lines express multiple adhesion molecules (e.g. CD44, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and junction adhesion molecules (JAMs)) and chemokines (e.g. CXCL8 and CXCL12) relevant for leukocyte recruitment. Microfluidic-based adhesion assays revealed that similar to ECs, VM-competent melanoma cells facilitate the rolling and adhesion of leukocytes, particularly monocytes, under conditions of shear flow. Moreover, we identified ICAM-1 to be a key participant in this process. Transwell assays showed that, similar to ECs, VM-competent melanoma cells facilitate monocyte transmigration toward a chemotactic gradient. Gene expression profiling of human melanoma patient samples confirmed the expression of numerous leukocyte capture adhesion molecules and chemokines. Finally, immunostaining of patient tissue microarrays revealed that tumors with high VM content also contained higher numbers of leukocytes (including macrophages). Taken together, this study suggests an underappreciated role of VM vessels in solid tumors via their active participation in leukocyte recruitment and begins to identify key adhesion molecules and chemokines that underpin this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lih Y. Tan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michaelia P. Cockshell
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Eli Moore
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kay K. Myo Min
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michael Ortiz
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - M. Zahied Johan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brenton Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew Ruszkiewicz
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michael P. Brown
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lisa M. Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Claudine S. Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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5
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Rijnders M, Balcioglu HE, Robbrecht DGJ, Oostvogels AAM, Wijers R, Aarts MJB, Hamberg P, van Leenders GJLH, Nakauma-González JA, Voortman J, Westgeest HM, Boormans JL, de Wit R, Lolkema MP, van der Veldt AAM, Debets R. Anti-PD-1 Efficacy in Patients with Metastatic Urothelial Cancer Associates with Intratumoral Juxtaposition of T Helper-Type 1 and CD8 + T cells. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 28:215-226. [PMID: 34615720 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE PD-1 inhibition results in durable antitumor responses in a proportion of patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC). The majority of patients, however, do not experience clinical benefit. In this study, we aimed to identify early changes in T-cell subsets that underlie anti-PD-1 efficacy in patients with mUC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Paired samples were collected from peripheral blood, plasma, and metastatic lesions of 56 patients with mUC at baseline and weeks 6 and 12 after initiating pembrolizumab treatment (200 mg intravenously, every 3 weeks). Samples were analyzed using multiplex flow cytometry, ELISA, and in situ stainings, including cellular network analysis. Treatment response was evaluated as best overall response according to RECIST v1.1, and patients were classified as responder (complete or partial response) or nonresponder (progressive disease). RESULTS In responders, baseline fractions of CD4+ T cells expressing cosignaling receptors were higher compared with nonresponders. The fraction of circulating PD-1+ CD4+ T cells decreased at weeks 6 and 12, whereas the fraction of 4-1BB+ CD28+ CD4+ T cells increased at week 12. In metastatic lesions of responders, the baseline density of T helper-type 1 (Th1) cells, defined as T-bet+ CD4+ T cells, was higher as compared to non-responders. Upon treatment, Th1 cells became localized in close proximity to CD8+ T cells, CD11b+ myeloid cells, and tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS A decrease in the fraction of circulating PD-1+ CD4+ T cells, and juxtaposition of Th1, CD8+, and myeloid cells was associated with response to anti-PD-1 treatment in patients with mUC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Rijnders
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hayri E Balcioglu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Debbie G J Robbrecht
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid A M Oostvogels
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rebecca Wijers
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maureen J B Aarts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Hamberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Geert J L H van Leenders
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J Alberto Nakauma-González
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Urology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Cancer Computational Biology Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jens Voortman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hans M Westgeest
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amphia Hospital Breda, Breda, the Netherlands
| | - Joost L Boormans
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald de Wit
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn P Lolkema
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid A M van der Veldt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reno Debets
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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6
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Taftaf R, Liu X, Singh S, Jia Y, Dashzeveg NK, Hoffmann AD, El-Shennawy L, Ramos EK, Adorno-Cruz V, Schuster EJ, Scholten D, Patel D, Zhang Y, Davis AA, Reduzzi C, Cao Y, D'Amico P, Shen Y, Cristofanilli M, Muller WA, Varadan V, Liu H. ICAM1 initiates CTC cluster formation and trans-endothelial migration in lung metastasis of breast cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4867. [PMID: 34381029 PMCID: PMC8358026 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25189-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters mediate metastasis at a higher efficiency and are associated with lower overall survival in breast cancer compared to single cells. Combining single-cell RNA sequencing and protein analyses, here we report the profiles of primary tumor cells and lung metastases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). ICAM1 expression increases by 200-fold in the lung metastases of three TNBC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Depletion of ICAM1 abrogates lung colonization of TNBC cells by inhibiting homotypic tumor cell-tumor cell cluster formation. Machine learning-based algorithms and mutagenesis analyses identify ICAM1 regions responsible for homophilic ICAM1-ICAM1 interactions, thereby directing homotypic tumor cell clustering, as well as heterotypic tumor-endothelial adhesion for trans-endothelial migration. Moreover, ICAM1 promotes metastasis by activating cellular pathways related to cell cycle and stemness. Finally, blocking ICAM1 interactions significantly inhibits CTC cluster formation, tumor cell transendothelial migration, and lung metastasis. Therefore, ICAM1 can serve as a novel therapeutic target for metastasis initiation of TNBC. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters are more efficient at mediating metastasis as compared to single cells and are associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Here, the authors show that ICAM1 is enriched in CTC clusters and its loss suppresses cell-cell interaction and CTC cluster formation, and propose ICAM1 as a therapeutic target for treating breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rokana Taftaf
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Salendra Singh
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yuzhi Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nurmaa K Dashzeveg
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew D Hoffmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lamiaa El-Shennawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erika K Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Valery Adorno-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emma J Schuster
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David Scholten
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dhwani Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Youbin Zhang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew A Davis
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Paolo D'Amico
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William A Muller
- Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vinay Varadan
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Huiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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7
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Cellular Virotherapy Increases Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) and Decreases their PD-1 + Subsets in Mouse Immunocompetent Models. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071920. [PMID: 32708639 PMCID: PMC7409201 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy uses viruses designed to selectively replicate in cancer cells. An alternative to intratumoral administration is to use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to transport the oncolytic viruses to the tumor site. Following this strategy, our group has already applied this treatment to children and adults in a human clinical trial and a veterinary trial, with good clinical responses and excellent safety profiles. However, the development of immunocompetent cancer mouse models is still necessary for the study and improvement of oncolytic viroimmunotherapies. Here we have studied the antitumor efficacy, immune response, and mechanism of action of a complete murine version of our cellular virotherapy in mouse models of renal adenocarcinoma and melanoma. We used mouse MSCs infected with the mouse oncolytic adenovirus dlE102 (OAd-MSCs). In both models, treatment with OAd-MSCs significantly reduced tumor volumes by 50% and induced a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, treated mice harboring renal adenocarcinoma and melanoma tumors presented increased infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), natural killer cells, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Treated mice also presented lower percentage of TILs expressing programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)-the major regulator of T cell exhaustion. In conclusion, treatment with OAd-MSCs significantly reduced tumor volume and induced changes in tumor-infiltrating populations of melanoma and renal cancer.
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8
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Oppermans N, Kueberuwa G, Hawkins RE, Bridgeman JS. Transgenic T-cell receptor immunotherapy for cancer: building on clinical success. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2020; 8:2515135520933509. [PMID: 32613155 PMCID: PMC7309387 DOI: 10.1177/2515135520933509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advent of immunotherapy as a realistic and promising option for cancer treatment, adoptive cellular therapies are gaining significant interest in the clinic. Whilst the recent successes of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies for haematological malignancies are widely known, they have yet to show great success in solid cancers. However, immune cells transduced with T-cell receptors have been shown to traffic to and exert anti-cancer effects on solid tumour cells with some great successes. In this review, we explore the field of transgenic T-cell receptor immunotherapy, highlighting some of the key clinical trials which have paved the way for this type of cellular immunotherapy. Some trials have shown amazing clinical results, including long-term remissions and minimal toxicity, and can be looked at as an exemplar for this adoptive cell therapy. There have also been key trials where unexpected, fatal, off-tumour toxicity has occurred, and these trials have also been instrumental in shaping safer clinical trials, particularly regarding preclinical testing. In addition to previous trials, we analysed the current clinical trial space for T-cell receptor T-cell therapy, showing which trials are dominating in the clinic and which targets are being prioritised by researchers around the world. By looking at both past and current trials, we have been able to identify key drivers in developing transgenic T-cell receptor immunotherapy for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gray Kueberuwa
- Immetacyte Ltd., University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | | | - John S Bridgeman
- Immetacyte Ltd., University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
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9
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Maryamchik E, Gallagher KME, Preffer FI, Kadauke S, Maus MV. New directions in chimeric antigen receptor T cell [CAR-T] therapy and related flow cytometry. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2020; 98:299-327. [PMID: 32352629 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells provide a promising approach to the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Flow cytometry is a powerful analytical modality, which plays an expanding role in all stages of CAR T therapy, from lymphocyte collection, to CAR T cell manufacturing, to in vivo monitoring of the infused cells and evaluation of their function in the tumor environment. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the new directions is important for designing and implementing CAR T-related flow cytometry assays in the clinical and investigational settings. However, the speed of new discoveries and the multitude of clinical and preclinical trials make it challenging to keep up to date in this complex field. In this review, we summarize the current state of CAR T therapy, highlight the areas of emergent research, discuss applications of flow cytometry in modern cell therapy, and touch upon several considerations particular to CAR detection and assessing the effectiveness of CAR T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Maryamchik
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Frederic I Preffer
- Clinical Cytometry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephan Kadauke
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marcela V Maus
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Eomesodermin Increases Survival and IL-2 Responsiveness of Tumor-specific CD8+ T Cells in an Adoptive Transfer Model of Cancer Immunotherapy. J Immunother 2019; 41:53-63. [PMID: 29271784 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-specific CD8 T cells often fail to elicit effective antitumor immune responses due to an inability to expand into a substantial effector population and persist long-term in vivo. Using an adoptive transfer model of cancer immunotherapy, we demonstrate that constitutive eomesodermin (Eomes) expression in tumor-specific CD8 T cells improves tumor rejection and survival. The increase in tumor rejection was associated with an increased number and persistence of CD8 T cells in lymphoid tissues during acute tumor rejection, tumor regrowth, and in mice that remained tumor-free. Constitutive Eomes expression increased expression of CD25, and this was associated with enhanced interleukin-2 responsiveness and tumor-specific CD8 T-cell proliferation. Moreover, constitutive Eomes expression improved cell survival. Taken together, our data suggest that constitutive Eomes expression enhances CD8 T-cell proliferation and survival, in part through the enhancement of interleukin-2 responsiveness through CD25 induction.
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11
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Hammerl D, Rieder D, Martens JWM, Trajanoski Z, Debets R. Adoptive T Cell Therapy: New Avenues Leading to Safe Targets and Powerful Allies. Trends Immunol 2018; 39:921-936. [PMID: 30309702 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of TCR-engineered T cells is a potent therapy, able to induce clinical responses in different human malignancies. Nevertheless, treatment toxicities may occur and, in particular for solid tumors, responses may be variable and often not durable. To address these challenges, it is imperative to carefully select target antigens and to immunologically interrogate the corresponding tumors when designing optimal T cell therapies. Here, we review recent advances, covering both omics- and laboratory tools that can enable the selection of optimal T cell epitopes and TCRs as well as the identification of dominant immune evasive mechanisms within tumor tissues. Furthermore, we discuss how these techniques may aid in a rational design of effective combinatorial adoptive T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Hammerl
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dietmar Rieder
- Division of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - John W M Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zlatko Trajanoski
- Division of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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12
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Kunert A, Debets R. Engineering T cells for adoptive therapy: outsmarting the tumor. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 51:133-139. [PMID: 29579622 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells gene-engineered with antigen-specific receptors, whether it be chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or T cell receptors (TCRs), has proven its feasibility and therapeutic potential in the treatment of tumors. Despite clinical successes, the majority of patients experiences no or non-sustainable clearance of solid tumors, which is attributed to local T cell evasive mechanisms. A rapidly expanding understanding of molecular and cellular events that contribute to a reduction in numbers and/or activation of intra-tumor T cells has facilitated the development of gene-engineering strategies, enabling T cells to counter immune tolerance. Here, we present an overview of gene-engineering approaches and considerations to improve tumor-selectivity and effectiveness of adoptively transferred T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Kunert
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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13
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Hammerl D, Smid M, Timmermans AM, Sleijfer S, Martens JWM, Debets R. Breast cancer genomics and immuno-oncological markers to guide immune therapies. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 52:178-188. [PMID: 29104025 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing awareness of the importance of tumor - immune cell interactions to the evolution and therapy responses of breast cancer (BC). Not surprisingly, numerous studies are currently assessing the clinical value of immune modulation for BC patients. However, till now durable clinical responses are only rarely observed. It is important to realize that BC is a heterogeneous disease comprising several histological and molecular subtypes, which cannot be expected to be equally immunogenic and therefore not equally sensitive to single immune therapies. Here we review the characteristics of infiltrating leukocytes in healthy and malignant breast tissue, the prognostic and predictive values of immune cell subsets across different BC subtypes and the various existing immune evasive mechanisms. Furthermore, we describe the presence of certain groups of antigens as putative targets for treatment, evaluate the outcomes of current clinical immunotherapy trials, and finally, we propose a strategy to better implement immuno-oncological markers to guide future immune therapies in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hammerl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Smid
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A M Timmermans
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S Sleijfer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J W M Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R Debets
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC - Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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14
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Role of LFA-1 and ICAM-1 in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9110153. [PMID: 29099772 PMCID: PMC5704171 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9110153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) (also known as CD11a/CD18 and αLβ2), is just one of many integrins in the human body, but its significance is derived from its exclusive presence in leukocytes. In this review, we summarize the studies relating LFA-1 and its major ligand ICAM-1 (or CD54) with cancer, through the function of lymphocytes and myeloid cells on tumor cells. We consider how LFA-1 mediates the interaction of leukocytes with tumors and the role of ICAM-1 in tumor dynamics, which can be independent of its interaction with LFA-1. We also offer a more detailed examination of the role of LFA-1 within B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Finally, we discuss the role that exosomes harboring LFA-1 play in tumor growth and metastasis.
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15
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Kunert A, Chmielewski M, Wijers R, Berrevoets C, Abken H, Debets R. Intra-tumoral production of IL18, but not IL12, by TCR-engineered T cells is non-toxic and counteracts immune evasion of solid tumors. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1378842. [PMID: 29296541 PMCID: PMC5739571 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1378842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive therapy with engineered T cells shows promising results in treating patients with malignant disease, but is challenged by incomplete responses and tumor recurrences. Here, we aimed to direct the tumor microenvironment in favor of a successful immune response by local secretion of interleukin (IL-) 12 and IL-18 by sadministered T cells. To this end, we engineered T cells with a melanoma-specific T cell receptor (TCR) and murine IL-12 and/or IL-18 under the control of a nuclear-factor of activated T-cell (NFAT)-sensitive promoter. These T cells produced IL-12 or IL-18, and consequently enhanced levels of IFNγ, following exposure to antigen-positive but not negative tumor cells. Adoptive transfer of T cells with a TCR and inducible (i)IL-12 to melanoma-bearing mice resulted in severe, edema-like toxicity that was accompanied by enhanced levels of IFNγ and TNFα in blood, and reduced numbers of peripheral TCR transgene-positive T cells. In contrast, transfer of T cells expressing a TCR and iIL-18 was without side effects, enhanced the presence of therapeutic CD8+ T cells within tumors, reduced tumor burden and prolonged survival. Notably, treatment with TCR+iIL-12 but not iIL-18 T cells resulted in enhanced intra-tumoral accumulation of macrophages, which was accompanied by a decreased frequency of therapeutic T cells, in particular of the CD8 subset. In addition, when administered to mice, iIL-18 but not iIL-12 demonstrated a favorable profile of T cell co-stimulatory and inhibitory receptors. In conclusion, we observed that treatment with T cells engineered with a TCR and iIL18 T cells is safe and able to skew the tumor microenvironment in favor of an improved anti-tumor T cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kunert
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Chmielewski
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R Wijers
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Berrevoets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H Abken
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Guha P, Cunetta M, Somasundar P, Espat NJ, Junghans RP, Katz SC. Frontline Science: Functionally impaired geriatric CAR-T cells rescued by increased α5β1 integrin expression. J Leukoc Biol 2017; 102:201-208. [PMID: 28546503 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.5hi0716-322rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor expressing T cells (CAR-T) are a promising form of immunotherapy, but the influence of age-related immune changes on CAR-T production remains poorly understood. We showed that CAR-T cells from geriatric donors (gCAR-T) are functionally impaired relative to CAR-T from younger donors (yCAR-T). Higher transduction efficiencies and improved cell expansion were observed in yCAR-T cells compared with gCAR-T. yCAR-T demonstrated significantly increased levels of proliferation and signaling activation of phosphorylated (p)Erk, pAkt, pStat3, and pStat5. Furthermore, yCAR-T contained higher proportions of CD4 and CD8 effector memory (EM) cells, which are known to have enhanced cytolytic capabilities. Accordingly, yCAR-T demonstrated higher levels of tumor antigen-specific cytotoxicity compared with gCAR-T. Enhanced tumor killing by yCAR-T correlated with increased levels of perforin and granzyme B. yCAR-T had increased α5β1 integrin expression, a known mediator of retroviral transduction. We found that treatment with M-CSF or TGF-β1 rescued the impaired transduction efficiency of the gCAR-T by increasing the α5β1 integrin expression. Neutralization of α5β1 confirmed that this integrin was indispensable for CAR expression. Our study suggests that the increase of α5β1 integrin expression levels enhances CAR expression and thereby improves tumor killing by gCAR-T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajna Guha
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; and
| | - Marissa Cunetta
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; and
| | - Ponnandai Somasundar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; and
| | - N Joseph Espat
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; and
| | - Richard P Junghans
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; and
| | - Steven C Katz
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; and .,Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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17
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Tan LY, Martini C, Fridlender ZG, Bonder CS, Brown MP, Ebert LM. Control of immune cell entry through the tumour vasculature: a missing link in optimising melanoma immunotherapy? Clin Transl Immunology 2017; 6:e134. [PMID: 28435677 PMCID: PMC5382436 DOI: 10.1038/cti.2017.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma remains a fatal disease to many worldwide, even after the breakthrough introduction of targeted therapies such as BRAF inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade therapies such as CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. With advances in our understanding of this disease, as well as the increasing data gathered from patient studies, the significance of the host immune response to cancer progression and response to treatment is becoming clear. More specifically, the presence of intratumoral CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells correlates with better prognosis whereas the accumulation of monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils in the tumour is often associated with worse prognosis. Access and infiltration of circulating leukocytes into the tumour is governed by adhesion molecules and chemokines expressed by the endothelial cells of the vasculature. This review focuses on the adhesion molecules and chemokines which control the homing of CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells, monocytes and neutrophils to peripheral tissues, including tumours. We discuss the role of these leukocyte subsets in regulating melanoma growth, and detail the mechanisms used by tumours to selectively recruit or exclude these leukocytes for their own advantage. In doing so, we bring to light an underappreciated component of tumour biology which should be considered in combination with current treatments to selectively alter the leukocyte composition of tumours and ultimately enhance treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lih Yin Tan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carmela Martini
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Zvi G Fridlender
- Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Claudine S Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael P Brown
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa M Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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18
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Effector, Memory, and Dysfunctional CD8(+) T Cell Fates in the Antitumor Immune Response. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:8941260. [PMID: 27314056 PMCID: PMC4893440 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8941260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptive immune system plays a pivotal role in the host's ability to mount an effective, antigen-specific immune response against tumors. CD8(+) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) mediate tumor rejection through recognition of tumor antigens and direct killing of transformed cells. In growing tumors, TILs are often functionally impaired as a result of interaction with, or signals from, transformed cells and the tumor microenvironment. These interactions and signals can lead to transcriptional, functional, and phenotypic changes in TILs that diminish the host's ability to eradicate the tumor. In addition to effector and memory CD8(+) T cells, populations described as exhausted, anergic, senescent, and regulatory CD8(+) T cells have been observed in clinical and basic studies of antitumor immune responses. In the context of antitumor immunity, these CD8(+) T cell subsets remain poorly characterized in terms of fate-specific biomarkers and transcription factor profiles. Here we discuss the current characterization of CD8(+) T cell fates in antitumor immune responses and discuss recent insights into how signals in the tumor microenvironment influence TIL transcriptional networks to promote CD8(+) T cell dysfunction.
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19
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Siddiqui I, Erreni M, van Brakel M, Debets R, Allavena P. Enhanced recruitment of genetically modified CX3CR1-positive human T cells into Fractalkine/CX3CL1 expressing tumors: importance of the chemokine gradient. J Immunother Cancer 2016; 4:21. [PMID: 27096098 PMCID: PMC4836203 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-016-0125-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adoptive T-cell based immunotherapies constitute a promising approach to treat cancer, however, a major problem is to obtain effective and long-lasting anti-tumor responses. Lack of response may be due to insufficient trafficking of specific T cells to tumors. A key requirement for efficient migration of cytotoxic T cells is that they express chemokine receptors that match the chemokines produced by tumor or tumor-associated cells. Methods In this study, we investigated whether the in vivo tumor trafficking of activated T cells could be enhanced by the expression of the chemokine receptor CX3CR1. Two human colorectal cancer cell lines were used to set up a xenograft tumor model in immunodeficient mice; the NCI-H630, constitutively expressing the chemokine ligand CX3CL1 (Fractalkine), and the RKO cell line, transduced to express CX3CL1. Results Human primary T cells were transduced with the receptor CX3CR1-eGFP. Upon in vivo adoptive transfer of genetically modified CX3CR1-T cells in mice bearing NCI-H630 tumors, enhanced lymphocyte migration and tumor trafficking were observed, compared to mice receiving Mock-T cells, indicating improved homing ability towards ligand-expressing tumor cells. Furthermore, significant inhibition of tumor growth was found in mice receiving modified CX3CR1-T cells. In contrast, tumors formed by RKO cells transduced with the ligand (RKO-CX3CL1) were not affected, nor more infiltrated upon transfer of CX3CR1-T lymphocytes, likely because high levels of the chemokine were shed by tumor cells in the systemic circulation, thus nullifying the blood-tissue chemokine gradient. Conclusions This study demonstrates that ectopic expression of CX3CR1 enhanced the homing of adoptively transferred T cells towards CX3CL1-producing tumors, resulting in increased T cell infiltration in tumor tissues and decreased tumor growth. Our results also establish that a correct chemokine gradient between the systemic circulation and the tumor is an essential requirement in adoptive T-cell based immunotherapy to efficiently recruit T cell effectors at the correct sites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40425-016-0125-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Siddiqui
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan Italy ; Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Marco Erreni
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan Italy
| | - Mandy van Brakel
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Allavena
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan Italy
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20
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TCR-engineered T cells to treat tumors: Seeing but not touching? Semin Immunol 2016; 28:10-21. [PMID: 26997556 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells gene-engineered with T cell receptors (TCRs) has proven its feasibility and therapeutic potential in the treatment of malignant tumors. To ensure further clinical development of TCR gene therapy, it is necessary to accurately select TCRs that demonstrate antigen-selective responses that are restricted to tumor cells and, at the same time, include strategies that restore or enhance the entry, migration and local accumulation of T cells in tumor tissues. Here, we present the current standing of TCR-engineered T cell therapy, discuss and propose procedures to select TCRs as well as strategies to sensitize the tumor to T cell trafficking, and provide a rationale for combination therapies with TCR-engineered T cells.
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21
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Redeker A, Welten SPM, Baert MRM, Vloemans SA, Tiemessen MM, Staal FJT, Arens R. The Quantity of Autocrine IL-2 Governs the Expansion Potential of CD8+ T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:4792-801. [PMID: 26453748 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Adequate responsiveness of CD8(+) T cell populations is of utmost importance for the efficacy of many vaccines and immunotherapeutic strategies against intracellular pathogens and cancer. In this study, we show in mouse models that the relative number of IL-2-producing cells within Ag-specific CD8(+) T cell populations predicts the population expansion capacity upon challenge. We further demonstrate that IL-2 producers constitute the best responding subset. Notably, we show that elevated production of IL-2 by CD8(+) T cells results in concomitant improved population expansion capacity and immunity. The amount of IL-2 produced on a per-cell basis essentially connects directly to the superior CD8(+) T cell population expansion. Together, our findings identified that autocrine IL-2 production operates in a dose-dependent fashion to facilitate the expansion potential of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cell populations, which may instigate ways to augment therapies depending on fit CD8(+) T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Redeker
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne P M Welten
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Miranda R M Baert
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra A Vloemans
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Machteld M Tiemessen
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J T Staal
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Ramon Arens
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, the Netherlands
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