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Shi Y, Hao D, Qian H, Tao Z. Natural killer cell-based cancer immunotherapy: from basics to clinical trials. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:101. [PMID: 39415291 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00561-z] [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: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy exploits the capacity of the human immune system in self-protection and surveillance to achieve the anti-tumor effects. Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of innate immune system and they display a unique inherent ability to identify and eliminate tumor cells. In this review, we first introduce the basic characteristics of NK cells in the physiological and pathological milieus, followed by a discussion of their effector function and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Clinical strategies and reports regarding NK cellular therapy are analyzed in the context of tumor treatment, especially against solid tumors. Given the widely studied T-cell therapy in the recent years, particularly the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, we compare the technical features of NK- and T-cell based tumor therapies at the clinical front. Finally, the technical challenges and potential solutions for both T and NK cell-based immunotherapies in treating tumor malignancies are delineated. By overviewing its clinical applications, we envision the NK-cell based immunotherapy as an up-and-comer in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghong Shi
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated With Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Donglin Hao
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated With Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hui Qian
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated With Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhimin Tao
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated With Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China.
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Woodward CH, Solieva SO, Hwang D, De Paula VS, Fabilane CS, Young MC, Trent T, Teeley EC, Majumdar A, Spangler JB, Bowman GR, Sgourakis NG. Regulating IL-2 immune signaling function via a core allosteric structural network. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.10.07.617024. [PMID: 39416199 PMCID: PMC11482754 DOI: 10.1101/2024.10.07.617024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Human interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a crucial cytokine for T cell regulation, with therapeutic potential in cancer and autoimmune diseases. However, IL-2's pleiotropic effects across different immune cell types often lead to toxicity and limited efficacy. Previous efforts to enhance IL-2's therapeutic profile have focused on modifying its receptor binding sites. Yet, the underlying dynamics and intramolecular networks contributing to IL-2 receptor recognition remain unexplored. This study presents a detailed characterization of IL-2 dynamics compared to two engineered IL-2 mutants, "superkines" S15 and S1, which exhibit biased signaling towards effector T cells. Using NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate significant variations in core dynamic pathways and conformational exchange rates across these three IL-2 variants. We identify distinct allosteric networks and excited state conformations in the superkines, despite their structural similarity to wild-type IL-2. Furthermore, we rationally design a mutation (L56A) in the S1 superkine's core network, which partially reverts its dynamics, receptor binding affinity, and T cell signaling behavior towards that of wild-type IL-2. Our results reveal that IL-2 superkine core dynamics play a critical role in their enhanced receptor binding and function, suggesting that modulating IL-2 dynamics and core allostery represents an untapped approach for designing immunotherapies with improved immune cell selectivity profiles. Highlights NMR and molecular dynamics simulations revealed distinct conformational dynamics and allosteric networks in computationally re-designed IL-2 superkines compared to wild-type IL-2, despite their similar crystal structures.The superkines S1 and S15 exhibit altered sampling of excited state conformations at an intermediate timescale, with slower conformational exchange rates compared to wild-type IL-2.A rationally designed mutation (L56A) in the S1 superkine's core allosteric network partially reverted its dynamics, receptor binding affinity, and T cell signaling behavior towards that of wild-type IL-2.Our study demonstrates that IL-2 core dynamics play a critical role in receptor binding and signaling function, providing a foundation for engineering more selective IL-2-based immunotherapies.
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Yao Z, Zeng Y, Liu C, Jin H, Wang H, Zhang Y, Ding C, Chen G, Wu D. Focusing on CD8 + T-cell phenotypes: improving solid tumor therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:266. [PMID: 39342365 PMCID: PMC11437975 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03195-5] [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: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Vigorous CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in recognizing tumor cells and combating solid tumors. How T cells efficiently recognize and target tumor antigens, and how they maintain the activity in the "rejection" of solid tumor microenvironment, are major concerns. Recent advances in understanding of the immunological trajectory and lifespan of CD8+ T cells have provided guidance for the design of more optimal anti-tumor immunotherapy regimens. Here, we review the newly discovered methods to enhance the function of CD8+ T cells against solid tumors, focusing on optimizing T cell receptor (TCR) expression, improving antigen recognition by engineered T cells, enhancing signal transduction of the TCR-CD3 complex, inducing the homing of polyclonal functional T cells to tumors, reversing T cell exhaustion under chronic antigen stimulation, and reprogramming the energy and metabolic pathways of T cells. We also discuss how to participate in the epigenetic changes of CD8+ T cells to regulate two key indicators of anti-tumor responses, namely effectiveness and persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouchi Yao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Yayun Zeng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Huimin Jin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Scientific Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121001, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Chengming Ding
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Guodong Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Daichao Wu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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4
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Leonard EK, Tomala J, Gould JR, Leff MI, Lin JX, Li P, Porter MJ, Johansen ER, Thompson L, Cao SD, Hou S, Henclova T, Huliciak M, Sargunas PR, Fabilane CS, Vaněk O, Kovar M, Schneider B, Raimondi G, Leonard WJ, Spangler JB. Engineered cytokine/antibody fusion proteins improve IL-2 delivery to pro-inflammatory cells and promote antitumor activity. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e173469. [PMID: 39115939 PMCID: PMC11457862 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.173469] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Progress in cytokine engineering is driving therapeutic translation by overcoming these proteins' limitations as drugs. The IL-2 cytokine is a promising immune stimulant for cancer treatment but is limited by its concurrent activation of both pro-inflammatory immune effector cells and antiinflammatory regulatory T cells, toxicity at high doses, and short serum half-life. One approach to improve the selectivity, safety, and longevity of IL-2 is complexing with anti-IL-2 antibodies that bias the cytokine toward immune effector cell activation. Although this strategy shows potential in preclinical models, clinical translation of a cytokine/antibody complex is complicated by challenges in formulating a multiprotein drug and concerns regarding complex stability. Here, we introduced a versatile approach to designing intramolecularly assembled single-agent fusion proteins (immunocytokines, ICs) comprising IL-2 and a biasing anti-IL-2 antibody that directs the cytokine toward immune effector cells. We optimized IC construction and engineered the cytokine/antibody affinity to improve immune bias. We demonstrated that our IC preferentially activates and expands immune effector cells, leading to superior antitumor activity compared with natural IL-2, both alone and combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Moreover, therapeutic efficacy was observed without inducing toxicity. This work presents a roadmap for the design and translation of cytokine/antibody fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa K. Leonard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jakub Tomala
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and
| | - Joseph R. Gould
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael I. Leff
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peng Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mitchell J. Porter
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric R. Johansen
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ladaisha Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Shenda Hou
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tereza Henclova
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Maros Huliciak
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Charina S. Fabilane
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ondřej Vaněk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bohdan Schneider
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Giorgio Raimondi
- Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Laboratory, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
| | - Warren J. Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center
- Department of Oncology
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; and
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Ghemrawi R, Abuamer L, Kremesh S, Hussien G, Ahmed R, Mousa W, Khoder G, Khair M. Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Recent Advances in Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2158. [PMID: 39335671 PMCID: PMC11429153 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12092158] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative approach in oncology, utilizing the body's immune system to specifically target and destroy malignant cells. This review explores the scope and impact of various immunotherapeutic strategies, including monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, checkpoint inhibitors, cytokine therapy, and therapeutic vaccines. Monoclonal antibodies, such as Rituximab and Trastuzumab, have revolutionized treatment paradigms for lymphoma and breast cancer by offering targeted interventions that reduce off-target effects. CAR-T cell therapy presents a potentially curative option for refractory hematologic malignancies, although challenges remain in effectively treating solid tumors. Checkpoint inhibitors have redefined the management of cancers like melanoma and lung cancer; however, managing immune-related adverse events and ensuring durable responses are critical areas of focus. Cytokine therapy continues to play a vital role in modulating the immune response, with advancements in cytokine engineering improving specificity and reducing systemic toxicity. Therapeutic vaccines, particularly mRNA-based vaccines, represent a frontier in personalized cancer treatment, aiming to generate robust, long-lasting immune responses against tumor-specific antigens. Despite these advancements, the field faces significant challenges, including immune resistance, tumor heterogeneity, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Future research should address these obstacles through emerging technologies, such as next-generation antibodies, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-based gene editing, and AI-driven drug discovery. By integrating these novel approaches, cancer immunotherapy holds the promise of offering more durable, less toxic, and highly personalized treatment options, ultimately improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Ghemrawi
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lama Abuamer
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sedra Kremesh
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ghadeer Hussien
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rahaf Ahmed
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Walaa Mousa
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ghalia Khoder
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceuticals Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mostafa Khair
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
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Stinson JA, Barbosa MMP, Sheen A, Momin N, Fink E, Hampel J, Selting KA, Kamerer RL, Bailey KL, Wittrup KD, Fan TM. Tumor-Localized Interleukin-2 and Interleukin-12 Combine with Radiation Therapy to Safely Potentiate Regression of Advanced Malignant Melanoma in Pet Dogs. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:4029-4043. [PMID: 38980919 PMCID: PMC11398984 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-0861] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cytokines IL2 and IL12 exhibit potent anticancer activity but suffer a narrow therapeutic window due to off-tumor immune cell activation. Engineering cytokines with the ability to bind and associate with tumor collagen after intratumoral injection potentiated response without toxicity in mice and was previously safe in pet dogs with sarcoma. Here, we sought to test the efficacy of this approach in dogs with advanced melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study examined 15 client-owned dogs with histologically or cytologically confirmed malignant melanoma that received a single 9-Gy fraction of radiotherapy, followed by six cycles of combined collagen-anchored IL2 and IL12 therapy every 2 weeks. Cytokine dosing followed a 3 + 3 dose escalation design, with the initial cytokine dose chosen from prior evaluation in canine sarcomas. No exclusion criteria for tumor stage or metastatic burden, age, weight, or neuter status were applied for this trial. RESULTS Median survival regardless of the tumor stage or dose level was 256 days, and 10/13 (76.9%) dogs that completed treatment had CT-measured tumor regression at the treated lesion. In dogs with metastatic disease, 8/13 (61.5%) had partial responses across their combined lesions, which is evidence of locoregional response. Profiling by NanoString of treatment-resistant dogs revealed that B2m loss was predictive of poor response to this therapy. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results confirm the ability of locally administered tumor-anchored cytokines to potentiate responses at regional disease sites when combined with radiation. This evidence supports the clinical translation of this approach and highlights the utility of comparative investigation in canine cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Stinson
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Matheus Moreno P Barbosa
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Allison Sheen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Noor Momin
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth Fink
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jordan Hampel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Kim A Selting
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Rebecca L Kamerer
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | | | - Karl D Wittrup
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Timothy M Fan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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Wang K, Wang L, Wang Y, Xiao L, Wei J, Hu Y, Wang D, Huang H. Reprogramming natural killer cells for cancer therapy. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2835-2855. [PMID: 38273655 PMCID: PMC11403237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.027] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen rapid development in the field of cellular immunotherapy, particularly in regard to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells. However, challenges, such as severe treatment-related toxicities and inconsistent quality of autologous products, have hindered the broader use of CAR-T cell therapy, highlighting the need to explore alternative immune cells for cancer targeting. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cells have been extensively studied in cellular immunotherapy and were found to exert cytotoxic effects without being restricted by human leukocyte antigen and have a lower risk of causing graft-versus-host disease; making them favorable for the development of readily available "off-the-shelf" products. Clinical trials utilizing unedited NK cells or reprogrammed NK cells have shown early signs of their effectiveness against tumors. However, limitations, including limited in vivo persistence and expansion potential, remained. To enhance the antitumor function of NK cells, advanced gene-editing technologies and combination approaches have been explored. In this review, we summarize current clinical trials of antitumor NK cell therapy, provide an overview of innovative strategies for reprogramming NK cells, which include improvements in persistence, cytotoxicity, trafficking and the ability to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and also discuss some potential combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linqin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jieping Wei
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yongxian Hu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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8
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Im SJ, Lee K, Ha SJ. Harnessing IL-2 for immunotherapy against cancer and chronic infection: a historical perspective and emerging trends. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:1900-1908. [PMID: 39218982 PMCID: PMC11447265 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01301-3] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
IL-2 therapy, which enhances the function of CD8 + T cells, was initially employed as the cornerstone of immunotherapy against cancer. However, the impact of this therapy extends beyond CD8 + T cells to cells expressing IL-2R, such as endothelial cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs), resulting in various side effects. Consequently, IL-2 therapy has taken a step back from the forefront of treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies and CTLA-4 antibodies, are used because of their durable therapeutic responses and the reduced incidence of side effects. Nevertheless, only a small fraction of cancer patients respond to ICIs, and research on IL-2 as a combination treatment to improve the efficacy of these ICIs is ongoing. To mitigate side effects, efforts have focused on developing IL-2 variants that do not strongly bind to cells expressing IL-2Rα and favor signaling through IL-2Rβγ. However, recent studies have suggested that, in the context of persistent antigen stimulation models, effective stimulation of antigen-specific exhausted CD8 + T cells in combination with PD-1 inhibitors requires either 1) binding to IL-2Rα or 2) delivery via a fusion with PD-1. This review explores the historical context of IL-2 as an immunotherapeutic agent and discusses future directions for its use in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jin Im
- Department of Immunology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- Department of Immunology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sang-Jun Ha
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
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9
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Lv Y, Qi J, Babon JJ, Cao L, Fan G, Lang J, Zhang J, Mi P, Kobe B, Wang F. The JAK-STAT pathway: from structural biology to cytokine engineering. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:221. [PMID: 39169031 PMCID: PMC11339341 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01934-w] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway serves as a paradigm for signal transduction from the extracellular environment to the nucleus. It plays a pivotal role in physiological functions, such as hematopoiesis, immune balance, tissue homeostasis, and surveillance against tumors. Dysregulation of this pathway may lead to various disease conditions such as immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, hematologic disorders, and cancer. Due to its critical role in maintaining human health and involvement in disease, extensive studies have been conducted on this pathway, ranging from basic research to medical applications. Advances in the structural biology of this pathway have enabled us to gain insights into how the signaling cascade operates at the molecular level, laying the groundwork for therapeutic development targeting this pathway. Various strategies have been developed to restore its normal function, with promising therapeutic potential. Enhanced comprehension of these molecular mechanisms, combined with advances in protein engineering methodologies, has allowed us to engineer cytokines with tailored properties for targeted therapeutic applications, thereby enhancing their efficiency and safety. In this review, we outline the structural basis that governs key nodes in this pathway, offering a comprehensive overview of the signal transduction process. Furthermore, we explore recent advances in cytokine engineering for therapeutic development in this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Lv
- Center for Molecular Biosciences and Non-communicable Diseases Research, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, China
- Xi'an Amazinggene Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710026, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Jeffrey J Babon
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Longxing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Guohuang Fan
- Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd, No. 10 Lv Zhou Huan Road, Shanghai, 201112, China
| | - Jiajia Lang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Xi'an Amazinggene Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710026, China
| | - Pengbing Mi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Bostjan Kobe
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
| | - Faming Wang
- Center for Molecular Biosciences and Non-communicable Diseases Research, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, China.
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10
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Yuan S, Bremmer A, Yang X, Li J, Hu Q. Splittable systems in biomedical applications. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:4103-4116. [PMID: 39012216 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00709c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Splittable systems have emerged as a powerful approach for the precise spatiotemporal control of biological processes. This concept relies on splitting a functional molecule into inactive fragments, which can be reassembled under specific conditions or stimuli to regain activity. Several binding pairs and orthogonal split fragments are introduced by fusing with other modalities to develop more complex and robust designs. One of the pillars of these splittable systems is modularity, which involves decoupling targeting, activation, and effector functions. Challenges, such as off-target effects and overactivation, can be addressed through precise control. This review provides an overview of the design principles, strategies, and applications of splittable systems across diverse fields including immunotherapy, gene editing, prodrug activation, biosensing, and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichen Yuan
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW-Madison), Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW-Madison), Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW-Madison), Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
| | - Alexa Bremmer
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW-Madison), Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
| | - Xicheng Yang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW-Madison), Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
| | - Jiayue Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW-Madison), Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW-Madison), Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW-Madison), Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW-Madison), Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
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11
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Boersma B, Poinot H, Pommier A. Stimulating the Antitumor Immune Response Using Immunocytokines: A Preclinical and Clinical Overview. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:974. [PMID: 39204319 PMCID: PMC11357675 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16080974] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are immune modulators which can enhance the immune response and have been proven to be an effective class of immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the clinical use of cytokines in cancer treatment has faced several challenges associated with poor pharmacokinetic properties and the occurrence of adverse effects. Immunocytokines (ICKs) have emerged as a promising approach to overcome the pharmacological limitations observed with cytokines. ICKs are fusion proteins designed to deliver cytokines in the tumor microenvironment by taking advantage of the stability and specificity of immunoglobulin-based scaffolds. Several technological approaches have been developed. This review focuses on ICKs designed with the most impactful cytokines in the cancer field: IL-2, TNFα, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, IFNγ, GM-CSF, and IFNα. An overview of the pharmacological effects of the naked cytokines and ICKs tested for cancer therapy is detailed. A particular emphasis is given on the immunomodulatory effects of ICKs associated with their technological design. In conclusion, this review highlights active ways of development of ICKs. Their already promising results observed in clinical trials are likely to be improved with the advances in targeting technologies such as cytokine/linker engineering and the design of multispecific antibodies with tumor targeting and immunostimulatory functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Boersma
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hélène Poinot
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aurélien Pommier
- UMR1240 Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, BP 184, F-63005 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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12
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Rokade S, Damani AM, Oft M, Emmerich J. IL-2 based cancer immunotherapies: an evolving paradigm. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1433989. [PMID: 39114660 PMCID: PMC11303236 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1433989] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Discovered over 4 decades ago in the supernatants of activated T cells, interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a potent pleiotropic cytokine involved in the regulation of immune responses. It is required for effector T cell expansion and differentiation as well as for peripheral tolerance induced by regulatory T cells. High-dose IL-2 treatment was the first FDA-approved immunotherapy for renal cell carcinoma and melanoma, achieving single agent complete and durable responses, albeit only in a small proportion of patients. The therapeutic potential of wild type IL-2 is clinically limited by its short half-life and severe vascular toxicity. Moreover, the activation of regulatory T cells and the terminal differentiation of effector T cells on IL-2 pose additional restrictions. To overcome the toxicity of IL-2 in order to realize its full potential for patients, several novel engineering strategies are being developed and IL-2 based immunotherapy for cancer has emerged as a burgeoning field of clinical and experimental research. In addition, combination of IL-2 with PD-1/L1 pathway blockade shows vastly improved anti-tumor efficacy over either monotherapy in preclinical tumor models. In this review we discuss the biological characteristics of IL-2 and its receptors, as well as its efficacy and treatment limiting toxicities in cancer patients. We also explore the efforts aimed at developing novel and safer IL-2 therapies to harness the full therapeutic potential of this cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushama Rokade
- Development Department, Synthekine, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Jan Emmerich
- Development Department, Synthekine, Menlo Park, CA, United States
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13
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Cantoni C, Falco M, Vitale M, Pietra G, Munari E, Pende D, Mingari MC, Sivori S, Moretta L. Human NK cells and cancer. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2378520. [PMID: 39022338 PMCID: PMC11253890 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2378520] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The long story of NK cells started about 50 y ago with the first demonstration of a natural cytotoxic activity within an undefined subset of circulating leukocytes, has involved an ever-growing number of researchers, fascinated by the apparently easy-to-reach aim of getting a "universal anti-tumor immune tool". In fact, in spite of the impressive progress obtained in the first decades, these cells proved far more complex than expected and, paradoxically, the accumulating findings have continuously moved forward the attainment of a complete control of their function for immunotherapy. The refined studies of these latter years have indicated that NK cells can epigenetically calibrate their functional potential, in response to specific environmental contexts, giving rise to extraordinarily variegated subpopulations, comprehensive of memory-like cells, tissue-resident cells, or cells in various differentiation stages, or distinct functional states. In addition, NK cells can adapt their activity in response to a complex body of signals, spanning from the interaction with either suppressive or stimulating cells (myeloid-derived suppressor cells or dendritic cells, respectively) to the engagement of various receptors (specific for immune checkpoints, cytokines, tumor/viral ligands, or mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity). According to this picture, the idea of an easy and generalized exploitation of NK cells is changing, and the way is opening toward new carefully designed, combined and personalized therapeutic strategies, also based on the use of genetically modified NK cells and stimuli capable of strengthening and redirecting their effector functions against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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14
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Cao L, Wang L. Biospecific Chemistry for Covalent Linking of Biomacromolecules. Chem Rev 2024; 124:8516-8549. [PMID: 38913432 PMCID: PMC11240265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00066] [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] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Interactions among biomacromolecules, predominantly noncovalent, underpin biological processes. However, recent advancements in biospecific chemistry have enabled the creation of specific covalent bonds between biomolecules, both in vitro and in vivo. This Review traces the evolution of biospecific chemistry in proteins, emphasizing the role of genetically encoded latent bioreactive amino acids. These amino acids react selectively with adjacent natural groups through proximity-enabled bioreactivity, enabling targeted covalent linkages. We explore various latent bioreactive amino acids designed to target different protein residues, ribonucleic acids, and carbohydrates. We then discuss how these novel covalent linkages can drive challenging protein properties and capture transient protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions in vivo. Additionally, we examine the application of covalent peptides as potential therapeutic agents and site-specific conjugates for native antibodies, highlighting their capacity to form stable linkages with target molecules. A significant focus is placed on proximity-enabled reactive therapeutics (PERx), a pioneering technology in covalent protein therapeutics. We detail its wide-ranging applications in immunotherapy, viral neutralization, and targeted radionuclide therapy. Finally, we present a perspective on the existing challenges within biospecific chemistry and discuss the potential avenues for future exploration and advancement in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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15
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Wang D, Dou L, Sui L, Xue Y, Xu S. Natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e626. [PMID: 38882209 PMCID: PMC11179524 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.626] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as innate lymphocytes, possess cytotoxic capabilities and engage target cells through a repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. Particularly, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor on NK cells recognizes stress-induced ligands-the MHC class I chain-related molecules A and B (MICA/B) presented on tumor cells and is key to trigger the cytolytic response of NK cells. However, tumors have developed sophisticated strategies to evade NK cell surveillance, which lead to failure of tumor immunotherapy. In this paper, we summarized these immune escaping strategies, including the downregulation of ligands for activating receptors, upregulation of ligands for inhibitory receptors, secretion of immunosuppressive compounds, and the development of apoptosis resistance. Then, we focus on recent advancements in NK cell immune therapies, which include engaging activating NK cell receptors, upregulating NKG2D ligand MICA/B expression, blocking inhibitory NK cell receptors, adoptive NK cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells (CAR-NK), and NKG2D CAR-T cells, especially several vaccines targeting MICA/B. This review will inspire the research in NK cell biology in tumor and provide significant hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- DanRu Wang
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LingYun Dou
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LiHao Sui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Yiquan Xue
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation Dongfang Hospital Shanghai China
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16
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Kulhanek KR, Kalbasi A. Targeted Bias: The Next Swing at IL2 Therapy. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1145-1146. [PMID: 38946323 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-0558] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite its long history of toxicity and limited efficacy, IL2 has re-entered the clinic as a companion to the recently FDA-approved tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapy. In back-to-back articles, Moynihan and Kaptein introduce a new fusion protein that delivers a biased IL2 mutein to CD8 T cells. See related article by Moynihan et al., p. 1206 (6). See related article by Kaptein et al., p. 1226 (7).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla R Kulhanek
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Stanford Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Anusha Kalbasi
- Stanford Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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17
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Moynihan KD, Kumar MP, Sultan H, Pappas DC, Park T, Chin SM, Bessette P, Lan RY, Nguyen HC, Mathewson ND, Ni I, Chen W, Lee Y, Liao-Chan S, Chen J, Schumacher TN, Schreiber RD, Yeung YA, Djuretic IM. IL2 Targeted to CD8+ T Cells Promotes Robust Effector T-cell Responses and Potent Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1206-1225. [PMID: 38563906 PMCID: PMC11215410 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1266] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
IL2 signals pleiotropically on diverse cell types, some of which contribute to therapeutic activity against tumors, whereas others drive undesired activity, such as immunosuppression or toxicity. We explored the theory that targeting of IL2 to CD8+ T cells, which are key antitumor effectors, could enhance its therapeutic index. To this aim, we developed AB248, a CD8 cis-targeted IL2 that demonstrates over 500-fold preference for CD8+ T cells over natural killer and regulatory T cells (Tregs), which may contribute to toxicity and immunosuppression, respectively. AB248 recapitulated IL2's effects on CD8+ T cells in vitro and induced selective expansion of CD8+T cells in primates. In mice, an AB248 surrogate demonstrated superior antitumor activity and enhanced tolerability as compared with an untargeted IL2Rβγ agonist. Efficacy was associated with the expansion and phenotypic enhancement of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, including the emergence of a "better effector" population. These data support the potential utility of AB248 in clinical settings. Significance: The full potential of IL2 therapy remains to be unlocked. We demonstrate that toxicity can be decoupled from antitumor activity in preclinical models by limiting IL2 signaling to CD8+ T cells, supporting the development of CD8+ T cell-selective IL2 for the treatment of cancer. See related article by Kaptein et al. p. 1226.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manu P. Kumar
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Hussein Sultan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | | | - Terrence Park
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - S. Michael Chin
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Paul Bessette
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Ruth Y. Lan
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Henry C. Nguyen
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | | | - Irene Ni
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Wei Chen
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Yonghee Lee
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Sindy Liao-Chan
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Jessie Chen
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Ton N.M. Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Robert D. Schreiber
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Yik A. Yeung
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
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18
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Park YJ, Kim S, Bang H, Kang SC, Cho S, Park JE, Jung S, Kim HH. MB2033, an anti-PD-L1 × IL-2 variant fusion protein, demonstrates robust anti-tumor efficacy with minimal peripheral toxicity. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:157. [PMID: 38834889 PMCID: PMC11150458 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03742-1] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine with pleiotropic immune effects, was the first approved cancer immunotherapy agent. However, IL-2 is associated with systemic toxicity due to binding with its ligand IL-2Rα, such as vascular leakage syndrome, limiting its clinical applications. Despite efforts to extend the half-life of IL-2 and abolish IL-2Rα interactions, the risk of toxicity remains unresolved. In this study, we developed the bispecific fusion protein MB2033, comprising a novel IL-2 variant (IL-2v) connected to anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) via a silenced Fc domain. The IL-2v of MB2033 exhibits attenuated affinity for IL-2Rβγ without binding to IL-2Rα. The binding affinity of MB2033 for PD-L1 is greater than that for IL-2Rβγ, indicating its preferential targeting of PD-L1+ tumor cells to induce tumor-specific immune activation. Accordingly, MB2033 exhibited significantly reduced regulatory T cell activation, while inducing comparable CD8+ T cell activation to recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2). MB2033 induced lower immune cell expansion and reduced cytokine levels compared with rhIL-2 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, indicating a decreased risk of peripheral toxicity. MB2033 exhibited superior anti-tumor efficacy, including tumor growth inhibition and complete responses, compared with avelumab monotherapy in an MC38 syngeneic mouse model. In normal mice, MB2033 was safer than non-α IL-2v and tolerable up to 30 mg/kg. These preclinical results provide evidence of the dual advantages of MB2033 with an enhanced safety and potent clinical efficacy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jin Park
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
- Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Suna Kim
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoju Bang
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Chan Kang
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunjung Cho
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Eui Park
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungyoub Jung
- Research center, Mustbio, 102 Edu town-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16509, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Hyung Kim
- Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Li S, Xia Y, Hou R, Wang X, Zhao X, Guan Z, Ma W, Xu Y, Zhang W, Liu D, Zheng J, Shi M. Armed with IL-2 based fusion protein improves CAR-T cell fitness and efficacy against solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167159. [PMID: 38583815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167159] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is regarded as a potent immunotherapy and has made significant success in hematologic malignancies by eliciting antigen-specific immune responses. However, response rates of CAR-T cell therapy against solid tumors with immunosuppressive microenvironments remain limited. Co-engineering strategies are advancing methods to overcome immunosuppressive barriers and enhance antitumor responses. Here, we engineered an IL-2 mutein co-engineered CAR-T for the improvement of CAR-T cells against solid tumors and the efficient inhibition of solid tumors. We equipped the CAR-T cells with co-expressing both tumor antigen-targeted CAR and a mutated human interleukin-2 (IL-2m), conferring enhanced CAR-T cells fitness in vitro, reshaped immune-excluded TME, enhanced CAR-T infiltration in solid tumors, and improved tumor control without significant systemic toxicity. Overall, this subject demonstrates the universal CAR-T cells armed strategy for the development and optimization of CAR-T cells against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yifei Xia
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Rui Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Zhangchun Guan
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wen Ma
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yutong Xu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
| | - Ming Shi
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
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20
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Huang M, Liu Y, Yan Q, Peng M, Ge J, Mo Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Zeng Z, Li Y, Fan C, Xiong W. NK cells as powerful therapeutic tool in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:733-757. [PMID: 38170381 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00909-3] [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] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have gained considerable attention and hold great potential for their application in tumor immunotherapy. This is mainly due to their MHC-unrestricted and pan-specific recognition capabilities, as well as their ability to rapidly respond to and eliminate target cells. To artificially generate therapeutic NK cells, various materials can be utilized, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), umbilical cord blood (UCB), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and NK cell lines. Exploiting the therapeutic potential of NK cells to treat tumors through in vivo and in vitro therapeutic modalities has yielded positive therapeutic results. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive description of NK cell therapeutic approaches for tumors and discusses the current problems associated with these therapeutic approaches and the prospects of NK cell therapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Alkek Building, RM N720, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunmei Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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21
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Lang X, Wang X, Han M, Guo Y. Nanoparticle-Mediated Synergistic Chemoimmunotherapy for Cancer Treatment. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4533-4568. [PMID: 38799699 PMCID: PMC11127654 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s455213] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Until now, there has been a lack of effective strategies for cancer treatment. Immunotherapy has high potential in treating several cancers but its efficacy is limited as a monotherapy. Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) holds promise to be widely used in cancer treatment. Therefore, identifying their involvement and potential synergy in CIT approaches is decisive. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) are ideal delivery systems because they can simultaneously target immune cells and cancer cells, promoting drug accumulation, and reducing the toxicity of the drug. In this review, we first introduce five current immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint blocking (ICB), adoptive cell transfer therapy (ACT), cancer vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy (OVT) and cytokine therapy. Subsequently, the immunomodulatory effects of chemotherapy by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), promoting tumor killer cell infiltration, down-regulating immunosuppressive cells, and inhibiting immune checkpoints have been described. Finally, the NDDSs-mediated collaborative drug delivery systems have been introduced in detail, and the development of NDDSs-mediated CIT nanoparticles has been prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Lang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangtao Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meihua Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yifei Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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22
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Ren Z, Zhang X, Fu YX. Facts and Hopes on Chimeric Cytokine Agents for Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2025-2038. [PMID: 38190116 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1160] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines are key mediators of immune responses that can modulate the antitumor activity of immune cells. Cytokines have been explored as a promising cancer immunotherapy. However, there are several challenges to cytokine therapy, especially a lack of tumor targeting, resulting in high toxicity and limited efficacy. To overcome these limitations, novel approaches have been developed to engineer cytokines with improved properties, such as chimeric cytokines. Chimeric cytokines are fusion proteins that combine different cytokine domains or link cytokines to antibodies (immunocytokines) or other molecules that can target specific receptors or cells. Chimeric cytokines can enhance the selectivity and stability of cytokines, leading to reduced toxicity and improved efficacy. In this review, we focus on two promising cytokines, IL2 and IL15, and summarize the current advances and challenges of chimeric cytokine design and application for cancer immunotherapy. Most of the current approaches focus on increasing the potency of cytokines, but another important goal is to reduce toxicity. Cytokine engineering is promising for cancer immunotherapy as it can enhance tumor targeting while minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuhao Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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23
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Mitra A, Kumar A, Amdare NP, Pathak R. Current Landscape of Cancer Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune Arsenal to Overcome Immune Evasion. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:307. [PMID: 38785789 PMCID: PMC11118874 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immune evasion represents a leading hallmark of cancer, posing a significant obstacle to the development of successful anticancer therapies. However, the landscape of cancer treatment has significantly evolved, transitioning into the era of immunotherapy from conventional methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal component in cancer treatment, harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancer and offering improved prognostic outcomes for numerous patients. The remarkable success of immunotherapy has spurred significant efforts to enhance the clinical efficacy of existing agents and strategies. Several immunotherapeutic approaches have received approval for targeted cancer treatments, while others are currently in preclinical and clinical trials. This review explores recent progress in unraveling the mechanisms of cancer immune evasion and evaluates the clinical effectiveness of diverse immunotherapy strategies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and antibody-based treatments. It encompasses both established treatments and those currently under investigation, providing a comprehensive overview of efforts to combat cancer through immunological approaches. Additionally, the article emphasizes the current developments, limitations, and challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, by integrating analyses of cancer immunotherapy resistance mechanisms and exploring combination strategies and personalized approaches, it offers valuable insights crucial for the development of novel anticancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Anoop Kumar
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nitin P. Amdare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
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24
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Niu L, Jang E, Chin AL, Huo Z, Wang W, Cai W, Tong R. Noncovalently particle-anchored cytokines with prolonged tumor retention safely elicit potent antitumor immunity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk7695. [PMID: 38640236 PMCID: PMC11029804 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk7695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have shown that immunostimulatory cytokines elicit antitumor immune responses but their clinical use is limited by severe immune-related adverse events upon systemic administration. Here, we report a facile and versatile strategy for noncovalently anchoring potent Fc-fused cytokine molecules to the surface of size-discrete particles decorated with Fc-binding peptide for local administration. Following intratumoral injection, particle-anchored Fc cytokines exhibit size-dependent intratumoral retention. The 1-micrometer particle prolongs intratumoral retention of Fc cytokine for over a week and has minimal systemic exposure, thereby eliciting antitumor immunity while eliminating systemic toxicity caused by circulating cytokines. In addition, the combination of these particle-anchored cytokines with immune checkpoint blockade antibodies safely promotes tumor regression in various syngeneic tumor models and genetically engineered murine tumor models and elicits systemic antitumor immunity against tumor rechallenge. Our formulation strategy renders a safe and tumor-agnostic approach that uncouples cytokines' immunostimulatory properties from their systemic toxicities for potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqian Niu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Eungyo Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ai Lin Chin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ziyu Huo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 445 Old Turner Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Wenjun Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 445 Old Turner Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Rong Tong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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25
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Phoon YP, Lopes JE, Pfannenstiel LW, Marcela Diaz-Montero C, Tian YF, Ernstoff MS, Funchain P, Ko JS, Winquist R, Losey HC, Melenhorst JJ, Gastman BR. Autologous human preclinical modeling of melanoma interpatient clinical responses to immunotherapeutics. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008066. [PMID: 38604813 PMCID: PMC11015209 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008066] [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] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent advances in immunotherapy, a substantial population of late-stage melanoma patients still fail to achieve sustained clinical benefit. Lack of translational preclinical models continues to be a major challenge in the field of immunotherapy; thus, more optimized translational models could strongly influence clinical trial development. To address this unmet need, we designed a preclinical model reflecting the heterogeneity in melanoma patients' clinical responses that can be used to evaluate novel immunotherapies and synergistic combinatorial treatment strategies. Using our all-autologous humanized melanoma mouse model, we examined the efficacy of a novel engineered interleukin 2 (IL-2)-based cytokine variant immunotherapy. METHODS To study immune responses and antitumor efficacy for human melanoma tumors, we developed an all-autologous humanized melanoma mouse model using clinically annotated, matched patient tumor cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). After inoculating immunodeficient NSG mice with patient tumors and an adoptive cell transfer of autologous PBMCs, mice were treated with anti-PD-1, a novel investigational engineered IL-2-based cytokine (nemvaleukin), or recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2). The pharmacodynamic effects and antitumor efficacy of these treatments were then evaluated. We used tumor cells and autologous PBMCs from patients with varying immunotherapy responses to both model the diversity of immunotherapy efficacy observed in the clinical setting and to recapitulate the heterogeneous nature of melanoma. RESULTS Our model exhibited long-term survival of engrafted human PBMCs without developing graft-versus-host disease. Administration of an anti-PD-1 or nemvaleukin elicited antitumor responses in our model that were patient-specific and were found to parallel clinical responsiveness to checkpoint inhibitors. An evaluation of nemvaleukin-treated mice demonstrated increased tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, preferential expansion of non-regulatory T cell subsets in the spleen, and significant delays in tumor growth compared with vehicle-treated controls or mice treated with rhIL-2. CONCLUSIONS Our model reproduces differential effects of immunotherapy in melanoma patients, capturing the inherent heterogeneity in clinical responses. Taken together, these data demonstrate our model's translatability for novel immunotherapies in melanoma patients. The data are also supportive for the continued clinical investigation of nemvaleukin as a novel immunotherapeutic for the treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Peng Phoon
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Claudia Marcela Diaz-Montero
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ye F Tian
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Pauline Funchain
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jan Joseph Melenhorst
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian R Gastman
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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26
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Jiang Y, Chen C, Liu Y, Wang R, Feng C, Cai L, Chang S, Zhao L. A novel dual mechanism-of-action bispecific PD-1-IL-2v armed by a "βγ-only" interleukin-2 variant. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369376. [PMID: 38638426 PMCID: PMC11024467 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369376] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is one of the first cytokines to be discovered as an immune agonist for cancer immunotherapy. Biased IL-2 variants had been discovered to eliminate Treg activation or enhance the tumor specific T cell cytotoxicity. However, all the biased IL-2 variants pose the risk to overstimulate immune response at a low-dose range. Here, we introduce a novel dual-MOA bispecific PD-1-IL-2v molecule with great anti-tumor efficacy in a high dosed manner. Methods The novel IL-2 variant was designed by structural truncation and shuffling. The single armed bispecific PD-1-IL-2v molecule and IL-2v were studied by immune cell activations in vitro and in vivo and anti-tumor efficacy in mouse model. Results and discussion The IL-2 variant in this bispecific antibody only binds to IL-2Rβγ complex in a fast-on/off manner without α, β or γ single receptor binding. This IL-2v mildly activates T and NK cells without over stimulation, meanwhile it diminishes Treg activation compared to the wild type IL-2. This unique bispecific molecule with "βγ-only" IL-2v can not only "in-cis" stimulate and expand CD8 T and NK cells moderately without Treg activation, but also block the PD-1/L1 interaction at a similar dose range with monoclonal antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongji Jiang
- Division of AAV Discovery, Department of Gene Therapy, Cure Genetics Co., LTD, Suzhou, China
| | - Chuyuan Chen
- Division of AAV Discovery, Department of Gene Therapy, Cure Genetics Co., LTD, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Division of Research & Development, Department of Cell Therapy, Cure Genetics Co., LTD, Suzhou, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Division of Research & Development, Department of Cell Therapy, Cure Genetics Co., LTD, Suzhou, China
| | - Chuan Feng
- Division of Research & Development, Department of Cell Therapy, Cure Genetics Co., LTD, Suzhou, China
| | - Lili Cai
- Division of AAV Discovery, Department of Gene Therapy, Cure Genetics Co., LTD, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuang Chang
- Division of AAV Discovery, Department of Gene Therapy, Cure Genetics Co., LTD, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Division of AAV Discovery, Department of Gene Therapy, Cure Genetics Co., LTD, Suzhou, China
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27
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Lee M, Im SK, Baek S, Ji M, Kim M, Lee EJ, Ji ST, Ferrando-Martinez S, Wolfarth A, Lee JY, Kim D, Choi D. rhIL-7-hyFc and hIL-2/TCB2c combination promotes an immune-stimulatory tumor microenvironment that improves antitumor efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008001. [PMID: 38471713 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recombinant human interleukin (rhIL)-7-hyFc (efineptakin alfa; NT-I7) is a potent T-cell amplifier, with two IL-7 molecules fused to IgD/IgG4 elements. rhIL-7-hyFc promotes extensive infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the tumor, concurrently increasing the numbers of intratumoral PD-1+CD8+ T cells. The hIL-2/TCB2 complex (SLC-3010) inhibits tumor growth by preferential activation of CD122 (IL-2Rβ)high CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, over regulatory T cells (Tregs). We investigated the underlying mechanisms of rhIL-7-hyFc and hIL-2/TCB2c antitumor activity and the potential synergistic efficacy, specifically focusing on tumor-specific CD8+ cells within the tumor and the tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLN). METHODS MC38 and CT26 tumor-bearing mice were administered with 10 mg/kg rhIL-7-hyFc intramuscularly and 0.9 mg/kg hIL-2/TCB2c intravenously. Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody was administered intraperitoneally three times at 3-day intervals at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Tumor volume was measured to assess efficacy. To compare the composition of immune cells between each monotherapy and the combination therapy, we analyzed tumors and tdLNs by flow cytometry. RESULTS Our data demonstrate that the combination of rhIL-7-hyFc and hIL-2/TCB2c increases efficacy and generates an immune-stimulatory tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is characterized by an increased infiltration of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells, and a decreased frequency of CD39highTIM-3+ Treg cells. Most importantly, rhIL-7-hyFc increases infiltration of a CD62L+Ly108+ early progenitor population of exhausted CD8+ T cells (TPEX), which may retain long-term proliferation capacity and replenish functional effector CD8+ T cells. hIL-2/TCB2c induces differentiation of CD62L+Ly108+ TPEX rapidly into CD101+ terminally differentiated subsets (terminally exhausted T cell (TEX term)). Our study also demonstrates that rhIL-7-hyFc significantly enhances the proliferation rate of TPEX in the tdLNs, positively correlating with their abundance within the tumor. Moreover, rhIL-7-hyFc and hIL-2/TCB2c can overcome the limited therapeutic effectiveness of PD-1 blockade, culminating in the complete regression of tumors. CONCLUSIONS rhIL-7-hyFc can expand and maintain the progenitor pool of exhausted CD8+ T cells, whereas hIL-2/TCB2c promotes their differentiation into TEX term. Together, this induces an immune-stimulatory TME that improves the efficacy of checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Lee
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Sun-Kyoung Im
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seungtae Baek
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Mankyu Ji
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Miyoung Kim
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Eun Ju Lee
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seung Taek Ji
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | | | | | | | - Daeun Kim
- Selecxine, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Donghoon Choi
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
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Shouse AN, LaPorte KM, Malek TR. Interleukin-2 signaling in the regulation of T cell biology in autoimmunity and cancer. Immunity 2024; 57:414-428. [PMID: 38479359 PMCID: PMC11126276 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.02.001] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a critical cytokine for T cell peripheral tolerance and immunity. Here, we review how IL-2 interaction with the high-affinity IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) supports the development and homeostasis of regulatory T cells and contributes to the differentiation of helper, cytotoxic, and memory T cells. A critical element for each T cell population is the expression of CD25 (Il2rα), which heightens the receptor affinity for IL-2. Signaling through the high-affinity IL-2R also reinvigorates CD8+ exhausted T (Tex) cells in response to checkpoint blockade. We consider the molecular underpinnings reflecting how IL-2R signaling impacts these various T cell subsets and the implications for enhancing IL-2-dependent immunotherapy of autoimmunity, other inflammatory disorders, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acacia N Shouse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Kathryn M LaPorte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Thomas R Malek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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Fishman J, Buchbinder EI. Is There a Current Role for Combination Chemotherapy or High-Dose Interleukin 2 in Melanoma? Cancer J 2024; 30:120-125. [PMID: 38527266 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Immune checkpoint inhibition and targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma. However, chemotherapy and interleukin 2 (IL-2) therapy may still have a role in the later-line treatment of patients who do not have durable responses to other treatments. Chemotherapy can work transiently in patients whose disease has progressed on immune checkpoint inhibitors and for whom there are no appropriate targeted therapy options. High-dose IL-2 therapy can still be effective for a very small number of patients following progression on other therapies. In addition, modified IL-2 agents and IL-2 in combination with tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy may play a role in future treatments for melanoma.
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30
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Tomasovic LM, Liu K, VanDyke D, Fabilane CS, Spangler JB. Molecular Engineering of Interleukin-2 for Enhanced Therapeutic Activity in Autoimmune Diseases. BioDrugs 2024; 38:227-248. [PMID: 37999893 PMCID: PMC10947368 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00635-0] [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] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis. Its immunosuppressive effects have been harnessed therapeutically via administration of low cytokine doses. Low-dose IL-2 has shown promise in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; however, the clinical use of IL-2 is complicated by its toxicity, its pleiotropic effects on both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive cell subsets, and its short serum half-life, which collectively limit the therapeutic window. As a result, there remains a considerable need for IL-2-based autoimmune disease therapies that can selectively target regulatory T cells with minimal off-target binding to immune effector cells in order to prevent cytokine-mediated toxicities and optimize therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss exciting advances in IL-2 engineering that are empowering the development of novel therapies to treat autoimmune conditions. We describe the structural mechanisms of IL-2 signaling, explore current applications of IL-2-based compounds as immunoregulatory interventions, and detail the progress and challenges associated with clinical adoption of IL-2 therapies. In particular, we focus on protein engineering approaches that have been employed to optimize the regulatory T-cell bias of IL-2, including structure-guided or computational design of cytokine mutants, conjugation to polyethylene glycol, and the development of IL-2 fusion proteins. We also consider future research directions for enhancing the translational potential of engineered IL-2-based therapies. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential to leverage the immunoregulatory properties of IL-2 for targeted treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Tomasovic
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathy Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek VanDyke
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charina S Fabilane
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Efe O, Gassen RB, Morena L, Ganchiku Y, Al Jurdi A, Lape IT, Ventura-Aguiar P, LeGuern C, Madsen JC, Shriver Z, Babcock GJ, Borges TJ, Riella LV. A humanized IL-2 mutein expands Tregs and prolongs transplant survival in preclinical models. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e173107. [PMID: 38426492 PMCID: PMC10904054 DOI: 10.1172/jci173107] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term organ transplant survival remains suboptimal, and life-long immunosuppression predisposes transplant recipients to an increased risk of infection, malignancy, and kidney toxicity. Promoting the regulatory arm of the immune system by expanding Tregs may allow immunosuppression minimization and improve long-term graft outcomes. While low-dose IL-2 treatment can expand Tregs, it has a short half-life and off-target expansion of NK and effector T cells, limiting its clinical applicability. Here, we designed a humanized mutein IL-2 with high Treg selectivity and a prolonged half-life due to the fusion of an Fc domain, which we termed mIL-2. We showed selective and sustainable Treg expansion by mIL-2 in 2 murine models of skin transplantation. This expansion led to donor-specific tolerance through robust increases in polyclonal and antigen-specific Tregs, along with enhanced Treg-suppressive function. We also showed that Treg expansion by mIL-2 could overcome the failure of calcineurin inhibitors or costimulation blockade to prolong the survival of major-mismatched skin grafts. Validating its translational potential, mIL-2 induced a selective and sustainable in vivo Treg expansion in cynomolgus monkeys and showed selectivity for human Tregs in vitro and in a humanized mouse model. This work demonstrated that mIL-2 can enhance immune regulation and promote long-term allograft survival, potentially minimizing immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orhan Efe
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, and
| | | | - Leela Morena
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery
| | | | - Ayman Al Jurdi
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, and
| | | | | | | | - Joren C. Madsen
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Leonardo V. Riella
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, and
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32
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Stinson JA, Barbosa MMP, Sheen A, Momin N, Fink E, Hampel J, Selting K, Kamerer R, Bailey KL, Wittrup KD, Fan TM. Tumor-localized interleukin-2 and interleukin-12 combine with radiation therapy to safely potentiate regression of advanced malignant melanoma in pet dogs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.12.579965. [PMID: 38405716 PMCID: PMC10888855 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.12.579965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The clinical use of interleukin-2 and -12 cytokines against cancer is limited by their narrow therapeutic windows due to on-target, off-tumor activation of immune cells when delivered systemically. Engineering IL-2 and IL-12 to bind to extracellular matrix collagen allows these cytokines to be retained within tumors after intralesional injection, overcoming these clinical safety challenges. While this approach has potentiated responses in syngeneic mouse tumors without toxicity, the complex tumor-immune interactions in human cancers are difficult to recapitulate in mouse models of cancer. This has driven an increased role for comparative oncology clinical trials in companion (pet) dogs with spontaneous cancers that feature analogous tumor and immune biology to human cancers. Here, we report the results from a dose-escalation clinical trial of intratumoral collagen-binding IL-2 and IL-12 cytokines in pet dogs with malignant melanoma, observing encouraging local and regional responses to therapy that may suggest human clinical benefit with this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A. Stinson
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Allison Sheen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Noor Momin
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Elizabeth Fink
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Jordan Hampel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Kimberly Selting
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Rebecca Kamerer
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | | | - K. Dane Wittrup
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Timothy M. Fan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
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Vaz DC, Rodrigues JR, Loureiro-Ferreira N, Müller TD, Sebald W, Redfield C, Brito RMM. Lessons on protein structure from interleukin-4: All disulfides are not created equal. Proteins 2024; 92:219-235. [PMID: 37814578 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26611] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a hematopoietic cytokine composed by a four-helix bundle stabilized by an antiparallel beta-sheet and three disulfide bonds: Cys3-Cys127, Cys24-Cys65, and Cys46-Cys99. IL-4 is involved in several immune responses associated to infection, allergy, autoimmunity, and cancer. Besides its physiological relevance, IL-4 is often used as a "model" for protein design and engineering. Hence, to understand the role of each disulfide in the structure and dynamics of IL-4, we carried out several spectroscopic analyses (circular dichroism [CD], fluorescence, nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on wild-type IL-4 and four IL-4 disulfide mutants. All disulfide mutants showed loss of structure, altered interhelical angles, and looser core packings, showing that all disulfides are relevant for maintaining the overall fold and stability of the four-helix bundle motif, even at very low pH. In the absence of the disulfide connecting both protein termini Cys3-Cys127, C3T-IL4 showed a less packed protein core, loss of secondary structure (~9%) and fast motions on the sub-nanosecond time scale (lower S2 order parameters and larger τc correlation time), especially at the two protein termini, loops, beginning of helix A and end of helix D. In the absence of Cys24-Cys65, C24T-IL4 presented shorter alpha-helices (14% loss in helical content), altered interhelical angles, less propensity to form the small anti-parallel beta-sheet and increased dynamics. Simultaneously deprived of two disulfides (Cys3-Cys127 and Cys24-Cys65), IL-4 formed a partially folded "molten globule" with high 8-anilino-1-naphtalenesulphonic acid-binding affinity and considerable loss of secondary structure (~50%decrease), as shown by the far UV-CD, NMR, and MD data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C Vaz
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - J Rui Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Thomas D Müller
- Department of Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Walter Sebald
- Department of Physiological Chemistry II, Theodor-Boveri-Institute (Biocentre), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christina Redfield
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rui M M Brito
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
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Sprent J, Boyman O. Optimising IL-2 for Cancer Immunotherapy. Immune Netw 2024; 24:e5. [PMID: 38455463 PMCID: PMC10917570 DOI: 10.4110/in.2024.24.e5] [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] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The key role of T cells in cancer immunotherapy is well established and is highlighted by the remarkable capacity of Ab-mediated checkpoint blockade to overcome T-cell exhaustion and amplify anti-tumor responses. However, total or partial tumor remission following checkpoint blockade is still limited to only a few types of tumors. Hence, concerted attempts are being made to devise new methods for improving tumor immunity. Currently, much attention is being focused on therapy with IL-2. This cytokine is a powerful growth factor for T cells and optimises their effector functions. When used at therapeutic doses for cancer treatment, however, IL-2 is highly toxic. Nevertheless, recent work has shown that modifying the structure or presentation of IL-2 can reduce toxicity and lead to effective anti-tumor responses in synergy with checkpoint blockade. Here, we review the complex interaction of IL-2 with T cells: first during normal homeostasis, then during responses to pathogens, and finally in anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Sprent
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney 1466, Australia
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, Hobart 7000, Australia
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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Dehghan R, Parikhani AB, Cohan RA, Shokrgozar MA, Mirabzadeh E, Ajdary S, Zeinali S, Ghaderi H, Talebkhan Y, Behdani M. Specific Targeting of Zinc Transporter LIV-1 with Immunocytokine Containing Anti-LIV-1 VHH and Human IL-2 and Evaluation of its In vitro Antitumor Activity. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:868-876. [PMID: 38482625 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128295195240305060103] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a vital cytokine in the induction of T and NK cell responses, the proliferation of CD8+ T cells, and the effective treatment of human cancers such as melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. However, widespread use of this cytokine is limited due to its short half-life, severe toxicity, lack of specific tumor targeting, and activation of Treg cells mediated by high-affinity interleukin-2 receptors. OBJECTIVE In this study, a tumor-targeting LIV-1 VHH-mutIL2 immunocytokine with reduced CD25 (α chain of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor) binding activity was developed to improve IL-2 half-life by decreasing its renal infiltration in comparison with wild and mutant IL-2 molecules. METHODS The recombinant immunocytokine was designed and expressed. The biological activity of the purified fusion protein was investigated in in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS The fusion protein represented specific binding to MCF7 (the breast cancer cell line) and more efficient cytotoxicity than wild-type IL-2 and mutant IL-2. The PK parameters of the recombinant immunocytokine were also improved in comparison to the IL-2 molecules. CONCLUSION The observed results showed that LIV1-mIL2 immunocytokine could be considered as an effective agent in the LIV-1-targeted treatment of cancers due to its longer half-life and stronger cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rada Dehghan
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Beig Parikhani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahangari Cohan
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Esmat Mirabzadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Ajdary
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sirous Zeinali
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hajarossadat Ghaderi
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Talebkhan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Keri D, Walker M, Singh I, Nishikawa K, Garces F. Next generation of multispecific antibody engineering. Antib Ther 2024; 7:37-52. [PMID: 38235376 PMCID: PMC10791046 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbad027] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Multispecific antibodies recognize two or more epitopes located on the same or distinct targets. This added capability through protein design allows these man-made molecules to address unmet medical needs that are no longer possible with single targeting such as with monoclonal antibodies or cytokines alone. However, the approach to the development of these multispecific molecules has been met with numerous road bumps, which suggests that a new workflow for multispecific molecules is required. The investigation of the molecular basis that mediates the successful assembly of the building blocks into non-native quaternary structures will lead to the writing of a playbook for multispecifics. This is a must do if we are to design workflows that we can control and in turn predict success. Here, we reflect on the current state-of-the-art of therapeutic biologics and look at the building blocks, in terms of proteins, and tools that can be used to build the foundations of such a next-generation workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Keri
- Department of Protein Therapeutics, Research, Gilead Research, 324 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Matt Walker
- Department of Protein Therapeutics, Research, Gilead Research, 324 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Isha Singh
- Department of Protein Therapeutics, Research, Gilead Research, 324 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Kyle Nishikawa
- Department of Protein Therapeutics, Research, Gilead Research, 324 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Fernando Garces
- Department of Protein Therapeutics, Research, Gilead Research, 324 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
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Sehgal ANA, Tauber PA, Stieger RB, Kratzer B, Pickl WF. The T-Cell Growth Factor Interleukin-2, Which Is Occasionally Targeted by Autoantibodies, Qualifies as Drug for the Treatment of Allergy, Autoimmunity, and Cancer: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2024. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 185:286-300. [PMID: 38086339 PMCID: PMC10911178 DOI: 10.1159/000533677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin(IL)-2 was originally characterized as an important T-cellular growth factor but later on, turned out to be a pivotal homeostatic factor for the establishment and maintenance of both natural(n)Treg and peripheral(p)Treg. In this review, it was aimed to connect the peculiar structural and functional aspects of IL-2 to the innovative advancements in tailoring its multifaceted functional behavior for targeting various IL-2 receptor types. The article includes detailed descriptions of modified versions of IL-2, obtained by either mutating or fusing IL-2 to heterologous molecules or by forming IL-2/(monoclonal) antibody complexes (IL-2C), and discusses their functional implications for addressing such heterologous pathological conditions in cancer, autoimmunity, and allergy. Additionally, this review sheds light on the underexplored contribution of autoantibodies to the endogenous regulation of IL-2 within the realms of both health and disease. The ongoing efforts to fine-tune IL-2 responses through antibody-dependent targeting or molecular engineering offer considerable translational potential for the future utility of this important cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al Nasar Ahmed Sehgal
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Peter A. Tauber
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Robert B. Stieger
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Bernhard Kratzer
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Winfried F. Pickl
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner University, Krems, Austria
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38
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Luo M, Gong W, Zhang Y, Li H, Ma D, Wu K, Gao Q, Fang Y. New insights into the stemness of adoptively transferred T cells by γc family cytokines. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:347. [PMID: 38049832 PMCID: PMC10694921 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has exhibited excellent antitumoral efficacy exemplified by the clinical breakthrough of chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T) in hematologic malignancies. It relies on the pool of functional T cells to retain the developmental potential to serially kill targeted cells. However, failure in the continuous supply and persistence of functional T cells has been recognized as a critical barrier to sustainable responses. Conferring stemness on infused T cells, yielding stem cell-like memory T cells (TSCM) characterized by constant self-renewal and multilineage differentiation similar to pluripotent stem cells, is indeed necessary and promising for enhancing T cell function and sustaining antitumor immunity. Therefore, it is crucial to identify TSCM cell induction regulators and acquire more TSCM cells as resource cells during production and after infusion to improve antitumoral efficacy. Recently, four common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc) family cytokines, encompassing interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21, have been widely used in the development of long-lived adoptively transferred TSCM in vitro. However, challenges, including their non-specific toxicities and off-target effects, have led to substantial efforts for the development of engineered versions to unleash their full potential in the induction and maintenance of T cell stemness in ACT. In this review, we summarize the roles of the four γc family cytokines in the orchestration of adoptively transferred T cell stemness, introduce their engineered versions that modulate TSCM cell formation and demonstrate the potential of their various combinations. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Luo
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjian Gong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuewen Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Quixabeira DCA, Pakola S, Jirovec E, Havunen R, Basnet S, Santos JM, Kudling TV, Clubb JHA, Haybout L, Arias V, Grönberg-Vähä-Koskela S, Cervera-Carrascon V, Kerkelä E, Pasanen A, Anttila M, Tapper J, Kanerva A, Hemminki A. Boosting cytotoxicity of adoptive allogeneic NK cell therapy with an oncolytic adenovirus encoding a human vIL-2 cytokine for the treatment of human ovarian cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1679-1690. [PMID: 37949944 PMCID: PMC10721546 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00674-3] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite good results in the treatment of hematological malignancies, Natural killer (NK) cells have shown limited effectiveness in solid tumors, such as ovarian cancer (OvCa). Here, we assessed the potential of an oncolytic adenovirus expressing a variant interleukin-2 (vIL-2) cytokine, Ad5/3-E2F-d24-vIL2 (vIL-2 virus), also known as TILT-452, to enhance NK cell therapy efficacy in human OvCa ex vivo. Human OvCa surgical specimens were processed into single-cell suspensions and NK cells were expanded from healthy blood donors. OvCa sample digests were co-cultured ex vivo with NK cells and vIL-2 virus and cancer cell killing potential assessed in real time through cell impedance measurement. Proposed therapeutic combination was evaluated in vivo with an OvCa patient-derived xenograft (PDX) in mice. Addition of vIL-2 virus significantly enhanced NK cell therapy killing potential in treated OvCa co-cultures. Similarly, vIL-2 virus in combination with NK cell therapy promoted the best in vivo OvCa tumor control. Mechanistically, vIL-2 virus induced higher percentages of granzyme B in NK cells, and CD8+ T cells, while T regulatory cell proportions remained comparable to NK cell monotherapy in vivo. Ad5/3-E2F-d24-vIL2 virus treatment represents a promising strategy to boost adoptive NK cell therapeutic effect in human OvCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C A Quixabeira
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Pakola
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Jirovec
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R Havunen
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Basnet
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J M Santos
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T V Kudling
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J H A Clubb
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Haybout
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Arias
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Grönberg-Vähä-Koskela
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Cervera-Carrascon
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Kerkelä
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Pasanen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Anttila
- Pathology, Finnish Food Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Tapper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Kanerva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland.
- Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.
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40
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Yoon AR, Hong J, Jung BK, Ahn HM, Zhang S, Yun CO. Oncolytic adenovirus as pancreatic cancer-targeted therapy: Where do we go from here? Cancer Lett 2023; 579:216456. [PMID: 37940067 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers with extremely high mortality rate, and the number of cases is expected to steadily increase with time. Pancreatic cancer is refractory to conventional cancer treatment options, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and commercialized immunotherapeutics, owing to its immunosuppressive and desmoplastic phenotype. Due to these reasons, development of an innovative treatment option that can overcome these challenges posed by the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME) is in an urgent need. The present review aims to summarize the evolution of oncolytic adenovirus (oAd) engineering and usage as therapeutics (either monotherapy or combination therapy) over the last decade to overcome these hurdles to instigate a potent antitumor effect against desmoplastic and immunosuppressive pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Rum Yoon
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (HY-IBB), Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - JinWoo Hong
- GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Kyeong Jung
- GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Min Ahn
- GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Songnam Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yanbian University Hospital, Jilin, China
| | - Chae-Ok Yun
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (HY-IBB), Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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41
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Silver AB, Tzeng SY, Lager M, Wang J, Ishihara J, Green JJ, Spangler JB. An engineered immunocytokine with collagen affinity improves the tumor bioavailability, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy of IL-2. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101289. [PMID: 37992685 PMCID: PMC10694763 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101289] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The clinical utility of human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) is limited by its short serum half-life, preferential activation of regulatory T (TReg) over immune effector cells, and dose-limiting toxicities. We previously engineered F10 immunocytokine (IC), an intramolecularly assembled cytokine/antibody fusion protein that linked hIL-2 to an anti-IL-2 antibody (denoted F10) that extended IL-2 half-life and augmented the immune effector to TReg ratio. Here, we leveraged molecular engineering to improve the anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of F10 IC by developing an iteration, denoted F10 IC-CBD (collagen binding domain), designed for intratumoral administration and in situ retention based on collagen affinity. F10 IC-CBD retained IL-2 bioactivity exclusively in the tumor and eliminated IL-2-associated toxicities. Furthermore, F10 IC exhibited potent single-agent therapeutic efficacy and synergy with systemic immune checkpoint blockade and elicited an abscopal response in mouse tumors models. This engineered fusion protein presents a prototype for the design of intratumoral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyah B Silver
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mallory Lager
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jeremy Wang
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jordan J Green
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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42
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Grubbe WS, Byléhn F, Alvarado W, de Pablo JJ, Mendoza JL. Molecular analysis of the type III interferon complex and its applications in protein engineering. Biophys J 2023; 122:4254-4263. [PMID: 37794680 PMCID: PMC10645568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.09.021] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Type III interferons (IFNλs) are cytokines with critical roles in the immune system and are attractive therapeutic candidates due to their tissue-specific activity. Despite entering several clinical trials, results have demonstrated limited efficacy and potency, partially attributed to low-affinity protein-protein interactions (PPIs) responsible for receptor complex formation. Subsequently, structural studies of the native IFNλ signaling complexes remain inaccessible. While protein engineering can overcome affinity limitations, tools to investigate low-affinity systems like these remain limited. To provide insights into previous efforts to strengthen the PPIs within this complex, we perform a molecular analysis of the extracellular ternary complexes of IFNλ3 using both computational and experimental approaches. We first use molecular simulations and modeling to quantify differences in PPIs and residue strain fluctuations, generate detailed free energy landscapes, and reveal structural differences between an engineered, high-affinity complex, and a model of the wild-type, low-affinity complex. This analysis illuminates distinct behaviors of these ligands, yielding mechanistic insights into IFNλ complex formation. We then apply these computational techniques in protein engineering and design by utilizing simulation data to identify hotspots of interaction to rationally engineer the native cytokine-receptor complex for increased stability. These simulations are then validated by experimental techniques, showing that a single mutation at a computationally predicted site of interaction between the two receptors increases PPIs and improves complex formation for all IFNλs. This study highlights the power of molecular dynamics simulations for protein engineering and design as applied to the IFNλ family but also presents a potential tool for analysis and engineering of other systems with low-affinity PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Grubbe
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Fabian Byléhn
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Walter Alvarado
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Juan J de Pablo
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois
| | - Juan L Mendoza
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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43
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Niederlova V, Tsyklauri O, Kovar M, Stepanek O. IL-2-driven CD8 + T cell phenotypes: implications for immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:890-901. [PMID: 37827864 PMCID: PMC7615502 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.09.003] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of interleukin (IL)-2 in cancer treatment has been known for decades, yet its widespread adoption in clinical practice remains limited. Recently, chimeric proteins of an anti-PD-1 antibody and suboptimal IL-2 variants were shown to stimulate potent antitumor and antiviral immunity by inducing unique effector CD8+ T cells in mice. A similar subset of cytotoxic T cells is induced by depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), suggesting IL-2 sequestration as a major mechanism through which regulatory T cells suppress activated CD8+ T cells. Here, we present our view of how IL-2-based biologicals can boost the antitumor response at a cellular level, and propose that the role of Tregs following such treatments may have been previously overestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Niederlova
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oksana Tsyklauri
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Stepanek
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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44
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Garcia JM, Burnett CE, Roybal KT. Toward the clinical development of synthetic immunity to cancer. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:83-99. [PMID: 37491719 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13245] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology (synbio) tools, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), have been designed to target, activate, and improve immune cell responses to tumors. These therapies have demonstrated an ability to cure patients with blood cancers. However, there are significant challenges to designing, testing, and efficiently translating these complex cell therapies for patients who do not respond or have immune refractory solid tumors. The rapid progress of synbio tools for cell therapy, particularly for cancer immunotherapy, is encouraging but our development process should be tailored to increase translational success. Particularly, next-generation cell therapies should be rooted in basic immunology, tested in more predictive preclinical models, engineered for potency with the right balance of safety, educated by clinical findings, and multi-faceted to combat a range of suppressive mechanisms. Here, we lay out five principles for engineering future cell therapies to increase the probability of clinical impact, and in the context of these principles, we provide an overview of the current state of synbio cell therapy design for cancer. Although these principles are anchored in engineering immune cells for cancer therapy, we posit that they can help guide translational synbio research for broad impact in other disease indications with high unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute for Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Cassandra E Burnett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute for Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kole T Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute for Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
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45
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Quixabeira DCA, Jirovec E, Pakola S, Havunen R, Basnet S, Santos JM, Kudling TV, Clubb JHA, Haybout L, Arias V, Grönberg-Vähä-Koskela S, Cervera-Carrascon V, Pasanen A, Anttila M, Tapper J, Kanerva A, Hemminki A. Improving the cytotoxic response of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes towards advanced stage ovarian cancer with an oncolytic adenovirus expressing a human vIL-2 cytokine. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1543-1553. [PMID: 37666898 PMCID: PMC10645590 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00658-3] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
While the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) associates with improved survival prognosis in ovarian cancer (OvCa) patients, TIL therapy benefit is limited. Here, we evaluated an oncolytic adenovirus coding for a human variant IL-2 (vIL-2) cytokine, Ad5/3-E2F-d24-vIL2 (vIL-2 virus), also known as TILT-452, as an immunotherapeutic strategy to enhance TIL responsiveness towards advanced stage OvCa tumors. Fragments of resected human OvCa tumors were processed into single-cell suspensions, and autologous TILs were expanded from said samples. OvCa tumor specimens were co-cultured with TILs plus vIL-2 virus, and cell killing was assessed in real time through cell impedance measurement. Combination therapy was further evaluated in vivo through a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) ovarian cancer murine model. The combination of vIL-2 virus plus TILs had best cancer cell killing ex vivo compared to TILs monotherapy. These results were supported by an in vivo experiment, where the best OvCa tumor control was obtained when vIL-2 virus was added to TIL therapy. Furthermore, the proposed therapy induced a highly cytotoxic phenotype demonstrated by increased granzyme B intensity in NK cells, CD4+ T, and CD8+ T cells in treated tumors. Our results demonstrate that Ad5/3-E2F-d24-vIL2 therapy consistently improved TILs therapy cytotoxicity in treated human OvCa tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C A Quixabeira
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Jirovec
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Pakola
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R Havunen
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Basnet
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J M Santos
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T V Kudling
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J H A Clubb
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Haybout
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Arias
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Grönberg-Vähä-Koskela
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Cervera-Carrascon
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Pasanen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Anttila
- Pathology, Finnish Food Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Tapper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Kanerva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland.
- Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.
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46
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Santollani L, Wittrup KD. Spatiotemporally programming cytokine immunotherapies through protein engineering. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:10-28. [PMID: 37409481 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have long been considered promising cancer immunotherapy agents due to their endogenous role in activating and proliferating lymphocytes. However, since the initial FDA approvals of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Interferon-ɑ (IFNɑ) for oncology over 30 years ago, cytokines have achieved little success in the clinic due to narrow therapeutic windows and dose-limiting toxicities. This is attributable to the discrepancy between the localized, regulated manner in which cytokines are deployed endogenously versus the systemic, untargeted administration used to date in most exogenous cytokine therapies. Furthermore, cytokines' ability to stimulate multiple cell types, often with paradoxical effects, may present significant challenges for their translation into effective therapies. Recently, protein engineering has emerged as a tool to address the shortcomings of first-generation cytokine therapies. In this perspective, we contextualize cytokine engineering strategies such as partial agonism, conditional activation and intratumoral retention through the lens of spatiotemporal regulation. By controlling the time, place, specificity, and duration of cytokine signaling, protein engineering can allow exogenous cytokine therapies to more closely approach their endogenous exposure profile, ultimately moving us closer to unlocking their full therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Santollani
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - K Dane Wittrup
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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47
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McIntosh BJ, Hartmann GG, Yamada‐Hunter SA, Liu P, Williams CF, Sage J, Cochran JR. An engineered interleukin-11 decoy cytokine inhibits receptor signaling and proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10573. [PMID: 38023717 PMCID: PMC10658506 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytokine interleukin (IL)-11 has been shown to play a role in promoting fibrosis and cancer, including lung adenocarcinoma, garnering interest as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. We used combinatorial methods to engineer an IL-11 variant that binds with higher affinity to the IL-11 receptor and stimulates enhanced receptor-mediated cell signaling. Introduction of two additional point mutations ablates IL-11 ligand/receptor association with the gp130 coreceptor signaling complex, resulting in a high-affinity receptor antagonist. Unlike wild-type IL-11, this engineered variant potently blocks IL-11-mediated cell signaling and slows tumor growth in a mouse model of lung cancer. Our approach highlights a strategy where native ligands can be engineered and exploited to create potent receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sean A. Yamada‐Hunter
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer InstituteStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Phillip Liu
- Biophysics ProgramStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Julien Sage
- Department of PediatricsStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Department of GeneticsStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Stanford Cancer InstituteStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jennifer R. Cochran
- Cancer Biology ProgramStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Stanford Cancer InstituteStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Department of BioengineeringStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
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48
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Lykhopiy V, Malviya V, Humblet-Baron S, Schlenner SM. "IL-2 immunotherapy for targeting regulatory T cells in autoimmunity". Genes Immun 2023; 24:248-262. [PMID: 37741949 PMCID: PMC10575774 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-023-00221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) are indispensable for immune homoeostasis and for the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) signalling is critical in all aspects of Treg biology. Consequences of defective IL-2 signalling are insufficient numbers or dysfunction of Treg and hence autoimmune disorders in human and mouse. The restoration and maintenance of immune homoeostasis remain central therapeutic aims in the field of autoimmunity. Historically, broadly immunosuppressive drugs with serious side-effects have been used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or prevention of organ-transplant rejection. More recently, ex vivo expanded or in vivo stimulated Treg have been shown to induce effective tolerance in clinical trials supporting the clinical benefit of targeting natural immunosuppressive mechanisms. Given the central role of exogenous IL-2 in Treg homoeostasis, a new and promising focus in drug development are IL-2-based approaches for in vivo targeted expansion of Treg or for enhancement of their suppressive activity. In this review, we summarise the role of IL-2 in Treg biology and consequences of dysfunctional IL-2 signalling pathways. We then examine evidence of efficacy of IL-2-based biological drugs targeting Treg with specific focus on therapeutic candidates in clinical trials and discuss their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lykhopiy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- argenx BV, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanshika Malviya
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Humblet-Baron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan M Schlenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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49
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Trujillo-Cirilo L, Weiss-Steider B, Vargas-Angeles CA, Corona-Ortega MT, Rangel-Corona R. Immune microenvironment of cervical cancer and the role of IL-2 in tumor promotion. Cytokine 2023; 170:156334. [PMID: 37598478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogeneous mixture of resident and tumor cells that maintain close communication through their secretion products. The composition of the TME is dynamic and complex among the different types of cancer, where the immune cells play a relevant role in the elimination of tumor cells, however, under certain circumstances they contribute to tumor development. In cervical cancer (CC) the human papilloma virus (HPV) shapes the microenvironment in order to mediate persistent infections that favors transformation and tumor development. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an important TME cytokine that induces CD8+ effector T cells and NKs to eliminate tumor cells, however, IL-2 can also suppress the immune response through Treg cells. Recent studies have shown that CC cells express the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R), that are induced to proliferate at low concentrations of exogenous IL-2 through alterations in the JAK/STAT pathway. This review provides an overview of the main immune cells that make up the TME in CC, as well as the participation of IL-2 in the tumor promotion. Finally, it is proposed that the low density of IL-2 produced by immunocompetent cells is used by tumor cells through its IL-2R as a mechanism to proliferate simultaneously depleting this molecule in order to evade immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Trujillo-Cirilo
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Research Unit Cell Differentiation and Cancer, L-4 P.B. FES Zaragoza, National University of Mexico, Av., Guelatao No. 66 Col. Ejercito de Oriente, Iztapalapa, C.P. 09230 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Benny Weiss-Steider
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Research Unit Cell Differentiation and Cancer, L-4 P.B. FES Zaragoza, National University of Mexico, Av., Guelatao No. 66 Col. Ejercito de Oriente, Iztapalapa, C.P. 09230 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Adrian Vargas-Angeles
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Research Unit Cell Differentiation and Cancer, L-4 P.B. FES Zaragoza, National University of Mexico, Av., Guelatao No. 66 Col. Ejercito de Oriente, Iztapalapa, C.P. 09230 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria Teresa Corona-Ortega
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Research Unit Cell Differentiation and Cancer, L-4 P.B. FES Zaragoza, National University of Mexico, Av., Guelatao No. 66 Col. Ejercito de Oriente, Iztapalapa, C.P. 09230 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosalva Rangel-Corona
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Research Unit Cell Differentiation and Cancer, L-4 P.B. FES Zaragoza, National University of Mexico, Av., Guelatao No. 66 Col. Ejercito de Oriente, Iztapalapa, C.P. 09230 Mexico City, Mexico
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50
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Leonard WJ, Lin JX. Strategies to therapeutically modulate cytokine action. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:827-854. [PMID: 37542128 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00746-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are secreted or membrane-presented molecules that mediate broad cellular functions, including development, differentiation, growth and survival. Accordingly, the regulation of cytokine activity is extraordinarily important both physiologically and pathologically. Cytokine and/or cytokine receptor engineering is being widely investigated to safely and effectively modulate cytokine activity for therapeutic benefit. IL-2 in particular has been extensively engineered, to create IL-2 variants that differentially exhibit activities on regulatory T cells to potentially treat autoimmune disease versus effector T cells to augment antitumour effects. Additionally, engineering approaches are being applied to many other cytokines such as IL-10, interferons and IL-1 family cytokines, given their immunosuppressive and/or antiviral and anticancer effects. In modulating the actions of cytokines, the strategies used have been broad, including altering affinities of cytokines for their receptors, prolonging cytokine half-lives in vivo and fine-tuning cytokine actions. The field is rapidly expanding, with extensive efforts to create improved therapeutics for a range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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