1
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Sun D, Qian H, Li J, Xing P. Targeting MDM2 in malignancies is a promising strategy for overcoming resistance to anticancer immunotherapy. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:17. [PMID: 38281981 PMCID: PMC10823613 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01004-x] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
MDM2 has been established as a biomarker indicating poor prognosis for individuals undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment for different malignancies by various pancancer studies. Specifically, patients who have MDM2 amplification are vulnerable to the development of hyperprogressive disease (HPD) following anticancer immunotherapy, resulting in marked deleterious effects on survival rates. The mechanism of MDM2 involves its role as an oncogene during the development of malignancy, and MDM2 can promote both metastasis and tumor cell proliferation, which indirectly leads to disease progression. Moreover, MDM2 is vitally involved in modifying the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) as well as in influencing immune cells, eventually facilitating immune evasion and tolerance. Encouragingly, various MDM2 inhibitors have exhibited efficacy in relieving the TIME suppression caused by MDM2. These results demonstrate the prospects for breakthroughs in combination therapy using MDM2 inhibitors and anticancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dantong Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Haili Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Junling Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Puyuan Xing
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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2
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Klebanoff CA, Chandran SS, Baker BM, Quezada SA, Ribas A. T cell receptor therapeutics: immunological targeting of the intracellular cancer proteome. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:996-1017. [PMID: 37891435 PMCID: PMC10947610 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) complex is a naturally occurring antigen sensor that detects, amplifies and coordinates cellular immune responses to epitopes derived from cell surface and intracellular proteins. Thus, TCRs enable the targeting of proteins selectively expressed by cancer cells, including neoantigens, cancer germline antigens and viral oncoproteins. As such, TCRs have provided the basis for an emerging class of oncology therapeutics. Herein, we review the current cancer treatment landscape using TCRs and TCR-like molecules. This includes adoptive cell transfer of T cells expressing endogenous or engineered TCRs, TCR bispecific engagers and antibodies specific for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-bound peptides (TCR mimics). We discuss the unique complexities associated with the clinical development of these therapeutics, such as HLA restriction, TCR retrieval, potency assessment and the potential for cross-reactivity. In addition, we highlight emerging clinical data that establish the antitumour potential of TCR-based therapies, including tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, for the treatment of diverse human malignancies. Finally, we explore the future of TCR therapeutics, including emerging genome editing methods to safely enhance potency and strategies to streamline patient identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Klebanoff
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Smita S Chandran
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, New York, NY, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, ID, USA
- The Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, ID, USA
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Achilles Therapeutics, London, UK
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
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3
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Li J, Xiao Z, Wang D, Jia L, Nie S, Zeng X, Hu W. The screening, identification, design and clinical application of tumor-specific neoantigens for TCR-T cells. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:141. [PMID: 37649123 PMCID: PMC10466891 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in neoantigen research have accelerated the development of tumor immunotherapies, including adoptive cell therapies (ACTs), cancer vaccines and antibody-based therapies, particularly for solid tumors. With the development of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics technology, the rapid identification and prediction of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) has become possible. Compared with tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), highly immunogenic TSAs provide new targets for personalized tumor immunotherapy and can be used as prospective indicators for predicting tumor patient survival, prognosis, and immune checkpoint blockade response. Here, the identification and characterization of neoantigens and the clinical application of neoantigen-based TCR-T immunotherapy strategies are summarized, and the current status, inherent challenges, and clinical translational potential of these strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangping Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiwen Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghui Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Jia
- International Health Medicine Innovation Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shihong Nie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Cancer Center, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingda Zeng
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, People's Republic of China
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4
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Kang S, Li Y, Qiao J, Meng X, He Z, Gao X, Yu L. Antigen-Specific TCR-T Cells for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: State of the Art and Challenges. Front Oncol 2022; 12:787108. [PMID: 35356211 PMCID: PMC8959347 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.787108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytogenetic abnormalities and molecular mutations involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) lead to unique treatment challenges. Although adoptive T-cell therapies (ACT) such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy have shown promising results in the treatment of leukemias, especially B-cell malignancies, the optimal target surface antigen has yet to be discovered for AML. Alternatively, T-cell receptor (TCR)-redirected T cells can target intracellular antigens presented by HLA molecules, allowing the exploration of a broader territory of new therapeutic targets. Immunotherapy using adoptive transfer of WT1 antigen-specific TCR-T cells, for example, has had positive clinical successes in patients with AML. Nevertheless, AML can escape from immune system elimination by producing immunosuppressive factors or releasing several cytokines. This review presents recent advances of antigen-specific TCR-T cells in treating AML and discusses their challenges and future directions in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synat Kang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yisheng Li
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingqiao Qiao
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiangyu Meng
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziqian He
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuefeng Gao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.,Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
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5
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Genetic Modification of T Cells for the Immunotherapy of Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10030457. [PMID: 35335089 PMCID: PMC8949949 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10030457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a beneficial treatment approach for multiple cancers, however, current therapies are effective only in a small subset of patients. Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a facet of immunotherapy where T cells targeting the tumor cells are transferred to the patient with several primary forms, utilizing unmodified or modified T cells: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), genetically modified T cell receptor transduced T cells, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transduced T cells. Many clinical trials are underway investigating the efficacy and safety of these different subsets of ACT, as well as trials that combine one of these subsets with another type of immunotherapy. The main challenges existing with ACT are improving clinical responses and decreasing adverse events. Current research focuses on identifying novel tumor targeting T cell receptors, improving safety and efficacy, and investigating ACT in combination with other immunotherapies.
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6
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Xue Y, Che J, Ji X, Li Y, Xie J, Chen X. Recent advances in biomaterial-boosted adoptive cell therapy. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:1766-1794. [PMID: 35170589 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00786f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapies based on the transfer of functional immune cells hold great promise in treating a wide range of malignant diseases, especially cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. However, manufacturing issues and biological barriers lead to the insufficient population of target-selective effector cells at diseased sites after adoptive transfer, hindering effective clinical translation. The convergence of immunology, cellular biology, and materials science lays a foundation for developing biomaterial-based engineering platforms to overcome these challenges. Biomaterials can be rationally designed to improve ex vivo immune cell expansion, expedite functional engineering, facilitate protective delivery of immune cells in situ, and navigate the infused cells in vivo. Herein, this review presents a comprehensive summary of the latest progress in biomaterial-based strategies to enhance the efficacy of adoptive cell therapy, focusing on function-specific biomaterial design, and also discusses the challenges and prospects of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonger Xue
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China. .,Center for BioDelivery Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China.,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Junyi Che
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xuemei Ji
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yunuo Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China.
| | - Jinbing Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China. .,Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan.,State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore. .,Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore.,Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
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7
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Meeuwsen MH, Wouters AK, Jahn L, Hagedoorn RS, Kester MG, Remst DF, Morton LT, van der Steen DM, Kweekel C, de Ru AH, Griffioen M, van Veelen PA, Falkenburg JF, Heemskerk MH. A broad and systematic approach to identify B cell malignancy-targeting TCRs for multi-antigen-based T cell therapy. Mol Ther 2022; 30:564-578. [PMID: 34371177 PMCID: PMC8821929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR T cell therapy has shown great promise for the treatment of B cell malignancies. However, antigen-negative escape variants often cause disease relapse, necessitating the development of multi-antigen-targeting approaches. We propose that a T cell receptor (TCR)-based strategy would increase the number of potential antigenic targets, as peptides from both intracellular and extracellular proteins can be recognized. Here, we aimed to isolate a broad range of promising TCRs targeting multiple antigens for treatment of B cell malignancies. As a first step, 28 target genes for B cell malignancies were selected based on gene expression profiles. Twenty target peptides presented in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A∗01:01, -A∗24:02, -B∗08:01, or -B∗35:01 were identified from the immunopeptidome of B cell malignancies and used to form peptide-HLA (pHLA)-tetramers for T cell isolation. Target-peptide-specific CD8 T cells were isolated from HLA-mismatched healthy donors and subjected to a stringent stepwise selection procedure to ensure potency and eliminate cross-reactivity. In total, five T cell clones specific for FCRL5 in HLA-A∗01:01, VPREB3 in HLA-A∗24:02, and BOB1 in HLA-B∗35:01 recognized B cell malignancies. For all three specificities, TCR gene transfer into CD8 T cells resulted in cytokine production and efficient killing of multiple B cell malignancies. In conclusion, using this systematic approach we successfully identified three promising TCRs for T cell therapy against B cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda H. Meeuwsen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands,Corresponding author: Miranda H. Meeuwsen, Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Anne K. Wouters
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Lorenz Jahn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands,Department of Immunology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Renate S. Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Michel G.D. Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis F.G. Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Laura T. Morton
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk M. van der Steen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Christiaan Kweekel
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Arnoud H. de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Griffioen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Peter A. van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H.M. Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands,Corresponding author: Mirjam H.M. Heemskerk, Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
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8
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Liu Y, Yan X, Zhang F, Zhang X, Tang F, Han Z, Li Y. TCR-T Immunotherapy: The Challenges and Solutions. Front Oncol 2022; 11:794183. [PMID: 35145905 PMCID: PMC8822241 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.794183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor-engineered T cell (TCR-T) therapy is free from the limit of surface antigen expression of the target cells, which is a potential cellular immunotherapy for cancer treatment. Significant advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies with cellular immunotherapy have aroused the interest of researchers in the treatment of solid tumors. Nevertheless, the overall efficacy of TCR-T cell immunotherapy in solid tumors was not significantly high when compared with hematological malignancies. In this article, we pay attention to the barriers of TCR-T cell immunotherapy for solid tumors, as well as the strategies affecting the efficacy of TCR-T cell immunotherapy. To provide some reference for researchers to better overcome the impact of TCR-T cell efficiency in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Liu
- Department of Oncology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Han
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yumin Li,
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9
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Characterization and modulation of anti-αβTCR antibodies and their respective binding sites at the βTCR chain to enrich engineered T cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 22:388-400. [PMID: 34514030 PMCID: PMC8411211 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
T cell engineering strategies offer cures to patients and have entered clinical practice with chimeric antibody-based receptors; αβT cell receptor (αβTCR)-based strategies are, however, lagging behind. To allow a more rapid and successful translation to successful concepts also using αβTCRs for engineering, incorporating a method for the purification of genetically modified T cells, as well as engineered T cell deletion after transfer into patients, could be beneficial. This would allow increased efficacy, reduced potential side effects, and improved safety of newly to-be-tested lead structures. By characterizing the antigen-binding interface of a good manufacturing process (GMP)-grade anti-αβTCR antibody, usually used for depletion of αβT cells from stem cell transplantation products, we developed a strategy that allows for the purification of untouched αβTCR-engineered immune cells by changing 2 amino acids only in the TCRβ chain constant domain of introduced TCR chains. Alternatively, we engineered an antibody that targets an extended mutated interface of 9 amino acids in the TCRβ chain constant domain and provides the opportunity to further develop depletion strategies of engineered immune cells.
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10
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Sun Y, Li F, Sonnemann H, Jackson KR, Talukder AH, Katailiha AS, Lizee G. Evolution of CD8 + T Cell Receptor (TCR) Engineered Therapies for the Treatment of Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092379. [PMID: 34572028 PMCID: PMC8469972 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered T cell receptor T (TCR-T) cell therapy has facilitated the generation of increasingly reliable tumor antigen-specific adaptable cellular products for the treatment of human cancer. TCR-T cell therapies were initially focused on targeting shared tumor-associated peptide targets, including melanoma differentiation and cancer-testis antigens. With recent technological developments, it has become feasible to target neoantigens derived from tumor somatic mutations, which represents a highly personalized therapy, since most neoantigens are patient-specific and are rarely shared between patients. TCR-T therapies have been tested for clinical efficacy in treating solid tumors in many preclinical studies and clinical trials all over the world. However, the efficacy of TCR-T therapy for the treatment of solid tumors has been limited by a number of factors, including low TCR avidity, off-target toxicities, and target antigen loss leading to tumor escape. In this review, we discuss the process of deriving tumor antigen-specific TCRs, including the identification of appropriate tumor antigen targets, expansion of antigen-specific T cells, and TCR cloning and validation, including techniques and tools for TCR-T cell vector construction and expression. We highlight the achievements of recent clinical trials of engineered TCR-T cell therapies and discuss the current challenges and potential solutions for improving their safety and efficacy, insights that may help guide future TCR-T studies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimo Sun
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Fenge Li
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Heather Sonnemann
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Kyle R. Jackson
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Amjad H. Talukder
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Arjun S. Katailiha
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Gregory Lizee
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence:
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11
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Abken H. Building on Synthetic Immunology and T Cell Engineering: A Brief Journey Through the History of Chimeric Antigen Receptors. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1011-1028. [PMID: 34405686 PMCID: PMC10112879 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancement in our understanding of immune cell recognition and emerging cellular engineering technologies during the last decades made active manipulation of the T cell response possible. Synthetic immunology is providing us with an expanding set of composite receptor molecules capable to reprogram immune cell function in a predefined fashion. Since the first prototypes in the late 1980s, the design of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs; T-bodies, immunoreceptors), has followed a clear line of stepwise improvements from antigen-redirected targeting to designed "living factories" delivering transgenic products on demand. Building on basic research and creative clinical exploration, CAR T cell therapy has been achieving spectacular success in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, now beginning to improve the outcome of cancer patients. In this study, we briefly review the history of CARs and outline how the progress in the basic understanding of T cell recognition and of cell engineering technologies made novel therapies possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinrich Abken
- Department of Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Regensburg, Germany
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12
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Dudaniec K, Westendorf K, Nössner E, Uckert W. Generation of Epstein-Barr Virus Antigen-Specific T Cell Receptors Recognizing Immunodominant Epitopes of LMP1, LMP2A, and EBNA3C for Immunotherapy. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:919-935. [PMID: 33798008 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in healthy individuals are usually cleared by immune cells, wherein CD8+ T lymphocytes play the most important role. However, in some immunocompromised individuals, EBV infections can lead to the development of cancer in B, T, natural killer (NK) cells and epithelial cells. Most EBV-associated cancers express a limited number of virus-specific antigens such as latent membrane proteins (LMP1 and LMP2) and nuclear proteins (EBNA1, -2, EBNA3A, -B, -C, and EBNA-LP). These antigens represent true tumor-specific antigens and can be considered useful targets for T cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy to treat EBV-associated diseases. We used a TCR isolation platform based on a single major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) K562 cell library for the detection, isolation, and re-expression of TCRs targeting immunodominant peptide MHC (pMHC). Mature dendritic cells (mDCs) were pulsed with in vitro-transcribed (ivt) RNA encoding for the selected antigen to stimulate autologous T cells. The procedure allowed the mDCs to select an immunogenic epitope of the antigen for processing and presentation on the cell surface in combination with the most suitable MHC I molecule. We isolated eight EBV-specific TCRs. They recognize various pMHCs of EBV antigens LMP1, LMP2A, and EBNA3C, some of them described previously and some newly identified in this study. The TCR genes were molecularly cloned into retroviral vectors and the resultant TCR-engineered T cells secreted interferon-γ after antigen contact and were able to lyse tumor cells. The EBV-specific TCRs can be used as a basis for the generation of a TCR library, which provides a valuable source of TCRs for the production of EBV-specific T cells to treat EBV-associated diseases in patients with different MHC I types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Dudaniec
- Molecular Cell Biology and Gene Therapy, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Westendorf
- Molecular Cell Biology and Gene Therapy, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Uckert
- Molecular Cell Biology and Gene Therapy, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
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Wendel P, Reindl LM, Bexte T, Künnemeyer L, Särchen V, Albinger N, Mackensen A, Rettinger E, Bopp T, Ullrich E. Arming Immune Cells for Battle: A Brief Journey through the Advancements of T and NK Cell Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061481. [PMID: 33807011 PMCID: PMC8004685 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review is intended to provide an overview on the history and recent advances of T cell and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy. While the thymus was discovered as the origin of T cells in the 1960s, and NK cells were first described in 1975, the clinical application of adoptive cell therapies (ACT) only began in the early 1980s with the first lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cell product for the treatment of cancer patients. Over the past decades, further immunotherapies have been developed, including ACT using cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, products based on the NK cell line NK-92 as well as specific T and NK cell preparations. Recent advances have successfully improved the effectiveness of T, NK, CIK or NK-92 cells towards tumor-targeting antigens generated by genetic engineering of the immune cells. Herein, we summarize the promising development of ACT over the past decades in the fight against cancer. Abstract The promising development of adoptive immunotherapy over the last four decades has revealed numerous therapeutic approaches in which dedicated immune cells are modified and administered to eliminate malignant cells. Starting in the early 1980s, lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells were the first ex vivo generated NK cell-enriched products utilized for adoptive immunotherapy. Over the past decades, various immunotherapies have been developed, including cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, as a peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)-based therapeutic product, the adoptive transfer of specific T and NK cell products, and the NK cell line NK-92. In addition to allogeneic NK cells, NK-92 cell products represent a possible “off-the-shelf” therapeutic concept. Recent approaches have successfully enhanced the specificity and cytotoxicity of T, NK, CIK or NK-92 cells towards tumor-specific or associated target antigens generated by genetic engineering of the immune cells, e.g., to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Here, we will look into the history and recent developments of T and NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Wendel
- Children’s Hospital, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.W.); (L.M.R.); (T.B.); (L.K.); (N.A.); (E.R.)
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie Reindl
- Children’s Hospital, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.W.); (L.M.R.); (T.B.); (L.K.); (N.A.); (E.R.)
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tobias Bexte
- Children’s Hospital, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.W.); (L.M.R.); (T.B.); (L.K.); (N.A.); (E.R.)
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Leander Künnemeyer
- Children’s Hospital, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.W.); (L.M.R.); (T.B.); (L.K.); (N.A.); (E.R.)
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vinzenz Särchen
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Nawid Albinger
- Children’s Hospital, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.W.); (L.M.R.); (T.B.); (L.K.); (N.A.); (E.R.)
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Mackensen
- Department of Medicine 5, University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Eva Rettinger
- Children’s Hospital, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.W.); (L.M.R.); (T.B.); (L.K.); (N.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Tobias Bopp
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- University Cancer Center Mainz, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Children’s Hospital, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.W.); (L.M.R.); (T.B.); (L.K.); (N.A.); (E.R.)
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Jiang Y, Lv X, Ge X, Qu H, Zhang Q, Lu K, Lu Y, Xue C, Zhang L, Wang X. Wilms tumor gent 1 (WT1)-specific adoptive immunotherapy in hematologic diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 94:107504. [PMID: 33657524 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
As an attractive tumor-associated antigen (TAA), Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) is usually overexpressed in malignant hematological diseases. In recent years, WT1-specific adoptive immunotherapy has been the "hot spot" for tumor treatment. The main immunotherapeutic techniques associated with WT1 include WT1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), vaccine, and T cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy. WT1-based adoptive immunotherapy exhibited promising anti-tumorous effect with tolerable safety. There are still many limitations needed to be improved including the weak immunogenetics of WT1, immune tolerance, and short persistence of the immune response. In this review, we summarized the progress of productive technologies and the clinical or preclinical investigations of WT1-specific immunotherapy in hematological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China.
| | - Xiao Lv
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Xueling Ge
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Huiting Qu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Kang Lu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Yingxue Lu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Chao Xue
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Lingyan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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15
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Manfredi F, Cianciotti BC, Potenza A, Tassi E, Noviello M, Biondi A, Ciceri F, Bonini C, Ruggiero E. TCR Redirected T Cells for Cancer Treatment: Achievements, Hurdles, and Goals. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1689. [PMID: 33013822 PMCID: PMC7494743 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) is a rapidly evolving therapeutic approach designed to harness T cell specificity and function to fight diseases. Based on the evidence that T lymphocytes can mediate a potent anti-tumor response, initially ACT solely relied on the isolation, in vitro expansion, and infusion of tumor-infiltrating or circulating tumor-specific T cells. Although effective in a subset of cases, in the first ACT clinical trials several patients experienced disease progression, in some cases after temporary disease control. This evidence prompted researchers to improve ACT products by taking advantage of the continuously evolving gene engineering field and by improving manufacturing protocols, to enable the generation of effective and long-term persisting tumor-specific T cell products. Despite recent advances, several challenges, including prioritization of antigen targets, identification, and optimization of tumor-specific T cell receptors, in the development of tools enabling T cells to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, still need to be faced. This review aims at summarizing the major achievements, hurdles and possible solutions designed to improve the ACT efficacy and safety profile in the context of liquid and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfredi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Claudia Cianciotti
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione Centro San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Potenza
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tassi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Noviello
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Clinica Pediatrica Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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16
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The Quest for the Best: How TCR Affinity, Avidity, and Functional Avidity Affect TCR-Engineered T-Cell Antitumor Responses. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071720. [PMID: 32708366 PMCID: PMC7408146 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, adoptive transfer of T cells has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. In particular, T-cell receptor (TCR) engineering of T cells has marked important milestones in developing more precise and personalized cancer immunotherapies. However, to get the most benefit out of this approach, understanding the role that TCR affinity, avidity, and functional avidity play on how TCRs and T cells function in the context of tumor-associated antigen (TAA) recognition is vital to keep generating improved adoptive T-cell therapies. Aside from TCR-related parameters, other critical factors that govern T-cell activation are the effect of TCR co-receptors on TCR–peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) stabilization and TCR signaling, tumor epitope density, and TCR expression levels in TCR-engineered T cells. In this review, we describe the key aspects governing TCR specificity, T-cell activation, and how these concepts can be applied to cancer-specific TCR redirection of T cells.
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17
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Sillito F, Holler A, Stauss HJ. Engineering CD4+ T Cells to Enhance Cancer Immunity. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071721. [PMID: 32708397 PMCID: PMC7407306 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This review presents key advances in combining T cell receptor (TCR) gene transfer to redirect T-cell specificity with gene engineering in order to enhance cancer-protective immune function. We discuss how emerging insights might be applied to CD4+ T cells. Although much attention has been paid to the role of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in tumour protection, we provide convincing evidence that CD4+ helper T cells play a critical role in cancer immune responses in animal models and also in patients. We demonstrate that genetic engineering technologies provide exciting opportunities to extend the specificity range of CD4+ T cells from MHC class-II-presented epitopes to include peptides presented by MHC class I molecules. Functional enhancement of tumour immunity can improve the sensitivity of T cells to cancer antigens, promote survival in a hostile tumour microenvironment, boost cancer-protective effector mechanisms and enable the formation of T-cell memory. Engineered cancer-specific CD4+ T cells may contribute to protective immunity by a direct pathway involving cancer cell killing, and by an indirect pathway that boosts the function, persistence and memory formation of CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sillito
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2PF, UK
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (H.J.S.)
| | - Angelika Holler
- Cancer Institute, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK;
| | - Hans J. Stauss
- Cancer Institute, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK;
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (H.J.S.)
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18
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Schober K, Müller TR, Busch DH. Orthotopic T-Cell Receptor Replacement-An "Enabler" for TCR-Based Therapies. Cells 2020; 9:E1367. [PMID: 32492858 PMCID: PMC7348731 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural adaptive immunity co-evolved with pathogens over millions of years, and adoptive transfer of non-engineered T cells to fight infections or cancer so far exhibits an exceptionally safe and functional therapeutic profile in clinical trials. However, the personalized nature of therapies using virus-specific T cells, donor lymphocyte infusion, or tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes makes implementation in routine clinical care difficult. In principle, genetic engineering can be used to make T-cell therapies more broadly applicable, but so far it significantly alters the physiology of cells. We recently demonstrated that orthotopic T-cell receptor (TCR) replacement (OTR) by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) can be used to generate engineered T cells with preservation of near-physiological function. In this review, we present the current status of OTR technology development and discuss its potential for TCR-based therapies. By providing the means to combine the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of physiological T cells with the versatility of cell engineering, OTR can serve as an "enabler" for TCR-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Schober
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas R. Müller
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk H. Busch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
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19
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Cowell LG. The Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Potential of Adaptive Immune Receptor Repertoire Profiling in Cancer. Cancer Res 2019; 80:643-654. [PMID: 31888887 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lymphocytes play a critical role in antitumor immune responses. They are directly targeted by some therapies, and the composition and spatial organization of intratumor T-cell populations is prognostic in some cancer types. A better understanding of lymphocyte population dynamics over the course of disease and in response to therapy is urgently needed to guide therapy decisions and to develop new therapy targets. Deep sequencing of the repertoire of antigen receptor-encoding genes expressed in a lymphocyte population has become a widely used approach for profiling the population's immune status. Lymphocyte antigen receptor repertoire deep sequencing data can be used to assess the clonal richness and diversity of lymphocyte populations; to track clone members over time, between tissues, and across lymphocyte subsets; to detect clonal expansion; and to detect the recruitment of new clones into a tissue. Repertoire sequencing is thus a critical complement to other methods of lymphocyte and immune profiling in cancer. This review describes the current state of knowledge based on repertoire sequencing studies conducted on human cancer patients, with a focus on studies of the T-cell receptor beta chain locus. The review then outlines important questions left unanswered and suggests future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay G Cowell
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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20
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He Q, Jiang X, Zhou X, Weng J. Targeting cancers through TCR-peptide/MHC interactions. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:139. [PMID: 31852498 PMCID: PMC6921533 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0812-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy has achieved dramatic success in a clinic, and the Food and Drug Administration approved two chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cell (CAR-T) therapies that target hematological cancers in 2018. A significant issue faced by CAR-T therapies is the lack of tumor-specific biomarkers on the surfaces of solid tumor cells, which hampers the application of CAR-T therapies to solid tumors. Intracellular tumor-related antigens can be presented as peptides in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the cell surface, which interact with the T cell receptors (TCR) on antigen-specific T cells to stimulate an anti-tumor response. Multiple immunotherapy strategies have been developed to eradicate tumor cells through targeting the TCR-peptide/MHC interactions. Here, we summarize the current status of TCR-based immunotherapy strategies, with particular focus on the TCR structure, activated signaling pathways, the effects and toxicity associated with TCR-based therapies in clinical trials, preclinical studies examining immune-mobilizing monoclonal TCRs against cancer (ImmTACs), and TCR-fusion molecules. We propose several TCR-based therapeutic strategies to achieve optimal clinical responses without the induction of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua He
- Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 621 Gangwan Rd, Huangpu Qu, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Xianhan Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Xinke Zhou
- Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 621 Gangwan Rd, Huangpu Qu, Guangzhou, 510700, China. .,Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China.
| | - Jinsheng Weng
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1414 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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21
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Simon B, Harrer DC, Thirion C, Schuler-Thurner B, Schuler G, Uslu U. Enhancing lentiviral transduction to generate melanoma-specific human T cells for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunol Methods 2019; 472:55-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2019.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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22
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Schober K, Müller TR, Gökmen F, Grassmann S, Effenberger M, Poltorak M, Stemberger C, Schumann K, Roth TL, Marson A, Busch DH. Orthotopic replacement of T-cell receptor α- and β-chains with preservation of near-physiological T-cell function. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 3:974-984. [DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0409-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Zhang Y, Li Y. T cell receptor-engineered T cells for leukemia immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:2. [PMID: 30622438 PMCID: PMC6317187 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0720-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, refractory and relapse are major issues for leukemia therapy and a major cause of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant failure. Over the last decade, many studies have demonstrated that adoptive cancer antigen-specific T cell therapy is an effective option for leukemia therapy. Recently, T cell immunotherapy studies have mainly focused on chimeric antigen receptor- and T cell receptor-engineered T cells. Clinical trials involving chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cells have been a major breakthrough and became a novel therapy for leukemia. As another potential therapy for leukemia, clinical application of TCR-engineered T cells remains in its infancy. This article presents a review of the current status of anti-leukemia immunotherapy using leukemia antigen-specific TCR-engineered T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikai Zhang
- 1Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huang Pu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou, 510632 People's Republic of China.,2Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- 1Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huang Pu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou, 510632 People's Republic of China.,2Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
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24
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Echchannaoui H, Petschenka J, Ferreira EA, Hauptrock B, Lotz-Jenne C, Voss RH, Theobald M. A Potent Tumor-Reactive p53-Specific Single-Chain TCR without On- or Off-Target Autoimmunity In Vivo. Mol Ther 2018; 27:261-271. [PMID: 30528087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of T cells with a T cell receptor (TCR) targeting tumor antigen is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Inefficient expression of the introduced TCR due to TCR mispairing may limit the efficacy and adversely affect the safety of TCR gene therapy. Here, we evaluated the safety and therapeutic efficiency of an optimized single-chain TCR (scTCR) specific for an HLA-A2.1-restricted (non-mutated) p53(264-272) peptide in adoptive T cell transfer (ACT) models using our unique transgenic mice expressing human p53 and HLA-A2.1 that closely mimic the human setting. Specifically, we showed that adoptive transfer of optimized scTCR-redirected T cells does not induce on-target and off-target autoimmunity. Furthermore, ACT resulted in full tumor protection and led to a long-lived effective, antigen-specific memory T cell response in syngeneic and xenograft models. Taken together, the study demonstrated that our scTCR specific for the broadly expressed tumor-associated antigen p53(264-272) can eradicate p53+A2.1+ tumor cells without inducing off-target or self-directed toxicities in mouse models of ACT. These data strongly support the improved safety and therapeutic efficacy of high-affinity p53scTCR for TCR-based immunotherapy of p53-associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakim Echchannaoui
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology, University Medical Center (UMC) and University Cancer Center (UCT), Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC), Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jutta Petschenka
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology, University Medical Center (UMC) and University Cancer Center (UCT), Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Edite Antunes Ferreira
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology, University Medical Center (UMC) and University Cancer Center (UCT), Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Beate Hauptrock
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology, University Medical Center (UMC) and University Cancer Center (UCT), Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Carina Lotz-Jenne
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology, University Medical Center (UMC) and University Cancer Center (UCT), Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ralf-Holger Voss
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology, University Medical Center (UMC) and University Cancer Center (UCT), Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Theobald
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology, University Medical Center (UMC) and University Cancer Center (UCT), Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC), Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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25
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Plaumann J, Engelhardt M, Awwad MHS, Echchannaoui H, Amman E, Raab MS, Hillengass J, Halama N, Neuber B, Müller-Tidow C, Goldschmidt H, Hundemer M. IL-10 inducible CD8 + regulatory T-cells are enriched in patients with multiple myeloma and impact the generation of antigen-specific T-cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1695-1707. [PMID: 30128739 PMCID: PMC11028289 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-mediated immunosuppression via regulatory T-cells is a key player among the various immune-escape mechanisms in multiple myeloma. We analyzed the generation, distribution, function and immunophenotype of CD8+CD28- regulatory T-cells in patients with multiple myeloma. Functionality of CD8+CD28- T-cells was assessed by immunological assays using ex vivo generated antigen-specific T-cells from patients with plasma cell dyscrasias and healthy donors. Detailed analysis of distribution, immunophenotype and cytotoxic potential of CD8+CD28- T-cells was performed by flow cytometry and ELISA. We found that the amount of CD8+CD28- T-cells was directly correlated with the suppression of antigen-specific T-cell responses in patients with plasma cell dyscrasia. Analyzing the CD8+CD28- T-cells in detail, increased numbers of these cells were observed in the bone marrow (i.e., tumor microenvironment) of patients with plasma cell dyscrasia. Furthermore, we identified the expression of lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) as a marker of immunosuppression and defined the CD8+CD28-CD57+LFA-1high population as the relevant immunosuppressive compartment. These regulatory T-cells act as immunosuppressors via soluble factors and incubation with IL-10 augmented their immunosuppressive capacity. The immunosuppressive regulatory network of IL-10 and the CD8+CD28-CD57+LFA-1high regulatory T-cells show unique characteristics and contribute to the tumor immune escape mechanism in patients with multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Plaumann
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melanie Engelhardt
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mohamed H S Awwad
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hakim Echchannaoui
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva Amman
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marc S Raab
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Hillengass
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niels Halama
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Neuber
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Goldschmidt
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Hundemer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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26
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Met Ö, Jensen KM, Chamberlain CA, Donia M, Svane IM. Principles of adoptive T cell therapy in cancer. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:49-58. [PMID: 30187086 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0703-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) utilizing either tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-derived T cells or T cells genetically engineered to express tumor recognizing receptors has emerged as a powerful and potentially curative therapy for several cancers. Many ACT-based therapies have recently entered late-phase clinical testing, with several T cell therapies already achieving regulatory approval for the treatment of patients with B cell malignancies. In this review, we briefly outline the principles of adoptively transferred T cells for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özcan Met
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Entrance 81, Floor 05, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Kasper Mølgaard Jensen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Entrance 81, Floor 05, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Christopher Aled Chamberlain
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Entrance 81, Floor 05, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Marco Donia
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Entrance 81, Floor 05, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Entrance 81, Floor 05, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
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27
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Braham MVJ, Minnema MC, Aarts T, Sebestyen Z, Straetemans T, Vyborova A, Kuball J, Öner FC, Robin C, Alblas J. Cellular immunotherapy on primary multiple myeloma expanded in a 3D bone marrow niche model. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1434465. [PMID: 29872571 PMCID: PMC5980416 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1434465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow niches support multiple myeloma, providing signals and cell-cell interactions essential for disease progression. A 3D bone marrow niche model was developed, in which supportive multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells and their osteogenic derivatives were co-cultured with endothelial progenitor cells. These co-cultured cells formed networks within the 3D culture, facilitating the survival and proliferation of primary CD138+ myeloma cells for up to 28 days. During this culture, no genetic drift was observed within the genomic profile of the primary myeloma cells, indicating a stable outgrowth of the cultured CD138+ population. The 3D bone marrow niche model enabled testing of a novel class of engineered immune cells, so called TEGs (αβT cells engineered to express a defined γδTCR) on primary myeloma cells. TEGs were engineered and tested from both healthy donors and myeloma patients. The added TEGs were capable of migrating through the 3D culture, exerting a killing response towards the primary myeloma cells in 6 out of 8 donor samples after both 24 and 48 hours. Such a killing response was not observed when adding mock transduced T cells. No differences were observed comparing allogeneic and autologous therapy. The supporting stromal microenvironment was unaffected in all conditions after 48 hours. When adding TEG therapy, the 3D model surpassed 2D models in many aspects by enabling analyses of specific homing, and both on- and off-target effects, preparing the ground for the clinical testing of TEGs. The model allows studying novel immunotherapies, therapy resistance mechanisms and possible side-effects for this incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike V. J. Braham
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monique C. Minnema
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht Cancer Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke Aarts
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht Cancer Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht Cancer Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht Cancer Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Vyborova
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht Cancer Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht Cancer Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F. Cumhur Öner
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine Robin
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Alblas
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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28
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An optimized single chain TCR scaffold relying on the assembly with the native CD3-complex prevents residual mispairing with endogenous TCRs in human T-cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:21199-221. [PMID: 27028870 PMCID: PMC5008279 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer envisions the adoptive transfer of T-cells genetically engineered with tumor-specific heterodimeric α/β T-cell receptors (TCRα/β). However, potential mispairing of introduced TCRα/β-chains with endogenous β/α-ones may evoke unpredictable autoimmune reactivities. A novel single chain (sc)TCR format relies on the fusion of the Vα-Linker-Vβ-fragment to the TCR Cβ-domain and coexpression of the TCR Cα-domain capable of recruiting the natural CD3-complex for full and hence, native T-cell signaling. Here, we tested whether such a gp100(280-288)- or p53(264-272) tumor antigen-specific scTCR is still prone to mispairing with TCRα. In a human Jurkat-76 T-cell line lacking endogenous TCRs, surface expression and function of a scTCR could be reconstituted by any cointroduced TCRα-chain indicating mispairing to take place on a molecular basis. In contrast, transduction into human TCRα/β-positive T-cells revealed that mispairing is largely reduced. Competition experiments in Jurkat-76 confirmed the preference of dcTCR to selfpair and to spare scTCR. This also allowed for the generation of dc/scTCR-modified cytomegalovirus/tumor antigen-bispecific T-cells to augment T-cell activation in CMV-infected tumor patients. Residual mispairing was prevented by strenghtening the Vα-Li-Vβ-fragment through the design of a novel disulfide bond between a Vα- and a linker-resident residue close to Vβ. Multimer-stainings, and cytotoxicity-, IFNγ-secretion-, and CFSE-proliferation-assays, the latter towards dendritic cells endogenously processing RNA-electroporated gp100 antigen proved the absence of hybrid scTCR/TCRα-formation without impairing avidity of scTCR/Cα in T-cells. Moreover, a fragile cytomegalovirus pp65(495-503)-specific scTCR modified this way acquired enhanced cytotoxicity. Thus, optimized scTCR/Cα inhibits residual TCR mispairing to accomplish safe adoptive immunotherapy for bulk endogenous TCRα/β-positive T-cells.
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29
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Vdovin AS, Bykova NA, Efimov GA. T Lymphocytes with Modified Specificity in the Therapy of Malignant Diseases. Mol Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893317060164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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30
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The genetic susceptibility and dominant protection for type 1 diabetes (T1D) associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes, along with minor risk variants, have long been thought to shape the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and eventual phenotype of autoreactive T cells that mediate β-cell destruction. While autoantibodies provide robust markers of disease progression, early studies tracking autoreactive T cells largely failed to achieve clinical utility. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in acquisition of pancreata and islets from T1D organ donors have facilitated studies of T cells isolated from the target tissues. Immunosequencing of TCR α/β-chain complementarity determining regions, along with transcriptional profiling, offers the potential to transform biomarker discovery. Herein, we review recent studies characterizing the autoreactive TCR signature in T1D, emerging technologies, and the challenges and opportunities associated with tracking TCR molecular profiles during the natural history of T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Jacobsen
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida Diabetes Institute, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Amanda Posgai
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida Diabetes Institute, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Howard R Seay
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida Diabetes Institute, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael J Haller
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida Diabetes Institute, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Todd M Brusko
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida Diabetes Institute, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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31
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Hossain NM, Chapuis AG, Walter RB. T-Cell Receptor-Engineered Cells for the Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2017; 11:311-7. [PMID: 27095318 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-016-0327-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Recent attention in adoptive immunotherapy for hematologic malignancies has focused on lymphocytes expressing chimeric antigen receptors. An alternative technique to redirect the immune system toward cancer cells involves the use of T-cells carrying an engineered tumor-recognizing T-cell receptor (TCR). This approach allows targeting of surface or intracellular/nuclear proteins as long as they are processed and presented on the cell surface by human leukocyte antigen molecules. Several trials in advanced solid tumors, particularly melanoma and synovial sarcoma, support the validity of this strategy, although tumor responses have often been short-lived. Emerging data from patients with multiple myeloma and myeloid neoplasms suggest that the benefit of TCR-modified cells may extend to blood cancers. Methodological refinements may be necessary to increase the in vivo persistence and functionality of these cells. Particularly with affinity-enhanced TCRs, however, more effective therapies may increase the potential for serious toxicity due to the unexpected on- or off-target reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasheed M Hossain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aude G Chapuis
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, D2-190, Seattle, WA, 98109-1024, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Roland B Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, D2-190, Seattle, WA, 98109-1024, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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32
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Bräunlein E, Krackhardt AM. Tools to define the melanoma-associated immunopeptidome. Immunology 2017; 152:536-544. [PMID: 28755382 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have been traditionally applied in malignant melanoma, which represent one of the most immunogenic tumours. Recently, immune checkpoint modulation has shown high therapeutic efficacy and may provide long-term survival in a significant proportion of affected patients. T cells are the major players in tumour rejection and recognize tumour cells predominantly in an MHC-dependent way. The immunopeptidome comprises the peptide repertoire presented by MHC class I and II molecules on the surface of the body's cells including tumour cells. To understand characteristics of suitable rejection antigens as well as respective effective T-cell responses, determination of the immunopeptidome is of utmost importance. Suitable rejection antigens need to be further characterized and validated not only to systematically improve current therapeutic approaches, but also to develop individualized treatment options. In this review, we report on current tools to explore the immunopeptidome in human melanoma and discuss current understanding and future developments to specifically detect and select those antigens that may be most relevant and promising for effective tumour rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bräunlein
- Medizinische Klinik III, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Angela M Krackhardt
- Medizinische Klinik III, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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33
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Fournier C, Martin F, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Galluzzi L, Apetoh L. Trial Watch: Adoptively transferred cells for anticancer immunotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1363139. [PMID: 29147628 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1363139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies aimed at strengthening immune effector responses against malignant cells are growing at exponential rates. Alongside, the impressive benefits obtained by patients with advanced melanoma who received adoptively transferred tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have encouraged the scientific community to pursue adoptive cell transfer (ACT)-based immunotherapy. ACT involves autologous or allogenic effector lymphocytes that are generally obtained from the peripheral blood or resected tumors, expanded and activated ex vivo, and administered to lymphodepleted patients. ACT may be optionally associated with chemo- and/or immunotherapeutics, with the overall aim of enhancing the proliferation, persistence and functionality of infused cells, as well as to ensure their evolution in an immunological permissive local and systemic microenvironment. In addition, isolated lymphocytes can be genetically engineered to endow them with the ability to target a specific tumor-associated antigen (TAA), to increase their lifespan, and/or to reduce their potential toxicity. The infusion of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing cytotoxic T lymphocytes redirected against CD19 has shown promising clinical efficacy in patients with B-cell malignancies. Accordingly, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently granted 'breakthrough therapy' designation to a CAR-based T-cell therapy (CTL019) for patients with B-cell malignancies. Considerable efforts are now being devoted to the development of efficient ACT-based immunotherapies for non-hematological neoplasms. In this Trial Watch, we summarize recent clinical advances on the use of ACT for oncological indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Fournier
- INSERM, U1231, Dijon, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - François Martin
- INSERM, U1231, Dijon, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France.,INSERM, U1015, Villejuif, France.,Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (CICBT), Villejuif, France.,Université Paris Sud/Paris XI, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI, Paris.,Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,INSERM, U1138, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France.,Karolinska Institute, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Pôle de Biologie, Hopitâl Européen George Pompidou, AP-HP; Paris, France
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, France.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.,Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lionel Apetoh
- INSERM, U1231, Dijon, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, Dijon, France.,Centre Georges François Leclerc, Dijon, France
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34
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Wong YNS, Joshi K, Pule M, Peggs KS, Swanton C, Quezada SA, Linch M. Evolving adoptive cellular therapies in urological malignancies. Lancet Oncol 2017; 18:e341-e353. [PMID: 28593860 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(17)30327-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapies have long been used to treat urological cancers but rarely lead to cure. In the past 5 years, success of immune checkpoint inhibition has led to a resurgence of enthusiasm for immunotherapy in the treatment of solid tumours. Increased understanding of tumour immune biology, technological advancements of gene transfer and cell culture, and improved clinical infrastructures for routine delivery of cell products, has made cell-based immunotherapeutics a real prospect for cancer therapy. These scientific and clinical activities, attempting to exploit the innate and adaptive immune systems for therapeutic gain, are well exemplified by the urological malignancies of renal, bladder, prostate, and penile cancer, a group of anatomically localised diseases, each with a distinct biology and different immunotherapeutic challenges. In this Review, we present the results of clinical studies investigating autologous cellular therapies in urological malignancies. Specifically, we discuss the rationale for upcoming studies, and how novel therapies and adoptive cell combinations can be used for personalised cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yien Ning Sophia Wong
- Department of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Translational Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Kroopa Joshi
- Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Martin Pule
- Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Department of Haematology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Karl S Peggs
- Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Department of Haematology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Charles Swanton
- Department of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Translational Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK; Translational Cancer Therapeutics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Mark Linch
- Department of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
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35
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Technical Considerations for the Generation of Adoptively Transferred T Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2016; 8:cancers8090086. [PMID: 27657129 PMCID: PMC5040988 DOI: 10.3390/cancers8090086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant function of the immune system is the surveillance and elimination of aberrant cells that give rise to cancer. Even when tumors are well established and metastatic, immune-mediated spontaneous regressions have been documented. While there are have been various forms of immunotherapy, one of the most widely studied for almost 40 years is adoptive cellular immunotherapy, but its success has yet to be fully realized. Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a therapeutic modality that has intrigued physicians and researchers for its many theoretical benefits. Preclinical investigations and human trials have utilized natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DC), macrophages, T-cells or B-cells for ACT with the most intense research focused on T-cell ACT. T-cells are exquisitely specific to the target of its T-cell receptor (TCR), thus potentially reducing the amount of collateral damage and off-target effects from treatment. T-cells also possess a memory subset that may reduce the risk of recurrence of a cancer after the successful treatment of the primary disease. There are several options for the source of T-cells used in the generation of cells for ACT. Perhaps the most widely known source is T-cells generated from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). However, studies have also employed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), lymph nodes, and even induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) as a source of T-cells. Several important technical considerations exist regarding benefits and limitations of each source of T-cells. Unique aspects of T-cells factor into their ability to be efficacious in ACT including the total number of cells available for ACT, the anti-tumor efficacy on a per cell basis, the repertoire of TCRs specific to tumor cells, and their ability to traffic to various organs that harbor tumor. Current research is attempting to unlock the full potential of these cells to effectively and safely treat cancer.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Strategies to cure HIV-1 infection require the eradication of viral reservoirs. An innovative approach for boosting the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response is the transfer of T-cell receptors (TCRs). Previously, we have shown that electroporation of TCR-encoding mRNA is able to reprogram CD8 T cells derived from healthy donors. So far, it is unknown whether the transfer of HIV-1-specific TCRs is capable to reprogram CD8 T cells of HIV-1-infected patients. To assess the efficiency of TCR-transfer by mRNA electroporation and the functionality of reprogramed T cells in HIV-1-infected patients, we performed an in-vitro analysis of TCR-transfer into T cells from HIV-1-infected patients in various stages of disease and from healthy controls. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 16 HIV-1-infected patients (nine HLA-A02-positive, seven HLA-A02-negative) and from five healthy controls were electroporated with mRNA-constructs encoding TCRs specific for the HLA-A02/HIV-1-gag p17 epitope SLYNTVATL (SL9). Functionality of the TCRs was measured by γIFN-ELISpot assays. RESULTS SL9/TCR transfection into peripheral blood mononuclear cells from both HLA-A02-positive and HLA-A02-negative HIV-1-infected patients and from healthy blood donors reprogramed T cells for recognition of SL9-presenting HLA-A02-positive cells in γIFN-ELISpot assays. SL9/TCR-transfer into T cells from an immunodeficient AIDS patient could induce recognition of SL9-expressing target cells only after reversion of T-cell dysfunction by antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION The transfer of HIV-1-p17-specific TCRs into T cells is functional both in HIV-1-infected patients as well as in healthy blood donors. TCR-transfer is a promising method to boost the immune system against HIV-1.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer immunotherapy has made much progress in recent years. Clinical trials evaluating a variety of immunotherapeutic approaches are underway in patients with malignant gliomas. Thanks to recent advancements in cell engineering technologies, infusion of ex vivo prepared immune cells have emerged as promising strategies of cancer immunotherapy. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors review recent and current studies using cellular immunotherapies for malignant gliomas. Specifically, they cover the following areas: a) cellular vaccine approaches using tumor cell-based or dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines, and b) adoptive cell transfer (ACT) approaches, including lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, γδ T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and T-cell receptor (TCR) transduced T cells. EXPERT OPINION While some of the recent studies have shown promising results, the ultimate success of cellular immunotherapy in brain tumor patients would require improvements in the following areas: 1) feasibility in producing cellular therapeutics; 2) identification and characterization of targetable antigens given the paucity and heterogeneity of tumor specific antigens; 3) the development of strategies to promote effector T-cell trafficking; 4) overcoming local and systemic immune suppression, and 5) proper interpretation of imaging data for brain tumor patients receiving immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lin
- a Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- a Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA
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Sebestyen Z, Scheper W, Vyborova A, Gu S, Rychnavska Z, Schiffler M, Cleven A, Chéneau C, van Noorden M, Peigné CM, Olive D, Lebbink RJ, Oostvogels R, Mutis T, Schuurhuis GJ, Adams EJ, Scotet E, Kuball J. RhoB Mediates Phosphoantigen Recognition by Vγ9Vδ2 T Cell Receptor. Cell Rep 2016; 15:1973-85. [PMID: 27210746 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.04.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells respond to tumor cells by sensing elevated levels of phosphorylated intermediates of the dysregulated mevalonate pathway, which is translated into activating signals by the ubiquitously expressed butyrophilin A1 (BTN3A1) through yet unknown mechanisms. Here, we developed an unbiased, genome-wide screening method that identified RhoB as a critical mediator of Vγ9Vδ2 TCR activation in tumor cells. Our results show that Vγ9Vδ2 TCR activation is modulated by the GTPase activity of RhoB and its redistribution to BTN3A1. This is associated with cytoskeletal changes that directly stabilize BTN3A1 in the membrane, and the subsequent dissociation of RhoB from BTN3A1. Furthermore, phosphoantigen accumulation induces a conformational change in BTN3A1, rendering its extracellular domains recognizable by Vγ9Vδ2 TCRs. These complementary events provide further evidence for inside-out signaling as an essential step in the recognition of tumor cells by a Vγ9Vδ2 TCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Sebestyen
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter Scheper
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Vyborova
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Siyi Gu
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3508 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Zuzana Rychnavska
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen Schiffler
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Cleven
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Coraline Chéneau
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Martje van Noorden
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands
| | - Cassie-Marie Peigné
- INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche 892, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie Nantes Angers, 44000 Nantes, France; University of Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche 6299, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Robert Jan Lebbink
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584, the Netherlands
| | - Rimke Oostvogels
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3508 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Tuna Mutis
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3508 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jan Schuurhuis
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 1081, the Netherlands
| | - Erin J Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, 929 East 57(th) Street, Chicago, IL 60615, USA
| | - Emmanuel Scotet
- INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche 892, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie Nantes Angers, 44000 Nantes, France; University of Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche 6299, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508, the Netherlands.
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Abstract
Tumor cells could fundamentally be recognized and eliminated by the immune system but malignant cells are able to escape the immune surveillance system. The idea of immunotherapy of cancer is to activate, modulate and amplify the host immune response or to genetically equip the immune repertoire of patients with anti-tumor specificities and effectors. In recent years, a variety of promising immunotherapy strategies have been developed, such as bispecific, multispecific and immunoregulatory antibodies, gene-modified T lymphocytes and tumor vaccines. Some drugs have already been approved and others are available for patients in clinical trials. This article presents the current anti-tumor immune strategies and their molecular basis. Even though further research is needed in some areas, such as the establishment of biomarkers for targeted therapy, duration of therapeutic activity and compatibility of combined strategies, cancer immunotherapy is likely to be a key component in oncological treatment concepts in the very near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Dietrich
- III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland,
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40
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Holler A, Zech M, Ghorashian S, Pike R, Hotblack A, Veliça P, Xue SA, Chakraverty R, Morris EC, Stauss HJ. Expression of a dominant T-cell receptor can reduce toxicity and enhance tumor protection of allogeneic T-cell therapy. Haematologica 2016; 101:482-90. [PMID: 26802053 PMCID: PMC5004405 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2015.132712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the lack of specificity for tumor antigens, allogeneic T-cell therapy is associated with graft-versus-host disease. Enhancing the anti-tumor specificity while reducing the graft-versus-host disease risk of allogeneic T cells has remained a research focus. In this study, we demonstrate that the introduction of 'dominant' T-cell receptors into primary murine T cells can suppress the expression of endogenous T-cell receptors in a large proportion of the gene-modified T cells. Adoptive transfer of allogeneic T cells expressing a 'dominant' T-cell receptor significantly reduced the graft-versus-host toxicity in recipient mice. Using two bone marrow transplant models, enhanced anti-tumor activity was observed in the presence of reduced graft-versus-host disease. However, although transfer of T-cell receptor gene-modified allogeneic T cells resulted in the elimination of antigen-positive tumor cells and improved the survival of treated mice, it was associated with accumulation of T cells expressing endogenous T-cell receptors and the development of delayed graft-versus-host disease. The in-vivo deletion of the engineered T cells, mediated by endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus MTV8 and MTV9, abolished graft-versus-host disease while retaining significant anti-tumor activity of adoptively transferred T cells. Together, this study shows that the in-vitro selection of allogeneic T cells expressing high levels of a 'dominant' T-cell receptor can lower acute graft-versus-host disease and enhance anti-tumor activity of adoptive cell therapy, while the in-vivo outgrowth of T cells expressing endogenous T-cell receptors remains a risk factor for the delayed onset of graft-versus-host disease.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bone Marrow Transplantation/methods
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Genes, Dominant
- Genetic Vectors/immunology
- Graft vs Host Disease/genetics
- Graft vs Host Disease/immunology
- Graft vs Host Disease/pathology
- Graft vs Host Disease/prevention & control
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Lymphocyte Depletion/methods
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/genetics
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Survival Analysis
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Transgenes
- Transplantation, Homologous
- Whole-Body Irradiation
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Holler
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London
| | - Mathias Zech
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London
| | - Sara Ghorashian
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London
| | - Rebecca Pike
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London
| | - Alastair Hotblack
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London
| | - Pedro Veliça
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London
| | - Shao-An Xue
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London
| | - Ronjon Chakraverty
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, UK
| | - Emma C Morris
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London
| | - Hans J Stauss
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London
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41
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Maus MV, Levine BL. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy for the Community Oncologist. Oncologist 2016; 21:608-17. [PMID: 27009942 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2015-0421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED : The field of cancer immunotherapy has rapidly progressed in the past decade as several therapeutic modalities have entered into the clinic. One such immunotherapy that has shown promise in the treatment of cancer is the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T lymphocytes. CARs are engineered receptors constructed from antigen recognition regions of antibodies fused to T-cell signaling and costimulatory domains that can be used to reprogram a patient's T cells to specifically target tumor cells. CAR T-cell therapy has demonstrated sustained complete responses for some patients with advanced leukemia, and a number of CAR therapies are being evaluated in clinical studies. CAR T-cell therapy-associated toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome, macrophage activation syndrome, and tumor lysis syndrome, have been observed and effectively managed in the clinic. In patients with significant clinical responses, sustained B-cell aplasia has also been observed and is a marker of CAR T-cell persistence that might provide long-term disease control. Education on CAR T-cell therapy efficacy and safety management is critical for clinicians and patients who are considering this novel type of treatment. In the present report, the current landscape of CAR T-cell therapy, the effective management of patients undergoing treatment, and which patients are the most suitable candidates for current trials are discussed. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The present report describes the current status of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocytes as an immunotherapy for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies. CAR T cells targeting CD19, a protein expressed on many B-cell malignancies, typically induce high complete response rates in patients with B-cell leukemia or lymphoma who have very limited therapeutic options. Recent clinical trial results of CD19 CAR T-cell therapies and the management of CAR T-cell-associated adverse events are discussed. The present report will therefore inform physicians regarding the efficacy and safety of CAR T cells as a therapy for B-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela V Maus
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce L Levine
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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42
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Spear TT, Callender GG, Roszkowski JJ, Moxley KM, Simms PE, Foley KC, Murray DC, Scurti GM, Li M, Thomas JT, Langerman A, Garrett-Mayer E, Zhang Y, Nishimura MI. TCR gene-modified T cells can efficiently treat established hepatitis C-associated hepatocellular carcinoma tumors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:293-304. [PMID: 26842125 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1800-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The success in recent clinical trials using T cell receptor (TCR)-genetically engineered T cells to treat melanoma has encouraged the use of this approach toward other malignancies and viral infections. Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is being treated with a new set of successful direct anti-viral agents, potential for virologic breakthrough or relapse by immune escape variants remains. Additionally, many HCV+ patients have HCV-associated disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which does not respond to these novel drugs. Further exploration of other approaches to address HCV infection and its associated disease are highly warranted. Here, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of PBL-derived T cells genetically engineered with a high-affinity, HLA-A2-restricted, HCV NS3:1406-1415-reactive TCR. HCV1406 TCR-transduced T cells can recognize naturally processed antigen and elicit CD8-independent recognition of both peptide-loaded targets and HCV+ human HCC cell lines. Furthermore, these cells can mediate regression of established HCV+ HCC in vivo. Our results suggest that HCV TCR-engineered antigen-reactive T cells may be a plausible immunotherapy option to treat HCV-associated malignancies, such as HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy T Spear
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Glenda G Callender
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | | | - Kelly M Moxley
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.,Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29415, USA
| | - Patricia E Simms
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Kendra C Foley
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - David C Murray
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Gina M Scurti
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.,Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29415, USA
| | - Mingli Li
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29415, USA
| | - Justin T Thomas
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Garrett-Mayer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29415, USA.,Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29415, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29415, USA.,Biotherapy Center and Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael I Nishimura
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA. .,Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA. .,Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29415, USA.
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43
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Ji Y, Hocker JD, Gattinoni L. Enhancing adoptive T cell immunotherapy with microRNA therapeutics. Semin Immunol 2015; 28:45-53. [PMID: 26710685 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell-based immunotherapies can mediate complete and durable regressions in patients with advanced cancer, but current response rates remain inadequate. Maneuvers to improve the fitness and antitumor efficacy of transferred T cells have been under extensive exploration in the field. Small non-coding microRNAs have emerged as critical modulators of immune system homeostasis and T cell immunity. Here, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the role of microRNAs in regulating T cell activation, differentiation, and function. We also discuss how microRNA therapeutics could be employed to fine-tune T cell receptor signaling and enhance T cell persistence and effector functions, paving the way for the next generation of adoptive immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ji
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - James D Hocker
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luca Gattinoni
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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44
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Abstract
In this issue of Blood, Mamonkin and colleagues report genetically engineered T cells with specificity for the lineage marker CD5 selectively kill T-lymphoma but not normal T cells, although both express the CD5 target antigen.
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45
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Karpanen T, Olweus J. T-cell receptor gene therapy--ready to go viral? Mol Oncol 2015; 9:2019-42. [PMID: 26548533 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
T lymphocytes can be redirected to recognize a tumor target and harnessed to combat cancer by genetic introduction of T-cell receptors of a defined specificity. This approach has recently mediated encouraging clinical responses in patients with cancers previously regarded as incurable. However, despite the great promise, T-cell receptor gene therapy still faces a multitude of obstacles. Identification of epitopes that enable effective targeting of all the cells in a heterogeneous tumor while sparing normal tissues remains perhaps the most demanding challenge. Experience from clinical trials has revealed the dangers associated with T-cell receptor gene therapy and highlighted the need for reliable preclinical methods to identify potentially hazardous recognition of both intended and unintended epitopes in healthy tissues. Procedures for manufacturing large and highly potent T-cell populations can be optimized to enhance their antitumor efficacy. Here, we review the current knowledge gained from preclinical models and clinical trials using adoptive transfer of T-cell receptor-engineered T lymphocytes, discuss the major challenges involved and highlight potential strategies to increase the safety and efficacy to make T-cell receptor gene therapy a standard-of-care for large patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terhi Karpanen
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet and K.G. Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Oslo, Ullernchausseen 70, N-0379 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Johanna Olweus
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet and K.G. Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Oslo, Ullernchausseen 70, N-0379 Oslo, Norway.
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46
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Cancer immunotherapy utilizing gene-modified T cells: From the bench to the clinic. Mol Immunol 2015; 67:46-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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47
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Stauss HJ, Morris EC, Abken H. Cancer gene therapy with T cell receptors and chimeric antigen receptors. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2015; 24:113-8. [PMID: 26342910 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Viral and non-viral gene transfer technologies have been used to efficiently generate therapeutic T cells with desired cancer-specificity. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) redirect T cell specificity toward antibody-recognized antigens expressed on the surface of cancer cells, while T cell receptors (TCRs) extend the range of targets to include intracellular tumor antigens. CAR redirected T cells specific for the B cell differentiation antigen CD19 have shown dramatic efficacy in the treatment of B cell malignancies, while TCR-redirected T cells have shown benefits in patients suffering from solid cancer. In this review we will present strategies to optimize CAR and TCR function, and discuss the importance of target antigen selection to enhance tumor specificity, while reducing on-target and off-target toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans J Stauss
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Royal Free Campus, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK.
| | - Emma C Morris
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Royal Free Campus, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Clinic I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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48
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Straetemans T, Gründer C, Heijhuurs S, Hol S, Slaper-Cortenbach I, Bönig H, Sebestyen Z, Kuball J. Untouched GMP-Ready Purified Engineered Immune Cells to Treat Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:3957-68. [PMID: 25991821 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-2860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Engineering T cells with receptors to redirect the immune system against cancer has most recently been described as a scientific breakthrough. However, a main challenge remains the GMP-grade purification of immune cells selectively expressing the introduced receptor in order to reduce potential side effects due to poorly or nonengineered cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In order to test a novel purification strategy, we took advantage of a model γδT cell receptor (TCR), naturally interfering with endogenous TCR expression and designed the optimal retroviral expression cassette to achieve maximal interference with endogenous TCR chains. Following retroviral transduction, nonengineered and poorly engineered immune cells characterized by a high endogenous αβTCR expression were efficiently depleted with GMP-grade anti-αβTCR beads. Next, the engineered immune cells were validated for TCR expression, function against a panel of tumor cell lines and primary tumors and potential allo-reactivity. Engineered immune cells were further validated in two humanized mouse tumor models. RESULTS The untouched enrichment of engineered immune cells translated into highly purified receptor-engineered cells with strong antitumor reactivity both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, this approach eliminated residual allo-reactivity of engineered immune cells. Our data demonstrate that even with long-term suboptimal interference with endogenous TCR chains such as in resting cells, allo-reactivity remained absent and tumor control preserved. CONCLUSIONS We present a novel enrichment method for the production of untouched engineered immune cells, ready to be translated into a GMP-grade method and potentially applicable to all receptor-modified cells even if interference with endogenous TCR chains is far from complete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy Straetemans
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cordula Gründer
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Heijhuurs
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Samantha Hol
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Halvard Bönig
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Sharpe M, Mount N. Genetically modified T cells in cancer therapy: opportunities and challenges. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:337-50. [PMID: 26035842 PMCID: PMC4381333 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours use many strategies to evade the host immune response, including downregulation or weak immunogenicity of target antigens and creation of an immune-suppressive tumour environment. T cells play a key role in cell-mediated immunity and, recently, strategies to genetically modify T cells either through altering the specificity of the T cell receptor (TCR) or through introducing antibody-like recognition in chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have made substantial advances. The potential of these approaches has been demonstrated in particular by the successful use of genetically modified T cells to treat B cell haematological malignancies in clinical trials. This clinical success is reflected in the growing number of strategic partnerships in this area that have attracted a high level of investment and involve large pharmaceutical organisations. Although our understanding of the factors that influence the safety and efficacy of these therapies has increased, challenges for bringing genetically modified T-cell immunotherapy to many patients with different tumour types remain. These challenges range from the selection of antigen targets and dealing with regulatory and safety issues to successfully navigating the routes to commercial development. However, the encouraging clinical data, the progress in the scientific understanding of tumour immunology and the improvements in the manufacture of cell products are all advancing the clinical translation of these important cellular immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Sharpe
- Cell Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Natalie Mount
- Cell Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
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Abstract
Using the immune system to control cancer has been investigated for over a century. Yet it is only over the last several years that therapeutic agents acting directly on the immune system have demonstrated improved overall survival for cancer patients in phase III clinical trials. Furthermore, it appears that some patients treated with such agents have been cured of metastatic cancer. This has led to increased interest and acceleration in the rate of progress in cancer immunotherapy. Most of the current immunotherapeutic success in cancer treatment is based on the use of immune-modulating antibodies targeting critical checkpoints (CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1). Several other immune-modulating molecules targeting inhibitory or stimulatory pathways are being developed. The combined use of these medicines is the subject of intense investigation and holds important promise. Combination regimens include those that incorporate targeted therapies that act on growth signaling pathways, as well as standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In fact, these standard therapies have intrinsic immune-modulating properties that can support antitumor immunity. In the years ahead, adoptive T-cell therapy will also be an important part of treatment for some cancer patients. Other areas which are regaining interest are the use of oncolytic viruses that immunize patients against their own tumors and the use of vaccines against tumor antigens. Immunotherapy has demonstrated unprecedented durability in controlling multiple types of cancer and we expect its use to continue expanding rapidly.
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