1
|
Alviano AM, Biondi M, Grassenis E, Biondi A, Serafini M, Tettamanti S. Fully equipped CARs to address tumor heterogeneity, enhance safety, and improve the functionality of cellular immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1407992. [PMID: 38887285 PMCID: PMC11180895 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Although adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells has achieved unprecedented response rates in patients with certain hematological malignancies, this therapeutic modality is still far from fulfilling its remarkable potential, especially in the context of solid cancers. Antigen escape variants, off-tumor destruction of healthy tissues expressing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), poor CAR-T cell persistence, and the occurrence of functional exhaustion represent some of the most prominent hurdles that limit CAR-T cell ability to induce long-lasting remissions with a tolerable adverse effect profile. In this review, we summarize the main approaches that have been developed to face such bottlenecks, including the adapter CAR (AdCAR) system, Boolean-logic gating, epitope editing, the modulation of cell-intrinsic signaling pathways, and the incorporation of safety switches to precisely control CAR-T cell activation. We also discuss the most pressing issues pertaining to the selection of co-stimulatory domains, with a focus on strategies aimed at promoting CAR-T cell persistence and optimal antitumor functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Maria Alviano
- Tettamanti Center and Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Marta Biondi
- Tettamanti Center and Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Erica Grassenis
- Tettamanti Center and Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Tettamanti Center and Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Marta Serafini
- Tettamanti Center and Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Sarah Tettamanti
- Tettamanti Center and Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Garaudé S, Marone R, Lepore R, Devaux A, Beerlage A, Seyres D, Dell' Aglio A, Juskevicius D, Zuin J, Burgold T, Wang S, Katta V, Manquen G, Li Y, Larrue C, Camus A, Durzynska I, Wellinger LC, Kirby I, Van Berkel PH, Kunz C, Tamburini J, Bertoni F, Widmer CC, Tsai SQ, Simonetta F, Urlinger S, Jeker LT. Selective haematological cancer eradication with preserved haematopoiesis. Nature 2024; 630:728-735. [PMID: 38778101 PMCID: PMC11186773 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07456-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment for a broad range of haematological malignancies, but the standard of care relies on untargeted chemotherapies and limited possibilities to treat malignant cells after HSCT without affecting the transplanted healthy cells1. Antigen-specific cell-depleting therapies hold the promise of much more targeted elimination of diseased cells, as witnessed in the past decade by the revolution of clinical practice for B cell malignancies2. However, target selection is complex and limited to antigens expressed on subsets of haematopoietic cells, resulting in a fragmented therapy landscape with high development costs2-5. Here we demonstrate that an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting the pan-haematopoietic marker CD45 enables the antigen-specific depletion of the entire haematopoietic system, including HSCs. Pairing this ADC with the transplantation of human HSCs engineered to be shielded from the CD45-targeting ADC enables the selective eradication of leukaemic cells with preserved haematopoiesis. The combination of CD45-targeting ADCs and engineered HSCs creates an almost universal strategy to replace a diseased haematopoietic system, irrespective of disease aetiology or originating cell type. We propose that this approach could have broad implications beyond haematological malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Garaudé
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Romina Marone
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rosalba Lepore
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Cimeio Therapeutics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Devaux
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Beerlage
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Denis Seyres
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Dell' Aglio
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Darius Juskevicius
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Diagnostic Hematology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Zuin
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Burgold
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sisi Wang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Varun Katta
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Garret Manquen
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yichao Li
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Clément Larrue
- Translational Research Center for Oncohematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jérôme Tamburini
- Translational Research Center for Oncohematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Bertoni
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Corinne C Widmer
- Department of Hematology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Diagnostic Hematology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shengdar Q Tsai
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Federico Simonetta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center for Oncohematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Lukas T Jeker
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
- Innovation Focus Cell Therapy, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guijarro-Albaladejo B, Marrero-Cepeda C, Rodríguez-Arbolí E, Sierro-Martínez B, Pérez-Simón JA, García-Guerrero E. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T Cells in acute myeloid leukemia: limitations and expectations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1376554. [PMID: 38694825 PMCID: PMC11061469 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1376554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis despite the advent of novel therapies. Consequently, a major need exists for new therapeutic options, particularly for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML. In recent years, it has been possible to individualize the treatment of a subgroup of patients, particularly with the emergence of multiple targeted therapies. Nonetheless, a considerable number of patients remain without therapeutic options, and overall prognosis remains poor because of a high rate of disease relapse. In this sense, cellular therapies, especially chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, have dramatically shifted the therapeutic options for other hematologic malignancies, such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In contrast, effectively treating AML with CAR-based immunotherapy poses major biological and clinical challenges, most of them derived from the unmet need to identify target antigens with expression restricted to the AML blast without compromising the viability of the normal hematopoietic stem cell counterpart. Although those limitations have hampered CAR-T cell therapy translation to the clinic, there are several clinical trials where target antigens, such as CD123, CLL-1 or CD33 are being used to treat AML patients showing promising results. Moreover, there are continuing efforts to enhance the specificity and efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in AML. These endeavors encompass the exploration of novel avenues, including the development of dual CAR-T cells and next-generation CAR-T cells, as well as the utilization of gene editing tools to mitigate off-tumor toxicities. In this review, we will summarize the ongoing clinical studies and the early clinical results reported with CAR-T cells in AML, as well as highlight CAR-T cell limitations and the most recent approaches to overcome these barriers. We will also discuss how and when CAR-T cells should be used in the context of AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Guijarro-Albaladejo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - Cristina Marrero-Cepeda
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Hematología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rodríguez-Arbolí
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Hematología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Belén Sierro-Martínez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pérez-Simón
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Hematología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Estefanía García-Guerrero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Casirati G. Stem cells in disguise. Science 2024; 383:714. [PMID: 38359127 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn9409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Epitope editing can empower targeted cancer immunotherapies.
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang C, Peng K, Liu Q, Huang Q, Liu T. Adavosertib and beyond: Biomarkers, drug combination and toxicity of WEE1 inhibitors. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104233. [PMID: 38103761 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104233] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
WEE1 kinase is renowned as an S-G2 checkpoint inhibitor activated by ATR-CHK1 in response to replication stress. WEE1 inhibition enhances replication stress and effectively circumvents checkpoints into mitosis, which triggers significant genetic impairs and culminates in cell death. This approach has been validated clinically for its promising anti-tumor efficacy across various cancer types, notably in cases of ovarian cancers. Nonetheless, the initial stage of clinical trials has shown that the first-in-human WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib is limited by dose-limiting adverse events. As a result, recent efforts have been made to explore predictive biomarkers and smart combination schedules to alleviate adverse effects. In this review, we focused on the exploration of therapeutic biomarkers, as well as schedules of combination utilizing WEE1 inhibitors and canonical anticancer drugs, according to the latest preclinical and clinical studies, indicating that the optimal application of WEE1 inhibitors will likely be as part of dose-reducing combination and be tailored to specific patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Peng
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihong Huang
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Petty NE, Radtke S, Fields E, Humbert O, Llewellyn MJ, Laszlo GS, Zhu H, Jerome KR, Walter RB, Kiem HP. Efficient long-term multilineage engraftment of CD33-edited hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in nonhuman primates. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101121. [PMID: 37868209 PMCID: PMC10585325 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Current immunotherapeutic targets are often shared between neoplastic and normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), leading to unwanted on-target, off-tumor toxicities. Deletion or modification of such targets to protect normal HSPCs is, therefore, of great interest. Although HSPC modifications commonly aim to mimic naturally occurring phenotypes, the long-term persistence and safety of gene-edited cells need to be evaluated. Here, we deleted the V-set domain of CD33, the immune-dominant domain targeted by most anti-CD33 antibodies used to treat CD33-positive malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia, in the HSPCs of two rhesus macaques, performed autologous transplantation after myeloablative conditioning, and followed the animals for up to 3 years. CD33-edited HSPCs engrafted without any delay in recovery of neutrophils, the primary cell type expressing CD33. No impact on the blood composition, reconstitution of the bone marrow stem cell compartment, or myeloid differentiation potential was observed. Up to 20% long-term gene editing in HSPCs and blood cell lineages was seen with robust loss of CD33 detection on myeloid lineages. In conclusion, deletion of the V-set domain of CD33 on HSPCs, progenitors, and myeloid lineages did not show any adverse effects on their homing and engraftment potential or the differentiation and functionality of myeloid progenitors and lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Petty
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Stefan Radtke
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Emily Fields
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Olivier Humbert
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Mallory J. Llewellyn
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - George S. Laszlo
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Haiying Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Keith R. Jerome
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Roland B. Walter
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lydeard JR, Lin MI, Ge HG, Halfond A, Wang S, Jones MB, Etchin J, Angelini G, Xavier-Ferrucio J, Lisle J, Salvadore K, Keschner Y, Mager H, Scherer J, Hu J, Mukherjee S, Chakraborty T. Development of a gene edited next-generation hematopoietic cell transplant to enable acute myeloid leukemia treatment by solving off-tumor toxicity. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101135. [PMID: 38027064 PMCID: PMC10643325 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been challenging because the lack of tumor-specific antigens results in "on-target, off-tumor" toxicity. To unlock the full potential of AML therapies, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically ablate the myeloid protein CD33 from healthy donor hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), creating tremtelectogene empogeditemcel (trem-cel). Trem-cel is a HSPC transplant product designed to provide a reconstituted hematopoietic compartment that is resistant to anti-CD33 drug cytotoxicity. Here, we describe preclinical studies and process development of clinical-scale manufacturing of trem-cel. Preclinical data showed proof-of-concept with loss of CD33 surface protein and no impact on myeloid cell differentiation or function. At clinical scale, trem-cel could be manufactured reproducibly, routinely achieving >70% CD33 editing with no effect on cell viability, differentiation, and function. Trem-cel pharmacology studies using mouse xenograft models showed long-term engraftment, multilineage differentiation, and persistence of gene editing. Toxicology assessment revealed no adverse findings, and no significant or reproducible off-target editing events. Importantly, CD33-knockout myeloid cells were resistant to the CD33-targeted agent gemtuzumab ozogamicin in vitro and in vivo. These studies supported the initiation of the first-in-human, multicenter clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of trem-cel in patients with AML (NCT04849910).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shu Wang
- Vor Biopharma, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Siddhartha Mukherjee
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Edward P. Evans Center for Myelodysplastic Syndromes at Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Marone R, Landmann E, Devaux A, Lepore R, Seyres D, Zuin J, Burgold T, Engdahl C, Capoferri G, Dell’Aglio A, Larrue C, Simonetta F, Rositzka J, Rhiel M, Andrieux G, Gallagher DN, Schröder MS, Wiederkehr A, Sinopoli A, Do Sacramento V, Haydn A, Garcia-Prat L, Divsalar C, Camus A, Xu L, Bordoli L, Schwede T, Porteus M, Tamburini J, Corn JE, Cathomen T, Cornu TI, Urlinger S, Jeker LT. Epitope-engineered human hematopoietic stem cells are shielded from CD123-targeted immunotherapy. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20231235. [PMID: 37773046 PMCID: PMC10541312 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20231235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted eradication of transformed or otherwise dysregulated cells using monoclonal antibodies (mAb), antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), T cell engagers (TCE), or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cells is very effective for hematologic diseases. Unlike the breakthrough progress achieved for B cell malignancies, there is a pressing need to find suitable antigens for myeloid malignancies. CD123, the interleukin-3 (IL-3) receptor alpha-chain, is highly expressed in various hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, shared CD123 expression on healthy hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) bears the risk for myelotoxicity. We demonstrate that epitope-engineered HSPCs were shielded from CD123-targeted immunotherapy but remained functional, while CD123-deficient HSPCs displayed a competitive disadvantage. Transplantation of genome-edited HSPCs could enable tumor-selective targeted immunotherapy while rebuilding a fully functional hematopoietic system. We envision that this approach is broadly applicable to other targets and cells, could render hitherto undruggable targets accessible to immunotherapy, and will allow continued posttransplant therapy, for instance, to treat minimal residual disease (MRD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romina Marone
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuelle Landmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Devaux
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rosalba Lepore
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Cimeio Therapeutics AG, Basel, Switzerland
- Ridgeline Discovery GmbH, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Denis Seyres
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Zuin
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Burgold
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Engdahl
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppina Capoferri
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Dell’Aglio
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Clément Larrue
- Translational Research Centre in Onco-Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, and Swiss Cancer Center Leman, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Federico Simonetta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Translational Research Center for Onco-Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julia Rositzka
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Rhiel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Danielle N. Gallagher
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Markus S. Schröder
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Anna Haydn
- Ridgeline Discovery GmbH, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Anna Camus
- Cimeio Therapeutics AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Liwen Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lorenza Bordoli
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Torsten Schwede
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthew Porteus
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jérôme Tamburini
- Department of Medicine, Translational Research Center for Onco-Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jacob E. Corn
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana I. Cornu
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Urlinger
- Cimeio Therapeutics AG, Basel, Switzerland
- Ridgeline Discovery GmbH, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas T. Jeker
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Volta L, Manz MG. Twisted: Escape of epitope-edited healthy cells from immune attack. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20231635. [PMID: 37819374 PMCID: PMC10565509 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20231635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell-derived neoplasia is challenging to target by cell surface-directed immunotherapy due to lack of tumor cell-specific antigen identification. Marone et al. (2023. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20231235) provide a solution by target-epitope resistance editing in healthy hematopoietic stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Volta
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus G. Manz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim MY. Making normal hematopoiesis invisible to CAR T cells. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:983-984. [PMID: 37863719 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Two recent studies, by Casirati et al. and Wellhausen et al., report genetically engineering normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to be resistant to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, by changing a single amino acid in the target protein that abrogates CAR binding, without compromising protein function. This allows for selective targeting of cancer cells without harming normal hematopoietic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Y Kim
- Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cummins K, Gill S. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2023; 37:1125-1147. [PMID: 37442676 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Up to 30% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who undergo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy have evidence of response, although trials are highly heterogeneous. These responses are rarely deep or durable. CD123, CD33, and CLL-1 have emerged as the most common targets for CAR T cells in AML. CAR T cells against myeloid antigens cause myeloablation as well as cytokine release syndrome, although neurotoxicity is rarely seen. Future efforts should focus on AML-specific antigen discovery or engineering, and on further enhancing the activity of CAR T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Cummins
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Saar Gill
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 8-101 Smilow Center for Translational Research, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen C, Wang Z, Qin Y. CRISPR/Cas9 system: recent applications in immuno-oncology and cancer immunotherapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:95. [PMID: 37964355 PMCID: PMC10647168 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00457-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) is essentially an adaptive immunity weapon in prokaryotes against foreign DNA. This system inspires the development of genome-editing technology in eukaryotes. In biomedicine research, CRISPR has offered a powerful platform to establish tumor-bearing models and screen potential targets in the immuno-oncology field, broadening our insights into cancer genomics. In translational medicine, the versatile CRISPR/Cas9 system exhibits immense potential to break the current limitations of cancer immunotherapy, thereby expanding the feasibility of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) in treating solid tumors. Herein, we first explain the principles of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and introduce CRISPR as a tool in tumor modeling. We next focus on the CRISPR screening for target discovery that reveals tumorigenesis, immune evasion, and drug resistance mechanisms. Moreover, we discuss the recent breakthroughs of genetically modified ACT using CRISPR/Cas9. Finally, we present potential challenges and perspectives in basic research and clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CRISPR/Cas9 applications that advance our insights into tumor-immune interaction and lay the foundation to optimize cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Haubner S, Mansilla-Soto J, Nataraj S, Kogel F, Chang Q, de Stanchina E, Lopez M, Ng MR, Fraser K, Subklewe M, Park JH, Wang X, Rivière I, Sadelain M. Cooperative CAR targeting to selectively eliminate AML and minimize escape. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1871-1891.e6. [PMID: 37802054 PMCID: PMC11006543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) poses a singular challenge for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy owing to its phenotypic heterogeneity and similarity to normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Here we expound a CAR strategy intended to efficiently target AML while minimizing HSPC toxicity. Quantification of target expression in relapsed/refractory patient samples and normal HSPCs reveals a therapeutic window for gated co-targeting of ADGRE2 and CLEC12A: We combine an attenuated ADGRE2-CAR with a CLEC12A-chimeric costimulatory receptor (ADCLEC.syn1) to preferentially engage ADGRE2posCLEC12Apos leukemic stem cells over ADGRE2lowCLEC12Aneg normal HSPCs. ADCLEC.syn1 prevents antigen escape in AML xenograft models, outperforms the ADGRE2-CAR alone and eradicates AML despite proximate myelopoiesis in humanized mice. Off-target HSPC toxicity is similar to that of a CD19-CAR and can be mitigated by reducing CAR T cell-derived interferon-γ. Overall, we demonstrate the ability of target density-adapted cooperative CAR targeting to selectively eliminate AML and potentially obviate the need for hematopoietic rescue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Haubner
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jorge Mansilla-Soto
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sarah Nataraj
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Friederike Kogel
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael Lopez
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mei Rosa Ng
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Kathryn Fraser
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Marion Subklewe
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jae H Park
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Cellular Therapy Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xiuyan Wang
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Michael G. Harris Cell Therapy and Cell Engineering Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Isabelle Rivière
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Michael G. Harris Cell Therapy and Cell Engineering Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Petty NE, Thomas J, Radtke S, Kiem HP. Now you see me, now you don't: New approaches to sparing nonmalignant cells from CAR T cell therapies. MED 2023; 4:749-751. [PMID: 37951207 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
While new immunotherapies have revolutionized the field of oncology, they have been limited by their inability to distinguish between cancerous cells and healthy HSPCs. Work by Casirati et al.1 and Wellhausen et al.2 in epitope editing antigens commonly expressed on AML and HSPCs has unlocked several new targets for immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Petty
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Justin Thomas
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Stefan Radtke
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wellhausen N, O’Connell RP, Lesch S, Engel NW, Rennels AK, Gonzales D, Herbst F, Young RM, Garcia KC, Weiner D, June CH, Gill SI. Epitope base editing CD45 in hematopoietic cells enables universal blood cancer immune therapy. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadi1145. [PMID: 37651540 PMCID: PMC10682510 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi1145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of cell surface cancer-specific antigens, immunotherapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, monoclonal antibodies, or bispecific T cell engagers typically target lineage antigens. Currently, such immunotherapies are individually designed and tested for each disease. This approach is inefficient and limited to a few lineage antigens for which the on-target/off-tumor toxicities are clinically tolerated. Here, we sought to develop a universal CAR T cell therapy for blood cancers directed against the pan-leukocyte marker CD45. To protect healthy hematopoietic cells, including CAR T cells, from CD45-directed on-target/off-tumor toxicity while preserving the essential functions of CD45, we mapped the epitope on CD45 that is targeted by the CAR and used CRISPR adenine base editing to install a function-preserving mutation sufficient to evade CAR T cell recognition. Epitope-edited CD45 CAR T cells were fratricide resistant and effective against patient-derived acute myeloid leukemia, B cell lymphoma, and acute T cell leukemia. Epitope-edited hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were protected from CAR T cells and, unlike CD45 knockout cells, could engraft, persist, and differentiate in vivo. Ex vivo epitope editing in HSCs and T cells enables the safe and effective use of CD45-directed CAR T cells and bispecific T cell engagers for the universal treatment of hematologic malignancies and might be exploited for other diseases requiring intensive hematopoietic ablation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Wellhausen
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| | - Ryan P. O’Connell
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stefanie Lesch
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| | - Nils W. Engel
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| | - Austin K. Rennels
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| | - Donna Gonzales
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| | - Friederike Herbst
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| | - Regina M. Young
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| | - K. Christopher Garcia
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carl H. June
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| | - Saar I. Gill
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Casirati G, Cosentino A, Mucci A, Salah Mahmoud M, Ugarte Zabala I, Zeng J, Ficarro SB, Klatt D, Brendel C, Rambaldi A, Ritz J, Marto JA, Pellin D, Bauer DE, Armstrong SA, Genovese P. Epitope editing enables targeted immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukaemia. Nature 2023; 621:404-414. [PMID: 37648862 PMCID: PMC10499609 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06496-5] [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: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the considerable efficacy observed when targeting a dispensable lineage antigen, such as CD19 in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia1,2, the broader applicability of adoptive immunotherapies is hampered by the absence of tumour-restricted antigens3-5. Acute myeloid leukaemia immunotherapies target genes expressed by haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) or differentiated myeloid cells, resulting in intolerable on-target/off-tumour toxicity. Here we show that epitope engineering of donor HSPCs used for bone marrow transplantation endows haematopoietic lineages with selective resistance to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells or monoclonal antibodies, without affecting protein function or regulation. This strategy enables the targeting of genes that are essential for leukaemia survival regardless of shared expression on HSPCs, reducing the risk of tumour immune escape. By performing epitope mapping and library screenings, we identified amino acid changes that abrogate the binding of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeting FLT3, CD123 and KIT, and optimized a base-editing approach to introduce them into CD34+ HSPCs, which retain long-term engraftment and multilineage differentiation ability. After CAR T cell treatment, we confirmed resistance of epitope-edited haematopoiesis and concomitant eradication of patient-derived acute myeloid leukaemia xenografts. Furthermore, we show that multiplex epitope engineering of HSPCs is feasible and enables more effective immunotherapies against multiple targets without incurring overlapping off-tumour toxicities. We envision that this approach will provide opportunities to treat relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia and enable safer non-genotoxic conditioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Casirati
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Milano-Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Andrea Cosentino
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan and Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Adele Mucci
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Mohammed Salah Mahmoud
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Iratxe Ugarte Zabala
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jing Zeng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Scott B Ficarro
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Blais Proteomics Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Emergent Drug Targets, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Denise Klatt
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Christian Brendel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alessandro Rambaldi
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan and Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Jerome Ritz
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Connell and O'Reilly Families Cell Manipulation Core Facility, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Jarrod A Marto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Blais Proteomics Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Emergent Drug Targets, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danilo Pellin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott A Armstrong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pietro Genovese
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Vanhooren J, Dobbelaere R, Derpoorter C, Deneweth L, Van Camp L, Uyttebroeck A, De Moerloose B, Lammens T. CAR-T in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Barriers and How to Overcome Them. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e937. [PMID: 37674860 PMCID: PMC10479376 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are characterized by high rates of relapse, severe toxicities, and poor overall survival rates. Thus, the development of new therapeutic strategies is crucial for improving the survival and quality of life of AML patients. CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy has been extremely successful in the treatment of B-cell acute lymphoid leukemia and several mature B-cell lymphomas. However, the use of CAR T-cell therapy for AML is currently prevented due to the lack of a myeloid equivalent to CD19, as currently known cell surface targets on leukemic blasts are also expressed on healthy hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as well as their progeny. In addition, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment has a dampening effect on the antitumor activity of CAR-T cells. Here, we review the therapeutic challenges limiting the use of CAR T-cell therapy for AML and discuss promising novel strategies to overcome them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Vanhooren
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rani Dobbelaere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Derpoorter
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Larissa Deneweth
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurens Van Camp
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Uyttebroeck
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim Lammens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Martin-Rufino JD, Castano N, Pang M, Grody EI, Joubran S, Caulier A, Wahlster L, Li T, Qiu X, Riera-Escandell AM, Newby GA, Al'Khafaji A, Chaudhary S, Black S, Weng C, Munson G, Liu DR, Wlodarski MW, Sims K, Oakley JH, Fasano RM, Xavier RJ, Lander ES, Klein DE, Sankaran VG. Massively parallel base editing to map variant effects in human hematopoiesis. Cell 2023; 186:2456-2474.e24. [PMID: 37137305 PMCID: PMC10225359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Systematic evaluation of the impact of genetic variants is critical for the study and treatment of human physiology and disease. While specific mutations can be introduced by genome engineering, we still lack scalable approaches that are applicable to the important setting of primary cells, such as blood and immune cells. Here, we describe the development of massively parallel base-editing screens in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Such approaches enable functional screens for variant effects across any hematopoietic differentiation state. Moreover, they allow for rich phenotyping through single-cell RNA sequencing readouts and separately for characterization of editing outcomes through pooled single-cell genotyping. We efficiently design improved leukemia immunotherapy approaches, comprehensively identify non-coding variants modulating fetal hemoglobin expression, define mechanisms regulating hematopoietic differentiation, and probe the pathogenicity of uncharacterized disease-associated variants. These strategies will advance effective and high-throughput variant-to-function mapping in human hematopoiesis to identify the causes of diverse diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge D Martin-Rufino
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; PhD Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicole Castano
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michael Pang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Samantha Joubran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Chemical Biology PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexis Caulier
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Lara Wahlster
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tongqing Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Xiaojie Qiu
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Gregory A Newby
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Aziz Al'Khafaji
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Susan Black
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Chen Weng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Glen Munson
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Marcin W Wlodarski
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kacie Sims
- St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA
| | - Jamie H Oakley
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ross M Fasano
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ramnik J Xavier
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, and Center for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Eric S Lander
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daryl E Klein
- Department of Pharmacology and Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Vijay G Sankaran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li C, Anderson AK, Wang H, Gil S, Kim J, Huang L, Germond A, Baldessari A, Nelson V, Bar KJ, Peterson CW, Bui J, Kiem HP, Lieber A. Stable HIV decoy receptor expression after in vivo HSC transduction in mice and NHPs: Safety and efficacy in protection from SHIV. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1059-1073. [PMID: 36760126 PMCID: PMC10124088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We aim to develop an in vivo hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy approach for persistent control/protection of HIV-1 infection based on the stable expression of a secreted decoy protein for HIV receptors CD4 and CCR5 (eCD4-Ig) from blood cells. HSCs in mice and a rhesus macaque were mobilized from the bone marrow and transduced by an intravenous injection of HSC-tropic, integrating HDAd5/35++ vectors expressing rhesus eCD4-Ig. In vivo HSC transduction/selection resulted in stable serum eCD4-Ig levels of ∼100 μg/mL (mice) and >20 μg/mL (rhesus) with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 1 μg/mL measured by an HIV neutralization assay. After simian-human-immunodeficiency virus D (SHIV.D) challenge of rhesus macaques injected with HDAd-eCD4-Ig or a control HDAd5/35++ vector, peak plasma viral load levels were ∼50-fold lower in the eCD4-Ig-expressing animal. Furthermore, the viral load was lower in tissues with the highest eCD4-Ig expression, specifically the spleen and lymph nodes. SHIV.D challenge triggered a selective expansion of transduced CD4+CCR5+ cells, thereby increasing serum eCD4-Ig levels. The latter, however, broke immune tolerance and triggered anti-eCD4-Ig antibody responses, which could have contributed to the inability to eliminate SHIV.D. Our data will guide us in the improvement of the in vivo approach. Clearly, our conclusions need to be validated in larger animal cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Anna Kate Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sucheol Gil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jiho Kim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Lishan Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Audrey Germond
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Division of Regenerative Medicine and Gene Therapy, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Audrey Baldessari
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Division of Regenerative Medicine and Gene Therapy, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Veronica Nelson
- Stem and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Katharine J Bar
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christopher W Peterson
- Stem and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Washington National Primate Research Center, Division of Regenerative Medicine and Gene Therapy, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - John Bui
- Stem and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infection Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Stem and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Washington National Primate Research Center, Division of Regenerative Medicine and Gene Therapy, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - André Lieber
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Washington National Primate Research Center, Division of Regenerative Medicine and Gene Therapy, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xiao X, Ma Z, Li Z, Deng Y, Zhang Y, Xiang R, Zhu L, He Y, Li H, Jiang Y, Zhu Y, Xie Y, Peng H, Liu X, Wang H, Ye M, Zhao Y, Liu J. Anti-BCMA surface engineered biomimetic photothermal nanomissile enhances multiple myeloma cell apoptosis and overcomes the disturbance of NF-κB signaling in vivo. Biomaterials 2023; 297:122096. [PMID: 37075614 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy for multiple myeloma (MM) faces the challenges of a low complete remission rate and transformation to recurrence/refractory. The current MM first-line clinical drug Bortezomib (BTZ) faces the problem of enhanced tolerance and nonnegligible side effects. B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), for its important engagement in tumor signaling pathways and novel therapy technologies such as Chimeric antigen receptor T-Cell immunotherapy (CAR-T) and Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC), has been identified as an ideal target and attracted attention in anti-MM therapy. Emerging nanotechnology provided feasible methods for drug delivery and new therapeutic strategies such as photothermal therapy (PTT). Herein, we developed a BCMA-Targeting biomimetic photothermal nanomissile BTZ@BPQDs@EM @anti-BCMA (BBE@anti-BCMA) by integration of BTZ, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs), Erythrocyte membrane (EM) and BCMA antibody (anti-BCMA). We hypothesized that this engineered nanomissile could attack tumor cells in triple ways and achieve effective treatment of MM. Consequently, the intrinsic biomimetic nature of EM and the active targeting property of anti-BCMA enhanced the accumulation of therapeutic agents in the tumor site. Besides, owing to the decrease in BCMA abundance, the potential apoptosis-inducing ability was revealed. With the support of BPQDs' photothermal effect, Cleaved-Caspase-3 and Bax signal increased significantly, and the expression of Bcl-2 was inhibited. Furthermore, the synergistic photothermal/chemo therapy can effectively inhibit tumor growth and reverse the disorder of NF-κB in vivo. Importantly, this biomimetic nanodrug delivery system and antibody induced synergistic therapeutic strategy efficiently killed MM cells with ignorable systemic toxicity, which is a promising method for the future anticancer treatment of hematological malignancies in clinics.
Collapse
|
21
|
Borot F, Humbert O, Newby GA, Fields E, Kohli S, Radtke S, Laszlo GS, Mayuranathan T, Ali AM, Weiss MJ, Yen JS, Walter RB, Liu DR, Mukherjee S, Kiem HP. Multiplex Base Editing to Protect from CD33-Directed Therapy: Implications for Immune and Gene Therapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529353. [PMID: 36865281 PMCID: PMC9980058 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
On-target toxicity to normal cells is a major safety concern with targeted immune and gene therapies. Here, we developed a base editing (BE) approach exploiting a naturally occurring CD33 single nucleotide polymorphism leading to removal of full-length CD33 surface expression on edited cells. CD33 editing in human and nonhuman primate (NHP) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) protects from CD33-targeted therapeutics without affecting normal hematopoiesis in vivo , thus demonstrating potential for novel immunotherapies with reduced off-leukemia toxicity. For broader applications to gene therapies, we demonstrated highly efficient (>70%) multiplexed adenine base editing of the CD33 and gamma globin genes, resulting in long-term persistence of dual gene-edited cells with HbF reactivation in NHPs. In vitro , dual gene-edited cells could be enriched via treatment with the CD33 antibody-drug conjugate, gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO). Together, our results highlight the potential of adenine base editors for improved immune and gene therapies. Graphical abstract
Collapse
|
22
|
Li C, Georgakopoulou A, Newby GA, Everette KA, Nizamis E, Paschoudi K, Vlachaki E, Gil S, Anderson AK, Koob T, Huang L, Wang H, Kiem HP, Liu DR, Yannaki E, Lieber A. In vivo base editing by a single i.v. vector injection for treatment of hemoglobinopathies. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e162939. [PMID: 36006707 PMCID: PMC9675455 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.162939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with β-thalassemia or sickle cell disease and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) possessing 30% fetal hemoglobin (HbF) appear to be symptom free. Here, we used a nonintegrating HDAd5/35++ vector expressing a highly efficient and accurate version of an adenine base editor (ABE8e) to install, in vivo, a -113 A>G HPFH mutation in the γ-globin promoters in healthy CD46/β-YAC mice carrying the human β-globin locus. Our in vivo hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) editing/selection strategy involves only s.c. and i.v. injections and does not require myeloablation and HSC transplantation. In vivo HSC base editing in CD46/β-YAC mice resulted in > 60% -113 A>G conversion, with 30% γ-globin of β-globin expressed in 70% of erythrocytes. Importantly, no off-target editing at sites predicted by CIRCLE-Seq or in silico was detected. Furthermore, no critical alterations in the transcriptome of in vivo edited mice were found by RNA-Seq. In vitro, in HSCs from β-thalassemia and patients with sickle cell disease, transduction with the base editor vector mediated efficient -113 A>G conversion and reactivation of γ-globin expression with subsequent phenotypic correction of erythroid cells. Because our in vivo base editing strategy is safe and technically simple, it has the potential for clinical application in developing countries where hemoglobinopathies are prevalent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aphrodite Georgakopoulou
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Gregory A. Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelcee A. Everette
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evangelos Nizamis
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece
| | - Kiriaki Paschoudi
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efthymia Vlachaki
- Hematological Laboratory, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sucheol Gil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anna K. Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Theodore Koob
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lishan Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Stem and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David R. Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - André Lieber
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Combinatorial antigen targeting strategies for acute leukemia: application in myeloid malignancy. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:282-290. [PMID: 34955406 PMCID: PMC8950815 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.10.007] [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: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Efforts to safely and effectively treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting a single leukemia-associated antigen with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have met with limited success, due in part to heterogeneous expression of myeloid antigens. The authors hypothesized that T cells expressing CARs directed toward two different AML-associated antigens would eradicate tumors and prevent relapse. METHODS For co-transduction with the authors' previously optimized CLL-1 CAR currently in clinical study (NCT04219163), the authors generated two CARs targeting either CD123 or CD33. The authors then tested the anti-tumor activity of T cells expressing each of the three CARs either alone or after co-transduction. The authors analyzed CAR T-cell phenotype, expansion and transduction efficacy and assessed function by in vitro and in vivo activity against AML cell lines expressing high (MOLM-13: CD123 high, CD33 high, CLL-1 intermediate), intermediate (HL-60: CD123 low, CD33 intermediate, CLL-1 intermediate/high) or low (KG-1a: CD123 low, CD33 low, CLL-1 low) levels of the target antigens. RESULTS The in vitro benefit of dual expression was most evident when the target cell line expressed low antigen levels (KG-1a). Mechanistically, dual expression was associated with higher pCD3z levels in T cells compared with single CAR T cells on exposure to KG-1a (P < 0.0001). In vivo, combinatorial targeting with CD123 or CD33 and CLL-1 CAR T cells improved tumor control and animal survival for all lines (KG-1a, MOLM-13 and HL-60); no antigen escape was detected in residual tumors. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings demonstrate that combinatorial targeting of CD33 or CD123 and CLL-1 with CAR T cells can control growth of heterogeneous AML tumors.
Collapse
|
24
|
El-Kharrag R, Berckmueller KE, Madhu R, Cui M, Campoy G, Mack HM, Wolf CB, Perez AM, Humbert O, Kiem HP, Radtke S. Efficient polymer nanoparticle-mediated delivery of gene editing reagents into human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2186-2198. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
|
25
|
Current Limitations and Perspectives of Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T-Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246157. [PMID: 34944782 PMCID: PMC8699597 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most frequent type of acute leukemia in adults. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) has been the only potentially curative treatment for the majority of patients. The ability of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T-cell therapy directed against the CD19 antigen to induce durable remissions in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has provided optimism that this novel treatment paradigm can be extrapolated to AML. In this review, we provide an overview of candidate target antigens for CAR-T-cells in AML, an update on recent progress in preclinical and clinical development of investigational CAR-T-cell products, and discuss challenges for the clinical implementation of CAR-T-cell therapy in AML. Abstract Adoptive transfer of gene-engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cells has emerged as a powerful immunotherapy for combating hematologic cancers. Several target antigens that are prevalently expressed on AML cells have undergone evaluation in preclinical CAR-T-cell testing. Attributes of an ‘ideal’ target antigen for CAR-T-cell therapy in AML include high-level expression on leukemic blasts and leukemic stem cells (LSCs), and absence on healthy tissues, normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). In contrast to other blood cancer types, where CAR-T therapies are being similarly studied, only a rather small number of AML patients has received CAR-T-cell treatment in clinical trials, resulting in limited clinical experience for this therapeutic approach in AML. For curative AML treatment, abrogation of bulk blasts and LSCs is mandatory with the need for hematopoietic recovery after CAR-T administration. Herein, we provide a critical review of the current pipeline of candidate target antigens and corresponding CAR-T-cell products in AML, assess challenges for clinical translation and implementation in routine clinical practice, as well as perspectives for overcoming them.
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu Y, Wang S, Schubert ML, Lauk A, Yao H, Blank MF, Cui C, Janssen M, Schmidt C, Göllner S, Kleist C, Zhou F, Rahfeld JU, Sauer T, Schmitt M, Müller-Tidow C. CD33-directed immunotherapy with third-generation chimeric antigen receptor T cells and gemtuzumab ozogamicin in intact and CD33-edited acute myeloid leukemia and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Int J Cancer 2021; 150:1141-1155. [PMID: 34766343 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cells and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have revolutionized the treatment of cancer, especially of lymphoid malignancies. The application of targeted immunotherapy to patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been limited in particular by the lack of a tumor-specific target antigen. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), an ADC targeting CD33, is the only approved immunotherapeutic agent in AML. In our study, we introduce a CD33-directed third-generation CAR T-cell product (3G.CAR33-T) for the treatment of patients with AML. 3G.CAR33-T cells could be expanded up to the end-of-culture, that is, 17 days after transduction, and displayed significant cytokine secretion and robust cytotoxic activity when incubated with CD33-positive cells including cell lines, drug-resistant cells, primary blasts as well as normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). When compared to second-generation CAR33-T cells, 3G.CAR33-T cells exhibited higher viability, increased proliferation and stronger cytotoxicity. Also, GO exerted strong antileukemia activity against CD33-positive AML cells. Upon genomic deletion of CD33 in HSPCs, 3G.CAR33-T cells and GO preferentially killed wildtype leukemia cells, while sparing CD33-deficient HSPCs. Our data provide evidence for the applicability of CD33-targeted immunotherapies in AML and its potential implementation in CD33 genome-edited stem cell transplantation approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sanmei Wang
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Annika Lauk
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hao Yao
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Chunhong Cui
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Maike Janssen
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christina Schmidt
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Göllner
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Kleist
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fengbiao Zhou
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Tim Sauer
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schmitt
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shaw BC, Estus S. Pseudogene-Mediated Gene Conversion After CRISPR-Cas9 Editing Demonstrated by Partial CD33 Conversion with SIGLEC22P. CRISPR J 2021; 4:699-709. [PMID: 34558988 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although gene editing workflows typically consider the possibility of off-target editing, pseudogene-directed homology repair has not, to our knowledge, been reported previously. Here, we employed a CRISPR-Cas9 strategy for targeted excision of exon 2 in CD33 in U937 human monocyte cell line. Candidate clonal cell lines were screened by using a clinically relevant antibody known to label the IgV domain encoded by exon 2 (P67.6, gemtuzumab). In addition to the anticipated deletion of exon 2, we also found unexpected P67.6-negative cell lines, which had apparently retained CD33 exon 2. Sequencing revealed that these lines underwent gene conversion from the nearby SIGLEC22P pseudogene during homology repair that resulted in three missense mutations relative to CD33. Ectopic expression studies confirmed that the P67.6 epitope is dependent upon these amino acids. In summation, we report that pseudogene-directed homology repair can lead to aberrant CRISPR gene editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C Shaw
- Department of Physiology and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA
| | - Steven Estus
- Department of Physiology and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kim MY, Cooper ML, Jacobs MT, Ritchey JK, Hollaway J, Fehniger TA, DiPersio JF. CD7-deleted hematopoietic stem cells can restore immunity after CAR T cell therapy. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e149819. [PMID: 34423790 PMCID: PMC8410010 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting T cell malignancies with universal CD7-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells (UCART7) can lead to profound immune deficiency due to loss of normal T and NK cells. While a small population of endogenous CD7- T cells exists, these cells are unlikely to be able to repopulate the entire immune repertoire after UCART7 treatment, as they are limited in number and proliferative capacity. To rescue T and NK cells after UCART7, we created hematopoietic stem cells genetically deleted for CD7 (CD7-KO HSCs). CD7-KO HSCs were able to engraft immunodeficient mice and differentiate into T and NK cells lacking CD7 expression. CD7-KO T and NK cells could perform effector functions as robustly as control T and NK cells. Furthermore, CD7-KO T cells were phenotypically and functionally distinct from endogenous CD7- T cells, indicating that CD7-KO T cells can supplement immune functions lacking in CD7- T cells. Mice engrafted with CD7-KO HSCs maintained T and NK cell numbers after UCART7 treatment, while these were significantly decreased in control mice. These studies support the development of CD7-KO HSCs to augment host immunity in patients with T cell malignancies after UCART7 treatment.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD7/genetics
- Cell Engineering/methods
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Gene Editing
- Gene Knockout Techniques
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Leukemia, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, B-Cell/therapy
- Mice
- RNA-Seq
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Single-Cell Analysis
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Transplantation Chimera
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss the important advances in CAR T cell therapy over the past year, focusing on clinical results where available. RECENT FINDINGS Approximately 30 years after they were first conceived of and 15 years after the first small-scale single-center clinical trials, the past 3 years represent a major milestone in the development of CAR T cells. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tisagenlecleucel for the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-ALL and Axicabtagene Ciloleucel, for adults with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) in 2017. Tisagenlecleucel received a second indication in adults with R/R DLBCL in 2018. Regulatory approval for CAR T cells was then granted in Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Most recently, in July 2020 the FDA granted regulatory approval to a third CAR T cell product, Brexucabtagene Autoleucel for mantle cell lymphoma. All products target the CD19 antigen but differ in the costimulatory molecule within the CAR construct. Currently, it is unknown whether there are any differences in clinical activity or toxicity between these products. SUMMARY The CAR T cell the platform is evolving at a rapid pace and is expected to further improve the therapeutic outcomes of hematological malignancies.
Collapse
|
30
|
A novel C2 domain binding CD33xCD3 bispecific antibody with potent T-cell redirection activity against acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2021; 4:906-919. [PMID: 32150609 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
CD33 is expressed in 90% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and its extracellular portion consists of a V domain and a C2 domain. A recent study showed that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs12459419 (C > T), results in the reduced expression of V domain-containing CD33 and limited efficacy of V domain-binding anti-CD33 antibodies. We developed JNJ-67571244, a novel human bispecific antibody capable of binding to the C2 domain of CD33 and to CD3, to induce T-cell recruitment and CD33+ tumor cell cytotoxicity independently of their SNP genotype status. JNJ-67571244 specifically binds to CD33-expressing target cells and induces cytotoxicity of CD33+ AML cell lines in vitro along with T-cell activation and cytokine release. JNJ-67571244 also exhibited statistically significant antitumor activity in vivo in established disseminated and subcutaneous mouse models of human AML. Furthermore, this antibody depletes CD33+ blasts in AML patient blood samples with concurrent T-cell activation. JNJ-67571244 also cross-reacts with cynomolgus monkey CD33 and CD3, and dosing of JNJ-67571244 in cynomolgus monkeys resulted in T-cell activation, transient cytokine release, and sustained reduction in CD33+ leukocyte populations. JNJ-67571244 was well tolerated in cynomolgus monkeys up to 30 mg/kg. Lastly, JNJ-67571244 mediated efficient cytotoxicity of cell lines and primary samples regardless of their SNP genotype status, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit over other V-binding antibodies. JNJ-67571244 is currently in phase 1 clinical trials in patients with relapsed/refractory AML and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome.
Collapse
|
31
|
CAR-T Cell Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Preclinical Rationale, Current Clinical Progress, and Barriers to Success. BioDrugs 2021; 35:281-302. [PMID: 33826079 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-021-00477-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has shown impressive results in chemorefractory B cell malignancies, raising the possibilities of using this immunotherapeutic modality for other devastating hematologic malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is an aggressive hematologic malignancy which, like B cell malignancies, poses several challenges for clinical translation of successful immunotherapy. The antigenic heterogeneity of AML results in a list of potential targets that CAR-T cells could be directed towards, each with advantages and disadvantages. In this review, we provide an up-to-date report of outcomes and adverse effects from published and presented clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy for AML and provide the preclinical rationale underlying these studies and antigen selection. Comparison across trials is difficult, yet themes emerge with respect to appropriate antigen selection and association of adverse effects with outcomes. We highlight currently active clinical trials and the potential improvements and caveats with these novel approaches. Key hurdles to the successful introduction of CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of AML include the effect of antigenic heterogeneity and trade-offs between therapy specificity and sensitivity; on-target off-tumor toxicities; the AML tumor microenvironment; and practical considerations for future trials that should be addressed to enable successful CAR-T cell therapy for AML.
Collapse
|
32
|
Bhattacherjee A, Jung J, Zia S, Ho M, Eskandari-Sedighi G, St. Laurent CD, McCord KA, Bains A, Sidhu G, Sarkar S, Plemel JR, Macauley MS. The CD33 short isoform is a gain-of-function variant that enhances Aβ 1-42 phagocytosis in microglia. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:19. [PMID: 33766097 PMCID: PMC7992807 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00443-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD33 is genetically linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) susceptibility through differential expression of isoforms in microglia. The role of the human CD33 short isoform (hCD33m), preferentially encoded by an AD-protective CD33 allele (rs12459419T), is unknown. Here, we test whether hCD33m represents a loss-of-function or gain-of-function variant. METHODS We have developed two models to test the role of hCD33m. The first is a new strain of transgenic mice expressing hCD33m in the microglial cell lineage. The second is U937 cells where the CD33 gene was disrupted by CRISPR/Cas9 and complemented with different variants of hCD33. Primary microglia and U937 cells were tested in phagocytosis assays and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) was carried out on the primary microglia. Furthermore, a new monoclonal antibody was developed to detect hCD33m more efficiently. RESULTS In both primary microglia and U937 cells, we find that hCD33m enhances phagocytosis. This contrasts with the human CD33 long isoform (hCD33M) that represses phagocytosis, as previously demonstrated. As revealed by scRNAseq, hCD33m+ microglia are enriched in a cluster of cells defined by an upregulated expression and gene regulatory network of immediate early genes, which was further validated within microglia in situ. Using a new hCD33m-specific antibody enabled hCD33m expression to be examined, demonstrating a preference for an intracellular location. Moreover, this newly discovered gain-of-function role for hCD33m is dependent on its cytoplasmic signaling motifs, dominant over hCD33M, and not due to loss of glycan ligand binding. CONCLUSIONS These results provide strong support that hCD33m represents a gain-of-function isoform and offers insight into what it may take to therapeutically capture the AD-protective CD33 allele.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Bhattacherjee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Gunning Lemieux Chemistry Centre E5-18A, Edmonton, T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Jaesoo Jung
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Gunning Lemieux Chemistry Centre E5-18A, Edmonton, T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Sameera Zia
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Madelene Ho
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Ghazaleh Eskandari-Sedighi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Gunning Lemieux Chemistry Centre E5-18A, Edmonton, T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Chris D. St. Laurent
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Gunning Lemieux Chemistry Centre E5-18A, Edmonton, T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Kelli A. McCord
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Gunning Lemieux Chemistry Centre E5-18A, Edmonton, T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Arjun Bains
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Gunning Lemieux Chemistry Centre E5-18A, Edmonton, T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Gaurav Sidhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Gunning Lemieux Chemistry Centre E5-18A, Edmonton, T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Susmita Sarkar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Gunning Lemieux Chemistry Centre E5-18A, Edmonton, T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Jason R. Plemel
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1 Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1 Canada
| | - Matthew S. Macauley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Gunning Lemieux Chemistry Centre E5-18A, Edmonton, T6G 2G2 Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Edmonton, T6G 2E1 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Challenges and Solutions to Bringing Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy to Myeloid Malignancies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 27:143-150. [PMID: 33750074 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Myeloid malignancies including myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia are a group of clonal hematopoietic stem progenitor cell disorders mainly effecting the elderly. Chemotherapeutic approaches improved the outcome in majority of the patients, but it is generally associated with severe toxicities and relapse and does not benefit all the patients. With the success of adoptive cell therapies including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in treating certain B-cell malignancies, these therapeutic approaches are also being tested for myeloid malignancies, but the preclinical and limited clinical trial data suggest there are significant challenges. The principal hurdle to efficient targeted immunotherapy approaches is the lack of a unique targetable antigen on cancer cells leading to off-target effects including myelosuppression due to depletion of normal myeloid cells. Advanced age of the patients, comorbidities, immunosuppressive bone marrow microenvironment, and cytokine release syndrome are some other challenges that are not unique to myeloid malignancies but pose significant challenge for the successful adaptation of this approach for treatment. In this review, we highlight the challenges and solutions to adopt chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies to treat myeloid malignancies.
Collapse
|
34
|
Fix SM, Jazaeri AA, Hwu P. Applications of CRISPR Genome Editing to Advance the Next Generation of Adoptive Cell Therapies for Cancer. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:560-574. [PMID: 33563662 PMCID: PMC8193798 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) for cancer shows tremendous potential; however, several challenges preclude its widespread use. These include poor T-cell function in hostile tumor microenvironments, a lack of tumor-specific target antigens, and the high cost and poor scalability of cell therapy manufacturing. Creative genome-editing strategies are beginning to emerge to address each of these limitations, which has initiated the next generation of cell therapy products now entering clinical trials. CRISPR is at the forefront of this revolution, offering a simple and versatile platform for genetic engineering. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CRISPR applications that have advanced ACT. SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical impact of ACT for cancer can be expanded by implementing specific genetic modifications that enhance the potency, safety, and scalability of cellular products. Here we provide a detailed description of such genetic modifications, highlighting avenues to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and accessibility of ACT for cancer. Furthermore, we review high-throughput CRISPR genetic screens that have unveiled novel targets for cell therapy enhancement.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- CRISPR-Cas Systems
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/adverse effects
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease Management
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Gene Editing/methods
- Genetic Engineering
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Fix
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Amir A Jazaeri
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Patrick Hwu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Godwin CD, Laszlo GS, Fiorenza S, Garling EE, Phi TD, Bates OM, Correnti CE, Hoffstrom BG, Lunn MC, Humbert O, Kiem HP, Turtle CJ, Walter RB. Targeting the membrane-proximal C2-set domain of CD33 for improved CD33-directed immunotherapy. Leukemia 2021; 35:2496-2507. [PMID: 33589747 PMCID: PMC8364569 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01160-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in targeting CD33 in malignant and non-malignant disorders. In acute myeloid leukemia, longer survival with the CD33 antibody-drug conjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) validates this strategy. Still, GO benefits only some patients, prompting efforts to develop more potent CD33-directed therapeutics. As one limitation, CD33 antibodies typically recognize the membrane-distal V-set domain. Using various artificial CD33 proteins, in which this domain was differentially positioned within the extracellular portion of the molecule, we tested whether targeting membrane-proximal targeting epitopes enhances the effector functions of CD33 antibody-based therapeutics. Consistent with this idea, a CD33V-set/CD3 bispecific antibody (BsAb) and CD33V-set-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells elicited substantially greater cytotoxicity against cells expressing a CD33 variant lacking the entire C2-set domain than cells expressing full-length CD33, whereas cytotoxic effects induced by GO were independent of the position of the V-set domain. We therefore raised murine and human antibodies against the C2-set domain of human CD33 and identified antibodies that bound CD33 regardless of the presence/absence of the V-set domain (“CD33PAN antibodies”). These antibodies internalized when bound to CD33 and, as CD33PAN/CD3 BsAb, had potent cytolytic effects against CD33+ cells. Together, our data provide rationale for further development of CD33PAN antibody-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin D Godwin
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George S Laszlo
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Salvatore Fiorenza
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eliotte E Garling
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tinh-Doan Phi
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olivia M Bates
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Colin E Correnti
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Benjamin G Hoffstrom
- Antibody Technology Resource, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Margaret C Lunn
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olivier Humbert
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cameron J Turtle
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 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, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Li C, Wang H, Georgakopoulou A, Gil S, Yannaki E, Lieber A. In Vivo HSC Gene Therapy Using a Bi-modular HDAd5/35++ Vector Cures Sickle Cell Disease in a Mouse Model. Mol Ther 2021; 29:822-837. [PMID: 32949495 PMCID: PMC7854285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently reported that, after in vivo hematopoietic stem cell/progenitor (HSPC) transduction with HDAd5/35++ vectors, SB100x transposase-mediated γ-globin gene addition achieved 10%-15% γ-globin of adult mouse globin, resulting in significant but incomplete phenotypic correction in a thalassemia intermedia mouse model. Furthermore, genome editing of a γ-globin repressor binding site within the γ-globin promoter by CRISPR-Cas9 results in efficient reactivation of endogenous γ-globin. Here, we aimed to combine these two mechanisms to obtain curative levels of γ-globin after in vivo HSPC transduction. We generated a HDAd5/35++ adenovirus vector (HDAd-combo) containing both modules and tested it in vitro and after in vivo HSPC transduction in healthy CD46/β-YAC mice and in a sickle cell disease mouse model (CD46/Townes). Compared to HDAd vectors containing either the γ-globin addition or the CRISPR-Cas9 reactivation units alone, in vivo HSC transduction of CD46/Townes mice with the HDAd-combo resulted in significantly higher γ-globin in red blood cells, reaching 30% of that of adult human α and βS chains and a complete phenotypic correction of sickle cell disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Aphrodite Georgakopoulou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece
| | - Sucheol Gil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece
| | - André Lieber
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Acharya UH, Walter RB. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-Modified Immune Effector Cell Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3617. [PMID: 33287224 PMCID: PMC7761730 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of an increasing number of targeted therapeutics and wider use of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, many patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ultimately succumb to this disease. Given their remarkable efficacy in B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other CD19-expressing B cell malignancies, there is hope adoptive cellular transfer, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified immune effector cell (IEC) therapies, may afford a novel, potent immune-based approach for the treatment of AML that complements or replaces existing ones and improves cure rates. However, it is unclear how best to translate the success of these therapies from B cell malignancies, where use of highly potent immunotherapies is facilitated by identified target antigens with near ubiquitous expression on malignant cells and non-fatal consequences from "on-target, off-tumor cell" toxicities. Herein, we review the current status of CAR-modified IEC therapies for AML, with considerations regarding suitable, relatively leukemia-restricted target antigens, expected toxicities, and interactions of the engineered cells with a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that restricts their therapeutic efficacy. With these challenges in mind, we will discuss possible strategies to improve the cells' potency as well as their therapeutic window for optimal clinical use in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Utkarsh H. Acharya
- Divisions of Hematologic Malignancies & Immune Effector Cell Therapy, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Roland B. Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies for acute myeloid leukemia. Front Med 2020; 14:701-710. [PMID: 33263835 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-020-0763-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapies have achieved unprecedented efficacy in B-cell tumors, prompting scientists and doctors to exploit this strategy to treat other tumor types. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a group of heterogeneous myeloid malignancies. Relapse remains the main cause of treatment failure, especially for patients with intermediate or high risk stratification. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation could be an effective therapy because of the graft-versus-leukemia effect, which unfortunately puts the patient at risk of serious complications, such as graft-versus-host disease. Although the identification of an ideal target antigen for AML is challenging, CAR T therapy remains a highly promising strategy for AML patients, particularly for those who are ineligible to receive a transplantation or have positive minimal residual disease. In this review, we focus on the most recent and promising advances in CAR T therapies for AML.
Collapse
|
39
|
Li LZ, Zhang Z, Bhoj VG. Conventional T cell therapies pave the way for novel Treg therapeutics. Cell Immunol 2020; 359:104234. [PMID: 33153708 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Approaches to harness the immune system to alleviate disease have become remarkably sophisticated since the crude, yet impressively-effective, attempts using live bacteria in the late 1800s. Recent evidence that engineered T cell therapy can deliver durable results in patients with cancer has spurred frenzied development in the field of T cell therapy. The myriad approaches include an innumerable variety of synthetic transgenes, multiplex gene-editing, and broader application to diseases beyond cancer. In this article, we review the preclinical studies and over a decade of clinical experience with engineered conventional T cells that have paved the way for translating engineered regulatory T cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Z Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Vijay G Bhoj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Affiliation(s)
- Roland B Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Isolation of a Highly Purified HSC-enriched CD34 +CD90 +CD45RA - Cell Subset for Allogeneic Transplantation in the Nonhuman Primate Large-animal Model. Transplant Direct 2020; 6:e579. [PMID: 33134503 PMCID: PMC7581184 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a common treatment for patients suffering from different hematological disorders. Allo-HCT in combination with hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy is considered a promising treatment option for millions of patients with HIV+ and acute myeloid leukemia. Most currently available HSC gene therapy approaches target CD34-enriched cell fractions, a heterogeneous mix of mostly progenitor cells and only very few HSCs with long-term multilineage engraftment potential. As a consequence, gene therapy approaches are currently limited in their HSC targeting efficiency, very expensive consuming huge quantities of modifying reagents, and can lead to unwanted side effects in nontarget cells. We have previously shown that purified CD34+CD90+CD45RA− cells are enriched for multipotent HSCs with long-term multilineage engraftment potential, which can reconstitute the entire hematopoietic system in an autologous nonhuman primate transplant model. Here, we tested the feasibility of transplantation with purified CD34+CD90+CD45RA− cells in the allogeneic setting in a nonhuman primate model.
Collapse
|
42
|
Affiliation(s)
- Roland B Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington , Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington , Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington , Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Humbert O, Samuelson C, Kiem HP. CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of haematological diseases: a journey from bacteria to the bedside. Br J Haematol 2020; 192:33-49. [PMID: 32506752 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing therapies represent a significant advancement in next-generation, precision medicine for the management of haematological diseases, and CRISPR/Cas9 has to date been the most successful implementation platform. From discovery in bacteria and archaea over three decades ago, through intensive basic research and pre-clinical development phases involving the modification of therapeutically relevant cell types, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is now being investigated in ongoing clinic trials. Despite the widespread enthusiasm brought by this new technology, significant challenges remain before genome editing can be routinely recommended and implemented in the clinic. These include risks of genotoxicity resulting from off-target DNA cleavage or chromosomal rearrangement, and suboptimal efficacy of homology-directed repair editing strategies, which thus limit therapeutic options. Practical hurdles such as high costs and inaccessibility to patients outside specialised centres must also be addressed. Future improvements in this rapidly developing field should circumvent current limitations with novel editing platforms and with the simplification of clinical protocols using in vivo delivery of editing reagents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Benabdellah K, Sánchez-Hernández S, Aguilar-González A, Maldonado-Pérez N, Gutierrez-Guerrero A, Cortijo-Gutierrez M, Ramos-Hernández I, Tristán-Manzano M, Galindo-Moreno P, Herrera C, Martin F. Genome-edited adult stem cells: Next-generation advanced therapy medicinal products. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:674-685. [PMID: 32141715 PMCID: PMC7214650 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over recent decades, gene therapy, which has enabled the treatment of several incurable diseases, has undergone a veritable revolution. Cell therapy has also seen major advances in the treatment of various diseases, particularly through the use of adult stem cells (ASCs). The combination of gene and cell therapy (GCT) has opened up new opportunities to improve advanced therapy medicinal products for the treatment of several diseases. Despite the considerable potential of GCT, the use of retroviral vectors has major limitations with regard to oncogene transactivation and the lack of physiological expression. Recently, gene therapists have focused on genome editing (GE) technologies as an alternative strategy. In this review, we discuss the potential benefits of using GE technologies to improve GCT approaches based on ASCs. We will begin with a brief summary of different GE platforms and techniques and will then focus on key therapeutic approaches that have been successfully used to treat diseases in animal models. Finally, we discuss whether ASC GE could become a real alternative to retroviral vectors in a GCT setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karim Benabdellah
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada (Andalusian Regional Government), Health Sciences Technology Park, Granada, Spain
| | - Sabina Sánchez-Hernández
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada (Andalusian Regional Government), Health Sciences Technology Park, Granada, Spain
| | - Araceli Aguilar-González
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada (Andalusian Regional Government), Health Sciences Technology Park, Granada, Spain.,Department of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Noelia Maldonado-Pérez
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada (Andalusian Regional Government), Health Sciences Technology Park, Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandra Gutierrez-Guerrero
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, Jill Roberts, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marina Cortijo-Gutierrez
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada (Andalusian Regional Government), Health Sciences Technology Park, Granada, Spain
| | - Iris Ramos-Hernández
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada (Andalusian Regional Government), Health Sciences Technology Park, Granada, Spain
| | - María Tristán-Manzano
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada (Andalusian Regional Government), Health Sciences Technology Park, Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo Galindo-Moreno
- Oral Surgery and Implant Dentistry Department, School of Dentistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Concha Herrera
- Department of Hematology, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.,Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Martin
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada (Andalusian Regional Government), Health Sciences Technology Park, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bair SM, Brandstadter JD, Ayers EC, Stadtmauer EA. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for blood cancers in the era of precision medicine and immunotherapy. Cancer 2020; 126:1837-1855. [PMID: 32073653 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) has been an integral component in the treatment of many hematologic malignancies. Since the development of HCT nearly 50 years ago, the role of this modality has evolved as newer treatment approaches have been developed and integrated into the standard of care. In the last decade, novel and highly active targeted therapies and immunotherapies have been approved for many hematologic malignancies, raising the question of whether HCT continues to retain its prominent role in the treatment paradigms of various hematologic malignancies. In this review, the authors have described the current role of autologous and allogeneic HCT in the treatment of patients with acute leukemias, aggressive B-cell lymphomas, and multiple myeloma and discussed how novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies have changed the potential need, timing, and goal of HCT in patients with these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Bair
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joshua D Brandstadter
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Emily C Ayers
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Edward A Stadtmauer
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Godwin CD, Laszlo GS, Wood BL, Correnti CE, Bates OM, Garling EE, Mao ZJ, Beddoe ME, Lunn MC, Humbert O, Kiem HP, Walter RB. The CD33 splice isoform lacking exon 2 as therapeutic target in human acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2020; 34:2479-2483. [PMID: 32071429 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-0755-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin D Godwin
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George S Laszlo
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brent L Wood
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Colin E Correnti
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olivia M Bates
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eliotte E Garling
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zhengwei J Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mary E Beddoe
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Margaret C Lunn
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olivier Humbert
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Roland B Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wälchli S, Sioud M. Next Generation of Adoptive T Cell Therapy Using CRISPR/Cas9 Technology: Universal or Boosted? Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2115:407-417. [PMID: 32006413 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0290-4_22] [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] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) using either chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)- or T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered lymphocytes has emerged as a promising strategy to treat cancer. However, this therapy is still facing enormous challenges such as poor quality of autologous T cells, T cell exhaustion, and the immune suppressive tumor microenvironments. Additionally, graft-versus-host disease is an issue that must be addressed to allow the use of allogeneic T cells. Strategies to overcome these therapeutic challenges using gene editing technology are now being developed. One strategy is to disrupt TCR and/or MHC expression in healthy donor T cells to generate T cells for universal use. Another strategy is to improve the quality of patient's T cells by eliminating either the expression of selected immune checkpoint receptors or negative regulators of TCR signaling and/or T-cell homeostasis. Here, we review the use of CRISPR-Cas9 platform in T cell engineering with a focus on the development of universal T cells and boosted autologous cells for next-generation ACT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Wälchli
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mouldy Sioud
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bernasconi P, Borsani O. Immune Escape after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT): From Mechanisms to Novel Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010069. [PMID: 31881776 PMCID: PMC7016529 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. Recent advances in understanding its molecular basis have opened the way to new therapeutic strategies, including targeted therapies. However, despite an improvement in prognosis it has been documented in recent years (especially in younger patients) that allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the only curative treatment in AML and the first therapeutic option for high-risk patients. After allo-HSCT, relapse is still a major complication, and is observed in about 50% of patients. Current evidence suggests that relapse is not due to clonal evolution, but instead to the ability of the AML cell population to escape immune control by a variety of mechanisms including the altered expression of HLA-molecules, production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, relevant metabolic changes and expression of immune checkpoint (ICP) inhibitors capable of “switching-off” the immune response against leukemic cells. Here, we review the main mechanisms of immune escape and identify potential strategies to overcome these mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bernasconi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Hematology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Oscar Borsani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-340-656-3988
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Radtke S, Humbert O, Kiem HP. Mouse models in hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy and genome editing. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 174:113692. [PMID: 31705854 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has become an important treatment option for a variety of hematological diseases. The biggest advances have been made with CAR T cells and many of those studies are now FDA approved as a routine treatment for some hematologic malignancies. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy is not far behind with treatment approvals granted for beta-hemoglobinopathies and adenosine deaminase severe combined immune deficiency (ADA-SCID), and additional approbations currently being sought. With the current pace of research, the significant investment of biotech companies, and the continuously growing toolbox of viral as well as non-viral gene delivery methods, the development of new ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy approaches is at an all-time high. Research in the field of gene therapy has been ongoing for more than 4 decades with big success stories as well as devastating drawbacks along the way. In particular, the damaging effect of uncontrolled viral vector integration observed in the initial gene therapy applications in the 90s led to a more comprehensive upfront safety assessment of treatment strategies. Since the late 90s, an important read-out to comprehensively assess the quality and safety of cell products has come forward with the mouse xenograft model. Here, we review the use of mouse models across the different stages of basic, pre-clinical and translational research towards the clinical application of HSC-mediated gene therapy and editing approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Radtke
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Olivier Humbert
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia is a disease that lacks effective therapies, especially in postremission patients. Immunotherapies directed against a lineage-specific antigen (LSA), such as CD33 has demonstrated on-target effects on AML cells but is limited by toxicities because normal myeloid cells and hematopoietic progenitors also express CD33. Here we show that genetically ablating CD33 in human stem/progenitor cells, using Cas9/guide RNA mediated strategies, enables immunotherapy against leukemias using anti-CD33 CAR-T or antibody therapy. We model a postremission human marrow with minimal residual leukemic disease in mice and show effective clearance of acute myeloid leukemia and the reconstitution of the CD33-deleted human graft, enabling future clinical studies. This study presents an approach to treat myeloid leukemias and could be extended to other cancers and other antigens. Antigen-directed immunotherapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts) or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), are associated with severe toxicities due to the lack of unique targetable antigens that can distinguish leukemic cells from normal myeloid cells or myeloid progenitors. Here, we present an approach to treat AML by targeting the lineage-specific myeloid antigen CD33. Our approach combines CD33-targeted CAR-T cells, or the ADC Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin with the transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells that have been engineered to ablate CD33 expression using genomic engineering methods. We show highly efficient genetic ablation of CD33 antigen using CRISPR/Cas9 technology in human stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) and provide evidence that the deletion of CD33 in HSPC doesn’t impair their ability to engraft and to repopulate a functional multilineage hematopoietic system in vivo. Whole-genome sequencing and RNA sequencing analysis revealed no detectable off-target mutagenesis and no loss of functional p53 pathways. Using a human AML cell line (HL-60), we modeled a postremission marrow with minimal residual disease and showed that the transplantation of CD33-ablated HSPCs with CD33-targeted immunotherapy leads to leukemia clearance, without myelosuppression, as demonstrated by the engraftment and recovery of multilineage descendants of CD33-ablated HSPCs. Our study thus contributes to the advancement of targeted immunotherapy and could be replicated in other malignancies.
Collapse
|