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Sligar C, Reilly E, Cuthbertson P, Vine KL, Bird KM, Elhage A, Alexander SI, Sluyter R, Watson D. Graft-versus-leukaemia immunity is retained following treatment with post-transplant cyclophosphamide alone or combined with tocilizumab in humanised mice. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1497. [PMID: 38495918 PMCID: PMC10941522 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Donor haematopoietic stem cell transplantation treats leukaemia by inducing graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) immunity. However, this benefit is often mitigated by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which is reduced by post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) alone or combined with tocilizumab (TOC) in humanised mice. This study established a preclinical humanised mouse model of GVL and investigated whether PTCy alone or combined with TOC impacts GVL immunity. Methods NOD-scid-IL2Rγnull mice were injected with 2 × 107 human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) on day 0 and with 1 × 106 THP-1 acute myeloid leukaemia cells on day 14. In subsequent experiments, mice were also injected with PTCy (33 mg kg-1) or Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (PBS) on days 3 and 4, alone or combined with TOC or control antibody (25 mg kg-1) twice weekly for 28 days. Clinical signs of disease were monitored until day 42. Results Mice with hPBMCs from three different donors and THP-1 cells showed similar survival, clinical score and weight loss. hCD33+ leukaemia cells were minimal in mice reconstituted with hPBMCs from two donors but present in mice with hPBMCs from a third donor, suggesting donor-specific GVL responses. hPBMC-injected mice treated with PTCy alone or combined with TOC (PTCy + TOC) demonstrated prolonged survival compared to control mice. PTCy alone and PTCy + TOC-treated mice with hPBMCs showed minimal hepatic hCD33+ leukaemia cells, indicating sustained GVL immunity. Further, the combination of PTCy + TOC reduced histological damage in the lung and liver. Conclusion Collectively, this research demonstrates that PTCy alone or combined with TOC impairs GVHD without compromising GVL immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Sligar
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Ellie Reilly
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Peter Cuthbertson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Kara L Vine
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Katrina M Bird
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Amal Elhage
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | | | - Ronald Sluyter
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Debbie Watson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular BioscienceUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research InstituteWollongongNSWAustralia
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Bak I, Choi M, Yu E, Yoo KW, Jeong SY, Lee J, Jo M, Moon KS, Yu DY. The Effects of Busulfan on Xenogeneic Transplantation of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Recipient Mice. Transplant Proc 2024; 56:440-447. [PMID: 38368129 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humanized mouse models with engraftment of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are effective tools for the study of human immunity. Busulfan has been used as a substitute for irradiation in human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation models, but it has not been tested in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transplantation models. METHODS This study evaluated PBMC engraftment using cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in female NOD.CB17/Prkdcscid/JKrb/ IL2 receptor γ-/- (NIG) mice treated with busulfan. RESULTS In this model, the percentage of human CD3+ T cell engraftment in the blood was 28.2%, with dominant infiltration of CD8+ cells in the spleen 3 weeks post PBMC transplantation. Production of human cytokines, including Interleukin (IL)-12p70, IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-22, Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha, and IL-10, was determined in mice treated with busulfan. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that busulfan treatment is a beneficial alternative for simple and efficient PBMC engraftment in a rodent model, possibly helping to evaluate human immunity in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inseon Bak
- GHBIO Inc. (Genes & Health Biotechnology), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Immunology and Immunopharmacology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeongjin Choi
- Korea Institute of Toxicology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhye Yu
- GHBIO Inc. (Genes & Health Biotechnology), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong-Won Yoo
- GHBIO Inc. (Genes & Health Biotechnology), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Yule Jeong
- Korea Institute of Toxicology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungyun Lee
- Korea Institute of Toxicology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseong Jo
- Korea Institute of Toxicology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Sik Moon
- Korea Institute of Toxicology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dae-Yeul Yu
- GHBIO Inc. (Genes & Health Biotechnology), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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De Togni E, Cole O, Abboud R. Janus kinase inhibition in the treatment and prevention of graft-versus-host disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1304065. [PMID: 38380328 PMCID: PMC10877010 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1304065] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). For many years, corticosteroids have been the mainstay treatment for GVHD, but cases of steroid-refractory GVHD and the severe adverse effects of high-dose corticosteroids have increased the need for preventative and therapeutic strategies for GVHD. Due to the nature of alloreactive T cells, GVHD is inherently linked to the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, the therapeutic driving force behind stem cell transplantation. A considerable clinical challenge is to preserve GVL while suppressing GVHD. The field of GVHD research has greatly expanded over the past decades, including advancements in T cell modulation and depletion, antibody therapies, chemotherapeutics, cellular therapies, and Janus kinase inhibition. In this review, we discuss current approaches and advances in the prophylaxis and treatment of GVHD with a focus on new emerging advancements in Janus kinase inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa De Togni
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Oladipo Cole
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ramzi Abboud
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Zhang L, Luo L, Chen JY, Singh R, Baldwin WM, Fox DA, Lindner DJ, Martin DF, Caspi RR, Lin F. A CD6-targeted antibody-drug conjugate as a potential therapy for T cell-mediated disorders. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e172914. [PMID: 37917882 PMCID: PMC10795824 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The selective targeting of pathogenic T cells is a holy grail in the development of new therapeutics for T cell-mediated disorders, including many autoimmune diseases and graft versus host disease. We describe the development of a CD6-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (CD6-ADC) by conjugating an inactive form of monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a potent mitotic toxin, onto a mAb against CD6, an established T cell surface marker. Even though CD6 is present on all T cells, only the activated (pathogenic) T cells vigorously divide and thus are susceptible to the antimitotic MMAE-mediated killing via the CD6-ADC. We found CD6-ADC selectively killed activated proliferating human T cells and antigen-specific mouse T cells in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo, whereas the CD6-ADC had no significant detrimental effect on normal T cells in naive CD6-humanized mice, the same dose of CD6-ADC, but not the controls, efficiently treated 2 preclinical models of autoimmune uveitis and a model of graft versus host disease. These results provide evidence suggesting that CD6-ADC could be further developed as a potential therapeutic agent for the selective elimination of pathogenic T cells and treatment of many T cell-mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjun Zhang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Liping Luo
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jin Y. Chen
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rupesh Singh
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - William M. Baldwin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - David A. Fox
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel J. Lindner
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Rachel R. Caspi
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Liang F, Xu H, Cheng H, Zhao Y, Zhang J. Patient-derived tumor models: a suitable tool for preclinical studies on esophageal cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1443-1455. [PMID: 37537209 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00652-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is the tenth most common cancer worldwide and has high morbidity and mortality. Its main subtypes include esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma, which are usually diagnosed during their advanced stages. The biological defects and inability of preclinical models to summarize completely the etiology of multiple factors, the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, and the genetic heterogeneity of tumors severely limit the clinical treatment of EC. Patient-derived models of EC not only retain the tissue structure, cell morphology, and differentiation characteristics of the original tumor, they also retain tumor heterogeneity. Therefore, compared with other preclinical models, they can better predict the efficacy of candidate drugs, explore novel biomarkers, combine with clinical trials, and effectively improve patient prognosis. This review discusses the methods and animals used to establish patient-derived models and genetically engineered mouse models, especially patient-derived xenograft models. It also discusses their advantages, applications, and limitations as preclinical experimental research tools to provide an important reference for the precise personalized treatment of EC and improve the prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Liang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Hongyan Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Hongwei Cheng
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yabo Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Junhe Zhang
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
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KASAPOĞLU B, ERTAN A. Oral small molecule agents in management of ulcerative colitis: fact or fancy? Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:1526-1536. [PMID: 38813493 PMCID: PMC10762860 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5722] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease characterized by recurring episodes of mucosal inflammation in the colon and rectum. The primary pathogenic mechanism of ulcerative colitis is the dysregulation of the mucosal immune response. The disease follows a relapsing-remitting course, and the goal of management is to successfully induce and then maintain remission. Effectively managing this chronic disease requires addressing all aspects of it. Currently, we have various antitumor necrosis factor agents and novel biologics available for treating ulcerative colitis patients with moderate-to-severe disease. However, none of the existing treatments are considered entirely satisfactory or ideal in these cases. After extensive progressive research, oral small molecule therapies targeting mediators of ongoing inflammation represent an exciting and revolutionary change in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, especially for patients with moderate-to-severe disease. In this review, we aimed to summarize the available experience and ongoing research on oral small molecule agents in the management of ulcerative colitis. The available experience and ongoing research with promising outcomes provide convincing evidence that the value of oral small molecule agents is fact not fancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benan KASAPOĞLU
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara,
Turkiye
| | - Atilla ERTAN
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX,
USA
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Algeri M, Becilli M, Locatelli F. Ruxolitinib as the first post-steroid treatment for acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:1299-1313. [PMID: 37606511 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2249230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) are potentially life-threatening complications occurring after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Although steroids represent the first-line treatment for both conditions, in those patients who do not adequately benefit from steroid therapy, standardized treatment algorithms are lacking. In recent years, ruxolitinib has emerged as the most promising agent for the second-line therapy of steroid-refractory (SR)-GvHD. AREAS COVERED This review will summarize the biological properties and the mechanistic aspects that justify the therapeutic role of ruxolitinib in GvHD. In addition, current treatment options for SR-GvHD will be briefly discussed. Finally, results of the most relevant clinical trials on the use of ruxolitinib for SR-GvHD will be analyzed, with a particular focus on two phase-III randomized trials in which ruxolitinib demonstrated its superiority in comparison with the best available therapy. EXPERT OPINION Ruxolitinib has considerably improved the outcome of patients with SR-acute/chronic-GvHD and should be regarded as the standard-of-care option when corticosteroids fail or cannot be tapered. Nevertheless, a number of questions still remain unanswered and significant room for improvement exists. Additional observations derived from a longer follow-up will certainly increase our expertise in the management of this powerful therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Algeri
- Department of Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Magna Grecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Becilli
- Department of Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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Holtan SG, Savid-Frontera C, Walton K, Eaton AA, Demorest C, Hoeschen A, Zhang L, Reid K, Kurian T, Sayegh Z, Julia E, Maakaron J, Bachanova V, Jurdi NE, MacMillan ML, Weisdorf DJ, Felices M, Miller JS, Blazar BR, Davila ML, Betts BC. Human Effectors of Acute and Chronic GVHD Overexpress CD83 and Predict Mortality. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1114-1124. [PMID: 36622700 PMCID: PMC10011883 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute and chronic GVHD remain major causes of transplant-related morbidity and mortality (TRM) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). We have shown CD83 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells prevent GVHD and kill myeloid leukemia cell lines. In this pilot study, we investigate CD83 expression on GVHD effector cells, correlate these discoveries with clinical outcomes, and evaluate critical therapeutic implications for transplant recipients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN CD83 expression was evaluated among circulating CD4+ T cells, B-cell subsets, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, and monocytes from patients with/without acute or chronic GVHD (n = 48 for each group), respectively. CD83 expression was correlated with survival, TRM, and relapse after alloHCT. Differential effects of GVHD therapies on CD83 expression was determined. RESULTS CD83 overexpression on CD4+ T cells correlates with reduced survival and increased TRM. Increased CD83+ B cells and Tfh cells, but not monocytes, are associated with poor posttransplant survival. CD83 CAR T eliminate autoreactive CD83+ B cells isolated from patients with chronic GVHD, without B-cell aplasia as observed with CD19 CAR T. We demonstrate robust CD83 antigen density on human acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and confirm potent antileukemic activity of CD83 CAR T in vivo, without observed myeloablation. CONCLUSIONS CD83 is a promising diagnostic marker of GVHD and warrants further investigation as a therapeutic target of both GVHD and AML relapse after alloHCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shernan G. Holtan
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Constanza Savid-Frontera
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kelly Walton
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Anne A. Eaton
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Connor Demorest
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Andrea Hoeschen
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Hematopathology and Laboratory Medicine, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kayla Reid
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Tony Kurian
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Zena Sayegh
- Department of Hematopathology and Laboratory Medicine, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Estefania Julia
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Joseph Maakaron
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Veronika Bachanova
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Najla El Jurdi
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Margaret L. MacMillan
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Daniel J. Weisdorf
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Martin Felices
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jeffrey S. Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Marco L. Davila
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Brian C. Betts
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Ritacco C, Köse MC, Courtois J, Canti L, Beguin C, Dubois S, Vandenhove B, Servais S, Caers J, Beguin Y, Ehx G, Baron F. Post-transplant cyclophosphamide prevents xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease while depleting proliferating regulatory T cells. iScience 2023; 26:106085. [PMID: 36843851 PMCID: PMC9947306 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a serious limitation of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). While post-transplant administration of cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is increasingly used as GVHD prophylaxis, its precise mechanisms of action and its impact on graft-versus-leukemia effects have remained debated. Here, we studied the mechanisms of xenogeneic GVHD (xGVHD) prevention by PTCy in different humanized mouse models. We observed that PTCy attenuated xGVHD. Using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA-sequencing, we demonstrated that PTCy depleted proliferative CD8+ and conventional CD4+ T cells but also proliferative regulatory T cells (Treg). Further, T-cell receptor β variable region sequencing (TCRVB) analyses demonstrated that highly xenoreactive T-cell clones were depleted by PTCy. Although Treg frequencies were significantly higher in PTCy-treated than in control mice on day 21, xGVHD attenuation by PTCy was not abrogated by Treg depletion. Finally, we observed that PTCy did not abrogate graft-versus-leukemia effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ritacco
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Murat Cem Köse
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Justine Courtois
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Canti
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Charline Beguin
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Sophie Dubois
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Benoît Vandenhove
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Sophie Servais
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Jo Caers
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Yves Beguin
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Grégory Ehx
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium,Corresponding author
| | - Frédéric Baron
- Hematology Research Unit, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I³, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium,Corresponding author
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10
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Gilman KE, Cracchiolo MJ, Matiatos AP, Davini DW, Simpson RJ, Katsanis E. Partially replacing cyclophosphamide with bendamustine in combination with cyclosporine A improves survival and reduces xenogeneic graft-versus-host-disease. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1045710. [PMID: 36700195 PMCID: PMC9868157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1045710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The use of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for treating hematological disorders is increasing, but the development of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (CY) has significantly improved outcomes following allo-HCT, but complications of viral reactivation due to delayed immune reconstitution or relapse remain. Other laboratories are evaluating the potential benefit of lowering the dose of CY given post-transplant, whereas our laboratory has been focusing on whether partially replacing CY with another DNA alkylating agent, bendamustine (BEN) may be advantageous in improving outcomes with allo-HCT. Methods Here, we utilized a xenogeneic GvHD (xGvHD) model in which immunodeficient NSG mice are infused with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results We show that a lower dose of CY (25 mg/kg) given on days +3 and +4 or CY (75 mg/kg) given on only day +3 post-PBMC infusion is not sufficient for improving survival from xGvHD, but can be improved with the addition of BEN (15 mg/kg) on day +4 to day +3 CY (75 mg/kg). CY/BEN treated mice when combined with cyclosporine A (CSA) (10mg/kg daily from days +5 to +18 and thrice weekly thereafter), had improved outcomes over CY/CY +CSA treated mice. Infiltration of GvHD target organs was reduced in both CY/CY and CY/BEN treatment groups versus those receiving no treatment. CY/CY +CSA mice exhibited more severe xGvHD at day 10, marked by decreased serum albumin and increased intestinal permeability. CY/BEN treated mice had reductions in naïve, effector memory and Th17 polarized T cells. RNAseq analysis of splenocytes isolated from CY/CY and CY/BEN treated animals revealed increased gene set enrichment in multiple KEGG pathways related to cell migration, proliferation/differentiation, and inflammatory pathways, among others with CY/BEN treatment. Conclusion Together, we illustrate that the use of CY/BEN is safe and shows similar control of xGvHD to CY/CY, but when combined with CSA, survival with CY/BEN is significantly prolonged compared to CY/CY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy E. Gilman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - Andrew P. Matiatos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Dan W. Davini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Richard J. Simpson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Pathology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Emmanuel Katsanis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Pathology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,*Correspondence: Emmanuel Katsanis,
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11
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Lesch S, Nottebrock A, Rataj F, Heise C, Endres S, Kobold S. PD-1-CD28 fusion protein strengthens mesothelin-specific TRuC T cells in preclinical solid tumor models. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:227-235. [PMID: 36409438 PMCID: PMC9947055 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00747-9] [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] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell receptor fusion constructs (TRuC) consist of an antibody-based single chain variable fragment (scFv) fused to a T cell receptor chain (TCR) and allow recognition of cancer cells in an HLA-independent manner. Unlike chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), TRuC are integrated into the TCR complex resulting in a functional chimera with novel specificity, whilst retaining TCR signaling. To further enhance anti-tumor function, we expressed a PD-1-CD28 fusion receptor in TRuC T cells aiming to prevent tumor-induced immune suppression and T cell anergy. METHODS The activation level of engineered T cells was investigated in co-culture experiments with tumor cells followed by quantification of released cytokines using ELISA. To study T cell-mediated tumor cell lysis in vitro, impedance-based real-time tumor cell killing and LDH release was measured. Finally, two xenograft mouse cancer models were employed to explore the therapeutic potential of engineered T cells. RESULTS In co-culture assays, co-expression of PD-1-CD28 enhanced cytokine production of TRuC T cells. This effect was dependent on PD-L1 to PD-1-CD28 interactions, as blockade of PD-L1 amplified IFN-γ production in unmodified TRuC T cells to a greater level compared to TRuC-PD-1-CD28 T cells. In vivo, PD-1-CD28 co-expression supported the anti-tumor efficacy of TRuC T cells in two xenograft mouse cancer models. CONCLUSION Together, these results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of PD-1-CD28 co-expression in TRuC T cells to prevent PD-L1-induced T cell hypofunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Lesch
- grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Alessia Nottebrock
- grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Felicitas Rataj
- grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Constanze Heise
- grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Endres
- grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany ,German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.4567.00000 0004 0483 2525Einheit Für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany, Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany. .,German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Einheit Für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany, Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Neuherberg, Germany. .,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Klinikum der Universität München, Lindwurmstraße 2a, 80337, Munich, Germany.
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12
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Construction of a Humanized PBMC-PDX Model to Study the Efficacy of a Bacterial Marker in Lung Cancer Immunotherapy. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:1479246. [PMID: 36072895 PMCID: PMC9441396 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1479246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Commensal microbiome is a key factor of lung cancer immunotherapy efficacy. Elucidating the role of specific strains as bacterial markers in immunotherapy has drawn great attention from the academia. At present, most preclinical studies about the relationship between bacterial markers and immunotherapy rely on the syngeneic mouse models. However, mice differ greatly from humans in immune system and tumor characteristics. In this study, humanized mouse models based on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) immune reconstitution and lung cancer cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) or patient-derived xenograft (PDX) were constructed. The PBMC-PDX model was shown to be superior to the PBMC-CDX model in preserving tumor heterogeneity and construction time-saving. Through optimizing the experimental process, the time it took for humanized models to evaluate the effect of cancer treatment was reduced to 42 days. Next, by utilizing PBMC-PDX mice treated with antibiotics (ATB), the role of Bifidobacterium longum in lung cancer immunotherapy was studied. It was found that although both Bifidobacterium longum and immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab alone showed suppressing tumor growth, the efficacy of pembrolizumab was attenuated when administrated to mice colonized with Bifidobacterium longum. Further exploration revealed that Bifidobacterium longum caused significant changes in the proportion of human CD45+ cells in the PBMC-PDX model. The PBMC-PDX model has the potential to be applied as an efficient platform to support evaluation of bacterial markers in immunotherapy research and facilitate development of precision medicine targeting human commensal bacteria.
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13
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Insights into mechanisms of graft-versus-host disease through humanised mouse models. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231673. [PMID: 35993192 PMCID: PMC9446388 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication that occurs following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for the treatment of haematological cancers and other blood-related disorders. GVHD is an inflammatory disorder, where the transplanted donor immune cells can mediate an immune response against the recipient and attack host tissues. Despite over 60 years of research, broad-range immune suppression is still used to prevent or treat GVHD, leading to an increased risk of cancer relapse and infection. Therefore, further insights into the disease mechanisms and development of predictive and prognostic biomarkers are key to improving outcomes and reducing GVHD development following allogeneic HSCT. An important preclinical tool to examine the pathophysiology of GVHD and to understand the key mechanisms that lead to GVHD development are preclinical humanised mouse models. Such models of GVHD are now well-established and can provide valuable insights into disease development. This review will focus on models where human peripheral blood mononuclear cells are injected into immune-deficient non-obese diabetic (NOD)-scid-interleukin-2(IL-2)Rγ mutant (NOD-scid-IL2Rγnull) mice. Humanised mouse models of GVHD can mimic the clinical setting for GVHD development, with disease progression and tissues impacted like that observed in humans. This review will highlight key findings from preclinical humanised mouse models regarding the role of donor human immune cells, the function of cytokines and cell signalling molecules and their impact on specific target tissues and GVHD development. Further, specific therapeutic strategies tested in these preclinical models reveal key molecular pathways important in reducing the burden of GVHD following allogeneic HSCT.
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14
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Martín-Otal C, Lasarte-Cia A, Serrano D, Casares N, Conde E, Navarro F, Sánchez-Moreno I, Gorraiz M, Sarrión P, Calvo A, De Andrea CE, Echeveste J, Vilas A, Rodriguez-Madoz JR, San Miguel J, Prosper F, Hervas-Stubbs S, Lasarte JJ, Lozano T. Targeting the extra domain A of fibronectin for cancer therapy with CAR-T cells. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004479. [PMID: 35918123 PMCID: PMC9351345 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004479] [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] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the main difficulties of adoptive cell therapies with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells in solid tumors is the identification of specific target antigens. The tumor microenvironment can present suitable antigens for CAR design, even though they are not expressed by the tumor cells. We have generated a CAR specific for the splice variant extra domain A (EDA) of fibronectin, which is highly expressed in the tumor stroma of many types of tumors but not in healthy tissues. METHODS EDA expression was explored in RNA-seq data from different human tumor types and by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tumor biopsies. Murine and human anti-EDA CAR-T cells were prepared using recombinant retro/lentiviruses, respectively. The functionality of EDA CAR-T cells was measured in vitro in response to antigen stimulation. The antitumor activity of EDA CAR-T cells was measured in vivo in C57BL/6 mice challenged with PM299L-EDA hepatocarcinoma cell line, in 129Sv mice-bearing F9 teratocarcinoma and in NSG mice injected with the human hepatocarcinoma cell line PLC. RESULTS EDA CAR-T cells recognized and killed EDA-expressing tumor cell lines in vitro and rejected EDA-expressing tumors in immunocompetent mice. Notably, EDA CAR-T cells showed an antitumor effect in mice injected with EDA-negative tumor cells lines when the tumor stroma or the basement membrane of tumor endothelial cells express EDA. Thus, EDA CAR-T administration delayed tumor growth in immunocompetent 129Sv mice challenged with teratocarcinoma cell line F9. EDA CAR-T treatment exerted an antiangiogenic effect and significantly reduced gene signatures associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix organization as well as IL-6-STAT5 and KRAS pathways. Importantly, the human version of EDA CAR, that includes the human 41BB and CD3ζ endodomains, exerted strong antitumor activity in NSG mice challenged with the human hepatocarcinoma cell line PLC, which expresses EDA in the tumor stroma and the endothelial vasculature. EDA CAR-T cells exhibited a tropism for EDA-expressing tumor tissue and no toxicity was observed in tumor bearing or in healthy mice. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that targeting the tumor-specific fibronectin splice variant EDA with CAR-T cells is feasible and offers a therapeutic option that is applicable to different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Martín-Otal
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aritz Lasarte-Cia
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Diego Serrano
- Programa de Tumores sólidos, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noelia Casares
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Conde
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Flor Navarro
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Inés Sánchez-Moreno
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Gorraiz
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Patricia Sarrión
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Calvo
- Programa de Tumores sólidos, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos E De Andrea
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Departamento de Patología, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - José Echeveste
- Departamento de Patología, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Amaia Vilas
- Programa de Hemato-Oncología, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Roberto Rodriguez-Madoz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain,Cancer Center Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jesús San Miguel
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain,Cancer Center Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Programa de Hemato-Oncología, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain,Cancer Center Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervas-Stubbs
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Pamplona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Jose Lasarte
- Departamento de Hematología, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Teresa Lozano
- Departamento de Hematología, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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15
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Song Q, Nasri U, Nakamura R, Martin PJ, Zeng D. Retention of Donor T Cells in Lymphohematopoietic Tissue and Augmentation of Tissue PD-L1 Protection for Prevention of GVHD While Preserving GVL Activity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:907673. [PMID: 35677056 PMCID: PMC9168269 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.907673] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (Allo-HCT) is a curative therapy for hematological malignancies (i.e., leukemia and lymphoma) due to the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) activity mediated by alloreactive T cells that can eliminate residual malignant cells and prevent relapse. However, the same alloreactive T cells can cause a serious side effect, known as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD and GVL occur in distinct organ and tissues, with GVHD occurring in target organs (e.g., the gut, liver, lung, skin, etc.) and GVL in lympho-hematopoietic tissues where hematological cancer cells primarily reside. Currently used immunosuppressive drugs for the treatment of GVHD inhibit donor T cell activation and expansion, resulting in a decrease in both GVHD and GVL activity that is associated with cancer relapse. To prevent GVHD, it is important to allow full activation and expansion of alloreactive T cells in the lympho-hematopoietic tissues, as well as prevent donor T cells from migrating into the GVHD target tissues, and tolerize infiltrating T cells via protective mechanisms, such as PD-L1 interacting with PD-1, in the target tissues. In this review, we will summarize major approaches that prevent donor T cell migration into GVHD target tissues and approaches that augment tolerization of the infiltrating T cells in the GVHD target tissues while preserving strong GVL activity in the lympho-hematopoietic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxiao Song
- Arthur D. Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, The Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, Unites States.,Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, Unites States.,Fujian Medical University Center of Translational Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, and Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ubaydah Nasri
- Arthur D. Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, The Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, Unites States.,Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, Unites States
| | - Ryotaro Nakamura
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, Unites States
| | - Paul J Martin
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Defu Zeng
- Arthur D. Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, The Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, Unites States.,Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, Unites States
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16
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Campe J, Ullrich E. T Helper Cell Lineage-Defining Transcription Factors: Potent Targets for Specific GVHD Therapy? Front Immunol 2022; 12:806529. [PMID: 35069590 PMCID: PMC8766661 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.806529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) represents a potent and potentially curative treatment for many hematopoietic malignancies and hematologic disorders in adults and children. The donor-derived immunity, elicited by the stem cell transplant, can prevent disease relapse but is also responsible for the induction of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The pathophysiology of acute GVHD is not completely understood yet. In general, acute GVHD is driven by the inflammatory and cytotoxic effect of alloreactive donor T cells. Since several experimental approaches indicate that CD4 T cells play an important role in initiation and progression of acute GVHD, the contribution of the different CD4 T helper (Th) cell subtypes in the pathomechanism and regulation of the disease is a central point of current research. Th lineages derive from naïve CD4 T cell progenitors and lineage commitment is initiated by the surrounding cytokine milieu and subsequent changes in the transcription factor (TF) profile. Each T cell subtype has its own effector characteristics, immunologic function, and lineage specific cytokine profile, leading to the association with different immune responses and diseases. Acute GVHD is thought to be mainly driven by the Th1/Th17 axis, whereas Treg cells are attributed to attenuate GVHD effects. As the differentiation of each Th subset highly depends on the specific composition of activating and repressing TFs, these present a potent target to alter the Th cell landscape towards a GVHD-ameliorating direction, e.g. by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 differentiation. The finding, that targeting of Th1 and Th17 differentiation appears more effective for GVHD-prevention than a strategy to inhibit Th1 and Th17 cytokines supports this concept. In this review, we shed light on the current advances of potent TF inhibitors to alter Th cell differentiation and consecutively attenuate GVHD. We will focus especially on preclinical studies and outcomes of TF inhibition in murine GVHD models. Finally, we will point out the possible impact of a Th cell subset-specific immune modulation in context of GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Campe
- Experimental Immunology, Children's University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Children's University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Experimental Immunology, Children's University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Children's University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK)), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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17
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Braun LM, Zeiser R. Kinase Inhibition as Treatment for Acute and Chronic Graft- Versus-Host Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:760199. [PMID: 34868001 PMCID: PMC8635802 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.760199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a potentially curative therapy for patients suffering from hematological malignancies via the donor immune system driven graft-versus-leukemia effect. However, the therapy is mainly limited by severe acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), both being life-threatening complications after allo-HCT. GvHD develops when donor T cells do not only recognize remaining tumor cells as foreign, but also the recipient’s tissue, leading to a severe inflammatory disease. Typical GvHD target organs include the skin, liver and intestinal tract. Currently all approved strategies for GvHD treatment are immunosuppressive therapies, with the first-line therapy being glucocorticoids. However, therapeutic options for glucocorticoid-refractory patients are still limited. Novel therapeutic approaches, which reduce GvHD severity while preserving GvL activity, are urgently needed. Targeting kinase activity with small molecule inhibitors has shown promising results in preclinical animal models and clinical trials. Well-studied kinase targets in GvHD include Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinase 2 (ROCK2), spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) and interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) to control B- and T-cell activation in acute and chronic GvHD. Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) and 2 (JAK2) are among the most intensively studied kinases in GvHD due to their importance in cytokine production and inflammatory cell activation and migration. Here, we discuss the role of kinase inhibition as novel treatment strategies for acute and chronic GvHD after allo-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas M Braun
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS) and Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies (CIBSS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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