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Gaspar N, Handula M, Stroet MCM, Marella-Panth K, Haeck J, Kirkland TA, Hall MP, Encell LP, Dalm S, Lowik C, Seimbille Y, Mezzanotte L. A Novel Luciferase-Based Reporter Gene Technology for Simultaneous Optical and Radionuclide Imaging of Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8206. [PMID: 39125775 PMCID: PMC11312113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158206] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multimodality reporter gene imaging combines the sensitivity, resolution and translational potential of two or more signals. The approach has not been widely adopted by the animal imaging community, mainly because its utility in this area is unproven. We developed a new complementation-based reporter gene system where the large component of split NanoLuc luciferase (LgBiT) presented on the surface of cells (TM-LgBiT) interacts with a radiotracer consisting of the high-affinity complementary HiBiT peptide labeled with a radionuclide. Radiotracer uptake could be imaged in mice using SPECT/CT and bioluminescence within two hours of implanting reporter-gene-expressing cells. Imaging data were validated by ex vivo biodistribution studies. Following the demonstration of complementation between the TM-LgBiT protein and HiBiT radiotracer, we validated the use of the technology in the highly specific in vivo multimodal imaging of cells. These findings highlight the potential of this new approach to facilitate the advancement of cell and gene therapies from bench to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Gaspar
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maryana Handula
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcus C. M. Stroet
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kranthi Marella-Panth
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Haeck
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Simone Dalm
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Lowik
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yann Seimbille
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Mezzanotte
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Kim SY, Soh H, Jung JH, Cho EH, Kim H, Ju JM, Sheen JH, Lee SJ, Oh SJ, Lee SJ, Chung J, Ryu JS. Direct and Indirect Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Imaging with PET/MRI in a Tumor Xenograft Model. Radiology 2024; 310:e231406. [PMID: 38411517 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.231406] [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: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Background Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are a promising cancer therapy; however, reliable and repeatable methods for tracking and monitoring CAR T cells in vivo remain underexplored. Purpose To investigate direct and indirect imaging strategies for tracking the biodistribution of CAR T cells and monitoring their therapeutic effect in target tumors. Materials and Methods CAR T cells co-expressing a tumor-targeting gene (anti-CD19 CAR) and a human somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (hSSTr2) reporter gene were generated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. After direct labeling with zirconium 89 (89Zr)-p-isothiocyanatobenzyl-desferrioxamine (DFO), CAR T cells were intravenously injected into immunodeficient mice with a CD19-positive and CD19-negative human tumor xenograft on the left and right flank, respectively. PET/MRI was used for direct in vivo imaging of 89Zr-DFO-labeled CAR T cells on days 0, 1, 3, and 7 and for indirect cell imaging with the radiolabeled somatostatin receptor-targeted ligand gallium 68 (68Ga)-DOTA-Tyr3-octreotide (DOTATOC) on days 6, 9, and 13. On day 13, mice were euthanized, and tissues and tumors were excised. Results The 89Zr-DFO-labeled CAR T cells were observed on PET/MRI scans in the liver and lungs of mice (n = 4) at all time points assessed. However, they were not visualized in CD19-positive or CD19-negative tumors, even on day 7. Serial 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/MRI showed CAR T cell accumulation in CD19-positive tumors but not in CD19-negative tumors from days 6 to 13. Notably, 68Ga-DOTATOC accumulation in CD19-positive tumors was highest on day 9 (mean percentage injected dose [%ID], 3.7% ± 1.0 [SD]) and decreased on day 13 (mean %ID, 2.6% ± 0.7) in parallel with a decrease in tumor volume (day 9: mean, 195 mm3 ± 27; day 13: mean, 127 mm3 ± 43) in the group with tumor growth inhibition. Enhanced immunohistochemistry staining of cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) and hSSTr2 was also observed in excised CD19-positive tumor tissues. Conclusion Direct and indirect cell imaging with PET/MRI enabled in vivo tracking and monitoring of CAR T cells in an animal model. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Bulte in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seog-Young Kim
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Hyunsu Soh
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Jin Hwa Jung
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Eun Hye Cho
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Hyori Kim
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Ji-Min Ju
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Joong Hyuk Sheen
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Sang Ju Lee
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Seung Jun Oh
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Sang-Jin Lee
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Junho Chung
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
| | - Jin-Sook Ryu
- From the Convergence Medicine Research Center (S.Y.K., H.S., J.H.J., H.K.) and Department of Nuclear Medicine (E.H.C., Sang Ju Lee, S.J.O., J.S.R.), Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (J.M.J., J.H.S., Sang-Jin Lee); and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (J.C.)
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3
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Lee IK, Sharma N, Noguera-Ortega E, Liousia M, Baroja ML, Etersque JM, Pham J, Sarkar S, Carreno BM, Linette GP, Puré E, Albelda SM, Sellmyer MA. A genetically encoded protein tag for control and quantitative imaging of CAR T cell therapy. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3564-3578. [PMID: 37919903 PMCID: PMC10727978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been successful for hematological malignancies. Still, a lack of efficacy and potential toxicities have slowed its application for other indications. Furthermore, CAR T cells undergo dynamic expansion and contraction in vivo that cannot be easily predicted or controlled. Therefore, the safety and utility of such therapies could be enhanced by engineered mechanisms that engender reversible control and quantitative monitoring. Here, we use a genetic tag based on the enzyme Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (eDHFR), and derivatives of trimethoprim (TMP) to modulate and monitor CAR expression and T cell activity. We fused eDHFR to the CAR C terminus, allowing regulation with TMP-based proteolysis-targeting chimeric small molecules (PROTACs). Fusion of eDHFR to the CAR does not interfere with cell signaling or its cytotoxic function, and the addition of TMP-based PROTACs results in a reversible and dose-dependent inhibition of CAR activity via the proteosome. We show the regulation of CAR expression in vivo and demonstrate imaging of the cells with TMP radiotracers. In vitro immunogenicity assays using primary human immune cells and overlapping peptide fragments of eDHFR showed no memory immune repertoire for eDHFR. Overall, this translationally-orientied approach allows for temporal monitoring and image-guided control of cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris K Lee
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nitika Sharma
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Estela Noguera-Ortega
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria Liousia
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Miren L Baroja
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jean M Etersque
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonathan Pham
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Swarbhanu Sarkar
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Beatriz M Carreno
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gerald P Linette
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven M Albelda
- Department of 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
| | - Mark A Sellmyer
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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4
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Wala JA, Hanna GJ. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2023; 37:1149-1168. [PMID: 37353377 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2023.05.009] [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] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
We review chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for solid tumors. We discuss patient selection factors and aspects of clinical management. We describe challenges including physical and molecular barriers to trafficking CAR-Ts, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and difficulty finding cell surface target antigens. The application of new approaches in synthetic biology and cellular engineering toward solid tumor CAR-Ts is described. Finally, we summarize reported and ongoing clinical trials of CAR-T therapies for select disease sites such as head and neck (including thyroid cancer), lung, central nervous system (glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, glioma), sarcoma, genitourinary (prostate, renal, bladder, kidney), breast and ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah A Wala
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Dana Building 2nd Floor, Room 2-140, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Glenn J Hanna
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Dana Building 2nd Floor, Room 2-140, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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5
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Ma HY, Das J, Prendergast C, De Jong D, Braumuller B, Paily J, Huang S, Liou C, Giarratana A, Hosseini M, Yeh R, Capaccione KM. Advances in CAR T Cell Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9019-9038. [PMID: 37998743 PMCID: PMC10670348 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110566] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its first approval by the FDA in 2017, tremendous progress has been made in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, the adoptive transfer of engineered, CAR-expressing T lymphocyte. CAR T cells are all composed of three main elements: an extracellular antigen-binding domain, an intracellular signaling domain responsible for T cell activation, and a hinge that joins these two domains. Continuous improvement has been made in CARs, now in their fifth generation, particularly in the intracellular signaling domain responsible for T cell activation. CAR T cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Nonetheless, the use of CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors has not attained comparable levels of success. Here we review the challenges in achieving effective CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors, and emerging CAR T cells that have shown great promise for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A growing number of clinical trials have been conducted to study the effect of CAR T cell therapy on NSCLC, targeting different types of surface antigens. They include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mesothelin (MSLN), prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), and mucin 1 (MUC1). Potential new targets such as erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma A2 (EphA2), tissue factor (TF), and protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7) are currently under investigation in clinical trials. The challenges in developing CAR T for NSCLC therapy and other approaches for enhancing CAR T efficacy are discussed. Finally, we provide our perspective on imaging CAR T cell action by reviewing the two main radionuclide-based CAR T cell imaging techniques, the direct labeling of CAR T cells or indirect labeling via a reporter gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yun Ma
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medica Center, 622 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Y.M.); (J.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Jeeban Das
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Conor Prendergast
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medica Center, 622 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Y.M.); (J.P.); (M.H.)
| | | | - Brian Braumuller
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medica Center, 622 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Y.M.); (J.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Jacienta Paily
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medica Center, 622 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Y.M.); (J.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Sophia Huang
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medica Center, 622 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Y.M.); (J.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Connie Liou
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medica Center, 622 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Y.M.); (J.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Anna Giarratana
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medica Center, 622 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Y.M.); (J.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Mahdie Hosseini
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medica Center, 622 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Y.M.); (J.P.); (M.H.)
| | - Randy Yeh
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Capaccione
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medica Center, 622 W 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; (H.Y.M.); (J.P.); (M.H.)
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6
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Kheyrolahzadeh K, Tohidkia MR, Tarighatnia A, Shahabi P, Nader ND, Aghanejad A. Theranostic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells: Insight into recent trends and challenges in solid tumors. Life Sci 2023; 328:121917. [PMID: 37422069 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121917] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy has reached significant milestones in various life-threatening diseases, including cancer. Cell therapy using fluorescent and radiolabeled chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell is a successful strategy for diagnosing or treating malignancies. Since cell therapy approaches have different results in cancers, the success of hematological cancers has yet to transfer to solid tumor therapy, leading to more casualties. Therefore, there are many areas for improvement in the cell therapy platform. Understanding the therapeutic barriers associated with solid cancers through cell tracking and molecular imaging may provide a platform for effectively delivering CAR-T cells into solid tumors. This review describes CAR-T cells' role in treating solid and non-solid tumors and recent advances. Furthermore, we discuss the main obstacles, mechanism of action, novel strategies and solutions to overcome the challenges from molecular imaging and cell tracking perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyvan Kheyrolahzadeh
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Tohidkia
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Tarighatnia
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nader D Nader
- Department of Anesthesiology, University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Ayuob Aghanejad
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Reza General Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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7
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Ren M, Yao B, Han B, Li C. Nuclear Imaging of CAR T Immunotherapy to Solid Tumors: In Terms of Biodistribution, Viability, and Cytotoxic Effect. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200293. [PMID: 36642820 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200293] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a mainstay of cancer therapy. Since chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T immunotherapy achieves unprecedented success in curing hematological malignancies, the possibility of it revolutionizing the paradigm of solid tumors has aroused increasing attention. However, the restricted accessibility to tumor parenchyma, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and antigen heterogeneity of solid tumors make it difficult to replicate its success. Therefore, dynamic evaluation of CAR T cells' tumor accessibility, intratumoral viability, and anti-tumor cytotoxicity is necessary to facilitate its translation to solid tumors. Besides, real-timely imaging above events in vivo can help evaluate therapeutic responses and optimize CAR T immunotherapy for solid tumors. Nuclear imaging, including positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, is frequently applied for evaluating adoptive cell therapies owing to its excellent sensitivity, high tissue penetration, and great translation potential. In addition, quantitative analysis can be performed in dynamic and noninvasive patterns. This review focuses on recent advances in PET/SPECT technologies and imaging probes in monitoring CAR T cells' migration, viability, and cytotoxicity to solid tumors post-administration. Prospects of what should be done in the next stage to promote CAR T therapy's application in solid tumors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Ren
- Minhang Hospital and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Zhangheng Road 826, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Bolin Yao
- Minhang Hospital and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Zhangheng Road 826, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Han
- Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Li
- Minhang Hospital and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Zhangheng Road 826, 201203, Shanghai, China
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8
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Mayer KE, Gaa J, Biedermann T, Posch C. Bildgestützte Beurteilung des Ansprechens auf Immuntherapien bei Hauttumoren. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:107-115. [PMID: 36808450 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14941_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine E Mayer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Technische Universität München
| | - Jochen Gaa
- Institut für diagnostische und interventionelle Radiologie, Technische Universität München
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Technische Universität München
| | - Christian Posch
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Technische Universität München.,Medizinische Fakultät, Sigmund Freud Universität Wien
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9
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Mayer KE, Gaa J, Biedermann T, Posch C. Image-based response assessment during immunotherapy in skin cancer. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:107-114. [PMID: 36748647 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors and further immunotherapeutic treatment strategies have significantly extended therapy options for melanoma and other skin cancer entities over the last decade. In the context of a broader application of immunotherapeutic approaches, sufficient ways to monitor the course of the disease during therapy are required. Immunotherapies are based on different ways of modulating the immune system. This leads to complex clinical response patterns including pseudoprogression and others, requiring an adaptation of conventional diagnostic imaging tools or the introduction of novel technologies. In this review, current non-invasive imaging approaches for response assessment during immunotherapies in skin cancers as well as their limitations are discussed. To overcome present hurdles, promising alternatives to better address novel imaging features during immunotherapy are depicted giving an outlook on what can be expected in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine E Mayer
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Allergology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Gaa
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Allergology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Posch
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Allergology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Austria
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10
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Pruller J, Pham TT, Blower JE, Charoenphun P, Volpe A, Sunassee K, Mullen GED, Blower PJ, Smith RAG, Ma MT. An indium-111-labelled membrane-targeted peptide for cell tracking with radionuclide imaging. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:65-73. [PMID: 36685254 PMCID: PMC9811519 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00164k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell labelling agents that enable longitudinal in vivo tracking of administered cells will support the clinical development of cell-based therapies. Radionuclide imaging with gamma and positron-emitting radioisotopes can provide quantitative and longitudinal mapping of cells in vivo. To make this widely accessible and adaptable to a range of cell types, new, versatile and simple methods for directly radiolabelling cells are required. We have developed [111In]In-DTPA-CTP, the first example of a radiolabelled peptide that binds to the extracellular membrane of cells, for tracking cell distribution in vivo using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). [111In]In-DTPA-CTP consists of (i) myristoyl groups for insertion into the phospholipid bilayer, (ii) positively charged lysine residues for electrostatic association with negatively charged phospholipid groups at the cell surface and (iii) a diethylenetriamine pentaacetate derivative that coordinates the γ-emitting radiometal, [111In]In3+. [111In]In-DTPA-CTP binds to 5T33 murine myeloma cells, enabling qualitative SPECT tracking of myeloma cells' accumulation in lungs immediately after intravenous administration. This is the first report of a radiolabelled cell-membrane binding peptide for use in cell tracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Pruller
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London UK
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital London UK
| | - Truc Thuy Pham
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital London UK
| | - Julia E Blower
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital London UK
| | - Putthiporn Charoenphun
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital London UK
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Alessia Volpe
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital London UK
| | - Kavitha Sunassee
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital London UK
| | - Gregory E D Mullen
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital London UK
| | - Philip J Blower
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital London UK
| | - Richard A G Smith
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, Guy's Hospital London UK
| | - Michelle T Ma
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital London UK
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11
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Zhou M, Liang S, Liu D, Ma K, Peng Y, Wang Z. Engineered Nanoprobes for Immune Activation Monitoring. ACS NANO 2022; 16:19940-19958. [PMID: 36454191 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The activation of the immune system is critical for cancer immunotherapy and treatments of inflammatory diseases. Non-invasive visualization of immunoactivation is designed to monitor the dynamic nature of the immune response and facilitate the assessment of therapeutic outcomes, which, however, remains challenging. Conventional imaging modalities, such as positron emission tomography, computed tomography, etc., were utilized for imaging immune-related biomarkers. To explore the dynamic immune monitoring, probes with signals correlated to biomarkers of immune activation or prognosis are urgently needed. These emerging molecular probes, which turn on the signal only in the presence of the intended biomarker, can improve the detection specificity. These probes with "turn on" signals enable non-invasive, dynamic, and real-time imaging with high sensitivity and efficiency, showing significance for multifunctionality/multimodality imaging. As a result, more and more innovative engineered nanoprobes combined with diverse imaging modalities were developed to assess the activation of the immune system. In this work, we comprehensively review the recent and emerging advances in engineered nanoprobes for monitoring immune activation in cancer or other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and discuss the potential in predicting the efficacy following treatments. Research on real-time in vivo immunoimaging is still under exploration, and this review can provide guidance and facilitate the development and application of next-generation imaging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Kongshuo Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxuan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
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12
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SSTR2 as an anatomical imaging marker and a safety switch to monitor and manage CAR T cell toxicity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20932. [PMID: 36463361 PMCID: PMC9719480 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25224-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to image adoptively transferred T cells in the body and to eliminate them to avoid toxicity will be vital for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, particularly against solid tumors with higher risk of off-tumor toxicity. Previously, we have demonstrated the utility of somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) for CAR T cell imaging, illustrating the expansion and contraction of CAR T cells in tumor as well as off-tumor expansion. Using intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1)-specific CAR T cells that secrete interleukin (IL)-12 as a model, herein we examined the potential of SSTR2 as a safety switch when combined with the SSTR2-specific maytansine-octreotate conjugate PEN-221. Constitutive secretion of IL-12 led to continuous expansion of CAR T cells after rapid elimination of tumors, causing systemic toxicity in mice with intact MHC expression. Treatment with PEN-221 rapidly reduced the abundance of CAR T cells, decreasing the severity of xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), and prolonged survival. Our study supports the development of SSTR2 as a single genetic marker for CAR T cells that is readily applicable to humans both for anatomical detection of T cell distribution and an image-guided safety switch for rapid elimination of CAR T cells.
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13
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Hughes DJ, Subesinghe M, Taylor B, Bille A, Spicer J, Papa S, Goh V, Cook GJR. 18F FDG PET/CT and Novel Molecular Imaging for Directing Immunotherapy in Cancer. Radiology 2022; 304:246-264. [PMID: 35762888 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.212481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment landscape of many cancers, with durable responses in disease previously associated with a poor prognosis. Patient selection remains a challenge, with predictive biomarkers an urgent unmet clinical need. Current predictive biomarkers, including programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (measured with immunohistochemistry), are imperfect. Promising biomarkers, including tumor mutation burden and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte density, fail to consistently predict response and have yet to translate to routine clinical practice. Heterogeneity of immune response within and between lesions presents a further challenge where fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT has a potential role in assessing response, stratifying treatment, and detecting and monitoring immune-related toxicities. Novel radiopharmaceuticals also present a unique opportunity to define the immune tumor microenvironment to better predict which patients may respond to therapy, for example by means of in vivo whole-body PD-L1 and CD8+ T cell expression imaging. In addition, longitudinal molecular imaging may help further define dynamic changes, particularly in cases of immunotherapy resistance, helping to direct a more personalized therapeutic approach. This review highlights current and emerging applications of molecular imaging to stratify, predict, and monitor molecular dynamics and treatment response in areas of clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hughes
- From the Department of Cancer Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing, London SE1 7EH, UK (D.J.H., M.S., V.G., G.J.R.C.); King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' PET Centre, London, UK (D.J.H., M.S., G.J.R.C.); Comprehensive Cancer Centre (B.T., A.B.), Department of Thoracic Surgery (A.B.), and Department of Radiology (V.G.), Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; and School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK (J.S., S.P.)
| | - Manil Subesinghe
- From the Department of Cancer Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing, London SE1 7EH, UK (D.J.H., M.S., V.G., G.J.R.C.); King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' PET Centre, London, UK (D.J.H., M.S., G.J.R.C.); Comprehensive Cancer Centre (B.T., A.B.), Department of Thoracic Surgery (A.B.), and Department of Radiology (V.G.), Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; and School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK (J.S., S.P.)
| | - Benjamin Taylor
- From the Department of Cancer Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing, London SE1 7EH, UK (D.J.H., M.S., V.G., G.J.R.C.); King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' PET Centre, London, UK (D.J.H., M.S., G.J.R.C.); Comprehensive Cancer Centre (B.T., A.B.), Department of Thoracic Surgery (A.B.), and Department of Radiology (V.G.), Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; and School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK (J.S., S.P.)
| | - Andrea Bille
- From the Department of Cancer Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing, London SE1 7EH, UK (D.J.H., M.S., V.G., G.J.R.C.); King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' PET Centre, London, UK (D.J.H., M.S., G.J.R.C.); Comprehensive Cancer Centre (B.T., A.B.), Department of Thoracic Surgery (A.B.), and Department of Radiology (V.G.), Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; and School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK (J.S., S.P.)
| | - James Spicer
- From the Department of Cancer Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing, London SE1 7EH, UK (D.J.H., M.S., V.G., G.J.R.C.); King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' PET Centre, London, UK (D.J.H., M.S., G.J.R.C.); Comprehensive Cancer Centre (B.T., A.B.), Department of Thoracic Surgery (A.B.), and Department of Radiology (V.G.), Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; and School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK (J.S., S.P.)
| | - Sophie Papa
- From the Department of Cancer Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing, London SE1 7EH, UK (D.J.H., M.S., V.G., G.J.R.C.); King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' PET Centre, London, UK (D.J.H., M.S., G.J.R.C.); Comprehensive Cancer Centre (B.T., A.B.), Department of Thoracic Surgery (A.B.), and Department of Radiology (V.G.), Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; and School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK (J.S., S.P.)
| | - Vicky Goh
- From the Department of Cancer Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing, London SE1 7EH, UK (D.J.H., M.S., V.G., G.J.R.C.); King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' PET Centre, London, UK (D.J.H., M.S., G.J.R.C.); Comprehensive Cancer Centre (B.T., A.B.), Department of Thoracic Surgery (A.B.), and Department of Radiology (V.G.), Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; and School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK (J.S., S.P.)
| | - Gary J R Cook
- From the Department of Cancer Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, 4th Floor, Lambeth Wing, London SE1 7EH, UK (D.J.H., M.S., V.G., G.J.R.C.); King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' PET Centre, London, UK (D.J.H., M.S., G.J.R.C.); Comprehensive Cancer Centre (B.T., A.B.), Department of Thoracic Surgery (A.B.), and Department of Radiology (V.G.), Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; and School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK (J.S., S.P.)
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14
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Zeng Q, Liu Z, Niu T, He C, Qu Y, Qian Z. Application of nanotechnology in CAR-T-cell immunotherapy. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.107747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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15
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Tian C, Huang P, He Y, Wang L, Peng Z. [Effects of sodium iodide symporter co-expression on proliferation and cytotoxic activity of chimeric antigen receptor T cells in vitro]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:1062-1068. [PMID: 35869771 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.07.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of co-expression of sodium iodide symporter (NIS) reporter gene on the proliferation and cytotoxic activity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells in vitro. METHODS T cells expressing CD19 CAR (CAR-T cells), NIS reporter gene (NIS-T cells), and both (NIS-CAR-T cells) were prepared by lentiviral infection. The transfection rates of NIS and CAR were determined by flow cytometry, and the cell proliferation rate was assessed using CCK-8 assay at 24, 48 and 72 h of routine cell culture. The T cells were co-cultured with Nalm6 tumor cells at the effector-target ratios of 1∶2, 1∶1, 2∶1 and 4∶1 for 24, 48 and 72 h, and the cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells to the tumor cells was evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. ELISA was used to detect the release of IFN-γ and TNF-β in the co-culture supernatant, and the function of NIS was detected with iodine uptake test. RESULTS The CAR transfection rate was 91.91% in CAR-T cells and 99.41% in NIS-CAR-T cells; the NIS transfection rate was 47.83% in NIS-T cells and 50.24% in NIS- CAR-T cells. No significant difference in the proliferation rate was observed between CAR-T and NIS-CAR-T cells cultured for 24, 48 or 72 h (P> 0.05). In the co-cultures with different effector-target ratios, the tumor cell killing rate was significantly higher in CAR-T group than in NIS-CAR-T group at 24 h (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the two groups at 48 h or 72 h (P>0.05). Higher IFN-γ and TNF-β release levels were detected in both CAR-T and NIS-CAR-T groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). NIS-T cells and NIS-CAR-T cells showed similar capacity of specific iodine uptake (P>0.05), which was significantly higher than that in the control T cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The co-expression of the NIS reporter gene does not affect CAR expression, proliferation or tumor cell-killing ability of CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tian
- Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - P Huang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Y He
- Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - L Wang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Z Peng
- Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
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16
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Achkova DY, Beatson RE, Maher J. CAR T-Cell Targeting of Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142190. [PMID: 35883636 PMCID: PMC9323367 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (M-CSFR) is found in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage and is aberrantly expressed in a range of tumours, in addition to tumour-associated macrophages. Consequently, a variety of cancer therapies directed against M-CSFR are under development. We set out to engineer chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that employ the natural ligands of this receptor, namely M-CSF or interleukin (IL)-34, to achieve specificity for M-CSFR-expressing target cells. Both M-CSF and IL-34 bind to overlapping regions of M-CSFR, although affinity of IL-34 is significantly greater than that of M-CSF. Matched second- and third-generation CARs targeted using M-CSF or IL-34 were expressed in human T-cells using the SFG retroviral vector. We found that both M-CSF- and IL-34-containing CARs enable T-cells to mediate selective destruction of tumour cells that express enforced or endogenous M-CSFR, accompanied by production of both IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ. Although they contain an additional co-stimulatory module, third-generation CARs did not outperform second-generation CARs. M-CSF-containing CARs mediated enhanced cytokine production and cytolytic activity compared to IL-34-containing CARs. These data demonstrate the feasibility of targeting M-CSFR using ligand-based CARs and raise the possibility that the low picomolar affinity of IL-34 for M-CSFR is detrimental to CAR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Yordanova Achkova
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK; (D.Y.A.); (R.E.B.)
| | - Richard Esmond Beatson
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK; (D.Y.A.); (R.E.B.)
| | - John Maher
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK; (D.Y.A.); (R.E.B.)
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)207188-1468
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17
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Gawne PJ, Man F, Blower PJ, T M de Rosales R. Direct Cell Radiolabeling for in Vivo Cell Tracking with PET and SPECT Imaging. Chem Rev 2022; 122:10266-10318. [PMID: 35549242 PMCID: PMC9185691 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The arrival of cell-based therapies is a revolution in medicine. However, its safe clinical application in a rational manner depends on reliable, clinically applicable methods for determining the fate and trafficking of therapeutic cells in vivo using medical imaging techniques─known as in vivo cell tracking. Radionuclide imaging using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) has several advantages over other imaging modalities for cell tracking because of its high sensitivity (requiring low amounts of probe per cell for imaging) and whole-body quantitative imaging capability using clinically available scanners. For cell tracking with radionuclides, ex vivo direct cell radiolabeling, that is, radiolabeling cells before their administration, is the simplest and most robust method, allowing labeling of any cell type without the need for genetic modification. This Review covers the development and application of direct cell radiolabeling probes utilizing a variety of chemical approaches: organic and inorganic/coordination (radio)chemistry, nanomaterials, and biochemistry. We describe the key early developments and the most recent advances in the field, identifying advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches and informing future development and choice of methods for clinical and preclinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Gawne
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, U.K
| | - Francis Man
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, U.K.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Philip J Blower
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, U.K
| | - Rafael T M de Rosales
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, U.K
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18
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Halim L, Das KK, Larcombe-Young D, Ajina A, Candelli A, Benjamin R, Dillon R, Davies DM, Maher J. Engineering of an Avidity-Optimized CD19-Specific Parallel Chimeric Antigen Receptor That Delivers Dual CD28 and 4-1BB Co-Stimulation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:836549. [PMID: 35222427 PMCID: PMC8863855 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.836549] [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: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-stimulation is critical to the function of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells. Previously, we demonstrated that dual co-stimulation can be effectively harnessed by a parallel (p)CAR architecture in which a CD28-containing second generation CAR is co-expressed with a 4-1BB containing chimeric co-stimulatory receptor (CCR). When compared to linear CARs, pCAR-engineered T-cells elicit superior anti-tumor activity in a range of pre-clinical models. Since CD19 is the best validated clinical target for cellular immunotherapy, we evaluated a panel of CD19-specific CAR and pCAR T-cells in this study. First, we generated a panel of single chain antibody fragments (scFvs) by alanine scanning mutagenesis of the CD19-specific FMC63 scFv (VH domain) and these were incorporated into second generation CD28+CD3ζ CARs. The resulting panel of CAR T-cells demonstrated a broad range of CD19 binding ability and avidity for CD19-expressing tumor cells. Each scFv-modified CAR was then converted into a pCAR by co-expression of an FMC63 scFv-targeted CCR with a 4-1BB endodomain. When compared to second generation CARs that contained an unmodified or mutated FMC63 scFv, each pCAR demonstrated a significant enhancement of tumor re-stimulation potential and IL-2 release, reduced exhaustion marker expression and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in mice with established Nalm-6 leukemic xenografts. These data reinforce the evidence that the pCAR platform delivers enhanced anti-tumor activity through effective provision of dual co-stimulation. Greatest anti-tumor activity was noted for intermediate avidity CAR T-cells and derived pCARs, raising the possibility that effector to target cell avidity is an important determinant of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Halim
- Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Daniel Larcombe-Young
- Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Ajina
- Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Reuben Benjamin
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical Haematology, King's College Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Dillon
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Guy's and St Thomas' National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David M Davies
- Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Maher
- Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Leucid Bio, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
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19
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Sato N, Choyke PL. Whole-Body Imaging to Assess Cell-Based Immunotherapy: Preclinical Studies with an Update on Clinical Translation. Mol Imaging Biol 2022; 24:235-248. [PMID: 34816284 PMCID: PMC8983636 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the past decades, immunotherapies against cancers made impressive progress. Immunotherapy includes a broad range of interventions that can be separated into two major groups: cell-based immunotherapies, such as adoptive T cell therapies and stem cell therapies, and immunomodulatory molecular therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and cytokine therapies. Genetic engineering techniques that transduce T cells with a cancer-antigen-specific T cell receptor or chimeric antigen receptor have expanded to other cell types, and further modulation of the cells to enhance cancer targeting properties has been explored. Because cell-based immunotherapies rely on cells migrating to target organs or tissues, there is a growing interest in imaging technologies that non-invasively monitor transferred cells in vivo. Here, we review whole-body imaging methods to assess cell-based immunotherapy using a variety of examples. Following a review of preclinically used cell tracking technologies, we consider the status of their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Sato
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10/Rm. B3B406, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Peter L Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10/Rm. B3B69F, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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20
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Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy has been heralded as a breakthrough in the field of immunotherapy, but to date, this success has been limited to hematological malignancies. By harnessing the chemokine system and taking into consideration the chemokine expression profile in the tumor microenvironment, CAR-T cells may be homed into tumors to facilitate direct tumor cell cytolysis and overcome a major hurdle in generating effective CAR-T cell responses to solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Foeng
- Chemokine Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Carina Biotech, Innovation and Collaboration Centre, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Iain Comerford
- Chemokine Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Shaun R. McColl
- Chemokine Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Carina Biotech, Innovation and Collaboration Centre, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Corresponding author
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21
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Zhang W, Gaikwad H, Groman EV, Purev E, Simberg D, Wang G. Highly aminated iron oxide nanoworms for simultaneous manufacturing and labeling of chimeric antigen receptor T cells. JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS 2022; 541:168480. [PMID: 34720339 PMCID: PMC8553019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2021.168480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell based therapies including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are promising for treating leukemias and solid cancers. At the same time, there is interest in enhancing the functionality of these cells via surface decoration with nanoparticles (backpacking). Magnetic nanoparticle cell labeling is of particular interest due to opportunities for magnetic separation, in vivo manipulation, drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While modification of T cells with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was explored before, we questioned whether MNPs are compatible with CAR-T cells when introduced during the manufacturing process. We chose highly aminated 120 nm crosslinked iron oxide nanoworms (CLIO NWs, ~36,000 amines per NW) that could efficiently label different adherent cell lines and we used CD123 CAR-T cells as the labeling model. The CD123 CAR-T cells were produced in the presence of CLIO NWs, CLIO NWs plus protamine sulfate (PS), or PS only. The transduction efficiency of lentiviral CD123 CAR with only NWs was ~23% lower than NW+PS and PS groups (~33% and 35%, respectively). The cell viability from these three transduction conditions was not reduced within CAR-T cell groups, though lower compared to non-transduced T cells (mock T). Use of CLIO NWs instead of, or together with cationic protamine sulfate for enhancement of lentiviral transduction resulted in comparable levels of CAR expression and viability but decreased the proportion of CD8+ cells and increased the proportion of CD4+ cells. CD123 CAR-T transduced in the presence of CLIO NWs, CLIO NWs plus PS, or PS only, showed similar level of cytotoxicity against leukemic cell lines. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy imaging demonstrated that CD123 CAR-T cells labeled with CLIO NW formed rosettes with CD123+ leukemic cells as the non-labeled CAR-T cells, indicating that the CAR-T targeting to tumor cells has maintained after CLIO NW labeling. The in vivo trafficking of the NW labeled CAR-T cells showed the accumulation of CAR-T labeled with NWs primarily in the bone marrow and spleen. CAR-T cells can be magnetically labeled during their production while maintaining functionality using the positively charged iron oxide NWs, which enable the in vivo biodistribution and tracking of CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Hanmant Gaikwad
- Translational Bio-Nanosciences Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Colorado Center for Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ernest V. Groman
- Translational Bio-Nanosciences Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Colorado Center for Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Enkhtsetseg Purev
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Dmitri Simberg
- Translational Bio-Nanosciences Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Colorado Center for Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Corresponding Authors: (Dmitri Simberg), (Guankui Wang)
| | - Guankui Wang
- Translational Bio-Nanosciences Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Colorado Center for Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Corresponding Authors: (Dmitri Simberg), (Guankui Wang)
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22
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Safarzadeh Kozani P, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Rahbarizadeh F. Addressing the obstacles of CAR T cell migration in solid tumors: wishing a heavy traffic. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 42:1079-1098. [PMID: 34957875 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1988509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has been recognized as one of the most prosperous treatment options against certain blood-based malignancies. However, the same clinical and commercial success have been out of range in the case of solid tumors. The main contributing factor in this regard is the hostile environment the tumor cells impose that results in the exhaustion of immune effector cells alongside the abrogation of their infiltration capacity. The discovery of the underlying mechanisms and the development of reliable counterstrategies to overcome the inaccessibility of CAR-Ts to their target cells might correlate with encouraging clinical outcomes in advanced solid tumors. Here, we highlight the successive physical and metabolic barriers that systemically administered CAR-Ts face on their journey toward their target cells. Moreover, we propose meticulously-devised countertactics and combination therapies that can be applied to maximize the therapeutic benefits of CAR-T therapies against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooria Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouya Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Research and Development Center of Biotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Ruff A, Ballard HJ, Pantel AR, Namoglu EC, Hughes ME, Nasta SD, Chong EA, Bagg A, Ruella M, Farwell MD, Svoboda J, Sellmyer MA. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Following Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy in Large B-cell Lymphoma. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 23:818-826. [PMID: 34231105 PMCID: PMC8578305 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01627-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) is a well-established imaging modality to assess responses in patients with B-cell neoplasms. However, there is limited information about the utility of FDG PET/CT after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART) therapies for large B-cell lymphomas. In this retrospective analysis, we aimed to evaluate how FDG PET/CT performs in patients receiving commercially available anti-CD19 CART therapies for relapsed/refractory (r/r) large B-cell lymphomas. In addition, we examined the time to repeat scan and the rate of pseudoprogression within this population. Lastly, the rates of radiographic response to CART therapy using FDG PET/CT are reported. PROCEDURES The pre-treatment and post-treatment scans were analyzed from a selected cohort of 43 patients from a single institution. Patients were stratified by diagnosis of either a first occurrence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL); or a transformed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma arising from indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (t-iNHL). RESULTS More patients received CART therapy for DLBCL than t-iNHL (65 % vs 35 %). FDG PET/CT had a 99 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity for detecting recurrent disease in this group. The median time to initial response assessment was 86 days (IQR 79-91; full range 24-146) after infusion. There were no biopsy-proven cases of pseudoprogression identified. In this selected group of patients, the overall response rate by Lugano 2014 criteria was 56 %. All patients with a partial response (N = 6) eventually progressed despite additional therapy. CONCLUSIONS Due to its excellent test characteristics and ability to detect asymptomatic disease, routine surveillance with PET/CT at 3 months after CART infusion is supported by our data. Earlier PET/CT may be of value in select situations as we did not find any cases of pseudoprogression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Ruff
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hatcher J Ballard
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Austin R Pantel
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Esin C Namoglu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mitchell E Hughes
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sunita D Nasta
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elise A Chong
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adam Bagg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marco Ruella
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael D Farwell
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jakub Svoboda
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Mark A Sellmyer
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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24
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Van Hoeck J, Vanhove C, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Non-invasive cell-tracking methods for adoptive T cell therapies. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:793-807. [PMID: 34718210 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapies (ACT) have demonstrated groundbreaking results in blood cancers and melanoma. Nevertheless, their significant cost, the occurrence of severe adverse events, and their poor performance in solid tumors are important hurdles hampering more widespread applicability. In vivo cell tracking allows instantaneous and non-invasive monitoring of the distribution, tumor homing, persistence, and redistribution to other organs of infused T cells in patients. Furthermore, cell tracking could aid in the clinical management of patients, allowing the detection of non-responders or severe adverse events at an early stage. This review provides a concise overview of the main principles and potential of cell tracking, followed by a discussion of the clinically relevant labeling strategies and their application in ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelter Van Hoeck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian Vanhove
- Infinity Lab, Medical Imaging and Signal Processing Group-IBiTech, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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25
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Shalaby N, Dubois VP, Ronald J. Molecular imaging of cellular immunotherapies in experimental and therapeutic settings. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1281-1294. [PMID: 34657195 PMCID: PMC9122865 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based cancer immunotherapies are becoming a routine part of the armamentarium against cancer. While remarkable successes have been seen, including durable remissions, not all patients will benefit from these therapies and many can suffer from life-threatening side effects. These differences in efficacy and safety across patients and across tumor types (e.g., blood vs. solid), are thought to be due to differences in how well the immune cells traffic to their target tissue (e.g., tumor, lymph nodes, etc.) whilst avoiding non-target tissues. Across patient variability can also stem from whether the cells interact with (i.e., communicate with) their intended target cells (e.g., cancer cells), as well as if they proliferate and survive long enough to yield potent and long-lasting therapeutic effects. However, many cell-based therapies are monitored by relatively simple blood tests that lack any spatial information and do not reflect how many immune cells have ended up at particular tissues. The ex vivo labeling and imaging of infused therapeutic immune cells can provide a more precise and dynamic understanding of whole-body immune cell biodistribution, expansion, viability, and activation status in individual patients. In recent years numerous cellular imaging technologies have been developed that may provide this much-needed information on immune cell fate. For this review, we summarize various ex vivo labeling and imaging approaches that allow for tracking of cellular immunotherapies for cancer. Our focus is on clinical imaging modalities and summarize the progression from experimental to therapeutic settings. The imaging information provided by these technologies can potentially be used for many purposes including improved real-time understanding of therapeutic efficacy and potential side effects in individual patients after cell infusion; the ability to more readily compare new therapeutic cell designs to current designs for various parameters such as improved trafficking to target tissues and avoidance of non-target tissues; and the long-term ability to identify patient populations that are likely to be positive responders and at low-risk of side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nourhan Shalaby
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Veronica Phyllis Dubois
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Ronald
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada. .,Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada. .,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
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26
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Kiraga Ł, Kucharzewska P, Paisey S, Cheda Ł, Domańska A, Rogulski Z, Rygiel TP, Boffi A, Król M. Nuclear imaging for immune cell tracking in vivo – Comparison of various cell labeling methods and their application. Coord Chem Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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27
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Imaging CAR T-cell kinetics in solid tumors: Translational implications. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 22:355-367. [PMID: 34553024 PMCID: PMC8426175 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Success in solid tumor chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy requires overcoming several barriers, including lung sequestration, inefficient accumulation within the tumor, and target-antigen heterogeneity. Understanding CAR T-cell kinetics can assist in the interpretation of therapy response and limitations and thereby facilitate developing successful strategies to treat solid tumors. As T-cell therapy response varies across metastatic sites, the assessment of CAR T-cell kinetics by peripheral blood analysis or a single-site tumor biopsy is inadequate for interpretation of therapy response. The use of tumor imaging alone has also proven to be insufficient to interpret response to therapy. To address these limitations, we conducted dual tumor and T-cell imaging by use of a bioluminescent reporter and positron emission tomography in clinically relevant mouse models of pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer. We observed that the mode of delivery of T cells (systemic versus regional), T-cell activation status (presence or absence of antigen-expressing tumor), and tumor-antigen expression heterogeneity influence T-cell kinetics. The observations from our study underscore the need to identify and develop a T-cell reporter—in addition to standard parameters of tumor imaging and antitumor efficacy—that can be used for repeat imaging without compromising the efficacy of CAR T cells in vivo.
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28
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Helfer BM, Ponomarev V, Patrick PS, Blower PJ, Feitel A, Fruhwirth GO, Jackman S, Pereira Mouriès L, Park MVDZ, Srinivas M, Stuckey DJ, Thu MS, van den Hoorn T, Herberts CA, Shingleton WD. Options for imaging cellular therapeutics in vivo: a multi-stakeholder perspective. Cytotherapy 2021; 23:757-773. [PMID: 33832818 PMCID: PMC9344904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies have been making great advances toward clinical reality. Despite the increase in trial activity, few therapies have successfully navigated late-phase clinical trials and received market authorization. One possible explanation for this is that additional tools and technologies to enable their development have only recently become available. To support the safety evaluation of cell therapies, the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute Cell Therapy-Tracking, Circulation and Safety Committee, a multisector collaborative committee, polled the attendees of the 2017 International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy conference in London, UK, to understand the gaps and needs that cell therapy developers have encountered regarding safety evaluations in vivo. The goal of the survey was to collect information to inform stakeholders of areas of interest that can help ensure the safe use of cellular therapeutics in the clinic. This review is a response to the cellular imaging interests of those respondents. The authors offer a brief overview of available technologies and then highlight the areas of interest from the survey by describing how imaging technologies can meet those needs. The areas of interest include imaging of cells over time, sensitivity of imaging modalities, ability to quantify cells, imaging cellular survival and differentiation and safety concerns around adding imaging agents to cellular therapy protocols. The Health and Environmental Sciences Institute Cell Therapy-Tracking, Circulation and Safety Committee believes that the ability to understand therapeutic cell fate is vital for determining and understanding cell therapy efficacy and safety and offers this review to aid in those needs. An aim of this article is to share the available imaging technologies with the cell therapy community to demonstrate how these technologies can accomplish unmet needs throughout the translational process and strengthen the understanding of cellular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vladimir Ponomarev
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - P Stephen Patrick
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Philip J Blower
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Feitel
- Formerly, Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gilbert O Fruhwirth
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shawna Jackman
- Charles River Laboratories, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Margriet V D Z Park
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Mangala Srinivas
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Cenya Imaging BV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel J Stuckey
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mya S Thu
- Visicell Medical Inc, La Jolla, California, USA
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29
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Sakemura R, Bansal A, Siegler EL, Hefazi M, Yang N, Khadka RH, Newsom AN, Hansen MJ, Cox MJ, Manriquez Roman C, Schick KJ, Can I, Tapper EE, Nevala WK, Adada MM, Bezerra ED, Kankeu Fonkoua LA, Horvei P, Ruff MW, Parikh SA, Pandey MK, DeGrado TR, Suksanpaisan L, Kay NE, Peng KW, Russell SJ, Kenderian SS. Development of a Clinically Relevant Reporter for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Expansion, Trafficking, and Toxicity. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:1035-1046. [PMID: 34244299 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although chimeric antigen receptor T (CART)-cell therapy has been successful in treating certain hematologic malignancies, wider adoption of CART-cell therapy is limited because of minimal activity in solid tumors and development of life-threatening toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS). There is a lack of a robust, clinically relevant imaging platform to monitor in vivo expansion and trafficking to tumor sites. To address this, we utilized the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as a platform to image and track CART cells. We engineered CD19-directed and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CART cells to express NIS (NIS+CART19 and NIS+BCMA-CART, respectively) and tested the sensitivity of 18F-TFB-PET to detect trafficking and expansion in systemic and localized tumor models and in a CART-cell toxicity model. NIS+CART19 and NIS+BCMA-CART cells were generated through dual transduction with two vectors and demonstrated exclusive 125I uptake in vitro. 18F-TFB-PET detected NIS+CART cells in vivo to a sensitivity level of 40,000 cells. 18F-TFB-PET confirmed NIS+BCMA-CART-cell trafficking to the tumor sites in localized and systemic tumor models. In a xenograft model for CART-cell toxicity, 18F-TFB-PET revealed significant systemic uptake, correlating with CART-cell in vivo expansion, cytokine production, and development of CRS-associated clinical symptoms. NIS provides a sensitive, clinically applicable platform for CART-cell imaging with PET scan. 18F-TFB-PET detected CART-cell trafficking to tumor sites and in vivo expansion, correlating with the development of clinical and laboratory markers of CRS. These studies demonstrate a noninvasive, clinically relevant method to assess CART-cell functions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reona Sakemura
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Aditya Bansal
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Elizabeth L Siegler
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mehrdad Hefazi
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Nan Yang
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Infectious Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Roman H Khadka
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Alysha N Newsom
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Michelle J Cox
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Claudia Manriquez Roman
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Kendall J Schick
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ismail Can
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Erin E Tapper
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Wendy K Nevala
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mohamad M Adada
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Evandro D Bezerra
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Paulina Horvei
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Michael W Ruff
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | | | | | - Neil E Kay
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Kah-Whye Peng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Stephen J Russell
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Saad S Kenderian
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. .,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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30
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Shao F, Long Y, Ji H, Jiang D, Lei P, Lan X. Radionuclide-based molecular imaging allows CAR-T cellular visualization and therapeutic monitoring. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:6800-6817. [PMID: 34093854 PMCID: PMC8171102 DOI: 10.7150/thno.56989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is a new and effective form of adoptive cell therapy that is rapidly entering the mainstream for the treatment of CD19-positive hematological cancers because of its impressive effect and durable responses. Huge challenges remain in achieving similar success in patients with solid tumors. The current methods of monitoring CAR-T, including morphological imaging (CT and MRI), blood tests, and biopsy, have limitations to assess whether CAR-T cells are homing to tumor sites and infiltrating into tumor bed, or to assess the survival, proliferation, and persistence of CAR-T cells in solid tumors associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Radionuclide-based molecular imaging affords improved CAR-T cellular visualization and therapeutic monitoring through either a direct cellular radiolabeling approach or a reporter gene imaging strategy, and endogenous cell imaging is beneficial to reflect functional information and immune status of T cells. Focusing on the dynamic monitoring and precise assessment of CAR-T therapy, this review summarizes the current applications of radionuclide-based noninvasive imaging in CAR-T cells visualization and monitoring and presents current challenges and strategic choices.
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31
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Xiao Z, Puré E. Imaging of T-cell Responses in the Context of Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:490-502. [PMID: 33941536 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy, which promotes the induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and enhances their infiltration into and function within tumors, is a rapidly expanding and evolving approach to treating cancer. However, many of the critical denominators for inducing effective anticancer immune responses remain unknown. Efforts are underway to develop comprehensive ex vivo assessments of the immune landscape of patients prior to and during response to immunotherapy. An important complementary approach to these efforts involves the development of noninvasive imaging approaches to detect immune targets, assess delivery of immune-based therapeutics, and evaluate responses to immunotherapy. Herein, we review the merits and limitations of various noninvasive imaging modalities (MRI, PET, and single-photon emission tomography) and discuss candidate targets for cellular and molecular imaging for visualization of T-cell responses at various stages along the cancer-immunity cycle in the context of immunotherapy. We also discuss the potential use of these imaging strategies in monitoring treatment responses and predicting prognosis for patients treated with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebin Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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32
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Wang XY, Wang Y, Wu Q, Liu JJ, Liu Y, Pan DH, Qi W, Wang LZ, Yan JJ, Xu YP, Wang GJ, Miao LY, Yu L, Yang M. Feasibility study of 68Ga-labeled CAR T cells for in vivo tracking using micro-positron emission tomography imaging. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:824-831. [PMID: 32901086 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00511-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical tracking of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in vivo by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is an area of intense interest. But the long-lived positron emitter-labeled CAR T cells stay in the liver and spleen for days or even weeks. Thus, the excessive absorbed effective dose becomes a major biosafety issue leading it difficult for clinical translation. In this study we used 68Ga, a commercially available short-lived positron emitter, to label CAR T cells for noninvasive cell tracking in vivo. CAR T cells could be tracked in vivo by 68Ga-PET imaging for at least 6 h. We showed a significant correlation between the distribution of 89Zr and 68Ga-labeled CAR T cells in the same tissues (lungs, liver, and spleen). The distribution and homing behavior of CAR T cells at the early period is highly correlated with the long-term fate of CAR T cells in vivo. And the effective absorbed dose of 68Ga-labeled CAR T cells is only one twenty-fourth of 89Zr-labeled CAR T cells, which was safe for clinical translation. We conclude the feasibility of 68Ga instead of 89Zr directly labeling CAR T cells for noninvasive tracking of the cells in vivo at an early stage based on PET imaging. This method provides a potential solution to the emerging need for safe and practical PET tracer for cell tracking clinically.
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33
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Sakemura R, Can I, Siegler EL, Kenderian SS. In vivo CART cell imaging: Paving the way for success in CART cell therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 20:625-633. [PMID: 33816781 PMCID: PMC7995489 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CART) cells are a promising immunotherapy that has induced dramatic anti-tumor responses in certain B cell malignancies. However, CART cell expansion and trafficking are often insufficient to yield long-term remissions, and serious toxicities can arise after CART cell administration. Visualizing CART cell expansion and trafficking in patients can detect an inadequate CART cell response or serve as an early warning for toxicity development, allowing CART cell treatment to be tailored accordingly to maximize therapeutic benefits. To this end, various imaging platforms are being developed to track CART cells in vivo, including nonspecific strategies to image activated T cells and reporter systems to specifically detect engineered T cells. Many of these platforms are clinically applicable and hold promise to provide valuable information and guide improved CART cell treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reona Sakemura
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ismail Can
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Siegler
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Saad S Kenderian
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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34
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Ying Z, He T, Wang X, Zheng W, Lin N, Tu M, Xie Y, Ping L, Zhang C, Liu W, Deng L, Wu M, Feng F, Leng X, Du T, Qi F, Hu X, Ding Y, Lu XA, Song Y, Zhu J. Distribution of chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells against CD19 in B-cell malignancies. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:198. [PMID: 33632155 PMCID: PMC7908740 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-07934-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unprecedented efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapy of CD19+ B-cell malignancies has opened a new and useful way for the treatment of malignant tumors. Nonetheless, there are still formidable challenges in the field of CAR-T cell therapy, such as the biodistribution of CAR-T cells in vivo. METHODS NALM-6, a human B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cell line, was used as target cells. CAR-T cells were injected into a mice model with or without target cells. Then we measured the distribution of CAR-T cells in mice. In addition, an exploratory clinical trial was conducted in 13 r/r B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) patients, who received CAR-T cell infusion. The dynamic changes in patient blood parameters over time after infusion were detected by qPCR and flow cytometry. RESULTS CAR-T cells still proliferated over time after being infused into the mice without target cells within 2 weeks. However, CAR-T cells did not increase significantly in the presence of target cells within 2 weeks after infusion, but expanded at week 6. In the clinical trial, we found that CAR-T cells peaked at 7-21 days after infusion and lasted for 420 days in peripheral blood of patients. Simultaneously, mild side effects were observed, which could be effectively controlled within 2 months in these patients. CONCLUSIONS CAR-T cells can expand themselves with or without target cells in mice, and persist for a long time in NHL patients without serious side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION The registration date of the clinical trial is May 17, 2018 and the trial registration numbers is NCT03528421 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitao Ying
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ting He
- Beijing Immunochina Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopei Wang
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zheng
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ningjing Lin
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Meifeng Tu
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyan Ping
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Feier Feng
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Leng
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Du
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Qi
- Beijing Immunochina Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xuelian Hu
- Beijing Immunochina Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Ding
- Beijing Immunochina Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xin-An Lu
- Beijing Immunochina Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Beijing, China.
| | - Yuqin Song
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China.
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Lymphoma, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China.
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35
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Simonetta F, Alam IS, Lohmeyer JK, Sahaf B, Good Z, Chen W, Xiao Z, Hirai T, Scheller L, Engels P, Vermesh O, Robinson E, Haywood T, Sathirachinda A, Baker J, Malipatlolla MB, Schultz LM, Spiegel JY, Lee JT, Miklos DB, Mackall CL, Gambhir SS, Negrin RS. Molecular Imaging of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells by ICOS-ImmunoPET. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:1058-1068. [PMID: 33087332 PMCID: PMC7887027 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunomonitoring of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells relies primarily on their quantification in the peripheral blood, which inadequately quantifies their biodistribution and activation status in the tissues. Noninvasive molecular imaging of CAR T cells by PET is a promising approach with the ability to provide spatial, temporal, and functional information. Reported strategies rely on the incorporation of reporter transgenes or ex vivo biolabeling, significantly limiting the application of CAR T-cell molecular imaging. In this study, we assessed the ability of antibody-based PET (immunoPET) to noninvasively visualize CAR T cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN After analyzing human CAR T cells in vitro and ex vivo from patient samples to identify candidate targets for immunoPET, we employed a syngeneic, orthotopic murine tumor model of lymphoma to assess the feasibility of in vivo tracking of CAR T cells by immunoPET using the 89Zr-DFO-anti-ICOS tracer, which we have previously reported. RESULTS Analysis of human CD19-CAR T cells during activation identified the Inducible T-cell COStimulator (ICOS) as a potential target for immunoPET. In a preclinical tumor model, 89Zr-DFO-ICOS mAb PET-CT imaging detected significantly higher signal in specific bone marrow-containing skeletal sites of CAR T-cell-treated mice compared with controls. Importantly, administration of ICOS-targeting antibodies at tracer doses did not interfere with CAR T-cell persistence and function. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the potential of ICOS-immunoPET imaging for monitoring of CAR T-cell therapy, a strategy readily applicable to both commercially available and investigational CAR T cells.See related commentary by Volpe et al., p. 911.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Simonetta
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center for Oncohematology, Department of Internal Medicine Specialties, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Israt S Alam
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Juliane K Lohmeyer
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Bita Sahaf
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Zinaida Good
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California
| | - Weiyu Chen
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Zunyu Xiao
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Toshihito Hirai
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Lukas Scheller
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Pujan Engels
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Ophir Vermesh
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Elise Robinson
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Tom Haywood
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ataya Sathirachinda
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jeanette Baker
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Liora M Schultz
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jay Y Spiegel
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jason T Lee
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Stanford Center for Innovation in In Vivo Imaging (SCi), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - David B Miklos
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Sanjiv S Gambhir
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Departments of Bioengineering and Materials Science & Engineering, Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Robert S Negrin
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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Abousaway O, Rakhshandehroo T, Van den Abbeele AD, Kircher MF, Rashidian M. Noninvasive Imaging of Cancer Immunotherapy. Nanotheranostics 2021; 5:90-112. [PMID: 33391977 PMCID: PMC7738948 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.50860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of several malignancies. Notwithstanding the encouraging results, many patients do not respond to treatments. Evaluation of the efficacy of treatments is challenging and robust methods to predict the response to treatment are not yet available. The outcome of immunotherapy results from changes that treatment evokes in the tumor immune landscape. Therefore, a better understanding of the dynamics of immune cells that infiltrate into the tumor microenvironment may fundamentally help in addressing this challenge and provide tools to assess or even predict the response. Noninvasive imaging approaches, such as PET and SPECT that provide whole-body images are currently seen as the most promising tools that can shed light on the events happening in tumors in response to treatment. Such tools can provide critical information that can be used to make informed clinical decisions. Here, we review recent developments in the field of noninvasive cancer imaging with a focus on immunotherapeutics and nuclear imaging technologies and will discuss how the field can move forward to address the challenges that remain unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Abousaway
- Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Taha Rakhshandehroo
- Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Annick D. Van den Abbeele
- Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Moritz F. Kircher
- Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Mohammad Rashidian
- Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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37
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Volpe A, Lang C, Lim L, Man F, Kurtys E, Ashmore-Harris C, Johnson P, Skourti E, de Rosales RTM, Fruhwirth GO. Spatiotemporal PET Imaging Reveals Differences in CAR-T Tumor Retention in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Models. Mol Ther 2020; 28:2271-2285. [PMID: 32645298 PMCID: PMC7544977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CAR-T) has been rolled out as a new treatment for hematological malignancies. For solid tumor treatment, CAR-T has been disappointing so far. Challenges include the quantification of CAR-T trafficking, expansion and retention in tumors, activity at target sites, toxicities, and long-term CAR-T survival. Non-invasive serial in vivo imaging of CAR-T using reporter genes can address several of these challenges. For clinical use, a non-immunogenic reporter that is detectable with exquisite sensitivity by positron emission tomography (PET) using a clinically available non-toxic radiotracer would be beneficial. Here, we employed the human sodium iodide symporter to non-invasively quantify tumor retention of pan-ErbB family targeted CAR-T by PET. We generated and characterized traceable CAR T cells and examined potential negative effects of radionuclide reporter use. We applied our platform to two different triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models and unexpectedly observed pronounced differences in CAR-T tumor retention by PET/CT (computed tomography) and confirmed data ex vivo. CAR-T tumor retention inversely correlated with immune checkpoint expression in the TNBC models. Our platform enables highly sensitive non-invasive PET tracking of CAR-T thereby addressing a fundamental unmet need in CAR-T development and offering to provide missing information needed for future clinical CAR-T imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Volpe
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Cameron Lang
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lindsay Lim
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Francis Man
- Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ewelina Kurtys
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Candice Ashmore-Harris
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Preeth Johnson
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elena Skourti
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rafael T M de Rosales
- Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gilbert O Fruhwirth
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
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38
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Krebs S, Dacek MM, Carter LM, Scheinberg DA, Larson SM. CAR Chase: Where Do Engineered Cells Go in Humans? Front Oncol 2020; 10:577773. [PMID: 33042849 PMCID: PMC7518311 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.577773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) - and T-cell receptor (TCR) - modified T-cells are rapidly emerging as a viable treatment option for cancer patients. While initial clinical trials for these CAR T cells showed response rates of over 90% in some cases, retrospective studies have revealed a wide variability in patient responses as well as a significant proportion of patients relapsing after an initial response. In addition, patients often have severe adverse reactions to this therapy (e.g., cytokine release and neurologic syndromes). As a result, much research is still needed to be able to predict both therapeutic outcomes and possible toxicities. Furthermore, little success has been seen in treating solid tumors with engineered T cells and uncovering modes of failure is a topic of much research. Finally, little is known about the T cells' pharmacokinetics after infusion into the patient, as standard methods of tracking the cells analyze peripheral blood and tumor biopsies - both of which lack spatiotemporal information. Herein, we propose that reporter gene-based imaging of engineered T cells in humans would be tremendously valuable in elucidating the fate of the transplanted T cells and would greatly facilitate clinical translation of new CAR and TCR technologies. Currently, there are no FDA-approved reporter genes and few methods have advanced to human studies. Herein, we outline current reporter gene approaches to track engineered cells in vivo, analyze why current reporter genes have not progressed into the clinic, and propose "rules" for designing a widely applicable reporter gene for use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Krebs
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Megan M. Dacek
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, United States
- Pharmacology Department, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lukas M. Carter
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, United States
- Pharmacology Department, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Steven M. Larson
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, United States
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39
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Pharaon R, Koczywas MA, Salgia S, Mohanty A, Massarelli E. Biomarkers in immunotherapy: literature review and future directions. J Thorac Dis 2020; 12:5119-5127. [PMID: 33145089 PMCID: PMC7578474 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2020.04.15] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Within the past decade, immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of advanced non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab have shown superiority over chemotherapy regimens in patients with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Several predictive molecular biomarkers, including PD-L1 expression and high tumor mutation burden, have shown utility in discovering lung cancer patient groups that would benefit from ICIs. However, there remains to be a reliable imaging biomarker that would clearly select patients, through baseline or restaging imaging, who would respond or have a prolonged response to ICIs. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of ICIs in patients with advanced NSCLC and past or current studies in potential biomarkers as well as future directions on the role of imaging in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Pharaon
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Maria A Koczywas
- Wroclaw Medical University, Wybrzeze L. Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Sabrina Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Atish Mohanty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Erminia Massarelli
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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40
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Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy is a promising frontier of immunoengineering and cancer immunotherapy. Methods that detect, quantify, track, and visualize the CAR, have catalyzed the rapid advancement of CAR-T cell therapy from preclinical models to clinical adoption. For instance, CAR-staining/labeling agents have enabled flow cytometry analysis, imaging applications, cell sorting, and high-dimensional clinical profiling. Molecular assays, such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction, integration site analysis, and RNA-sequencing, have characterized CAR transduction, expression, and in vivo CAR-T cell expansion kinetics. In vitro visualization methods, including confocal and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, have captured the molecular details underlying CAR immunological synapse formation, signaling, and cytotoxicity. In vivo tracking methods, including two-photon microscopy, bioluminescence imaging, and positron emission tomography scanning, have monitored CAR-T cell biodistribution across blood, tissue, and tumor. Here, we review the plethora of CAR detection methods, which can operate at the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and organismal levels. For each method, we discuss: (1) what it measures; (2) how it works; (3) its scientific and clinical importance; (4) relevant examples of its use; (5) specific protocols for CAR detection; and (6) its strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we consider current scientific and clinical needs in order to provide future perspectives for improved CAR detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Hu
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jun Huang
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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41
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Donnadieu E, Dupré L, Pinho LG, Cotta-de-Almeida V. Surmounting the obstacles that impede effective CAR T cell trafficking to solid tumors. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1067-1079. [PMID: 32620049 PMCID: PMC7586996 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1mr0520-746r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Innovative immunotherapies based on immune checkpoint targeting antibodies and engineered T cells are transforming the way we approach cancer treatment. However, although these T cell centered strategies result in marked and durable responses in patients across many different tumor types, they provide therapeutic efficacy only in a proportion of patients. A major challenge of immuno‐oncology is thereby to identify mechanisms responsible for resistance to cancer immunotherapy in order to overcome them via adapted strategies that will ultimately improve intrinsic efficacy and response rates. Here, we focus on the barriers that restrain the trafficking of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐expressing T cells to solid tumors. Upon infusion, CAR T cells need to home into malignant sites, navigate within complex tumor environments, form productive interactions with cancer cells, deliver their cytotoxic activities, and finally persist. We review the accumulating evidence that the microenvironment of solid tumors contains multiple obstacles that hinder CAR T cells in the dynamic steps underlying their trafficking. We focus on how these hurdles may in part account for the failure of CAR T cell clinical trials in human carcinomas. Given the engineered nature of CAR T cells and possibilities to modify the tumor environment, there are ample opportunities to augment CAR T cell ability to efficiently find and combat tumors. We present some of these strategies, which represent a dynamic field of research with high potential for clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Donnadieu
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Loïc Dupré
- INSERM, UMR1043, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, France.,CNRS, UMR5282, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Lia Gonçalves Pinho
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Cotta-de-Almeida
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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42
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Ashmore-Harris C, Iafrate M, Saleem A, Fruhwirth GO. Non-invasive Reporter Gene Imaging of Cell Therapies, including T Cells and Stem Cells. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1392-1416. [PMID: 32243834 PMCID: PMC7264441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies represent a rapidly emerging class of new therapeutics. They are intended and developed for the treatment of some of the most prevalent human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and for regenerative medicine. Currently, they are largely developed without precise assessment of their in vivo distribution, efficacy, or survival either clinically or preclinically. However, it would be highly beneficial for both preclinical cell therapy development and subsequent clinical use to assess these parameters in situ to enable enhancements in efficacy, applicability, and safety. Molecular imaging can be exploited to track cells non-invasively on the whole-body level and can enable monitoring for prolonged periods in a manner compatible with rapidly expanding cell types. In this review, we explain how in vivo imaging can aid the development and clinical translation of cell-based therapeutics. We describe the underlying principles governing non-invasive in vivo long-term cell tracking in the preclinical and clinical settings, including available imaging technologies, reporter genes, and imaging agents as well as pitfalls related to experimental design. Our emphasis is on adoptively transferred T cell and stem cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Ashmore-Harris
- Imaging Therapy and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Madeleine Iafrate
- Imaging Therapy and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Adeel Saleem
- Imaging Therapy and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Gilbert O Fruhwirth
- Imaging Therapy and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK.
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McCarthy CE, White JM, Viola NT, Gibson HM. In vivo Imaging Technologies to Monitor the Immune System. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1067. [PMID: 32582173 PMCID: PMC7280489 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The past two decades have brought impressive advancements in immune modulation, particularly with the advent of both cancer immunotherapy and biologic therapeutics for inflammatory conditions. However, the dynamic nature of the immune response often complicates the assessment of therapeutic outcomes. Innovative imaging technologies are designed to bridge this gap and allow non-invasive visualization of immune cell presence and/or function in real time. A variety of anatomical and molecular imaging modalities have been applied for this purpose, with each option providing specific advantages and drawbacks. Anatomical methods including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound provide sharp tissue resolution, which can be further enhanced with contrast agents, including super paramagnetic ions (for MRI) or nanobubbles (for ultrasound). Conjugation of the contrast material to an antibody allows for specific targeting of a cell population or protein of interest. Protein platforms including antibodies, cytokines, and receptor ligands are also popular choices as molecular imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT), scintigraphy, and optical imaging. These tracers are tagged with either a radioisotope or fluorescent molecule for detection of the target. During the design process for immune-monitoring imaging tracers, it is important to consider any potential downstream physiologic impact. Antibodies may deplete the target cell population, trigger or inhibit receptor signaling, or neutralize the normal function(s) of soluble proteins. Alternatively, the use of cytokines or other ligands as tracers may stimulate their respective signaling pathways, even in low concentrations. As in vivo immune imaging is still in its infancy, this review aims to describe the modalities and immunologic targets that have thus far been explored, with the goal of promoting and guiding the future development and application of novel imaging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E McCarthy
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Jordan M White
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Nerissa T Viola
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Heather M Gibson
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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Abdalla AME, Xiao L, Miao Y, Huang L, Fadlallah GM, Gauthier M, Ouyang C, Yang G. Nanotechnology Promotes Genetic and Functional Modifications of Therapeutic T Cells Against Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1903164. [PMID: 32440473 PMCID: PMC7237845 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201903164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Growing experience with engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has revealed some of the challenges associated with developing patient-specific therapy. The promising clinical results obtained with CAR-T therapy nevertheless demonstrate the urgency of advancements to promote and expand its uses. There is indeed a need to devise novel methods to generate potent CARs, and to confer them and track their anti-tumor efficacy in CAR-T therapy. A potentially effective approach to improve the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy would be to exploit the benefits of nanotechnology. This report highlights the current limitations of CAR-T immunotherapy and pinpoints potential opportunities and tremendous advantages of using nanotechnology to 1) introduce CAR transgene cassettes into primary T cells, 2) stimulate T cell expansion and persistence, 3) improve T cell trafficking, 4) stimulate the intrinsic T cell activity, 5) reprogram the immunosuppressive cellular and vascular microenvironments, and 6) monitor the therapeutic efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy. Therefore, genetic and functional modifications promoted by nanotechnology enable the generation of robust CAR-T cell therapy and offer precision treatments against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. E. Abdalla
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCollege of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074China
- Department of BiochemistryCollege of Applied ScienceUniversity of BahriKhartoum1660/11111Sudan
| | - Lin Xiao
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCollege of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074China
| | - Yu Miao
- Department of Vascular SurgeryGeneral Hospital of Ningxia Medical UniversityYinchuan750004China
| | - Lixia Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Purification and Application of Plant Anti‐Cancer Active IngredientsSchool of Chemistry and Life SciencesHubei University of EducationWuhan430205China
| | - Gendeal M. Fadlallah
- Department of Chemistry and BiologyFaculty of EducationUniversity of GeziraWad‐Medani2667Sudan
| | - Mario Gauthier
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooN2L 3G1Canada
| | - Chenxi Ouyang
- Department of Vascular SurgeryFuwai HospitalNational Center for Cardiovascular DiseaseChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100037China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringCollege of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074China
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45
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Iafrate M, Fruhwirth GO. How Non-invasive in vivo Cell Tracking Supports the Development and Translation of Cancer Immunotherapies. Front Physiol 2020; 11:154. [PMID: 32327996 PMCID: PMC7152671 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a relatively new treatment regimen for cancer, and it is based on the modulation of the immune system to battle cancer. Immunotherapies can be classified as either molecular or cell-based immunotherapies, and both types have demonstrated promising results in a growing number of cancers. Indeed, several immunotherapies representing both classes are already approved for clinical use in oncology. While spectacular treatment successes have been reported, particularly for so-called immune checkpoint inhibitors and certain cell-based immunotherapies, they have also been accompanied by a variety of severe, sometimes life-threatening side effects. Furthermore, not all patients respond to immunotherapy. Hence, there is the need for more research to render these promising therapeutics more efficacious, more widely applicable, and safer to use. Whole-body in vivo imaging technologies that can interrogate cancers and/or immunotherapies are highly beneficial tools for immunotherapy development and translation to the clinic. In this review, we explain how in vivo imaging can aid the development of molecular and cell-based anti-cancer immunotherapies. We describe the principles of imaging host T-cells and adoptively transferred therapeutic T-cells as well as the value of traceable cancer cell models in immunotherapy development. Our emphasis is on in vivo cell tracking methodology, including important aspects and caveats specific to immunotherapies. We discuss a variety of associated experimental design aspects including parameters such as cell type, observation times/intervals, and detection sensitivity. The focus is on non-invasive 3D cell tracking on the whole-body level including aspects relevant for both preclinical experimentation and clinical translatability of the underlying methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gilbert O. Fruhwirth
- Imaging Therapy and Cancer Group, Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Pancreatic Cancer UK Grand Challenge: Developments and challenges for effective CAR T cell therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pancreatology 2020; 20:394-408. [PMID: 32173257 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Death from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is rising across the world and PDAC is predicted to be the second most common cause of cancer death in the USA by 2030. Development of effective biotherapies for PDAC are hampered by late presentation, a low number of differentially expressed molecular targets and a tumor-promoting microenvironment that forms both a physical, collagen-rich barrier and is also immunosuppressive. In 2017 Pancreatic Cancer UK awarded its first Grand Challenge Programme award to tackle this problem. The team plan to combine the use of novel CAR T cells with strategies to overcome the barriers presented by the tumor microenvironment. In advance of publication of those data this review seeks to highlight the key problems in effective CAR T cell therapy of PDAC and to describe pre-clinical and clinical progress in CAR T bio-therapeutics.
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Du Y, Qi Y, Jin Z, Tian J. Noninvasive imaging in cancer immunotherapy: The way to precision medicine. Cancer Lett 2019; 466:13-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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48
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Krekorian M, Fruhwirth GO, Srinivas M, Figdor CG, Heskamp S, Witney TH, Aarntzen EH. Imaging of T-cells and their responses during anti-cancer immunotherapy. Theranostics 2019; 9:7924-7947. [PMID: 31656546 PMCID: PMC6814447 DOI: 10.7150/thno.37924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has proven to be an effective approach in a growing number of cancers. Despite durable clinical responses achieved with antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules, many patients do not respond. The common denominator for immunotherapies that have successfully been introduced in the clinic is their potential to induce or enhance infiltration of cytotoxic T-cells into the tumour. However, in clinical research the molecules, cells and processes involved in effective responses during immunotherapy remain largely obscure. Therefore, in vivo imaging technologies that interrogate T-cell responses in patients represent a powerful tool to boost further development of immunotherapy. This review comprises a comprehensive analysis of the in vivo imaging technologies that allow the characterisation of T-cell responses induced by anti-cancer immunotherapy, with emphasis on technologies that are clinically available or have high translational potential. Throughout we discuss their respective strengths and weaknesses, providing arguments for selecting the optimal imaging options for future research and patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massis Krekorian
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gilbert O. Fruhwirth
- Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings' College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mangala Srinivas
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carl G. Figdor
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Heskamp
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy H. Witney
- Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings' College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erik H.J.G. Aarntzen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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49
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Gorchakov AA, Kulemzin SV, Kochneva GV, Taranin AV. Challenges and Prospects of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy for Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol 2019; 77:299-308. [PMID: 31471138 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Progress achieved in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) with surgical, radiation, and hormonal therapies has drastically reduced mortality from this disease. Yet, patients with advanced PCa have few, if any, curative options. Recent success in treating patients with hematological malignancies of B-cell origin using T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has inspired multiple groups worldwide to adapt this approach to the problem of late-stage PCa. OBJECTIVE To summarize the available clinical results for CAR T-cell therapy of PCa and discuss future technological advancements in the CAR T-cell field that may help patients with metastatic PCa. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A literature review was conducted of clinical trial data, abstracts presented at recent oncology conferences, as well as reports highlighting critical bottlenecks of CAR T-cell therapy that became apparent from preclinical and clinical studies. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Current understanding of why CAR T-cell therapy may fail, particularly in the context of solid cancers, is as follows. First, a CAR design that provides potent activity and persistence of engineered T cells in the hostile tumor microenvironment is a must. The choice of the targetable epitope(s) is critical to counteract tumor antigen escape. Preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy can be enhanced significantly in combination with other therapeutic approaches. We propose that several improvements to CAR design and patient conditioning, such as unbiased identification of novel PCa-specific CAR targets, use of next-generation (multispecific, resistant to the tumor microenvironment, and with prolonged persistence) CAR T-cell products, and combination therapies may translate into improved patient outcomes and more durable responses. CONCLUSIONS Although significant preclinical experience of testing CAR T cells in solid cancer models has identified important technological and biological bottlenecks, information from clinical trials, particularly those focusing on the PCa, will be instrumental to the rational design of advanced CAR T therapies that will be both safe and effective in patients with advanced PCa. PATIENT SUMMARY So far, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has not shown significant activity in patients with metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). CAR T-cell products used for such trials represent one of the pioneering efforts to adapt this technology to the problem of metastatic PCa. In retrospect, both CAR design and cell composition appear to have been suboptimal to expect strong patient responses. Given the impressive results of CAR-based approaches observed in preclinical models of solid cancers, emerging CAR T-cell products are expected to be more successful in the clinic. Here, we discuss the challenges that need to be overcome to boost the efficacy of PCa-targeted CAR T-cell therapy and call for dialogue between clinicians and cell biologists to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey A Gorchakov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia; Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Sergey V Kulemzin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Galina V Kochneva
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Koltsovo, Russia
| | - Aleksandr V Taranin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia; Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
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50
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Minn I, Rowe SP, Pomper MG. Enhancing CAR T-cell therapy through cellular imaging and radiotherapy. Lancet Oncol 2019; 20:e443-e451. [PMID: 31364596 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(19)30461-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is one of the most remarkable advances in cancer therapy in the last several decades. More than 300 adoptive T-cell therapy trials are ongoing, which is a testament to the early success and hope engendered by this line of investigation. Despite the enthusiasm, application of CAR T-cell therapy to solid tumours has had little success, although positive outcomes are increasingly being reported for these diseases. In this Series paper, we discuss the short-term strategies to improve CAR T-cell therapy responses, particularly for solid tumours, by combining CAR T-cell therapy with radiotherapy through the use of careful monitoring and non-invasive imaging. Through the use of imaging, we can gain greater mechanistic insights into the cascade of events that must unfold to enable tumour eradication by CAR T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il Minn
- Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Steven P Rowe
- Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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