1
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Lefler DS, Manobianco SA, Bashir B. Immunotherapy resistance in solid tumors: mechanisms and potential solutions. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2315655. [PMID: 38389121 PMCID: PMC10896138 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2315655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
While the emergence of immunotherapies has fundamentally altered the management of solid tumors, cancers exploit many complex biological mechanisms that result in resistance to these agents. These encompass a broad range of cellular activities - from modification of traditional paradigms of immunity via antigen presentation and immunoregulation to metabolic modifications and manipulation of the tumor microenvironment. Intervening on these intricate processes may provide clinical benefit in patients with solid tumors by overcoming resistance to immunotherapies, which is why it has become an area of tremendous research interest with practice-changing implications. This review details the major ways cancers avoid both natural immunity and immunotherapies through primary (innate) and secondary (acquired) mechanisms of resistance, and it considers available and emerging therapeutic approaches to overcoming immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Lefler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven A. Manobianco
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Babar Bashir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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2
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Wang L, Lynch C, Pitroda SP, Piffkó A, Yang K, Huser AK, Liang HL, Weichselbaum RR. Radiotherapy and immunology. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20232101. [PMID: 38771260 PMCID: PMC11110906 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20232101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The majority of cancer patients receive radiotherapy during the course of treatment, delivered with curative intent for local tumor control or as part of a multimodality regimen aimed at eliminating distant metastasis. A major focus of research has been DNA damage; however, in the past two decades, emphasis has shifted to the important role the immune system plays in radiotherapy-induced anti-tumor effects. Radiotherapy reprograms the tumor microenvironment, triggering DNA and RNA sensing cascades that activate innate immunity and ultimately enhance adaptive immunity. In opposition, radiotherapy also induces suppression of anti-tumor immunity, including recruitment of regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and suppressive macrophages. The balance of pro- and anti-tumor immunity is regulated in part by radiotherapy-induced chemokines and cytokines. Microbiota can also influence radiotherapy outcomes and is under clinical investigation. Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and CTLA-4 has been extensively investigated in combination with radiotherapy; we include a review of clinical trials involving inhibition of these immune checkpoints and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Wang
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Connor Lynch
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sean P. Pitroda
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - András Piffkó
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kaiting Yang
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy K. Huser
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hua Laura Liang
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ralph R. Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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3
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Kim HJ, Kim LK, Kim A, Htwe KM, Heo TH, Shin KJ, Kim HJ, Yoon KD. IL-6 Inhibitory Compounds from the Aerial Parts of Piper attenuatum and Their Anticancer Activities on Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines. Molecules 2024; 29:2981. [PMID: 38998933 PMCID: PMC11242996 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29132981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Piper attenuatum Buch-Ham, a perennial woody vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, is traditionally used in Southeast Asia for treating various ailments such as malaria, headache, and hepatitis. This study described the isolation and identification of three new compounds, piperamides I-III (1-3), which belong to the maleimide-type alkaloid skeletons, along with fifteen known compounds (4-18) from the methanol extract of the aerial parts of P. attnuatum. Their chemical structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, ESI-Q-TOF-MS, and 1D/2D NMR). All the isolates were evaluated for their ability to inhibit IL-6 activity in the human embryonic kidney-Blue™ IL-6 cell line and their cytotoxic activity against ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3/SKOV3-TR) and chemotherapy-resistant variants (cisplatin-resistant A2780/paclitaxel-resistant SKOV3). The compounds 3, 4, 11, 12, 17, and 18 exhibited IL-6 inhibition comparable to that of the positive control bazedoxifene. Notably, compound 12 displayed the most potent anticancer effect against all the tested cancer cell lines. These findings highlight the importance of researching the diverse activities of both known and newly discovered natural products to fully unlock their potential therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Lee Kyung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BK21FOUR Team for Advanced Program for Smart Pharma Leaders, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Anna Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Khin Myo Htwe
- Popa Mountain National Park, Forest Department, Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Division, Kyaukpadaung 05241, Myanmar
| | - Tae-Hwe Heo
- College of Pharmacy, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BK21FOUR Team for Advanced Program for Smart Pharma Leaders, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Kye Jung Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BK21FOUR Team for Advanced Program for Smart Pharma Leaders, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee Dong Yoon
- College of Pharmacy, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
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4
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Shi W, Liu N, Liu Z, Yang Y, Zeng Q, Wang Y, Song L, Hu F, Fu J, Chen J, Wu M, Zhou L, Zhu F, Gong L, Zhu J, Jiang L, Lu H. Next-generation anti-PD-L1/IL-15 immunocytokine elicits superior antitumor immunity in cold tumors with minimal toxicity. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101531. [PMID: 38697105 PMCID: PMC11148641 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The clinical applications of immunocytokines are severely restricted by dose-limiting toxicities. To address this challenge, here we propose a next-generation immunocytokine concept involving the design of LH05, a tumor-conditional anti-PD-L1/interleukin-15 (IL-15) prodrug. LH05 innovatively masks IL-15 with steric hindrance, mitigating the "cytokine sink" effect of IL-15 and reducing systemic toxicities associated with wild-type anti-PD-L1/IL-15. Moreover, upon specific proteolytic cleavage within the tumor microenvironment, LH05 releases an active IL-15 superagonist, exerting potent antitumor effects. Mechanistically, the antitumor efficacy of LH05 depends on the increased infiltration of CD8+ T and natural killer cells by stimulating the chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, thereby converting cold tumors into hot tumors. Additionally, the tumor-conditional anti-PD-L1/IL-15 can synergize with an oncolytic virus or checkpoint blockade in advanced and metastatic tumor models. Our findings provide a compelling proof of concept for the development of next-generation immunocytokines, contributing significantly to current knowledge and strategies of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Shi
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zexin Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuqi Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiongya Zeng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Luyao Song
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fang Hu
- Hangzhou Converd Inc., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Jin Fu
- Hangzhou Converd Inc., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Junsheng Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mingyuan Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200023, China
| | - Fengping Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Likun Gong
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Long Jiang
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Huili Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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5
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Ren Z, Zhang X, Fu YX. Facts and Hopes on Chimeric Cytokine Agents for Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2025-2038. [PMID: 38190116 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines are key mediators of immune responses that can modulate the antitumor activity of immune cells. Cytokines have been explored as a promising cancer immunotherapy. However, there are several challenges to cytokine therapy, especially a lack of tumor targeting, resulting in high toxicity and limited efficacy. To overcome these limitations, novel approaches have been developed to engineer cytokines with improved properties, such as chimeric cytokines. Chimeric cytokines are fusion proteins that combine different cytokine domains or link cytokines to antibodies (immunocytokines) or other molecules that can target specific receptors or cells. Chimeric cytokines can enhance the selectivity and stability of cytokines, leading to reduced toxicity and improved efficacy. In this review, we focus on two promising cytokines, IL2 and IL15, and summarize the current advances and challenges of chimeric cytokine design and application for cancer immunotherapy. Most of the current approaches focus on increasing the potency of cytokines, but another important goal is to reduce toxicity. Cytokine engineering is promising for cancer immunotherapy as it can enhance tumor targeting while minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuhao Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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6
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Niu L, Jang E, Chin AL, Huo Z, Wang W, Cai W, Tong R. Noncovalently particle-anchored cytokines with prolonged tumor retention safely elicit potent antitumor immunity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk7695. [PMID: 38640236 PMCID: PMC11029804 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk7695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have shown that immunostimulatory cytokines elicit antitumor immune responses but their clinical use is limited by severe immune-related adverse events upon systemic administration. Here, we report a facile and versatile strategy for noncovalently anchoring potent Fc-fused cytokine molecules to the surface of size-discrete particles decorated with Fc-binding peptide for local administration. Following intratumoral injection, particle-anchored Fc cytokines exhibit size-dependent intratumoral retention. The 1-micrometer particle prolongs intratumoral retention of Fc cytokine for over a week and has minimal systemic exposure, thereby eliciting antitumor immunity while eliminating systemic toxicity caused by circulating cytokines. In addition, the combination of these particle-anchored cytokines with immune checkpoint blockade antibodies safely promotes tumor regression in various syngeneic tumor models and genetically engineered murine tumor models and elicits systemic antitumor immunity against tumor rechallenge. Our formulation strategy renders a safe and tumor-agnostic approach that uncouples cytokines' immunostimulatory properties from their systemic toxicities for potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqian Niu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Eungyo Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ai Lin Chin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ziyu Huo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 445 Old Turner Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Wenjun Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 445 Old Turner Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Rong Tong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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7
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Rotta G, Gilardoni E, Ravazza D, Mock J, Seehusen F, Elsayed A, Puca E, De Luca R, Pellegrino C, Look T, Weiss T, Manz MG, Halin C, Neri D, Dakhel Plaza S. A novel strategy to generate immunocytokines with activity-on-demand using small molecule inhibitors. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:904-926. [PMID: 38448543 PMCID: PMC11018789 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokine-based therapeutics have been shown to mediate objective responses in certain tumor entities but suffer from insufficient selectivity, causing limiting toxicity which prevents dose escalation to therapeutically active regimens. The antibody-based delivery of cytokines significantly increases the therapeutic index of the corresponding payload but still suffers from side effects associated with peak concentrations of the product in blood upon intravenous administration. Here we devise a general strategy (named "Intra-Cork") to mask systemic cytokine activity without impacting anti-cancer efficacy. Our technology features the use of antibody-cytokine fusions, capable of selective localization at the neoplastic site, in combination with pathway-selective inhibitors of the cytokine signaling, which rapidly clear from the body. This strategy, exemplified with a tumor-targeted IL12 in combination with a JAK2 inhibitor, allowed to abrogate cytokine-driven toxicity without affecting therapeutic activity in a preclinical model of cancer. This approach is readily applicable in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rotta
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Frauke Seehusen
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology (LAMP), Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Abdullah Elsayed
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuele Puca
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Philogen S.p.A, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Christian Pellegrino
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Look
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus G Manz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Halin
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Philogen S.p.A, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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8
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Radi H, Ferdosi-Shahandashti E, Kardar GA, Hafezi N. An Updated Review of Interleukin-2 Therapy in Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024; 44:143-157. [PMID: 38421721 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that acts in dual and paradoxical ways in the immunotherapy of cancers and autoimmune diseases. Numerous clinical trial studies have shown that the use of different doses of this cytokine in various autoimmune diseases, transplantations, and cancers has resulted in therapeutic success. However, side effects of varying severity have been observed in patients. In recent years, to prevent these side effects, IL-2 has been engineered to bind more specifically to its receptors on the cell surface, decreasing IL-2 toxicities in patients. In this review article, we focus on some recent clinical trial studies and analyze them to determine the appropriate dose of IL-2 drug with the least toxicities. In addition, we discuss the engineering performed on IL-2, which shows that engineered IL-2 increases the specificity function of IL-2 and decreases its adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hale Radi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Elaheh Ferdosi-Shahandashti
- Biomedical and Microbial Advanced Technologies (BMAT) Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Gholam Ali Kardar
- National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Hafezi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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9
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Tomasovic LM, Liu K, VanDyke D, Fabilane CS, Spangler JB. Molecular Engineering of Interleukin-2 for Enhanced Therapeutic Activity in Autoimmune Diseases. BioDrugs 2024; 38:227-248. [PMID: 37999893 PMCID: PMC10947368 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis. Its immunosuppressive effects have been harnessed therapeutically via administration of low cytokine doses. Low-dose IL-2 has shown promise in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; however, the clinical use of IL-2 is complicated by its toxicity, its pleiotropic effects on both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive cell subsets, and its short serum half-life, which collectively limit the therapeutic window. As a result, there remains a considerable need for IL-2-based autoimmune disease therapies that can selectively target regulatory T cells with minimal off-target binding to immune effector cells in order to prevent cytokine-mediated toxicities and optimize therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss exciting advances in IL-2 engineering that are empowering the development of novel therapies to treat autoimmune conditions. We describe the structural mechanisms of IL-2 signaling, explore current applications of IL-2-based compounds as immunoregulatory interventions, and detail the progress and challenges associated with clinical adoption of IL-2 therapies. In particular, we focus on protein engineering approaches that have been employed to optimize the regulatory T-cell bias of IL-2, including structure-guided or computational design of cytokine mutants, conjugation to polyethylene glycol, and the development of IL-2 fusion proteins. We also consider future research directions for enhancing the translational potential of engineered IL-2-based therapies. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential to leverage the immunoregulatory properties of IL-2 for targeted treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Tomasovic
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathy Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek VanDyke
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charina S Fabilane
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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10
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Li W, Jacobsen MT, Park C, Jung JU, Lin NP, Huang PS, Lal RA, Chou DHC. A cysteine-specific solubilizing tag strategy enables efficient chemical protein synthesis of difficult targets. Chem Sci 2024; 15:3214-3222. [PMID: 38425513 PMCID: PMC10901488 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06032b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
We developed a new cysteine-specific solubilizing tag strategy via a cysteine-conjugated succinimide. This solubilizing tag remains stable under common native chemical ligation conditions and can be efficiently removed with palladium-based catalysts. Utilizing this approach, we synthesized two proteins containing notably difficult peptide segments: interleukin-2 (IL-2) and insulin. This IL-2 chemical synthesis represents the simplest and most efficient approach to date, which is enabled by the cysteine-specific solubilizing tag to synthesize and ligate long peptide segments. Additionally, we synthesized a T8P insulin variant, previously identified in an infant with neonatal diabetes. We show that T8P insulin exhibits reduced bioactivity (a 30-fold decrease compared to standard insulin), potentially contributing to the onset of diabetes in these patients. In summary, our work provides an efficient tool to synthesize challenging proteins and opens new avenues for exploring research directions in understanding their biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Li
- División of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University Palo Alto CA 94305 USA
| | - Michael T Jacobsen
- División of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University Palo Alto CA 94305 USA
| | - Claire Park
- División of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University Palo Alto CA 94305 USA
| | - Jae Un Jung
- División of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University Palo Alto CA 94305 USA
| | - Nai-Pin Lin
- División of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University Palo Alto CA 94305 USA
| | - Po-Ssu Huang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University Palo Alto CA 94305 USA
| | - Rayhan A Lal
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University Palo Alto CA 94305 USA
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- División of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University Palo Alto CA 94305 USA
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11
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Cao Q, Zhu J, Wu X, Li J, Chen Y, You Y, Li X, Huang X, Zhang Y, Li R, Han D. Efficacy and Safety Assessment of Intrathoracic Perfusion Chemotherapy Combined with immunological factor Interleukin-2 in the Treatment of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Cancer 2024; 15:2024-2032. [PMID: 38434976 PMCID: PMC10905414 DOI: 10.7150/jca.92624] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the gemcitabine and oxaliplatin intrathoracic perfusion chemotherapy (IPCGOR) regimen combined with interleukin-2 (IL-2) for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 460 advanced NSCLC patients from the Yunnan Province Early Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Project (June 2020-October 2022), assessing the IPCGOR and IL-2 combination. Outcomes were measured based on RECIST 1.1 criteria, focusing on objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), median progression-free survival (mPFS), median overall survival (MOS), and treatment safety. Results: The treatment demonstrated an ORR of 67.4%, a DCR of 97.4%, an mPFS of 8.5 months, and an MOS of 12.5 months. 14 patients underwent successful surgery post-treatment. Common adverse reactions were manageable, with no treatment-related deaths reported. Conclusion: The IPCGOR combined with IL-2 regimen shows promising efficacy and a tolerable safety profile for advanced NSCLC. These findings suggest its potential as a reference for treating advanced NSCLC. However, the study's retrospective nature and single-center design pose limitations. Future research should focus on prospective studies, randomized controlled trials, and long-term outcome assessments, particularly in diverse patient subgroups, to further validate and refine the clinical application of this regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- School of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macau, Macao
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650093, Kunming, China
| | - Jinyi Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xinyan Wu
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650093, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 610000, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiapeng Li
- Undergraduate Department, University of Toronto, M2J4A6, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yuquan Chen
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100020 Beijing, China
| | - Yanwei You
- Division of Sports Science & Physical Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaochen Li
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650093, Kunming, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Xufeng Huang
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Yujie Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, 471023, Luoyang, China
| | - Rizhu Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, 18 zhongshan 2nd Road, Baise, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Dan Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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12
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Zhang X, Wang J, Tan Y, Chen C, Tang S, Zhao S, Qin Q, Huang H, Duan S. Nanobodies in cytokine‑mediated immunotherapy and immunoimaging (Review). Int J Mol Med 2024; 53:12. [PMID: 38063273 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are the main regulators of innate and adaptive immunity, mediating communications between the cells of the immune system and regulating biological functions, including cell motility, differentiation, growth and apoptosis. Cytokines and cytokine receptors have been used in the treatment of tumors and autoimmune diseases, and to intervene in cytokine storms. Indeed, the use of monoclonal antibodies to block cytokine‑receptor interactions, as well as antibody‑cytokine fusion proteins has exhibited immense potential for the treatment of tumors and autoimmune diseases. Compared with these traditional types of antibodies, nanobodies not only maintain a high affinity and specificity, but also have the advantages of high thermal stability, a high capacity for chemical manipulation, low immunogenicity, good tissue permeability, rapid clearance and economic production. Thus, nanobodies have extensive potential for use in the diagnosis and treatment of cytokine‑related diseases. The present review summarizes the application of nanobodies in cytokine‑mediated immunotherapy and immunoimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Ying Tan
- Department of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Chaoting Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Shimei Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Qiuhong Qin
- Department of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Hansheng Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
| | - Siliang Duan
- Department of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545005, P.R. China
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13
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Bourinet M, Anty R, Gual P, Luci C. Roles of innate lymphoid cells in metabolic and alcohol-associated liver diseases. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100962. [PMID: 38304237 PMCID: PMC10831956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have been identified as potent regulators of inflammation, cell death and wound healing, which are the main biological processes involved in the progression of chronic liver disease. Obesity and chronic alcohol consumption are the leading contributors to chronic liver diseases in developed countries, due to inappropriate lifestyles. In particular, inflammation is a key factor in these liver abnormalities and promotes the development of more severe lesions such as fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Opposite roles of ILC subsets have been described in the development of chronic liver disease, depending on the stage and aetiology of the disease. The heterogeneous family of ILCs encompasses cytotoxic natural killer cells, the cytokine-producing type 1, 2 and 3 ILCs and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. Dysfunction of these immune cells provokes uncontrolled inflammation and tissue damage, which are the basis for tumour development. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent and putative roles of ILC subsets in obesity and alcohol-associated liver diseases, which are currently the major contributors to end-stage liver complications such as fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Bourinet
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Rodolphe Anty
- Université Côte d’Azur, CHU, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Philippe Gual
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Carmelo Luci
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
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14
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Tomala J, Cao SD, Spangler JB. Engineering Anticytokine Antibodies for Immune Modulation. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:225-234. [PMID: 38166248 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The delicate balance of immune homeostasis is regulated by the interactions between cytokines and their cognate cell surface signaling receptors. There is intensive interest in harnessing cytokines as drugs for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. However, the multifarious and often contradictory activities of cytokines, coupled with their short serum half-lives, limit clinical performance and result in dangerous toxicities. There is thus growing emphasis on manipulating natural cytokines to enhance their selectivity, safety, and durability through various strategies. One strategy that has gained traction in recent years is the development of anticytokine Abs that not only extend the circulation half-life of cytokines but also specifically bias their immune activities through multilayered molecular mechanisms. Although Abs are notorious for their antagonistic activities, this review focuses on anticytokine Abs that selectively agonize the activity of the target protein. This approach has potential to help realize the clinical promise of cytokine-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Tomala
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shanelle D Cao
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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15
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Keri D, Walker M, Singh I, Nishikawa K, Garces F. Next generation of multispecific antibody engineering. Antib Ther 2024; 7:37-52. [PMID: 38235376 PMCID: PMC10791046 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Multispecific antibodies recognize two or more epitopes located on the same or distinct targets. This added capability through protein design allows these man-made molecules to address unmet medical needs that are no longer possible with single targeting such as with monoclonal antibodies or cytokines alone. However, the approach to the development of these multispecific molecules has been met with numerous road bumps, which suggests that a new workflow for multispecific molecules is required. The investigation of the molecular basis that mediates the successful assembly of the building blocks into non-native quaternary structures will lead to the writing of a playbook for multispecifics. This is a must do if we are to design workflows that we can control and in turn predict success. Here, we reflect on the current state-of-the-art of therapeutic biologics and look at the building blocks, in terms of proteins, and tools that can be used to build the foundations of such a next-generation workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Keri
- Department of Protein Therapeutics, Research, Gilead Research, 324 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Matt Walker
- Department of Protein Therapeutics, Research, Gilead Research, 324 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Isha Singh
- Department of Protein Therapeutics, Research, Gilead Research, 324 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Kyle Nishikawa
- Department of Protein Therapeutics, Research, Gilead Research, 324 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Fernando Garces
- Department of Protein Therapeutics, Research, Gilead Research, 324 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
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16
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Pan S, Fan R, Han B, Tong A, Guo G. The potential of mRNA vaccines in cancer nanomedicine and immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:20-31. [PMID: 38142147 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.11.003] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their outstanding performance against COVID-19, mRNA vaccines have brought great hope for combating various incurable diseases, including cancer. Differences in the encoded proteins result in different molecular and cellular mechanisms of mRNA vaccines. With the rapid development of nanotechnology and molecular medicine, personalized antigen-encoding mRNA vaccines that enhance antigen presentation can trigger effective immune responses and prevent off-target toxicities. Herein, we review new insights into the influence of encoded antigens, cytokines, and other functional proteins on the mechanisms of mRNA vaccines. We also highlight the importance of delivery systems and chemical modifications for mRNA translation efficiency, stability, and targeting, and we discuss the potential problems and application prospects of mRNA vaccines as versatile tools for combating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Pan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rangrang Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Han
- School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Shihezi, 832002, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gang Guo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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17
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Shao Z, Chen L, Zhang Z, Wu Y, Mou H, Jin X, Teng W, Wang F, Yang Y, Zhou H, Xue Y, Eloy Y, Yao M, Zhao S, Cui W, Yu X, Ye Z. KERS-Inspired Nanostructured Mineral Coatings Boost IFN-γ mRNA Therapeutic Index for Antitumor Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2304296. [PMID: 37587307 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) reprogramming is a promising therapeutic approach for cancer immunotherapy; however, its efficacy remains modest due to the low bioactivity of the recombinant cytokines used for TAM reprogramming. mRNA therapeutics are capable of generating fully functional proteins for various therapeutic purposes but accused for its poor sustainability. Inspired by kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) in hybrid vehicles, a cytokine efficacy recovery system (CERS) is designed to substantially augment the therapeutic index of mRNA-based tumor immunotherapy via a "capture and stabilize" mechanism exerted by a nanostructured mineral coating carrying therapeutic cytokine mRNA. CERS remarkably recycles nearly 40% expressed cytokines by capturing them onto the mineral coating to extend its therapeutic timeframe, further polarizing the macrophages to strengthen their tumoricidal activity and activate adaptive immunity against tumors. Notably, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) produced by CERS exhibits ≈42-fold higher biological activity than recombinant IFN-γ, remarkably decreasing the required IFN-γ dosage for TAM reprogramming. In tumor-bearing mice, IFN-γ cmRNA@CERS effectively polarizes TAMs to inhibit osteosarcoma progression. When combined with the PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, IFN-γ cmRNA@CERS significantly boosts antitumor immune responses, and substantially prevents malignant lung metastases. Thus, CERS-mediated mRNA delivery represents a promising strategy to boost antitumor immunity for tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxuan Shao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Zengjie Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Haochen Mou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqiang Jin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Wangsiyuan Teng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Fangqian Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Yinxian Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Yucheng Xue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Yinwang Eloy
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Minjun Yao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Shenzhi Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohua Yu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoming Ye
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
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18
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Cheng X, Shen J, Xu J, Zhu J, Xu P, Wang Y, Gao M. In vivo clinical molecular imaging of T cell activity. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:1031-1045. [PMID: 37932176 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy is refashioning traditional treatments in the clinic for certain tumors, especially by relying on the activation of T cells. However, the safety and effectiveness of many antitumor immunotherapeutic agents are suboptimal due to difficulties encountered in assessing T cell responses and adjusting treatment regimens accordingly. Here, we review advances in the clinical visualization of T cell activity in vivo, and focus particularly on molecular imaging probes and biomarkers of T cell activation. Current challenges and prospects are also discussed that aim to achieve a better strategy for real-time monitoring of T cell activity, predicting prognoses and responses to tumor immunotherapy, and assessing disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaju Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, PR China
| | - Jiahao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, PR China
| | - Jingwei Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Suzhou Municipal Hospital Institution, Suzhou 215000, PR China.
| | - Jinfeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, PR China
| | - Pei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, PR China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, PR China.
| | - Mingyuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, PR China.
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19
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Momin N. Balancing safety and efficacy: tuning the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of cytokine immunotherapies. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 84:102994. [PMID: 37806081 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Modulating the immune system shows promise in treating various conditions such as autoimmune, malignant, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. While immunotherapies can provide significant clinical benefits, they can also trigger debilitating immune-related toxicities. Achieving a balance between safety and efficacy of immunotherapy remains a significant engineering challenge. A complex immune response can be simplified into a sequence of coordinated signals with precise spatial and temporal arrangements. Mimicking or inhibiting these signals with protein immunotherapies relies on engineering them with specific biodistribution and pharmacokinetic properties. This review summarizes principles governing the movement of therapeutic proteins (i.e. biologics), focusing on cytokine immunotherapies injected intravenously or locally, and highlights approaches and considerations to balance their efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Momin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Precision Engineering for Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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20
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Giordano Attianese GMP, Ash S, Irving M. Coengineering specificity, safety, and function into T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:166-198. [PMID: 37548063 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) therapies, including of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and T cells gene-modified to express either a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), have demonstrated clinical efficacy for a proportion of patients and cancer-types. The field of ACT has been driven forward by the clinical success of CD19-CAR therapy against various advanced B-cell malignancies, including curative responses for some leukemia patients. However, relapse remains problematic, in particular for lymphoma. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, relative limited efficacy has been demonstrated for ACT of non-hematological solid tumors. Indeed, in addition to pre-infusion challenges including lymphocyte collection and manufacturing, ACT failure can be attributed to several biological processes post-transfer including, (i) inefficient tumor trafficking, infiltration, expansion and retention, (ii) chronic antigen exposure coupled with insufficient costimulation resulting in T-cell exhaustion, (iii) a range of barriers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mediated by both tumor cells and suppressive immune infiltrate, (iv) tumor antigen heterogeneity and loss, or down-regulation of antigen presentation machinery, (v) gain of tumor intrinsic mechanisms of resistance such as to apoptosis, and (vi) various forms of toxicity and other adverse events in patients. Affinity-optimized TCRs can improve T-cell function and innovative CAR designs as well as gene-modification strategies can be used to coengineer specificity, safety, and function into T cells. Coengineering strategies can be designed not only to directly support the transferred T cells, but also to block suppressive barriers in the TME and harness endogenous innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we review a selection of the remarkable T-cell coengineering strategies, including of tools, receptors, and gene-cargo, that have been developed in recent years to augment tumor control by ACT, more and more of which are advancing to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Maria Paola Giordano Attianese
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Ash
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Santollani L, Wittrup KD. Spatiotemporally programming cytokine immunotherapies through protein engineering. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:10-28. [PMID: 37409481 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have long been considered promising cancer immunotherapy agents due to their endogenous role in activating and proliferating lymphocytes. However, since the initial FDA approvals of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Interferon-ɑ (IFNɑ) for oncology over 30 years ago, cytokines have achieved little success in the clinic due to narrow therapeutic windows and dose-limiting toxicities. This is attributable to the discrepancy between the localized, regulated manner in which cytokines are deployed endogenously versus the systemic, untargeted administration used to date in most exogenous cytokine therapies. Furthermore, cytokines' ability to stimulate multiple cell types, often with paradoxical effects, may present significant challenges for their translation into effective therapies. Recently, protein engineering has emerged as a tool to address the shortcomings of first-generation cytokine therapies. In this perspective, we contextualize cytokine engineering strategies such as partial agonism, conditional activation and intratumoral retention through the lens of spatiotemporal regulation. By controlling the time, place, specificity, and duration of cytokine signaling, protein engineering can allow exogenous cytokine therapies to more closely approach their endogenous exposure profile, ultimately moving us closer to unlocking their full therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Santollani
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - K Dane Wittrup
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Xu M, Yu J, Zhang C, Xu C, Wei X, Pu K. Sonodynamic Cytokine Nanocomplexes with Specific Stimulation towards Effector T Cell for Combination Cancer Immunotherapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308362. [PMID: 37587095 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Cytokine therapy mediates the interaction between immune cells and non-immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), forming a promising approach in cancer therapy. However, the dose-dependent adverse effects and non-selective stimulation of cytokines limit their clinical use. We herein report a sonodynamic cytokine nano-immunocomplex (SPNAI ) that specifically activates effector T cells (Teffs) for antitumor immunotherapy. By conjugating anti-interleukin-2 (anti-IL-2) antibodies S4B6 on the semiconducting polymer nanoparticles to afford SPNA , this nanoantibody SPNA can bind with IL-2 to form SPNAI which can block the interaction between IL-2 and regulatory T cells (Tregs), selectively activating Teffs in TME. Moreover, SPNAI generates 1 O2 to trigger immunogenic cell death of cancer cells upon sono-irradiation, which promotes the maturation of dendritic cells and the proliferation of Teffs. This SPNAI -mediated combination sonodynamic immunotherapy thus elevates the ratio of Teffs/Tregs in TME, resulting in inhibition of tumor growth, suppression of lung metastasis and prevention of tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Xu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Jie Yu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Cheng Xu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Xin Wei
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
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23
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Wu W, Chia T, Lu J, Li X, Guan J, Li Y, Fu F, Zhou S, Feng Y, Deng J, Zou J, Sun J, Yao Y, Ling X, Wu Z, Zhang Y, Xu J, Wang F, Liang X, Wu M, Liu H, Chen B, He K. IL-2Rα-biased agonist enhances antitumor immunity by invigorating tumor-infiltrating CD25 +CD8 + T cells. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:1309-1325. [PMID: 37550516 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00612-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
To avoid regulatory T cell promotion and vascular toxicity, the interleukin-2 receptor-β/interleukin-2 receptor-γ (IL-2Rβγ)-biased approach is used by most IL-2 analogs in immuno-oncology. However, recent clinical disappointments in these IL-2 agonists have questioned this strategy. Here we show that both wild-type (IL-2wt) and IL-2Rβγ-attenuated (IL-2α-bias) agonists that preserve IL-2Rα (CD25) activities can effectively expand tumor-specific CD8+ T cells (TSTs) and exhibit better antitumor efficacy and safety than the 'non-α' counterpart (IL-2nα). Mechanistically, TSTs coexpress elevated CD25 and PD-1 and are more susceptible to stimulation by IL-2Rα-proficient agonists. Moreover, the antitumor efficacy of anti-PD-1 depends on activation of PD-1+CD25+ TSTs through autocrine IL-2-CD25 signaling. In individuals with cancer, a low IL-2 signature correlates with non-responsiveness to anti-PD-1 treatment. In mouse models, IL-2α-bias, but not IL-2nα, restores the IL-2 signature and synergizes with anti-PD-1 to eradicate large established tumors. These findings underscore the indispensable function of CD25 in IL-2-based immunotherapy and provide rationales for evaluating IL-2Rα-biased agonists in individuals with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Tiongsun Chia
- Department of Cancer Biology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Jia Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Immunology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Yaning Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Fenggen Fu
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuaixiang Zhou
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Ye Feng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Junjie Deng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Jia Zou
- Department of Immunology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiya Sun
- Department of Translational Medicine, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Ling
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhihai Wu
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinling Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Xue Liang
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Huisi Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Bingliang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China
| | - Kaijie He
- Department of Cancer Biology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Suzhou, China.
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24
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Williams L, Li L, Yazaki PJ, Wong P, Miller A, Hong T, Poku EK, Bhattacharya S, Shively JE, Kujawski M. Generation of IL-2-Fc-antibody conjugates by click chemistry. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2300115. [PMID: 37300381 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunocytokines (ICKs) are antibody directed cytokines produced by genetic fusion of an antibody to a cytokine. METHODS We now show that antibodies conjugated by click chemistry to interleukin-2 (IL-2)-Fc form fully active conjugates, and in one example, equivalent activity to a genetically produced ICK. RESULTS An IL-2-Fc fusion protein was optimized for click chemistry at hinge cysteines using protein stabilizing IL-2 mutations at Lys35 and Cys125 and Fc hinge mutations at Cys142 and Cys148. The IL-2-Fc fusion protein with K35E and C125S mutations with 3 intact hinge cysteines, designated as IL-2-Fc Par, was selected based on its minimal tendency to aggregate. IL-2-Fc-antibody clicked conjugates retained high IL-2 activity and bound target antigens comparable to parent antibodies. An IL-2-Fc-anti-CEA click conjugate showed comparable anti-tumor activity to an anti-CEA-IL-2 ICK in immunocompetent CEA transgenic mice bearing CEA positive orthotopic breast tumors. Significant increases in IFNγ+ /CD8+ and decreases in FoxP3+ /CD4+ T-cells were found for the clicked conjugate and ICK therapies, suggesting a common mechanism of tumor reduction. CONCLUSION The production of antibody targeted IL-2 therapy via a click chemistry approach is feasible with comparable activity to genetically produced ICKs with the added advantage of multiplexing with other monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Williams
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Riggs Diabetes, Metabolism, and Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Riggs Diabetes, Metabolism, and Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Paul J Yazaki
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Riggs Diabetes, Metabolism, and Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Patty Wong
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Riggs Diabetes, Metabolism, and Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Aaron Miller
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Riggs Diabetes, Metabolism, and Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Teresa Hong
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Riggs Diabetes, Metabolism, and Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Erasmus K Poku
- Radiopharmacy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Supriyo Bhattacharya
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - John E Shively
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Riggs Diabetes, Metabolism, and Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Maciej Kujawski
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Riggs Diabetes, Metabolism, and Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
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25
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Li J, Xiao Z, Wang D, Jia L, Nie S, Zeng X, Hu W. The screening, identification, design and clinical application of tumor-specific neoantigens for TCR-T cells. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:141. [PMID: 37649123 PMCID: PMC10466891 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in neoantigen research have accelerated the development of tumor immunotherapies, including adoptive cell therapies (ACTs), cancer vaccines and antibody-based therapies, particularly for solid tumors. With the development of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics technology, the rapid identification and prediction of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) has become possible. Compared with tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), highly immunogenic TSAs provide new targets for personalized tumor immunotherapy and can be used as prospective indicators for predicting tumor patient survival, prognosis, and immune checkpoint blockade response. Here, the identification and characterization of neoantigens and the clinical application of neoantigen-based TCR-T immunotherapy strategies are summarized, and the current status, inherent challenges, and clinical translational potential of these strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangping Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiwen Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghui Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Jia
- International Health Medicine Innovation Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shihong Nie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Cancer Center, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingda Zeng
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, People's Republic of China
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26
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Leonard EK, Tomala J, Gould JR, Leff MI, Lin JX, Li P, Porter MJ, Johansen ER, Thompson L, Cao SD, Henclova T, Huliciak M, Vaněk O, Kovar M, Leonard WJ, Spangler JB. Engineered cytokine/antibody fusion proteins improve delivery of IL-2 to pro-inflammatory cells and promote antitumor activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539272. [PMID: 37205604 PMCID: PMC10187205 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Progress in cytokine engineering is driving therapeutic translation by overcoming the inherent limitations of these proteins as drugs. The interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine harbors great promise as an immune stimulant for cancer treatment. However, the cytokine's concurrent activation of both pro-inflammatory immune effector cells and anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells, its toxicity at high doses, and its short serum half-life have limited clinical application. One promising approach to improve the selectivity, safety, and longevity of IL-2 is complexation with anti-IL-2 antibodies that bias the cytokine towards the activation of immune effector cells (i.e., effector T cells and natural killer cells). Although this strategy shows therapeutic potential in preclinical cancer models, clinical translation of a cytokine/antibody complex is complicated by challenges in formulating a multi-protein drug and concerns about complex stability. Here, we introduce a versatile approach to designing intramolecularly assembled single-agent fusion proteins (immunocytokines, ICs) comprising IL-2 and a biasing anti-IL-2 antibody that directs the cytokine's activities towards immune effector cells. We establish the optimal IC construction and further engineer the cytokine/antibody affinity to improve immune biasing function. We demonstrate that our IC preferentially activates and expands immune effector cells, leading to superior antitumor activity compared to natural IL-2 without inducing toxicities associated with IL-2 administration. Collectively, this work presents a roadmap for the design and translation of immunomodulatory cytokine/antibody fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa K. Leonard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Jakub Tomala
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph R. Gould
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Michael I. Leff
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, USA
| | - Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, USA
| | - Peng Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, USA
| | | | - Eric R. Johansen
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, USA
| | - Ladaisha Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Shanelle D. Cao
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering; Baltimore, USA
| | - Tereza Henclova
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Maros Huliciak
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Vaněk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University; Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Warren J. Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, USA
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering; Baltimore, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
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27
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Bohmer M, Xue Y, Jankovic K, Dong Y. Advances in engineering and delivery strategies for cytokine immunotherapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:579-595. [PMID: 37104673 PMCID: PMC10330431 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2208344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cytokine immunotherapy is a growing field for the treatment of cancer, infectious disease, autoimmunity, and other ailments. Therapeutic cytokines are a class of secreted, small proteins that play a pivotal role in regulating the innate and adaptive immune system by provoking or mitigating immune responses. In the clinic, cytokines are frequently combined with other treatments, such as small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. However, the clinical translation of cytokine therapies is hindered by their short half-life, pleiotropic nature, and off-target effects, which cause diminished efficacy and severe systemic toxicity. Such toxicity limits dosage, thus resulting in suboptimal doses. Accordingly, numerous efforts have been devoted to exploring strategies to promote cytokine therapies by improving their tissue specificity and pharmacokinetics. AREAS COVERED Preclinical and clinical research into bioengineering and delivery strategies for cytokines, consisting of bioconjugation, fusion proteins, nanoparticles, and scaffold-based systems. EXPERT OPINION These approaches pave the way for the development of next-generation cytokine treatments with greater clinical benefit and reduced toxicity, circumventing such issues currently associated with cytokine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Bohmer
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yonger Xue
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Katarina Jankovic
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immune-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Cancer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Cancer Metabolism, Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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28
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Onyshchenko K, Luo R, Guffart E, Gaedicke S, Grosu AL, Firat E, Niedermann G. Expansion of circulating stem-like CD8 + T cells by adding CD122-directed IL-2 complexes to radiation and anti-PD1 therapies in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2087. [PMID: 37045833 PMCID: PMC10097749 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37825-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination of radiation therapy (RT) with immune checkpoint blockade can enhance systemic anti-tumor T cell responses. Here, using two mouse tumor models, we demonstrate that adding long-acting CD122-directed IL-2 complexes (IL-2c) to RT/anti-PD1 further increases tumor-specific CD8+ T cell numbers. The highest increase (>50-fold) is found in the blood circulation. Compartmental analysis of exhausted T cell subsets shows that primarily undifferentiated, stem-like, tumor-specific CD8+ T cells expand in the blood; these cells express the chemokine receptor CXCR3, which is required for migration into tumors. In tumor tissue, effector-like but not terminally differentiated exhausted CD8+ T cells increase. Consistent with the surge in tumor-specific CD8+ T cells in blood that are migration and proliferation competent, we observe a CD8-dependent and CXCR3-dependent enhancement of the abscopal effect against distant/non-irradiated tumors and find that CD8+ T cells isolated from blood after RT/anti-PD1/IL-2c triple treatment can be a rich source of tumor-specific T cells for adoptive transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Onyshchenko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ren Luo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Elena Guffart
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simone Gaedicke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anca-Ligia Grosu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elke Firat
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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29
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Li Y, Xie S, Chen M, Li H, Wang Y, Fan Y, An K, Wu Y, Xiao W. Development of an antibody-ligand fusion protein scFvCD16A -sc4-1BBL in Komagataella phaffii with stimulatory activity for Natural Killer cells. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:67. [PMID: 37041591 PMCID: PMC10091686 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02082-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies have demonstrated substantial potential for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, its application is limited due to the difficulty in the production of a large number of NK cells in vitro and the insufficient therapeutic efficacy against solid tumors in vivo. Engineered antibodies or fusion proteins targeting activating receptors and costimulatory molecules of NK cells have been developed to encounter these problems. They are mostly produced in mammalian cells with high cost and long processing times. Yeast systems, such as Komagataella phaffii, present a convenient manipulation of microbial systems with the key advantages of improved folding machinery and low cost. RESULTS In this study, we designed an antibody fusion protein scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL, composed of the single chain variant fragment (scFv) of anti-CD16A antibody and the three extracellular domains (ECDs) of human 4-1BBL in a single-chain format (sc) with the GS linker, aiming to boost NK cell proliferation and activation. This protein complex was produced in the K. phaffii X33 system and purified by affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. The scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL complex showed comparable binding abilities to its two targets human CD16A and 4-1BB as its two parental moieties (scFvCD16A and monomer ECD (mn)4-1BBL). scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL specifically stimulated the expansion of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived NK cells in vitro. Furthermore, in the ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model, adoptive NK cell infusion combined with intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL further reduced the tumor burden and prolonged the survival time of mice. CONCLUSION Our studies demonstrate the feasibility of the expression of the antibody fusion protein scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL in K. phaffii with favourable properties. scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL stimulates PBMC-derived NK cell expansion in vitro and improves the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred NK cells in a murine model of ovarian cancer and may serve as a synergistic drug for NK immunotherapy in future research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Li
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Siqi Xie
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Minhua Chen
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Yehai Wang
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Kang An
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Weihua Xiao
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
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Mestre Borras A, Dahlsson Leitao C, Ståhl S, Löfblom J. Generation of an anti-idiotypic affibody-based masking domain for conditional activation of EGFR-targeting. N Biotechnol 2023; 73:9-18. [PMID: 36526248 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2022.12.002] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Conditional activation of engineered affinity proteins by proteolytic processing is an interesting approach for a wide range of applications. We have generated an anti-idiotypic masking domain with specificity for the binding surface of an EGFR-targeting affibody molecule using an in-house developed staphylococcal display method. The masking domain could specifically abrogate EGFR-binding on cancer cells when fused to the EGFR-targeting affibody molecule via a linker comprising a protease cleavage site. EGFR-binding was restored by proteolytic cleavage of the linker region resulting in release of the masking domain. A saturation mutagenesis study provided detailed information on the interaction between the EGFR-targeting affibody molecule and the masking domain. Introducing an anti-idiotypic masking affibody domain is a viable approach for blocking EGFR-binding and allows for conditional activation by proteolytic processing. The results warrant further studies evaluating the therapeutic and diagnostic applicability both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mestre Borras
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charles Dahlsson Leitao
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan Ståhl
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
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31
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Rybchenko VS, Aliev TK, Panina AA, Kirpichnikov MP, Dolgikh DA. Targeted Cytokine Delivery for Cancer Treatment: Engineering and Biological Effects. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020336. [PMID: 36839658 PMCID: PMC9960319 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-tumor properties of several cytokines have already been investigated in multiple experiments and clinical trials. However, those studies evidenced substantial toxicities, even at low cytokine doses, and the lack of tumor specificity. These factors significantly limit clinical applications. Due to their high specificity and affinity, tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments are capable of delivering fused cytokines to tumors and, therefore, of decreasing the number and severity of side effects, as well as of enhancing the therapeutic index. The present review surveys the actual antibody-cytokine fusion protein (immunocytokine) formats, their targets, mechanisms of action, and anti-tumor and other biological effects. Special attention is paid to the formats designed to prevent the off-target cytokine-receptor interactions, potentially inducing side effects. Here, we describe preclinical and clinical data and the efficacy of the antibody-mediated cytokine delivery approach, either as a single therapy or in combination with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav S Rybchenko
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Teimur K Aliev
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Panina
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail P Kirpichnikov
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Dolgikh
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
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32
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Deckers J, Anbergen T, Hokke AM, de Dreu A, Schrijver DP, de Bruin K, Toner YC, Beldman TJ, Spangler JB, de Greef TFA, Grisoni F, van der Meel R, Joosten LAB, Merkx M, Netea MG, Mulder WJM. Engineering cytokine therapeutics. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:286-303. [PMID: 37064653 PMCID: PMC9933837 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00030-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have pivotal roles in immunity, making them attractive as therapeutics for a variety of immune-related disorders. However, the widespread clinical use of cytokines has been limited by their short blood half-lives and severe side effects caused by low specificity and unfavourable biodistribution. Innovations in bioengineering have aided in advancing our knowledge of cytokine biology and yielded new technologies for cytokine engineering. In this Review, we discuss how the development of bioanalytical methods, such as sequencing and high-resolution imaging combined with genetic techniques, have facilitated a better understanding of cytokine biology. We then present an overview of therapeutics arising from cytokine re-engineering, targeting and delivery, mRNA therapeutics and cell therapy. We also highlight the application of these strategies to adjust the immunological imbalance in different immune-mediated disorders, including cancer, infection and autoimmune diseases. Finally, we look ahead to the hurdles that must be overcome before cytokine therapeutics can live up to their full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Deckers
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tom Anbergen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ayla M. Hokke
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Anne de Dreu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - David P. Schrijver
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Koen de Bruin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Yohana C. Toner
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Thijs J. Beldman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Alliance Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht (EWUU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Francesca Grisoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Alliance Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht (EWUU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roy van der Meel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Leo A. B. Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department for Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Willem J. M. Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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Vasic V, Buldun C, Ritz M, Dickopf S, Georges GJ, Spick C, Peuker A, Meier T, Mayer K, Brinkmann U. Targeted chain-exchange-mediated reconstitution of a split type-I cytokine for conditional immunotherapy. MAbs 2023; 15:2245111. [PMID: 37608616 PMCID: PMC10448976 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2245111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusions targeted against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are promising cancer immunotherapy agents, with many such molecules currently undergoing clinical trials. However, due to the limited number of tumor-specific targets, on-target off-tumor effects can lead to systemic toxicity. Additionally, targeted cytokines can be scavenged by cytokine receptors on peripheral cells, decreasing tumor penetration. This study aims at overcoming these issues by engineering a platform for targeted conditionally active type I cytokines. Building on our previously reported PACE (Prodrug-Activating Chain Exchange) platform, we split the type I cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) to create two inactive IL-4 prodrugs, and fused these split IL-4 counterparts to the C-termini of antibody-like molecules that undergo proximity-induced chain exchange. In doing so, we developed IL-4 prodrugs that preferentially reconstitute into active IL-4 on target cells. We demonstrate that pre-assembled split IL-4 (without additional inactivation) retains activity and present two different strategies of splitting and inactivating IL-4. Using an IL-4 responsive cell-line, we show that IL-4 prodrugs are targeted to TAAs on target cells and regain activity upon chain exchange, primarily in a cis-activation setting. Furthermore, we demonstrate that split IL-4 complementation is also possible in a trans-activation setting, which opens up the possibility for activation of immune cells in the tumor vicinity. We demonstrate that targeted on-cell prodrug conversion is more efficient than nonspecific activation in-solution. Due to the structural similarity between IL-4 and other type I cytokines relevant in cancer immunotherapy such as IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21, cytokine-PACE may be expanded to develop a variety of targeted conditionally active cytokines for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedran Vasic
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Can Buldun
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
- Bellevue Asset Management, Küsnacht, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Ritz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Steffen Dickopf
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
- Discovery Biology, Morphosys AG, Planegg, Germany
| | - Guy J. Georges
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Christian Spick
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Alessa Peuker
- Reagent Research and Design, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Meier
- Reagent Research and Design, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Mayer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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34
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Emerging principles of cytokine pharmacology and therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:21-37. [PMID: 36131080 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00557-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are secreted signalling proteins that play essential roles in the initiation, maintenance and resolution of immune responses. Although the unique ability of cytokines to control immune function has garnered clinical interest in the context of cancer, autoimmunity and infectious disease, the use of cytokine-based therapeutics has been limited. This is due, in part, to the ability of cytokines to act on many cell types and impact diverse biological functions, resulting in dose-limiting toxicity or lack of efficacy. Recent studies combining structural biology, protein engineering and receptor pharmacology have unlocked new insights into the mechanisms of cytokine receptor activation, demonstrating that many aspects of cytokine function are highly tunable. Here, we discuss the pharmacological principles underlying these efforts to overcome cytokine pleiotropy and enhance the therapeutic potential of this important class of signalling molecules.
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35
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Hou Y, Xiang B, Yang Z, Liu J, Xu D, Geng L, Zhan M, Xu Y, Zhang B. Down-regulation of interleukin-2 predicts poor prognosis and associated with immune escape in lung adenocarcinoma. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2023; 37:3946320231202748. [PMID: 37731383 PMCID: PMC10515527 DOI: 10.1177/03946320231202748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of lung cancer and has a poor prognosis. Interleukin-2 (IL2) is a cytokine that stimulates lymphocyte proliferation. However, its role in LUAD remains unclear. Methods: The UALCAN, human protein atlas (HPA), and tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) databases were used to investigate IL2 expression in samples from patients with LUAD. The HPA, PrognoScan, and Kaplan-Meier plotter databases were used to examine the prognostic value of IL2 in LUAD. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed to analyze IL2-interacting genes identified through the GeneMANIA database. TIMER was used to analyze the correlation of IL2 expression with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression levels in LUAD. Results: Bioinformatic analysis using the TIMER, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer data analysis Portal (UALCAN), and HPA public databases showed that IL2 expression was lower in patients with LUAD than in the normal control group. Moreover, patients with low IL2 expression exhibited poor overall survival. Furthermore, IL2 expression was significantly positively correlated with various immune cells, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, in patients with LUAD. Additionally, IL2 expression was markedly positively associated with the above-mentioned immune cells. Furthermore, IL2 expression was positively correlated with PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 expression. Conclusion: Our results indicate that down-regulation of IL2 predicts poor prognosis and is associated with immune escape in LUAD, and IL2 could serve as a potential novel prognostic biomarker of LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwang Hou
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Baoli Xiang
- Respiratory Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Zhicong Yang
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Jiangmin Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Dandan Xu
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Lina Geng
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Minghua Zhan
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Yuhuan Xu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
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36
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Bae J, Liu L, Moore C, Hsu E, Zhang A, Ren Z, Sun Z, Wang X, Zhu J, Shen J, Qiao J, Fu YX. IL-2 delivery by engineered mesenchymal stem cells re-invigorates CD8 + T cells to overcome immunotherapy resistance in cancer. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1754-1765. [PMID: 36474070 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-01024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based immunotherapy depends on functional tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), but essential cytokines are less understood. Here we uncover an essential role of endogenous IL-2 for ICB responsiveness and the correlation between insufficient IL-2 signalling and T-cell exhaustion as tumours progress. To determine if exogenous IL-2 in the tumour microenvironment can overcome ICB resistance, we engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to successfully deliver IL-2 mutein dimer (SIL2-EMSC) to TILs. While MSCs have been used to suppress inflammation, SIL2-EMSCs elicit anti-tumour immunity and overcome ICB resistance without toxicity. Mechanistically, SIL2-EMSCs activate and expand pre-existing CD8+ TILs, sufficient for tumour control and induction of systemic anti-tumour effects. Furthermore, engineered MSCs create synergy of innate and adaptive immunity. The therapeutic benefits of SIL2-EMSCs were also observed in humanized mouse models. Overall, engineered MSCs rejuvenate CD8+ TILs and thus potentiate ICB and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonbeom Bae
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Longchao Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Casey Moore
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eric Hsu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anli Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zhenhua Ren
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zhichen Sun
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jiankun Zhu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jiao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Qiao
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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37
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Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with around 10 million deaths every year. Despite huge advances due to immunotherapy, the majority of cancer patients present primary or secondary resistance to these treatments. In this Found in Translation, we focus on the approaches developed to harness the anti-tumor function of NK cells, suggesting promising strategies to complete the therapeutic arsenal of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chiossone
- Innate Pharma Research Labs, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Labs, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre d'immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
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38
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Pan Y, Hao Y, Han H, Chen T, Ding H, Labbe KE, Shum E, Guidry K, Hu H, Sherman F, Geng K, Stephens J, Chafitz A, Tang S, Huang HY, Peng C, Almonte C, Lopes JE, Losey HC, Winquist RJ, Velcheti V, Zhang H, Wong KK. Nemvaleukin alfa, a novel engineered IL-2 fusion protein, drives antitumor immunity and inhibits tumor growth in small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004913. [PMID: 36472839 PMCID: PMC9462379 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a deadly disease with a 5-year survival of less than 7%. The addition of immunotherapy to chemotherapy was recently approved as first-line treatment; however, the improved clinical benefit is modest, highlighting an urgent need for new treatment strategies. Nemvaleukin alfa, a novel engineered interleukin-2 fusion protein currently in phase I-III studies, is designed to selectively expand cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. Here, using a novel SCLC murine model, we investigated the effects of a mouse version of nemvaleukin (mNemvaleukin) on tumor growth and antitumor immunity. METHODS A novel Rb1 -/- p53 -/- p130 -/- SCLC model that mimics human disease was generated. After confirming tumor burden by MRI, mice were randomized into four treatment groups: vehicle, mNemvaleukin alone, chemotherapy (cisplatin+etoposide) alone, or the combination of mNemvaleukin and chemotherapy. Tumor growth was measured by MRI and survival was recorded. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and peripheral blood immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokine and chemokine secretion were quantified and transcriptomic analysis was performed to characterize the immune gene signatures. RESULTS mNemvaleukin significantly inhibited SCLC tumor growth, which was further enhanced by the addition of chemotherapy. Combining mNemvaleukin with chemotherapy provided the most significant survival benefit. Profiling of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed mNemvaleukin expanded the total number of tumor-infiltrating NK and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, mNemvaleukin increased the frequencies of activated and proliferating NK and CD8+ T cells in tumors. Similar immune alterations were observed in the peripheral blood of mNemvaleukin-treated mice. Of note, combining mNemvaleukin with chemotherapy had the strongest effects in activating effector and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. mNemvaleukin alone, and in combination with chemotherapy, promoted proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, which was further confirmed by transcriptomic analysis. CONCLUSIONS mNemvaleukin, a novel cytokine-based immunotherapy, significantly inhibited murine SCLC tumor growth and prolonged survival, which was further enhanced by the addition of chemotherapy. mNemvaleukin alone, and in combination with chemotherapy, drove a strong antitumor immune program elicited by cytotoxic immune cells. Our findings support the evaluation of nemvaleukin alone or in combination with chemotherapy in clinical trials for the treatment of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwang Pan
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yuan Hao
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, Office of Science and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Han Han
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ting Chen
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hailin Ding
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kristen E Labbe
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elaine Shum
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kayla Guidry
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hai Hu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fiona Sherman
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ke Geng
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Janaye Stephens
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alison Chafitz
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sittinon Tang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hsin-Yi Huang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chengwei Peng
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christina Almonte
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Vamsidhar Velcheti
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
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Lei Y, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Liu S, Tian S, Ou Q, Liu T, Huang H, Tang T, Wang C. A Listeria ivanovii balanced-lethal system may be a promising antigen carrier for vaccine construction. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:2831-2844. [PMID: 36069650 PMCID: PMC9618314 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Expressing heterologous antigens by plasmids may cause antibiotic resistance. Additionally, antigen expression via plasmids is unstable due to the loss of the plasmid. Here, we developed a balanced‐lethal system. The Listeria monocytogenes (LM) balanced‐lethal system has been previously used as an antigen carrier to induce cellular immune response. However, thus far, there has been no reports on Listeria ivanovii (LI) balanced‐lethal systems. The dal and dat genes from the LI‐attenuated LIΔatcAplcB (LIΔ) were deleted consecutively, resulting in a nutrient‐deficient LIΔdd strain. Subsequently, an antibiotic resistance‐free plasmid carrying the LM dal gene was transformed into the nutrient‐deficient strain to generate the LI balanced‐lethal system LIΔdd:dal. The resultant bacterial strain retains the ability to proliferate in phagocytic cells, as well as the ability to adhere and invade hepatocytes. Its genetic composition was stable, and compared to the parent strain, the balanced‐lethal system was substantially attenuated. In addition, LIΔdd:dal induced specific CD4+/CD8+ T‐cell responses and protected mice against LIΔ challenge. Similarly, we constructed an LM balanced‐lethal system LMΔdd:dal. Sequential immunization with different recombinant Listeria strains will significantly enhance the immunotherapeutic effect. Thus, LIΔdd:dal combined with LMΔdd:dal, or with other balanced‐lethal systems will be more promising alternative for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lei
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuzhen Zhou
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunwen Zhang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sijing Liu
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sicheng Tian
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Ou
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Liu
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huan Huang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tian Tang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Wang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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40
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Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy for Solid Tumor Treatment: Progressions and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174160. [PMID: 36077696 PMCID: PMC9455018 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immunotherapy, especially cell-based immunotherapy, has provided new strategies for cancer therapy. Recent clinical studies demonstrated that adopting cell transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for advanced solid tumors showed good efficacy. TIL therapy is a type of cell-based immunotherapy using the patient’s own immune cells from the microenvironment of the solid tumor to kill tumor cells. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current strategies and challenges in TIL isolation and generation. Moreover, the current clinical experience of TIL therapy is summarized and discussed, with an emphasis on lymphodepletion regimen, the use of interleukin-2, and related toxicity. Furthermore, we highlight the clinical trials where TIL therapy is used independently and in combination with other types of therapy for solid cancers. Finally, the limitations, future potential, and directions of TIL therapy for solid tumor treatment are also discussed.
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Yan X, Wang N, Dong J, Wang F, Zhang J, Hu X, Zhao H, Gao X, Liu Z, Li Y, Hu S. A cuproptosis-related lncRNAs signature for prognosis, chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint blockade therapy of low-grade glioma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:966843. [PMID: 36060266 PMCID: PMC9428515 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.966843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a new type of cell death that is associated with mitochondrial respiration of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies showed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulated low-grade glioma (LGG) progression. However, the potential applications of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) in LGG were not explored. A comprehensive analysis was performed in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) cohorts. We first screened two distinct cuproptosis subtypes based on prognostic CRLs using consensus clustering. To facilitate individualized survival prediction in LGG, we constructed a prognostic signature (including CRNDE, HAR1A, and FAM181A-AS1) in the TCGA dataset. The prognostic signature exhibited excellent predictive ability and reliability, which was validated in the CGGA_325 and CGGA_693 datasets. Notably, patients in the high-risk group had increased immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoints, which indicated that they may benefit more from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Finally, the prognostic signature screened the population with sensitivity to chemotherapy and ICB therapy. In summary, this study initially explored the mechanism of CRLs in LGG and provides some insights into chemotherapy and ICB therapy of LGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwei Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueyan Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongtao Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhihui Liu, ; Yongzhe Li, ; Shaoshan Hu,
| | - Yongzhe Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Zhihui Liu, ; Yongzhe Li, ; Shaoshan Hu,
| | - Shaoshan Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhihui Liu, ; Yongzhe Li, ; Shaoshan Hu,
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Miebach L, Freund E, Cecchini AL, Bekeschus S. Conductive Gas Plasma Treatment Augments Tumor Toxicity of Ringer's Lactate Solutions in a Model of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081439. [PMID: 35892641 PMCID: PMC9331608 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive species generated by medical gas plasma technology can be enriched in liquids for use in oncology targeting disseminated malignancies, such as metastatic colorectal cancer. Notwithstanding, reactive species quantities depend on the treatment mode, and we recently showed gas plasma exposure in conductive modes to be superior for cancer tissue treatment. However, evidence is lacking that such a conductive mode also equips gas plasma-treated liquids to confer augmented intraperitoneal anticancer activity. To this end, employing atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet kINPen-treated Ringer's lactate (oxRilac) in a CT26-model of colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis, we tested repeated intraabdominal injection of such remotely or conductively oxidized liquid for antitumor control and immunomodulation. Enhanced reactive species formation in conductive mode correlated with reduced tumor burden in vivo, emphasizing the advantage of conduction over the free mode for plasma-conditioned liquids. Interestingly, the infiltration of lymphocytes into the tumors was equally enhanced by both treatments. However, significantly lower levels of interleukin (IL)4 and IL13 and increased levels of IL2 argue for a shift in intratumoral T-helper cell subpopulations correlating with disease control. In conclusion, our data argue for using conductively over remotely prepared plasma-treated liquids for anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Miebach
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (L.M.); (E.F.)
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Eric Freund
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (L.M.); (E.F.)
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Alessandra Lourenço Cecchini
- Department of General Pathology, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Londrina 86051-990, Brazil;
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (L.M.); (E.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3834-554-3948
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Norville K, Skrombolas D, Ferry SL, Kearns N, Frelinger JG. A Protease Activatable Interleukin-2 Fusion Protein Engenders Antitumor Immune Responses by Interferon Gamma-Dependent and Interferon Gamma-Independent Mechanisms. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2022; 42:316-328. [PMID: 35834651 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are powerful mediators of immune responses and some, such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), have achieved dramatic responses as cancer immunotherapies. Unfortunately, systemic administration often results in deleterious side effects, prompting exploration of strategies to localize cytokine activity to the tumor microenvironment (TME). To this end, we constructed an IL-2/IL2Ra fusion protein (IL-2FP) with an MMP2/9-specific cleavage site, designed to exploit the dysregulated protease activity in the TME to selectively activate IL-2 in the tumor. To determine if TME protease activity is sufficient to cleave the FP and if FP activity is due to specific cleavage, we created Colon 38 tumor cell lines expressing similar levels of IL-2FPs with either a functional cleavage site [H11(cs-1FP)] or a scrambled, noncleavable sequence [H2(scramFP)]. H11(cs-1FP) tumors demonstrated reduced tumor growth, characterized by regressions not observed in H2(scramFP) tumors. Analysis through qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry indicate robust CD8 responses in the H11(cs-1FP) tumors. Interferon gamma (IFNg) knockout mice revealed that the immune effects of the cleavable FP are mediated through both IFNg-dependent and IFNg-independent mechanisms. Collectively, these data suggest that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the TME can cleave the IL-2FP specifically, thus enhancing an antitumor response, and provide a rationale for further developing this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karli Norville
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Denise Skrombolas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Shannon L Ferry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Nolan Kearns
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - John G Frelinger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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44
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Mansurov A, Hosseinchi P, Chang K, Lauterbach AL, Gray LT, Alpar AT, Budina E, Slezak AJ, Kang S, Cao S, Solanki A, Gomes S, Williford JM, Swartz MA, Mendoza JL, Ishihara J, Hubbell JA. Masking the immunotoxicity of interleukin-12 by fusing it with a domain of its receptor via a tumour-protease-cleavable linker. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:819-829. [PMID: 35534574 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00888-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have shown modest efficacy against immunologically 'cold' tumours. Interleukin-12 (IL-12)-a cytokine that promotes the recruitment of immune cells into tumours as well as immune cell activation, also in cold tumours-can cause severe immune-related adverse events in patients. Here, by exploiting the preferential overexpression of proteases in tumours, we show that fusing a domain of the IL-12 receptor to IL-12 via a linker cleavable by tumour-associated proteases largely restricts the pro-inflammatory effects of IL-12 to tumour sites. In mouse models of subcutaneous adenocarcinoma and orthotopic melanoma, masked IL-12 delivered intravenously did not cause systemic IL-12 signalling and eliminated systemic immune-related adverse events, led to potent therapeutic effects via the remodelling of the immune-suppressive microenvironment, and rendered cold tumours responsive to immune-checkpoint inhibition. We also show that masked IL-12 is activated in tumour lysates from patients. Protease-sensitive masking of potent yet toxic cytokines may facilitate their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslan Mansurov
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peyman Hosseinchi
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kevin Chang
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Abigail L Lauterbach
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Laura T Gray
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aaron T Alpar
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erica Budina
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anna J Slezak
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Seounghun Kang
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shijie Cao
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ani Solanki
- Animal Resource Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Suzana Gomes
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Melody A Swartz
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Juan L Mendoza
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Jeffrey A Hubbell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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45
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Comprehensive characterization of posttranscriptional impairment-related 3'-UTR mutations in 2413 whole genomes of cancer patients. NPJ Genom Med 2022; 7:34. [PMID: 35654793 PMCID: PMC9163142 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-022-00305-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) is the vital element regulating gene expression, but most studies have focused on variations in RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), miRNAs, alternative polyadenylation (APA) and RNA modifications. To explore the posttranscriptional function of 3'-UTR somatic mutations in tumorigenesis, we collected whole-genome data from 2413 patients across 18 cancer types. Our updated algorithm, PIVar, revealed 25,216 3'-UTR posttranscriptional impairment-related SNVs (3'-UTR piSNVs) spanning 2930 genes; 24 related RBPs were significantly enriched. The somatic 3'-UTR piSNV ratio was markedly increased across all 18 cancer types, which was associated with worse survival for four cancer types. Several cancer-related genes appeared to facilitate tumorigenesis at the protein and posttranscriptional regulation levels, whereas some 3'-UTR piSNV-affected genes functioned mainly via posttranscriptional mechanisms. Moreover, we assessed immune cell and checkpoint characteristics between the high/low 3'-UTR piSNV ratio groups and predicted 80 compounds associated with the 3'-UTR piSNV-affected gene expression signature. In summary, our study revealed the prevalence and clinical relevance of 3'-UTR piSNVs in cancers, and also demonstrates that in addition to affecting miRNAs, 3'-UTR piSNVs perturb RBPs binding, APA and m6A RNA modification, which emphasized the importance of considering 3'-UTR piSNVs in cancer biology.
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46
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Wittrup KD, Kaufman HL, Schmidt MM, Irvine DJ. Intratumorally anchored cytokine therapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:725-732. [PMID: 35638290 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2084070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION On-target, off-tumor toxicity severely limits systemic dosing of cytokines and agonist antibodies for cancer. Intratumoral administration is increasingly being explored to mitigate this problem. Full exploitation of this mode of administration must include a mechanism for sustained retention of the drug; otherwise, rapid diffusion out of the tumor eliminates any advantage. AREAS COVERED We focus here on strategies for anchoring immune agonists in accessible formats. Such anchoring may utilize extracellular matrix components, cell surface receptor targets, or exogenously administered particulate materials. Promising alternative strategies not reviewed here include slow release from the interior of a material depot, expression following local transfection, and conditional proteolytic activation of masked molecules. EXPERT OPINION An effective mechanism for tissue retention is a critical component of intratumorally anchored cytokine therapy, as leakage leads to decreased tumor drug exposure and increased systemic toxicity. Matching variable drug release kinetics with receptor-mediated cellular uptake is an intrinsic requirement for the alternative strategies mentioned above. Bioavailability of an anchored form of the administered drug is key to obviating this balancing act.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Dane Wittrup
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Darrell J Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MD, USA
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47
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Exploiting protease activation for therapy. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1743-1754. [PMID: 35314338 PMCID: PMC9132161 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Proteases have crucial roles in homeostasis and disease; and protease inhibitors and recombinant proteases in enzyme replacement therapy have become key therapeutic applications of protease biology across several indications. This review briefly summarises therapeutic approaches based on protease activation and focuses on how recent insights into the spatial and temporal control of the proteolytic activation of growth factors and interleukins are leading to unique strategies for the discovery of new medicines. In particular, two emerging areas are covered: the first is based on antibody therapies that target the process of proteolytic activation of the pro-form of proteins rather than their mature form; the second covers a potentially new class of biopharmaceuticals using engineered, proteolytically activable and initially inactive pro-forms of antibodies or effector proteins to increase specificity and improve the therapeutic window.
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48
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Cytokines and chemokines modulation of itch. Neuroscience 2022; 495:74-85. [PMID: 35660453 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Itch (pruritus) is a common cutaneous symptom widely associated with many skin complaints, and chronic itch can be a severe clinical problem. The onset and perpetuation of itch are linked to cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-31, IL-4, IL-13, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and chemokines, such as chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10. This review highlights research that has attempted to determine the attributes of various cytokines and chemokines concerning the development and modulation of itch. Through such research, clinical approaches targeting cytokines and/or chemokines may arise, which may further the development of itch therapeutics.
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49
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Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J. Checkpoint inhibitor/interleukin-based combination therapy of cancer. Cancer Med 2022; 11:2934-2943. [PMID: 35301813 PMCID: PMC9359865 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is the current focus in cancer immunotherapy. However, issues are raised in the area, as the recent studies showed that such therapeutic modality suffers from low durability and low or no efficacy for patients with some tumor types including cases with non-inflamed or cold cancers. Therefore, efforts have been made to solve the issue using immune combination therapy, such as the use of immunocytokines. The combination of ICI with interleukins (ILs) and IL-targeting agents is now under consideration in the area of therapy, and the primary results are promising. PURPOSE The focus of this review is to discuss the possibility of using ILs and IL-targeting drugs in combination with ICI in cancer immunotherapy and describing recent advances in the field using PEGylated ILs and fusion proteins. The key focus in this area is to reduce adverse events and to increase the efficacy and durability of such combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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50
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Holder PG, Lim SA, Huang CS, Sharma P, Dagdas YS, Bulutoglu B, Sockolosky JT. Engineering interferons and interleukins for cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114112. [PMID: 35085624 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a class of potent immunoregulatory proteins that are secreted in response to various stimuli and act locally to regulate many aspects of human physiology and disease. Cytokines play important roles in cancer initiation, progression, and elimination, and thus, there is a long clinical history associated with the use of recombinant cytokines to treat cancer. However, the use of cytokines as therapeutics has been limited by cytokine pleiotropy, complex biology, poor drug-like properties, and severe dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, cytokines are crucial mediators of innate and adaptive antitumor immunity and have the potential to enhance immunotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer. Development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination immunotherapies has reinvigorated interest in cytokines as therapeutics, and a variety of engineering approaches are emerging to improve the safety and effectiveness of cytokine immunotherapy. In this review we highlight recent advances in cytokine biology and engineering for cancer immunotherapy.
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