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Smith CT, Wang Z, Lewis JS. Engineering antigen-presenting cells for immunotherapy of autoimmunity. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 210:115329. [PMID: 38729265 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115329] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are burdensome conditions that affect a significant fraction of the global population. The hallmark of autoimmune disease is a host's immune system being licensed to attack its tissues based on specific antigens. There are no cures for autoimmune diseases. The current clinical standard for treating autoimmune diseases is the administration of immunosuppressants, which weaken the immune system and reduce auto-inflammatory responses. However, people living with autoimmune diseases are subject to toxicity, fail to mount a sufficient immune response to protect against pathogens, and are more likely to develop infections. Therefore, there is a concerted effort to develop more effective means of targeting immunomodulatory therapies to antigen-presenting cells, which are involved in modulating the immune responses to specific antigens. In this review, we highlight approaches that are currently in development to target antigen-presenting cells and improve therapeutic outcomes in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton T Smith
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jamal S Lewis
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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2
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Tran JC, Kuffner CJ, Marzilli AM, Miller RE, Silfen ZE, McMahan JB, Sloas DC, Chen CS, Ngo JT. Fluorescein-Based SynNotch Adaptors for Regulating Gene Expression Responses to Diverse Extracellular Cues. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.12.598538. [PMID: 38915575 PMCID: PMC11195177 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
We introduce an adaptor-based strategy for regulating fluorescein-binding synthetic Notch (SynNotch) receptors using ligands based on conjugates of fluorescein isomers and analogs. To develop a versatile system, we evaluated the surface expression and activities of multiple constructs containing distinct extracellular fluorescein-binding domains. Using an optimized receptor, we devised ways to regulate signaling via fluorescein-based chemical transformations, including an approach based on a bio-orthogonal chemical ligation and a spatially controllable strategy via the photo-patterned uncaging of an o -nitrobenzyl-caged fluorescein conjugate. We further demonstrate that fluorescein-conjugated extracellular matrix (ECM)-binding peptides can regulate SynNotch activity depending on the folding state of collagen-based ECM networks. Treatment with these conjugates enabled cells to distinguish between folded versus denatured collagen proteins and enact dose-dependent gene expression responses depending on the nature of the signaling adaptors presented. To demonstrate the utility of these tools, we applied them to control the myogenic conversion of fibroblasts into myocytes with spatial and temporal precision and in response to denatured collagen-I, a biomarker of multiple pathological states. Overall, we introduce an optimized fluorescein-binding SynNotch as a versatile tool for regulating transcriptional responses to extracellular ligands based on the widely used and clinically-approved fluorescein dye.
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3
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Li N, Geng S, Dong ZZ, Jin Y, Ying H, Li HW, Shi L. A new era of cancer immunotherapy: combining revolutionary technologies for enhanced CAR-M therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:117. [PMID: 38824567 PMCID: PMC11143597 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02032-9] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Significant advancements have been made in the application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T treatment for blood cancers during the previous ten years. However, its effectiveness in treating solid tumors is still lacking, necessitating the exploration of alternative immunotherapies that can overcome the significant challenges faced by current CAR-T cells. CAR-based immunotherapy against solid tumors shows promise with the emergence of macrophages, which possess robust phagocytic abilities, antigen-presenting functions, and the ability to modify the tumor microenvironment and stimulate adaptive responses. This paper presents a thorough examination of the latest progress in CAR-M therapy, covering both basic scientific studies and clinical trials. This study examines the primary obstacles hindering the realization of the complete potential of CAR-M therapy, as well as the potential strategies that can be employed to overcome these hurdles. With the emergence of revolutionary technologies like in situ genetic modification, synthetic biology techniques, and biomaterial-supported gene transfer, which provide a wider array of resources for manipulating tumor-associated macrophages, we suggest that combining these advanced methods will result in the creation of a new era of CAR-M therapy that demonstrates improved efficacy, safety, and availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Shinan Geng
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Dong
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Zhejiang Caner Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Hangjie Ying
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Zhejiang Caner Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Hung-Wing Li
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liyun Shi
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
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4
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Inamdar VV, Hao S, Stephan SB, Stephan MT. Biomaterial-based scaffolds for direct in situ programming of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes. J Control Release 2024; 370:310-317. [PMID: 38677524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.040] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy with tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs) has generated exciting clinical trial results for the treatment of unresectable solid tumors. However, solid tumors remain difficult targets for adoptively transferred T cells, due in part to poor migration of TILs to the tumor, physical barriers to infiltration, and active suppression of TILs by the tumor. Furthermore, a highly skilled team is required to obtain tumor tissue, isolate and expand the TILs ex vivo, and reinfuse them into the patient, which drives up costs and limits patient access. Here, we describe a cell-free polymer implant designed to recruit, genetically reprogram and expand host T cells at tumor lesions in situ. Importantly, the scaffold can be fabricated on a large scale and is stable to lyophilization. Using a mouse breast cancer model, we show that the implants quickly and efficiently amass cancer-specific host lymphocytes at the tumor site in quantities sufficient to bring about long-term tumor regression. Given that surgical care is the mainstay of cancer treatment for many patients, this technology could be easily implemented in a clinical setting as an add-on to surgery for solid tumors. Furthermore, the approach could be broadened to recruit and genetically reprogram other therapeutically desirable host cells, such as macrophages, natural killer cells or dendritic cells, potentially boosting the antitumor effectiveness of the implant even more.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Inamdar
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - S Hao
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - S B Stephan
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - M T Stephan
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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5
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Lei K, Irvine DJ. A mobile home for T cells. NATURE MATERIALS 2024; 23:735-736. [PMID: 38834731 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-01906-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kewen Lei
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Darrell J Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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6
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Younis MA, Harashima H. Understanding Gene Involvement in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Gene Therapy and Personalized Medicine. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2024; 17:193-213. [PMID: 38737776 PMCID: PMC11088404 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s431346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant type of liver cancers and is one of the deadliest health threats globally. The conventional therapeutic options for HCC are hampered by low efficiency and intolerable side effects. Gene therapy, however, now offers hope for the treatment of many disorders previously considered incurable, and gene therapy is beginning to address many of the shortcomings of conventional therapies. Herein, we summarize the involvement of genes in the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC, with a special focus on dysregulated signaling pathways, genes involved in immune evasion, and non-coding RNAs as novel two-edged players, which collectively offer potential targets for the gene therapy of HCC. Herein, the opportunities and challenges of HCC gene therapy are discussed. These include innovative therapies such as genome editing and cell therapies. Moreover, advanced gene delivery technologies that recruit nanomedicines for use in gene therapy for HCC are highlighted. Finally, suggestions are offered for improved clinical translation and future directions in this area of endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Younis
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
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Nelson RB, Rose KN, Menniti FS, Zorn SH. Hiding in plain sight: Do recruited dendritic cells surround amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease? Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116258. [PMID: 38705533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116258] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, human genome-wide association and expression studies have strongly implicated dysregulation of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Single cell mRNA sequencing studies have identified innate immune cell subtypes that are minimally present in normal healthy brain, but whose numbers greatly increase in association with AD pathology. These AD pathology-associated immune cells are putatively the locus for the immune-related AD risk. While the prevailing view is that these immune cells arise from transformation of resident brain microglia, studies across several decades and using multiple techniques and strategies suggest instead that the pathology-associated immune cells are bone-marrow derived hematopoietic cells that are recruited into brain. We critically review this translational literature, emphasizing the strengths and limitations of techniques used to address recruitment and the experimental designs employed. We conclude that the aggregate evidence points toward recruitment into brain of innate immune cells of the myeloid dendritic cell lineage. Recruitment of dendritic cells and their role in AD pathogenesis has broad implications for our understanding of the etiology and pathobiology of AD that impact the strategies to develop new, immune system-targeted therapeutics for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Nelson
- MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Kingston, RI; George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI; Dept of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI.
| | - Kenneth N Rose
- MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Kingston, RI; Dept of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
| | - Frank S Menniti
- MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Kingston, RI; George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI; Dept of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
| | - Stevin H Zorn
- MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Kingston, RI; George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI; Dept of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
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8
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Lou J, Meyer C, Vitner EB, Adu-Berchie K, Dacus MT, Bovone G, Chen A, To T, Weitz DA, Mooney DJ. Surface-Functionalized Microgels as Artificial Antigen-Presenting Cells to Regulate Expansion of T Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2309860. [PMID: 38615189 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) are currently used to manufacture T cells for adoptive therapy in cancer treatment, but a readily tunable and modular system can enable both rapid T cell expansion and control over T cell phenotype. Here, it is shown that microgels with tailored surface biochemical properties can serve as aAPCs to mediate T cell activation and expansion. Surface functionalization of microgels is achieved via layer-by-layer coating using oppositely charged polymers, forming a thin but dense polymer layer on the surface. This facile and versatile approach is compatible with a variety of coating polymers and allows efficient and flexible surface-specific conjugation of defined peptides or proteins. The authors demonstrate that tethering appropriate stimulatory ligands on the microgel surface efficiently activates T cells for polyclonal and antigen-specific expansion. The expansion, phenotype, and functional outcome of primary mouse and human T cells can be regulated by modulating the concentration, ratio, and distribution of stimulatory ligands presented on microgel surfaces as well as the stiffness and viscoelasticity of the microgels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhe Lou
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Charlotte Meyer
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Einat B Vitner
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Kwasi Adu-Berchie
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Mason T Dacus
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Giovanni Bovone
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Anqi Chen
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Tania To
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David A Weitz
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - David J Mooney
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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9
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López Ruiz A, Slaughter ED, Kloxin AM, Fromen CA. Bridging the gender gap in autoimmunity with T-cell-targeted biomaterials. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 86:103075. [PMID: 38377884 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103075] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are caused by malfunctions of the immune system and generally impact women at twice the frequency of men. Many of the most serious autoimmune diseases are accompanied by a dysregulation of T-cell phenotype, both regarding the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T-cells and proinflammatory versus regulatory phenotypes. Biomaterials, in the form of particles and hydrogels, have shown promise in ameliorating this dysregulation both in vivo and ex vivo. In this review, we explore the role of T-cells in autoimmune diseases, particularly those with high incidence rates in women, and evaluate the promise and efficacy of innovative biomaterial-based approaches for targeting T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida López Ruiz
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Eric D Slaughter
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - April M Kloxin
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States; Material Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States.
| | - Catherine A Fromen
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States.
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10
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Kuang G, Zhang Q, Li W, Zhao Y. Biomimetic Tertiary Lymphoid Structures with Microporous Annealed Particle Scaffolds for Cancer Postoperative Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:9176-9186. [PMID: 38497601 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy plays a vital role in cancer postoperative treatment. Strategies to increase the variety of immune cells and their sustainable supply are essential to improve the therapeutic effect of immune cell-based immunotherapy. Here, inspired by tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), we present a microfluidic-assisted microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffold for the persistent recruitment of diverse immune cells for cancer postoperative therapy. Based on the thermochemical responsivity of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), the MAP scaffold was fabricated by physical cross-linking and sequential photo-cross-linking of GelMA droplets, which were prepared by microfluidic electrospraying. Due to the encapsulation of liquid nitrogen-inactivated tumor cells and immunostimulant, the generated MAP scaffold could recruit a large number of immune cells, involving T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, thereby forming the biomimetic TLSs in vivo. In addition, by combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors, a synergistic anticancer immune response was provoked to inhibit tumor recurrence and metastasis. These properties make the proposed MAP scaffold-based artificial TLSs of great value for efficient cancer postoperative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaizhen Kuang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Qingfei Zhang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Wenzhao Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
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11
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Handoko, Adham M, Rachmadi L, Wibowo H, Gondhowiardjo SA. Cold Tumour Phenotype Explained Through Whole Genome Sequencing in Clinical Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Preliminary Study. Immunotargets Ther 2024; 13:173-182. [PMID: 38524775 PMCID: PMC10959245 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s452117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a complex cancer due to its unique genomic features and association with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Despite therapeutic advancements, NPC prognosis remains poor, necessitating a deeper understanding of its genomics. Here, we present a comprehensive whole genome sequencing (WGS) view of NPC genomics and its correlation with the phenotype. Methods This study involved WGS of a clinical NPC biopsy specimen. Sequencing was carried out using a long read sequencer from Oxford Nanopore. Analysis of the variants involved correlation with the phenotype of NPC. Results A loss of genes within chromosome 6 from copy number variation (CNV) was found. The lost genes included HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C, which work in the antigen presentation process. This loss of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) apparatus resulted in the tumour's ability to evade immune recognition. The tumour exhibited an immunologically "cold" phenotype, with mild tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, supporting the possible etiology of loss of antigen presentation capability. Furthermore, the driver mutation PIK3CA gene was identified along with various other gene variants affecting numerous signaling pathways. Discussion Comprehensive WGS was able to detect various mutations and genomic losses, which could explain tumour progression and immune evasion ability. Furthermore, the study identified the loss of other genes related to cancer and immune pathways, emphasizing the complexity of NPC genomics. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of MHC class I gene loss and its probable correlation with the cold tumour phenotype observed in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handoko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Marlinda Adham
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Department, Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Lisnawati Rachmadi
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Heri Wibowo
- Integrated Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Soehartati A Gondhowiardjo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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12
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Chua CYX, Viswanath DI, Huston DP, Grattoni A. Engineering platforms for localized long-acting immune modulation. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:572-575. [PMID: 38253261 PMCID: PMC10939746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.01.004] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Systemic immunotherapeutics have been a clinical staple in the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, organ and cell transplantation, autoimmunity, and allergies. Although their utility remains unquestioned, systemic administration of these drugs is associated with limited efficacy, significant adverse off-target effects, transient activity, and the requirement for frequent repeated dosing. To this end, recent technological advancements have provided novel means for sustained drug delivery to specific tissues and targeted localized approaches for immunotherapeutics. In this article, we present various cutting-edge platform technologies, including implants, multireservoir systems, and scaffolds encapsulating immunomodulatory agents for local administration. Examples of their application in cancer, cell transplantation, allergy, and infectious diseases are discussed, highlighting the potential of such systems for innovative immunomodulatory intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dixita Ishani Viswanath
- New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - David P Huston
- Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan and Houston, Tex; Immunology Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Tex
| | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Tex; Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Tex; Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Tex.
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13
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Jeffreys N, Brockman JM, Zhai Y, Ingber DE, Mooney DJ. Mechanical forces amplify TCR mechanotransduction in T cell activation and function. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 11:011304. [PMID: 38434676 PMCID: PMC10848667 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapies, including engineered T cell receptor (eTCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapies, have shown efficacy in treating a subset of hematologic malignancies, exhibit promise in solid tumors, and have many other potential applications, such as in fibrosis, autoimmunity, and regenerative medicine. While immunoengineering has focused on designing biomaterials to present biochemical cues to manipulate T cells ex vivo and in vivo, mechanical cues that regulate their biology have been largely underappreciated. This review highlights the contributions of mechanical force to several receptor-ligand interactions critical to T cell function, with central focus on the TCR-peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC). We then emphasize the role of mechanical forces in (i) allosteric strengthening of the TCR-pMHC interaction in amplifying ligand discrimination during T cell antigen recognition prior to activation and (ii) T cell interactions with the extracellular matrix. We then describe approaches to design eTCRs, CARs, and biomaterials to exploit TCR mechanosensitivity in order to potentiate T cell manufacturing and function in adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunhao Zhai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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14
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Mujahid K, Rana I, Suliman IH, Li Z, Wu J, He H, Nam J. Biomaterial-Based Sustained-Release Drug Formulations for Localized Cancer Immunotherapy. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023. [PMID: 38050811 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00808] [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: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized clinical cancer treatments by taking advantage of the immune system to selectively and effectively target and kill cancer cells. However, clinical cancer immunotherapy treatments often have limited efficacy and/or present severe adverse effects associated primarily with their systemic administration. Localized immunotherapy has emerged to overcome these limitations by directly targeting accessible tumors via local administration, reducing potential systemic drug distribution that hampers drug efficacy and safety. Sustained-release formulations can prolong drug activity at target sites, which maximizes the benefits of localized immunotherapy to increase the therapeutic window using smaller dosages than those used for systemic injection, avoiding complications of frequent dosing. The performance of sustained-release formulations for localized cancer immunotherapy has been validated preclinically using various implantable and injectable scaffold platforms. This review introduces the sustained-release formulations developed for localized cancer immunotherapy and highlights their biomaterial-based platforms for representative classes, including inorganic scaffolds, natural hydrogels, synthetic hydrogels, and microneedle patches. The design rationale and other considerations are summarized for further development of biomaterials for the construction of optimal sustained-release formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khizra Mujahid
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Isra Rana
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | | | - Zhen Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Jiang Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Huacheng He
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P. R. China
| | - Jutaek Nam
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
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