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Tong LW, Hu YS, Yu SJ, Li CL, Shao JW. Current application and future perspective of CRISPR/cas9 gene editing system mediated immune checkpoint for liver cancer treatment. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:402002. [PMID: 38964289 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad5f33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer, which is well-known to us as one of human most prevalent malignancies across the globe, poses a significant risk to live condition and life safety of individuals in every region of the planet. It has been shown that immune checkpoint treatment may enhance survival benefits and make a significant contribution to patient prognosis, which makes it a promising and popular therapeutic option for treating liver cancer at the current time. However, there are only a very few numbers of patients who can benefit from the treatment and there also exist adverse events such as toxic effects and so on, which is still required further research and discussion. Fortunately, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) provides a potential strategy for immunotherapy and immune checkpoint therapy of liver cancer. In this review, we focus on elucidating the fundamentals of the recently developed CRISPR/Cas9 technology as well as the present-day landscape of immune checkpoint treatment which pertains to liver cancer. What's more, we aim to explore the molecular mechanism of immune checkpoint treatment in liver cancer based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology. At last, its encouraging and powerful potential in the future application of the clinic is discussed, along with the issues that already exist and the difficulties that must be overcome. To sum up, our ultimate goal is to create a fresh knowledge that we can utilize this new CRISPR/Cas9 technology for the current popular immune checkpoint therapy to overcome the treatment issues of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Wu Tong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Shan Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Jing Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Lei Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Wei Shao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, People's Republic of China
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2
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Caforio M, Iacovelli S, Quintarelli C, Locatelli F, Folgiero V. GMP-manufactured CRISPR/Cas9 technology as an advantageous tool to support cancer immunotherapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:66. [PMID: 38424590 PMCID: PMC10905844 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02993-1] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CRISPR/Cas9 system to treat human-related diseases has achieved significant results and, even if its potential application in cancer research is improving, the application of this approach in clinical practice is still a nascent technology. MAIN BODY CRISPR/Cas9 technology is not yet used as a single therapy to treat tumors but it can be combined with traditional treatment strategies to provide personalized gene therapy for patients. The combination with chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy has been proven to be a powerful means of screening, identifying, validating and correcting tumor targets. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 technology and CAR T-cell therapies have been integrated to open novel opportunities for the production of more efficient CAR T-cells for all patients. GMP-compatible equipment and reagents are already available for several clinical-grade systems at present, creating the basis and framework for the accelerated development of novel treatment methods. CONCLUSION Here we will provide a comprehensive collection of the actual GMP-grade CRISPR/Cas9-mediated approaches used to support cancer therapy highlighting how this technology is opening new opportunities for treating tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Caforio
- U.O. Cellular and Genetic Therapy of Hematological Diseases, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S Iacovelli
- U.O Officina Farmaceutica, Good Manufacturing Practice Facility, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - C Quintarelli
- U.O. Cellular and Genetic Therapy of Hematological Diseases, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - F Locatelli
- U.O. Cellular and Genetic Therapy of Hematological Diseases, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Folgiero
- U.O. Cellular and Genetic Therapy of Hematological Diseases, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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Arroyo-Olarte R, Mejía-Muñoz A, León-Cabrera S. Expanded Alternatives of CRISPR-Cas9 Applications in Immunotherapy of Colorectal Cancer. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:69-86. [PMID: 37907826 PMCID: PMC10786962 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00680-z] [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] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited to patients with advanced disease who have already undergone first-line chemotherapy and whose tumors exhibit microsatellite instability. Novel technical strategies are required to enhance therapeutic options and achieve a more robust immunological response. Therefore, exploring gene analysis and manipulation at the molecular level can further accelerate the development of advanced technologies to address these challenges. The emergence of advanced genome editing technology, particularly of clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) 9, holds promise in expanding the boundaries of cancer immunotherapy. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive review of the applications and perspectives of CRISPR technology in improving the design, generation, and efficiency of current immunotherapies, focusing on solid tumors such as colorectal cancer, where these approaches have not been as successful as in hematological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Arroyo-Olarte
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México
| | - Aranza Mejía-Muñoz
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México
| | - Sonia León-Cabrera
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México.
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 54090, Tlalnepantla, Edo. De México, México.
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Employing CRISPR-Cas9 to Enhance T Cell Effector Function. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2782:195-208. [PMID: 38622404 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3754-8_16] [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: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
As part of the adaptive immune system, T cells are critical to maintain immune homeostasis. T cells provide protective immunity by killing infected cells and combatting cancerous cells. To do so, T cells produce and secrete effector molecules, such as granzymes, perforin, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α and interferon γ. However, in immune suppressive environments, such as tumors, T cells gradually lose the capacity to perform their effector function. One way T cell effector function can be enhanced is through genetic engineering with tools such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). This protocol explains in a step-by-step fashion how to perform a controlled electroporation-based CRISPR experiment to enhance human T cell effector function. Of note, these steps are suitable for CRISPR-mediated genome editing in T cells in general and can thus also be used to study proteins of interest that do not influence T cell effector function.
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Kciuk M, Yahya EB, Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed M, Rashid S, Iqbal MO, Kontek R, Abdulsamad MA, Allaq AA. Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2721. [PMID: 37345057 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is among the current leading causes of death worldwide, despite the novel advances that have been made toward its treatment, it is still considered a major public health concern. Considering both the serious impact of cancer on public health and the significant side effects and complications of conventional therapeutic options, the current strategies towards targeted cancer therapy must be enhanced to avoid undesired toxicity. Cancer immunotherapy has become preferable among researchers in recent years compared to conventional therapeutic options, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. The understanding of how to control immune checkpoints, develop therapeutic cancer vaccines, genetically modify immune cells as well as enhance the activation of antitumor immune response led to the development of novel cancer treatments. In this review, we address recent advances in cancer immunotherapy molecular mechanisms. Different immunotherapeutic approaches are critically discussed, focusing on the challenges, potential risks, and prospects involving their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Kciuk
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, Banacha Street 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Lodz, Banacha Street 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Esam Bashir Yahya
- Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | | | - Summya Rashid
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Omer Iqbal
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Glycoscience and Glycoengineering, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Renata Kontek
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, Banacha Street 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Muhanad A Abdulsamad
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Sabratha University, Sabratha 00218, Libya
| | - Abdulmutalib A Allaq
- Faculty of Applied Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia
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Liu H, Lv Z, Zhang G, Wang X, Wang Y, Wang K. Knowledge mapping and current trends of global research on CRISPR in the field of cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1178221. [PMID: 37200626 PMCID: PMC10185797 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1178221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Gene editing tools using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-related systems have revolutionized our understanding of cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution, collaboration, and direction of cancer research using CRISPR. Methods: Data from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database were collected from 4,408 cancer publications related to CRISPR from 1 January 2013to 31 December 2022. The obtained data were analyzed using VOSviewer software for citation, co-citation, co-authorship, and co-occurrence analysis. Results: The number of annual publications has grown steadily over the past decade worldwide. The United States was shown, by far, to be the leading source of cancer publications, citations, and collaborations involving CRISPR than any other country, followed by China. Li Wei (Jilin University, China), and Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA, United States) were the author and institution with the most publications and active collaborations, respectively. The journal with the most contributions was Nature Communications (n = 147) and the journal with the most citations was Nature (n = 12,111). The research direction of oncogenic molecules, mechanisms, and cancer-related gene editing was indicated based on keyword analysis. Conclusion: The current study has provided a comprehensive overview of cancer research highlights and future trends of CRISPR, combined with a review of CRISPR applications in cancer to summarize and predict research directions and provide guidance to researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zongwei Lv
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Kefeng Wang, ; Yuan Wang,
| | - Kefeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Kefeng Wang, ; Yuan Wang,
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Xu Y, Chen C, Guo Y, Hu S, Sun Z. Effect of CRISPR/Cas9-Edited PD-1/PD-L1 on Tumor Immunity and Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:848327. [PMID: 35300341 PMCID: PMC8920996 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.848327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated nuclease9 (CRISPR/Cas9) gene editing technology implements precise programming of the human genome through RNA guidance. At present, it has been widely used in the construction of animal tumor models, the study of drug resistance regulation mechanisms, epigenetic control and innovation in cancer treatment. Tumor immunotherapy restores the normal antitumor immune response by restarting and maintaining the tumor-immune cycle. CRISPR/Cas9 technology has occupied a central position in further optimizing anti-programmed cell death 1(PD-1) tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in exploring the regulatory mechanism of tumor immune PD-1 and programmed death ligand 1(PD-L1) based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its clinical application in different cancer types. In addition, CRISPR genome-wide screening identifies new drug targets and biomarkers to identify potentially sensitive populations for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and maximize antitumor effects. Finally, the strong potential and challenges of CRISPR/Cas9 for future clinical applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaxin Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengyun Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Wang SW, Gao C, Zheng YM, Yi L, Lu JC, Huang XY, Cai JB, Zhang PF, Cui YH, Ke AW. Current applications and future perspective of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in cancer. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:57. [PMID: 35189910 PMCID: PMC8862238 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01518-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system provides adaptive immunity against plasmids and phages in prokaryotes. This system inspires the development of a powerful genome engineering tool, the CRISPR/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) genome editing system. Due to its high efficiency and precision, the CRISPR/Cas9 technique has been employed to explore the functions of cancer-related genes, establish tumor-bearing animal models and probe drug targets, vastly increasing our understanding of cancer genomics. Here, we review current status of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology in oncological research. We first explain the basic principles of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and introduce several new CRISPR-based gene editing modes. We next detail the rapid progress of CRISPR screening in revealing tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance mechanisms. In addition, we introduce CRISPR/Cas9 system delivery vectors and finally demonstrate the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 engineering to enhance the effect of adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) and reduce adverse reactions.
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da Silva LHR, Catharino LCC, da Silva VJ, Evangelista GCM, Barbuto JAM. The War Is on: The Immune System against Glioblastoma—How Can NK Cells Drive This Battle? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020400. [PMID: 35203609 PMCID: PMC8962431 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role in immunosurveillance, acting alongside other immune cells in the response against various types of malignant tumors and the prevention of metastasis. Since their discovery in the 1970s, they have been thoroughly studied for their capacity to kill neoplastic cells without the need for previous sensitization, executing rapid and robust cytotoxic activity, but also helper functions. In agreement with this, NK cells are being exploited in many ways to treat cancer. The broad arsenal of NK-based therapies includes adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded and activated cells, genetically engineered cells to contain chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-NKs), in vivo stimulation of NK cells (by cytokine therapy, checkpoint blockade therapies, etc.), and tumor-specific antibody-guided NK cells, among others. In this article, we review pivotal aspects of NK cells’ biology and their contribution to immune responses against tumors, as well as providing a wide perspective on the many antineoplastic strategies using NK cells. Finally, we also discuss those approaches that have the potential to control glioblastoma—a disease that, currently, causes inevitable death, usually in a short time after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Rodrigues da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Luana Correia Croda Catharino
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Viviane Jennifer da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Coeli Menezes Evangelista
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - José Alexandre Marzagão Barbuto
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7375
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Ding R, Chao CC, Gao Q. High-efficiency of genetic modification using CRISPR/Cpf1 system for engineered CAR-T cell therapy. Methods Cell Biol 2022; 167:1-14. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Palma MB, Tronik-Le Roux D, Amín G, Castañeda S, Möbbs AM, Scarafia MA, La Greca A, Daouya M, Poras I, Inda AM, Moro LN, Carosella ED, García MN, Miriuka SG. HLA-G gene editing in tumor cell lines as a novel alternative in cancer immunotherapy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22158. [PMID: 34773056 PMCID: PMC8589947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01572-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies based mainly on the blockade of immune-checkpoint (IC) molecules by anti-IC antibodies offer new alternatives for treatment in oncological diseases. However, a considerable proportion of patients remain unresponsive to them. Hence, the development of novel clinical immunotherapeutic approaches and/or targets are crucial.W In this context, targeting the immune-checkpoint HLA-G/ILT2/ILT4 has caused great interest since it is abnormally expressed in several malignancies generating a tolerogenic microenvironment. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to block the HLA-G expression in two tumor cell lines expressing HLA-G, including a renal cell carcinoma (RCC7) and a choriocarcinoma (JEG-3). Different sgRNA/Cas9 plasmids targeting HLA-G exon 1 and 2 were transfected in both cell lines. Downregulation of HLA-G was reached to different degrees, including complete silencing. Most importantly, HLA-G - cells triggered a higher in vitro response of immune cells with respect to HLA-G + wild type cells. Altogether, we demonstrated for the first time the HLA-G downregulation through gene editing. We propose this approach as a first step to develop novel clinical immunotherapeutic approaches in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Palma
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- LIAN-CONICET, Fundación FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diana Tronik-Le Roux
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France
- U976 HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Alan M Möbbs
- LIAN-CONICET, Fundación FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Marina Daouya
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France
- U976 HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Poras
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France
- U976 HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ana María Inda
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas (CIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía N Moro
- LIAN-CONICET, Fundación FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edgardo D Carosella
- Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Agency (CEA), Hematology and Immunology Research Division, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France
- U976 HIPI Unit, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marcela N García
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Santiago G Miriuka
- LIAN-CONICET, Fundación FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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12
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Krejcik J, Barnkob MB, Nyvold CG, Larsen TS, Barington T, Abildgaard N. Harnessing the Immune System to Fight Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4546. [PMID: 34572773 PMCID: PMC8467095 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous plasma cell malignancy differing substantially in clinical behavior, prognosis, and response to treatment. With the advent of novel therapies, many patients achieve long-lasting remissions, but some experience aggressive and treatment refractory relapses. So far, MM is considered incurable. Myeloma pathogenesis can broadly be explained by two interacting mechanisms, intraclonal evolution of cancer cells and development of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Failures in isotype class switching and somatic hypermutations result in the neoplastic transformation typical of MM and other B cell malignancies. Interestingly, although genetic alterations occur and evolve over time, they are also present in premalignant stages, which never progress to MM, suggesting that genetic mutations are necessary but not sufficient for myeloma transformation. Changes in composition and function of the immune cells are associated with loss of effective immune surveillance, which might represent another mechanism driving malignant transformation. During the last decade, the traditional view on myeloma treatment has changed dramatically. It is increasingly evident that treatment strategies solely based on targeting intrinsic properties of myeloma cells are insufficient. Lately, approaches that redirect the cells of the otherwise suppressed immune system to take control over myeloma have emerged. Evidence of utility of this principle was initially established by the observation of the graft-versus-myeloma effect in allogeneic stem cell-transplanted patients. A variety of new strategies to harness both innate and antigen-specific immunity against MM have recently been developed and intensively tested in clinical trials. This review aims to give readers a basic understanding of how the immune system can be engaged to treat MM, to summarize the main immunotherapeutic modalities, their current role in clinical care, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Krejcik
- Centre for Cellular Immunotherapy of Haematological Cancer Odense (CITCO), Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (J.K.); (M.B.B.); (C.G.N.); (T.S.L.); (T.B.)
- Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Haematology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Mike Bogetofte Barnkob
- Centre for Cellular Immunotherapy of Haematological Cancer Odense (CITCO), Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (J.K.); (M.B.B.); (C.G.N.); (T.S.L.); (T.B.)
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Guldborg Nyvold
- Centre for Cellular Immunotherapy of Haematological Cancer Odense (CITCO), Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (J.K.); (M.B.B.); (C.G.N.); (T.S.L.); (T.B.)
- Haematology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Haematology-Pathology Research Laboratory, Research Unit for Haematology and Research Unit for Pathology, University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Thomas Stauffer Larsen
- Centre for Cellular Immunotherapy of Haematological Cancer Odense (CITCO), Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (J.K.); (M.B.B.); (C.G.N.); (T.S.L.); (T.B.)
- Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Haematology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Torben Barington
- Centre for Cellular Immunotherapy of Haematological Cancer Odense (CITCO), Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (J.K.); (M.B.B.); (C.G.N.); (T.S.L.); (T.B.)
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels Abildgaard
- Centre for Cellular Immunotherapy of Haematological Cancer Odense (CITCO), Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (J.K.); (M.B.B.); (C.G.N.); (T.S.L.); (T.B.)
- Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Haematology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
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13
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Ghaffari S, Khalili N, Rezaei N. CRISPR/Cas9 revitalizes adoptive T-cell therapy for cancer immunotherapy. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:269. [PMID: 34446084 PMCID: PMC8390258 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has gained attention as the supreme therapeutic modality for the treatment of various malignancies. Adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) is one of the most distinctive modalities of this therapeutic approach, which seeks to harness the potential of combating cancer cells by using autologous or allogenic tumor-specific T-cells. However, a plethora of circumstances must be optimized to produce functional, durable, and efficient T-cells. Recently, the potential of ACT has been further realized by the introduction of novel gene-editing platforms such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system; this technique has been utilized to create T-cells furnished with recombinant T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that have precise tumor antigen recognition, minimal side effects and treatment-related toxicities, robust proliferation and cytotoxicity, and nominal exhaustion. Here, we aim to review and categorize the recent breakthroughs of genetically modified TCR/CAR T-cells through CRISPR/Cas9 technology and address the pearls and pitfalls of each method. In addition, we investigate the latest ongoing clinical trials that are applying CRISPR-associated TCR/CAR T-cells for the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasan Ghaffari
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Hematology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nastaran Khalili
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Stockholm, Sweden.
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14
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Marotte L, Simon S, Vignard V, Dupre E, Gantier M, Cruard J, Alberge JB, Hussong M, Deleine C, Heslan JM, Shaffer J, Beauvais T, Gaschet J, Scotet E, Fradin D, Jarry A, Nguyen T, Labarriere N. Increased antitumor efficacy of PD-1-deficient melanoma-specific human lymphocytes. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2019-000311. [PMID: 32001504 PMCID: PMC7057432 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Genome editing offers unique perspectives for optimizing the functional properties of T cells for adoptive cell transfer purposes. So far, PDCD1 editing has been successfully tested mainly in chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells and human primary T cells. Nonetheless, for patients with solid tumors, the adoptive transfer of effector memory T cells specific for tumor antigens remains a relevant option, and the use of high avidity T cells deficient for programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) expression is susceptible to improve the therapeutic benefit of these treatments. Methods Here we used the transfection of CAS9/sgRNA ribonucleoproteic complexes to edit PDCD1 gene in human effector memory CD8+ T cells specific for the melanoma antigen Melan-A. We cloned edited T cell populations and validated PDCD1 editing through sequencing and cytometry in each T cell clone, together with T-cell receptor (TCR) chain’s sequencing. We also performed whole transcriptomic analyses on wild-type (WT) and edited T cell clones. Finally, we documented in vitro and in vivo through adoptive transfer in NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice, the antitumor properties of WT and PD-1KO T cell clones, expressing the same TCR. Results Here we demonstrated the feasibility to edit PDCD1 gene in human effector memory melanoma-specific T lymphocytes. We showed that PD-1 expression was dramatically reduced or totally absent on PDCD1-edited T cell clones. Extensive characterization of a panel of T cell clones expressing the same TCR and exhibiting similar functional avidity demonstrated superior antitumor reactivity against a PD-L1 expressing melanoma cell line. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a downregulation of genes involved in proliferation and DNA replication in PD-1-deficient T cell clones, whereas genes involved in metabolism and cell signaling were upregulated. Finally, we documented the superior ability of PD-1-deficient T cells to significantly delay the growth of a PD-L1 expressing human melanoma tumor in an NSG mouse model. Conclusion The use of such lymphocytes for adoptive cell transfer purposes, associated with other approaches modulating the tumor microenvironment, would be a promising alternative to improve immunotherapy efficacy in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucine Marotte
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Sylvain Simon
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Virginie Vignard
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Emilie Dupre
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Malika Gantier
- LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRTI, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Jonathan Cruard
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Melanie Hussong
- NGS Assay Research & Development, Qiagen Sciences, Frederick, Maryland, United States
| | - Cecile Deleine
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Jean-Marie Heslan
- LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRTI, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Jonathan Shaffer
- NGS Assay Research & Development, Qiagen Sciences, Frederick, Maryland, United States
| | - Tiffany Beauvais
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Joelle Gaschet
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Emmanuel Scotet
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Delphine Fradin
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Anne Jarry
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Tuan Nguyen
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRTI, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Nathalie Labarriere
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France .,LabEx IGO, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
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15
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Sun J, Wang J, Zheng D, Hu X. Advances in therapeutic application of CRISPR-Cas9. Brief Funct Genomics 2021; 19:164-174. [PMID: 31769791 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elz031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) is one of the most versatile and efficient gene editing technologies, which is derived from adaptive immune strategies for bacteria and archaea. With the remarkable development of programmable nuclease-based genome engineering these years, CRISPR-Cas9 system has developed quickly in recent 5 years and has been widely applied in countless areas, including genome editing, gene function investigation and gene therapy both in vitro and in vivo. In this paper, we briefly introduce the mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas9 tool in genome editing. More importantly, we review the recent therapeutic application of CRISPR-Cas9 in various diseases, including hematologic diseases, infectious diseases and malignant tumor. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and consider thoughtfully what advances are required in order to further develop the therapeutic application of CRISPR-Cas9 in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Sun
- Sparkfire Scientific Research Group, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Jianchu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Zhongshan Road, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Donghui Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Huai'an Second People's Hospital and The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Xiaorong Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
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16
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Ou X, Ma Q, Yin W, Ma X, He Z. CRISPR/Cas9 Gene-Editing in Cancer Immunotherapy: Promoting the Present Revolution in Cancer Therapy and Exploring More. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:674467. [PMID: 34095145 PMCID: PMC8172808 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.674467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has showed fantastic promise in pioneering and accelerating the field of cancer therapy and embraces unprecedented breakthroughs in clinical practice. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system, as a versatile gene-editing technology, lays a robust foundation to efficiently innovate cancer research and cancer therapy. Here, we summarize recent approaches based on CRISPR/Cas9 system for construction of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells and T cell receptor T (TCR-T) cells. Besides, we review the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in inhibiting immune checkpoint signaling pathways and highlight the feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9 based engineering strategies to screen novel cancer immunotherapy targets. Conclusively, we discuss the perspectives, potential challenges and possible solutions in this vivid growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejin Ou
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qizhi Ma
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Yin
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiyao He
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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17
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Fix SM, Jazaeri AA, Hwu P. Applications of CRISPR Genome Editing to Advance the Next Generation of Adoptive Cell Therapies for Cancer. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:560-574. [PMID: 33563662 PMCID: PMC8193798 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) for cancer shows tremendous potential; however, several challenges preclude its widespread use. These include poor T-cell function in hostile tumor microenvironments, a lack of tumor-specific target antigens, and the high cost and poor scalability of cell therapy manufacturing. Creative genome-editing strategies are beginning to emerge to address each of these limitations, which has initiated the next generation of cell therapy products now entering clinical trials. CRISPR is at the forefront of this revolution, offering a simple and versatile platform for genetic engineering. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CRISPR applications that have advanced ACT. SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical impact of ACT for cancer can be expanded by implementing specific genetic modifications that enhance the potency, safety, and scalability of cellular products. Here we provide a detailed description of such genetic modifications, highlighting avenues to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and accessibility of ACT for cancer. Furthermore, we review high-throughput CRISPR genetic screens that have unveiled novel targets for cell therapy enhancement.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- CRISPR-Cas Systems
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/adverse effects
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease Management
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Gene Editing/methods
- Genetic Engineering
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Fix
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Amir A Jazaeri
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Patrick Hwu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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18
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Using CRISPR to enhance T cell effector function for therapeutic applications. Cytokine X 2021; 3:100049. [PMID: 33604565 PMCID: PMC7885876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytox.2020.100049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells are critical to fight pathogenic microbes and combat malignantly transformed cells in the fight against cancer. To exert their effector function, T cells produce effector molecules, such as the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2. Tumors possess many inhibitory mechanisms that dampen T cell effector function, limiting the secretion of cytotoxic molecules. As a result, the control and elimination of tumors is impaired. Through recent advances in genomic editing, T cells can now be successfully modified via CRISPR/Cas9 technology. For instance, engaging (post-)transcriptional mechanisms to enhance T cell cytokine production, the retargeting of T cell antigen specificity or rendering T cells refractive to inhibitory receptor signaling can augment T cell effector function. Therefore, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing might provide novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Recently, the first-in-patient clinical trial was successfully performed with CRISPR/Cas9-modified human T cell therapy. In this review, a brief overview of currently available techniques is provided, and recent advances in T cell genomic engineering for the enhancement of T cell effector function for therapeutic purposes are discussed.
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Key Words
- AP-1, activator protein 1
- ARE, AU-rich element
- ARE-Del, deletion of the 3′UTR AREs from the Ifng/IFNG gene
- CAR T cells
- CAR, Chimeric Antigen Receptor
- CRISPR
- CRISPR, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat
- CRS, cytokine release syndrome
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4
- Cas, CRISPR-associated
- Cas9
- Cytokines
- DGK, Diacylglycerol kinase
- DHX37, DEAH-box helicase 37
- EBV, Epstein Barr virus
- FOXP3, Forkhead box P3
- GATA, GATA binding protein
- Genome editing
- IFN, interferon
- IL, interleukin
- LAG-3, Lymphocyte Activating 3
- NF-κB, nuclear factor of activated B cells
- PD-1, Programmed cell Death 1
- PD-L1, Programmed Death Ligand 1
- PTPN2, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non-Receptor 2
- Pdia3, Protein Disulfide Isomerase Family A Member 3
- RBP, RNA-binding protein
- RNP, ribonuclear protein
- T cell effector function
- T cells
- TCR, T cell receptor
- TGF, transforming growth factor
- TIL, Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte
- TLRs, Toll-like receptors
- TNF, tumor necrosis factor
- TRAC, TCR-α chain
- TRBC, TCR-β chain
- UTR, untranslated region
- tTCR, transgenic TCR
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19
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Wudhikarn K, Mailankody S, Smith EL. Future of CAR T cells in multiple myeloma. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2020; 2020:272-279. [PMID: 33275747 PMCID: PMC7727578 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2020000111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the significant improvement in survival outcomes of multiple myeloma (MM) over the past decade, it remains an incurable disease. Patients with triple-class refractory MM have limited treatment options and a dismal prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting B-cell maturation antigen has transformed the treatment armamentarium of relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM), with unprecedented overall response rates in this difficult-to-treat patient population. However, a significant proportion of patients ultimately relapse despite achieving deep remission. Several innovative approaches, including alternative/dual-antigen-specific CAR T-cell constructs, genetically engineered "off-the-shelf" CAR T cells, and strategies to counteract an immunosuppressive microenvironment, may dramatically reshape the field of CAR T-cell therapy in the future. These strategies are being actively investigated in preclinical and early clinical trial settings with the hopes of enhancing the durability of responses and, thereby, improving the overall survival of RRMM patients after CAR T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitsada Wudhikarn
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Research Unit in Translational Hematology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sham Mailankody
- Myeloma Service, Department of Medicine and
- Cellular Therapeutics Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; and
| | - Eric L. Smith
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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20
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Li Z, Fei T. Improving Cancer Immunotherapy with CRISPR-Based Technology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e1900253. [PMID: 33245213 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The rapidly evolving field of immunotherapy has attracted great attention in the field of cancer research and already revolutionized the clinical practice standard for treating cancer. Genetically engineered T cells expressing either T cell receptors or chimeric antigen receptors represent novel treatment modalities and are considered powerful weapons to fight cancer. The immune checkpoint blockade, which harnesses the negative control signaling behind the anti-tumor immune response with therapeutic antibodies by blocking cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 or the programmed cell death 1 pathways are another mainstream direction for cancer immunotherapy. In addition to cytotoxic T cells, other immune cell types such as nature killer cells and macrophages also possess the ability to eradicate cancer cells, which may serve as the basis to develop novel cancer immunotherapies. The advent of cutting-edge genome editing technology, especially clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based tools, has greatly expedited many biomedical research areas, including cancer immunology and immunotherapy. In this review, the contribution of current CRISPR techniques to basic and translational cancer immunology research is discussed, and the future for cancer immunotherapy in the age of CRISPR is predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexu Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry (Northeastern University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
| | - Teng Fei
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry (Northeastern University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
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21
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Miri SM, Tafsiri E, Cho WCS, Ghaemi A. CRISPR-Cas, a robust gene-editing technology in the era of modern cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:456. [PMID: 32973401 PMCID: PMC7493839 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been emerged as a promising strategy for treatment of a broad spectrum of malignancies ranging from hematological to solid tumors. One of the principal approaches of cancer immunotherapy is transfer of natural or engineered tumor-specific T-cells into patients, a so called "adoptive cell transfer", or ACT, process. Construction of allogeneic T-cells is dependent on the employment of a gene-editing tool to modify donor-extracted T-cells and prepare them to specifically act against tumor cells with enhanced function and durability and least side-effects. In this context, CRISPR technology can be used to produce universal T-cells, equipped with recombinant T cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), through multiplex genome engineering using Cas nucleases. The robust potential of CRISPR-Cas in preparing the building blocks of ACT immunotherapy has broaden the application of such therapies and some of them have gotten FDA approvals. Here, we have collected the last investigations in the field of immuno-oncology conducted in partnership with CRISPR technology. In addition, studies that have addressed the challenges in the path of CRISPR-mediated cancer immunotherapy, as well as pre-treatment applications of CRISPR-Cas have been mentioned in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Tafsiri
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amir Ghaemi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, P.O.Box: 1316943551, Iran
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22
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Manfredi F, Cianciotti BC, Potenza A, Tassi E, Noviello M, Biondi A, Ciceri F, Bonini C, Ruggiero E. TCR Redirected T Cells for Cancer Treatment: Achievements, Hurdles, and Goals. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1689. [PMID: 33013822 PMCID: PMC7494743 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) is a rapidly evolving therapeutic approach designed to harness T cell specificity and function to fight diseases. Based on the evidence that T lymphocytes can mediate a potent anti-tumor response, initially ACT solely relied on the isolation, in vitro expansion, and infusion of tumor-infiltrating or circulating tumor-specific T cells. Although effective in a subset of cases, in the first ACT clinical trials several patients experienced disease progression, in some cases after temporary disease control. This evidence prompted researchers to improve ACT products by taking advantage of the continuously evolving gene engineering field and by improving manufacturing protocols, to enable the generation of effective and long-term persisting tumor-specific T cell products. Despite recent advances, several challenges, including prioritization of antigen targets, identification, and optimization of tumor-specific T cell receptors, in the development of tools enabling T cells to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, still need to be faced. This review aims at summarizing the major achievements, hurdles and possible solutions designed to improve the ACT efficacy and safety profile in the context of liquid and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfredi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Claudia Cianciotti
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione Centro San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Potenza
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano – Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tassi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Noviello
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Clinica Pediatrica Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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23
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Pomella S, Rota R. The CRISP(Y) Future of Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Front Chem 2020; 8:178. [PMID: 32232030 PMCID: PMC7083251 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA-guided clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated nuclease 9 (Cas9)-based genome editing technology has increasingly become a recognized method for translational research. In oncology, the ease and versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has made it possible to obtain many results in the identification of new target genes and in unravel mechanisms of resistance to therapy. The majority of the studies have been made on adult tumors so far. In this mini review we present an overview on the major aspects of CRISPR/Cas9 technology with a focus on a group of rare pediatric malignancies, soft tissue sarcomas, on which this approach is having promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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24
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Abd Hamid M, Colin-York H, Khalid-Alham N, Browne M, Cerundolo L, Chen JL, Yao X, Rosendo-Machado S, Waugh C, Maldonado-Perez D, Bowes E, Verrill C, Cerundolo V, Conlon CP, Fritzsche M, Peng Y, Dong T. Self-Maintaining CD103 + Cancer-Specific T Cells Are Highly Energetic with Rapid Cytotoxic and Effector Responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:203-216. [PMID: 31771983 PMCID: PMC7611226 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Enrichment of CD103+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) is associated with improved outcomes in patients. However, the characteristics of human CD103+ cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTL) and their role in tumor control remain unclear. We investigated the features and antitumor mechanisms of CD103+ CTLs by assessing T-cell receptor (TCR)-matched CD103+ and CD103- cancer-specific CTL immunity in vitro and its immunophenotype ex vivo Interestingly, we found that differentiated CD103+ cancer-specific CTLs expressed the active form of TGFβ1 to continually self-regulate CD103 expression, without relying on external TGFβ1-producing cells. The presence of CD103 on CTLs improved TCR antigen sensitivity, which enabled faster cancer recognition and rapid antitumor cytotoxicity. These CD103+ CTLs had elevated energetic potential and faster migration capacity. However, they had increased inhibitory receptor coexpression and elevated T-cell apoptosis following prolonged cancer exposure. Our data provide fundamental insights into the properties of matured human CD103+ cancer-specific CTLs, which could have important implications for future designs of tissue-localized cancer immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megat Abd Hamid
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Huw Colin-York
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nasullah Khalid-Alham
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Molly Browne
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia Cerundolo
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ji-Li Chen
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xuan Yao
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samara Rosendo-Machado
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Waugh
- Flow Cytometry Facility, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Maldonado-Perez
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Bowes
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Verrill
- Oxford National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Cerundolo
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher P Conlon
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Fritzsche
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yanchun Peng
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Dong
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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25
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Wälchli S, Sioud M. Next Generation of Adoptive T Cell Therapy Using CRISPR/Cas9 Technology: Universal or Boosted? Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2115:407-417. [PMID: 32006413 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0290-4_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) using either chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)- or T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered lymphocytes has emerged as a promising strategy to treat cancer. However, this therapy is still facing enormous challenges such as poor quality of autologous T cells, T cell exhaustion, and the immune suppressive tumor microenvironments. Additionally, graft-versus-host disease is an issue that must be addressed to allow the use of allogeneic T cells. Strategies to overcome these therapeutic challenges using gene editing technology are now being developed. One strategy is to disrupt TCR and/or MHC expression in healthy donor T cells to generate T cells for universal use. Another strategy is to improve the quality of patient's T cells by eliminating either the expression of selected immune checkpoint receptors or negative regulators of TCR signaling and/or T-cell homeostasis. Here, we review the use of CRISPR-Cas9 platform in T cell engineering with a focus on the development of universal T cells and boosted autologous cells for next-generation ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Wälchli
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mouldy Sioud
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
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26
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Abd Hamid M, Yao X, Waugh C, Rosendo-Machado S, Li C, Rostron T, Frankland J, Peng Y, Dong T. Defective Interferon Gamma Production by Tumor-Specific CD8 + T Cells Is Associated With 5'Methylcytosine-Guanine Hypermethylation of Interferon Gamma Promoter. Front Immunol 2020; 11:310. [PMID: 32194559 PMCID: PMC7066077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon gamma (IFNγ) supports effector responses of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and is a surrogate marker for detection of antigen-specific T cells. Here, we show that tumor-specific CTL clones have impaired IFNγ expression and production upon activation. Assessment of the relationship between IFNγ production and the 5'methylcytosine-guanine (CpG) dinucleotide methylation of the IFNγ promoter using bisulfite treatment has shown that IFNγ- CTL clones accumulates CpG hypermethylation within the promoter at key transcription factor binding sites (-186 and -54), known to be vital for transcription. We confirmed these findings using ex vivo isolated and short-term expanded bulk tumor-specific CTL lines from four cancer patients and demonstrated that IFNγ methylation inversely correlates with transcription, protein level, and cytotoxicity. Altogether, we propose that a sizeable portion of human tumor-specific CTLs are deficient in IFNγ response, contributed by CpG hypermethylation of the IFNγ promoter. Our findings have important implications for immunotherapy strategies and for methods to detect human antigen-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megat Abd Hamid
- 1Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xuan Yao
- 1Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Waugh
- 3Flow Cytometry Facility, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samara Rosendo-Machado
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Li
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Rostron
- 4Sequencing Facility, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - John Frankland
- 4Sequencing Facility, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yanchun Peng
- 1Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Dong
- 1Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Tao Dong
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27
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Gao Q, Dong X, Xu Q, Zhu L, Wang F, Hou Y, Chao C. Therapeutic potential of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in engineered T-cell therapy. Cancer Med 2019; 8:4254-4264. [PMID: 31199589 PMCID: PMC6675705 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients have been treated with various types of therapies, including conventional strategies like chemo-, radio-, and targeted therapy, as well as immunotherapy like checkpoint inhibitors, vaccine and cell therapy etc. Among the therapeutic alternatives, T-cell therapy like CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor Engineered T cell) and TCR-T (T Cell Receptor Engineered T cell), has emerged as the most promising therapeutics due to its impressive clinical efficacy. However, there are many challenges and obstacles, such as immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, manufacturing complexity, and poor infiltration of engrafted cells, etc still, need to be overcome for further treatment with different forms of cancer. Recently, the antitumor activities of CAR-T and TCR-T cells have shown great improvement with the utilization of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Thus, the genome editing system could be a powerful genetic tool to use for manipulating T cells and enhancing the efficacy of cell immunotherapy. This review focuses on pros and cons of various gene delivery methods, challenges, and safety issues of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing application in T-cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Gao
- BGI‐Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Enterprise Key Laboratory of Human Disease GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
| | - Xuan Dong
- BGI‐Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Enterprise Key Laboratory of Human Disease GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
| | - Qumiao Xu
- BGI‐Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Enterprise Key Laboratory of Human Disease GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
| | - Linnan Zhu
- BGI‐Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Enterprise Key Laboratory of Human Disease GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
| | - Fei Wang
- BGI‐Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Enterprise Key Laboratory of Human Disease GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- BGI Education CenterUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
| | - Yong Hou
- BGI‐Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Enterprise Key Laboratory of Human Disease GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
| | - Cheng‐chi Chao
- BGI‐Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Enterprise Key Laboratory of Human Disease GenomicsBeishan Industrial ZoneShenzhenChina
- AbVision, IncMilpitasCalifornia
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28
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Abd Hamid M, Wang RZ, Yao X, Fan P, Li X, Chang XM, Feng Y, Jones S, Maldonado-Perez D, Waugh C, Verrill C, Simmons A, Cerundolo V, McMichael A, Conlon C, Wang X, Peng Y, Dong T. Enriched HLA-E and CD94/NKG2A Interaction Limits Antitumor CD8 + Tumor-Infiltrating T Lymphocyte Responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1293-1306. [PMID: 31213473 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy treatments with anti-PD-1 boost recovery in less than 30% of treated cancer patients, indicating the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. Expression of HLA-E is linked to poor clinical outcomes in mice and human patients. However, the contributions to immune evasion of HLA-E, a ligand for the inhibitory CD94/NKG2A receptor, when expressed on tumors, compared with adjacent tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, remains unclear. In this study, we report that epithelial-derived cancer cells, tumor macrophages, and CD141+ conventional dendritic cells (cDC) contributed to HLA-E enrichment in carcinomas. Different cancer types showed a similar pattern of enrichment. Enrichment correlated to NKG2A upregulation on CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) but not on CD4+ TILs. CD94/NKG2A is exclusively expressed on PD-1high TILs while lacking intratumoral CD103 expression. We also found that the presence of CD94/NKG2A on human tumor-specific T cells impairs IL2 receptor-dependent proliferation, which affects IFNγ-mediated responses and antitumor cytotoxicity. These functionalities recover following antibody-mediated blockade in vitro and ex vivo Our results suggest that enriched HLA-E:CD94/NKG2A inhibitory interaction can impair survival of PD-1high TILs in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megat Abd Hamid
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ruo-Zheng Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Radiation Therapy, Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China.
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Xuan Yao
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peiwen Fan
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Radiation Therapy, Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Xi Li
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xue-Mei Chang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Radiation Therapy, Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Yaning Feng
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Radiation Therapy, Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Stephanie Jones
- Oxford Radcliffe Biobank, Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Maldonado-Perez
- Oxford Radcliffe Biobank, Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Waugh
- Flow Cytometry Facility, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Verrill
- Oxford Radcliffe Biobank, Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Simmons
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Cerundolo
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew McMichael
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Conlon
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xiyan Wang
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Yanchun Peng
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Dong
- CAMS-Oxford International Centre for Translational Immunology, CAMS Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Radiation Therapy, Third Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
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29
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PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway Modulates Macrophage Susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Specific CD8 + T cell Induced Death. Sci Rep 2019; 9:187. [PMID: 30655556 PMCID: PMC6336852 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+T cells contribute to tuberculosis (TB) infection control by inducing death of infected macrophages. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is associated with increased PD-1/PD-L1 expression and alternative activation of macrophages. We aimed to study the role of PD-1 pathway and macrophage polarization on Mtb-specific CD8+T cell-induced macrophage death. We observed that both PD-L1 on CD14+ cells and PD-1 on CD8+T cells were highly expressed at the site of infection in pleurisy TB patients’ effusion samples (PEMC). Moreover, a significant increase in CD8+T cells’ Mtb-specific degranulation from TB-PEMC vs. TB-PBMC was observed, which correlated with PD-1 and PDL-1 expression. In an in vitro model, M1 macrophages were more susceptible to Mtb-specific CD8+T cells’ cytotoxicity compared to M2a macrophages and involved the transfer of cytolytic effector molecules from CD8+T lymphocytes to target cells. Additionally, PD-L1 blocking significantly increased the in vitro Ag-specific CD8+T cell cytotoxicity against IFN-γ-activated macrophages but had no effect over cytotoxicity on IL-4 or IL-10-activated macrophages. Interestingly, PD-L1 blocking enhanced Mtb-specific CD8+ T cell killing of CD14+ cells from human tuberculous pleural effusion samples. Our data indicate that PD-1/PD-L1 pathway modulates antigen-specific cytotoxicity against M1 targets in-vitro and encourage the exploration of checkpoint blockade as new adjuvant for TB therapies.
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