1
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Efficient Redirection of NK Cells by Genetic Modification with Chemokine Receptors CCR4 and CCR2B. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043129. [PMID: 36834542 PMCID: PMC9967507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a subset of lymphocytes that offer great potential for cancer immunotherapy due to their natural anti-tumor activity and the possibility to safely transplant cells from healthy donors to patients in a clinical setting. However, the efficacy of cell-based immunotherapies using both T and NK cells is often limited by a poor infiltration of immune cells into solid tumors. Importantly, regulatory immune cell subsets are frequently recruited to tumor sites. In this study, we overexpressed two chemokine receptors, CCR4 and CCR2B, that are naturally found on T regulatory cells and tumor-resident monocytes, respectively, on NK cells. Using the NK cell line NK-92 as well as primary NK cells from peripheral blood, we show that genetically engineered NK cells can be efficiently redirected using chemokine receptors from different immune cell lineages and migrate towards chemokines such as CCL22 or CCL2, without impairing the natural effector functions. This approach has the potential to enhance the therapeutic effect of immunotherapies in solid tumors by directing genetically engineered donor NK cells to tumor sites. As a future therapeutic option, the natural anti-tumor activity of NK cells at the tumor sites can be increased by co-expression of chemokine receptors with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) or T cell receptors (TCR) on NK cells can be performed in the future.
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2
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Hiltensperger M, Krackhardt AM. Current and future concepts for the generation and application of genetically engineered CAR-T and TCR-T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121030. [PMID: 36949949 PMCID: PMC10025359 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has seen a steep rise of new therapeutic approaches in its immune-oncology pipeline over the last years. This is in great part due to the recent approvals of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies and their remarkable efficacy in certain soluble tumors. A big focus of ACT lies on T cells and how to genetically modify them to target and kill tumor cells. Genetically modified T cells that are currently utilized are either equipped with an engineered CAR or a T cell receptor (TCR) for this purpose. Both strategies have their advantages and limitations. While CAR-T cell therapies are already used in the clinic, these therapies face challenges when it comes to the treatment of solid tumors. New designs of next-generation CAR-T cells might be able to overcome these hurdles. Moreover, CARs are restricted to surface antigens. Genetically engineered TCR-T cells targeting intracellular antigens might provide necessary qualities for the treatment of solid tumors. In this review, we will summarize the major advancements of the CAR-T and TCR-T cell technology. Moreover, we will cover ongoing clinical trials, discuss current challenges, and provide an assessment of future directions within the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hiltensperger
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IIIrd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Hiltensperger, ; Angela M. Krackhardt,
| | - Angela M. Krackhardt
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IIIrd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Hiltensperger, ; Angela M. Krackhardt,
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3
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Gerber HP, Presta LG. TCR mimic compounds for pHLA targeting with high potency modalities in oncology. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1027548. [PMID: 36338746 PMCID: PMC9635445 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1027548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
pHLA complexes represent the largest class of cell surface markers on cancer cells, making them attractive for targeted cancer therapies. Adoptive cell therapies expressing TCRs that recognize tumor specific pHLAs take advantage of the unique selectivity and avidity of TCR: pHLA interactions. More recently, additional protein binding domains binding to pHLAs, known as TCR mimics (TCRm), were developed for tumor targeting of high potency therapeutic modalities, including bispecifics, ADCs, CAR T and -NK cells. TCRm compounds take advantage of the exquisite tumor specificity of certain pHLA targets, including cell lineage commitment markers and cancer testis antigens (CTAs). To achieve meaningful anti-tumor responses, it is critical that TCRm compounds integrate both, high target binding affinities and a high degree of target specificity. In this review, we describe the most advanced approaches to achieve both criteria, including affinity- and specificity engineering of TCRs, antibodies and alternative protein scaffolds. We also discuss the status of current TCRm based therapeutics developed in the clinic, key challenges, and emerging trends to improve treatment options for cancer patients treated with TCRm based therapeutics in Oncology.
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4
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Shafer P, Kelly LM, Hoyos V. Cancer Therapy With TCR-Engineered T Cells: Current Strategies, Challenges, and Prospects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:835762. [PMID: 35309357 PMCID: PMC8928448 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.835762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To redirect T cells against tumor cells, T cells can be engineered ex vivo to express cancer-antigen specific T cell receptors (TCRs), generating products known as TCR-engineered T cells (TCR T). Unlike chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), TCRs recognize HLA-presented peptides derived from proteins of all cellular compartments. The use of TCR T cells for adoptive cellular therapies (ACT) has gained increased attention, especially as efforts to treat solid cancers with ACTs have intensified. In this review, we describe the differing mechanisms of T cell antigen recognition and signal transduction mediated through CARs and TCRs. We describe the classes of cancer antigens recognized by current TCR T therapies and discuss both classical and emerging pre-clinical strategies for antigen-specific TCR discovery, enhancement, and validation. Finally, we review the current landscape of clinical trials for TCR T therapy and discuss what these current results indicate for the development of future engineered TCR approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Shafer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Program in Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lauren M Kelly
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Program in Cancer & Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Valentina Hoyos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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5
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Wei F, Cheng XX, Xue JZ, Xue SA. Emerging Strategies in TCR-Engineered T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850358. [PMID: 35432319 PMCID: PMC9006933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer has made tremendous progress in recent years, as demonstrated by the remarkable clinical responses obtained from adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of patient-derived tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells (CAR-T) and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells (TCR-T). TCR-T uses specific TCRS optimized for tumor engagement and can recognize epitopes derived from both cell-surface and intracellular targets, including tumor-associated antigens, cancer germline antigens, viral oncoproteins, and tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) that are largely sequestered in the cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells. Moreover, as TCRS are naturally developed for sensitive antigen detection, they are able to recognize epitopes at far lower concentrations than required for CAR-T activation. Therefore, TCR-T holds great promise for the treatment of human cancers. In this focused review, we summarize basic, translational, and clinical insights into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-T. We review emerging strategies used in current ACT, point out limitations, and propose possible solutions. We highlight the importance of targeting tumor-specific neoAgs and outline a strategy of combining neoAg vaccines, checkpoint blockade therapy, and adoptive transfer of neoAg-specific TCR-T to produce a truly tumor-specific therapy, which is able to penetrate into solid tumors and resist the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We believe such a combination approach should lead to a significant improvement in cancer immunotherapies, especially for solid tumors, and may provide a general strategy for the eradication of multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wei
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Cheng
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - John Zhao Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Shao-An Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
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6
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Volkwein W, Pavlovic M, Anton M, Haase M, Stellberger T, Jarrar A, Busch U, Baiker A. Detection and differentiation of murine leukemia virus (MLV) and murine stem cell virus (MSCV) and therefrom derived nucleic acids. J Virol Methods 2021; 299:114316. [PMID: 34627947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114316] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Murine leukemia virus (MLV) and murine stem cell virus (MSCV) and derived retroviral vectors are widely used to study retrovirus biology and as tools for gene delivery. The method described here represents a quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) with hydrolysis probe that can be applied within classical qPCR as well as in digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). The method targets a 60 bp long fragment located within the U5 region of the MLV/MSCV genome sequence. For the here described method a LOD95% of 25 copies per PCR reaction (DNA) and 80 copies per PCR reaction (RNA) was determined, and PCR efficiencies of 92.5 % and 98.5 %, respectively, were observed. This method enables the fast and simple titration of viral genomic RNA present in retroviral vector stocks for accurate and consistent transduction experiments. Furthermore, it enables the detection of proviral and transfer plasmid derived DNA sequences and can be modified to differentiate between retroviral RNA and DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfram Volkwein
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Melanie Pavlovic
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Martina Anton
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology and Therapy Research, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Maren Haase
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stellberger
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Amin Jarrar
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Busch
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Armin Baiker
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany.
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7
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Titov A, Zmievskaya E, Ganeeva I, Valiullina A, Petukhov A, Rakhmatullina A, Miftakhova R, Fainshtein M, Rizvanov A, Bulatov E. Adoptive Immunotherapy beyond CAR T-Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:743. [PMID: 33670139 PMCID: PMC7916861 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell immunotherapy (ACT) is a vibrant field of cancer treatment that began progressive development in the 1980s. One of the most prominent and promising examples is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy for the treatment of B-cell hematologic malignancies. Despite success in the treatment of B-cell lymphomas and leukemia, CAR T-cell therapy remains mostly ineffective for solid tumors. This is due to several reasons, such as the heterogeneity of the cellular composition in solid tumors, the need for directed migration and penetration of CAR T-cells against the pressure gradient in the tumor stroma, and the immunosuppressive microenvironment. To substantially improve the clinical efficacy of ACT against solid tumors, researchers might need to look closer into recent developments in the other branches of adoptive immunotherapy, both traditional and innovative. In this review, we describe the variety of adoptive cell therapies beyond CAR T-cell technology, i.e., exploitation of alternative cell sources with a high therapeutic potential against solid tumors (e.g., CAR M-cells) or aiming to be universal allogeneic (e.g., CAR NK-cells, γδ T-cells), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and transgenic T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell immunotherapies. In addition, we discuss the strategies for selection and validation of neoantigens to achieve efficiency and safety. We provide an overview of non-conventional TCRs and CARs, and address the problem of mispairing between the cognate and transgenic TCRs. Finally, we summarize existing and emerging approaches for manufacturing of the therapeutic cell products in traditional, semi-automated and fully automated Point-of-Care (PoC) systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Titov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunology, National Hematology Research Centre, 125167 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Zmievskaya
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Irina Ganeeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Aygul Valiullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Alexey Petukhov
- Institute of Hematology, Almazov National Medical Research Center, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Aygul Rakhmatullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Regina Miftakhova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | | | - Albert Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Emil Bulatov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.T.); (E.Z.); (I.G.); (A.V.); (A.R.); (R.M.); (A.R.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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8
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CAR T cells: continuation in a revolution of immunotherapy. Lancet Oncol 2020; 21:e168-e178. [PMID: 32135120 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(19)30823-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The recent clinical successes of immunotherapy, as a result of a broader and more profound understanding of cancer immunobiology, and the leverage of this knowledge to effectively eradicate malignant cells, has revolutionised the field of cancer therapeutics. Immunotherapy is now considered the fifth pillar of cancer care, alongside surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Recently, the success of genetically modified T cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR T cells) has generated considerable excitement. CAR T-cell therapy research and development has built on experience generated by laboratory research and clinical investigation of lymphokine-activated killer cells, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, and allogeneic haemopoietic stem-cell transplantation for cancer treatment. This Review aims to provide a background on the field of adoptive T-cell therapy and the development of genetically modified T cells, most notably CAR T-cell therapy. Many challenges exist to optimise efficacy, minimise toxicity, and broaden the application of immunotherapies based on T cells.
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9
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Rath JA, Arber C. Engineering Strategies to Enhance TCR-Based Adoptive T Cell Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E1485. [PMID: 32570906 PMCID: PMC7349724 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR)-based adoptive T cell therapies (ACT) hold great promise for the treatment of cancer, as TCRs can cover a broad range of target antigens. Here we summarize basic, translational and clinical results that provide insight into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-based ACT. We review the characteristics of target antigens and conventional αβ-TCRs, and provide a summary of published clinical trials with TCR-transgenic T cell therapies. We discuss how synthetic biology and innovative engineering strategies are poised to provide solutions for overcoming current limitations, that include functional avidity, MHC restriction, and most importantly, the tumor microenvironment. We also highlight the impact of precision genome editing on the next iteration of TCR-transgenic T cell therapies, and the discovery of novel immune engineering targets. We are convinced that some of these innovations will enable the field to move TCR gene therapy to the next level.
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MESH Headings
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Engineering
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/adverse effects
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/trends
- Gene Editing
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/trends
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Safety
- Synthetic Biology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Translational Research, Biomedical
- Tumor Microenvironment/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Arber
- Department of oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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10
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Saeed M, Schooten E, van Brakel M, K. Cole D, ten Hagen TLM, Debets R. T Cells Expressing a TCR-Like Antibody Selected Against the Heteroclitic Variant of a Shared MAGE-A Epitope Do Not Recognise the Cognate Epitope. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051255. [PMID: 32429338 PMCID: PMC7281252 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies-recognising peptides bound to the major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) represent potentially valuable and promising targets for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to treat patients with cancer. Here, a human phage-Fab library has been selected using HLA-A2 complexed with a heteroclitic peptide variant from an epitope shared among multiple melanoma-associated antigens (MAGEs). DNA restriction analyses and phage ELISAs confirmed selection of unique antibody clones that specifically bind to HLA-A2 complexes or HLA-A2-positive target cells loaded with native or heteroclitic peptide. Antibodies selected against heteroclitic peptide, in contrast to native peptide, demonstrated significantly lower to even negligible binding towards native peptide or tumour cells that naturally expressed peptides. The binding to native peptide was not rescued by phage panning with antigen-positive tumour cells. Importantly, when antibodies directed against heteroclitic peptides were engineered into CARs and expressed by T cells, binding to native peptides and tumour cells was minimal to absent. In short, TCR-like antibodies, when isolated from a human Fab phage library using heteroclitic peptide, fail to recognise its native peptide. We therefore argue that peptide modifications to improve antibody selections should be performed with caution as resulting antibodies, either used directly or as CARs, may lose activity towards endogenously presented tumour epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesha Saeed
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Erik Schooten
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (M.v.B.); (R.D.)
| | - Mandy van Brakel
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (M.v.B.); (R.D.)
| | - David K. Cole
- Division of Infection and Immunity and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK;
| | - Timo L. M. ten Hagen
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (M.v.B.); (R.D.)
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11
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Janssen A, Villacorta Hidalgo J, Beringer DX, van Dooremalen S, Fernando F, van Diest E, Terrizi AR, Bronsert P, Kock S, Schmitt-Gräff A, Werner M, Heise K, Follo M, Straetemans T, Sebestyen Z, Chudakov DM, Kasatskaya SA, Frenkel FE, Ravens S, Spierings E, Prinz I, Küppers R, Malkovsky M, Fisch P, Kuball J. γδ T-cell Receptors Derived from Breast Cancer-Infiltrating T Lymphocytes Mediate Antitumor Reactivity. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:530-543. [PMID: 32019779 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
γδ T cells in human solid tumors remain poorly defined. Here, we describe molecular and functional analyses of T-cell receptors (TCR) from tumor-infiltrating γδ T lymphocytes (γδ TIL) that were in direct contact with tumor cells in breast cancer lesions from archival material. We observed that the majority of γδ TILs harbored a proinflammatory phenotype and only a minority associated with the expression of IL17. We characterized TCRγ or TCRδ chains of γδ TILs and observed a higher proportion of Vδ2+ T cells compared with other tumor types. By reconstructing matched Vδ2- TCRγ and TCRδ pairs derived from single-cell sequencing, our data suggest that γδ TILs could be active against breast cancer and other tumor types. The reactivity pattern against tumor cells depended on both the TCRγ and TCRδ chains and was independent of additional costimulation through other innate immune receptors. We conclude that γδ TILs can mediate tumor reactivity through their individual γδ TCR pairs and that engineered T cells expressing TCRγ and δ chains derived from γδ TILs display potent antitumor reactivity against different cancer cell types and, thus, may be a valuable tool for engineering immune cells for adoptive cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Janssen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jose Villacorta Hidalgo
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dennis X Beringer
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne van Dooremalen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Febilla Fernando
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eline van Diest
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Antonela R Terrizi
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bronsert
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Kock
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annette Schmitt-Gräff
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Werner
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Heise
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marie Follo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dmitry M Chudakov
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Center for Data-Intensive Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofya A Kasatskaya
- Center for Data-Intensive Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Sarina Ravens
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eric Spierings
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralf Küppers
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Paul Fisch
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands. .,Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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12
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Chandran SS, Klebanoff CA. T cell receptor-based cancer immunotherapy: Emerging efficacy and pathways of resistance. Immunol Rev 2020; 290:127-147. [PMID: 31355495 PMCID: PMC7027847 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells can induce durable remissions in patients with refractory B-lymphoid cancers. By contrast, results applying CAR-modified T cells to solid malignancies have been comparatively modest. Alternative strategies to redirect T cell specificity and cytolytic function are therefore necessary if ACT is to serve a greater role in human cancer treatments. T cell receptors (TCRs) are antigen recognition structures physiologically expressed by all T cells that have complementary, and in some cases superior, properties to CARs. Unlike CARs, TCRs confer recognition to epitopes derived from proteins residing within any subcellular compartment, including the membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus. This enables TCRs to detect a broad universe of targets, such as neoantigens, cancer germline antigens, and viral oncoproteins. Moreover, because TCRs have evolved to efficiently detect and amplify antigenic signals, these receptors respond to epitope densities many fold smaller than required for CAR-signaling. Herein, we summarize recent clinical data demonstrating that TCR-based immunotherapies can mediate regression of solid malignancies, including immune-checkpoint inhibitor refractory cancers. These trials simultaneously highlight emerging mechanisms of TCR resistance. We conclude by discussing how TCR-based immunotherapies can achieve broader dissemination through innovations in cell manufacturing and non-viral genome integration techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita S Chandran
- Center for Cell Engineering and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York, NY
| | - Christopher A Klebanoff
- Center for Cell Engineering and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York, NY.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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13
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He Q, Jiang X, Zhou X, Weng J. Targeting cancers through TCR-peptide/MHC interactions. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:139. [PMID: 31852498 PMCID: PMC6921533 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0812-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy has achieved dramatic success in a clinic, and the Food and Drug Administration approved two chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cell (CAR-T) therapies that target hematological cancers in 2018. A significant issue faced by CAR-T therapies is the lack of tumor-specific biomarkers on the surfaces of solid tumor cells, which hampers the application of CAR-T therapies to solid tumors. Intracellular tumor-related antigens can be presented as peptides in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the cell surface, which interact with the T cell receptors (TCR) on antigen-specific T cells to stimulate an anti-tumor response. Multiple immunotherapy strategies have been developed to eradicate tumor cells through targeting the TCR-peptide/MHC interactions. Here, we summarize the current status of TCR-based immunotherapy strategies, with particular focus on the TCR structure, activated signaling pathways, the effects and toxicity associated with TCR-based therapies in clinical trials, preclinical studies examining immune-mobilizing monoclonal TCRs against cancer (ImmTACs), and TCR-fusion molecules. We propose several TCR-based therapeutic strategies to achieve optimal clinical responses without the induction of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua He
- Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 621 Gangwan Rd, Huangpu Qu, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Xianhan Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Xinke Zhou
- Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 621 Gangwan Rd, Huangpu Qu, Guangzhou, 510700, China. .,Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China.
| | - Jinsheng Weng
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1414 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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14
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Kortleve D, Hammerl D, Debets R. Orthotopic editing of T-cell receptors. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 3:949-950. [PMID: 31811268 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0490-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dian Kortleve
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dora Hammerl
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC-Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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15
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Simon B, Harrer DC, Thirion C, Schuler-Thurner B, Schuler G, Uslu U. Enhancing lentiviral transduction to generate melanoma-specific human T cells for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunol Methods 2019; 472:55-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2019.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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16
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Melnik S, Werth N, Boeuf S, Hahn EM, Gotterbarm T, Anton M, Richter W. Impact of c-MYC expression on proliferation, differentiation, and risk of neoplastic transformation of human mesenchymal stromal cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:73. [PMID: 30836996 PMCID: PMC6402108 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1187-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from bone marrow (MSC) represent an attractive source of adult stem cells for regenerative medicine. However, thorough research is required into their clinical application safety issues concerning a risk of potential neoplastic degeneration in a process of MSC propagation in cell culture for therapeutic applications. Expansion protocols could preselect MSC with elevated levels of growth-promoting transcription factors with oncogenic potential, such as c-MYC. We addressed the question whether c-MYC expression affects the growth and differentiation potential of human MSC upon extensive passaging in cell culture and assessed a risk of tumorigenic transformation caused by MSC overexpressing c-MYC in vivo. METHODS MSC were subjected to retroviral transduction to induce expression of c-MYC, or GFP, as a control. Cells were expanded, and effects of c-MYC overexpression on osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis were monitored. Ectopic bone formation properties were tested in SCID mice. A potential risk of tumorigenesis imposed by MSC with c-MYC overexpression was evaluated. RESULTS C-MYC levels accumulated during ex vivo passaging, and overexpression enabled the transformed MSC to significantly overgrow competing control cells in culture. C-MYC-MSC acquired enhanced biological functions of c-MYC: its increased DNA-binding activity, elevated expression of the c-MYC-binding partner MAX, and induction of antagonists P19ARF/P16INK4A. Overexpression of c-MYC stimulated MSC proliferation and reduced osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. Surprisingly, c-MYC overexpression also caused an increased COL10A1/COL2A1 expression ratio upon chondrogenesis, suggesting a role in hypertrophic degeneration. However, the in vivo ectopic bone formation ability of c-MYC-transduced MSC remained comparable to control GFP-MSC. There was no indication of tumor growth in any tissue after transplantation of c-MYC-MSC in mice. CONCLUSIONS C-MYC expression promoted high proliferation rates of MSC, attenuated but not abrogated their differentiation capacity, and did not immediately lead to tumor formation in the tested in vivo mouse model. However, upregulation of MYC antagonists P19ARF/P16INK4A promoting apoptosis and senescence, as well as an observed shift towards a hypertrophic collagen phenotype and cartilage degeneration, point to lack of safety for clinical application of MSC that were manipulated to overexpress c-MYC for their better expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svitlana Melnik
- Research Center for Experimental Orthopaedics, Center for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Paraplegiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nadine Werth
- Research Center for Experimental Orthopaedics, Center for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Paraplegiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephane Boeuf
- Research Center for Experimental Orthopaedics, Center for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Paraplegiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Hahn
- Research Center for Experimental Orthopaedics, Center for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Paraplegiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Gotterbarm
- Department of Orthopedics, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Martina Anton
- Institutes of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wiltrud Richter
- Research Center for Experimental Orthopaedics, Center for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Paraplegiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Schlierbacher Landstrasse 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Germany.
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17
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The challenges of solid tumor for designer CAR-T therapies: a 25-year perspective. Cancer Gene Ther 2019; 24:89-99. [PMID: 28392558 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2016.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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18
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Schooten E, Di Maggio A, van Bergen en Henegouwen PM, Kijanka MM. MAGE-A antigens as targets for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 67:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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19
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An optimized single chain TCR scaffold relying on the assembly with the native CD3-complex prevents residual mispairing with endogenous TCRs in human T-cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:21199-221. [PMID: 27028870 PMCID: PMC5008279 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer envisions the adoptive transfer of T-cells genetically engineered with tumor-specific heterodimeric α/β T-cell receptors (TCRα/β). However, potential mispairing of introduced TCRα/β-chains with endogenous β/α-ones may evoke unpredictable autoimmune reactivities. A novel single chain (sc)TCR format relies on the fusion of the Vα-Linker-Vβ-fragment to the TCR Cβ-domain and coexpression of the TCR Cα-domain capable of recruiting the natural CD3-complex for full and hence, native T-cell signaling. Here, we tested whether such a gp100(280-288)- or p53(264-272) tumor antigen-specific scTCR is still prone to mispairing with TCRα. In a human Jurkat-76 T-cell line lacking endogenous TCRs, surface expression and function of a scTCR could be reconstituted by any cointroduced TCRα-chain indicating mispairing to take place on a molecular basis. In contrast, transduction into human TCRα/β-positive T-cells revealed that mispairing is largely reduced. Competition experiments in Jurkat-76 confirmed the preference of dcTCR to selfpair and to spare scTCR. This also allowed for the generation of dc/scTCR-modified cytomegalovirus/tumor antigen-bispecific T-cells to augment T-cell activation in CMV-infected tumor patients. Residual mispairing was prevented by strenghtening the Vα-Li-Vβ-fragment through the design of a novel disulfide bond between a Vα- and a linker-resident residue close to Vβ. Multimer-stainings, and cytotoxicity-, IFNγ-secretion-, and CFSE-proliferation-assays, the latter towards dendritic cells endogenously processing RNA-electroporated gp100 antigen proved the absence of hybrid scTCR/TCRα-formation without impairing avidity of scTCR/Cα in T-cells. Moreover, a fragile cytomegalovirus pp65(495-503)-specific scTCR modified this way acquired enhanced cytotoxicity. Thus, optimized scTCR/Cα inhibits residual TCR mispairing to accomplish safe adoptive immunotherapy for bulk endogenous TCRα/β-positive T-cells.
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20
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Van Caeneghem Y, De Munter S, Tieppo P, Goetgeluk G, Weening K, Verstichel G, Bonte S, Taghon T, Leclercq G, Kerre T, Debets R, Vermijlen D, Abken H, Vandekerckhove B. Antigen receptor-redirected T cells derived from hematopoietic precursor cells lack expression of the endogenous TCR/CD3 receptor and exhibit specific antitumor capacities. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1283460. [PMID: 28405508 PMCID: PMC5384408 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1283460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical studies indicate that adoptive T-cell therapy and especially chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a very potent and potentially curative treatment for B-lineage hematologic malignancies. Currently, autologous peripheral blood T cells are used for adoptive T-cell therapy. Adoptive T cells derived from healthy allogeneic donors may have several advantages; however, the expected occurrence of graft versus host disease (GvHD) as a consequence of the diverse allogeneic T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire expressed by these cells compromises this approach. Here, we generated T cells from cord blood hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) that were transduced to express an antigen receptor (AR): either a CAR or a TCR with or without built-in CD28 co-stimulatory domains. These AR-transgenic HPCs were culture-expanded on an OP9-DL1 feeder layer and subsequently differentiated to CD5+CD7+ T-lineage precursors, to CD4+ CD8+ double positive cells and finally to mature AR+ T cells. The AR+ T cells were largely naive CD45RA+CD62L+ T cells. These T cells had mostly germline TCRα and TCRβ loci and therefore lacked surface-expressed CD3/TCRαβ complexes. The CD3- AR-transgenic cells were mono-specific, functional T cells as they displayed specific cytotoxic activity. Cytokine production, including IL-2, was prominent in those cells bearing ARs with built-in CD28 domains. Data sustain the concept that cord blood HPC derived, in vitro generated allogeneic CD3- AR+ T cells can be used to more effectively eliminate malignant cells, while at the same time limiting the occurrence of GvHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Van Caeneghem
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn De Munter
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paola Tieppo
- Department of Biopharmacy and Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Glenn Goetgeluk
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karin Weening
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
| | - Greet Verstichel
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Bonte
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Taghon
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
| | - Georges Leclercq
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tessa Kerre
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Immunology, Erasmus MC Cancer Center , Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David Vermijlen
- Department of Biopharmacy and Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University , Ghent, Belgium
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21
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Govers C, Sebestyén Z, Roszik J, van Brakel M, Berrevoets C, Szöőr Á, Panoutsopoulou K, Broertjes M, Van T, Vereb G, Szöllősi J, Debets R. TCRs Genetically Linked to CD28 and CD3ε Do Not Mispair with Endogenous TCR Chains and Mediate Enhanced T Cell Persistence and Anti-Melanoma Activity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:5315-26. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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22
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Im EJ, Bais AJ, Yang W, Ma Q, Guo X, Sepe SM, Junghans RP. Recombination-deletion between homologous cassettes in retrovirus is suppressed via a strategy of degenerate codon substitution. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14022. [PMID: 25419532 PMCID: PMC4239131 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Transduction and expression procedures in gene therapy protocols may optimally transfer more than a single gene to correct a defect and/or transmit new functions to recipient cells or organisms. This may be accomplished by transduction with two (or more) vectors, or, more efficiently, in a single vector. Occasionally, it may be useful to coexpress homologous genes or chimeric proteins with regions of shared homology. Retroviridae include the dominant vector systems for gene transfer (e.g., gamma-retro and lentiviruses) and are capable of such multigene expression. However, these same viruses are known for efficient recombination–deletion when domains are duplicated within the viral genome. This problem can be averted by resorting to two-vector strategies (two-chain two-vector), but at a penalty to cost, convenience, and efficiency. Employing a chimeric antigen receptor system as an example, we confirm that coexpression of two genes with homologous domains in a single gamma-retroviral vector (two-chain single-vector) leads to recombination–deletion between repeated sequences, excising the equivalent of one of the chimeric antigen receptors. Here, we show that a degenerate codon substitution strategy in the two-chain single-vector format efficiently suppressed intravector deletional loss with rescue of balanced gene coexpression by minimizing sequence homology between repeated domains and preserving the final protein sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eung Jun Im
- Biotherapeutics Development Lab, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA ; Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Anthony J Bais
- Biotherapeutics Development Lab, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA ; Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Wen Yang
- Biotherapeutics Development Lab, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA ; Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Qiangzhong Ma
- Biotherapeutics Development Lab, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA ; Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Xiuyang Guo
- Biotherapeutics Development Lab, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA ; Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Steven M Sepe
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Richard P Junghans
- Biotherapeutics Development Lab, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA ; Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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23
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TAO CHANGLI, SHAO HONGWEI, YUAN YIN, WANG HUI, ZHANG WENFENG, ZHENG WENLING, MA WENLI, HUANG SHULIN. Imaging of T-cell receptor fused to CD3ζ reveals enhanced expression and improved pairing in living cells. Int J Mol Med 2014; 34:849-55. [DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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24
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Engineered T cells for cancer treatment. Cytotherapy 2013; 16:713-33. [PMID: 24239105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptively transferred T cells have the capacity to traffic to distant tumor sites, infiltrate fibrotic tissue and kill antigen-expressing tumor cells. Various groups have investigated different genetic engineering strategies designed to enhance tumor specificity, increase T cell potency, improve proliferation, persistence or migratory capacity and increase safety. This review focuses on recent developments in T cell engineering, discusses the clinical application of these engineered cell products and outlines future prospects for this therapeutic modality.
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25
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Kunert A, Straetemans T, Govers C, Lamers C, Mathijssen R, Sleijfer S, Debets R. TCR-Engineered T Cells Meet New Challenges to Treat Solid Tumors: Choice of Antigen, T Cell Fitness, and Sensitization of Tumor Milieu. Front Immunol 2013; 4:363. [PMID: 24265631 PMCID: PMC3821161 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells gene-engineered with antigen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) has proven its feasibility and therapeutic potential in the treatment of malignant tumors. To ensure further clinical development of TCR gene therapy, it is necessary to target immunogenic epitopes that are related to oncogenesis and selectively expressed by tumor tissue, and implement strategies that result in optimal T cell fitness. In addition, in particular for the treatment of solid tumors, it is equally necessary to include strategies that counteract the immune-suppressive nature of the tumor micro-environment. Here, we will provide an overview of the current status of TCR gene therapy, and redefine the following three challenges of improvement: “choice of target antigen”; “fitness of T cells”; and “sensitization of tumor milieu.” We will categorize and discuss potential strategies to address each of these challenges, and argue that advancement of clinical TCR gene therapy critically depends on developments toward each of the three challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Kunert
- Laboratory of Experimental Tumor Immunology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute , Rotterdam , Netherlands ; Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute , Rotterdam , Netherlands
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26
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Reuß S, Sebestyén Z, Heinz N, Loew R, Baum C, Debets R, Uckert W. TCR-engineered T cells: a model of inducible TCR expression to dissect the interrelationship between two TCRs. Eur J Immunol 2013; 44:265-74. [PMID: 24114521 PMCID: PMC4209802 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201343591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
TCR gene modified T cells for adoptive therapy simultaneously express the Tg TCR and the endogenous TCR, which might lead to mispaired TCRs with harmful unknown specificity and to a reduced function of TCR-Tg T cells. We generated dual TCR T cells in two settings in which either TCR was constitutively expressed by a retroviral promoter while the second TCR expression was regulable by a Tet-on system. Constitutively expressed TCR molecules were reduced on the cell surface depending on the induced TCR expression leading to strongly hampered function. Besides that, using fluorescence resonance energy transfer we detected mispaired TCR dimers and different pairing behaviors of individual TCR chains with a mutual influence on TCR chain expression. The loss of function and mispairing could not be avoided by changing the TCR expression level or by introduction of an additional cysteine bridge. However, in polyclonal T cells, optimized TCR formats (cysteineization, codon optimization) enhanced correct pairing and function. We conclude from our data that (i) the level of mispairing depends on the individual TCRs and is not reduced by increasing the level of one TCR, and (ii) modifications (cysteineization, codon optimization) improve correct pairing but do not completely exclude mispairing (cysteineization).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Reuß
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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27
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Abstract
T cells have the capacity to eradicate diseased cells, but tumours present considerable challenges that render T cells ineffectual. Cancer cells often make themselves almost 'invisible' to the immune system, and they sculpt a microenvironment that suppresses T cell activity, survival and migration. Genetic engineering of T cells can be used therapeutically to overcome these challenges. T cells can be taken from the blood of cancer patients and then modified with genes encoding receptors that recognize cancer-specific antigens. Additional genes can be used to enable resistance to immunosuppression, to extend survival and to facilitate the penetration of engineered T cells into tumours. Using genetic modification, highly active, self-propagating 'slayers' of cancer cells can be generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Kershaw
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. michael.kershaw@ petermac.org
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28
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Munder M, Engelhardt M, Knies D, Medenhoff S, Wabnitz G, Luckner-Minden C, Feldmeyer N, Voss RH, Kropf P, Müller I, Conradi R, Samstag Y, Theobald M, Ho AD, Goldschmidt H, Hundemer M. Cytotoxicity of tumor antigen specific human T cells is unimpaired by arginine depletion. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63521. [PMID: 23717444 PMCID: PMC3662698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-growth is often associated with the expansion of myeloid derived suppressor cells that lead to local or systemic arginine depletion via the enzyme arginase. It is generally assumed that this arginine deficiency induces a global shut-down of T cell activation with ensuing tumor immune escape. While the impact of arginine depletion on polyclonal T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion is well documented, its influence on chemotaxis, cytotoxicity and antigen specific activation of human T cells has not been demonstrated so far. We show here that chemotaxis and early calcium signaling of human T cells are unimpaired in the absence of arginine. We then analyzed CD8+ T cell activation in a tumor peptide as well as a viral peptide antigen specific system: (i) CD8+ T cells with specificity against the MART-1aa26–35*A27L tumor antigen expanded with in vitro generated dendritic cells, and (ii) clonal CMV pp65aa495–503 specific T cells and T cells retrovirally transduced with a CMV pp65aa495–503 specific T cell receptor were analyzed. Our data demonstrate that human CD8+ T cell antigen specific cytotoxicity and perforin secretion are completely preserved in the absence of arginine, while antigen specific proliferation as well as IFN-γ and granzyme B secretion are severely compromised. These novel results highlight the complexity of antigen specific T cell activation and demonstrate that human T cells can preserve important activation-induced effector functions in the context of arginine deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Munder
- Third Department of Medicine (Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology), University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Melanie Engelhardt
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diana Knies
- Third Department of Medicine (Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology), University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sergej Medenhoff
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guido Wabnitz
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Luckner-Minden
- Third Department of Medicine (Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology), University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadja Feldmeyer
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf-Holger Voss
- Third Department of Medicine (Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology), University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Pascale Kropf
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrid Müller
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Conradi
- Transfusion Center, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yvonne Samstag
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Theobald
- Third Department of Medicine (Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology), University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anthony D. Ho
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Goldschmidt
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Hundemer
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Introduction of exogenous T-cell receptors into human hematopoietic progenitors results in exclusion of endogenous T-cell receptor expression. Mol Ther 2013; 21:1055-63. [PMID: 23481324 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Current tumor immunotherapy approaches include the genetic modification of peripheral T cells to express tumor antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs). The approach, tested in melanoma, has led to some limited success of tumor regression in patients. Yet, the introduction of exogenous TCRs into mature T cells entails an underlying risk; the generation of autoreactive clones due to potential TCR mispairing, and the lack of effective negative selection, as these peripheral cells do not undergo thymic selection following introduction of the exogenous TCR. We have successfully generated MART-1-specific CD8 T cells from genetically modified human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSC) in a humanized mouse model. The advantages of this approach include a long-term source of antigen specific T cells and proper T-cell selection due to thymopoiesis following expression of the TCR. In this report, we examine the molecular processes occurring on endogenous TCR expression and demonstrate that this approach results in exclusive cell surface expression of the newly introduced TCR, and the exclusion of endogenous TCR cell surface expression. This suggests that this stem cell based approach can provide a potentially safer approach for anticancer immunotherapy due to the involvement of thymic selection.
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Wang D, Zhang L, Li Y, Wang H, Xiao Q, Cao W, Feng W. Construction and expression of humanized chimeric T cell receptor specific for chronic myeloid leukemia cells. Biotechnol Lett 2012; 34:1193-201. [PMID: 22447097 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-012-0896-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric T cell receptors (chTCRs), composed of the single-chain variable fragments (scFv) of murine antibodies and human signaling molecules, are used to redirect the specificity of autologous or allogeneic T lymphocytes. To develop novel therapeutic agents for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), we engineered a scFv from the hybridoma cell line CMA1 which produces monoclonal antibody specific against CML. The genes encoding the heavy and light chain variable regions were amplified from CMA1 cDNA and a humanized chTCR was constructed. Expression of the novel hchTCR was verified in NIH3T3 cells transduced with retroviral vectors. The results demonstrated that hchTCR can be expressed and presented on cell surface normally. These results suggest that retroviral vectors expressing hchTCR specific for CML cells may be used to redirect human T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics Designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
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TCR gene transfer: MAGE-C2/HLA-A2 and MAGE-A3/HLA-DP4 epitopes as melanoma-specific immune targets. Clin Dev Immunol 2012; 2012:586314. [PMID: 22400038 PMCID: PMC3287115 DOI: 10.1155/2012/586314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Revised: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive therapy with TCR gene-engineered T cells provides an attractive and feasible treatment option for cancer patients. Further development of TCR gene therapy requires the implementation of T-cell target epitopes that prevent “on-target” reactivity towards healthy tissues and at the same time direct a clinically effective response towards tumor tissues. Candidate epitopes that meet these criteria are MAGE-C2336-344/HLA-A2 (MC2/A2) and MAGE-A3243-258/HLA-DP4 (MA3/DP4). We molecularly characterized TCRαβ genes of an MC2/A2-specific CD8 and MA3/DP4-specific CD4 T-cell clone derived from melanoma patients who responded clinically to MAGE vaccination. We identified MC2/A2 and MA3/DP4-specific TCR-Vα3/Vβ28 and TCR-Vα38/Vβ2 chains and validated these TCRs in vitro upon gene transfer into primary human T cells. The MC2 and MA3 TCR were surface-expressed and mediated CD8 T-cell functions towards melanoma cell lines and CD4 T-cell functions towards dendritic cells, respectively. We intend to start testing these MAGE-specific TCRs in phase I clinical trial.
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Straetemans T, Coccoris M, Berrevoets C, Treffers-Westerlaken E, Scholten CE, Schipper D, ten Hagen TL, Debets R. T-Cell Receptor Gene Therapy in Human Melanoma-Bearing Immune-Deficient Mice: Human but not Mouse T Cells Recapitulate Outcome of Clinical Studies. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:187-201. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Trudy Straetemans
- Laboratory of Experimental Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center–Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, 3075 EA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Coccoris
- Laboratory of Experimental Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center–Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, 3075 EA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cor Berrevoets
- Laboratory of Experimental Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center–Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, 3075 EA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elike Treffers-Westerlaken
- Laboratory of Experimental Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center–Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, 3075 EA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Csilla E.V. Scholten
- Laboratory of Experimental Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center–Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, 3075 EA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Debby Schipper
- Laboratory of Experimental and Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Timo L.M. ten Hagen
- Laboratory of Experimental and Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Experimental Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center–Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, 3075 EA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Antitumor activity from antigen-specific CD8 T cells generated in vivo from genetically engineered human hematopoietic stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:E1408-16. [PMID: 22123951 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1115050108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of cancer immunotherapy is the generation of an effective, stable, and self-renewing antitumor T-cell population. One such approach involves the use of high-affinity cancer-specific T-cell receptors in gene-therapy protocols. Here, we present the generation of functional tumor-specific human T cells in vivo from genetically modified human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSC) using a human/mouse chimera model. Transduced hHSC expressing an HLA-A*0201-restricted melanoma-specific T-cell receptor were introduced into humanized mice, resulting in the generation of a sizeable melanoma-specific naïve CD8(+) T-cell population. Following tumor challenge, these transgenic CD8(+) T cells, in the absence of additional manipulation, limited and cleared human melanoma tumors in vivo. Furthermore, the genetically enhanced T cells underwent proper thymic selection, because we did not observe any responses against non-HLA-matched tumors, and no killing of any kind occurred in the absence of a human thymus. Finally, the transduced hHSC established long-term bone marrow engraftment. These studies present a potential therapeutic approach and an important tool to understand better and to optimize the human immune response to melanoma and, potentially, to other types of cancer.
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34
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Scholten KBJ, Turksma AW, Ruizendaal JJ, van den Hende M, van der Burg SH, Heemskerk MHM, Meijer CJLM, Hooijberg E. Generating HPV specific T helper cells for the treatment of HPV induced malignancies using TCR gene transfer. J Transl Med 2011; 9:147. [PMID: 21892941 PMCID: PMC3176193 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with high risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is associated with cancer of the cervix, vagina, penis, vulva, anus and some cases of head and neck carcinomas. The HPV derived oncoproteins E6 and E7 are constitutively expressed in tumor cells and therefore potential targets for T cell mediated adoptive immunotherapy. Effective immunotherapy is dependent on the presence of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. However, low precursor frequencies of HPV16 specific T cells in patients and healthy donors hampers routine isolation of these cells for adoptive transfer purposes. An alternative to generate HPV specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is TCR gene transfer. Methods HPV specific CD4+ T cells were generated using either a MHC class I or MHC class II restricted TCR (from clones A9 and 24.101 respectively) directed against HPV16 antigens. Functional analysis was performed by interferon-γ secretion, proliferation and cytokine production assays. Results Introduction of HPV16 specific TCRs into blood derived CD4+ recipient T cells resulted in recognition of the relevant HPV16 epitope as determined by IFN-γ secretion. Importantly, we also show recognition of the endogenously processed and HLA-DP1 presented HPV16E6 epitope by 24.101 TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells and recognition of the HLA-A2 presented HPV16E7 epitope by A9 TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells. Conclusion Our data indicate that TCR transfer is feasible as an alternative strategy to generate human HPV16 specific CD4+ T helper cells for the treatment of patients suffering from cervical cancer and other HPV16 induced malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten B J Scholten
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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35
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Heemskerk MHM. T-cell receptor gene transfer for the treatment of leukemia and other tumors. Haematologica 2011; 95:15-9. [PMID: 20065080 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2009.016022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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36
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Single-chain VαVβ T-cell receptors function without mispairing with endogenous TCR chains. Gene Ther 2011; 19:365-74. [PMID: 21753797 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transduction of exogenous T-cell receptor (TCR) genes into patients' activated peripheral blood T cells is a potent strategy to generate large numbers of specific T cells for adoptive therapy of cancer and viral diseases. However, the remarkable clinical promise of this powerful approach is still being overshadowed by a serious potential consequence: mispairing of the exogenous TCR chains with endogenous TCR chains. These 'mixed' heterodimers can generate new specificities that result in graft-versus-host reactions. Engineering TCR constant regions of the exogenous chains with a cysteine promotes proper pairing and reduces the mispairing, but, as we show here, does not eliminate the formation of mixed heterodimers. By contrast, deletion of the constant regions, through use of a stabilized Vα/Vβ single-chain TCR (scTv), avoided mispairing completely. By linking a high-affinity scTv to intracellular signaling domains, such as Lck and CD28, the scTv was capable of activating functional T-cell responses in the absence of either the CD3 subunits or the co-receptors, and circumvented mispairing with endogenous TCRs. Such transduced T cells can respond to the targeted antigen independent of CD3 subunits via the introduced scTv, without the transduced T cells acquiring any new undefined and potentially dangerous specificities.
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37
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Roszik J, Sebestyén Z, Govers C, Guri Y, Szöor A, Pályi-Krekk Z, Vereb G, Nagy P, Szöllosi J, Debets R. T-cell synapse formation depends on antigen recognition but not CD3 interaction: studies with TCR:ζ, a candidate transgene for TCR gene therapy. Eur J Immunol 2011; 41:1288-97. [PMID: 21469084 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200940233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
T-cell receptors (TCRs) can be genetically modified to improve gene-engineered T-cell responses, a strategy considered critical for the success of clinical TCR gene therapy to treat cancers. TCR:ζ, which is a heterodimer of TCRα and β chains each coupled to complete human CD3ζ, overcomes issues of mis-pairing with endogenous TCR chains, shows high surface expression and mediates antigen-specific T-cell functions in vitro. In the current study, we further characterized TCR:ζ in gene-engineered T cells and assessed whether this receptor is able to interact with surface molecules and drive correct synapse formation in Jurkat T cells. The results showed that TCR:ζ mediates the formation of synaptic areas with antigen-positive target cells, interacts closely with CD8α and MHC class I (MHCI), and co-localizes with CD28, CD45 and lipid rafts, similar to WT TCR. TCR:ζ did not closely associate with endogenous CD3ε, despite its co-presence in immune synapses, and TCR:ζ showed enhanced synaptic accumulation in T cells negative for surface-expressed TCR molecules. Notably, synaptic TCR:ζ demonstrated lowered densities when compared with TCR in dual TCR T cells, a phenomenon that was related to both extracellular and intracellular CD3ζ domains present in the TCR:ζ molecule and responsible for enlarged synapse areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Roszik
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Orlando L, Accomasso L, Circosta P, Turinetto V, Lantelme E, Porcedda P, Minieri V, Pautasso M, Willemsen RA, Cignetti A, Giachino C. TCR transfer induces TCR-mediated tonic inhibition of RAG genes in human T cells. Mol Immunol 2011; 48:1369-76. [PMID: 21481940 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2011.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2010] [Revised: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Induction of the TCR signaling pathway terminates the expression of RAG genes, and a link between this pathway and their transcriptional control is evident from the recent demonstration of their re-expression if the TCR is subsequently lost or down-regulated. Since unstimulated T cells display a steady-state level of "tonic" TCR signaling, i.e. in the absence of any antigenic stimulus, it was uncertain whether this control was exerted through ligand-dependent or ligand-independent TCR signaling. Here we demonstrate for the first time that exogenous TCR α and β chains transferred into the human immature RAG(+) T cell line Sup-T1 by lentiviral transduction inhibit RAG expression through tonic signaling, and that this inhibition could itself be reverted by pharmacological tonic pathway inhibitors. We also suggest that mature T cells already expressing an endogenous TCR on their surface maintain some levels of plasticity at the RAG locus when their basal TCR signaling is interfered with. Lastly, we show that the TCR constructs employed in TCR gene therapy do not possess the same basal signaling transduction capability, a feature that may have therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Orlando
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy.
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Ochi T, Fujiwara H, Yasukawa M. Requisite considerations for successful adoptive immunotherapy with engineered T-lymphocytes using tumor antigen-specific T-cell receptor gene transfer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 11:699-713. [PMID: 21413911 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.566853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although engineered T-cell-based antitumor immunotherapy using tumor-antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) gene transfer is undoubtedly a promising strategy, a number of studies have revealed that it has several drawbacks. AREAS COVERED This review covers selected articles detailing recent progress in this field, not only for solid tumors, but also for leukemias. In terms of achieving uniform therapeutic quality of TCR gene-modified T cells as an 'off-the-shelf' product, the authors abstract and discuss the requisite conditions for successful outcome, including: i) the optimal target choice reflecting the specificity of the introduced TCR, ii) the quality and quantity of expressed TCRs in gene-modified T cells, and additional genetic modification reflecting enhanced antitumor functionality, and iii) 'on-' and 'off-target' adverse events caused by the quality of the introduced TCRs and other adverse events related to genetic modification itself. Readers will be able to readily abstract recent advances in TCR gene-transferred T-cell therapy, centering notably on efforts to obtain uniformity in the therapeutic functionality of engineered T cells. EXPERT OPINION Harmonizing the functionality and target specificity of TCR will allow the establishment of clinically useful adoptive immunotherapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Ochi
- Department of Bioregulatory Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791 0295, Japan.
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40
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Lokhorst H, Einsele H, Vesole D, Bruno B, Miguel JS, Pérez-Simon JA, Kröger N, Moreau P, Gahrton G, Gasparetto C, Giralt S, Bensinger W. International Myeloma Working Group Consensus Statement Regarding the Current Status of Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma. J Clin Oncol 2010; 28:4521-30. [PMID: 20697091 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.29.7929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To define consensus statement regarding allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (Allo-SCT) as a treatment option for multiple myeloma (MM) on behalf of International Myeloma Working Group. Patients and Methods In this review, results from prospective and retrospective studies of Allo-SCT in MM are summarized. Results Although the introduction of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) has lowered the high treatment-related mortality associated with myeloablative conditioning, convincing evidence is lacking that Allo-RIC improves the survival compared with autologous stem-cell transplantation. Conclusion New strategies are necessary to make Allo-SCT safer and more effective for patients with MM. Until this is achieved, Allo-RIC in myeloma should only be recommended in the context of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henk Lokhorst
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - Hermann Einsele
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - David Vesole
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - Benedetto Bruno
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - Jesus San Miguel
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - Jose A. Pérez-Simon
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - Nicolaus Kröger
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - Philippe Moreau
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - Gosta Gahrton
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - Cristina Gasparetto
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - Sergio Giralt
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
| | - William Bensinger
- From the University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Wuerzburg; University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ; Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France; Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Duke University Hospital, Durham,
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Immune responses to transgene and retroviral vector in patients treated with ex vivo-engineered T cells. Blood 2010; 117:72-82. [PMID: 20889925 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-07-294520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of immune effector cells that are gene modified by retroviral transduction to express tumor-specific receptors constitutes an attractive approach to treat cancer. In patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, we performed a study with autologous T cells genetically retargeted with a chimeric antibody receptor (CAR) directed toward carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), an antigen highly expressed in renal cell carcinoma. In the majority of patients, we observed distinct humoral and/or cellular anti-CAIX-CAR T-cell immune responses in combination with a limited peripheral persistence of transferred CAIX-CAR T cells in the majority of patients. Humoral immune responses were anti-idiotypic in nature and neutralized CAIX-CAR-mediated T-cell function. Cellular anti-CAIX-CAR immune responses were directed to the complementarity-determining and framework regions of the CAR variable domains. In addition, 2 patients developed immunity directed against presumed retroviral vector epitopes. Here, we document the novel feature that therapeutic cells, which were ex vivo engineered by means of transduction with a minimal γ-retroviral vector, do express immunogenic vector-encoded epitopes, which might compromise persistence of these cells. These observations may constitute a critical concern for clinical ex vivo γ-retroviral gene transduction in general and CAR-retargeted T-cell therapy in particular, and underscore the need to attenuate the immunogenicity of both transgene and vector.
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Coccoris M, Straetemans T, Govers C, Lamers C, Sleijfer S, Debets R. T cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy to treat melanoma: lessons from clinical and preclinical studies. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 10:547-62. [PMID: 20146634 DOI: 10.1517/14712591003614756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) with tumour infiltrating lymphocytes is currently the best treatment option for metastatic melanoma. Despite its clinical successes, ACT has limitations in availability and generation of therapeutic T cells for a larger group of patients. Introduction of tumour-specific T cell receptors into T cells, termed TCR gene therapy, can provide an alternative for ACT that is more widely applicable and might be extended to other types of cancer. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW The current status of TCR gene therapy studies including clinical challenges, such as on-target toxicity, compromised anti-tumour T cell responses, compromised T cell persistence and potential immunogenicity of receptor transgenes. Strategies to address these challenges are covered. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN A listing and discussion of strategies that aim at improving the efficacy and safety of TCR gene therapy. Such strategies address antigen choice, TCR mis-pairing, functional avidity and persistence of T cells, immune responses towards receptor transgenes, and combination of ACT with other therapies. TAKE HOME MESSAGE To ensure further clinical development of TCR gene therapy, it is necessary to choose safe T cell target antigens, and implement (combinations of) strategies that enhance the correct pairing of TCR transgenes and the functional avidity and persistence of T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Coccoris
- Erasmus MC-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Laboratory of Experimental Tumor immunology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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43
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Adoptive therapy with T cell receptor- (TCR-) redirected T cells has shown efficacy in mouse tumor models and first responses in cancer patients. One prerequisite to elicit effective anti-tumor reactivity is the transfer of high-avidity T cells. Their generation, however, faces several technical difficulties. Target antigens are often expressed at low levels and their recognition requires the use of high-affine receptors. Yet, mainly low-affinity TCRs have been isolated from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Furthermore, upon transfer into a T cell the introduced receptor has to compete with the endogenous TCR. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW This review discusses how the functional avidity of TCR-modified T cells can be enhanced by i) increasing the amount of introduced TCR heterodimers on the cell surface; and ii) generating receptors with high affinity. Risks of TCR gene therapy and possible safety mechanisms are discussed. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN The reader will gain an overview of the technical developments in TCR and T cell engineering. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Despite technical obstacles, many advances have been made in the generation of high-avidity T cells expressing enhanced TCRs. Mouse studies and clinical trials will evaluate the effect of these improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Kieback
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, D-13092 Berlin, Germany
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44
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Coexpression of the T-cell receptor constant α domain triggers tumor reactivity of single-chain TCR-transduced human T cells. Blood 2010; 115:5154-63. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-11-254078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Transfer of tumor antigen–specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) into human T cells aims at redirecting their cytotoxicity toward tumors. Efficacy and safety may be affected by pairing of natural and introduced TCRα/β chains potentially leading to autoimmunity. We hypothesized that a novel single-chain (sc)TCR framework relying on the coexpression of the TCRα constant α (Cα) domain would prevent undesired pairing while preserving structural and functional similarity to a fully assembled double-chain (dc)TCR/CD3 complex. We confirmed this hypothesis for a murine p53-specific scTCR. Substantial effector function was observed only in the presence of a murine Cα domain preceded by a TCRα signal peptide for shuttling to the cell membrane. The generalization to a human gp100-specific TCR required the murinization of both C domains. Structural and functional T-cell avidities of an accessory disulfide-linked scTCR gp100/Cα were higher than those of a dcTCR. Antigen-dependent phosphorylation of the proximal effector ζ-chain–associated protein kinase 70 at tyrosine 319 was not impaired, reflecting its molecular integrity in signaling. In melanoma-engrafted nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice, adoptive transfer of scTCR gp100/Cα transduced T cells conferred superior delay in tumor growth among primary and long-term secondary tumor challenges. We conclude that the novel scTCR constitutes a reliable means to immunotherapeutically target hematologic malignancies.
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45
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Hombach A, Hombach AA, Abken H. Adoptive immunotherapy with genetically engineered T cells: modification of the IgG1 Fc 'spacer' domain in the extracellular moiety of chimeric antigen receptors avoids 'off-target' activation and unintended initiation of an innate immune response. Gene Ther 2010; 17:1206-13. [PMID: 20555360 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs, immunoreceptors) are frequently used to redirect T cells with pre-defined specificity, in particular towards tumour cells for use in adoptive immunotherapy of malignant diseases. Specific targeting is mediated by an extracellularly located antibody-derived binding domain, which is joined to the transmembrane and intracellular CD3ζ moiety for T-cell activation. Stable CAR expression in T cells, however, requires a spacer domain interposed between the binding and the transmembrane domain and which is commonly the constant IgG1 Fc domain. We here revealed that CARs with Fc spacer domain bind to IgG Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs), thereby unintentionally activating innate immune cells, including monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, which consequently secrete high amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Engineered T cells, on the other hand, are likewise activated by FcγR binding resulting in cytokine secretion and lysis of monocytes and NK cells independently of the redirected specificity. To reduce FcγR binding, we modified the spacer domain without affecting CAR expression and antigen binding. Engineered with the modified CAR, T cells are not activated in presence of FcγR(+) cells, thereby minimizing the risk of off-target activation while preserving their redirected targeting specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hombach
- Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin Köln, and Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Uniklinik Köln, Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Strasse 21, Köln, Germany
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46
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Junghans RP. Strategy escalation: an emerging paradigm for safe clinical development of T cell gene therapies. J Transl Med 2010; 8:55. [PMID: 20537174 PMCID: PMC2904270 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-8-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy techniques are being applied to modify T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for therapeutic ends. The versatility of this platform has spawned multiple options for their application with new permutations in strategies continually being invented, a testimony to the creative energies of many investigators. The field is rapidly expanding with immense potential for impact against diverse cancers. But this rapid expansion, like the Big Bang, comes with a somewhat chaotic evolution of its therapeutic universe that can also be dangerous, as seen by recently publicized deaths. Time-honored methods for new drug testing embodied in Dose Escalation that were suitable for traditional inert agents are now inadequate for these novel "living drugs". In the following, I propose an approach to escalating risk for patient exposures with these new immuno-gene therapy agents, termed Strategy Escalation, that accounts for the molecular and biological features of the modified cells and the methods of their administration. This proposal is offered not as a prescriptive but as a discussion framework that investigators may wish to consider in configuring their intended clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Paul Junghans
- Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI 02908, USA.
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Pouw N, Treffers-Westerlaken E, Kraan J, Wittink F, ten Hagen T, Verweij J, Debets R. Combination of IL-21 and IL-15 enhances tumour-specific cytotoxicity and cytokine production of TCR-transduced primary T cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2010; 59:921-31. [PMID: 20101507 PMCID: PMC11030877 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-010-0818-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
IL-21, and to a lesser extent IL-15, inhibits differentiation of antigen-primed CD8 T cells and promotes their homeostasis and anti-tumour activity. Here, we investigated molecular mechanisms behind tumour-specific responses of primary murine T lymphocytes engineered to express a TCR directed against human gp100/HLA-A2 following short-term exposure to IL-15 and/or IL-21. We demonstrated that IL-15 + IL-21, and to a lesser extent IL-21, enhanced antigen-specific T-cell cytotoxicity, which was related to enhanced expression of granzymes A and B, and perforin 1. Furthermore, IL-15 + IL-21 synergistically enhanced release levels and kinetics of T-cell IFNgamma and IL-2, but not IL-10. Enhanced secretion of IFNgamma was accompanied by increased gene expression and cytosolic protein content, and was restricted to effector memory T cells. To summarize, we show that IL-15 + IL-21 improves antigen-specific responses of TCR-transduced effector T cells at multiple levels, which provides a rationale to treat T cells with a combination of these cytokines prior to their use in adoptive TCR gene therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/immunology
- Drug Synergism
- Granzymes/biosynthesis
- Granzymes/genetics
- HLA-A2 Antigen/immunology
- Humans
- Immunologic Memory
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Interleukin-15/pharmacology
- Interleukins/pharmacology
- Melanoma/immunology
- Melanoma/metabolism
- Melanoma/pathology
- Melanoma/therapy
- Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology
- Mice
- Perforin/biosynthesis
- Perforin/genetics
- Protein Engineering
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Transduction, Genetic
- gp100 Melanoma Antigen
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Pouw
- Laboratory of Experimental Tumour Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC-Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Groene Hilledijk 301, 3075 EA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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48
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Titeux M, Pendaries V, Zanta-Boussif MA, Décha A, Pironon N, Tonasso L, Mejia JE, Brice A, Danos O, Hovnanian A. SIN retroviral vectors expressing COL7A1 under human promoters for ex vivo gene therapy of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Mol Ther 2010; 18:1509-18. [PMID: 20485266 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in COL7A1 encoding type VII collagen which forms key structures (anchoring fibrils) for dermal-epidermal adherence. Patients suffer since birth from skin blistering, and develop severe local and systemic complications resulting in poor prognosis. We lack a specific treatment for RDEB, but ex vivo gene transfer to epidermal stem cells shows a therapeutic potential. To minimize the risk of oncogenic events, we have developed new minimal self-inactivating (SIN) retroviral vectors in which the COL7A1 complementary DNA (cDNA) is under the control of the human elongation factor 1alpha (EF1alpha) or COL7A1 promoters. We show efficient ex vivo genetic correction of primary RDEB keratinocytes and fibroblasts without antibiotic selection, and use either of these genetically corrected cells to generate human skin equivalents (SEs) which were grafted onto immunodeficient mice. We achieved long-term expression of recombinant type VII collagen with restored dermal-epidermal adherence and anchoring fibril formation, demonstrating in vivo functional correction. In few cases, rearranged proviruses were detected, which were probably generated during the retrotranscription process. Despite this observation which should be taken under consideration for clinical application, this preclinical study paves the way for a therapy based on grafting the most severely affected skin areas of patients with fully autologous SEs genetically corrected using a SIN COL7A1 retroviral vector.
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Application of adoptive T-cell therapy using tumor antigen-specific T-cell receptor gene transfer for the treatment of human leukemia. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:521248. [PMID: 20454585 PMCID: PMC2864513 DOI: 10.1155/2010/521248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 02/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen great strides in the field of cancer immunotherapy, especially the treatment of melanoma. Beginning with the identification of cancer antigens, followed by the clinical application of anti-cancer peptide vaccination, it has now been proven that adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) using cancer antigen-specific T cells is the most effective option. Despite the apparent clinical efficacy of ACT, the timely preparation of a sufficient number of cancer antigen-specific T cells for each patient has been recognized as its biggest limitation. Currently, therefore, attention is being focused on ACT with engineered T cells produced using cancer antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) gene transfer. With regard to human leukemia, ACT using engineered T cells bearing the leukemia antigen-specific TCR gene still remains in its infancy. However, several reports have provided preclinical data on TCR gene transfer using Wilms' tumor gene product 1 (WT1), and also preclinical and clinical data on TCR gene transfer involving minor histocompatibility antigen, both of which have been suggested to provide additional clinical benefit. In this review, we examine the current status of anti-leukemia ACT with engineered T cells carrying the leukemia antigen-specific TCR gene, and discuss the existing barriers to progress in this area.
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50
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Bendle GM, Linnemann C, Hooijkaas AI, Bies L, de Witte MA, Jorritsma A, Kaiser ADM, Pouw N, Debets R, Kieback E, Uckert W, Song JY, Haanen JBAG, Schumacher TNM. Lethal graft-versus-host disease in mouse models of T cell receptor gene therapy. Nat Med 2010; 16:565-70, 1p following 570. [PMID: 20400962 DOI: 10.1038/nm.2128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The transfer of T cell receptor (TCR) genes can be used to induce immune reactivity toward defined antigens to which endogenous T cells are insufficiently reactive. This approach, which is called TCR gene therapy, is being developed to target tumors and pathogens, and its clinical testing has commenced in patients with cancer. In this study we show that lethal cytokine-driven autoimmune pathology can occur in mouse models of TCR gene therapy under conditions that closely mimic the clinical setting. We show that the pairing of introduced and endogenous TCR chains in TCR gene-modified T cells leads to the formation of self-reactive TCRs that are responsible for the observed autoimmunity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that adjustments in the design of gene therapy vectors and target T cell populations can be used to reduce the risk of TCR gene therapy-induced autoimmune pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin M Bendle
- Division of Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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