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Wang L, Matsumoto M, Akahori Y, Seo N, Shirakura K, Kato T, Katsumoto Y, Miyahara Y, Shiku H. Preclinical evaluation of a novel CAR-T therapy utilizing a scFv antibody highly specific to MAGE-A4 p230-239/HLA-A∗02:01 complex. Mol Ther 2024; 32:734-748. [PMID: 38243600 PMCID: PMC10928314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the revolutionary success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy for hematological malignancies, successful CAR-T therapies for solid tumors remain limited. One major obstacle is the scarcity of tumor-specific cell-surface molecules. One potential solution to overcome this barrier is to utilize antibodies that recognize peptide/major histocompatibility complex (MHCs) in a T cell receptor (TCR)-like fashion, allowing CAR-T cells to recognize intracellular tumor antigens. This study reports a highly specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody against the MAGE-A4p230-239/human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A∗02:01 complex (MAGE-A4 pMHC), screened from a human scFv phage display library. Indeed, retroviral vectors encoding CAR, utilizing this scFv antibody as a recognition component, efficiently recognized and lysed MAGA-A4+ tumor cells in an HLA-A∗02:01-restricted manner. Additionally, the adoptive transfer of T cells modified by the CAR-containing glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-related receptor (GITR) intracellular domain (ICD), but not CD28 or 4-1BB ICD, significantly suppressed the growth of MAGE-A4+ HLA-A∗02:01+ tumors in an immunocompromised mouse model. Of note, a comprehensive analysis revealed that a broad range of amino acid sequences of the MAGE-A4p230-239 peptide were critical for the recognition of MAGE-A4 pMHC by these CAR-T cells, and no cross-reactivity to analogous peptides was observed. Thus, MAGE-A4-targeted CAR-T therapy using this scFv antibody may be a promising and safe treatment for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linan Wang
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Masahiro Matsumoto
- Tokyo Laboratory 11, R&D Center, Sony Group Corporation, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yasushi Akahori
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Center for Comprehensive Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Naohiro Seo
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuko Shirakura
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Takuma Kato
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yoichi Katsumoto
- Tokyo Laboratory 11, R&D Center, Sony Group Corporation, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Miyahara
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Center for Comprehensive Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Shiku
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Center for Comprehensive Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
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2
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Malviya M, Aretz Z, Molvi Z, Lee J, Pierre S, Wallisch P, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Challenges and solutions for therapeutic TCR-based agents. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:58-82. [PMID: 37455333 PMCID: PMC11141734 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent development of methods to discover and engineer therapeutic T-cell receptors (TCRs) or antibody mimics of TCRs, and to understand their immunology and pharmacology, lag two decades behind therapeutic antibodies. Yet we have every expectation that TCR-based agents will be similarly important contributors to the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, especially cancers. TCR engineered cells, soluble TCRs and their derivatives, TCR-mimic antibodies, and TCR-based CAR T cells promise the possibility of highly specific drugs that can expand the scope of immunologic agents to recognize intracellular targets, including mutated proteins and undruggable transcription factors, not accessible by traditional antibodies. Hurdles exist regarding discovery, specificity, pharmacokinetics, and best modality of use that will need to be overcome before the full potential of TCR-based agents is achieved. HLA restriction may limit each agent to patient subpopulations and off-target reactivities remain important barriers to widespread development and use of these new agents. In this review we discuss the unique opportunities for these new classes of drugs, describe their unique antigenic targets, compare them to traditional antibody therapeutics and CAR T cells, and review the various obstacles that must be overcome before full application of these drugs can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Malviya
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Zita Aretz
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Jayop Lee
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Stephanie Pierre
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Tri-Institutional Medical Scientist Program, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Patrick Wallisch
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
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3
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Inefficient exploitation of accessory receptors reduces the sensitivity of chimeric antigen receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2216352120. [PMID: 36598945 PMCID: PMC9926289 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216352120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can redirect T cells to target abnormal cells, but their activity is limited by a profound defect in antigen sensitivity, the source of which remains unclear. Here, we show that CARs have a > 100-fold lower antigen sensitivity compared to the T cell receptor (TCR) when antigen is presented on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) but nearly identical sensitivity when antigen is presented as purified protein. We next systematically measured the impact of engaging important T cell accessory receptors (CD2, LFA-1, CD28, CD27, and 4-1BB) on antigen sensitivity by adding their purified ligands. Unexpectedly, we found that engaging CD2 or LFA-1 improved the antigen sensitivity of the TCR by 125- and 22-fold, respectively, but improved CAR sensitivity by only < 5-fold. This differential effect of CD2 and LFA-1 engagement on the TCR vs. CAR was confirmed using APCs. We found that sensitivity to antigen can be partially restored by fusing the CAR variable domains to the TCR CD3ε subunit (also known as a TRuC) and fully restored by exchanging the TCRαβ variable domains for those of the CAR (also known as STAR or HIT). Importantly, these improvements in TRuC and STAR/HIT sensitivity can be predicted by their enhanced ability to exploit CD2 and LFA-1. These findings demonstrate that the CAR sensitivity defect is a result of their inefficient exploitation of accessory receptors and suggest approaches to increase sensitivity.
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4
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Raybould MIJ, Nissley DA, Kumar S, Deane CM. Computationally profiling peptide:MHC recognition by T-cell receptors and T-cell receptor-mimetic antibodies. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1080596. [PMID: 36700202 PMCID: PMC9868621 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1080596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell receptor-mimetic antibodies (TCRms) targeting disease-associated peptides presented by Major Histocompatibility Complexes (pMHCs) are set to become a major new drug modality. However, we lack a general understanding of how TCRms engage pMHC targets, which is crucial for predicting their specificity and safety. Several new structures of TCRm:pMHC complexes have become available in the past year, providing sufficient initial data for a holistic analysis of TCRms as a class of pMHC binding agents. Here, we profile the complete set of TCRm:pMHC complexes against representative TCR:pMHC complexes to quantify the TCR-likeness of their pMHC engagement. We find that intrinsic molecular differences between antibodies and TCRs lead to fundamentally different roles for their heavy/light chains and Complementarity-Determining Region loops during antigen recognition. The idiotypic properties of antibodies may increase the likelihood of TCRms engaging pMHCs with less peptide selectivity than TCRs. However, the pMHC recognition features of some TCRms, including the two TCRms currently in clinical trials, can be remarkably TCR-like. The insights gained from this study will aid in the rational design and optimisation of next-generation TCRms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew I. J. Raybould
- Oxford Protein Informatics Group, Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel A. Nissley
- Oxford Protein Informatics Group, Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim, Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Charlotte M. Deane
- Oxford Protein Informatics Group, Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Charlotte M. Deane,
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5
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Facile repurposing of peptide-MHC-restricted antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Biotechnol 2023:10.1038/s41587-022-01567-w. [PMID: 36593402 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01567-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (Abs) that recognize major histocompatability complex (MHC)-presented tumor antigens in a manner similar to T cell receptors (TCRs) have great potential as cancer immunotherapeutics. However, isolation of 'TCR-mimic' (TCRm) Abs is laborious because Abs have not evolved the structurally nuanced peptide-MHC restriction of αβ-TCRs. Here, we present a strategy for rapid isolation of highly peptide-specific and 'MHC-restricted' Abs by re-engineering preselected Abs that engage peptide-MHC in a manner structurally similar to that of conventional αβ-TCRs. We created structure-based libraries focused on the peptide-interacting residues of TCRm Ab complementarity-determining region (CDR) loops, and rapidly generated MHC-restricted Abs to both mouse and human tumor antigens that specifically killed target cells when formatted as IgG, bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) and chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T). Crystallographic analysis of one selected pMHC-restricted Ab revealed highly peptide-specific recognition, validating the engineering strategy. This approach can yield tumor antigen-specific antibodies in several weeks, potentially enabling rapid clinical translation.
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6
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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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7
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Li Y, Jiang W, Mellins ED. TCR-like antibodies targeting autoantigen-mhc complexes: a mini-review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:968432. [PMID: 35967436 PMCID: PMC9363607 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.968432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptors (TCRs) recognize peptide antigens bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (p/MHC) that are expressed on cell surfaces; while B cell-derived antibodies (Abs) recognize soluble or cell surface native antigens of various types (proteins, carbohydrates, etc.). Immune surveillance by T and B cells thus inspects almost all formats of antigens to mount adaptive immune responses against cancer cells, infectious organisms and other foreign insults, while maintaining tolerance to self-tissues. With contributions from environmental triggers, the development of autoimmune disease is thought to be due to the expression of MHC risk alleles by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) presenting self-antigen (autoantigen), breaking through self-tolerance and activating autoreactive T cells, which orchestrate downstream pathologic events. Investigating and treating autoimmune diseases have been challenging, both because of the intrinsic complexity of these diseases and the need for tools targeting T cell epitopes (autoantigen-MHC). Naturally occurring TCRs with relatively low (micromolar) affinities to p/MHC are suboptimal for autoantigen-MHC targeting, whereas the use of engineered TCRs and their derivatives (e.g., TCR multimers and TCR-engineered T cells) are limited by unpredictable cross-reactivity. As Abs generally have nanomolar affinity, recent advances in engineering TCR-like (TCRL) Abs promise advantages over their TCR counterparts for autoantigen-MHC targeting. Here, we compare the p/MHC binding by TCRs and TCRL Abs, review the strategies for generation of TCRL Abs, highlight their application for identification of autoantigen-presenting APCs, and discuss future directions and limitations of TCRL Abs as immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Human Gene Therapy and Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Stanford Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Human Gene Therapy and Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Stanford Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Wei Jiang, ; Elizabeth D. Mellins,
| | - Elizabeth D. Mellins
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Human Gene Therapy and Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Stanford Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Wei Jiang, ; Elizabeth D. Mellins,
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8
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Wong MTY, Kelm S, Liu X, Taylor RD, Baker T, Essex JW. Higher Affinity Antibodies Bind With Lower Hydration and Flexibility in Large Scale Simulations. Front Immunol 2022; 13:884110. [PMID: 35707541 PMCID: PMC9190259 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.884110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We have carried out a long-timescale simulation study on crystal structures of nine antibody-antigen pairs, in antigen-bound and antibody-only forms, using molecular dynamics with enhanced sampling and an explicit water model to explore interface conformation and hydration. By combining atomic level simulation and replica exchange to enable full protein flexibility, we find significant numbers of bridging water molecules at the antibody-antigen interface. Additionally, a higher proportion of interactions excluding bulk waters and a lower degree of antigen bound CDR conformational sampling are correlated with higher antibody affinity. The CDR sampling supports enthalpically driven antibody binding, as opposed to entropically driven, in that the difference between antigen bound and unbound conformations do not correlate with affinity. We thus propose that interactions with waters and CDR sampling are aspects of the interface that may moderate antibody-antigen binding, and that explicit hydration and CDR flexibility should be considered to improve antibody affinity prediction and computational design workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel T. Y. Wong
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Jonathan W. Essex
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Jonathan W. Essex,
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9
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Liu X, Xu Y, Xiong W, Yin B, Huang Y, Chu J, Xing C, Qian C, Du Y, Duan T, Wang HY, Zhang N, Yu JS, An Z, Wang R. Development of a TCR-like antibody and chimeric antigen receptor against NY-ESO-1/HLA-A2 for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004035. [PMID: 35338087 PMCID: PMC8961179 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The current therapeutic antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are capable of recognizing surface antigens, but not of intracellular proteins, thus limiting the target coverage for drug development. To mimic the feature of T-cell receptor (TCR) that recognizes the complex of major histocompatibility class I and peptide on the cell surface derived from the processed intracellular antigen, we used NY-ESO-1, a cancer-testis antigen, to develop a TCR-like fully human IgG1 antibody and its derivative, CAR-T cells, for cancer immunotherapy. Methods Human single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) phage library (~10∧11) was screened against HLA-A2/NY-ESO-1 (peptide 157–165) complex to obtain target-specific antibodies. The specificity and affinity of those antibodies were characterized by flow cytometry, ELISA, biolayer interferometry, and confocal imaging. The biological functions of CAR-T cells were evaluated against target tumor cells in vitro. In vivo antitumor activity was investigated in a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) model and primary melanoma tumor model in immunocompromised mice. Results Monoclonal antibody 2D2 identified from phage-displayed library specifically bound to NY-ESO-1157-165 in the context of human leukocyte antigen HLA-A*02:01 but not to non-A2 or NY-ESO-1 negative cells. The second-generation CAR-T cells engineered from 2D2 specifically recognized and eliminated A2+/NY-ESO-1+tumor cells in vitro, inhibited tumor growth, and prolonged the overall survival of mice in TNBC and primary melanoma tumor model in vivo. Conclusions This study showed the specificity of the antibody identified from human scFv phage library and demonstrated the potential antitumor activity by TCR-like CAR-T cells both in vitro and in vivo, warranting further preclinical and clinical evaluation of the TCR-like antibody in patients. The generation of TCR-like antibody and its CAR-T cells provides the state-of-the-art platform and proof-of-concept validation to broaden the scope of target antigen recognition and sheds light on the development of novel therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA.,Institute of Biosciences and Technology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yixiang Xu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bingnan Yin
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuqian Huang
- Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjun Chu
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Changsheng Xing
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chen Qian
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yang Du
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tianhao Duan
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Helen Y Wang
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John S Yu
- Neurosurgical Oncology in the Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rongfu Wang
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA .,Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA.,Institute of Biosciences and Technology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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CRISPR activation screen identifies BCL-2 proteins and B3GNT2 as drivers of cancer resistance to T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1606. [PMID: 35338135 PMCID: PMC8956604 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular processes that govern tumor resistance to immunotherapy remain poorly understood. To gain insight into these processes, here we perform a genome-scale CRISPR activation screen for genes that enable human melanoma cells to evade cytotoxic T cell killing. Overexpression of four top candidate genes (CD274 (PD-L1), MCL1, JUNB, and B3GNT2) conferred resistance in diverse cancer cell types and mouse xenografts. By investigating the resistance mechanisms, we find that MCL1 and JUNB modulate the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. JUNB encodes a transcription factor that downregulates FasL and TRAIL receptors, upregulates the MCL1 relative BCL2A1, and activates the NF-κB pathway. B3GNT2 encodes a poly-N-acetyllactosamine synthase that targets >10 ligands and receptors to disrupt interactions between tumor and T cells and reduce T cell activation. Inhibition of candidate genes sensitized tumor models to T cell cytotoxicity. Our results demonstrate that systematic gain-of-function screening can elucidate resistance pathways and identify potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. Loss-of-function CRISPR-based screens have identified several genes associated with cancer resistance to T cell-induced cytotoxicity. Here the authors perform a genome-scale, gain-of-function CRISPR screen and identify candidate genes, including the poly-N-acetyllactosamine synthase B3GNT2, whose overexpression confers tumor cell resistance to T cell cytotoxicity
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11
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Wang X, Sandberg ML, Martin AD, Negri KR, Gabrelow GB, Nampe DP, Wu ML, McElvain ME, Toledo Warshaviak D, Lee WH, Oh J, Daris ME, Chai F, Yao C, Furney J, Pigott C, Kamb A, Xu H. Potent, Selective CARs as Potential T-Cell Therapeutics for HPV-positive Cancers. J Immunother 2021; 44:292-306. [PMID: 34432728 PMCID: PMC8415731 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Next-generation T-cell therapies will likely continue to utilize T-cell receptors (TCRs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) because each receptor type has advantages. TCRs often possess exceptional properties even when tested unmodified from patients' T cells. CARs are generally less sensitive, possibly because their ligand-binding domains are grafted from antibodies selected for binding affinity or avidity and not broadly optimized for a functional response. Because of the disconnect between binding and function among these receptor types, the ultimate potential of CARs optimized for sensitivity and selectivity is not clear. Here, we focus on a thoroughly studied immuno-oncology target, the HLA-A*02/HPV-E629-38 complex, and show that CARs can be optimized by a combination of high-throughput binding screens and low-throughput functional assays to have comparable activity to clinical TCRs in acute assays in vitro. These results provide a case study for the challenges and opportunities of optimizing high-performing CARs, especially in the context of targets utilized naturally by TCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Julyun Oh
- A2 Biotherapeutics, Agoura Hills, CA
| | | | - Falene Chai
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christine Yao
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James Furney
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Craig Pigott
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Han Xu
- A2 Biotherapeutics, Agoura Hills, CA
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12
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Abken H. Building on Synthetic Immunology and T Cell Engineering: A Brief Journey Through the History of Chimeric Antigen Receptors. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:1011-1028. [PMID: 34405686 PMCID: PMC10112879 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancement in our understanding of immune cell recognition and emerging cellular engineering technologies during the last decades made active manipulation of the T cell response possible. Synthetic immunology is providing us with an expanding set of composite receptor molecules capable to reprogram immune cell function in a predefined fashion. Since the first prototypes in the late 1980s, the design of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs; T-bodies, immunoreceptors), has followed a clear line of stepwise improvements from antigen-redirected targeting to designed "living factories" delivering transgenic products on demand. Building on basic research and creative clinical exploration, CAR T cell therapy has been achieving spectacular success in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, now beginning to improve the outcome of cancer patients. In this study, we briefly review the history of CARs and outline how the progress in the basic understanding of T cell recognition and of cell engineering technologies made novel therapies possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinrich Abken
- Department of Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Regensburg, Germany
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13
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Poorebrahim M, Mohammadkhani N, Mahmoudi R, Gholizadeh M, Fakhr E, Cid-Arregui A. TCR-like CARs and TCR-CARs targeting neoepitopes: an emerging potential. Cancer Gene Ther 2021; 28:581-589. [PMID: 33654227 PMCID: PMC8203496 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Neoepitopes or neoantigens are a spectrum of unique mutations presented in a particular patient's tumor. Neoepitope-based adoptive therapies have the potential of tumor eradication without undue damaging effect on normal tissues. In this context, methods based on the T cell receptor (TCR) engineering or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have shown great promise. This review focuses on the TCR-like CARs and TCR-CARs directed against tumor-derived epitopes, with a concerted view on neoepitopes. We also address the current limitations of the field to know how to harness the full benefits of this approach and thereby design a sustained and specific antitumor therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/therapeutic use
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Poorebrahim
- Targeted Tumor Vaccines Group, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Niloufar Mohammadkhani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Monireh Gholizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Fakhr
- Targeted Tumor Vaccines Group, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angel Cid-Arregui
- Targeted Tumor Vaccines Group, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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14
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Holzinger A, Abken H. [Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs): universal tools in adoptive cell therapy]. Internist (Berl) 2021; 62:583-588. [PMID: 33928413 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-021-01040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The observation that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) after ex vivo amplification can control tumors in the long term led to the concept of redirecting patients' cytolytic T‑cells by a receptor with defined specificity against the tumor. OBJECTIVES Development of a recombinant receptor-signal molecule (chimeric antigen receptor, CAR) to increase selectivity and enhance anti-tumor immunity. METHODS Description of a prototype CAR, overview of the modular composition and further development of CAR technology for use in adoptive immune cell therapy. RESULTS Intensive research over the last two decades has shown how CAR-mediated T‑cell activation is influenced by factors such as binding affinity, the epitope of the target antigen, its expression density and accessibility on the tumor cells, as well as by the signaling domains and their combination to induce T‑cell activation. The quality and duration of the T‑cell response can be specifically modulated by modifying the modular composition of the CAR; CAR T‑cells can act as "biopharmaceutical factories" (T-cells redirected for unrestricted cytokine-mediated killing, TRUCK) in the tissue by CAR-mediated release of transgenic therapeutic proteins. CONCLUSION Adoptive CAR T‑cell therapy has shown clinical efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies; the treatment of solid tumors, however, is more challenging. Allogeneic CAR T‑cell technology is aimed at generating "off-the-shelf" CAR T‑cells that are accessible for a large number of patients. A further promising approach is the use of CAR T‑cells for other therapeutic applications such as the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Holzinger
- Abteilung für Gen-Immuntherapie, RCI Regensburger Centrum für Interventionelle Immunologie, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland.,Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Deutschland
| | - H Abken
- Abteilung für Gen-Immuntherapie, RCI Regensburger Centrum für Interventionelle Immunologie, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Deutschland. .,Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Deutschland.
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15
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Machiyama H, Yamaguchi T, Watanabe TM, Yanagida T, Fujita H. Activation probability of a single naïve T cell upon TCR ligation is controlled by T cells interacting with the same antigen-presenting cell. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:1512-1524. [PMID: 33826750 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Accurate recognition of antigens by specific T cells is crucial for adaptive immunity to work properly. The activation of a T-cell antigen-specific response by an antigen-presenting cell (APC) has not been clearly measured at a single T-cell level. It is also unknown whether the cell-extrinsic environment alters antigen recognition by a T cell. To measure the activation probability of a single T cell by an APC, we performed a single-cell live imaging assay and found that the activation probability changes depending not only on the antigens but also on the interactions of other T cells with the APC. We found that the specific reactivity of single naïve T cells was poor. However, their antigen-specific reactivity increased drastically when attached to an APC interacting with activated T cells. Activation of T cells was suppressed when regulatory T cells interacted with the APC. These findings suggest that although the ability of APCs to activate an antigen-specific naïve T cell is low at a single-cell level, the surrounding environment of APCs improves the specificity of the bulk response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Machiyama
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Immunology, Tokyo Medical University, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yamaguchi
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Research Institute, Nozaki Tokushukai Hospital, Daito, Japan
| | - Tomonobu M Watanabe
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Comprehensive Bioimaging, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Japan
| | - Toshio Yanagida
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Comprehensive Bioimaging, Kobe, Japan.,Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Suita, Japan
| | - Hideaki Fujita
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Comprehensive Bioimaging, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Japan
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16
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Comprehensive mutagenesis identifies the peptide repertoire of a p53 T-cell receptor mimic antibody that displays no toxicity in mice transgenic for human HLA-A*0201. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249967. [PMID: 33836029 PMCID: PMC8034716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell receptor mimic (TCRm) antibodies have expanded the repertoire of antigens targetable by monoclonal antibodies, to include peptides derived from intracellular proteins that are presented by major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules on the cell surface. We have previously used this approach to target p53, which represents a valuable target for cancer immunotherapy because of the high frequency of its deregulation by mutation or other mechanisms. The T1-116C TCRm antibody targets the wild type p5365-73 peptide (RMPEAAPPV) presented by HLA-A*0201 (HLA-A2) and exhibited in vivo efficacy against triple receptor negative breast cancer xenografts. Here we report a comprehensive mutational analysis of the p53 RMPEAAPPV peptide to assess the T1-116C epitope and its peptide specificity. Antibody binding absolutely required the N-terminal arginine residue, while amino acids in the center of the peptide contributed little to specificity. Data mining the immune epitope database with the T1-116C binding consensus and validation of peptide recognition using the T2 stabilization assay identified additional tumor antigens targeted by T1-116C, including WT1, gp100, Tyrosinase and NY-ESO-1. Most peptides recognized by T1-116C were conserved in mice and human HLA-A2 transgenic mice showed no toxicity when treated with T1-116C in vivo. We conclude that comprehensive validation of TCRm antibody target specificity is critical for assessing their safety profile.
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17
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Hsiue EHC, Wright KM, Douglass J, Hwang MS, Mog BJ, Pearlman AH, Paul S, DiNapoli SR, Konig MF, Wang Q, Schaefer A, Miller MS, Skora AD, Azurmendi PA, Murphy MB, Liu Q, Watson E, Li Y, Pardoll DM, Bettegowda C, Papadopoulos N, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B, Gabelli SB, Zhou S. Targeting a neoantigen derived from a common TP53 mutation. Science 2021; 371:eabc8697. [PMID: 33649166 PMCID: PMC8208645 DOI: 10.1126/science.abc8697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
TP53 (tumor protein p53) is the most commonly mutated cancer driver gene, but drugs that target mutant tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53, are not yet available. Here, we describe the identification of an antibody highly specific to the most common TP53 mutation (R175H, in which arginine at position 175 is replaced with histidine) in complex with a common human leukocyte antigen-A (HLA-A) allele on the cell surface. We describe the structural basis of this specificity and its conversion into an immunotherapeutic agent: a bispecific single-chain diabody. Despite the extremely low p53 peptide-HLA complex density on the cancer cell surface, the bispecific antibody effectively activated T cells to lyse cancer cells that presented the neoantigen in vitro and in mice. This approach could in theory be used to target cancers containing mutations that are difficult to target in conventional ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Han-Chung Hsiue
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Katharine M Wright
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jacqueline Douglass
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Michael S Hwang
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Brian J Mog
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Alexander H Pearlman
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Suman Paul
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sarah R DiNapoli
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Qing Wang
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Complete Omics, Baltimore, MD 21227, USA
| | - Annika Schaefer
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Michelle S Miller
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Andrew D Skora
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - P Aitana Azurmendi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | - Qiang Liu
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Evangeline Watson
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yana Li
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nickolas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kenneth W Kinzler
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shibin Zhou
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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18
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Ochi T, Maruta M, Tanimoto K, Kondo F, Yamamoto T, Kurata M, Fujiwara H, Masumoto J, Takenaka K, Yasukawa M. A single-chain antibody generation system yielding CAR-T cells with superior antitumor function. Commun Biol 2021; 4:273. [PMID: 33654176 PMCID: PMC7925539 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01791-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using T cells redirected with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has shown a lot of promise. We have established a single-chain antibody (scFv) generation system in which scFv library-expressing CAR-T cells can be screened appropriately based on their antitumor functions. A variable region library containing the variable and J regions of the human immunoglobulin light or heavy chain was fused with the variable region of a heavy or light chain encoded by an existing tumor-specific antibody to generate a new scFv library. Then, scFv library-expressing CAR-T cells were generated and stimulated with target cells to concentrate the antigen-specific population. Using this system, target-specific recognition of CAR-T cells appeared to be finely tuned by selecting a new variable region. Importantly, we have demonstrated that the newly optimized scFv-expressing CAR-T cells had better proliferation capacity and durable phenotypes, enabling superior reactivity against advanced tumors in vivo in comparison with the original CAR-T cells. Therefore, the optimization of an scFv is needed to maximize the in vivo antitumor functions of CAR-T cells. This system may allow us to adjust an immunological synapse formed by an scFv expressed by CAR-T cells and a target antigen, representing an ideal form of CAR-T-cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Ochi
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan.
- Division of Immune Regulation, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan.
| | - Masaki Maruta
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kazushi Tanimoto
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Fumitake Kondo
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Yamamoto
- Department of Analytical Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Mie Kurata
- Department of Analytical Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Division of Pathology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Junya Masumoto
- Department of Analytical Pathology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Division of Pathology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Katsuto Takenaka
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masaki Yasukawa
- Division of Immune Regulation, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Ehime Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Tobe, Ehime, Japan
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19
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Robinson RA, McMurran C, McCully ML, Cole DK. Engineering soluble T-cell receptors for therapy. FEBS J 2021; 288:6159-6173. [PMID: 33624424 PMCID: PMC8596704 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy approaches that target peptide-human leukocyte antigen (pHLA) complexes are becoming highly attractive because of their potential to access virtually all foreign and cellular proteins. For this reason, there has been considerable interest in the development of the natural ligand for pHLA, the T-cell receptor (TCR), as a soluble drug to target disease-associated pHLA presented at the cell surface. However, native TCR stability is suboptimal for soluble drug development, and natural TCRs generally have weak affinities for pHLAs, limiting their potential to reach efficacious receptor occupancy levels as soluble drugs. To overcome these limitations and make full use of the TCR as a soluble drug platform, several protein engineering solutions have been applied to TCRs to enhance both their stability and affinity, with a focus on retaining target specificity and selectivity. Here, we review these advances and look to the future for the next generation of soluble TCR-based therapies that can target monomorphic HLA-like proteins presenting both peptide and nonpeptide antigens.
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20
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Holland CJ, Crean RM, Pentier JM, de Wet B, Lloyd A, Srikannathasan V, Lissin N, Lloyd KA, Blicher TH, Conroy PJ, Hock M, Pengelly RJ, Spinner TE, Cameron B, Potter EA, Jeyanthan A, Molloy PE, Sami M, Aleksic M, Liddy N, Robinson RA, Harper S, Lepore M, Pudney CR, van der Kamp MW, Rizkallah PJ, Jakobsen BK, Vuidepot A, Cole DK. Specificity of bispecific T cell receptors and antibodies targeting peptide-HLA. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:2673-2688. [PMID: 32310221 DOI: 10.1172/jci130562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated peptide-human leukocyte antigen complexes (pHLAs) represent the largest pool of cell surface-expressed cancer-specific epitopes, making them attractive targets for cancer therapies. Soluble bispecific molecules that incorporate an anti-CD3 effector function are being developed to redirect T cells against these targets using 2 different approaches. The first achieves pHLA recognition via affinity-enhanced versions of natural TCRs (e.g., immune-mobilizing monoclonal T cell receptors against cancer [ImmTAC] molecules), whereas the second harnesses an antibody-based format (TCR-mimic antibodies). For both classes of reagent, target specificity is vital, considering the vast universe of potential pHLA molecules that can be presented on healthy cells. Here, we made use of structural, biochemical, and computational approaches to investigate the molecular rules underpinning the reactivity patterns of pHLA-targeting bispecifics. We demonstrate that affinity-enhanced TCRs engage pHLA using a comparatively broad and balanced energetic footprint, with interactions distributed over several HLA and peptide side chains. As ImmTAC molecules, these TCRs also retained a greater degree of pHLA selectivity, with less off-target activity in cellular assays. Conversely, TCR-mimic antibodies tended to exhibit binding modes focused more toward hot spots on the HLA surface and exhibited a greater degree of crossreactivity. Our findings extend our understanding of the basic principles that underpin pHLA selectivity and exemplify a number of molecular approaches that can be used to probe the specificity of pHLA-targeting molecules, aiding the development of future reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rory M Crean
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry and.,Doctoral Training Centre in Sustainable Chemical Technologies, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ben de Wet
- Immunocore Ltd., Milton Park, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Katy A Lloyd
- Immunocore Ltd., Milton Park, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul J Conroy
- Immunocore Ltd., Milton Park, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Hock
- Immunocore Ltd., Milton Park, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Brian Cameron
- Immunocore Ltd., Milton Park, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Malkit Sami
- Immunocore Ltd., Milton Park, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Milos Aleksic
- Immunocore Ltd., Milton Park, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Marco Lepore
- Immunocore Ltd., Milton Park, Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Pierre J Rizkallah
- Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - David K Cole
- Immunocore Ltd., Milton Park, Abingdon, United Kingdom.,Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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21
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Jones HF, Molvi Z, Klatt MG, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Empirical and Rational Design of T Cell Receptor-Based Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2021; 11:585385. [PMID: 33569049 PMCID: PMC7868419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.585385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of T cells reactive with intracellular tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens has been a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapies in the past three decades, but the approach has been constrained by a limited understanding of the T cell receptor’s (TCR) complex functions and specificities. Newer TCR and T cell-based approaches are in development, including engineered adoptive T cells with enhanced TCR affinities, TCR mimic antibodies, and T cell-redirecting bispecific agents. These new therapeutic modalities are exciting opportunities by which TCR recognition can be further exploited for therapeutic benefit. In this review we summarize the development of TCR-based therapeutic strategies and focus on balancing efficacy and potency versus specificity, and hence, possible toxicity, of these powerful therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather F Jones
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Martin G Klatt
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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22
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Trendel N, Kruger P, Gaglione S, Nguyen J, Pettmann J, Sontag ED, Dushek O. Perfect adaptation of CD8 + T cell responses to constant antigen input over a wide range of affinities is overcome by costimulation. Sci Signal 2021; 14:eaay9363. [PMID: 34855472 PMCID: PMC7615691 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aay9363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Reduced T cell responses by contrast antigen stimulation can be rescued by signals from costimulatory receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Trendel
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
| | - Philipp Kruger
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephanie Gaglione
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
| | - John Nguyen
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
| | - Johannes Pettmann
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
| | - Eduardo D Sontag
- Electrical and Computer Engineering & Bioengineering, Northeastern University, USA
| | - Omer Dushek
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
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23
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Dragon AC, Zimmermann K, Nerreter T, Sandfort D, Lahrberg J, Klöß S, Kloth C, Mangare C, Bonifacius A, Tischer-Zimmermann S, Blasczyk R, Maecker-Kolhoff B, Uchanska-Ziegler B, Abken H, Schambach A, Hudecek M, Eiz-Vesper B. CAR-T cells and TRUCKs that recognize an EBNA-3C-derived epitope presented on HLA-B*35 control Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferation. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-000736. [PMID: 33127653 PMCID: PMC7604878 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immunosuppressive therapy or T-cell depletion in transplant patients can cause uncontrolled growth of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected B cells resulting in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Current treatment options do not distinguish between healthy and malignant B cells and are thereby often limited by severe side effects in the already immunocompromised patients. To specifically target EBV-infected B cells, we developed a novel peptide-selective chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based on the monoclonal antibody TÜ165 which recognizes an Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA)−3C-derived peptide in HLA-B*35 context in a T-cell receptor (TCR)-like manner. In order to attract additional immune cells to proximity of PTLD cells, based on the TÜ165 CAR, we moreover generated T cells redirected for universal cytokine-mediated killing (TRUCKs), which induce interleukin (IL)-12 release on target contact. Methods TÜ165-based CAR-T cells (CAR-Ts) and TRUCKs with inducible IL-12 expression in an all-in-one construct were generated. Functionality of the engineered cells was assessed in co-cultures with EBNA-3C-peptide-loaded, HLA-B*35-expressing K562 cells and EBV-infected B cells as PTLD model. IL-12, secreted by TRUCKs on target contact, was further tested for its chemoattractive and activating potential towards monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. Results After co-cultivation with EBV target cells, TÜ165 CAR-Ts and TRUCKs showed an increased activation marker expression (CD137, CD25) and release of proinflammatory cytokines (interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α). Moreover, TÜ165 CAR-Ts and TRUCKs released apoptosis-inducing mediators (granzyme B and perforin) and were capable to specifically lyse EBV-positive target cells. Live cell imaging revealed a specific attraction of TÜ165 CAR-Ts around EBNA-3C-peptide-loaded target cells. Of note, TÜ165 TRUCKs with inducible IL-12 showed highly improved effector functions and additionally led to recruitment of monocyte and NK cell lines. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that TÜ165 CAR-Ts recognize EBV peptide/HLA complexes in a TCR-like manner and thereby allow for recognizing an intracellular EBV target. TÜ165 TRUCKs equipped with inducible IL-12 expression responded even more effectively and released IL-12 recruited additional immune cells which are generally missing in proximity of lymphoproliferation in immunocompromised PTLD patients. This suggests a new and promising strategy to specifically target EBV-infected cells while sparing and mobilizing healthy immune cells and thereby enable control of EBV-associated lymphoproliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Christina Dragon
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - Katharina Zimmermann
- Institute for Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - Thomas Nerreter
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Wuerzburg, Bayern, Germany
| | - Deborah Sandfort
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - Julia Lahrberg
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - Stephan Klöß
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany
| | - Christina Kloth
- Institute for Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - Caroline Mangare
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - Agnes Bonifacius
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - Sabine Tischer-Zimmermann
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - Rainer Blasczyk
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | - Britta Maecker-Kolhoff
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
| | | | - Hinrich Abken
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Department of Genetic Immunotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg, Bayern, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute for Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Wuerzburg, Bayern, Germany
| | - Britta Eiz-Vesper
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany
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24
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Gudipati V, Rydzek J, Doel-Perez I, Gonçalves VDR, Scharf L, Königsberger S, Lobner E, Kunert R, Einsele H, Stockinger H, Hudecek M, Huppa JB. Inefficient CAR-proximal signaling blunts antigen sensitivity. Nat Immunol 2020; 21:848-856. [PMID: 32632291 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-020-0719-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Rational design of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with optimized anticancer performance mandates detailed knowledge of how CARs engage tumor antigens and how antigen engagement triggers activation. We analyzed CAR-mediated antigen recognition via quantitative, single-molecule, live-cell imaging and found the sensitivity of CAR T cells toward antigen approximately 1,000-times reduced as compared to T cell antigen-receptor-mediated recognition of nominal peptide-major histocompatibility complexes. While CARs outperformed T cell antigen receptors with regard to antigen binding within the immunological synapse, proximal signaling was significantly attenuated due to inefficient recruitment of the tyrosine-protein kinase ZAP-70 to ligated CARs and its reduced concomitant activation and subsequent release. Our study exposes signaling deficiencies of state-of-the-art CAR designs, which presently limit the efficacy of CAR T cell therapies to target tumors with diminished antigen expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venugopal Gudipati
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julian Rydzek
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Iago Doel-Perez
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Lydia Scharf
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Königsberger
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Lobner
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Kunert
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Johannes B Huppa
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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25
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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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26
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Abstract
As a specifically programmable, living immunotherapeutic drug, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells are providing an alternative treatment option for a broad variety of diseases including so far refractory cancer. By recognizing a tumor-associated antigen, the CAR triggers an anti-tumor response of engineered patient's T cells achieving lasting remissions in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. During the last years, significant progress was made in optimizing the CAR design, in manufacturing CAR-engineered T cells, and in the clinical management of patients showing promise to establish adoptive CAR T cell therapy as an effective treatment option in the forefront.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Holzinger
- RCI Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
- Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, RCI c/o University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- RCI Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
- Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, RCI c/o University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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27
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Targeting mutant p53-expressing tumours with a T cell receptor-like antibody specific for a wild-type antigen. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5382. [PMID: 31772160 PMCID: PMC6879612 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13305-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of mutant p53 proteins is frequently found in a wide range of cancers. While conventional antibodies fail to target intracellular proteins, proteosomal degradation results in the presentation of p53-derived peptides on the tumour cell surface by class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Elevated levels of such p53-derived peptide-MHCs on tumour cells potentially differentiate them from healthy tissues. Here, we report the engineering of an affinity-matured human antibody, P1C1TM, specific for the unmutated p53125-134 peptide in complex with the HLA-A24 class I MHC molecule. We show that P1C1TM distinguishes between mutant and wild-type p53 expressing HLA-A24+ cells, and mediates antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity of mutant p53 expressing cells in vitro. Furthermore, we show that cytotoxic PNU-159682-P1C1TM drug conjugates specifically inhibit growth of mutant p53 expressing cells in vitro and in vivo. Hence, p53-associated peptide-MHCs are attractive targets for the immunotherapy against mutant p53 expressing tumours. Several cancers harbour mutant p53 and express higher levels of p53-derived peptide-MHCs. Here, the authors report affinity matured human antibody, P1C1TM, specific for the p53125-134 peptide in complex with the HLA-A24 class I MHC molecule and show its efficacy and specificity for mutant p53 expressing tumours.
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28
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Yang X, Xie S, Yang X, Cueva JC, Hou X, Tang Z, Yao H, Mo F, Yin S, Liu A, Lu X. Opportunities and Challenges for Antibodies against Intracellular Antigens. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:7792-7806. [PMID: 31695801 PMCID: PMC6831482 DOI: 10.7150/thno.35486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies are one most significant advances in immunotherapy, the development of antibodies against disease-associated MHC-peptide complexes led to the introduction of TCR-like antibodies. TCR-like antibodies combine the recognition of intracellular proteins with the therapeutic potency and versatility of monoclonal antibodies (mAb), offering an unparalleled opportunity to expand the repertoire of therapeutic antibodies available to treat diseases like cancer. This review details the current state of TCR-like antibodies and describes their production, mechanisms as well as their applications. In addition, it presents an insight on the challenges that they must overcome in order to become commercially and clinically validated.
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29
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Novel chimeric antigen receptor T cells based on T-cell receptor-like antibodies. BLOOD SCIENCE 2019; 1:144-147. [PMID: 35402807 PMCID: PMC8975006 DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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30
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Direct comparison of target-reactivity and cross-reactivity induced by CAR- and BiTE-redirected T cells for the development of antibody-based T-cell therapy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13293. [PMID: 31527633 PMCID: PMC6746725 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49834-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) has led to the successful application of cancer immunotherapy. The potential reactivity mediated by CAR- and BiTE-redirected T cells needs to be assessed to facilitate the application of these treatment options to a broader range of patients. Here, we have generated CAR and BiTE possessing the same single chain fragment variable (scFv) specific for the HLA-A2/NY-ESO-1157-165 complex (A2/NY-ESO-1157). Using HLA-A2+NY-ESO-1+ myeloma cells and peptides presented by HLA-A2 molecules as a model, both sets of redirected T cells recognized and killed HLA-A2+NY-ESO-1+ myeloma cells in an A2/NY-ESO-1157-specific manner in vitro. Moreover, CAR- and BiTE-activated T cells showed similar functional avidity, as assessed by cytokine production and killing activity, both displaying antitumor reactivity against HLA-A2+NY-ESO-1+ myeloma cells in vivo. Interestingly, cross-reactivity for homologous peptides presented by HLA-A*02:01 and NY-ESO-1157 peptide presented by HLA-A2 alleles was not identical between CAR- and BiTE-redirected T cells, probably due to structural differences of modified antibodies. These results have demonstrated that both antitumor CAR- and BiTE-activated T cells have comparable potential to recognize tumors, while paying attention to unknown off-target reactivity that would differ for each antibody-based modality even if the same scFv was employed.
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31
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He Q, Liu Z, Liu Z, Lai Y, Zhou X, Weng J. TCR-like antibodies in cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:99. [PMID: 31521180 PMCID: PMC6744646 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0788-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been regarded as the most significant scientific breakthrough of 2013, and antibody therapy is at the core of this breakthrough. Despite significant success achieved in recent years, it is still difficult to target intracellular antigens of tumor cells with traditional antibodies, and novel therapeutic strategies are needed. T cell receptor (TCR)-like antibodies comprise a novel family of antibodies that can recognize peptide/MHC complexes on tumor cell surfaces. TCR-like antibodies can execute specific and significant anti-tumor immunity through several distinct molecular mechanisms, and the success of this type of antibody therapy in melanoma, leukemia, and breast, colon, and prostate tumor models has excited researchers in the immunotherapy field. Here, we summarize the generation strategy, function, and molecular mechanisms of TCR-like antibodies described in publications, focusing on the most significant discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua He
- Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Zhaoyu Liu
- Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Yuxiong Lai
- Department of Center Laboratory, 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, 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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32
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Ying G, Wang J, Mallevaey T, Van Calenbergh S, Zajonc DM. Structural basis of NKT cell inhibition using the T-cell receptor-blocking anti-CD1d antibody 1B1. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12947-12956. [PMID: 31296659 PMCID: PMC6721955 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009403] [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: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of T lymphocytes that recognize glycolipid antigens presented by the CD1d molecule (CD1d). They rapidly respond to antigen challenge and can activate both innate and adaptive immune cells. To study the role of antigen presentation in NKT cell activation, previous studies have developed several anti-CD1d antibodies that block CD1d binding to T-cell receptors (TCRs). Antibodies that are specific to both CD1d and the presented antigen can only be used to study the function of only a limited number of antigens. In contrast, antibodies that bind CD1d and block TCR binding regardless of the presented antigen can be widely used to assess the role of TCR-mediated NKT cell activation in various disease models. Here, we report the crystal structure of the widely used anti-mouse CD1d antibody 1B1 bound to CD1d at a resolution of 2.45 Å and characterized its binding to CD1d-presented glycolipids. We observed that 1B1 uses a long hydrophobic H3 loop that is inserted deep into the binding groove of CD1d where it makes intimate nonpolar contacts with the lipid backbone of an incorporated spacer lipid. Using an NKT cell agonist that has a modified sphingosine moiety, we further demonstrate that 1B1 in its monovalent form cannot block TCR-mediated NKT cell activation, because 1B1 fails to bind with high affinity to mCD1d. Our results suggest potential limitations of using 1B1 to assess antigen recognition by NKT cells, especially when investigating antigens that do not follow the canonical two alkyl-chain rule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Ying
- Division of Immune Regulation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Jing Wang
- Division of Immune Regulation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Thierry Mallevaey
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (FFW), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk M. Zajonc
- Division of Immune Regulation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037,Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium, To whom correspondence should be addressed:
Cancer Immunology Discovery, Pfizer, San Diego, CA 92121. E-mail:
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33
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Novel TCR-based biologics: mobilising T cells to warm 'cold' tumours. Cancer Treat Rev 2019; 77:35-43. [PMID: 31207478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapeutic strategies have revolutionised cancer therapy in recent years, bringing meaningful improvements in outcomes for patients with previously intractable conditions. These successes have, however, been largely limited to certain types of liquid tumours and a small subset of solid tumours that are known to be particularly immunogenic. Broadening these advances across the majority of tumour indications, which are characterised by an immune-excluded, immune-deserted or immune-suppressed ('cold') phenotype, will require alternative approaches that are able to specifically address this unique biological environment. Several newer therapeutic modalities, including adoptive cell therapy and T cell redirecting bispecific molecules, are considered to hold particular promise and are being investigated in early phase clinical trials across various solid tumour indications. ImmTAC molecules are a novel class of T cell redirecting bispecific biologics that exploit TCR-based targeting of tumour cells; providing potent and highly specific access to the vast landscape of intracellular targets. The first of these reagents to reach the clinic, tebentafusp (IMCgp100), has generated demonstrable clinical efficacy in an immunologically cold solid tumour with a high unmet need. Here, we highlight the key elements of the ImmTAC platform that make it ideally positioned to overcome the cold tumour microenvironment in an off-the-shelf format.
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34
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Targeting the MHC Ligandome by Use of TCR-Like Antibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:antib8020032. [PMID: 31544838 PMCID: PMC6640717 DOI: 10.3390/antib8020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are valuable as research reagents, in diagnosis and in therapy. Their high specificity, the ease in production, favorable biophysical properties and the opportunity to engineer different properties make mAbs a versatile class of biologics. mAbs targeting peptide–major histocompatibility molecule (pMHC) complexes are often referred to as “TCR-like” mAbs, as pMHC complexes are generally recognized by T-cell receptors (TCRs). Presentation of self- and non-self-derived peptide fragments on MHC molecules and subsequent activation of T cells dictate immune responses in health and disease. This includes responses to infectious agents or cancer but also aberrant responses against harmless self-peptides in autoimmune diseases. The ability of TCR-like mAbs to target specific peptides presented on MHC allows for their use to study peptide presentation or for diagnosis and therapy. This extends the scope of conventional mAbs, which are generally limited to cell-surface or soluble antigens. Herein, we review the strategies used to generate TCR-like mAbs and provide a structural comparison with the analogous TCR in pMHC binding. We further discuss their applications as research tools and therapeutic reagents in preclinical models as well as challenges and limitations associated with their use.
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35
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Mardiana S, Lai J, House IG, Beavis PA, Darcy PK. Switching on the green light for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Clin Transl Immunology 2019; 8:e1046. [PMID: 31073403 PMCID: PMC6500780 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy involving genetic modification of T cells with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transgene offers a promising strategy to broaden the efficacy of this approach for the effective treatment of cancer. Although remarkable antitumor responses have been observed following CAR T‐cell therapy in a subset of B‐cell malignancies, this has yet to be extended in the context of solid cancers. A number of promising strategies involving reprogramming the tumor microenvironment, increasing the specificity and safety of gene‐modified T cells and harnessing the endogenous immune response have been tested in preclinical models that may have a significant impact in patients with solid cancers. This review will discuss these exciting new developments and the challenges that must be overcome to deliver a more sustained and potent therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherly Mardiana
- Cancer Immunology Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Junyun Lai
- Cancer Immunology Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Imran Geoffrey House
- Cancer Immunology Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Paul Andrew Beavis
- Cancer Immunology Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Phillip Kevin Darcy
- Cancer Immunology Program Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia.,Department of Pathology University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia.,Department of Immunology Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
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36
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CAR T Cells: A Snapshot on the Growing Options to Design a CAR. Hemasphere 2019; 3:e172. [PMID: 31723811 PMCID: PMC6745938 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy of malignant diseases with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T cells rapidly advanced from pre-clinical models to commercial approvals within 2 decades. CARs redirect patient's T cells towards cancer cells and activate the engineered cells for a cytolytic attack resulting in the destruction of the cognate target cell. CAR T cells have demonstrated their powerful capacities in inducing complete and lasting remissions of leukemia/lymphoma in an increasing number of trials worldwide. Since the early 90's, the design of CARs went through various steps of optimization until the very recent developments which include CARs with logic gating in the recognition of antigen patterns on target cells and TRUCKs with a target recognition induced delivery of immune modulating agents. Here we review the generations in CAR design, the impact of specific modifications, the strategies to improve the safety of CAR T cell therapy, and the challenges to adapt the CAR design for broader applications.
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Xu Y, Salazar GT, Zhang N, An Z. T-cell receptor mimic (TCRm) antibody therapeutics against intracellular proteins. Antib Ther 2019; 2:22-32. [PMID: 33928218 PMCID: PMC7990144 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbz001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell receptor mimic (TCRm) antibodies combine the capacity of a T cell to target intracellular antigens with other capacities unique to antibodies. Neoantigens are abnormal proteins that arise as a consequence of somatic mutations. Technological advances promote the development of neoantigen-targeting therapies including TCRm antibody therapies. This review summarizes key characteristics of TCRm antibodies, in particular those targeting neoantigens, and further introduces discussion of obstacles that must be overcome to advance TCRm therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Xu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Georgina To'a Salazar
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Antitumor activity of CAR-T cells targeting the intracellular oncoprotein WT1 can be enhanced by vaccination. Blood 2018; 132:1134-1145. [PMID: 30045840 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-08-802926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy for treatment of hematologic malignancies supports further development of treatments for both liquid and solid tumors. However, expansion of CAR-T cell therapy is limited by the availability of surface antigens specific for the tumor while sparing normal cells. There is a rich diversity of tumor antigens from intracellularly expressed proteins that current and conventional CAR-T cells are unable to target. Furthermore, adoptively transferred T cells often suffer from exhaustion and insufficient expansion, in part, because of the immunosuppressive mechanisms operating in tumor-bearing hosts. Therefore, it is necessary to develop means to further activate and expand those CAR-T cells in vivo. The Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) is an intracellular oncogenic transcription factor that is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy because of its overexpression in a wide range of leukemias and solid tumors, and a low level of expression in normal adult tissues. In the present study, we developed CAR-T cells consisting of a single chain variable fragment (scFv) specific to the WT1235-243/HLA-A*2402 complex. The therapeutic efficacy of our CAR-T cells was demonstrated in a xenograft model, which was further enhanced by vaccination with dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with the corresponding antigen. This enhanced efficacy was mediated, at least partly, by the expansion and activation of CAR-T cells. CAR-T cells shown in the present study not only demonstrate the potential to expand the range of targets available to CAR-T cells, but also provide a proof of concept that efficacy of CAR-T cells targeting peptide/major histocompatibility complex can be boosted by vaccination.
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Ahmed M, Lopez-Albaitero A, Pankov D, Santich BH, Liu H, Yan S, Xiang J, Wang P, Hasan AN, Selvakumar A, O'Reilly RJ, Liu C, Cheung NKV. TCR-mimic bispecific antibodies targeting LMP2A show potent activity against EBV malignancies. JCI Insight 2018; 3:97805. [PMID: 29467338 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.97805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
EBV infection is associated with a number of malignancies of clinical unmet need, including Hodgkin lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric cancer, and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD), all of which express the EBV protein latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A), an antigen that is difficult to target by conventional antibody approaches. To overcome this, we utilized phage display technology and a structure-guided selection strategy to generate human T cell receptor-like (TCR-like) monoclonal antibodies with exquisite specificity for the LMP2A-derived nonamer peptide, C426LGGLLTMV434 (CLG), as presented on HLA-A*02:01. Our lead construct, clone 38, closely mimics the native binding mode of a TCR, recognizing residues at position P3-P8 of the CLG peptide. To enhance antitumor potency, we constructed dimeric T cell engaging bispecific antibodies (DiBsAb) of clone 38 and an affinity-matured version clone 38-2. Both DiBsAb showed potent antitumor properties in vitro and in immunodeficient mice implanted with EBV transformed B lymphoblastoid cell lines and human T cell effectors. Clone 38 DiBsAb showed a stronger safety profile compared with its affinity-matured variant, with no activity against EBV- tumor cell lines and a panel of normal tissues, and was less cross-reactive against HLA-A*02:01 cells pulsed with a panel of CLG-like peptides predicted from a proteomic analysis. Clone 38 was also shown to recognize the CLG peptide on other HLA-A*02 suballeles, including HLA-A*02:02, HLA-A*02:04, and HLA-A*02:06, allowing for its potential use in additional populations. Clone 38 DiBsAb is a lead candidate to treat EBV malignancies with one of the strongest safety profiles documented for TCR-like mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andres Lopez-Albaitero
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dmitry Pankov
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brian H Santich
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hong Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Su Yan
- Eureka Therapeutics, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Jingyi Xiang
- Eureka Therapeutics, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Pei Wang
- Eureka Therapeutics, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Aisha N Hasan
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Annamalai Selvakumar
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard J O'Reilly
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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40
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Vdovin AS, Bykova NA, Efimov GA. T Lymphocytes with Modified Specificity in the Therapy of Malignant Diseases. Mol Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893317060164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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41
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Zhou SJ, Wei J, Su S, Chen FJ, Qiu YD, Liu BR. Strategies for Bispecific Single Chain Antibody in Cancer Immunotherapy. J Cancer 2017; 8:3689-3696. [PMID: 29151956 PMCID: PMC5688922 DOI: 10.7150/jca.19501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering has resulted in more than 50 recombinant bispecific antibody formats over the past two decades. Bispecific scFv antibodies represent a successful and promising immunotherapy platform that retargets cytotoxic T cells to tumor cells, with one scFv directed to tumor-associated antigens and the other to T cells. Based on this antibody construct, strategies for both specific tumor targeting and T cell activation are reviewed here. Three distinct types of tumor antigens are considered to optimize specificity and safety in bispecific scFv based treatment: cancer-testis antigens, neo-antigens and virus-associated antigens. In terms of T cell activation, although CD3 has been widely applied in bispecific scFvs being developed, CD28 and CD137 among co-stimulatory signals are also ideal candidates to be evaluated. Besides, LIGHT and HIV-Tat101 have drawn much attention as their potential roles in modulating antitumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Juan Zhou
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Su
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang-Jun Chen
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Dong Qiu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bao-Rui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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42
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Sadelain M, Rivière I, Riddell S. Therapeutic T cell engineering. Nature 2017; 545:423-431. [PMID: 28541315 DOI: 10.1038/nature22395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 549] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered T cells are powerful new medicines, offering hope for curative responses in patients with cancer. Chimaeric antigen receptors (CARs) are a class of synthetic receptors that reprogram lymphocyte specificity and function. CARs targeting CD19 have demonstrated remarkable potency in B cell malignancies. Engineered T cells are applicable in principle to many cancers, pending further progress to identify suitable target antigens, overcome immunosuppressive tumour microenvironments, reduce toxicities, and prevent antigen escape. Advances in the selection of optimal T cells, genetic engineering, and cell manufacturing are poised to broaden T-cell-based therapies and foster new applications in infectious diseases and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Sadelain
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Isabelle Rivière
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Stanley Riddell
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
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43
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Trenevska I, Li D, Banham AH. Therapeutic Antibodies against Intracellular Tumor Antigens. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1001. [PMID: 28868054 PMCID: PMC5563323 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies are among the most clinically effective drugs used to treat cancer. However, their target repertoire is limited as there are relatively few tumor-specific or tumor-associated cell surface or soluble antigens. Intracellular molecules represent nearly half of the human proteome and provide an untapped reservoir of potential therapeutic targets. Antibodies have been developed to target externalized antigens, have also been engineered to enter into cells or may be expressed intracellularly with the aim of binding intracellular antigens. Furthermore, intracellular proteins can be degraded by the proteasome into short, commonly 8-10 amino acid long, peptides that are presented on the cell surface in the context of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules. These tumor-associated peptide-MHC-I complexes can then be targeted by antibodies known as T-cell receptor mimic (TCRm) or T-cell receptor (TCR)-like antibodies, which recognize epitopes comprising both the peptide and the MHC-I molecule, similar to the recognition of such complexes by the TCR on T cells. Advances in the production of TCRm antibodies have enabled the generation of multiple TCRm antibodies, which have been tested in vitro and in vivo, expanding our understanding of their mechanisms of action and the importance of target epitope selection and expression. This review will summarize multiple approaches to targeting intracellular antigens with therapeutic antibodies, in particular describing the production and characterization of TCRm antibodies, the factors influencing their target identification, their advantages and disadvantages in the context of TCR therapies, and the potential to advance TCRm-based therapies into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Trenevska
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Demin Li
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alison H Banham
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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44
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Maus MV, Plotkin J, Jakka G, Stewart-Jones G, Rivière I, Merghoub T, Wolchok J, Renner C, Sadelain M. An MHC-restricted antibody-based chimeric antigen receptor requires TCR-like affinity to maintain antigen specificity. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2017; 3:1-9. [PMID: 29675462 PMCID: PMC5904357 DOI: 10.1038/mto.2016.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are synthetic receptors that usually redirect T cells to surface antigens independent of human leukocyte antigen (HLA). Here, we investigated a T cell receptor-like CAR based on an antibody that recognizes HLA-A*0201 presenting a peptide epitope derived from the cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1. We hypothesized that this CAR would efficiently redirect transduced T cells in an HLA-restricted, antigen-specific manner. However, we found that despite the specificity of the soluble Fab, the same antibody in the form of a CAR caused moderate lysis of HLA-A2 expressing targets independent of antigen owing to T cell avidity. We hypothesized that lowering the affinity of the CAR for HLA-A2 would improve its specificity. We undertook a rational approach of mutating residues that, in the crystal structure, were predicted to stabilize binding to HLA-A2. We found that one mutation (DN) lowered the affinity of the Fab to T cell receptor-range and restored the epitope specificity of the CAR. DN CAR T cells lysed native tumor targets in vitro, and, in a xenogeneic mouse model implanted with two human melanoma lines (A2+/NYESO+ and A2+/NYESO−), DN CAR T cells specifically migrated to, and delayed progression of, only the HLA-A2+/NY-ESO-1+ melanoma. Thus, although maintaining MHC-restricted antigen specificity required T cell receptor-like affinity that decreased potency, there is exciting potential for CARs to expand their repertoire to include a broad range of intracellular antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela V Maus
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason Plotkin
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gopinadh Jakka
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Guillaume Stewart-Jones
- Division of Structural Biology, Welcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Isabelle Rivière
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Taha Merghoub
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Swim Across America Laboratory, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jedd Wolchok
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Swim Across America Laboratory, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christoph Renner
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Weill-Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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45
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Reis M, Ogonek J, Qesari M, Borges NM, Nicholson L, Preußner L, Dickinson AM, Wang XN, Weissinger EM, Richter A. Recent Developments in Cellular Immunotherapy for HSCT-Associated Complications. Front Immunol 2016; 7:500. [PMID: 27895644 PMCID: PMC5107577 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is associated with serious complications, and improvement of the overall clinical outcome of patients with hematological malignancies is necessary. During the last decades, posttransplant donor-derived adoptive cellular immunotherapeutic strategies have been progressively developed for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), infectious complications, and tumor relapses. To date, the common challenge of all these cell-based approaches is their implementation for clinical application. Establishing an appropriate manufacturing process, to guarantee safe and effective therapeutics with simultaneous consideration of economic requirements is one of the most critical hurdles. In this review, we will discuss the recent scientific findings, clinical experiences, and technological advances for cell processing toward the application of mesenchymal stromal cells as a therapy for treatment of severe GvHD, virus-specific T cells for targeting life-threating infections, and of chimeric antigen receptors-engineered T cells to treat relapsed leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Reis
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Justyna Ogonek
- Transplantation Biology, Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | | | - Nuno M Borges
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Lindsay Nicholson
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | | | - Anne Mary Dickinson
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Alcyomics Ltd., Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Xiao-Nong Wang
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Eva M Weissinger
- Transplantation Biology, Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Anne Richter
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH , Bergisch Gladbach , Germany
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46
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Gross G, Eshhar Z. Therapeutic Potential of T Cell Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) in Cancer Treatment: Counteracting Off-Tumor Toxicities for Safe CAR T Cell Therapy. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 56:59-83. [PMID: 26738472 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010814-124844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is a recombinant fusion protein combining an antibody-derived targeting fragment with signaling domains capable of activating T cells. Recent early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated the remarkable ability of CAR-modified T cells to eliminate B cell malignancies. This review describes the choice of target antigens and CAR manipulations to maximize antitumor specificity. Benefits and current limitations of CAR-modified T cells are discussed, with a special focus on the distribution of tumor antigens on normal tissues and the risk of on-target, off-tumor toxicities in the clinical setting. We present current methodologies for pre-evaluating these risks and review the strategies for counteracting potential off-tumor effects. Successful implementation of these approaches will improve the safety and efficacy of CAR T cell therapy and extend the range of cancer patients who may be treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Gross
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL, Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; .,Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 12210, Israel.,Center of Cancer Research, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
| | - Zelig Eshhar
- Center of Cancer Research, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel.,Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
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47
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Vu BT, Tan Le D, Van Pham P. Synergistic effect of chimeric antigen receptors and cytokineinduced killer cells: An innovative combination for cancer therapy. BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPY 2016. [DOI: 10.7603/s40730-016-0025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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48
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Abken H. Adoptive therapy with CAR redirected T cells: the challenges in targeting solid tumors. Immunotherapy 2016; 7:535-44. [PMID: 26065478 DOI: 10.2217/imt.15.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent spectacular success in the adoptive cell therapy of leukemia and lymphoma with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells raised the expectations that this therapy may be efficacious in a wide range of cancer entities. The expectations are based on the predefined specificity of CAR T cells by an antibody-derived binding domain that acts independently of the natural T-cell receptor, recognizes targets independently of presentation by the major histocompatibility complex and allows targeting toward virtually any cell surface antigen. We here discuss that targeting CAR T cells toward solid tumors faces certain circumstances critical for the therapeutic success. Targeting tumor stroma and taking advantage of TRUCK cells, in other words, CAR T cells with inducible release of a transgenic payload, are some strategies envisaged to overcome current limitations in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinrich Abken
- Clinic I Internal Medicine, Tumor Genetics, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, D-50931 Cologne, Germany
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49
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Rotolo A, Caputo V, Karadimitris A. The prospects and promise of chimeric antigen receptor immunotherapy in multiple myeloma. Br J Haematol 2016; 173:350-64. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Rotolo
- Centre for Haematology; Department of Medicine; Imperial College London; London UK
| | - Valentina Caputo
- Centre for Haematology; Department of Medicine; Imperial College London; London UK
| | - Anastasios Karadimitris
- Centre for Haematology; Department of Medicine; Imperial College London; London UK
- Department of Haematology; Hammersmith Hospital; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; London UK
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50
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Ataie N, Xiang J, Cheng N, Brea EJ, Lu W, Scheinberg DA, Liu C, Ng HL. Structure of a TCR-Mimic Antibody with Target Predicts Pharmacogenetics. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:194-205. [PMID: 26688548 PMCID: PMC4738012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Antibody therapies currently target only extracellular antigens. A strategy to recognize intracellular antigens is to target peptides presented by immune HLA receptors. ESK1 is a human, T-cell receptor (TCR)-mimic antibody that binds with subnanomolar affinity to the RMF peptide from the intracellular Wilms tumor oncoprotein WT1 in complex with HLA-A*02:01. ESK1 is therapeutically effective in mouse models of WT1(+) human cancers. TCR-based therapies have been presumed to be restricted to one HLA subtype. The mechanism for the specificity and high affinity of ESK1 is unknown. We show in a crystal structure that ESK1 Fab binds to RMF/HLA-A*02:01 in a mode different from that of TCRs. From the structure, we predict and then experimentally confirm high-affinity binding with multiple other HLA-A*02 subtypes, broadening the potential patient pool for ESK1 therapy. Using the crystal structure, we also predict potential off-target binding that we experimentally confirm. Our results demonstrate how protein structure information can contribute to personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Ataie
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Chemistry, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA
| | - Jingyi Xiang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Neal Cheng
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Elliott J Brea
- Sloan Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Wenjie Lu
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Chemistry, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Sloan Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Ho Leung Ng
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Chemistry, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA; University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA.
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