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Lin HK, Uricoli B, Freeman RM, Hossian AKMN, He Z, Anderson JYL, Neffling M, Legier JM, Blake DA, Doxie DB, Nair R, Koff JL, Dhodapkar KM, Shanmugam M, Dreaden EC, Rafiq S. Engineering Improved CAR T Cell Products with A Multi-Cytokine Particle Platform for Hematologic and Solid Tumors. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302425. [PMID: 38245855 PMCID: PMC11144092 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302425] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Despite the remarkable clinical efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in hematological malignancies, only a subset of patients achieves a durable complete response (dCR). DCR has been correlated with CAR T cell products enriched with T cells memory phenotypes. Therefore, reagents that consistently promote memory phenotypes during the manufacturing of CAR T cells have the potential to significantly improve clinical outcomes. A novel modular multi-cytokine particle (MCP) platform is developed that combines the signals necessary for activation, costimulation, and cytokine support into a single "all-in-one" stimulation reagent for CAR T cell manufacturing. This platform allows for the assembly and screening of compositionally diverse MCP libraries to identify formulations tailored to promote specific phenotypes with a high degree of flexibility. The approach is leveraged to identify unique MCP formulations that manufacture CAR T cell products from diffuse large B cell patients with increased proportions of memory-like phenotypes MCP-manufactured CAR T cells demonstrate superior anti-tumor efficacy in mouse models of lymphoma and ovarian cancer through enhanced persistence. These findings serve as a proof-of-principle of the powerful utility of the MCP platform to identify "all-in-one" stimulation reagents that can improve the effectiveness of cell therapy products through optimal manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather K. Lin
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Biaggio Uricoli
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ruby M. Freeman
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - AKM Nawshad Hossian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhulin He
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan M. Legier
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dejah A. Blake
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deon B. Doxie
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Remya Nair
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jean L. Koff
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kavita M. Dhodapkar
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mala Shanmugam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erik C. Dreaden
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarwish Rafiq
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Livingston NK, Hickey JW, Sim H, Salathe SF, Choy J, Kong J, Silver AB, Stelzel JL, Omotoso MO, Li S, Chaisawangwong W, Roy S, Ariail EC, Lanis MR, Pradeep P, Bieler JG, Witte SE, Leonard E, Doloff JC, Spangler JB, Mao HQ, Schneck JP. In Vivo Stimulation of Therapeutic Antigen-Specific T Cells in an Artificial Lymph Node Matrix. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310043. [PMID: 38358310 PMCID: PMC11161322 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
T cells are critical mediators of antigen-specific immune responses and are common targets for immunotherapy. Biomaterial scaffolds have previously been used to stimulate antigen-presenting cells to elicit antigen-specific immune responses; however, structural and molecular features that directly stimulate and expand naïve, endogenous, tumor-specific T cells in vivo have not been defined. Here, an artificial lymph node (aLN) matrix is created, which consists of an extracellular matrix hydrogel conjugated with peptide-loaded-MHC complex (Signal 1), the co-stimulatory signal anti-CD28 (Signal 2), and a tethered IL-2 (Signal 3), that can bypass challenges faced by other approaches to activate T cells in situ such as vaccines. This dynamic immune-stimulating platform enables direct, in vivo antigen-specific CD8+ T cell stimulation, as well as recruitment and coordination of host immune cells, providing an immuno-stimulatory microenvironment for antigen-specific T cell activation and expansion. Co-injecting the aLN with naïve, wild-type CD8+ T cells results in robust activation and expansion of tumor-targeted T cells that kill target cells and slow tumor growth in several distal tumor models. The aLN platform induces potent in vivo antigen-specific CD8+ T cell stimulation without the need for ex vivo priming or expansion and enables in situ manipulation of antigen-specific responses for immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K. Livingston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John W. Hickey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hajin Sim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sebastian F. Salathe
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph Choy
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiayuan Kong
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aliyah B. Silver
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Translational ImmunoEngineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica L. Stelzel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary O. Omotoso
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shuyi Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Worarat Chaisawangwong
- Graduate Program in Immunology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sayantika Roy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily C. Ariail
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mara R. Lanis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pratibha Pradeep
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joan Glick Bieler
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Savannah Est Witte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elissa Leonard
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua C. Doloff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Graduate Program in Immunology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Translational ImmunoEngineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hai-Quan Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Translational ImmunoEngineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Schneck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Translational ImmunoEngineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Fabilane CS, Stephenson AC, Leonard EK, VanDyke D, Spangler JB. Cytokine/Antibody Fusion Protein Design and Evaluation. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1061. [PMID: 38775006 PMCID: PMC11115372 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines constitute a class of secreted proteins that activate transmembrane receptors to coordinate a vast array of physiological processes, particularly those related to immune activity. Due to their vital role in immune regulation, cytokines have garnered great interest as potential therapeutic agents. Unfortunately, the clinical success of cytokine drugs has been limited by their multifunctional activities, which hinder therapeutic performance and lead to harmful toxicities. In addition, the strikingly short circulation half-life of cytokines further hampers their efficacy as drugs. To overcome the translational challenges associated with natural cytokines, significant efforts have focused on engineering cytokines to target their activities and improve their pharmacological properties. One such strategy is the design of fusion proteins that tether a cytokine to an anti-cytokine antibody that selectively biases its functions and extends its serum half-life. These cytokine/antibody fusion proteins (termed immunocytokines) assemble intramolecularly to bias cytokine signaling behavior through multi-layered structural and molecular effects. Here, we present a detailed workflow for the design, production, and functional validation of intramolecularly assembled immunocytokines. In-depth procedures are presented for gene manipulation, mammalian cell-based expression and purification, binding analysis via bio-layer interferometry, and interrogation of cytokine signaling activity on human primary cells. In contrast with immunocytokines in which the tethered cytokine and antibody do not bind one another, intramolecularly assembled immunocytokines require special considerations with respect to their production to avoid oligomerization and/or aggregation. The protocol herein was developed based on experience with immunocytokines that incorporate interleukin-2 (IL-2); however, this modular approach can be extended to any cytokine of interest for a broad range of biomedical applications. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Design and generation of immunocytokine genes Basic Protocol 2: Immunocytokine expression and purification Basic Protocol 3: Validation of immunocytokine assembly and binding by bio-layer interferometry Basic Protocol 4: Analysis of immunocytokine signaling on human primary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charina S. Fabilane
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A. Carson Stephenson
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elissa K. Leonard
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek VanDyke
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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4
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Lei YY, Ye YH, Liu Y, Xu JL, Zhang CL, Lyu CM, Feng CG, Jiang Y, Yang Y, Ke Y. Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharides improve cyclophosphamide-induced adverse reactions by regulating the balance of cytokines in helper T cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130736. [PMID: 38479672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
The manuscript aimed to study the immune function maintenance effect of Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharides (ABPs). The mice were divided into the control group, cyclophosphamide-induced (CTX) group, and ABPs-treated (ABP) group. The results showed that, compared with the CTX group, ABPs could significantly improve the spleen index and alleviate the pathological changes in immune organs. Ex vivo study of whole spleen cells, the levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were increased. The proliferation of lymphocytes and the proportion of CD3+CD4+ Th cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were increased. The transcription of GATA-3, Foxp3, and ROR γ t were decreased, while the transcription of T-bet was increased. The transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) caused by ABPs-treated were mostly downregulated in CTX-induced mice. The Th2-related genes were significantly enriched in DEGs, with representative genes, including Il4, II13, Il9, etc., while increasing the expression of immune effector genes simultaneously, including Ccl3, Ccr5, and Il12rb2. It was suggested that ABPs possibly regulated the balance of cytokines in helper T cells to ameliorate the immune function of CTX-induced mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Lei
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Experiment Center, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yu-Han Ye
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Experiment Center, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Experiment Center, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jia-Ling Xu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Experiment Center, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Cheng-Lin Zhang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Experiment Center, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chun-Ming Lyu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Experiment Center, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chen-Guo Feng
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, 200032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Experiment Center, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yan Ke
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Experiment Center, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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5
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Lin Y, Wang X, Qin Y, Wang C, Zhou T, Zhang L, Su L, Ren W, Liao C. A single-agent fusion of human IL-2 and anti-IL-2 antibody that selectively expands regulatory T cells. Commun Biol 2024; 7:299. [PMID: 38461332 PMCID: PMC10925001 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05987-z] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of many autoimmune diseases takes root on the disrupted balance among Treg cells, Teff cells, etc. Low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine demonstrates promising clinical efficacy in the expansion of Treg cells and the treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, its clinical application is hindered by the small therapeutic index and short half-life. Previous studies have shown that non-covalent complex of human IL-2 and anti-IL-2 antibody biases cytokine activity towards Treg cells and extends IL-2's half-life. The clinical translation of such complex is non-trivial. In this study, we discover an anti-human IL-2 antibody and engineer a covalently-linked single-agent fusion of human IL-2 and its antibody that selectively expands Treg cells and exhibits superior disease control activity in animal models of ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus, with proper safety profile and good developability. These studies pave the road for its clinical development in diverse autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lin
- Shanghai Shengdi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200100, China
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Lianyungang, 222000, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Shanghai Shengdi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200100, China
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Lianyungang, 222000, China
| | - Yuhao Qin
- Shanghai Shengdi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200100, China
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Lianyungang, 222000, China
| | - Chengpan Wang
- Shanghai Shengdi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200100, China
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Lianyungang, 222000, China
| | - Tang Zhou
- Shanghai Shengdi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200100, China
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Lianyungang, 222000, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Shanghai Shengdi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200100, China
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Lianyungang, 222000, China
| | - Lu Su
- Shanghai Shengdi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200100, China
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Lianyungang, 222000, China
| | - Wenming Ren
- Shanghai Shengdi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200100, China
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Lianyungang, 222000, China
| | - Cheng Liao
- Shanghai Shengdi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200100, China.
- Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Lianyungang, 222000, China.
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Jang JY, Kim HW, Yan J, Kang TK, Lee W, Kim BS, Yang J. Interleukin-2/anti-interleukin-2 immune complex attenuates cold ischemia-reperfusion injury after kidney transplantation by increasing renal regulatory T cells. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1631. [PMID: 38504554 PMCID: PMC10951489 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cold ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an unavoidable complication of kidney transplantation. We investigated the role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in cold IRI and whether the interleukin (IL)-2/anti-IL-2 antibody complex (IL-2C) can ameliorate cold IRI. METHODS We developed a cold IRI mouse model using kidney transplantation and analyzed the IL-2C impact on cold IRI in acute, subacute and chronic phases. RESULTS Treg transfer attenuated cold IRI, while Treg depletion aggravated cold IRI. Next, IL-2C administration prior to IRI mitigated acute renal function decline, renal tissue damage and apoptosis and inhibited infiltration of effector cells into kidneys and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression on day 1 after IRI. On day 7 after IRI, IL-2C promoted renal regeneration and reduced subacute renal damage. Furthermore, on day 28 following IRI, IL-2C inhibited chronic fibrosis. IL-2C decreased reactive oxygen species-mediated injury and improved antioxidant function. When IL-2C was administered following IRI, it also increased renal regeneration with Treg infiltration and suppressed renal fibrosis. In contrast, Treg depletion in the presence of IL-2C eliminated the positive effects of IL-2C on IRI. CONCLUSION Tregs protect kidneys from cold IRI and IL-2C inhibited cold IRI by increasing the renal Tregs, suggesting a potential of IL-2C in treating cold IRI. KEY POINTS Interleukin (IL)-2/anti-IL-2 antibody complex attenuated acute renal injury, facilitated subacute renal regeneration and suppressed chronic renal fibrosis after cold ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) by increasing the renal Tregs. IL-2/anti-IL-2 antibody complex decreased reactive oxygen species-mediated injury and improved antioxidant function. This study suggests the therapeutic potential of the IL-2/anti-IL-2 antibody complex in kidney transplantation-associated cold IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Young Jang
- Department of Internal MedicineYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Hyung Woo Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Ji‐Jing Yan
- Department of Internal MedicineYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Tae Kyeom Kang
- Natural Product Research CenterKorea Institute of Science and TechnologyGangneungRepublic of Korea
| | - Wook‐Bin Lee
- Natural Product Research CenterKorea Institute of Science and TechnologyGangneungRepublic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jaeseok Yang
- Department of Internal MedicineYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
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Sprent J, Boyman O. Optimising IL-2 for Cancer Immunotherapy. Immune Netw 2024; 24:e5. [PMID: 38455463 PMCID: PMC10917570 DOI: 10.4110/in.2024.24.e5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The key role of T cells in cancer immunotherapy is well established and is highlighted by the remarkable capacity of Ab-mediated checkpoint blockade to overcome T-cell exhaustion and amplify anti-tumor responses. However, total or partial tumor remission following checkpoint blockade is still limited to only a few types of tumors. Hence, concerted attempts are being made to devise new methods for improving tumor immunity. Currently, much attention is being focused on therapy with IL-2. This cytokine is a powerful growth factor for T cells and optimises their effector functions. When used at therapeutic doses for cancer treatment, however, IL-2 is highly toxic. Nevertheless, recent work has shown that modifying the structure or presentation of IL-2 can reduce toxicity and lead to effective anti-tumor responses in synergy with checkpoint blockade. Here, we review the complex interaction of IL-2 with T cells: first during normal homeostasis, then during responses to pathogens, and finally in anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Sprent
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney 1466, Australia
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, Hobart 7000, Australia
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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8
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Tomala J, Cao SD, Spangler JB. Engineering Anticytokine Antibodies for Immune Modulation. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:225-234. [PMID: 38166248 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The delicate balance of immune homeostasis is regulated by the interactions between cytokines and their cognate cell surface signaling receptors. There is intensive interest in harnessing cytokines as drugs for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. However, the multifarious and often contradictory activities of cytokines, coupled with their short serum half-lives, limit clinical performance and result in dangerous toxicities. There is thus growing emphasis on manipulating natural cytokines to enhance their selectivity, safety, and durability through various strategies. One strategy that has gained traction in recent years is the development of anticytokine Abs that not only extend the circulation half-life of cytokines but also specifically bias their immune activities through multilayered molecular mechanisms. Although Abs are notorious for their antagonistic activities, this review focuses on anticytokine Abs that selectively agonize the activity of the target protein. This approach has potential to help realize the clinical promise of cytokine-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Tomala
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shanelle D Cao
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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9
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Thiolat A, Pilon C, Caudana P, Moatti A, To NH, Sedlik C, Leclerc M, Maury S, Piaggio E, Cohen JL. Treg-targeted IL-2/anti-IL-2 complex controls graft- versus-host disease and supports anti-tumor effect in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Haematologica 2024; 109:129-142. [PMID: 37706355 PMCID: PMC10772500 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.282653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulating an immune response in opposite directions represents the holy grail in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) to avoid insufficient reactivity of donor T cells and hematologic malignancy relapse while controlling the potential development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in which donor T cells attack the recipient's tissues. IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes (IL-2Cx) represent a therapeutic option to selectively accentuate or dampen the immune response. In dedicated experimental models of allo-HSCT, including also human cells injected in immunodeficient NSG mice, we evaluated side-by-side the therapeutic effect of two IL-2Cx designed either to boost regulatory T cells (Treg) or alternatively to activate effector T cells (Teff), on GVHD occurrence and tumor relapse. We also evaluated the effect of the complexes on the phenotype and function of immune cells in vivo. Unexpectedly, both pro-Treg and pro-Teff IL-2Cx prevented GVHD development. They both induced Treg expansion and reduced CD8+ T-cell numbers, compared to untreated mice. However, only mice treated with the pro-Treg IL-2Cx, showed a dramatic reduction of exhausted CD8+ T cells, consistent with a potent anti-tumor effect. When evaluated on human cells, pro-Treg IL-2Cx also preferentially induced Treg expansion in vitro and in vivo, while allowing the development of a potent anti-tumor effect in NSG mice. Our results demonstrate the clinical relevance of using a pro-Treg, but not a pro-Teff IL2Cx to modulate alloreactivity after HSCT, while promoting a graft-versus-leukemia effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Thiolat
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, F-94010 Créteil
| | - Caroline Pilon
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, F-94010 Créteil, France; AP-HP, Groupe hospitalo-universitaire Chenevier Mondor, Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Fédération hospitalo-Universitaire TRUE, F-94010 Créteil
| | - Pamela Caudana
- INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Institute Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris
| | - Audrey Moatti
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, F-94010 Créteil
| | - Nhu Hanh To
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, F-94010 Créteil
| | - Christine Sedlik
- INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Institute Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris
| | - Mathieu Leclerc
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, F-94010 Créteil, France; AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, Service d'Hématologie Clinique, F-94010 Créteil
| | - Sébastien Maury
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, F-94010 Créteil, France; AP-HP, Groupe hospitalo-universitaire Chenevier Mondor, Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Fédération hospitalo-Universitaire TRUE, F-94010 Créteil, France; AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, Service d'Hématologie Clinique, F-94010 Créteil
| | - Eliane Piaggio
- INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Institute Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris
| | - José L Cohen
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, F-94010 Créteil, France; AP-HP, Groupe hospitalo-universitaire Chenevier Mondor, Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Fédération hospitalo-Universitaire TRUE, F-94010 Créteil.
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10
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Sehgal ANA, Tauber PA, Stieger RB, Kratzer B, Pickl WF. The T-Cell Growth Factor Interleukin-2, Which Is Occasionally Targeted by Autoantibodies, Qualifies as Drug for the Treatment of Allergy, Autoimmunity, and Cancer: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2024. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 185:286-300. [PMID: 38086339 PMCID: PMC10911178 DOI: 10.1159/000533677] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin(IL)-2 was originally characterized as an important T-cellular growth factor but later on, turned out to be a pivotal homeostatic factor for the establishment and maintenance of both natural(n)Treg and peripheral(p)Treg. In this review, it was aimed to connect the peculiar structural and functional aspects of IL-2 to the innovative advancements in tailoring its multifaceted functional behavior for targeting various IL-2 receptor types. The article includes detailed descriptions of modified versions of IL-2, obtained by either mutating or fusing IL-2 to heterologous molecules or by forming IL-2/(monoclonal) antibody complexes (IL-2C), and discusses their functional implications for addressing such heterologous pathological conditions in cancer, autoimmunity, and allergy. Additionally, this review sheds light on the underexplored contribution of autoantibodies to the endogenous regulation of IL-2 within the realms of both health and disease. The ongoing efforts to fine-tune IL-2 responses through antibody-dependent targeting or molecular engineering offer considerable translational potential for the future utility of this important cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al Nasar Ahmed Sehgal
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Peter A. Tauber
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Robert B. Stieger
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Bernhard Kratzer
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Winfried F. Pickl
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner University, Krems, Austria
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11
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Silver AB, Tzeng SY, Lager M, Wang J, Ishihara J, Green JJ, Spangler JB. An engineered immunocytokine with collagen affinity improves the tumor bioavailability, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy of IL-2. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101289. [PMID: 37992685 PMCID: PMC10694763 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101289] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The clinical utility of human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) is limited by its short serum half-life, preferential activation of regulatory T (TReg) over immune effector cells, and dose-limiting toxicities. We previously engineered F10 immunocytokine (IC), an intramolecularly assembled cytokine/antibody fusion protein that linked hIL-2 to an anti-IL-2 antibody (denoted F10) that extended IL-2 half-life and augmented the immune effector to TReg ratio. Here, we leveraged molecular engineering to improve the anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of F10 IC by developing an iteration, denoted F10 IC-CBD (collagen binding domain), designed for intratumoral administration and in situ retention based on collagen affinity. F10 IC-CBD retained IL-2 bioactivity exclusively in the tumor and eliminated IL-2-associated toxicities. Furthermore, F10 IC exhibited potent single-agent therapeutic efficacy and synergy with systemic immune checkpoint blockade and elicited an abscopal response in mouse tumors models. This engineered fusion protein presents a prototype for the design of intratumoral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyah B Silver
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mallory Lager
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jeremy Wang
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jordan J Green
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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12
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Niederlova V, Tsyklauri O, Kovar M, Stepanek O. IL-2-driven CD8 + T cell phenotypes: implications for immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:890-901. [PMID: 37827864 PMCID: PMC7615502 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of interleukin (IL)-2 in cancer treatment has been known for decades, yet its widespread adoption in clinical practice remains limited. Recently, chimeric proteins of an anti-PD-1 antibody and suboptimal IL-2 variants were shown to stimulate potent antitumor and antiviral immunity by inducing unique effector CD8+ T cells in mice. A similar subset of cytotoxic T cells is induced by depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), suggesting IL-2 sequestration as a major mechanism through which regulatory T cells suppress activated CD8+ T cells. Here, we present our view of how IL-2-based biologicals can boost the antitumor response at a cellular level, and propose that the role of Tregs following such treatments may have been previously overestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Niederlova
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oksana Tsyklauri
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Stepanek
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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13
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Russi AE, Shivakumar P, Luo Z, Bezerra J. Plasticity between type 2 innate lymphoid cell subsets and amphiregulin expression regulates epithelial repair in biliary atresia. Hepatology 2023; 78:1035-1049. [PMID: 37078450 PMCID: PMC10524120 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although a dysregulated type 1 immune response is integral to the pathogenesis of biliary atresia, studies in both humans and mice have uncovered a type 2 response, primarily driven by type 2 innate lymphoid cells. In nonhepatic tissues, natural type 2 innate lymphoid cell (nILC2s) regulate epithelial proliferation and tissue repair, whereas inflammatory ILC2s (iIlC2s) drive tissue inflammation and injury. The aim of this study is to determine the mechanisms used by type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) subpopulations to regulate biliary epithelial response to an injury. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using Spearman correlation analysis, nILC2 transcripts, but not those of iILC2s, are positively associated with cholangiocyte abundance in biliary atresia patients at the time of diagnosis. nILC2s are identified in the mouse liver through flow cytometry. They undergo expansion and increase amphiregulin production after IL-33 administration. This drives epithelial proliferation dependent on the IL-13/IL-4Rα/STAT6 pathway as determined by decreased nILC2s and reduced epithelial proliferation in knockout strains. The addition of IL-2 promotes inter-lineage plasticity towards a nILC2 phenotype. In experimental biliary atresia induced by rotavirus, this pathway promotes epithelial repair and tissue regeneration. The genetic loss or molecular inhibition of any part of this circuit switches nILC2s to inflammatory type 2 innate lymphoid cell-like, resulting in decreased amphiregulin production, decreased epithelial proliferation, and the full phenotype of experimental biliary atresia. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify a key function of the IL-13/IL-4Rα/STAT6 pathway in ILC2 plasticity and an alternate circuit driven by IL-2 to promote nILC2 stability and amphiregulin expression. This pathway induces epithelial homeostasis and repair in experimental biliary atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E Russi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; Cincinnati OH, USA
| | - Pranavkumar Shivakumar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; Cincinnati OH, USA
| | - Zhenhua Luo
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510080
| | - Jorge Bezerra
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Health of Dallas, TX, USA
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14
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LaPorte KM, Hernandez R, Santos Savio A, Malek TR. Robust IL-2-dependent antitumor immunotherapy requires targeting the high-affinity IL-2R on tumor-specific CD8 + T cells. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006611. [PMID: 37270181 PMCID: PMC10255137 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of interleukin (IL)-2-dependent antitumor responses focus on targeting the intermediate affinity IL-2R to stimulate memory-phenotypic CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells while minimizing regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion. However, this approach may not effectively engage tumor-specific T effector cells. Since tumor-antigen specific T cells upregulate the high-affinity IL-2R, we tested an IL-2 biologic, mouse IL-2/CD25, with selectivity toward the high-affinity IL-2R to support antitumor responses to tumors that vary in their immunogenicity. METHODS Mice were first implanted with either CT26, MC38, B16.F10, or 4T1 and after a tumor mass developed, they were treated with high-dose (HD) mouse (m)IL-2/CD25 alone or in combination with anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) checkpoint blockade. Tumor growth was monitored and in parallel the immune signature in the tumor microenvironment (TME) was determined by a combination of multiparameter flow cytometry, functional assays, and enumeration of tumor-reactive T cells. RESULTS We show that HD mIL-2/CD25, which preferentially stimulates the high-affinity IL-2R, but not IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes with preferential activity toward the intermediate-affinity IL-2R, supports vigorous antitumor responses to immunogenic tumors as a monotherapy that were enhanced when combined with anti-PD-1. Treatment of CT26-bearing mice with HD mIL-2/CD25 led to a high CD8+:Treg ratio in the TME, increased frequency and function of tumor-specific CD8+ T effector cells with a less exhausted phenotype, and antitumor memory responses. CONCLUSIONS Targeting the high-affinity IL-2R on tumor-specific T cells with HD mIL-2/CD25 alone or with PD-1 blockade supports antitumor responses, where the resulting memory response may afford long-term protection against tumor re-emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M LaPorte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Rosmely Hernandez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alicia Santos Savio
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Thomas R Malek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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15
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Tritsch SR, Porzucek AJ, Schwartz AM, Proctor AM, Amdur RL, Latham PS, Simon GL, Mores CN, Chang AY. Effects of rIL2/anti-IL2 antibody complex on chikungunya virus-induced chronic arthritis in a mouse model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7307. [PMID: 37147383 PMCID: PMC10163023 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is characterized by disabling joint pain that can cause persistent arthritis in approximately one-fourth of patients. Currently, no standard treatments are available for chronic CHIKV arthritis. Our preliminary data suggest that decreases in interleukin-2 (IL2) levels and regulatory T cell (Treg) function may play a role in CHIKV arthritis pathogenesis. Low-dose IL2-based therapies for autoimmune diseases have been shown to up-regulate Tregs, and complexing IL2 with anti-IL2 antibodies can prolong the half-life of IL2. A mouse model for post-CHIKV arthritis was used to test the effects of recombinant IL2 (rIL2), an anti-IL2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), and the complex on tarsal joint inflammation, peripheral IL2 levels, Tregs, CD4 + effector T cells (Teff), and histological disease scoring. The complex treatment resulted in the highest levels of IL2 and Tregs, but also increased Teffs, and therefore did not significantly reduce inflammation or disease scores. However, the antibody group, which had moderately increased levels of IL2 and activated Tregs, resulted in a decreased average disease score. These results suggest the rIL2/anti-IL2 complex stimulates both Tregs and Teffs in post-CHIKV arthritis, while the anti-IL2 mAb increases IL2 availability enough to shift the immune environment towards a tolerogenic one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Tritsch
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.
| | - Abigail J Porzucek
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Arnold M Schwartz
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Abigale M Proctor
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Richard L Amdur
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Patricia S Latham
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Gary L Simon
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Christopher N Mores
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Aileen Y Chang
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.
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16
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Leonard EK, Tomala J, Gould JR, Leff MI, Lin JX, Li P, Porter MJ, Johansen ER, Thompson L, Cao SD, Henclova T, Huliciak M, Vaněk O, Kovar M, Leonard WJ, Spangler JB. Engineered cytokine/antibody fusion proteins improve delivery of IL-2 to pro-inflammatory cells and promote antitumor activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539272. [PMID: 37205604 PMCID: PMC10187205 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Progress in cytokine engineering is driving therapeutic translation by overcoming the inherent limitations of these proteins as drugs. The interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine harbors great promise as an immune stimulant for cancer treatment. However, the cytokine's concurrent activation of both pro-inflammatory immune effector cells and anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells, its toxicity at high doses, and its short serum half-life have limited clinical application. One promising approach to improve the selectivity, safety, and longevity of IL-2 is complexation with anti-IL-2 antibodies that bias the cytokine towards the activation of immune effector cells (i.e., effector T cells and natural killer cells). Although this strategy shows therapeutic potential in preclinical cancer models, clinical translation of a cytokine/antibody complex is complicated by challenges in formulating a multi-protein drug and concerns about complex stability. Here, we introduce a versatile approach to designing intramolecularly assembled single-agent fusion proteins (immunocytokines, ICs) comprising IL-2 and a biasing anti-IL-2 antibody that directs the cytokine's activities towards immune effector cells. We establish the optimal IC construction and further engineer the cytokine/antibody affinity to improve immune biasing function. We demonstrate that our IC preferentially activates and expands immune effector cells, leading to superior antitumor activity compared to natural IL-2 without inducing toxicities associated with IL-2 administration. Collectively, this work presents a roadmap for the design and translation of immunomodulatory cytokine/antibody fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa K. Leonard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Jakub Tomala
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph R. Gould
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Michael I. Leff
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, USA
| | - Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, USA
| | - Peng Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, USA
| | | | - Eric R. Johansen
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, USA
| | - Ladaisha Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
| | - Shanelle D. Cao
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering; Baltimore, USA
| | - Tereza Henclova
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Maros Huliciak
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Vaněk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University; Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Warren J. Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, USA
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering; Baltimore, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, USA
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17
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Biased IL-2 signals induce Foxp3-rich pulmonary lymphoid structures and facilitate long-term lung allograft acceptance in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1383. [PMID: 36914624 PMCID: PMC10011523 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36924-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of solid organs can be life-saving in patients with end-stage organ failure, however, graft rejection remains a major challenge. In this study, by pre-conditioning with interleukin-2 (IL-2)/anti-IL-2 antibody complex treatment biased toward IL-2 receptor α, we achieved acceptance of fully mismatched orthotopic lung allografts that remained morphologically and functionally intact for more than 90 days in immunocompetent mice. These allografts are tolerated by the actions of forkhead box p3 (Foxp3)+ regulatory T (Treg) cells that home to the lung allografts. Although counts of circulating Treg cells rapidly return to baseline following cessation of IL-2 treatment, Foxp3+ Treg cells persist in peribronchial and peribronchiolar areas of the grafted lungs, forming organized clusters reminiscent of inducible tertiary lymphoid structures (iTLS). These iTLS in lung allografts are made of Foxp3+ Treg cells, conventional T cells, and B cells, as evidenced by using microscopy-based distribution and neighborhood analyses. Foxp3-transgenic mice with inducible and selective deletion of Foxp3+ cells are unable to form iTLS in lung allografts, and these mice acutely reject lung allografts. Collectively, we report that short-term, high-intensity and biased IL-2 pre-conditioning facilitates acceptance of vascularized and ventilated lung allografts without the need of immunosuppression, by inducing Foxp3-controlled iTLS formation within allografts.
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18
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Tritsch SR, Porzucek AJ, Schwartz AM, Proctor AM, Amdur R, Latham PS, Simon GL, Mores CN, Chang AY. Effects of IL2/anti-IL2 antibody complex on chikungunya virus-induced arthritis in a mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.30.526329. [PMID: 36778306 PMCID: PMC9915476 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.30.526329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is characterized by disabling joint pain that can cause persistent arthritis in approximately one-fourth of patients. Currently, no standard treatments are available for chronic CHIKV arthritis. Our preliminary data suggest that decreases in interleukin-2 (IL2) levels and regulatory T cell (Treg) function may play a role in CHIKV arthritis pathogenesis. Low-dose IL2-based therapies for autoimmune diseases have been shown to up-regulate Tregs, and complexing IL2 with anti-IL2 antibodies can prolong the half-life of IL2. A mouse model for post-CHIKV arthritis was used to test the effects of IL-2, an anti-IL2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), and the complex on tarsal joint inflammation, peripheral IL2 levels, Tregs, effector (Teff) T cells, and histological disease scoring. The complex treatment resulted in the highest levels of IL2 and Tregs, but also increased Teffs, and therefore did not significantly reduce inflammation or disease scores. However, the antibody group, which had moderately increased levels of IL2 and activated Tregs, resulted in a decreased average disease score. These results suggest the IL2/anti-IL2 complex stimulates both Tregs and Teffs in post-CHIKV arthritis, while the anti-IL2 mAb increases IL2 availability enough to shift the immune environment towards a tolerogenic one.
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19
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Malcolm J, Nyirenda MH, Brown JL, Adrados-Planell A, Campbell L, Butcher JP, Glass DG, Piela K, Goodyear CS, Wright AJ, McInnes IB, Millington OR, Culshaw S. C-terminal citrullinated peptide alters antigen-specific APC:T cell interactions leading to breach of immune tolerance. J Autoimmun 2023; 135:102994. [PMID: 36706535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.102994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In rheumatoid arthritis, the emergence of anti-citrullinated autoimmunity is associated with HLA-antigen-T cell receptor complexes. The precise mechanisms underpinning this breach of tolerance are not well understood. Porphyromonas gingivalis expresses an enzyme capable of non-endogenous C-terminal citrullination with potential to generate citrullinated autoantigens. Here we document how C-terminal citrullination of ovalbumin peptide323-339 alters the interaction between antigen-presenting cells and OTII T cells to induce functional changes in responding T cells. These data reveal that C-terminal citrullination is sufficient to breach T cell peripheral tolerance in vivo and reveal the potential of C-terminal citrullination to lower the threshold for T cell activation. Finally, we demonstrate a role for the IL-2/STAT5/CD25 signalling axis in breach of tolerance. Together, our data identify a tractable mechanism and targetable pathways underpinning breach of tolerance in rheumatoid arthritis and provide new conceptual insight into the origins of anti-citrullinated autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Malcolm
- Oral Sciences, University of Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK; Centre for Immunobiology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - M H Nyirenda
- Centre for Immunobiology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Research Into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis (RACE), Universities of Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle and Oxford, UK
| | - J L Brown
- Oral Sciences, University of Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK; Centre for Immunobiology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Adrados-Planell
- Centre for Immunobiology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Genomics and Health, FISABIO Foundation, Avda Cataluña 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - L Campbell
- Centre for Immunobiology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - J P Butcher
- Centre for Immunobiology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - D G Glass
- Centre for Biophotonics, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - K Piela
- Oral Sciences, University of Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - C S Goodyear
- Centre for Immunobiology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Research Into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis (RACE), Universities of Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle and Oxford, UK
| | - A J Wright
- Centre for Biophotonics, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Optics and Photonics Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - I B McInnes
- Centre for Immunobiology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - O R Millington
- Centre for Biophotonics, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - S Culshaw
- Oral Sciences, University of Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK; Centre for Immunobiology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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20
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Akkın S, Varan G, Işık A, Gökşen S, Karakoç E, Malanga M, Esendağlı G, Korkusuz P, Bilensoy E. Synergistic Antitumor Potency of a Self-Assembling Cyclodextrin Nanoplex for the Co-Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil and Interleukin-2 in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020314. [PMID: 36839637 PMCID: PMC9963231 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the most used method after surgery in the treatment of colon cancer. Cancer cells escape the recognition mechanism of immune system cells to survive and develop chemoresistance. Therefore, the use of immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy can increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Nanoparticles have been used clinically to increase the accumulation of therapeutics in target tissues and reduce toxicity. In this paper, nanoplexes were formed via cationic cyclodextrin polymer, 5-Fluorouracil, and Interleukin-2 based on the opposite charge interaction of macromolecules without undergoing any structural changes or losing the biological activity of Interleukin-2. Anticancer activities of nanoplexes were determined in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell culture setups. The dual drug-loaded cyclodextrin nanoplexes diffused deeper into the spheroids and accelerated apoptosis when compared with 5-FU solutions. In the colorectal tumor-bearing animal model, survival rate, antitumor activity, metastasis, and immune response parameters were assessed using a cyclodextrin derivative, which was found to be safe based on the ALT/AST levels in healthy mice. Histomorphometric analysis showed that the groups treated with the nanoplex formulation had significantly fewer initial tumors and lung foci when compared with the control. The dual drug-loaded nanoplex could be a promising drug delivery technique in the immunochemotherapy of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiye Akkın
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gamze Varan
- Department of Vaccine Technology, Vaccine Institute, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Anıl Işık
- Department of Basic Oncology, Cancer Institute, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sibel Gökşen
- Department of Medical and Surgical Research, Institute of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elif Karakoç
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Milo Malanga
- CycloLab-Cyclodextrin Research & Development Laboratory, Organic Synthesis Laboratory, 1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Güneş Esendağlı
- Department of Basic Oncology, Cancer Institute, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Medical and Surgical Research, Institute of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petek Korkusuz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erem Bilensoy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
- Correspondence:
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21
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IL-2 Flexible Loops Might Play a Role in IL-2 Interaction with the High-Affinity IL-2 Receptor: A Molecular Dynamics (MD) Study. J CHEM-NY 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/3646375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical use of high-dose IL-2 in cancer immunotherapy faces several drawbacks such as toxicity and unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile. These drawbacks can be avoided by inhibiting IL-2 interaction with the CD25 subunit, which is a component of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor (IL-2Rαβγ). Several studies showed mutations of potential IL-2 residues such as R38, F42, Y45, and Y72 would produce IL-2 that is CD25-independent. In essence, structural comparison between wild-type (WT) IL-2 and CD25-independent IL-2 can be very insightful to assess the role of IL-2 flexibility and conformation in the IL-2 receptor interactions. Here, we investigated the flexibility loops and conformation of IL-2m (F24A, Y45A, and L72G), which is known to be CD25-independent, and IL-2m2 (F42Y and L72R) mutants along with WT IL-2 using MD simulations. Despite residue mutations, both IL-2m and IL-2m2 showed comparable conformational compactness and better stability than WT IL-2. Interestingly, IL-2m and IL-2m2 mutants showed rigid BC and CD loops in comparison to WT IL-2 . Also, the AB loop conformation of IL-2m was a bent structure compared to the WT IL-2 and IL-2m2. Principal component analysis (PCA) and free-energy landscape results suggested IL-2m and IL-2m2 have stable conformations compared to the WT IL-2. Therefore, these mutation sites of IL-2 produced stable and rigid loops that might prevent IL-2 from binding to the CD25 subunit. Our results can help to assess IL-2 flexibility loops to design new CD25-independent IL-2 mutants without compromising the IL-2 structure.
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22
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Advancing Biologic Therapy for Refractory Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:4979-5005. [PMID: 35147819 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Biologic agents may satisfy an unmet clinical need for treatment of refractory autoimmune hepatitis. The goals of this review are to present the types and results of biologic therapy for refractory autoimmune hepatitis, indicate opportunities to improve and expand biologic treatment, and encourage comparative clinical trials. English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full-length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. Rituximab (monoclonal antibodies against CD20 on B cells), infliximab (monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-alpha), low-dose recombinant interleukin 2 (regulatory T cell promoter), and belimumab (monoclonal antibodies against B cell activating factor) have induced laboratory improvement in small cohorts with refractory autoimmune hepatitis. Ianalumab (monoclonal antibodies against the receptor for B cell activating factor) is in clinical trial. These agents target critical pathogenic pathways, but they may also have serious side effects. Blockade of the B cell activating factor or its receptors may disrupt pivotal B and T cell responses, and recombinant interleukin 2 complexed with certain interleukin 2 antibodies may selectively expand the regulatory T cell population. A proliferation-inducing ligand that enhances T cell proliferation and survival is an unevaluated, potentially pivotal, therapeutic target. Fully human antibodies, expanded target options, improved targeting precision, more effective delivery systems, and biosimilar agents promise to improve efficacy, safety, and accessibility. In conclusion, biologic agents target key pathogenic pathways in autoimmune hepatitis, and early experiences in refractory disease encourage clarification of the preferred target, rigorous clinical trial, and comparative evaluations.
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23
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Hernandez R, Põder J, LaPorte KM, Malek TR. Engineering IL-2 for immunotherapy of autoimmunity and cancer. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 22:614-628. [PMID: 35217787 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00680-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical studies of the T cell growth factor activity of IL-2 resulted in this cytokine becoming the first immunotherapy to be approved nearly 30 years ago by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cancer. Since then, we have learnt the important role of IL-2 in regulating tolerance through regulatory T cells (Treg cells) besides promoting immunity through its action on effector T cells and memory T cells. Another pivotal event in the history of IL-2 research was solving the crystal structure of IL-2 bound to its tripartite receptor, which spurred the development of cell type-selective engineered IL-2 products. These new IL-2 analogues target Treg cells to counteract the dysregulated immune system in the context of autoimmunity and inflammatory disorders or target effector T cells, memory T cells and natural killer cells to enhance their antitumour responses. IL-2 biologics have proven to be effective in preclinical studies and clinical assessment of some is now underway. These studies will soon reveal whether engineered IL-2 biologics are truly capable of harnessing the IL-2-IL-2 receptor pathway as effective monotherapies or combination therapies for autoimmunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosmely Hernandez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Janika Põder
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kathryn M LaPorte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Thomas R Malek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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24
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Luly KM, Yang H, Lee SJ, Wang W, Ludwig SD, Tarbox HE, Wilson DR, Green JJ, Spangler JB. Poly(Beta-Amino Ester)s as High-Yield Transfection Reagents for Recombinant Protein Production. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:4469-4479. [PMID: 36176585 PMCID: PMC9514136 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s377371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Transient transfection is an essential tool for recombinant protein production, as it allows rapid screening for expression without stable integration of genetic material into a target cell genome. Poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) is the current gold standard for transient gene transfer, but transfection efficiency and the resulting protein yield are limited by the polymer’s toxicity. This study investigated the use of a class of cationic polymers, poly(beta-amino ester)s (PBAEs), as reagents for transient transfection in comparison to linear 25 kDa PEI, a commonly used transfection reagent. Methods Transfection efficiency and protein production were assessed in human embryonic kidney 293F (HEK) and Chinese hamster ovary-S (CHO) cell suspensions using PBAE-based nanoparticles in comparison to linear 25 kDa PEI. Production of both a cytosolic reporter and secreted antibodies was investigated. Results In both HEK and CHO cells, several PBAEs demonstrated superior transfection efficiency and enhanced production of a cytosolic reporter compared to linear 25 kDa PEI. This result extended to secreted proteins, as a model PBAE increased the production of 3 different secreted antibodies compared to linear 25 kDa PEI at culture scales ranging from 20 to 2000 mL. In particular, non-viral gene transfer using the lead PBAE/plasmid DNA nanoparticle formulation led to robust transfection of mammalian cells across different constructs, doses, volumes, and cell types. Conclusion These results show that PBAEs enhance transfection efficiency and increase protein yield compared to a widespread commercially available reagent, making them attractive candidates as reagents for use in recombinant protein production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Luly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Huilin Yang
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J Lee
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seth D Ludwig
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haley E Tarbox
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David R Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Departments of Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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25
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Whyte CE, Singh K, Burton OT, Aloulou M, Kouser L, Veiga RV, Dashwood A, Okkenhaug H, Benadda S, Moudra A, Bricard O, Lienart S, Bielefeld P, Roca CP, Naranjo-Galindo FJ, Lombard-Vadnais F, Junius S, Bending D, Ono M, Hochepied T, Halim TY, Schlenner S, Lesage S, Dooley J, Liston A. Context-dependent effects of IL-2 rewire immunity into distinct cellular circuits. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20212391. [PMID: 35699942 PMCID: PMC9202720 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a key homeostatic cytokine, with therapeutic applications in both immunogenic and tolerogenic immune modulation. Clinical use has been hampered by pleiotropic functionality and widespread receptor expression, with unexpected adverse events. Here, we developed a novel mouse strain to divert IL-2 production, allowing identification of contextual outcomes. Network analysis identified priority access for Tregs and a competitive fitness cost of IL-2 production among both Tregs and conventional CD4 T cells. CD8 T and NK cells, by contrast, exhibited a preference for autocrine IL-2 production. IL-2 sourced from dendritic cells amplified Tregs, whereas IL-2 produced by B cells induced two context-dependent circuits: dramatic expansion of CD8+ Tregs and ILC2 cells, the latter driving a downstream, IL-5-mediated, eosinophilic circuit. The source-specific effects demonstrate the contextual influence of IL-2 function and potentially explain adverse effects observed during clinical trials. Targeted IL-2 production therefore has the potential to amplify or quench particular circuits in the IL-2 network, based on clinical desirability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly E. Whyte
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kailash Singh
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver T. Burton
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Meryem Aloulou
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Centre national de la recherche scientifique U5051, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1291, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Lubna Kouser
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Amy Dashwood
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Samira Benadda
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Centre de Recherche Sur L’inflammation, Centre national de la recherche scientifique ERL8252, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1149, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alena Moudra
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Orian Bricard
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Carlos P. Roca
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Félix Lombard-Vadnais
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Immunology-Oncology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Steffie Junius
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Bending
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Masahiro Ono
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tino Hochepied
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Susan Schlenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Lesage
- Centre de Recherche Sur L’inflammation, Centre national de la recherche scientifique ERL8252, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1149, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - James Dooley
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Liston
- Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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26
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Norville K, Skrombolas D, Ferry SL, Kearns N, Frelinger JG. A Protease Activatable Interleukin-2 Fusion Protein Engenders Antitumor Immune Responses by Interferon Gamma-Dependent and Interferon Gamma-Independent Mechanisms. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2022; 42:316-328. [PMID: 35834651 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are powerful mediators of immune responses and some, such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), have achieved dramatic responses as cancer immunotherapies. Unfortunately, systemic administration often results in deleterious side effects, prompting exploration of strategies to localize cytokine activity to the tumor microenvironment (TME). To this end, we constructed an IL-2/IL2Ra fusion protein (IL-2FP) with an MMP2/9-specific cleavage site, designed to exploit the dysregulated protease activity in the TME to selectively activate IL-2 in the tumor. To determine if TME protease activity is sufficient to cleave the FP and if FP activity is due to specific cleavage, we created Colon 38 tumor cell lines expressing similar levels of IL-2FPs with either a functional cleavage site [H11(cs-1FP)] or a scrambled, noncleavable sequence [H2(scramFP)]. H11(cs-1FP) tumors demonstrated reduced tumor growth, characterized by regressions not observed in H2(scramFP) tumors. Analysis through qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry indicate robust CD8 responses in the H11(cs-1FP) tumors. Interferon gamma (IFNg) knockout mice revealed that the immune effects of the cleavable FP are mediated through both IFNg-dependent and IFNg-independent mechanisms. Collectively, these data suggest that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the TME can cleave the IL-2FP specifically, thus enhancing an antitumor response, and provide a rationale for further developing this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karli Norville
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Denise Skrombolas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Shannon L Ferry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Nolan Kearns
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - John G Frelinger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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27
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Yuan Y, Kolios AGA, Liu Y, Zhang B, Li H, Tsokos GC, Zhang X. Therapeutic potential of interleukin-2 in autoimmune diseases. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:596-612. [PMID: 35624009 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by dysregulation and aberrant activation of cells in the immune system. Therefore, restoration of the immune balance represents a promising therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) can promote the expansion and differentiation of different immune cell subsets dose-dependently. At high doses, IL-2 can promote the differentiation and expansion of effector and memory T cells, whereas at low doses, IL-2 can promote the differentiation, survival, and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells, a CD4+ T cell subset that is essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and immune tolerance. Therefore, IL-2 exerts immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects in autoimmune diseases. The immunoregulatory role of low-dose IL-2 has sparked excitement for the therapeutic exploration of modulating the IL-2-Treg axis in the context of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the therapeutic potential of IL-2 or IL-2-derived molecules in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeshuang Yuan
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Antonios G A Kolios
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yudong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George C Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.
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28
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Banerjee A, Li D, Guo Y, Mei Z, Lau C, Chen K, Westwick J, Klauda JB, Schrum A, Lazear ER, Krupnick AS. A reengineered common chain cytokine augments CD8+ T cell–dependent immunotherapy. JCI Insight 2022; 7:158889. [PMID: 35603788 PMCID: PMC9220948 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine therapy is limited by undesirable off-target side effects as well as terminal differentiation and exhaustion of chronically stimulated T cells. Here, we describe the signaling properties of a potentially unique cytokine by design, where T cell surface binding and signaling are separated between 2 different families of receptors. This fusion protein cytokine, called OMCPmutIL-2, bound with high affinity to the cytotoxic lymphocyte-defining immunoreceptor NKG2D but signaled through the common γ chain cytokine receptor. In addition to precise activation of cytotoxic T cells due to redirected binding, OMCPmutIL-2 resulted in superior activation of both human and murine CD8+ T cells by improving their survival and memory cell generation and decreasing exhaustion. This functional improvement was the direct result of altered signal transduction based on the reorganization of surface membrane lipid rafts that led to Janus kinase-3–mediated phosphorylation of the T cell receptor rather than STAT/AKT signaling intermediates. This potentially novel signaling pathway increased CD8+ T cell response to low-affinity antigens, activated nuclear factor of activated T cells transcription factors, and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis. OMCPmutIL-2 thus outperformed other common γ chain cytokines as a catalyst for in vitro CD8+ T cell expansion and in vivo CD8+ T cell–based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Banerjee
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dongge Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yizhan Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Mei
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christine Lau
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kelly Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Jeffery B. Klauda
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam Schrum
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Surgery, and Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric R. Lazear
- Courier Therapeutics, Houston, Texas, USA
- Valo Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander S. Krupnick
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Courier Therapeutics, Houston, Texas, USA
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Klein M, Misme‐Aucouturier B, Cheminant M, De Carvalho M, Wauters M, Tranquet O, Magnan A, Bouchaud G. Engineering a safe monoclonal anti-human IL-2 that is effective in a murine model of food allergy and asthma. Allergy 2022; 77:933-945. [PMID: 34324715 DOI: 10.1111/all.15029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to protect against allergies. Moreover, the decrease in the frequency and efficiency of Tregs amplifies allergic symptoms. AIM This study investigated whether expanding Tregs in vivo with an IL-2/IL-2 antibody complex could be safe, well tolerated and efficient in a therapeutic setting in allergies. METHODS We produced an anti-IL-2 antibody (1C6) and demonstrated that when it is complexed to human IL-2, it increases IL-2 efficiency to induce Tregs in vivo without any detectable side effects. Furthermore, the IL-2/1C6 complex induces an increase in Helios expression by Tregs, suggesting that it not only elevated Treg numbers but also boosted their functions. Using mouse models of house-dust-mite-induced airway inflammation and wheat-gliadin-induced food allergies, we investigated the therapeutic potential of the IL-2/1C6 complex in allergies. RESULTS IL-2/1C6 treatment significantly reduced allergic symptoms, specific IgE production, the adaptive immune response and tissue damage. Interestingly, IL-2/1C6 treatment modulated innate lymphoid cells by increasing ILC2s in asthma and decreasing ILC3s in food allergies. CONCLUSION In conclusion,complexed IL-2/anti-IL-2 may restore Treg numbers and function in respiratory and food allergies, thereby improving allergic markers and symptoms. Our IL-2/anti-IL-2 complex offers new hope for reestablishing immune tolerance in patients with allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Klein
- Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l’institut du thorax Nantes France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Antoine Magnan
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l’institut du thorax Nantes France
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Holcomb EA, Zou W. A forced marriage of IL-2 and PD-1 antibody nurtures tumor-infiltrating T cells. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e156628. [PMID: 35104808 PMCID: PMC8803318 DOI: 10.1172/jci156628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-2 is a pleiotropic cytokine. In this issue of the JCI, Ren et al. report on the development of a low-affinity IL-2 paired with anti-PD-1 (PD-1-laIL-2) that reactivates intratumoral CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ Treg cells. PD-1-laIL-2 treatment synergized with anti-PD-L1 therapy to overcome tumor resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in tumor-bearing mice. Rejection of rechallenged tumors following PD-1-laIL-2 therapy demonstrated the establishment of a potent T cell memory response. Furthermore, PD-1-laIL-2 therapy manifested no obvious toxicity. These findings suggest the potential of PD-1-laIL-2 therapy in treating patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weiping Zou
- Graduate Program in Immunology
- Department of Surgery, and
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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31
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Ludwig SD, Bernstein ZJ, Agatemor C, Dammen-Brower K, Ruffolo J, Rosas JM, Post JD, Cole RN, Yarema KJ, Spangler JB. A versatile design platform for glycoengineering therapeutic antibodies. MAbs 2022; 14:2095704. [PMID: 35815437 PMCID: PMC9272841 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2095704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Manipulation of glycosylation patterns, i.e., glycoengineering, is incorporated in the therapeutic antibody development workflow to ensure clinical safety, and this approach has also been used to modulate the biological activities, functions, or pharmacological properties of antibody drugs. Whereas most existing glycoengineering strategies focus on the canonical glycans found in the constant domain of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, we report a new strategy to leverage the untapped potential of atypical glycosylation patterns in the variable domains, which naturally occur in 15% to 25% of IgG antibodies. Glycosylation sites were added to the antigen-binding regions of two functionally divergent, interleukin-2-binding monoclonal antibodies. We used computational tools to rationally install various N-glycosylation consensus sequences into the antibody variable domains, creating "glycovariants" of these molecules. Strikingly, almost all the glycovariants were successfully glycosylated at their newly installed N-glycan sites, without reduction of the antibody's native function. Importantly, certain glycovariants exhibited modified activities compared to the parent antibody, showing the potential of our glycoengineering strategy to modulate biological function of antibodies involved in multi-component receptor systems. Finally, when coupled with a high-flux sialic acid precursor, a glycovariant with two installed glycosylation sites demonstrated superior in vivo half-life. Collectively, these findings validate a versatile glycoengineering strategy that introduces atypical glycosylation into therapeutic antibodies in order to improve their efficacy and, in certain instances, modulate their activity early in the drug development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D. Ludwig
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zachary J. Bernstein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christian Agatemor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kris Dammen-Brower
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Ruffolo
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonah M. Rosas
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeremy D. Post
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert N. Cole
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin J. Yarema
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg–Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg–Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Zhong S, Zhang T, Tang L, Li Y. Cytokines and Chemokines in HBV Infection. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:805625. [PMID: 34926586 PMCID: PMC8674621 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.805625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a leading cause of hepatic inflammation and damage. The pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is predominantly mediated by persistent intrahepatic immunopathology. With the characterization of unique anatomical and immunological structure, the liver is also deemed an immunological organ, which gives rise to massive cytokines and chemokines under pathogenesis conditions, having significant implications for the progression of HBV infection. The intrahepatic innate immune system is responsible for the formidable source of cytokines and chemokines, with the latter also derived from hepatic parenchymal cells. In addition, systemic cytokines and chemokines are disturbed along with the disease course. Since HBV is a stealth virus, persistent exposure to HBV-related antigens confers to immune exhaustion, whereby regulatory cells are recruited by intrahepatic chemokines and cytokines, including interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor β, are involved in such series of causal events. Although the considerable value of two types of available approved treatment, interferons and nucleos(t)ide analogues, effectively suppress HBV replication, neither of them is sufficient for optimal restoration of the immunological attrition state to win the battle of the functional or virological cure of CHB infection. Notably, cytokines and chemokines play a crucial role in regulating the immune response. They exert effects by directly acting on HBV or indirectly manipulating target immune cells. As such, specific cytokines and chemokines, with a potential possibility to serve as novel immunological interventions, combined with those that target the virus itself, seem to be promising prospects in curative CHB infection. Here, we systematically review the recent literature that elucidates cytokine and chemokine-mediated pathogenesis and immune exhaustion of HBV infection and their dynamics triggered by current mainstream anti-HBV therapy. The predictive value of disease progression or control and the immunotherapies target of specific major cytokines and chemokines in CHB infection will also be delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Libo Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongyin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Cell-Based Regeneration and Treatment of Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910276. [PMID: 34638617 PMCID: PMC8508969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver, in combination with a functional biliary system, is responsible for maintaining a great number of vital body functions. However, acute and chronic liver diseases may lead to irreversible liver damage and, ultimately, liver failure. At the moment, the best curative option for patients suffering from end-stage liver disease is liver transplantation. However, the number of donor livers required by far surpasses the supply, leading to a significant organ shortage. Cellular therapies play an increasing role in the restoration of organ function and can be integrated into organ transplantation protocols. Different types and sources of stem cells are considered for this purpose, but highly specific immune cells are also the focus of attention when developing individualized therapies. In-depth knowledge of the underlying mechanisms governing cell differentiation and engraftment is crucial for clinical implementation. Additionally, novel technologies such as ex vivo machine perfusion and recent developments in tissue engineering may hold promising potential for the implementation of cell-based therapies to restore proper organ function.
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Uricoli B, Birnbaum LA, Do P, Kelvin JM, Jain J, Costanza E, Chyong A, Porter CC, Rafiq S, Dreaden EC. Engineered Cytokines for Cancer and Autoimmune Disease Immunotherapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2002214. [PMID: 33690997 PMCID: PMC8651077 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202002214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cytokine signaling is critical to a range of biological processes including cell development, tissue repair, aging, and immunity. In addition to acting as key signal mediators of the immune system, cytokines can also serve as potent immunotherapies with more than 20 recombinant products currently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat conditions including hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and various cancers. Yet despite their biological importance and clinical utility, cytokine immunotherapies suffer from intrinsic challenges that limit their therapeutic potential including poor circulation, systemic toxicity, and low tissue- or cell-specificity. In the past decade in particular, methods have been devised to engineer cytokines in order to overcome such challenges and here, the myriad strategies are reviewed that may be employed in order to improve the therapeutic potential of cytokine and chemokine immunotherapies with applications in cancer and autoimmune disease therapy, as well as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. For clarity, these strategies are collected and presented as they vary across size scales, ranging from single amino acid substitutions, to larger protein-polymer conjugates, nano/micrometer-scale particles, and macroscale implants. Together, this work aims to provide readers with a timely view of the field of cytokine engineering with an emphasis on early-stage therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biaggio Uricoli
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Lacey A. Birnbaum
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Priscilla Do
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - James M. Kelvin
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Juhi Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Emma Costanza
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Andrew Chyong
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Christopher C. Porter
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Sarwish Rafiq
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Erik C. Dreaden
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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Raeber ME, Rosalia RA, Schmid D, Karakus U, Boyman O. Interleukin-2 signals converge in a lymphoid-dendritic cell pathway that promotes anticancer immunity. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/561/eaba5464. [PMID: 32938795 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aba5464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs) correlate with effective anticancer immunity and improved responsiveness to anti-PD-1 checkpoint immunotherapy. However, the drivers of DC expansion and intratumoral accumulation are ill-defined. We found that interleukin-2 (IL-2) stimulated DC formation through innate and adaptive lymphoid cells in mice and humans, and this increase in DCs improved anticancer immunity. Administration of IL-2 to humans within a clinical trial and of IL-2 receptor (IL-2R)-biased IL-2 to mice resulted in pronounced expansion of type 1 DCs, including migratory and cross-presenting subsets, and type 2 DCs, although neither DC precursors nor mature DCs had functional IL-2Rs. In mechanistic studies, IL-2 signals stimulated innate lymphoid cells, natural killer cells, and T cells to synthesize the cytokines FLT3L, CSF-2, and TNF. These cytokines redundantly caused DC expansion and activation, which resulted in improved antigen processing and correlated with favorable anticancer responses in mice and patients. Thus, IL-2 immunotherapy-mediated stimulation of DCs contributes to anticancer immunity by rendering tumors more immunogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miro E Raeber
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rodney A Rosalia
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominic Schmid
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ufuk Karakus
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, CH-8006 Zurich, Switzerland
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A cytokine receptor-masked IL2 prodrug selectively activates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for potent antitumor therapy. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2768. [PMID: 33986267 PMCID: PMC8119481 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22980-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As a potent lymphocyte activator, interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an FDA-approved treatment for multiple metastatic cancers. However, its clinical use is limited by short half-life, low potency, and severe in vivo toxicity. Current IL-2 engineering strategies exhibit evidence of peripheral cytotoxicity. Here, we address these issues by engineering an IL-2 prodrug (ProIL2). We mask the activity of a CD8 T cell-preferential IL-2 mutein/Fc fusion protein with IL2 receptor beta linked to a tumor-associated protease substrate. ProIL2 restores activity after cleavage by tumor-associated enzymes, and preferentially activates inside tumors, where it expands antigen-specific CD8 T cells. This significantly reduces IL-2 toxicity and mortality without compromising antitumor efficacy. ProIL2 also overcomes resistance of cancers to immune checkpoint blockade. Lastly, neoadjuvant ProIL2 treatment can eliminate metastatic cancer through an abscopal effect. Taken together, our approach presents an effective tumor targeting therapy with reduced toxicity.
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Jones DM, Read KA, Oestreich KJ. Dynamic Roles for IL-2-STAT5 Signaling in Effector and Regulatory CD4 + T Cell Populations. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 205:1721-1730. [PMID: 32958706 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CD4+ Th cells are responsible for orchestrating diverse, pathogen-specific immune responses through their differentiation into a number of subsets, including TH1, TH2, TH9, T follicular helper, T follicular regulatory, and regulatory T cells. The differentiation of each subset is guided by distinct regulatory requirements, including those derived from extracellular cytokine signals. IL-2 has emerged as a critical immunomodulatory cytokine that both positively and negatively affects the differentiation of individual Th cell subsets. IL-2 signals are propagated, in part, via activation of STAT5, which functions as a key regulator of CD4+ T cell gene programs. In this review, we discuss current understanding of the mechanisms that allow IL-2-STAT5 signaling to exert divergent effects across CD4+ T cell subsets and highlight specific roles for this pathway in the regulation of individual Th cell differentiation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin M Jones
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210; and.,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Kaitlin A Read
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210; and.,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Kenneth J Oestreich
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210; and
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Marcus D, Lieverse RIY, Klein C, Abdollahi A, Lambin P, Dubois LJ, Yaromina A. Charged Particle and Conventional Radiotherapy: Current Implications as Partner for Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1468. [PMID: 33806808 PMCID: PMC8005048 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) has been shown to interfere with inflammatory signals and to enhance tumor immunogenicity via, e.g., immunogenic cell death, thereby potentially augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy. Conventional RT consists predominantly of high energy photon beams. Hypofractionated RT regimens administered, e.g., by stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), are increasingly investigated in combination with cancer immunotherapy within clinical trials. Despite intensive preclinical studies, the optimal dose per fraction and dose schemes for elaboration of RT induced immunogenic potential remain inconclusive. Compared to the scenario of combined immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) and RT, multimodal therapies utilizing other immunotherapy principles such as adoptive transfer of immune cells, vaccination strategies, targeted immune-cytokines and agonists are underrepresented in both preclinical and clinical settings. Despite the clinical success of ICI and RT combination, e.g., prolonging overall survival in locally advanced lung cancer, curative outcomes are still not achieved for most cancer entities studied. Charged particle RT (PRT) has gained interest as it may enhance tumor immunogenicity compared to conventional RT due to its unique biological and physical properties. However, whether PRT in combination with immune therapy will elicit superior antitumor effects both locally and systemically needs to be further investigated. In this review, the immunological effects of RT in the tumor microenvironment are summarized to understand their implications for immunotherapy combinations. Attention will be given to the various immunotherapeutic interventions that have been co-administered with RT so far. Furthermore, the theoretical basis and first evidences supporting a favorable immunogenicity profile of PRT will be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiënne Marcus
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (D.M.); (R.I.Y.L.); (P.L.); (L.J.D.)
| | - Relinde I. Y. Lieverse
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (D.M.); (R.I.Y.L.); (P.L.); (L.J.D.)
| | - Carmen Klein
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (C.K.); (A.A.)
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Im Neuenheimer Feld 450, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 222, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amir Abdollahi
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (C.K.); (A.A.)
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Im Neuenheimer Feld 450, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 222, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (D.M.); (R.I.Y.L.); (P.L.); (L.J.D.)
| | - Ludwig J. Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (D.M.); (R.I.Y.L.); (P.L.); (L.J.D.)
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW–School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (D.M.); (R.I.Y.L.); (P.L.); (L.J.D.)
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Walker JM, Rolig AS, Charych DH, Hoch U, Kasiewicz MJ, Rose DC, McNamara MJ, Hilgart-Martiszus IF, Redmond WL. NKTR-214 immunotherapy synergizes with radiotherapy to stimulate systemic CD8 + T cell responses capable of curing multi-focal cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2019-000464. [PMID: 32457127 PMCID: PMC7252958 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High-dose radiotherapy (RT) is known to be immunogenic, but is rarely capable of driving clinically relevant abscopal antitumor immunity as monotherapy. RT is known to increase antigen presentation, type I/II interferon responses, and immune cell trafficking to irradiated tumors. Bempegaldesleukin (NKTR-214) is a CD122-preferential interleukin 2 (IL-2) pathway agonist that has been shown to increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, T cell clonality, and increase PD-1 expression. NKTR-214 has increased drug half-life, decreased toxicity, and increased CD8+ T cell and natural killer cell stimulation compared with IL-2. Methods Animals bearing bilateral subcutaneous MCA-205 fibrosarcoma or CT26 colorectal tumors were treated with NKTR-214, RT, or combination therapy, and tumor growth of irradiated and abscopal lesions was assessed. Focal RT was delivered using a small animal radiation research platform. Peripheral and tumor-infiltrating immune phenotype and functional analyses were performed by flow cytometry. RNA expression profiling from both irradiated and abscopal lesions was performed using microarray. Results We demonstrate synergy between RT of a single tumor and NKTR-214 systemic therapy resulting in dramatically increased cure rates of mice bearing bilateral tumors compared with RT or NKTR-214 therapy alone. Combination therapy resulted in increased magnitude and effector function of tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses and increased trafficking of these T cells to both irradiated and distant, unirradiated, tumors. Conclusions Given the increasing role of hypofractionated and stereotactic body RT as standard of care treatments in the management of locally advanced and metastatic cancer, these data have important implications for future clinical trial development. The combination of RT and NKTR-214 therapy potently stimulates systemic antitumor immunity and should be evaluated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced and metastatic solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Walker
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA .,Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Annah S Rolig
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Ute Hoch
- Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Melissa J Kasiewicz
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Daniel C Rose
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael J McNamara
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - William L Redmond
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
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40
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Kim J, Lee JY, Park SY, Lee YJ, Kim MS. Crystal structure of human interleukin-2 in complex with TCB2, a new antibody-drug candidate with antitumor activity. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1899671. [PMID: 33796411 PMCID: PMC7971329 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1899671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy via interleukin-2 (IL-2) mediated activation of anti-tumor immune response is a promising approach for cancer treatment. The multi-potent cytokine, IL-2 has a central role in immune cell activation and homeostasis. Since IL-2 preferentially activates immunosuppressive T regulatory cells by IL-2Rα dependent manner, blocking IL-2:IL-2Rα interaction is a key to amplify the IL-2 activity in effector T cells toward anti-tumor response. Anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibodies are good candidates to control the IL-2:IL-2Rα interaction. In a previous study, we developed a new IL-2Rα mimetic antibody, TCB2, and showed that the human IL-2(hIL-2):TCB2 complex can stimulate T effector cells specifically and elicit potent anti-cancer immunotherapeutic effect, especially when administered in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. To understand the molecular mechanism, we determined the crystal structure of TCB2-Fab in a complex with hIL-2 at 2.5 Å resolution. Our structural analysis reveals that TCB2 binds to the central area of the hIL-2Rα binding region on hIL-2, and binding angle and epitope are different from previously known hIL-2Rα mimicking antibody NARA1 which recognizes the top part of hIL-2. TCB2 binding to hIL-2 also induces an allosteric effect that increases the affinity for the hetero-dimeric hIL-2 receptor, IL-2R(β + γ), on effector T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Young Lee
- Selecxine, Bio Open Innovation Center #1204, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Youl Park
- Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - You Jeong Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sung Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
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Dougan M, Luoma AM, Dougan SK, Wucherpfennig KW. Understanding and treating the inflammatory adverse events of cancer immunotherapy. Cell 2021; 184:1575-1588. [PMID: 33675691 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade, immunotherapies have made a major impact on the treatment of diverse types of cancer. Inflammatory toxicities are not only a major concern for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies, but also limit the development and use of combination therapies. Fundamentally, these adverse events highlight the intricate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways that regulate protective immune responses. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammatory adverse events, current approaches to treatment, as well as opportunities for the design of immunotherapies that limit such inflammatory toxicities while preserving anti-tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dougan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Adrienne M Luoma
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephanie K Dougan
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kai W Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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42
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Katagiri T, Kameda H, Nakano H, Yamazaki S. Regulation of T cell differentiation by the AP-1 transcription factor JunB. Immunol Med 2021; 44:197-203. [PMID: 33470914 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2021.1872838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
JunB, a component of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor, is known to exhibit an important role in bone formation and bone marrow cell proliferation. During T helper type 2 (Th2) cell differentiation, JunB contributes to the regulation of interleukin (IL)-4 expression, and AP-1 and nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) constitute a heteromer and contribute to IL-2 production. However, the role of JunB in other T cells has not been investigated. In 2017, it was revealed that JunB, in collaboration with basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor (BATF), regulates the expression of Th17-related genes. Furthermore, JunB was found to play an important role in regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation, contributing to CD25 expression and IL-2 production. IL-2 is a T cell activator and has been shown as a necessary factor for Treg proliferation. Here, we review the role of JunB in T cells based on basic research data and discuss the potential for its clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaharu Katagiri
- Department of Biochemistry, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohashi Medical Center, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideto Kameda
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohashi Medical Center, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Nakano
- Department of Biochemistry, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soh Yamazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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43
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Sahin D, Arenas-Ramirez N, Rath M, Karakus U, Hümbelin M, van Gogh M, Borsig L, Boyman O. An IL-2-grafted antibody immunotherapy with potent efficacy against metastatic cancer. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6440. [PMID: 33353953 PMCID: PMC7755894 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20220-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified interleukin-2 (IL-2) formulations are being tested in cancer patients. However, IL-2 immunotherapy damages IL-2 receptor (IL-2R)-positive endothelial cells and stimulates IL-2Rα (CD25)-expressing lymphocytes that curtail anti-tumor responses. A first generation of IL-2Rβ (CD122)-biased IL-2s addressed some of these drawbacks. Here, we present a second-generation CD122-biased IL-2, developed by splitting and permanently grafting unmutated human IL-2 (hIL-2) to its antigen-binding groove on the anti-hIL-2 monoclonal antibody NARA1, thereby generating NARA1leukin. In comparison to hIL-2/NARA1 complexes, NARA1leukin shows a longer in vivo half-life, completely avoids association with CD25, and more potently stimulates CD8+ T and natural killer cells. These effects result in strong anti-tumor responses in various pre-clinical cancer models, whereby NARA1leukin consistently surpasses the efficacy of hIL-2/NARA1 complexes in controlling metastatic disease. Collectively, NARA1leukin is a CD122-biased single-molecule construct based on unmutated hIL-2 with potent efficacy against advanced malignancies. IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes have been proposed to curtail the severe adverse effects associated with IL-2 immunotherapy. Here, the authors, by integrating unmutated human IL-2 in the antigen binding groove of an anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibody, generate a CD122-biased fusion protein that prevents binding of IL-2 to CD25 and promotes anti-tumor immune response in several preclinical metastatic cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Sahin
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthias Rath
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ufuk Karakus
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Monika Hümbelin
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Merel van Gogh
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lubor Borsig
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, CH-8006, Zurich, Switzerland.
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44
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Karakus U, Sahin D, Mittl PRE, Mooij P, Koopman G, Boyman O. Receptor-gated IL-2 delivery by an anti-human IL-2 antibody activates regulatory T cells in three different species. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:12/574/eabb9283. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb9283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Stimulation of regulatory T (Treg) cells holds great promise for the treatment of autoimmune, chronic inflammatory, and certain metabolic diseases. Recent clinical trials with low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) to expand Treg cells led to beneficial results in autoimmunity, but IL-2 immunotherapy can activate both Treg cells and pathogenic T cells. Use of IL-2 receptor α (IL-2Rα, CD25)–biased IL-2/anti–IL-2 antibody complexes improves IL-2 selectivity for Treg cells; however, the mechanism of action of such IL-2 complexes is incompletely understood, thus hampering their translation into clinical trials. Using a cell-based and dynamic IL-2R platform, we identified a particular anti-human IL-2 antibody, termed UFKA-20. When bound to UFKA-20, IL-2 failed to stimulate cells expressing IL-2Rβ (CD122) and IL-2Rγ (CD132), unless these cells also expressed high amounts of CD25. CD25 allowed IL-2/UFKA-20 complexes to bind, and binding to CD25 in the presence of CD122 and CD132 was followed by rapid dissociation of UFKA-20 from IL-2, delivery of IL-2 to CD122 and CD132, and intracellular signaling. IL-2/UFKA-20 complexes efficiently and preferentially stimulated CD4+ Treg cells in freshly isolated human T cells ex vivo and in mice and rhesus macaques in vivo. The crystal structure of the IL-2/UFKA-20 complex demonstrated that UFKA-20 interfered with IL-2 binding to CD122 and, to a lesser extent, also CD25. Together, we translated CD25-biased IL-2 complexes from mice to nonhuman primates and extended our mechanistic understanding of how CD25-biasing anti-human IL-2 antibodies work, which paves the way to clinical trials of CD25-biased IL-2 complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ufuk Karakus
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dilara Sahin
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peer R. E. Mittl
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Mooij
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Koopman
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, CH-8006 Zurich, Switzerland
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45
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Zhang Y, Guan XY, Jiang P. Cytokine and Chemokine Signals of T-Cell Exclusion in Tumors. Front Immunol 2020; 11:594609. [PMID: 33381115 PMCID: PMC7768018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.594609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of cancer immunotherapy in solid tumors depends on a sufficient distribution of effector T cells into malignant lesions. However, immune-cold tumors utilize many T-cell exclusion mechanisms to resist immunotherapy. T cells have to go through three steps to fight against tumors: trafficking to the tumor core, surviving and expanding, and maintaining the memory phenotype for long-lasting responses. Cytokines and chemokines play critical roles in modulating the recruitment of T cells and the overall cellular compositions of the tumor microenvironment. Manipulating the cytokine or chemokine environment has brought success in preclinical models and early-stage clinical trials. However, depending on the immune context, the same cytokine or chemokine signals may exhibit either antitumor or protumor activities and induce unwanted side effects. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the cytokine and chemokine signals is the premise of overcoming T-cell exclusion for effective and innovative anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Cancer Data Science Lab, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xin-yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Peng Jiang
- Cancer Data Science Lab, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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46
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Drerup JM, Deng Y, Pandeswara SL, Padrón ÁS, Reyes RM, Zhang X, Mendez J, Liu A, Clark CA, Chen W, Conejo-Garcia JR, Hurez V, Gupta H, Curiel TJ. CD122-Selective IL2 Complexes Reduce Immunosuppression, Promote Treg Fragility, and Sensitize Tumor Response to PD-L1 Blockade. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5063-5075. [PMID: 32948605 PMCID: PMC7669742 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The IL2 receptor (IL2R) is an attractive cancer immunotherapy target that controls immunosuppressive T regulatory cells (Treg) and antitumor T cells. Here we used IL2Rβ-selective IL2/anti-IL2 complexes (IL2c) to stimulate effector T cells preferentially in the orthotopic mouse ID8agg ovarian cancer model. Despite strong tumor rejection, IL2c unexpectedly lowered the tumor microenvironmental CD8+/Treg ratio. IL2c reduced tumor microenvironmental Treg suppression and induced a fragile Treg phenotype, helping explain improved efficacy despite numerically increased Tregs without affecting Treg in draining lymph nodes. IL2c also reduced Treg-mediated, high-affinity IL2R signaling needed for optimal Treg functions, a likely mechanism for reduced Treg suppression. Effector T-cell IL2R signaling was simultaneously improved, suggesting that IL2c inhibits Treg functions without hindering effector T cells, a limitation of most Treg depletion agents. Anti-PD-L1 antibody did not treat ID8agg, but adding IL2c generated complete tumor regressions and protective immune memory not achieved by either monotherapy. Similar anti-PD-L1 augmentation of IL2c and degradation of Treg functions were seen in subcutaneous B16 melanoma. Thus, IL2c is a multifunctional immunotherapy agent that stimulates immunity, reduces immunosuppression in a site-specific manner, and combines with other immunotherapies to treat distinct tumors in distinct anatomic compartments. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings present CD122-targeted IL2 complexes as an advancement in cancer immunotherapy, as they reduce Treg immunosuppression, improve anticancer immunity, and boost PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade efficacy in distinct tumors and anatomic locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Drerup
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yilun Deng
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Álvaro S Padrón
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
| | - Ryan M Reyes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R.China
| | - Jenny Mendez
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
| | - Aijie Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
| | - Curtis A Clark
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
| | | | | | - Vincent Hurez
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
| | - Harshita Gupta
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
| | - Tyler J Curiel
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
- Mays Family Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas
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Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is integral to immune system regulation. Its opposing immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive actions make it an attractive therapeutic target for cancer and autoimmune diseases. A challenge in developing IL-2-directed anticancer therapies has been how to stimulate effector T cells (Teffs) without inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment; conversely, IL-2 therapy for autoimmune diseases requires Treg induction without further stimulation of Teffs. High-dose IL-2 is approved for melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, but its therapeutic value is limited by a need for frequent dosing at specialist centers, its short half-life, severe toxicity, and a lack of efficacy in most patients. Re-engineered IL-2 therapeutics are designed to have longer in vivo half-lives, target specific IL-2 receptor conformations to stimulate specific T cell subsets, or localize to target tissues to optimize efficacy and reduce toxicity. We discuss recent studies that elucidate the potential of newly engineered IL-2-based therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
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48
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Alvarez M, Dunai C, Khuat LT, Aguilar EG, Barao I, Murphy WJ. IL-2 and Anti-TGF-β Promote NK Cell Reconstitution and Anti-tumor Effects after Syngeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113189. [PMID: 33138229 PMCID: PMC7692743 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) causes early immune deficiency and susceptibility to both opportunistic infections and cancer relapse. In this study, using a mouse model where donor cells can be tracked over time, we have observed that the combination of IL-2 (a cytokine which activates the immune system) combined with the blockade of TGF-β (a cytokine which suppresses the immune system) increased immune recovery and resulted in greater anti-tumor efficacy. The combination of IL-2 and anti-TGF-β accelerated NK cell and myeloid cell reconstitution after HSCT. Abstract The failure of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been associated with a profound immunodeficiency that follows shortly after treatment, which renders patients susceptible to opportunistic infections and/or cancer relapse. Thus, given the additional immunosuppressive pathways involved in immune evasion in cancer, strategies that induce a faster reconstitution of key immune effector cells are needed. Natural killer (NK) cells mediate potent anti-tumor effector functions and are the first immune cells to repopulate after HSCT. TGF-β is a potent immunosuppressive cytokine that can impede both the development and function of immune cells. Here, we evaluated the use of an immunotherapeutic regimen that combines low dose of IL-2, an NK cell stimulatory signal, with TGF-β neutralization, in order to accelerate NK cell reconstitution following congenic HSCT in mice by providing stimulatory signals yet also abrogating inhibitory ones. This therapy led to a marked expansion of NK cells and accelerated NK cell maturation. Following HSCT, mature NK cells from the treated recipients displayed an activated phenotype and enhanced anti-tumor responses both in vitro and in vivo. No overt toxicities or adverse effects were observed in the treated recipients. However, these stimulatory effects on NK cell recovery were predicated upon continuous treatment as cessation of treatment led to return to baseline levels and to no improvement of overall immune recovery when assessed at later time-points, indicating strict regulatory control of the NK cell compartment. Overall, this study still demonstrates that therapies that combine positive and negative signals can be plausible strategies to accelerate NK cell reconstitution following HSCT and augment anti-tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Alvarez
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (M.A.); (C.D.); (L.T.K.); (E.G.A.); (I.B.)
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, Center for Applied Medical research (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cordelia Dunai
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (M.A.); (C.D.); (L.T.K.); (E.G.A.); (I.B.)
| | - Lam T. Khuat
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (M.A.); (C.D.); (L.T.K.); (E.G.A.); (I.B.)
| | - Ethan G. Aguilar
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (M.A.); (C.D.); (L.T.K.); (E.G.A.); (I.B.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Isabel Barao
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (M.A.); (C.D.); (L.T.K.); (E.G.A.); (I.B.)
| | - William J. Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (M.A.); (C.D.); (L.T.K.); (E.G.A.); (I.B.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Correspondence:
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Antigen presentation, autoantibody production, and therapeutic targets in autoimmune liver disease. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 18:92-111. [PMID: 33110250 PMCID: PMC7852534 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00568-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is an important immunological organ that controls systemic tolerance. The liver harbors professional and unconventional antigen-presenting cells that are crucial for tolerance induction and maintenance. Orchestrating the immune response in homeostasis depends on a healthy and well-toned immunological liver microenvironment, which is maintained by the crosstalk of liver-resident antigen-presenting cells and intrahepatic and liver-infiltrating leukocytes. In response to pathogens or autoantigens, tolerance is disrupted by unknown mechanisms. Intrahepatic parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells exhibit unique antigen-presenting properties. The presentation of microbial and endogenous lipid-, metabolite- and peptide-derived antigens from the gut via conventional and nonconventional mechanisms can educate intrahepatic immune cells and elicit effector responses or tolerance. Perturbation of this balance results in autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Although the exact etiologies of these autoimmune liver diseases are unknown, it is thought that the disruption of tolerance towards self-antigens and microbial metabolites and lipids, as well as alterations in bile acid composition, may result in changes in effector cell activation and polarization and may reduce or impair protective anti-inflammatory regulatory T and B cell responses. Additionally, the canonical and noncanonical transmission of antigens and antigen:MHC complexes via trogocytosis or extracellular vesicles between different (non) immune cells in the liver may play a role in the induction of hepatic inflammation and tolerance. Here, we summarize emerging aspects of antigen presentation, autoantibody production, and the application of novel therapeutic approaches in the characterization and treatment of autoimmune liver diseases.
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50
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Shofolawe-Bakare OT, Stokes LD, Hossain M, Smith AE, Werfel TA. Immunostimulatory biomaterials to boost tumor immunogenicity. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:5516-5537. [PMID: 33049007 PMCID: PMC7837217 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01183e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is exhibiting great promise as a new therapeutic modality for cancer treatment. However, immunotherapies are limited by the inability of some tumors to provoke an immune response. These tumors with a 'cold' immunological phenotype are characterized by low numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, high numbers of immunosuppressive leukocytes (e.g. regulatory T cells, tumor-associated macrophages), and high production of immune-dampening signals (e.g. IL-10, TGF-β, IDO-1). Strategies to boost the aptitude of tumors to initiate an immune response (i.e. boost tumor immunogenicity) will turn 'cold' tumors 'hot' and augment the anti-tumor efficacy of current immunotherapies. Approaches to boost tumor immunogenicity already show promise; however, multifaceted delivery and immunobiology challenges exist. For instance, systemic delivery of many immune-stimulating agents causes off-target toxicity and/or the development of autoimmunity, limiting the administrable dose below the threshold needed to achieve efficacy. Moreover, once administered in vivo, molecules such as the nucleic acid-based agonists for many pattern recognition receptors are either rapidly cleared or degraded, and don't efficiently traffic to the intracellular compartments where the receptors are located. Thus, these nucleic acid-based drugs are ineffective without a delivery system. Biomaterials-based approaches aim to enhance current strategies to boost tumor immunogenicity, enable novel strategies, and spare dose-limiting toxicities. Here, we review recent progress to improve cancer immunotherapies by boosting immunogenicity within tumors using immunostimulatory biomaterials.
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