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Van den Bossche J, De Laere M, Deschepper K, Germonpré P, Valcke Y, Lamont J, Stein B, Van Camp K, Germonpré C, Nijs G, Roelant E, Anguille S, Lion E, Berneman Z. Integration of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab and WT1/DC vaccination into standard-of-care first-line treatment for patients with epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma-Protocol of the Immuno-MESODEC study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307204. [PMID: 39008481 PMCID: PMC11249236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307204] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with a very poor prognosis. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has taken center stage in the currently ongoing revolution that is changing standard-of-care treatment for several malignancies, including MPM. As multiple arguments and accumulating lines of evidence are in support of the existence of a therapeutic synergism between chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as between different classes of immunotherapeutics, we designed a multicenter, single-arm, phase I/II trial in which both programmed-death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibition and dendritic cell (DC) vaccination are integrated in the first-line conventional platinum/pemetrexed-based treatment scheme for epithelioid MPM patients (Immuno-MESODEC, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05765084). Fifteen treatment-naïve patients with unresectable epithelioid subtype MPM will be treated with four 3-weekly (±3 days) chemo-immunotherapy cycles. Standard-of-care chemotherapy consisting of cisplatinum (75mg/m2) and pemetrexed (500mg/m2) will be supplemented with the anti-PD-L1 antibody atezolizumab (1200 mg) and autologous Wilms' tumor 1 mRNA-electroporated dendritic cell (WT1/DC) vaccination (8-10 x 106 cells/vaccination). Additional atezolizumab (1680 mg) doses and/or WT1/DC vaccinations (8-10 x 106 cells/vaccination) can be administered optionally following completion of the chemo-immunotherapy scheme. Follow-up of patients will last for up to 90 days after final atezolizumab administration and/or WT1/DC vaccination or 24 months after diagnosis, whichever occurs later. The trial's primary endpoints are safety and feasibility, secondary endpoints are clinical efficacy and immunogenicity. This phase I/II trial will evaluate whether addition of atezolizumab and WT1/DC vaccination to frontline standard-of-care chemotherapy for the treatment of epithelioid MPM is feasible and safe. If so, this novel combination strategy should be further investigated as a promising advanced treatment option for this hard-to-treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Van den Bossche
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Maxime De Laere
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Koen Deschepper
- Division of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, VITAZ, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Paul Germonpré
- Respiratory Oncology & Integrated Cancer Cancer Ghent, AZ Maria Middelares, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yvan Valcke
- Division of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, VITAZ, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Jan Lamont
- Respiratory Oncology & Integrated Cancer Cancer Ghent, AZ Maria Middelares, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara Stein
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Kirsten Van Camp
- Division of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, VITAZ, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Germonpré
- Respiratory Oncology & Integrated Cancer Cancer Ghent, AZ Maria Middelares, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Griet Nijs
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ella Roelant
- Clinical Trial Center (CTC), CRC Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Anguille
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Division of Hematology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Eva Lion
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Zwi Berneman
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Division of Hematology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
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Doraneh-Gard F, Amberger DC, Amend C, Weinmann M, Schwepcke C, Klauer L, Schutti O, Hosseini H, Krämer D, Rank A, Schmid C, Schmetzer HM. Anti-Leukemic Effects Induced by Dendritic Cells of Leukemic Origin from Leukemic Blood Samples Are Comparable under Hypoxic vs. Normoxic Conditions. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2383. [PMID: 39001445 PMCID: PMC11240788 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132383] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia can modulate the immune system by affecting the function and activity of immune cells, potentially leading to altered immune responses. This study investigated the generation of leukemia-derived dendritic cells (DCleu) from leukemic blasts and their impact on immune cell activation under hypoxic (5-10% O2) compared to normoxic (21% O2) conditions using various immunomodulatory Kits. The results revealed that DC/DCleu-generation was similar under hypoxic and normoxic conditions, with no significant differences observed in frequencies of generated DC/DCleu. Furthermore, the study showed that the activation of immune cells and their anti-leukemic activity improved when T cell-enriched immunoreactive cells were co-cultured with DC/DCleu which were generated with Kit I and M compared to the control after mixed lymphocyte cultures. The anti-leukemic activity was improved under hypoxic compared to normoxic conditions after MLCWB-DC Kit M. These findings suggest that DC/DCleu-cultures of leukemic whole blood with Kits under hypoxic conditions yield comparable frequencies of DC/DCleu and can even increase the anti-leukemic activity compared to normoxic conditions. Overall, this research highlights the potential of utilizing DC/DCleu (potentially induced in vivo with Kits) as a promising approach to enhance immune response in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Doraneh-Gard
- Medical Department III, Working-group Immune-Modulation, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | | | - Carina Amend
- Medical Department III, Working-group Immune-Modulation, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Weinmann
- Medical Department III, Working-group Immune-Modulation, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schwepcke
- Medical Department III, Working-group Immune-Modulation, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Lara Klauer
- Medical Department III, Working-group Immune-Modulation, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Olga Schutti
- Medical Department III, Working-group Immune-Modulation, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Hedayatollah Hosseini
- Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Doris Krämer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Hospital Hagen, 58097 Hagen, Germany
| | - Andreas Rank
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 86156 Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmid
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 86156 Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Helga Maria Schmetzer
- Medical Department III, Working-group Immune-Modulation, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 86156 Augsburg, Germany
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Lucà S, Accardo M, Campione S, Franco R. Immunotherapy in thymic epithelial tumors: tissue predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:465-476. [PMID: 38966177 PMCID: PMC11220306 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare malignant neoplasms arising in the thymus gland. Nevertheless, TETs, including thymomas (TMs), thymic carcinomas (TCs), and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms (TNENs), are the most common mediastinal malignancies overall. A multidisciplinary approach is required for the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic management of TETs. To date, the main therapeutic strategies are largely depended on the stage of the tumor and they include surgery with or without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy, represented by platinum-based chemotherapy, radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are ongoing under evaluation in the advanced or metastatic diseases despite the challenges related to the very low tumor mutation burden (TMB) and the high incidence of immune-related adverse events in TETs. In this regard, predictive impact of tissue biomarkers expression such as programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and other emerging biomarkers, as well as their optimal and shared interpretation are currently under evaluation in order to predict response rates to ICIs in TETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Lucà
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Accardo
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Severo Campione
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic-Therapeutic Technologies and Health Services Section of Anatomic Pathology, A. Cardarelli Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Motallebzadeh Khanmiri J, Alizadeh M, Esmaeili S, Gholami Z, Safarzadeh A, Khani-Eshratabadi M, Baghbanzadeh A, Alizadeh N, Baradaran B. Dendritic cell vaccination strategy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: a systematic review. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:427-435. [PMID: 38483358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.02.009] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is classified as a hematologic malignancy characterized by the proliferation of immature blood cells within the bone marrow (BM), resulting in an aberrant and unregulated cellular growth. The primary therapeutic modalities for AML include chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, it is important to note that these treatments are accompanied by important adverse effects and mortality rates. Therefore, the need for more effective treatment options seems necessary, and dendritic cell (DC) vaccine therapy can be one of these options. In this study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of DC vaccination therapy for the management of AML. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for this systematic review. The articles were evaluated based on the inclusion criteria of this study and initially compared in terms of titles or abstracts. Finally, the articles related to the topic of this review were obtained in full text. The complete remission and partial remission, survival, correlative immune assays, and health-related metrics were used to evaluate this cellular immunotherapy effectiveness. The quality of the studies was assessed independently using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. The compiled data were input into a standard Excel spreadsheet. Each domain was evaluated as having either a "low risk," "high risk," or "unclear risk" of bias. RESULTS Among the 3986 studies that were determined, a total of 11 correlated trials were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. DC vaccine therapy was effective in inducing complete and partial remission, and stabilization of the disease. Additionally, it was discovered that the treatment strengthened the immune system as seen by increased levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, Th1 cytokines, WT1-specific T cells, and activated NK cells. CONCLUSION We conducted a systematic review that supports the use of DC vaccine therapy as an effective treatment for AML. The therapy demonstrated potentials in achieving remission, enhancing the immune system function, and increasing overall survival. However, more studies are required to improve the methods of preparing and delivering the DC vaccine, and to confirm its long-term safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Motallebzadeh Khanmiri
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Alizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sina Esmaeili
- Student Research Committee, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Gholami
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Safarzadeh
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Alizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Hackenbruch C, Bauer J, Heitmann JS, Maringer Y, Nelde A, Denk M, Zieschang L, Kammer C, Federmann B, Jung S, Martus P, Malek NP, Nikolaou K, Salih HR, Bitzer M, Walz JS. FusionVAC22_01: a phase I clinical trial evaluating a DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion transcript-based peptide vaccine combined with immune checkpoint inhibition for fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma and other tumor entities carrying the oncogenic driver fusion. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1367450. [PMID: 38606105 PMCID: PMC11007196 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1367450] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion transcript was identified as the oncogenic driver of tumor pathogenesis in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC), also known as fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), as well as in other tumor entities, thus representing a broad target for novel treatment in multiple cancer entities. FL-HCC is a rare primary liver tumor with a 5-year survival rate of only 45%, which typically affects young patients with no underlying primary liver disease. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment option if no metastases are present at diagnosis. There is no standard of care for systemic therapy. Peptide-based vaccines represent a low side-effect approach relying on specific immune recognition of tumor-associated human leucocyte antigen (HLA) presented peptides. The induction (priming) of tumor-specific T-cell responses against neoepitopes derived from gene fusion transcripts by peptide-vaccination combined with expansion of the immune response and optimization of immune function within the tumor microenvironment achieved by immune-checkpoint-inhibition (ICI) has the potential to improve response rates and durability of responses in malignant diseases. The phase I clinical trial FusionVAC22_01 will enroll patients with FL-HCC or other cancer entities carrying the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion transcript that are locally advanced or metastatic. Two doses of the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion-based neoepitope vaccine Fusion-VAC-XS15 will be applied subcutaneously (s.c.) with a 4-week interval in combination with the anti-programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody atezolizumab starting at day 15 after the first vaccination. Anti-PD-L1 will be applied every 4 weeks until end of the 54-week treatment phase or until disease progression or other reason for study termination. Thereafter, patients will enter a 6 months follow-up period. The clinical trial reported here was approved by the Ethics Committee II of the University of Heidelberg (Medical faculty of Mannheim) and the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute (P-00540). Clinical trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration numbers EU CT Number: 2022-502869-17-01 and ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05937295).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hackenbruch
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jens Bauer
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas S. Heitmann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yacine Maringer
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annika Nelde
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Monika Denk
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lisa Zieschang
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christine Kammer
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Birgit Federmann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Jung
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Martus
- Institute for Medical Biometrics and Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nisar P. Malek
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- The M3 Research Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helmut R. Salih
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Bitzer
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juliane S. Walz
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Van Genechten T, De Laere M, Van den Bossche J, Stein B, De Rycke K, Deschepper C, Hazes K, Peeters R, Couttenye MM, Van De Walle K, Roelant E, Maes S, Vanden Bossche S, Dekeyzer S, Huizing M, Caluwaert K, Nijs G, Cools N, Verlooy J, Norga K, Verhulst S, Anguille S, Berneman Z, Lion E. Adjuvant Wilms' tumour 1-specific dendritic cell immunotherapy complementing conventional therapy for paediatric patients with high-grade glioma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: protocol of a monocentric phase I/II clinical trial in Belgium. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077613. [PMID: 38503417 PMCID: PMC10952861 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and paediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) are aggressive glial tumours, for which conventional treatment modalities fall short. Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy is being investigated as a promising and safe adjuvant therapy. The Wilms' tumour protein (WT1) is a potent target for this type of antigen-specific immunotherapy and is overexpressed in DIPG and pHGG. Based on this, we designed a non-randomised phase I/II trial, assessing the feasibility and safety of WT1 mRNA-loaded DC (WT1/DC) immunotherapy in combination with conventional treatment in pHGG and DIPG. METHODS AND ANALYSIS 10 paediatric patients with newly diagnosed or pretreated HGG or DIPG were treated according to the trial protocol. The trial protocol consists of leukapheresis of mononuclear cells, the manufacturing of autologous WT1/DC vaccines and the combination of WT1/DC-vaccine immunotherapy with conventional antiglioma treatment. In newly diagnosed patients, this comprises chemoradiation (oral temozolomide 90 mg/m2 daily+radiotherapy 54 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions) followed by three induction WT1/DC vaccines (8-10×106 cells/vaccine) given on a weekly basis and a chemoimmunotherapy booster phase consisting of six 28-day cycles of oral temozolomide (150-200 mg/m2 on days 1-5) and a WT1/DC vaccine on day 21. In pretreated patients, the induction and booster phase are combined with best possible antiglioma treatment at hand. Primary objectives are to assess the feasibility of the production of mRNA-electroporated WT1/DC vaccines in this patient population and to assess the safety and feasibility of combining conventional antiglioma treatment with the proposed immunotherapy. Secondary objectives are to investigate in vivo immunogenicity of WT1/DC vaccination and to assess disease-specific and general quality of life. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The ethics committee of the Antwerp University Hospital and the University of Antwerp granted ethics approval. Results of the clinical trial will be shared through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04911621.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toon Van Genechten
- Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Maxime De Laere
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jolien Van den Bossche
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Barbara Stein
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Kim De Rycke
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | - Katja Hazes
- Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Renke Peeters
- Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | | | - Ella Roelant
- Statistics, Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Sabine Maes
- Anesthesiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | - Sven Dekeyzer
- Radiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Manon Huizing
- Cell and Tissue Bank, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, België, Belgium
| | - Kim Caluwaert
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Cell and Tissue Bank, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Griet Nijs
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Cools
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Joris Verlooy
- Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Koen Norga
- Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Stijn Verhulst
- Pediatrics, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Sebastien Anguille
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Zwi Berneman
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Eva Lion
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
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Gera K, Chauhan A, Castillo P, Rahman M, Mathavan A, Mathavan A, Oganda-Rivas E, Elliott L, Wingard JR, Sayour EJ. Vaccines: a promising therapy for myelodysplastic syndrome. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:4. [PMID: 38191498 PMCID: PMC10773074 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01523-4] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) define clonal hematopoietic malignancies characterized by heterogeneous mutational and clinical spectra typically seen in the elderly. Curative treatment entails allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, which is often not a feasible option due to older age and significant comorbidities. Immunotherapy has the cytotoxic capacity to elicit tumor-specific killing with long-term immunological memory. While a number of platforms have emerged, therapeutic vaccination presents as an appealing strategy for MDS given its promising safety profile and amenability for commercialization. Several preclinical and clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of vaccines in MDS; these include peptide vaccines targeting tumor antigens, whole cell-based vaccines and dendritic cell-based vaccines. These therapeutic vaccines have shown acceptable safety profiles, but consistent clinical responses remain elusive despite robust immunological reactions. Combining vaccines with immunotherapeutic agents holds promise and requires further investigation. Herein, we highlight therapeutic vaccine trials while reviewing challenges and future directions of successful vaccination strategies in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Gera
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Anjali Chauhan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Immunotherapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paul Castillo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maryam Rahman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Immunotherapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Akash Mathavan
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Akshay Mathavan
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Oganda-Rivas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Immunotherapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Leighton Elliott
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John R Wingard
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Elias J Sayour
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Immunotherapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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8
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Duarte ADSS, Zangirolami AB, Santos I, Niemann FS, Honma HN, Amaro EC, Perroud MW, Pericole FV, Gilli SCO, Benites BD, Saad STO. Production of dendritic cell vaccines using different methods with equivalent results: Implications for emerging centers. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2024; 46:30-35. [PMID: 36503996 PMCID: PMC10935473 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines have demonstrated good efficacy in preventing relapse and in increasing survival of patients affected by a variety of both solid and hematological tumors. Most protocols used to generate these cells involve the automated separation of peripheral blood monocytes from patients. This approach requires specialized equipment, which elevates the cost of this type of therapy, potentially limiting the widespread access to patients. METHOD In this study, we compare the yield and quality of dendritic cells generated from monocytes and isolated by an automated method or by manual methods using gradient centrifugation. RESULTS The results demonstrate the equivalence of the 3 methods in relation to the yield and final quality of the product, however with considerable differences between the costs of these procedures. In addition, this study also demonstrates the feasibility of the antigenic pulse with autologous tumor cell lysates, constituting a source of antigens, not only easily obtained and manipulated, but also specific to the patient's tumor. CONCLUSION These findings may have important implications for emerging centers interested in using this medical approach and potentially increase the access of a greater number of patients to this therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Audrey Basso Zangirolami
- Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, (Hemocentro- Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Irene Santos
- Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, (Hemocentro- Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Soares Niemann
- Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, (Hemocentro- Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Helen Naemi Honma
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (FCM Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Emerson Clayton Amaro
- Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, (Hemocentro- Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Maurício Wesley Perroud
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (FCM Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Vieira Pericole
- Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, (Hemocentro- Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Deltreggia Benites
- Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, (Hemocentro- Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Sara Teresinha Olalla Saad
- Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, (Hemocentro- Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
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9
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Morales AE, Gumenick R, Genovese CM, Jang YY, Ouedraogo A, Ibáñez de Garayo M, Pannellini T, Patel S, Bott ME, Alvarez J, Mun SS, Totonchy J, Gautam A, Delgado de la Mora J, Chang S, Wirth D, Horenstein M, Dao T, Scheinberg DA, Rubinstein PG, Semeere A, Martin J, Godfrey CC, Moser CB, Matining RM, Campbell TB, Borok MZ, Krown SE, Cesarman E. Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) antigen is overexpressed in Kaposi Sarcoma and is regulated by KSHV vFLIP. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011881. [PMID: 38190392 PMCID: PMC10898863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011881] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In people living with HIV, Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), a vascular neoplasm caused by KS herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8), remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Individuals living with HIV, receiving otherwise effective antiretroviral therapy, may present with extensive disease requiring chemotherapy. Hence, new therapeutic approaches are needed. The Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) protein is overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis in several hematologic and solid malignancies and has shown promise as an immunotherapeutic target. We found that WT1 was overexpressed in >90% of a total 333 KS biopsies, as determined by immunohistochemistry and image analysis. Our largest cohort from ACTG, consisting of 294 cases was further analyzed demonstrating higher WT1 expression was associated with more advanced histopathologic subtypes. There was a positive correlation between the proportion of infected cells within KS tissues, assessed by expression of the KSHV-encoded latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), and WT1 positivity. Areas with high WT1 expression showed sparse T-cell infiltrates, consistent with an immune evasive tumor microenvironment. We show that major oncogenic isoforms of WT1 are overexpressed in primary KS tissue and observed WT1 upregulation upon de novo infection of endothelial cells with KSHV. KSHV latent viral FLICE-inhibitory protein (vFLIP) upregulated total and major isoforms of WT1, but upregulation was not seen after expression of mutant vFLIP that is unable to bind IKKƴ and induce NFκB. siRNA targeting of WT1 in latent KSHV infection resulted in decreased total cell number and pAKT, BCL2 and LANA protein expression. Finally, we show that ESK-1, a T cell receptor-like monoclonal antibody that recognizes WT1 peptides presented on MHC HLA-A0201, demonstrates increased binding to endothelial cells after KSHV infection or induction of vFLIP expression. We propose that oncogenic isoforms of WT1 are upregulated by KSHV to promote tumorigenesis and immunotherapy directed against WT1 may be an approach for KS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana E. Morales
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ruby Gumenick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Caitlyn M. Genovese
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yun Yeong Jang
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ariene Ouedraogo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Maite Ibáñez de Garayo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tania Pannellini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sanjay Patel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Matthew E. Bott
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Julio Alvarez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sung Soo Mun
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Totonchy
- School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Archana Gautam
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jesus Delgado de la Mora
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Chang
- Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Dagmar Wirth
- Model Systems for Infection and Immunity, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marcelo Horenstein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul G. Rubinstein
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, John H. Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County (Cook County Hospital), Ruth M. Rothstein Core Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeffrey Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Catherine C. Godfrey
- Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, Department of State, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Carlee B. Moser
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Roy M. Matining
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thomas B. Campbell
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Margaret Z. Borok
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Susan E. Krown
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (emerita), New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ethel Cesarman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Sauerer T, Albrecht L, Sievers NM, Gerer KF, Hoyer S, Dörrie J, Schaft N. Electroporation of mRNA as a Universal Technology Platform to Transfect a Variety of Primary Cells with Antigens and Functional Proteins. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2786:219-235. [PMID: 38814397 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3770-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Electroporation (EP) of mRNA into human cells is a broadly applicable method to transiently express proteins of choice in a variety of different cell types. We have spent more than two decades to optimize and adapt this method, first for antigen-loading of dendritic cells (DCs) and subsequently for T cells, B cells, bulk PBMCs, and several cell lines. In this regard, antigens were introduced, processed, and presented in context of MHC class I and II. Next to that, functional proteins like adhesion receptors, T-cell receptors (TCRs), chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), constitutively active signal transducers (i.e. caIKK), and others were successfully expressed. We have also established this protocol under full GMP compliance as part of a manufacturing license to produce mRNA-electroporated DCs and mRNA-electroporated T cells for therapeutic applications in clinical trials. Therefore, we here want to share our universal mRNA electroporation protocol and the experience we have gathered with this method. The advantages of the transfection method presented here are: (1) easy adaptation to different cell types; (2) scalability from 106 to approximately 108 cells per shot; (3) high transfection efficiency (80-99%); (4) homogenous protein expression; (5) GMP compliance if the EP is performed in a class A clean room; and (6) no transgene integration into the genome. The provided protocol involves: OptiMEM® as EP medium, a square-wave pulse with 500 V, and 4 mm cuvettes. To adapt the protocol to differently sized cells, simply the pulse time has to be altered. Thus, we share an overview of proven electroporation settings (including recovery media), which we have established for various cell types. Next to the basic protocol, we also provide an extensive list of hints and tricks, which, in our opinion, are of great value for everyone who intends to use this transfection technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Sauerer
- RNA-based Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Leoni Albrecht
- RNA-based Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nico M Sievers
- RNA-based Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kerstin F Gerer
- RNA-based Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Novartis Pharma GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hoyer
- RNA-based Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center CCC Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- RNA-based Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- RNA-based Immunotherapy, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany.
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11
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Pospiech M, Tamizharasan M, Wei YC, Kumar AMS, Lou M, Milstein J, Alachkar H. Features of the TCR repertoire associate with patients' clinical and molecular characteristics in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1236514. [PMID: 37928542 PMCID: PMC10620936 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1236514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant remains the most effective strategy for patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Leukemia-specific neoantigens presented by the major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) are recognized by the T cell receptors (TCR) triggering the graft-versus-leukemia effect. A unique TCR signature is generated by a complex V(D)J rearrangement process to form TCR capable of binding to the peptide-MHC. The generated TCR repertoire undergoes dynamic changes with disease progression and treatment. Method Here we applied two different computational tools (TRUST4 and MIXCR) to extract the TCR sequences from RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and examine the association between features of the TCR repertoire in adult patients with AML and their clinical and molecular characteristics. Results We found that only ~30% of identified TCR CDR3s were shared by the two computational tools. Yet, patterns of TCR associations with patients' clinical and molecular characteristics based on data obtained from either tool were similar. The numbers of unique TCR clones were highly correlated with patients' white blood cell counts, bone marrow blast percentage, and peripheral blood blast percentage. Multivariable regressions of TCRA and TCRB median normalized number of unique clones with mutational status of AML patients using TRUST4 showed significant association of TCRA or TCRB with WT1 mutations, WBC count, %BM blast, and sex (adjusted in TCRB model). We observed a correlation between TCRA/B number of unique clones and the expression of T cells inhibitory signal genes (TIGIT, LAG3, CTLA-4) and foxp3, but not IL2RA, CD69 and TNFRSF9 suggestive of exhausted T cell phenotypes in AML. Conclusion Benchmarking of computational tools is needed to increase the accuracy of the identified clones. The utilization of RNA-seq data enables identification of highly abundant TCRs and correlating these clones with patients' clinical and molecular characteristics. This study further supports the value of high-resolution TCR-Seq analyses to characterize the TCR repertoire in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Pospiech
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mukund Tamizharasan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yu-Chun Wei
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Advaith Maya Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mimi Lou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Joshua Milstein
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Houda Alachkar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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12
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Liu D, Che X, Wang X, Ma C, Wu G. Tumor Vaccines: Unleashing the Power of the Immune System to Fight Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1384. [PMID: 37895855 PMCID: PMC10610367 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the rapidly evolving arena of cancer vaccines. Initially, we examine the intricate constitution of the tumor microenvironment (TME), a dynamic factor that significantly influences tumor heterogeneity. Current research trends focusing on harnessing the TME for effective tumor vaccine treatments are also discussed. We then provide a detailed overview of the current state of research concerning tumor immunity and the mechanisms of tumor vaccines, describing the complex immunological processes involved. Furthermore, we conduct an exhaustive analysis of the contemporary research landscape of tumor vaccines, with a particular focus on peptide vaccines, DNA/RNA-based vaccines, viral-vector-based vaccines, dendritic-cell-based vaccines, and whole-cell-based vaccines. We analyze and summarize these categories of tumor vaccines, highlighting their individual advantages, limitations, and the factors influencing their effectiveness. In our survey of each category, we summarize commonly used tumor vaccines, aiming to provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the current state of tumor vaccine research. We then delve into an innovative strategy combining cancer vaccines with other therapies. By studying the effects of combining tumor vaccines with immune checkpoint inhibitors, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and oncolytic virotherapy, we establish that this approach can enhance overall treatment efficacy and offset the limitations of single-treatment approaches, offering patients more effective treatment options. Following this, we undertake a meticulous analysis of the entire process of personalized cancer vaccines, elucidating the intricate process from design, through research and production, to clinical application, thus helping readers gain a thorough understanding of its complexities. In conclusion, our exploration of tumor vaccines in this review aims to highlight their promising potential in cancer treatment. As research in this field continues to evolve, it undeniably holds immense promise for improving cancer patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dequan Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China; (D.L.); (X.C.)
| | - Xiangyu Che
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China; (D.L.); (X.C.)
| | - Xiaoxi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China;
| | - Chuanyu Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China; (D.L.); (X.C.)
| | - Guangzhen Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China; (D.L.); (X.C.)
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13
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Zhang G, Tang T, Chen Y, Huang X, Liang T. mRNA vaccines in disease prevention and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:365. [PMID: 37726283 PMCID: PMC10509165 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have emerged as highly effective strategies in the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, thanks largely although not totally to their extraordinary performance in recent years against the worldwide plague COVID-19. The huge superiority of mRNA vaccines regarding their efficacy, safety, and large-scale manufacture encourages pharmaceutical industries and biotechnology companies to expand their application to a diverse array of diseases, despite the nonnegligible problems in design, fabrication, and mode of administration. This review delves into the technical underpinnings of mRNA vaccines, covering mRNA design, synthesis, delivery, and adjuvant technologies. Moreover, this review presents a systematic retrospective analysis in a logical and well-organized manner, shedding light on representative mRNA vaccines employed in various diseases. The scope extends across infectious diseases, cancers, immunological diseases, tissue damages, and rare diseases, showcasing the versatility and potential of mRNA vaccines in diverse therapeutic areas. Furthermore, this review engages in a prospective discussion regarding the current challenge and potential direction for the advancement and utilization of mRNA vaccines. Overall, this comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals, providing a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects, historical context, and future prospects of mRNA vaccines in the fight against various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianyu Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinfeng Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, 310009, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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14
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Flumens D, Gielis S, Bartholomeus E, Campillo-Davo D, van der Heijden S, Versteven M, De Reu H, Smits E, Ogunjimi B, Laukens K, Meysman P, Lion E. Training of epitope-TCR prediction models with healthy donor-derived cancer-specific T cells. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 183:143-160. [PMID: 38548410 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Discovery of epitope-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) for cancer therapies is a time consuming and expensive procedure that usually requires a large amount of patient cells. To maximize information from and minimize the need of precious samples in cancer research, prediction models have been developed to identify in silico epitope-specific TCRs. In this chapter, we provide a step-by-step protocol to train a prediction model using the user-friendly TCRex webtool for the nearly universal tumor-associated antigen Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1)-specific TCR repertoire. WT1 is a self-antigen overexpressed in numerous solid and hematological malignancies with a high clinical relevance. Training of computational models starts from a list of known epitope-specific TCRs which is often not available for new cancer epitopes. Therefore, we describe a workflow to assemble a training data set consisting of TCR sequences obtained from WT137-45-reactive CD8 T cell clones expanded and sorted from healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan Flumens
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sofie Gielis
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (Biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Esther Bartholomeus
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research & Modeling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), VAXINFECTIO, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Diana Campillo-Davo
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sanne van der Heijden
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maarten Versteven
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hans De Reu
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research & Modeling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), VAXINFECTIO, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benson Ogunjimi
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research & Modeling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), VAXINFECTIO, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kris Laukens
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (Biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Meysman
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (Biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eva Lion
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.
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15
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Ghaffari K, Moradi-Hasanabad A, Sobhani-Nasab A, Javaheri J, Ghasemi A. Application of cell-derived exosomes in the hematological malignancies therapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1263834. [PMID: 37745073 PMCID: PMC10515215 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1263834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small membrane vesicles of endocytic origin that are produced by both tumor and normal cells and can be found in physiological fluids like plasma and cell culture supernatants. They include cytokines, growth factors, proteins, lipids, RNAs, and metabolites and are important intercellular communication controllers in several disorders. According to a vast amount of research, exosomes could support or inhibit tumor start and diffusion in a variety of solid and hematological malignancies by paracrine signaling. Exosomes are crucial therapeutic agents for a variety of illnesses, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. This review discusses the most current and encouraging findings from in vitro and experimental in vivo research, as well as the scant number of ongoing clinical trials, with a focus on the impact of exosomes in the treatment of malignancies. Exosomes have great promise as carriers of medications, antagonists, genes, and other therapeutic materials that can be incorporated into their core in a variety of ways. Exosomes can also alter the metabolism of cancer cells, alter the activity of immunologic effectors, and alter non-coding RNAs, all of which can alter the tumor microenvironment and turn it from a pro-tumor to an anti-tumor milieu. This subject is covered in the current review, which also looks at how exosomes contribute to the onset and progression of hematological malignancies, as well as their importance in diagnosing and treating these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazem Ghaffari
- Department of Basic and Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Amin Moradi-Hasanabad
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ali Sobhani-Nasab
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Javad Javaheri
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Ali Ghasemi
- Department of Biochemistry and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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16
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Tang L, Huang Z, Mei H, Hu Y. Immunotherapy in hematologic malignancies: achievements, challenges and future prospects. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:306. [PMID: 37591844 PMCID: PMC10435569 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01521-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune-cell origin of hematologic malignancies provides a unique avenue for the understanding of both the mechanisms of immune responsiveness and immune escape, which has accelerated the progress of immunotherapy. Several categories of immunotherapies have been developed and are being further evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of blood cancers, including stem cell transplantation, immune checkpoint inhibitors, antigen-targeted antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, tumor vaccines, and adoptive cell therapies. These immunotherapies have shown the potential to induce long-term remission in refractory or relapsed patients and have led to a paradigm shift in cancer treatment with great clinical success. Different immunotherapeutic approaches have their advantages but also shortcomings that need to be addressed. To provide clinicians with timely information on these revolutionary therapeutic approaches, the comprehensive review provides historical perspectives on the applications and clinical considerations of the immunotherapy. Here, we first outline the recent advances that have been made in the understanding of the various categories of immunotherapies in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. We further discuss the specific mechanisms of action, summarize the clinical trials and outcomes of immunotherapies in hematologic malignancies, as well as the adverse effects and toxicity management and then provide novel insights into challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, 430022, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, the Ministry of Education, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongpei Huang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, 430022, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, the Ministry of Education, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Heng Mei
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, 430022, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, the Ministry of Education, 430022, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, 430022, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, the Ministry of Education, 430022, Wuhan, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China.
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17
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Schunke J, Mailänder V, Landfester K, Fichter M. Delivery of Immunostimulatory Cargos in Nanocarriers Enhances Anti-Tumoral Nanovaccine Efficacy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12174. [PMID: 37569548 PMCID: PMC10419017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding a long-term cure for tumor patients still represents a major challenge. Immunotherapies offer promising therapy options, since they are designed to specifically prime the immune system against the tumor and modulate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Using nucleic-acid-based vaccines or cellular vaccines often does not achieve sufficient activation of the immune system in clinical trials. Additionally, the rapid degradation of drugs and their non-specific uptake into tissues and cells as well as their severe side effects pose a challenge. The encapsulation of immunomodulatory molecules into nanocarriers provides the opportunity of protected cargo transport and targeted uptake by antigen-presenting cells. In addition, different immunomodulatory cargos can be co-delivered, which enables versatile stimulation of the immune system, enhances anti-tumor immune responses and improves the toxicity profile of conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Schunke
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Max Planck Insitute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Volker Mailänder
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Max Planck Insitute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Michael Fichter
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Max Planck Insitute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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18
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Maurer K, Soiffer RJ. The delicate balance of graft versus leukemia and graft versus host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:943-962. [PMID: 37906445 PMCID: PMC11195539 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2273847] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The curative basis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) relies in part upon the graft versus leukemia (GvL) effect, whereby donor immune cells recognize and eliminate recipient malignant cells. However, alloreactivity of donor cells against recipient tissues may also be deleterious. Chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD) is an immunologic phenomenon wherein alloreactive donor T cells aberrantly react against host tissues, leading to damaging inflammatory symptoms. AREAS COVERED Here, we discuss biological insights into GvL and cGvHD and strategies to balance the prevention of GvHD with maintenance of GvL in modern HSCT. EXPERT OPINION/COMMENTARY Relapse remains the leading cause of mortality after HSCT with rates as high as 40% for some diseases. GvHD is a major cause of morbidity after HSCT, occurring in up to half of patients and responsible for 15-20% of deaths after HSCT. Intriguingly, the development of chronic GvHD may be linked to lower relapse rates after HSCT, suggesting that GvL and GvHD may be complementary sides of the immunologic foundation of HSCT. The ability to fine tune the balance of GvL and GvHD will lead to improvements in survival, relapse rates, and quality of life for patients undergoing HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Maurer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert J Soiffer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Liu C, Shi Q, Huang X, Koo S, Kong N, Tao W. mRNA-based cancer therapeutics. Nat Rev Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41568-023-00586-2. [PMID: 37311817 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00586-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to the fact that mRNA technology allows the production of diverse vaccines and treatments in a shorter time frame and with reduced expense compared to conventional approaches, there has been a surge in the use of mRNA-based therapeutics in recent years. With the aim of encoding tumour antigens for cancer vaccines, cytokines for immunotherapy, tumour suppressors to inhibit tumour development, chimeric antigen receptors for engineered T cell therapy or genome-editing proteins for gene therapy, many of these therapeutics have shown promising efficacy in preclinical studies, and some have even entered clinical trials. Given the evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of clinically approved mRNA vaccines, coupled with growing interest in mRNA-based therapeutics, mRNA technology is poised to become one of the major pillars in cancer drug development. In this Review, we present in vitro transcribed mRNA-based therapeutics for cancer treatment, including the characteristics of the various types of synthetic mRNA, the packaging systems for efficient mRNA delivery, preclinical and clinical studies, current challenges and future prospects in the field. We anticipate the translation of promising mRNA-based treatments into clinical applications, to ultimately benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Liu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anaesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qiangqiang Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anaesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangang Huang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anaesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anaesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anaesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anaesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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20
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Sun H, Zhang Y, Wang G, Yang W, Xu Y. mRNA-Based Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020622. [PMID: 36839944 PMCID: PMC9964383 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, significant technological innovations have led to messenger RNA (mRNA) becoming a promising option for developing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, protein replacement therapies, and genome engineering. The success of the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has sparked new enthusiasm for other medical applications, particularly in cancer treatment. In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNAs are structurally designed to resemble naturally occurring mature mRNA. Delivery of IVT mRNA via delivery platforms such as lipid nanoparticles allows host cells to produce many copies of encoded proteins, which can serve as antigens to stimulate immune responses or as additional beneficial proteins for supplements. mRNA-based cancer therapeutics include mRNA cancer vaccines, mRNA encoding cytokines, chimeric antigen receptors, tumor suppressors, and other combination therapies. To better understand the current development and research status of mRNA therapies for cancer treatment, this review focused on the molecular design, delivery systems, and clinical indications of mRNA therapies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ge Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence:
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21
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Yuan Y, Gao F, Chang Y, Zhao Q, He X. Advances of mRNA vaccine in tumor: a maze of opportunities and challenges. Biomark Res 2023; 11:6. [PMID: 36650562 PMCID: PMC9845107 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00449-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
High-frequency mutations in tumor genomes could be exploited as an asset for developing tumor vaccines. In recent years, with the tremendous breakthrough in genomics, intelligence algorithm, and in-depth insight of tumor immunology, it has become possible to rapidly target genomic alterations in tumor cell and rationally select vaccine targets. Among a variety of candidate vaccine platforms, the early application of mRNA was limited by instability low efficiency and excessive immunogenicity until the successful development of mRNA vaccines against SARS-COV-2 broken of technical bottleneck in vaccine preparation, allowing tumor mRNA vaccines to be prepared rapidly in an economical way with good performance of stability and efficiency. In this review, we systematically summarized the classification and characteristics of tumor antigens, the general process and methods for screening neoantigens, the strategies of vaccine preparations and advances in clinical trials, as well as presented the main challenges in the current mRNA tumor vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Gao
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Chang
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingxing He
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China ,grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
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22
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Chen Y, Wang J, Zhang F, Liu P. A perspective of immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia: Current advances and challenges. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1151032. [PMID: 37153761 PMCID: PMC10154606 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1151032] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been the subject of extensive study which has considerably increased our understanding of the disease. However, both resistance to chemotherapy and disease relapse remain the principal obstacles to successful treatment. Because of acute and chronic undesirable effects frequently associated with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, consolidation chemotherapy is not feasible, especially for elderly patients, which has attracted a growing body of research to attempt to tackle this problem. Immunotherapies for acute myeloid leukemia, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, together with T-cell therapy based on engineered antigen receptor have been developed recently. Our review presents the recent progress in immunotherapy for the treatment of AML and discusses effective therapies that have the most potential and major challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Province Institute of Hematology, Guizhou Province Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre, Guiyang, China
| | - Jishi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Province Institute of Hematology, Guizhou Province Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Jishi Wang,
| | - Fengqi Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Province Institute of Hematology, Guizhou Province Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre, Guiyang, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Province Institute of Hematology, Guizhou Province Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre, Guiyang, China
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23
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Dendritic Cell-Triggered Immune Activation Goes along with Provision of (Leukemia-Specific) Integrin Beta 7-Expressing Immune Cells and Improved Antileukemic Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010463. [PMID: 36613907 PMCID: PMC9820538 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrin beta 7 (β7), a subunit of the integrin receptor, is expressed on the surface of immune cells and mediates cell-cell adhesions and interactions, e.g., antitumor or autoimmune reactions. Here, we analyzed, whether the stimulation of immune cells by dendritic cells (of leukemic derivation in AML patients or of monocyte derivation in healthy donors) leads to increased/leukemia-specific β7 expression in immune cells after T-cell-enriched mixed lymphocyte culture-finally leading to improved antileukemic cytotoxicity. Healthy, as well as AML and MDS patients' whole blood (WB) was treated with Kit-M (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) + prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)) or Kit-I (GM-CSF + Picibanil) in order to generate DCs (DCleu or monocyte-derived DC), which were then used as stimulator cells in MLC. To quantify antigen/leukemia-specific/antileukemic functionality, a degranulation assay (DEG), an intracellular cytokine assay (INTCYT) and a cytotoxicity fluorolysis assay (CTX) were used. (Leukemia-specific) cell subtypes were quantified via flow cytometry. The Kit treatment of WB (compared to the control) resulted in the generation of DC/DCleu, which induced increased activation of innate and adaptive cells after MLC. Kit-pretreated WB (vs. the control) led to significantly increased frequencies of β7-expressing T-cells, degranulating and intracellular cytokine-producing β7-expressing immune cells and, in patients' samples, increased blast lysis. Positive correlations were found between the Kit-M-mediated improvement of blast lysis (vs. the control) and frequencies of β7-expressing T-cells. Our findings indicate that DC-based immune therapies might be able to specifically activate the immune system against blasts going along with increased frequencies of (leukemia-specific) β7-expressing immune cells. Furthermore, β7 might qualify as a predictor for the efficiency and the success of AML and/or MDS therapies.
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Gregory GL, Copple IM. Modulating the expression of tumor suppressor genes using activating oligonucleotide technologies as a therapeutic approach in cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 31:211-223. [PMID: 36700046 PMCID: PMC9840112 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) are frequently downregulated in cancer, leading to dysregulation of the pathways that they control. The continuum model of tumor suppression suggests that even subtle changes in TSG expression, for example, driven by epigenetic modifications or copy number alterations, can lead to a loss of gene function and a phenotypic effect. This approach to exploring tumor suppression provides opportunities for alternative therapies that may be able to restore TSG expression toward normal levels, such as oligonucleotide therapies. Oligonucleotide therapies involve the administration of exogenous nucleic acids to modulate the expression of specific endogenous genes. This review focuses on two types of activating oligonucleotide therapies, small-activating RNAs and synthetic mRNAs, as novel methods to increase the expression of TSGs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina L. Gregory
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Ian M. Copple
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
- Corresponding author: Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK.
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25
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Hashiba K, Sato Y, Taguchi M, Sakamoto S, Otsu A, Maeda Y, Shishido T, Murakawa M, Okazaki A, Harashima H. Branching Ionizable Lipids Can Enhance the Stability, Fusogenicity, and Functional Delivery of mRNA. SMALL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202200071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Hashiba
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hokkaido University Kita-12, Nishi-6 Kita-Ku Sapporo 060-0812 Japan
| | - Masamitsu Taguchi
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Sachiko Sakamoto
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Ayaka Otsu
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Yoshiki Maeda
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Takuya Shishido
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Masao Murakawa
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Arimichi Okazaki
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division Nitto Denko Corporation 1-1-2, Shimohozumi Ibaraki Osaka 567-8680 Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hokkaido University Kita-12, Nishi-6 Kita-Ku Sapporo 060-0812 Japan
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Yang L, Tang L, Zhang M, Liu C. Recent Advances in the Molecular Design and Delivery Technology of mRNA for Vaccination Against Infectious Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:896958. [PMID: 35928814 PMCID: PMC9345514 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.896958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines can prevent many millions of illnesses against infectious diseases and save numerous lives every year. However, traditional vaccines such as inactivated viral and live attenuated vaccines cannot adapt to emerging pandemics due to their time-consuming development. With the global outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, the virus continues to evolve and mutate, producing mutants with enhanced transmissibility and virulence; the rapid development of vaccines against such emerging global pandemics becomes more and more critical. In recent years, mRNA vaccines have been of significant interest in combating emerging infectious diseases due to their rapid development and large-scale production advantages. However, their development still suffers from many hurdles such as their safety, cellular delivery, uptake, and response to their manufacturing, logistics, and storage. More efforts are still required to optimize the molecular designs of mRNA molecules with increased protein expression and enhanced structural stability. In addition, a variety of delivery systems are also needed to achieve effective delivery of vaccines. In this review, we highlight the advances in mRNA vaccines against various infectious diseases and discuss the molecular design principles and delivery systems of associated mRNA vaccines. The current state of the clinical application of mRNA vaccine pipelines against various infectious diseases and the challenge, safety, and protective effect of associated vaccines are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Chaoyong Liu, ; Ming Zhang,
| | - Chaoyong Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Chaoyong Liu, ; Ming Zhang,
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27
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Tang TY, Huang X, Zhang G, Lu MH, Liang TB. mRNA vaccine development for cholangiocarcinoma: a precise pipeline. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:40. [PMID: 35821067 PMCID: PMC9277828 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00399-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL) is one of the most aggressive tumors worldwide and cannot be effectively treated by conventional and novel treatments, including immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The mRNA vaccine-based immunotherapeutic strategy has attracted much attention for various diseases, however, its application in CHOL is limited due to the thoughtlessness in the integration of vaccine design and patient selection. A recent study established an integrated path for identifying potent CHOL antigens for mRNA vaccine development and a precise stratification for identifying CHOL patients who can benefit from the mRNA vaccines. In spite of a promising prospect, further investigations should identify immunogenic antigens and onco-immunological characteristics of CHOL to guide the clinical application of CHOL mRNA vaccines in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yu Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003 China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003 China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009 China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Xing Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003 China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003 China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009 China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Gang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003 China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003 China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009 China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Ming-Hao Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003 China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003 China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009 China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Ting-Bo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003 China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003 China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009 China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
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28
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Molecular Mechanisms and Therapies of Myeloid Leukaemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116251. [PMID: 35682932 PMCID: PMC9181128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is defined as a malignant disorder of the bone marrow (BM) that is characterised by the clonal expansion and differentiation arrest of myeloid progenitor cells [...].
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29
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Le I, Dhandayuthapani S, Chacon J, Eiring AM, Gadad SS. Harnessing the Immune System with Cancer Vaccines: From Prevention to Therapeutics. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:816. [PMID: 35632572 PMCID: PMC9146235 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prophylactic vaccination against infectious diseases is one of the most successful public health measures of our lifetime. More recently, therapeutic vaccination against established diseases such as cancer has proven to be more challenging. In the host, cancer cells evade immunologic regulation by multiple means, including altering the antigens expressed on their cell surface or recruiting inflammatory cells that repress immune surveillance. Nevertheless, recent clinical data suggest that two classes of antigens show efficacy for the development of anticancer vaccines: tumor-associated antigens and neoantigens. In addition, many different vaccines derived from antigens based on cellular, peptide/protein, and genomic components are in development to establish their efficacy in cancer therapy. Some vaccines have shown promising results, which may lead to favorable outcomes when combined with standard therapeutic approaches. This review provides an overview of the innate and adaptive immune systems, their interactions with cancer cells, and the development of various different vaccines for use in anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilene Le
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Subramanian Dhandayuthapani
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Jessica Chacon
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Anna M. Eiring
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Shrikanth S. Gadad
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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30
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Fang E, Liu X, Li M, Zhang Z, Song L, Zhu B, Wu X, Liu J, Zhao D, Li Y. Advances in COVID-19 mRNA vaccine development. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:94. [PMID: 35322018 PMCID: PMC8940982 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00950-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has determined 399,600,607 cases and 5,757,562 deaths worldwide. COVID-19 is a serious threat to human health globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 pandemic a major public health emergency. Vaccination is the most effective and economical intervention for controlling the spread of epidemics, and consequently saving lives and protecting the health of the population. Various techniques have been employed in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Among these, the COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine has been drawing increasing attention owing to its great application prospects and advantages, which include short development cycle, easy industrialization, simple production process, flexibility to respond to new variants, and the capacity to induce better immune response. This review summarizes current knowledge on the structural characteristics, antigen design strategies, delivery systems, industrialization potential, quality control, latest clinical trials and real-world data of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines as well as mRNA technology. Current challenges and future directions in the development of preventive mRNA vaccines for major infectious diseases are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyue Fang
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products, Co., Ltd., Wuhan, 430207, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Miao Li
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Zelun Zhang
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Lifang Song
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Baiyu Zhu
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xiaohong Wu
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Danhua Zhao
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- National Institute for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, 102629, China.
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31
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He Q, Gao H, Tan D, Zhang H, Wang JZ. mRNA cancer vaccines: Advances, trends and challenges. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2969-2989. [PMID: 35345451 PMCID: PMC8942458 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients exhibit good tolerance to messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, and the choice of encoded molecules is flexible and diverse. These vaccines can be engineered to express full-length antigens containing multiple epitopes without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction, are relatively easy to control and can be rapidly mass produced. In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first mRNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech, which has generated enthusiasm for mRNA vaccine research and development. Based on the above characteristics and the development of mRNA vaccines, mRNA cancer vaccines have become a research hotspot and have undergone rapid development, especially in the last five years. This review analyzes the advances in mRNA cancer vaccines from various perspectives, including the selection and expression of antigens/targets, the application of vectors and adjuvants, different administration routes, and preclinical evaluation, to reflect the trends and challenges associated with these vaccines.
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32
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Huff AL, Jaffee EM, Zaidi N. Messenger RNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy: progress promotes promise. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e156211. [PMID: 35289317 PMCID: PMC8920340 DOI: 10.1172/jci156211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated mRNA vaccines to global recognition due to their unprecedented success rate in protecting against a deadly virus. This international success is underscored by the remarkable versatility, favorable immunogenicity, and overall safety of the mRNA platform in diverse populations. Although mRNA vaccines have been studied in preclinical models and patients with cancer for almost three decades, development has been slow. The recent technological advances responsible for the COVID-19 vaccines have potential implications for successfully adapting this vaccine platform for cancer therapeutics. Here we discuss the lessons learned along with the chemical, biologic, and immunologic adaptations needed to optimize mRNA technology to successfully treat cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Huff
- Department of Oncology
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Clinical Care
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- The Cancer Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Department of Oncology
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Clinical Care
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- The Cancer Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Neeha Zaidi
- Department of Oncology
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Clinical Care
- The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and
- The Cancer Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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33
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Ogasawara M, Miyashita M, Yamagishi Y, Ota S. Wilms’ tumor 1 peptide‐loaded dendritic cell vaccination in patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia. Ther Apher Dial 2022; 26:537-547. [DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.13828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ogasawara
- Department of Hematology Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital Sapporo Japan
- Institute for Artificial Organ, transplantation and Cell Therapy Sapporo Japan
| | - Mamiko Miyashita
- Institute for Artificial Organ, transplantation and Cell Therapy Sapporo Japan
| | - Yuka Yamagishi
- Cell Processing Center, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital Sapporo Japan
| | - Shuichi Ota
- Department of Hematology Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital Sapporo Japan
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34
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Yu J, Sun H, Cao W, Song Y, Jiang Z. Research progress on dendritic cell vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:3. [PMID: 35074008 PMCID: PMC8784280 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines induce specific immune responses that can selectively eliminate target cells. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to explore DC vaccination in the treatment of hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as other nonleukemia malignancies. There are at least two different strategies that use DCs to promote antitumor immunity: in situ vaccination and canonical vaccination. Monocyte-derived DCs (mo-DCs) and leukemia-derived DCs (DCleu) are the main types of DCs used in vaccines for AML and MDS thus far. Different cancer-related molecules such as peptides, recombinant proteins, apoptotic leukemic cells, whole tumor cells or lysates and DCs/DCleu containing a vaster antigenic repertoire with RNA electroporation, have been used as antigen sources to load DCs. To enhance DC vaccine efficacy, new strategies, such as combination with conventional chemotherapy, monospecific/bispecific antibodies and immune checkpoint-targeting therapies, have been explored. After a decade of trials and tribulations, much progress has been made and much promise has emerged in the field. In this review we summarize the recent advances in DC vaccine immunotherapy for AML/MDS as well as other nonleukemia malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Gene Regulation, Henan University College of Medicine, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Hao Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Weijie Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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35
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Elkhalifa D, Rayan M, Negmeldin AT, Elhissi A, Khalil A. Chemically modified mRNA beyond COVID-19: Potential preventive and therapeutic applications for targeting chronic diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 145:112385. [PMID: 34915673 PMCID: PMC8552589 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemically modified mRNA represents a unique, efficient, and straightforward approach to produce a class of biopharmaceutical agents. It has been already approved as a vaccination-based method for targeting SARS-CoV-2 virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the prospect of synthetic modified mRNA to efficiently and safely combat various diseases. Recently, various optimization advances have been adopted to overcome the limitations associated with conventional gene therapeutics leading to wide-ranging applications in different disease conditions. This review sheds light on emerging directions of chemically modified mRNAs to prevent and treat widespread chronic diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer vaccination and immunotherapy, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Elkhalifa
- Department of Pharmacy, Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Menatallah Rayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed T Negmeldin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelbary Elhissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashraf Khalil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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36
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Fascinating Dendritic Cells—Sentinel Cells of the Immune System a Review. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2021-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) are specialized antigen presenting cells which have the unique ability to activate naive T-lymphocytes. Their role in the immune system is much more sophisticated than it seems, as they do not kill the pathogens directly, but provide a long-lasting antigen specific immune response thanks to that sufficiently bridging the innate and the adaptive immunity. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in studies of their role in immune regulation, autoimmune reactions, as well as in immune responses against pathogens and tumours. Processing and presentation capabilities of a highly specific and unique tumour antigen makes them an interesting tool for stimulating effective anti-tumour immunity. In vitro generations of DC represent a preferred model for more detailed studies of DC biology in other fields. The aim of this review was to discuss the main role of dendritic cells in the body as well as their current use as experimental models for further scientific studies.
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37
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Chao Y, Zhang L. Biomimetic design of inhibitors of immune checkpoint LILRB4. Biophys Chem 2021; 282:106746. [PMID: 34963077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2021.106746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become a hot spot in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia (blood cancer) in adults. In the present study, molecular insights into the molecular interactions between an immune checkpoint leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor b4 (LILRB4) and its mAb h128-3 was explored using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for the biomimetic design of peptide inhibitor of LILRB4. Both hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic interaction were found favorable for the binding of the mAb h128-3 on LILRB4, and hydrophobic interaction was identified as the main driving force. The key amino acid residues for the binding of mAb h128-3 on LILRB4 were identified as Y93, D94, D106, Y34, S103, W107, Y61, N30, E27, Y33, Y59, W95, S92 through MM-PBSA (molecular mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann surface area) method. Based on this, an inhibitor library with the sequence of SXDXYXSY (Where X is an arbitrary amino acid residue) were designed. Two peptide inhibitors, SADHYHSY and SVDWYHSY were obtained through screening using molecular docking and MD simulations, and then validated by successful blocking of LILRB4 through the covering of LILRB4 surface by these inhibitors. These results would be helpful for the research and development of therapies for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Chao
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Hänel G, Angerer C, Petry K, Lichtenegger FS, Subklewe M. Blood DCs activated with R848 and poly(I:C) induce antigen-specific immune responses against viral and tumor-associated antigens. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1705-1718. [PMID: 34821951 PMCID: PMC8614222 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03109-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Monocyte-derived Dendritic cells (DCs) have successfully been employed to induce immune responses against tumor-associated antigens in patients with various cancer entities. However, objective clinical responses have only been achieved in a minority of patients. Additionally, generation of GMP-compliant DCs requires time- and labor-intensive cell differentiation. In contrast, Blood DCs (BDCs) require only minimal ex vivo handling, as differentiation occurs in vivo resulting in potentially better functional capacities and survival. We aimed to identify a protocol for optimal in vitro activation of BDCs including the three subsets pDCs, cDC1s, and cDC2s. We evaluated several TLR ligand combinations and demonstrated that polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] and R848, ligands for TLR3 and TLR7/8, respectively, constituted the optimal combination for inducing a positive co-stimulatory profile in all BDC subsets. In addition, TLR3 and TLR7/8 activation led to high secretion of IFN-α and IL-12p70. Simultaneous as opposed to separate tailored activation of pDCs and cDCs increased immunostimulatory capacities, suggesting that BDC subsets engage in synergistic cross-talk during activation. Stimulation of BDCs with this protocol resulted in enhanced migration, high NK-cell activation, and potent antigen-specific T-cell induction. We conclude that simultaneous activation of all BDC subsets with a combination of R848 + poly(I:C) generates highly immunostimulatory DCs. These results support further investigation and clinical testing, as standalone or in conjunction with other immunotherapeutic strategies including adoptive T-cell transfer and checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerulf Hänel
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Katja Petry
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Felix S Lichtenegger
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Marion Subklewe
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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39
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Bidram M, Zhao Y, Shebardina NG, Baldin AV, Bazhin AV, Ganjalikhany MR, Zamyatnin AA, Ganjalikhani-hakemi M. mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccines: A Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Melanoma Patients. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1060. [PMID: 34696168 PMCID: PMC8540049 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and the leading cause of death from skin tumors. Given the increased incidence of melanoma diagnoses in recent years, it is essential to develop effective treatments to control this disease. In this regard, the use of cancer vaccines to enhance cell-mediated immunity is considered to be one of the most modern immunotherapy options for cancer treatment. The most recent cancer vaccine options are mRNA vaccines, with a focus on their usage as modern treatments. Advantages of mRNA cancer vaccines include their rapid production and low manufacturing costs. mRNA-based vaccines are also able to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. In addition to the many advantages of mRNA vaccines for the treatment of cancer, their use is associated with a number of challenges. For this reason, before mRNA vaccines can be used for the treatment of cancer, comprehensive information about them is required and a large number of trials need to be conducted. Here, we reviewed the general features of mRNA vaccines, including their basis, stabilization, and delivery methods. We also covered clinical trials involving the use of mRNA vaccines in melanoma cancer and the challenges involved with this type of treatment. This review also emphasized the combination of treatment with mRNA vaccines with the use of immune-checkpoint blockers to enhance cell-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bidram
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran; (M.B.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (Y.Z.); (A.V.B.)
| | - Natalia G. Shebardina
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexey V. Baldin
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
- V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr V. Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (Y.Z.); (A.V.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Mohamad Reza Ganjalikhany
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran; (M.B.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7X, UK
| | - Mazdak Ganjalikhani-hakemi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran
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40
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Targeting intracellular WT1 in AML with a novel RMF-peptide-MHC specific T-cell bispecific antibody. Blood 2021; 138:2655-2669. [PMID: 34280257 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020010477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based immunotherapy is a promising strategy for targeting chemo-resistant leukemic cells. However, classical antibody-based approaches are restricted to targeting lineage-specific cell-surface antigens. By targeting intracellular antigens, a large number of other leukemia-associated targets would become accessible. In this study, we evaluated a novel T-cell bispecific (TCB) antibody, generated using CrossMab and knob-into-holes technology, containing a bivalent T-cell receptor-like binding domain that recognizes the RMFPNAPYL peptide derived from the intracellular tumor antigen Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) in the context of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) A*02. Binding to CD3ε recruits T cells irrespective of their T-cell receptor specificity. WT1-TCB elicited antibody-mediated T-cell cytotoxicity against AML cell lines in a WT1- and HLA-restricted manner. Specific lysis of primary AML cells was mediated in ex vivo long-term co-cultures utilizing allogenic (mean specific lysis: 67±6% after 13-14 days; ±SEM; n=18) or autologous, patient-derived T cells (mean specific lysis: 54±12% after 11-14 days; ±SEM; n=8). WT1-TCB-treated T cells exhibited higher cytotoxicity against primary AML cells than an HLA-A*02 RMF-specific T-cell clone. Combining WT1-TCB with the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide further enhanced antibody-mediated T-cell cytotoxicity against primary AML cells (mean specific lysis on day 3-4: 45.4±9.0% vs 70.8±8.3%; p=0.015; ±SEM; n=9-10). In vivo, WT1-TCB-treated humanized mice bearing SKM-1 tumors showed a significant and dose-dependent reduction in tumor growth. In summary, we show that WT1-TCB facilitates potent in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo killing of AML cell lines and primary AML cells; these results led to the initiation of a phase I trial in patients with r/r AML (NCT04580121).
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41
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Nelde A, Maringer Y, Bilich T, Salih HR, Roerden M, Heitmann JS, Marcu A, Bauer J, Neidert MC, Denzlinger C, Illerhaus G, Aulitzky WE, Rammensee HG, Walz JS. Immunopeptidomics-Guided Warehouse Design for Peptide-Based Immunotherapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2021; 12:705974. [PMID: 34305947 PMCID: PMC8297687 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.705974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antigen-specific immunotherapies, in particular peptide vaccines, depend on the recognition of naturally presented antigens derived from mutated and unmutated gene products on human leukocyte antigens, and represent a promising low-side-effect concept for cancer treatment. So far, the broad application of peptide vaccines in cancer patients is hampered by challenges of time- and cost-intensive personalized vaccine design, and the lack of neoepitopes from tumor-specific mutations, especially in low-mutational burden malignancies. In this study, we developed an immunopeptidome-guided workflow for the design of tumor-associated off-the-shelf peptide warehouses for broadly applicable personalized therapeutics. Comparative mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidome analyses of primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) samples, as representative example of low-mutational burden tumor entities, and a dataset of benign tissue samples enabled the identification of high-frequent non-mutated CLL-associated antigens. These antigens were further shown to be recognized by pre-existing and de novo induced T cells in CLL patients and healthy volunteers, and were evaluated as pre-manufactured warehouse for the construction of personalized multi-peptide vaccines in a first clinical trial for CLL (NCT04688385). This workflow for the design of peptide warehouses is easily transferable to other tumor entities and can provide the foundation for the development of broad personalized T cell-based immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Nelde
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yacine Maringer
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tatjana Bilich
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helmut R Salih
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Malte Roerden
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas S Heitmann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ana Marcu
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jens Bauer
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marian C Neidert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Gerald Illerhaus
- Clinic for Hematology and Oncology, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Walter Erich Aulitzky
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Rammensee
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juliane S Walz
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases (RBCT), Stuttgart, Germany
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42
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Agrawal V, Gbolahan OB, Stahl M, Zeidan AM, Zaid MA, Farag SS, Konig H. Vaccine and Cell-based Therapeutic Approaches in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 20:473-489. [PMID: 32357813 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666200502011059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, our increased understanding of the interactions between the immune system and cancer cells has led to paradigm shifts in the clinical management of solid and hematologic malignancies. The incorporation of immune-targeted strategies into the treatment landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), however, has been challenging. While this is in part due to the inability of the immune system to mount an effective tumor-specific immunogenic response against the heterogeneous nature of AML, the decreased immunogenicity of AML cells also represents a major obstacle in the effort to design effective immunotherapeutic strategies. In fact, AML cells have been shown to employ sophisticated escape mechanisms to evade elimination, such as direct immunosuppression of natural killer cells and decreased surface receptor expression leading to impaired recognition by the immune system. Yet, cellular and humoral immune reactions against tumor-associated antigens (TAA) of acute leukemia cells have been reported and the success of allogeneic stem cell transplantation and monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of AML clearly provides proof that an immunotherapeutic approach is feasible in the management of this disease. This review discusses the recent progress and persisting challenges in cellular immunotherapy for patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Olumide B Gbolahan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Maximilian Stahl
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Mohammad Abu Zaid
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Sherif S Farag
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Heiko Konig
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
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43
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Fibroblasts Influence the Efficacy, Resistance, and Future Use of Vaccines and Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060634. [PMID: 34200702 PMCID: PMC8230410 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are composed of not only epithelial cells but also many other cell types that contribute to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Within this space, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a prominent cell type, and these cells are connected to an increase in tumor progression as well as alteration of the immune landscape present in and around the tumor. This is accomplished in part by their ability to alter the presence of both innate and adaptive immune cells as well as the release of various chemokines and cytokines, together leading to a more immunosuppressive TME. Furthermore, new research implicates CAFs as players in immunotherapy response in many different tumor types, typically by blunting their efficacy. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), two major CAF proteins, are associated with the outcome of different immunotherapies and, additionally, have become new targets themselves for immune-based strategies directed at CAFs. This review will focus on CAFs and how they alter the immune landscape within tumors, how this affects response to current immunotherapy treatments, and how immune-based treatments are currently being harnessed to target the CAF population itself.
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44
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Wu M, Wang S, Chen JY, Zhou LJ, Guo ZW, Li YH. Therapeutic cancer vaccine therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Immunotherapy 2021; 13:863-877. [PMID: 33955237 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antitumor function of the immune system has been harnessed to eradicate tumor cells as cancer therapy. Therapeutic cancer vaccines aim to help immune cells recognize tumor cells, which are difficult to target owing to immune escape. Many attempts at vaccine designs have been conducted throughout the last decades. In addition, as the advanced understanding of immunosuppressive mechanisms mediated by tumor cells, combining cancer vaccines with other immune therapies seems to be more efficient for cancer treatment. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults with poor prognosis. Evidence has shown T-cell-mediated immune responses in AML, which encourages the utility of immune therapies in AML. This review discusses cancer vaccines in AML from vaccine design as well as recent progress in vaccination combination with other immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China.,Department of Hematology, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Jian-Yu Chen
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Zi-Wen Guo
- Department of Hematology, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Yu-Hua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
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45
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Beck JD, Reidenbach D, Salomon N, Sahin U, Türeci Ö, Vormehr M, Kranz LM. mRNA therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:69. [PMID: 33858437 PMCID: PMC8047518 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA provides a template for the synthesis of any given protein, protein fragment or peptide and lends itself to a broad range of pharmaceutical applications, including different modalities of cancer immunotherapy. With the ease of rapid, large scale Good Manufacturing Practice-grade mRNA production, mRNA is ideally poised not only for off-the shelf cancer vaccines but also for personalized neoantigen vaccination. The ability to stimulate pattern recognition receptors and thus an anti-viral type of innate immune response equips mRNA-based vaccines with inherent adjuvanticity. Nucleoside modification and elimination of double-stranded RNA can reduce the immunomodulatory activity of mRNA and increase and prolong protein production. In combination with nanoparticle-based formulations that increase transfection efficiency and facilitate lymphatic system targeting, nucleoside-modified mRNA enables efficient delivery of cytokines, costimulatory receptors, or therapeutic antibodies. Steady but transient production of the encoded bioactive molecule from the mRNA template can improve the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety properties as compared to the respective recombinant proteins. This may be harnessed for applications that benefit from a higher level of expression control, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified adoptive T-cell therapies. This review highlights the advancements in the field of mRNA-based cancer therapeutics, providing insights into key preclinical developments and the evolving clinical landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan D Beck
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Reidenbach
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadja Salomon
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Lena M Kranz
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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46
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Bialek-Waldmann JK, Domning S, Esser R, Glienke W, Mertens M, Aleksandrova K, Arseniev L, Kumar S, Schneider A, Koenig J, Theobald SJ, Tsay HC, Cornelius ADA, Bonifacius A, Eiz-Vesper B, Figueiredo C, Schaudien D, Talbot SR, Bleich A, Spineli LM, von Kaisenberg C, Clark C, Blasczyk R, Heuser M, Ganser A, Köhl U, Farzaneh F, Stripecke R. Induced dendritic cells co-expressing GM-CSF/IFN-α/tWT1 priming T and B cells and automated manufacturing to boost GvL. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:621-641. [PMID: 34095345 PMCID: PMC8142053 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with minimal residual disease and receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) have poor survival. Adoptive administration of dendritic cells (DCs) presenting the Wilms tumor protein 1 (WT1) leukemia-associated antigen can potentially stimulate de novo T and B cell development to harness the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect after HCT. We established a simple and fast genetic modification of monocytes for simultaneous lentiviral expression of a truncated WT1 antigen (tWT1), granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interferon (IFN)-α, promoting their self-differentiation into potent “induced DCs” (iDCtWT1). A tricistronic integrase-defective lentiviral vector produced under good manufacturing practice (GMP)-like conditions was validated. Transduction of CD14+ monocytes isolated from peripheral blood, cord blood, and leukapheresis material effectively induced their self-differentiation. CD34+ cell-transplanted Nod.Rag.Gamma (NRG)- and Nod.Scid.Gamma (NSG) mice expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A∗0201 (NSG-A2)-immunodeficient mice were immunized with autologous iDCtWT1. Both humanized mouse models showed improved development and maturation of human T and B cells in the absence of adverse effects. Toward clinical use, manufacturing of iDCtWT1 was up scaled and streamlined using the automated CliniMACS Prodigy system. Proof-of-concept clinical-scale runs were feasible, and the 38-h process enabled standardized production and high recovery of a cryopreserved cell product with the expected identity characteristics. These results advocate for clinical trials testing iDCtWT1 to boost GvL and eradicate leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Bialek-Waldmann
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabine Domning
- Molecular Medicine Group, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Ruth Esser
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Glienke
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Mira Mertens
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Lubomir Arseniev
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Schneider
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Johannes Koenig
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian J Theobald
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hsin-Chieh Tsay
- Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Angela D A Cornelius
- Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Agnes Bonifacius
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Eiz-Vesper
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Constanca Figueiredo
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Schaudien
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Steven R Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andre Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Loukia M Spineli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Constantin von Kaisenberg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Caren Clark
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Rainer Blasczyk
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Heuser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Arnold Ganser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI and University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Farzin Farzaneh
- Molecular Medicine Group, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Renata Stripecke
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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47
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Campillo-Davo D, De Laere M, Roex G, Versteven M, Flumens D, Berneman ZN, Van Tendeloo VFI, Anguille S, Lion E. The Ins and Outs of Messenger RNA Electroporation for Physical Gene Delivery in Immune Cell-Based Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:396. [PMID: 33809779 PMCID: PMC8002253 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) electroporation is a powerful tool for transient genetic modification of cells. This non-viral method of genetic engineering has been widely used in immunotherapy. Electroporation allows fine-tuning of transfection protocols for each cell type as well as introduction of multiple protein-coding mRNAs at once. As a pioneering group in mRNA electroporation, in this review, we provide an expert overview of the ins and outs of mRNA electroporation, discussing the different parameters involved in mRNA electroporation as well as the production of research-grade and production and application of clinical-grade mRNA for gene transfer in the context of cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Campillo-Davo
- Tumor Immunology Group, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (G.R.); (M.V.); (D.F.); (Z.N.B.); (V.F.I.V.T.); (S.A.)
| | - Maxime De Laere
- Center for Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium;
| | - Gils Roex
- Tumor Immunology Group, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (G.R.); (M.V.); (D.F.); (Z.N.B.); (V.F.I.V.T.); (S.A.)
| | - Maarten Versteven
- Tumor Immunology Group, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (G.R.); (M.V.); (D.F.); (Z.N.B.); (V.F.I.V.T.); (S.A.)
| | - Donovan Flumens
- Tumor Immunology Group, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (G.R.); (M.V.); (D.F.); (Z.N.B.); (V.F.I.V.T.); (S.A.)
| | - Zwi N. Berneman
- Tumor Immunology Group, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (G.R.); (M.V.); (D.F.); (Z.N.B.); (V.F.I.V.T.); (S.A.)
- Center for Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium;
- Division of Hematology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Viggo F. I. Van Tendeloo
- Tumor Immunology Group, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (G.R.); (M.V.); (D.F.); (Z.N.B.); (V.F.I.V.T.); (S.A.)
| | - Sébastien Anguille
- Tumor Immunology Group, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (G.R.); (M.V.); (D.F.); (Z.N.B.); (V.F.I.V.T.); (S.A.)
- Center for Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium;
- Division of Hematology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Eva Lion
- Tumor Immunology Group, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (G.R.); (M.V.); (D.F.); (Z.N.B.); (V.F.I.V.T.); (S.A.)
- Center for Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium;
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48
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Heine A, Juranek S, Brossart P. Clinical and immunological effects of mRNA vaccines in malignant diseases. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:52. [PMID: 33722265 PMCID: PMC7957288 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01339-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro-transcribed messenger RNA-based therapeutics represent a relatively novel and highly efficient class of drugs. Several recently published studies emphasize the potential efficacy of mRNA vaccines in treating different types of malignant and infectious diseases where conventional vaccine strategies and platforms fail to elicit protective immune responses. mRNA vaccines have lately raised high interest as potent vaccines against SARS-CoV2. Direct application of mRNA or its electroporation into dendritic cells was shown to induce polyclonal CD4+ and CD8+ mediated antigen-specific T cell responses as well as the production of protective antibodies with the ability to eliminate transformed or infected cells. More importantly, the vaccine composition may include two or more mRNAs coding for different proteins or long peptides. This enables the induction of polyclonal immune responses against a broad variety of epitopes within the encoded antigens that are presented on various MHC complexes, thus avoiding the restriction to a certain HLA molecule or possible immune escape due to antigen-loss. The development and design of mRNA therapies was recently boosted by several critical innovations including the development of technologies for the production and delivery of high quality and stable mRNA. Several technical obstacles such as stability, delivery and immunogenicity were addressed in the past and gradually solved in the recent years.This review will summarize the most recent technological developments and application of mRNA vaccines in clinical trials and discusses the results, challenges and future directions with a special focus on the induced innate and adaptive immune responses.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Transfer Techniques
- Humans
- Immunity
- Immunotherapy
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/pathology
- Neoplasms/etiology
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- RNA Stability
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Annkristin Heine
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Juranek
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Van Nuffel AMT, Wilgenhof S, Thielemans K, Bonehill A. Overcoming HLA restriction in clinical trials: Immune monitoring of mRNA-loaded DC therapy. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:1392-1394. [PMID: 23243604 PMCID: PMC3518513 DOI: 10.4161/onci.20926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A decade of collective work by tumor immunologists has led to improved large scale generation, maturation, antigen loading and administration of dendritic cells (DCs) to cancer patients, promoting enhanced antitumor activity. We alleviated the HLA-restriction in DC therapy and demonstrated that it is meaningful to treat patients with DCs irrespective of their HLA type.
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Affiliation(s)
- An M T Van Nuffel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy; Department of Immunology-Physiology; Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB); Brussels, Belgium
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50
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Esprit A, de Mey W, Bahadur Shahi R, Thielemans K, Franceschini L, Breckpot K. Neo-Antigen mRNA Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E776. [PMID: 33353155 PMCID: PMC7766040 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in therapeutic cancer vaccines has caught enormous attention in recent years due to several breakthroughs in cancer research, among which the finding that successful checkpoint blockade treatments reinvigorate neo-antigen-specific T cells and that successful adoptive cell therapies are directed towards neo-antigens. Neo-antigens are cancer-specific antigens, which develop from somatic mutations in the cancer cell genome that can be highly immunogenic and are not subjected to central tolerance. As the majority of neo-antigens are unique to each patient's cancer, a vaccine technology that is flexible and potent is required to develop personalized neo-antigen vaccines. In vitro transcribed mRNA is such a technology platform and has been evaluated for delivery of neo-antigens to professional antigen-presenting cells both ex vivo and in vivo. In addition, strategies that support the activity of T cells in the tumor microenvironment have been developed. These represent a unique opportunity to ensure durable T cell activity upon vaccination. Here, we comprehensively review recent progress in mRNA-based neo-antigen vaccines, summarizing critical milestones that made it possible to bring the promise of therapeutic cancer vaccines within reach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.E.); (W.d.M.); (R.B.S.); (K.T.); (L.F.)
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