1
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Karlsson JW, Sah VR, Olofsson Bagge R, Kuznetsova I, Iqba M, Alsen S, Stenqvist S, Saxena A, Ny L, Nilsson LM, Nilsson JA. Patient-derived xenografts and single-cell sequencing identifies three subtypes of tumor-reactive lymphocytes in uveal melanoma metastases. eLife 2024; 12:RP91705. [PMID: 39312285 PMCID: PMC11419671 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare melanoma originating in the eye's uvea, with 50% of patients experiencing metastasis predominantly in the liver. In contrast to cutaneous melanoma, there is only a limited effectiveness of combined immune checkpoint therapies, and half of patients with uveal melanoma metastases succumb to disease within 2 years. This study aimed to provide a path toward enhancing immunotherapy efficacy by identifying and functionally validating tumor-reactive T cells in liver metastases of patients with UM. We employed single-cell RNA-seq of biopsies and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to identify potential tumor-reactive T cells. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of UM metastases were created from patients, and tumor sphere cultures were generated from these models for co-culture with autologous or MART1-specific HLA-matched allogenic TILs. Activated T cells were subjected to TCR-seq, and the TCRs were matched to those found in single-cell sequencing data from biopsies, expanded TILs, and in livers or spleens of PDX models injected with TILs. Our findings revealed that tumor-reactive T cells resided not only among activated and exhausted subsets of T cells, but also in a subset of cytotoxic effector cells. In conclusion, combining single-cell sequencing and functional analysis provides valuable insights into which T cells in UM may be useful for cell therapy amplification and marker selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim W Karlsson
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Vasu R Sah
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Roger Olofsson Bagge
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Irina Kuznetsova
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Munir Iqba
- Genomics WA, Telethon Kids Institute, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and University of Western AustraliaNedlandsAustralia
| | - Samuel Alsen
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Sofia Stenqvist
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Alka Saxena
- Genomics WA, Telethon Kids Institute, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and University of Western AustraliaNedlandsAustralia
| | - Lars Ny
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Lisa M Nilsson
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Jonas A Nilsson
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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2
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Gavil NV, Cheng K, Masopust D. Resident memory T cells and cancer. Immunity 2024; 57:1734-1751. [PMID: 39142275 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells positively correlate with cancer survival, but the anti-tumor mechanisms underlying this relationship are not understood. This review reconciles these observations, summarizing concepts of T cell immunosurveillance, fundamental TRM cell biology, and clinical observations on the role of TRM cells in cancer and immunotherapy outcomes. We also discuss emerging strategies that utilize TRM-phenotype cells for patient diagnostics, staging, and therapy. Current challenges are highlighted, including a lack of standardized T cell nomenclature and our limited understanding of relationships between T cell markers and underlying tumor biology. Existing findings are integrated into a summary of the field while emphasizing opportunities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Veis Gavil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Katarina Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David Masopust
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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3
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Li Y, Xiao J, Li C, Yang M. Memory inflation: Beyond the acute phase of viral infection. Cell Prolif 2024:e13705. [PMID: 38992867 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Memory inflation is confirmed as the most commonly dysregulation of host immunity with antigen-independent manner in mammals after viral infection. By generating large numbers of effector/memory and terminal differentiated effector memory CD8+ T cells with diminished naïve subsets, memory inflation is believed to play critical roles in connecting the viral infection and the onset of multiple diseases. Here, we reviewed the current understanding of memory inflated CD8+ T cells in their distinct phenotypic features that different from exhausted subsets; the intrinsic and extrinsic roles in regulating the formation of memory inflation; and the key proteins in maintaining the expansion and proliferation of inflationary populations. More importantly, based on the evidences from both clinic and animal models, we summarized the potential mechanisms of memory inflation to trigger autoimmune neuropathies, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and multiple sclerosis; the correlations of memory inflation between tumorigenesis and resistance of tumour immunotherapies; as well as the effects of memory inflation to facilitate vascular disease progression. To sum up, better understanding of memory inflation could provide us an opportunity to beyond the acute phase of viral infection, and shed a light on the long-term influences of CD8+ T cell heterogeneity in dampen host immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Xiao
- Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Li
- Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Mu Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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4
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Ye X, Shih DJH, Ku Z, Hong J, Barrett DF, Rupp RE, Zhang N, Fu TM, Zheng WJ, An Z. Transcriptional signature of durable effector T cells elicited by a replication defective HCMV vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:70. [PMID: 38561339 PMCID: PMC10984989 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00860-w] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading infectious cause of birth defects and the most common opportunistic infection that causes life-threatening diseases post-transplantation; however, an effective vaccine remains elusive. V160 is a live-attenuated replication defective HCMV vaccine that showed a 42.4% efficacy against primary HCMV infection among seronegative women in a phase 2b clinical trial. Here, we integrated the multicolor flow cytometry, longitudinal T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, and single-cell RNA/TCR sequencing approaches to characterize the magnitude, phenotype, and functional quality of human T cell responses to V160. We demonstrated that V160 de novo induces IE-1 and pp65 specific durable polyfunctional effector CD8 T cells that are comparable to those induced by natural HCMV infection. We identified a variety of V160-responsive T cell clones which exhibit distinctive "transient" and "durable" expansion kinetics, and revealed a transcriptional signature that marks durable CD8 T cells post-vaccination. Our study enhances the understanding of human T-cell immune responses to V160 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Ye
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - David J H Shih
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Zhiqiang Ku
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Junping Hong
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Diane F Barrett
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Richard E Rupp
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tong-Ming Fu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - W Jim Zheng
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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5
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Jankovic M, Knezevic T, Tomic A, Milicevic O, Jovanovic T, Djunic I, Mihaljevic B, Knezevic A, Todorovic-Balint M. Human Cytomegalovirus Oncoprotection across Diverse Populations, Tumor Histologies, and Age Groups: The Relevance for Prospective Vaccinal Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3741. [PMID: 38612552 PMCID: PMC11012084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The oncogenicity of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is currently being widely debated. Most recently, mounting clinical evidence suggests an anti-cancer effect via CMV-induced T cell-mediated tumor destruction. However, the data were mostly obtained from single-center studies and in vitro experiments. Broad geographic coverage is required to offer a global perspective. Our study examined the correlation between country-specific CMV seroprevalence (across 73 countries) and the age-standardized incidence rate (of 34 invasive tumors). The populations studied were stratified according to decadal age periods as the immunologic effects of CMV seropositivity may depend upon age at initial infection. The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (IARC WHO) database was used. The multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a worldwide inverse correlation between CMV seroprevalence and the incidences of 62.8% tumors. Notably, this inverse link persists for all cancers combined (Spearman's ρ = -0.732, p < 0.001; β = -0.482, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.737). An antithetical and significant correlation was also observed in particular age groups for the vast majority of tumors. Our results corroborate the conclusions of previous studies and indicate that this oncopreventive phenomenon holds true on a global scale. It applies to a wide spectrum of cancer histologies, additionally supporting the idea of a common underlying mechanism-CMV-stimulated T cell tumor targeting. Although these results further advance the notion of CMV-based therapies, in-depth investigation of host-virus interactions is still warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Jankovic
- Department of Virology, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, 1 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 8 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (T.K.); (A.T.); (O.M.); (I.D.); (B.M.); (M.T.-B.)
| | - Tara Knezevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 8 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (T.K.); (A.T.); (O.M.); (I.D.); (B.M.); (M.T.-B.)
| | - Ana Tomic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 8 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (T.K.); (A.T.); (O.M.); (I.D.); (B.M.); (M.T.-B.)
| | - Ognjen Milicevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 8 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (T.K.); (A.T.); (O.M.); (I.D.); (B.M.); (M.T.-B.)
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Informatics, 15 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Institute for Biocides and Medical Ecology, 16 Trebevicka Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Irena Djunic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 8 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (T.K.); (A.T.); (O.M.); (I.D.); (B.M.); (M.T.-B.)
- Clinic of Hematology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, 2 Dr Koste Todorovica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Mihaljevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 8 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (T.K.); (A.T.); (O.M.); (I.D.); (B.M.); (M.T.-B.)
- Clinic of Hematology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, 2 Dr Koste Todorovica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Knezevic
- Department of Virology, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, 1 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 8 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (T.K.); (A.T.); (O.M.); (I.D.); (B.M.); (M.T.-B.)
| | - Milena Todorovic-Balint
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 8 Dr Subotica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (T.K.); (A.T.); (O.M.); (I.D.); (B.M.); (M.T.-B.)
- Clinic of Hematology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, 2 Dr Koste Todorovica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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6
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van der Wulp W, Luu W, Ressing ME, Schuurman J, van Kasteren SI, Guelen L, Hoeben RC, Bleijlevens B, Heemskerk MHM. Antibody-epitope conjugates deliver immunogenic T-cell epitopes more efficiently when close to cell surfaces. MAbs 2024; 16:2329321. [PMID: 38494955 PMCID: PMC10950288 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2329321] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated delivery of immunogenic viral CD8+ T-cell epitopes to redirect virus-specific T cells toward cancer cells is a promising new therapeutic avenue to increase the immunogenicity of tumors. Multiple strategies for viral epitope delivery have been shown to be effective. So far, most of these have relied on a free C-terminus of the immunogenic epitope for extracellular delivery. Here, we demonstrate that antibody-epitope conjugates (AECs) with genetically fused epitopes to the N-terminus of the antibody can also sensitize tumors for attack by virus-specific CD8+ T cells. AECs carrying epitopes genetically fused at the N-terminus of the light chains of cetuximab and trastuzumab demonstrate an even more efficient delivery of the T-cell epitopes compared to AECs with the epitope fused to the C-terminus of the heavy chain. We demonstrate that this increased efficiency is not caused by the shift in location of the cleavage site from the N- to the C-terminus, but by its increased proximity to the cell surface. We hypothesize that this facilitates more efficient epitope delivery. These findings not only provide additional insights into the mechanism of action of AECs but also broaden the possibilities for genetically fused AECs as an avenue for the redirection of multiple virus-specific T cells toward tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. van der Wulp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - W. Luu
- Genmab, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M. E. Ressing
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - S. I. van Kasteren
- Division of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - R. C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - M. H. M. Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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van der Wulp W, Remst DFG, Kester MGD, Hagedoorn RS, Parren PWHI, van Kasteren SI, Schuurman J, Hoeben RC, Ressing ME, Bleijlevens B, Heemskerk MHM. Antibody-mediated delivery of viral epitopes to redirect EBV-specific CD8 + T-cell immunity towards cancer cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:58-68. [PMID: 37945970 PMCID: PMC10794138 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00681-4] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated delivery of immunogenic epitopes to redirect virus-specific CD8+ T-cells towards cancer cells is an emerging and promising new therapeutic strategy. These so-called antibody-epitope conjugates (AECs) rely on the proteolytic release of the epitopes close to the tumor surface for presentation by HLA class I molecules to eventually redirect and activate virus-specific CD8+ T-cells towards tumor cells. We fused the immunogenic EBV-BRLF1 epitope preceded by a protease cleavage site to the C-terminus of the heavy and/or light chains of cetuximab and trastuzumab. We evaluated these AECs and found that, even though all AECs were able to redirect the EBV-specific T-cells, AECs with an epitope fused to the C-terminus of the heavy chain resulted in higher levels of T-cell activation compared to AECs with the same epitope fused to the light chain of an antibody. We observed that all AECs were depending on the presence of the antibody target, that the level of T-cell activation correlated with expression levels of the antibody target, and that our AECs could efficiently deliver the BRLF1 epitope to cancer cell lines from different origins (breast, ovarian, lung, and cervical cancer and a multiple myeloma). Moreover, in vivo, the AECs efficiently reduced tumor burden and increased the overall survival, which was prolonged even further in combination with immune checkpoint blockade. We demonstrate the potential of these genetically fused AECs to redirect the potent EBV-specific T-cells towards cancer in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemijn van der Wulp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Dennis F G Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michel G D Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paul W H I Parren
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sander I van Kasteren
- Division of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rob C Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike E Ressing
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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8
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Lee YJ. Examining the functional space of gut microbiome-derived peptides. Microbiologyopen 2023; 12:e1393. [PMID: 38129980 PMCID: PMC10714122 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1393] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiome contains thousands of small, novel peptides that could play a role in microbe-microbe and host-microbe interactions, contributing to human health and disease. Although these peptides have not yet been systematically characterized, computational tools can be used to elucidate the bioactivities they may have. This article proposes probing the functional space of gut microbiome-derived peptides (MDPs) using in silico approaches for three bioactivities: antimicrobial, anticancer, and nucleomodulins. Machine learning programs that support peptide and protein queries are provided for each bioactivity. Considering the biases of an activity-centric approach, activity-agnostic tools using structural and chemical similarity and target prediction are also described. Gut MDPs represent a vast functional space that can not only contribute to our understanding of microbiome interactions but potentially even serve as a source of life-changing therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying‐Chiang J. Lee
- Department of Molecular BiologyPrinceton UniversityPrincetonNew JerseyUSA
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9
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Yang J, Zhou F, Yang X, Ma P, Ma X. A prognostic signature based on seven T-cell-related cell clustering genes in bladder urothelial carcinoma. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230773. [PMID: 37745978 PMCID: PMC10512444 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0773] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) is one of the most common cancer-related deaths in the world, along with high mortality. Due to the difficult detection of early symptoms, the treatment for this disease is still dissatisfactory. Thus, the current research hotspot is beginning to focus on the immune microenvironment in this disease, aiming to provide guidance for diagnosis and treatment. In this study, the single-cell RNA sequencing data downloaded from the gene expression omnibus database was used to classify the immune cells of BLCA. And the final seven T-cell-related cell clustering genes associated with BLCA prognosis (HSPA2, A2M, JUN, PDGFRB, GBP2, LGALS1, and GAS6) were screened out, and then used for constructing the prognostic model against BLCA based on the Cox and LASSO regression analysis. Satisfactorily, the model could efficiently evaluate the overall survival of BLCA and had the potential to be applied for the clinic treatment. Moreover, we also revealed that the difference in immune infiltration levels and gene mutation might account for the diverse prognosis in BLCA patients. In a word, our findings provided a novel insight for designing efficient immunotherapies for BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University/Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, P.R. China
| | - Fenghai Zhou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University/Department of Urology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, No. 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, P.R. China
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, P.R. China
| | - Pengcheng Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, P.R. China
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10
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Tian J, Ma J. The Value of Microbes in Cancer Neoantigen Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2138. [PMID: 37631352 PMCID: PMC10459105 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082138] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor neoantigens are widely used in cancer immunotherapy, and a growing body of research suggests that microbes play an important role in these neoantigen-based immunotherapeutic processes. The human body and its surrounding environment are filled with a large number of microbes that are in long-term interaction with the organism. The microbiota can modulate our immune system, help activate neoantigen-reactive T cells, and play a great role in the process of targeting tumor neoantigens for therapy. Recent studies have revealed the interconnection between microbes and neoantigens, which can cross-react with each other through molecular mimicry, providing theoretical guidance for more relevant studies. The current applications of microbes in immunotherapy against tumor neoantigens are mainly focused on cancer vaccine development and immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This article summarizes the related fields and suggests the importance of microbes in immunotherapy against neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junrui Tian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China;
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Jian Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China;
- Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Changsha 410078, China
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11
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Britsch I, van Wijngaarden AP, Helfrich W. Applications of Anti-Cytomegalovirus T Cells for Cancer (Immuno)Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3767. [PMID: 37568582 PMCID: PMC10416821 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153767] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is highly prevalent in the general population and largely controlled by CD8pos T cells. Intriguingly, anti-CMV T cells accumulate over time to extraordinarily high numbers, are frequently present as tumor-resident 'bystander' T cells, and remain functional in cancer patients. Consequently, various strategies for redirecting anti-CMV CD8pos T cells to eliminate cancer cells are currently being developed. Here, we provide an overview of these strategies including immunogenic CMV peptide-loading onto endogenous HLA complexes on cancer cells and the use of tumor-directed fusion proteins containing a preassembled CMV peptide/HLA-I complex. Additionally, we discuss conveying the advantageous characteristics of anti-CMV T cells in adoptive cell therapy. Utilization of anti-CMV CD8pos T cells to generate CAR T cells promotes their in vivo persistence and expansion due to appropriate co-stimulation through the endogenous (CMV-)TCR signaling complex. Designing TCR-engineered T cells is more challenging, as the artificial and endogenous TCR compete for expression. Moreover, the use of expanded/reactivated anti-CMV T cells to target CMV peptide-expressing glioblastomas is discussed. This review highlights the most important findings and compares the benefits, disadvantages, and challenges of each strategy. Finally, we discuss how anti-CMV T cell therapies can be further improved to enhance treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wijnand Helfrich
- Department of Surgery, Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, UMC Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (I.B.)
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12
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Conarty JP, Wieland A. The Tumor-Specific Immune Landscape in HPV+ Head and Neck Cancer. Viruses 2023; 15:1296. [PMID: 37376596 DOI: 10.3390/v15061296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agent of several anogenital cancers as well as head and neck cancers, with HPV+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) becoming a rapidly growing public health issue in the Western world. Due its viral etiology and potentially its subanatomical location, HPV+ HNSCC exhibits an immune microenvironment which is more inflamed and thus distinct from HPV-negative HNSCC. Notably, the antigenic landscape in most HPV+ HNSCC tumors extends beyond the classical HPV oncoproteins E6/7 and is extensively targeted by both the humoral and cellular arms of the adaptive immune system. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of HPV-specific immune responses in patients with HPV+ HNSCC. We highlight the localization, antigen specificity, and differentiation states of humoral and cellular immune responses, and discuss their similarities and differences. Finally, we review currently pursued immunotherapeutic treatment modalities that attempt to harness HPV-specific immune responses for improving clinical outcomes in patients with HPV+ HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob P Conarty
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andreas Wieland
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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van der Wulp W, Gram AM, Bleijlevens B, Hagedoorn RS, Araman C, Kim RQ, Drijfhout JW, Parren PWHI, Hibbert RG, Hoeben RC, van Kasteren SI, Schuurman J, Ressing ME, Heemskerk MHM. Comparison of methods generating antibody-epitope conjugates for targeting cancer with virus-specific T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183914. [PMID: 37261346 PMCID: PMC10227578 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183914] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibody-epitope conjugates (AECs) are promising new modalities to deliver immunogenic epitopes and redirect virus-specific T-cell activity to cancer cells. Nevertheless, many aspects of these antibody conjugates require optimization to increase their efficacy. Here we evaluated different strategies to conjugate an EBV epitope (YVL/A2) preceded by a protease cleavage site to the antibodies cetuximab and trastuzumab. Three approaches were taken: chemical conjugation (i.e. a thiol-maleimide reaction) to reduced cysteine side chains, heavy chain C-terminal enzymatic conjugation using sortase A, and genetic fusions, to the heavy chain (HC) C-terminus. All three conjugates were capable of T-cell activation and target-cell killing via proteolytic release of the EBV epitope and expression of the antibody target was a requirement for T-cell activation. Moreover, AECs generated with a second immunogenic epitope derived from CMV (NLV/A2) were able to deliver and redirect CMV specific T-cells, in which the amino sequence of the attached peptide appeared to influence the efficiency of epitope delivery. Therefore, screening of multiple protease cleavage sites and epitopes attached to the antibody is necessary. Taken together, our data demonstrated that multiple AECs could sensitize cancer cells to virus-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemijn van der Wulp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anna M. Gram
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Renate S. Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Can Araman
- Division of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Robbert Q. Kim
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Rob C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sander I. van Kasteren
- Division of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Maaike E. Ressing
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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14
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Brown MC, Beasley GM, McKay ZP, Yang Y, Desjardins A, Randazzo DM, Landi D, Ashley DM, Bigner DD, Nair SK, Gromeier M. Intratumor childhood vaccine-specific CD4 + T-cell recall coordinates antitumor CD8 + T cells and eosinophils. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006463. [PMID: 37072349 PMCID: PMC10124325 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antitumor mechanisms of CD4+ T cells remain crudely defined, and means to effectively harness CD4+ T-cell help for cancer immunotherapy are lacking. Pre-existing memory CD4+ T cells hold potential to be leveraged for this purpose. Moreover, the role of pre-existing immunity in virotherapy, particularly recombinant poliovirus immunotherapy where childhood polio vaccine specific immunity is ubiquitous, remains unclear. Here we tested the hypothesis that childhood vaccine-specific memory T cells mediate antitumor immunotherapy and contribute to the antitumor efficacy of polio virotherapy. METHODS The impact of polio immunization on polio virotherapy, and the antitumor effects of polio and tetanus recall were tested in syngeneic murine melanoma and breast cancer models. CD8+ T-cell and B-cell knockout, CD4+ T-cell depletion, CD4+ T-cell adoptive transfer, CD40L blockade, assessments of antitumor T-cell immunity, and eosinophil depletion defined antitumor mechanisms of recall antigens. Pan-cancer transcriptome data sets and polio virotherapy clinical trial correlates were used to assess the relevance of these findings in humans. RESULTS Prior vaccination against poliovirus substantially bolstered the antitumor efficacy of polio virotherapy in mice, and intratumor recall of poliovirus or tetanus immunity delayed tumor growth. Intratumor recall antigens augmented antitumor T-cell function, caused marked tumor infiltration of type 2 innate lymphoid cells and eosinophils, and decreased proportions of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Antitumor effects of recall antigens were mediated by CD4+ T cells, limited by B cells, independent of CD40L, and dependent on eosinophils and CD8+ T cells. An inverse relationship between eosinophil and Treg signatures was observed across The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cancer types, and eosinophil depletion prevented Treg reductions after polio recall. Pretreatment polio neutralizing antibody titers were higher in patients living longer, and eosinophil levels increased in the majority of patients, after polio virotherapy. CONCLUSION Pre-existing anti-polio immunity contributes to the antitumor efficacy of polio virotherapy. This work defines cancer immunotherapy potential of childhood vaccines, reveals their utility to engage CD4+ T-cell help for antitumor CD8+ T cells, and implicates eosinophils as antitumor effectors of CD4+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Georgia M Beasley
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zachary P McKay
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yuanfan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama Division of Neurosurgery, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Annick Desjardins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dina M Randazzo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Landi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David M Ashley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Darell D Bigner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Smita K Nair
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthias Gromeier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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15
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Groeneveldt C, van den Ende J, van Montfoort N. Preexisting immunity: Barrier or bridge to effective oncolytic virus therapy? Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 70:1-12. [PMID: 36732155 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a highly promising treatment strategy for a wide range of cancers, by mediating both the direct killing of tumor cells as well as mobilization of antitumor immune responses. As many OVs circulate in the human population, preexisting OV-specific immune responses are prevalent. Indeed, neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are abundantly present in the human population for commonly used OVs, such as Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5), Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1), Vaccinia virus, Measles virus, and Reovirus. This review discusses (pre)clinical evidence regarding the effect of preexisting immunity against OVs on two distinct aspects of OV therapy; OV infection and spread, as well as the immune response induced upon OV therapy. Combined, this review provides evidence that consideration of preexisting immunity is crucial in realizing the full potential of the highly promising therapeutic implementation of OVs. Future investigation of current gaps in knowledge highlighted in this review should yield a more complete understanding of this topic, ultimately allowing for better and more personalized OV therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christianne Groeneveldt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Jasper van den Ende
- Master Infection & Immunity, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
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16
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Broekman MLD, Nieland L, Hoeben RC. Virotherapy: The next addition to the standard of care for glioblastoma? Cancer Cell 2022; 40:1089-1091. [PMID: 36179688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
A recent Nature Medicine article reported a phase II single-arm trial assessing the efficacy of a triple-mutated, third-generation oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 in patients with recurrent or residual glioblastoma. We discuss the results and highlight the potential of locally administered virus-based therapies to fight these lethal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marike L D Broekman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, 2512 VA the Hague, the Netherlands; Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Lisa Nieland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands; Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Rob C Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
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17
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QnAs with John T. Schiller. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209619119. [PMID: 35858392 PMCID: PMC9351450 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209619119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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