1
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Schober SJ, Thiede M, Gassmann H, von Ofen AJ, Knoch P, Eck J, Prexler C, Kordass-Wally C, Hauer J, Burdach S, Holm PS, Thiel U. TCR-transgenic T cells and YB-1-based oncolytic virotherapy improve survival in a preclinical Ewing sarcoma xenograft mouse model. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1330868. [PMID: 38318175 PMCID: PMC10839048 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1330868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is an aggressive and highly metastatic bone and soft tissue tumor in pediatric patients and young adults. Cure rates are low when patients present with metastatic or relapsed disease. Therefore, innovative therapy approaches are urgently needed. Cellular- and oncolytic virus-based immunotherapies are on the rise for solid cancers. Methods Here, we assess the combination of EwS tumor-associated antigen CHM1319-specific TCR-transgenic CD8+ T cells and the YB-1-driven (i.e. E1A13S-deleted) oncolytic adenovirus XVir-N-31 in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model for antitumor activity and immunostimulatory properties. Results In vitro both approaches specifically kill EwS cell lines in a synergistic manner over controls. This effect was confirmed in vivo, with increased survival using the combination therapy. Further in vitro analyses of immunogenic cell death and antigen presentation confirmed immunostimulatory properties of virus-infected EwS tumor cells. As dendritic cell maturation was also increased by XVir-N-31, we observed superior proliferation of CHM1319-specific TCR-transgenic CD8+ T cells only in virus-tested conditions, emphasizing the superior immune-activating potential of XVir-N-31. Conclusion Our data prove synergistic antitumor effects in vitro and superior tumor control in a preclinical xenograft setting. Combination strategies of EwS-redirected T cells and YB-1-driven virotherapy are a highly promising immunotherapeutic approach for EwS and warrant further evaluation in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian J. Schober
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Thiede
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hendrik Gassmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Josefine von Ofen
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Pia Knoch
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jennifer Eck
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Prexler
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Corazon Kordass-Wally
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Hauer
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Burdach
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Per Sonne Holm
- Department of Urology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Uwe Thiel
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Morales E, Olson M, Iglesias F, Dahiya S, Luetkens T, Atanackovic D. Role of immunotherapy in Ewing sarcoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000653. [PMID: 33293354 PMCID: PMC7725096 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is thought to arise from mesenchymal stem cells and is the second most common bone sarcoma in pediatric patients and young adults. Given the dismal overall outcomes and very intensive therapies used, there is an urgent need to explore and develop alternative treatment modalities including immunotherapies. In this article, we provide an overview of ES biology, features of ES tumor microenvironment (TME) and review various tumor-associated antigens that can be targeted with immune-based approaches including cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, T cell receptor-transduced T cells, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. We highlight key reasons for the limited efficacy of various immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of ES to date. These factors include absence of human leukocyte antigen class I molecules from the tumor tissue, lack of an ideal surface antigen, and immunosuppressive TME due to the presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, F2 fibrocytes, and M2-like macrophages. Lastly, we offer insights into strategies for novel therapeutics development in ES. These strategies include the development of gene-modified T cell receptor T cells against cancer–testis antigen such as XAGE-1, surface target discovery through detailed profiling of ES surface proteome, and combinatorial approaches. In summary, we provide state-of-the-art science in ES tumor immunology and immunotherapy, with rationale and recommendations for future therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Morales
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Michael Olson
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Fiorella Iglesias
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Saurabh Dahiya
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tim Luetkens
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Cancer Immunotherapy, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah/Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Djordje Atanackovic
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA .,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah/Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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3
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An immune-related gene signature for determining Ewing sarcoma prognosis based on machine learning. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 147:153-165. [PMID: 32968877 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03396-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ewing sarcoma (ES) is one of the most common malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents. The immune microenvironment plays an important role in the development of ES. Here, we developed an optimal signature for determining ES patient prognosis based on immune-related genes (IRGs). METHODS We analyzed the ES gene expression profile dataset, GSE17679, from the GEO database and extracted differential expressed IRGs (DEIRGs). Then, we conducted functional correlation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses of the DEIRGs and used the machine learning algorithm-iterative Lasso Cox regression analysis to build an optimal DEIRG signature. In addition, we applied ES samples from the ICGC database to test the optimal gene signature. We performed univariate and multivariate Cox regressions on clinicopathological characteristics and optimal gene signature to evaluate whether signature is an important prognostic factor. Finally, we calculated the infiltration of 24 immune cells in ES using the ssGSEA algorithm, and analyzed the correlation between the DEIRGs in the optimal gene signature and immune cells. RESULTS A total of 249 DEIRGs were screened and an 11-gene signature with the strongest correlation with patient prognoses was analyzed using a machine learning algorithm. The 11-gene signature also had a high prognostic value in the ES external verification set. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that 11-gene signature is an independent prognostic factor. We found that macrophages and cytotoxic, CD8 T, NK, mast, B, NK CD56bright, TEM, TCM, and Th2 cells were significantly related to patient prognoses; the infiltration of cytotoxic and CD8 T cells in ES was significantly different. By correlating prognostic biomarkers with immune cell infiltration, we found that FABP4 and macrophages, and NDRG1 and Th2 cells had the strongest correlation. CONCLUSION Overall, the IRG-related 11-gene signature can be used as a reliable ES prognostic biomarker and can provide guidance for personalized ES therapy.
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4
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Abstract
The capacity of single-agent therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors to control solid cancers by unleashing preexisting local antitumor T cell responses has renewed interest in the broader use of T cells as anticancer therapeutics. At the same time, durable responses of refractory B-lineage malignancies to chimeric-receptor engineered T cells illustrate that T cells can be effectively redirected to cancers that lack preexisting tumor antigen-specific T cells, as most typical childhood cancers. This review summarizes strategies by which T cells can be modified to recognize defined antigens, with a focus on chimeric-receptor engineering. We provide an overview of candidate target antigens currently investigated in advanced preclinical and early clinical trials in pediatric malignancies and discuss the prerequisites for an adequate in vivo function of engineered T cells in the microenvironment of solid tumors and intrinsic and extrinsic limitations of current redirected T cell therapies. We further address innovative solutions to recruit therapeutic T cells to tumors, overcome the unreliable and heterogenous expression of most known tumor-associated antigens, and prevent functional inactivation of T cells in the hostile microenvironment of solid childhood tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin K Rauwolf
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, University Children's Hospital Muenster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Rossig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, University Children's Hospital Muenster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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5
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Knott MML, Hölting TLB, Ohmura S, Kirchner T, Cidre-Aranaz F, Grünewald TGP. Targeting the undruggable: exploiting neomorphic features of fusion oncoproteins in childhood sarcomas for innovative therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2019; 38:625-642. [PMID: 31970591 PMCID: PMC6994515 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
While sarcomas account for approximately 1% of malignant tumors of adults, they are particularly more common in children and adolescents affected by cancer. In contrast to malignancies that occur in later stages of life, childhood tumors, including sarcoma, are characterized by a striking paucity of somatic mutations. However, entity-defining fusion oncogenes acting as the main oncogenic driver mutations are frequently found in pediatric bone and soft-tissue sarcomas such as Ewing sarcoma (EWSR1-FLI1), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (PAX3/7-FOXO1), and synovial sarcoma (SS18-SSX1/2/4). Since strong oncogene-dependency has been demonstrated in these entities, direct pharmacological targeting of these fusion oncogenes has been excessively attempted, thus far, with limited success. Despite apparent challenges, our increasing understanding of the neomorphic features of these fusion oncogenes in conjunction with rapid technological advances will likely enable the development of new strategies to therapeutically exploit these neomorphic features and to ultimately turn the "undruggable" into first-line target structures. In this review, we provide a broad overview of the current literature on targeting neomorphic features of fusion oncogenes found in Ewing sarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma, and give a perspective for future developments. Graphical abstract Scheme depicting the different targeting strategies of fusion oncogenes in pediatric fusion-driven sarcomas. Fusion oncogenes can be targeted on their DNA level (1), RNA level (2), protein level (3), and by targeting downstream functions and interaction partners (4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian M L Knott
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tilman L B Hölting
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Shunya Ohmura
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Kirchner
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florencia Cidre-Aranaz
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas G P Grünewald
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337, Munich, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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6
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Yu H, Ge Y, Guo L, Huang L. Potential approaches to the treatment of Ewing's sarcoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:5523-5539. [PMID: 27740934 PMCID: PMC5354928 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is a highly aggressive and metastatic tumor in children and young adults caused by a chromosomal fusion between the Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) gene and the transcription factor FLI1 gene. ES is managed with standard treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Although the 5-year survival rate for primary ES has improved, the survival rate for ES patients with metastases or recurrence remains low. Several novel molecular targets in ES have recently been identified and investigated in preclinical and clinical settings, and targeting the function of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), the fusion protein EWS-FLI1 and mTOR has shown promise. There has also been increasing interest in the immune responses of ES patients. Immunotherapies using T cells, NK cells, cancer vaccines and monoclonal antibodies have been considered for ES, especially for recurrent patients. Because understanding the pathogenesis of ES is extremely important for the development of novel treatments, this review focuses on the mechanisms and functions of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in ES. It is anticipated that integrating the knowledge obtained from basic research and translational and clinical studies will lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjiu Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China.,Department of VIP, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Yonggui Ge
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Lianying Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China
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7
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Schirmer D, Grünewald TGP, Klar R, Schmidt O, Wohlleber D, Rubío RA, Uckert W, Thiel U, Bohne F, Busch DH, Krackhardt AM, Burdach S, Richter GHS. Transgenic antigen-specific, HLA-A*02:01-allo-restricted cytotoxic T cells recognize tumor-associated target antigen STEAP1 with high specificity. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1175795. [PMID: 27471654 PMCID: PMC4938321 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1175795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cancers, including Ewing sarcoma (ES), are only weakly immunogenic and the tumor-patients' immune system often is devoid of effector T cells for tumor elimination. Based on expression profiling technology, targetable tumor-associated antigens (TAA) are identified and exploited for engineered T-cell therapy. Here, the specific recognition and lytic potential of transgenic allo-restricted CD8(+) T cells, directed against the ES-associated antigen 6-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 (STEAP1), was examined. Following repetitive STEAP1(130) peptide-driven stimulations with HLA-A*02:01(+) dendritic cells (DC), allo-restricted HLA-A*02:01(-) CD8(+) T cells were sorted with HLA-A*02:01/peptide multimers and expanded by limiting dilution. After functional analysis of suitable T cell clones via ELISpot, flow cytometry and xCELLigence assay, T cell receptors' (TCR) α- and β-chains were identified, cloned into retroviral vectors, codon optimized, transfected into HLA-A*02:01(-) primary T cell populations and tested again for specificity and lytic capacity in vitro and in a Rag2(-/-)γc(-/-) mouse model. Initially generated transgenic T cells specifically recognized STEAP1(130)-pulsed or transfected cells in the context of HLA-A*02:01 with minimal cross-reactivity as determined by specific interferon-γ (IFNγ) release, lysed cells and inhibited growth of HLA-A*02:01(+) ES lines more effectively than HLA-A*02:01(-) ES lines. In vivo tumor growth was inhibited more effectively with transgenic STEAP1(130)-specific T cells than with unspecific T cells. Our results identify TCRs capable of recognizing and inhibiting growth of STEAP1-expressing HLA-A*02:01(+) ES cells in vitro and in vivo in a highly restricted manner. As STEAP1 is overexpressed in a wide variety of cancers, we anticipate these STEAP1-specific TCRs to be potentially useful for immunotherapy of other STEAP1-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Schirmer
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany and Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich (CCCM), Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas G. P. Grünewald
- Laboratory for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology of the LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Richard Klar
- Medical Department III, Hematology and Oncology, Munich, Germany
| | - Oxana Schmidt
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany and Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich (CCCM), Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Wohlleber
- Institute of Molecular Immunology/Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Rebeca Alba Rubío
- Laboratory for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology of the LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Uwe Thiel
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany and Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich (CCCM), Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Bohne
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk H. Busch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Burdach
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany and Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich (CCCM), Munich, Germany
| | - Günther H. S. Richter
- Children's Cancer Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany and Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich (CCCM), Munich, Germany
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8
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Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a rare cancer of bone and soft tissues defined by a specific chromosomal rearrangement. Preclinical development of immunological treatment strategies includes expansion of T cells with native or grafted T-cell receptor specificities for Ewing sarcoma-associated intracellular antigens, and T-cell engineering with chimeric antigen receptors targeting surface antigens. In vitro preactivated NK cells may also have activity in this cancer. Major challenges are the heterogeneity of antigen expression in individual Ewing sarcomas, and the coexpression of most candidate targets on normal cells. Moreover, homing of therapeutic effector cells to both primary and metastatic tumor sites and adequate function within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment will have to be ensured to allow for effective immune targeting of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rossig
- University Children's Hospital Muenster, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, Building A1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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9
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Peng W, Huang X, Yang D. EWS/FLI-l peptide-pulsed dendritic cells induces the antitumor immunity in a murine Ewing's sarcoma cell model. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 21:336-41. [PMID: 24861249 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of T-cell epitopes derived from various tumor-associated antigens have been reported, and they proved to play significant roles for tumor rejection both in vivo and in vitro. Over 85% of Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (ESFTs) express tumor-specific chimeric protein EWS/FLI-1, making it an attractive target for therapeutic cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses. Here, we identified a novel peptide epitope derived from the EWS/FLI-1 protein and demonstrated that effectors induced by the peptide could specifically secrete IFN-γ and lyse the tumor cell line of EWS/FLI-1-positive and HLA-matched cells. In addition, mice treated with dendritic cells pulsed with the EWS/FLI-1 epitope were able to reject a lethal tumor inoculation of the Ewing's sarcoma A673 cells. Therefore, these data provide evidence for the use of the EWS/FLI-l peptide epitope in T cell-based immunotherapeutic concepts against Ewing's sarcoma cell in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics, 309th Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xunwu Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, 309th Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Dazhi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.
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10
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Berger-Achituv S, Brinkmann V, Abed UA, Kühn LI, Ben-Ezra J, Elhasid R, Zychlinsky A. A proposed role for neutrophil extracellular traps in cancer immunoediting. Front Immunol 2013; 4:48. [PMID: 23508552 PMCID: PMC3589747 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon activation, neutrophils release fibers composed of chromatin and neutrophil proteins termed neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs trap and kill microbes, activate dendritic cells and T cells, and are implicated in autoimmune and vascular diseases. Given the growing interest in the role of neutrophils in cancer immunoediting and the diverse function of NETs, we searched for NETs release by tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). Using pediatric Ewing sarcoma (ES) as a model, we retrospectively examined histopathological material from diagnostic biopsies of eight patients (mean ± SD age of 11.5 ± 4.7 years). TANs were found in six patients and in two of those we identified NETs. These two patients presented with metastatic disease and despite entering complete remission after intensive chemotherapy had an early relapse. NETs were not identified in the diagnostic biopsies of two patients with localized disease and two with metastatic disease. This study is the first to show that TANs in ES are activated to make NETs, pointing to a possible role of NETs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivan Berger-Achituv
- Research Laboratory for Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Tel Aviv, Israel
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11
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Liu H, Huang L, Luo J, Chen W, Zhang Z, Liao X, Dai M, Shu Y, Cao K. Prediction and identification of B cell epitopes derived from EWS/FLI-l fusion protein of Ewing's sarcoma. Med Oncol 2012; 29:3421-3430. [PMID: 22562156 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0243-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
To predict B cell epitope of Ewing's sarcoma EWS/FLI-l fusion protein and to analyze its antigenicity and immunogenicity. Comprehensive algorithms were applied to predict the possible B cell epitopes of EWS/FLI-l fusion protein. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis were performed to identify the synthesized epitope peptides, ELISA assays and Western blot to detect the antigenicity, and the immunogenicity of epitope peptides. Three B cell epitopes were screened out, and HPLC and MS analysis confirmed all three synthesized epitope peptides were demandable. ELISA assays verified all three epitope peptides could prime intense antigen-antibody reaction and induce ideal antibody titers after immunization to the New Zealand white rabbit. However, Western blot confirmed that antiserum of one of these epitope peptides could not recognize EWS/FLI-1 protein. Two B cell epitopes, PQDGNKPTETSQPQ and DPDEVARRWGQRKS, derived from EWS/FLI-l protein, are identified to have potential antigenicity and immunogenicity.
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MESH Headings
- Algorithms
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/chemistry
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Blotting, Western
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Humans
- Mass Spectrometry
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/chemistry
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/immunology
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/chemistry
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/immunology
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/chemistry
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/immunology
- Rabbits
- Sarcoma, Ewing/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China
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12
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Bone sarcomas: from biology to targeted therapies. Sarcoma 2012; 2012:301975. [PMID: 23226965 PMCID: PMC3514839 DOI: 10.1155/2012/301975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary malignant bone tumours, osteosarcomas, and Ewing sarcomas are rare diseases which occur mainly in adolescents and young adults. With the current therapies, some patients remain very difficult to treat, such as tumour with poor histological response to preoperative CT (or large initial tumour volume for Ewing sarcomas not operated), patients with multiple metastases at or those who relapsed. In order to develop new therapies against these rare tumours, we need to unveil the key driving factors and molecular abnormalities behind the malignant characteristics and to broaden our understanding of the phenomena sustaining the metastatic phenotype and treatment resistance in these tumours. In this paper, starting with the biology of these tumours, we will discuss potential therapeutic targets aimed at increasing local tumour control, limiting metastatic spread, and finally improving patient survival.
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Evans CH, Liu F, Porter RM, O'Sullivan RP, Merghoub T, Lunsford EP, Robichaud K, Van Valen F, Lessnick SL, Gebhardt MC, Wells JW. EWS-FLI-1-targeted cytotoxic T-cell killing of multiple tumor types belonging to the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:5341-51. [PMID: 22879388 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-1985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) comprises a group of aggressive, malignant bone, and soft tissue tumors that predominantly affect children and young adults. These tumors frequently share expression of the EWS-FLI-1 translocation, which is central to tumor survival but not present in healthy cells. In this study, we examined EWS-FLI-1 antigens for their capacity to induce immunity against a range of ESFT types. DESIGN Computer prediction analysis of peptide binding, HLA-A2.1 stabilization assays, and induction of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) in immunized HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice were used to assess the immunogenicity of native and modified peptides derived from the fusion region of EWS-FLI-1 type 1. CTL-killing of multiple ESFT family members in vitro, and control of established xenografts in vivo, was assessed. We also examined whether these peptides could induce human CTLs in vitro. RESULTS EWS-FLI-1 type 1 peptides were unable to stabilize cell surface HLA-A2.1 and induced weak CTL activity against Ewing sarcoma cells. In contrast, peptides with modified anchor residues induced potent CTL killing of Ewing sarcoma cells presenting endogenous (native) peptides. The adoptive transfer of CTL specific for the modified peptide YLNPSVDSV resulted in enhanced survival of mice with established Ewing sarcoma xenografts. YLNPSVDSV-specific CTL displayed potent killing of multiple ESFT types in vitro: Ewing sarcoma, pPNET, Askin's Tumor, and Biphenotypic sarcoma. Stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with YLNPSVDSV peptide resulted in potent CTL-killing. CONCLUSIONS These data show that YLNPSVDSV peptide is a promising antigen for ESFT immunotherapy and warrants further clinical development.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- HLA-A2 Antigen/genetics
- HLA-A2 Antigen/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunotherapy
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/cytology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/immunology
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Peptides/genetics
- Peptides/immunology
- Sarcoma, Ewing/drug therapy
- Sarcoma, Ewing/immunology
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/physiology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H Evans
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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The ganglioside antigen G(D2) is surface-expressed in Ewing sarcoma and allows for MHC-independent immune targeting. Br J Cancer 2012; 106:1123-33. [PMID: 22374462 PMCID: PMC3304425 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Novel treatment strategies are needed to cure disseminated Ewing sarcoma. Primitive neuroectodermal features and a mesenchymal stem cell origin are both compatible with aberrant expression of the ganglioside antigen GD2 and led us to explore GD2 immune targeting in this cancer. Methods: We investigated GD2 expression in Ewing sarcoma by immunofluorescence staining. We then assessed the antitumour activity of T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor specific for GD2 against Ewing sarcoma in vitro and in vivo. Results: Surface GD2 was detected in 10 out of 10 Ewing sarcoma cell lines and 3 out of 3 primary cell cultures. Moreover, diagnostic biopsies from 12 of 14 patients had uniform GD2 expression. T cells specifically modified to express the GD2-specific chimeric receptor 14. G2a-28ζ efficiently interacted with Ewing sarcoma cells, resulting in antigen-specific secretion of cytokines. Moreover, chimeric receptor gene-modified T cells from healthy donors and from a patient exerted potent, GD2-specific cytolytic responses to allogeneic and autologous Ewing sarcoma, including tumour cells grown as multicellular, anchorage-independent spheres. GD2-specific T cells further had activity against Ewing sarcoma xenografts. Conclusion: GD2 surface expression is a characteristic of Ewing sarcomas and provides a suitable target antigen for immunotherapeutic strategies to eradicate micrometastatic cells and prevent relapse in high-risk disease.
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15
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Specific recognition and inhibition of Ewing tumour growth by antigen-specific allo-restricted cytotoxic T cells. Br J Cancer 2011; 104:948-56. [PMID: 21407224 PMCID: PMC3065285 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2011.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The development of a successful immunotherapy is hampered by an ineffective T-cell repertoire against tumour antigens and the inability of the patient's immune system to overcome tolerance-inducing mechanisms. Here, we test the specific recognition and lytical potential of allo-restricted CD8+ T cells against Ewing tumour (ET) associated antigens Enhancer of Zeste, Drosophila Homolog 2 (EZH2), and Chondromodulin-I (CHM1) identified through previous microarray analysis. Methods: Following repetitive CHM1319 (VIMPCSWWV) and EZH2666 (YMCSFLFNL) peptide-driven stimulations with HLA-A*0201+ dendritic cells (DC), allo-restricted HLA-A*0201− CD8+ T cells were stained with HLA-A*0201/peptide multimers, sorted and expanded by limiting dilution. Results: Expanded T cells specifically recognised peptide-pulsed target cells or antigen-transfected cells in the context of HLA-A*0201 and killed HLA-A*0201+ ET lines expressing the antigen while HLA-A*0201– ET lines were not affected. Furthermore, adoptively transferred T cells caused significant ET growth delay in Rag2−/−γC−/− mice. Within this context, we identified the CHM1319 peptide as a new candidate target antigen for ET immunotherapy. Conclusion: These results clearly identify the ET-derived antigens, EZH2666 and CHM1319, as suitable targets for protective allo-restricted human CD8+ T-cell responses against non-immunogenic ET and may benefit new therapeutic strategies in ET patients treated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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16
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Berghuis D, Santos SJ, Baelde HJ, Taminiau AHM, Maarten Egeler R, Schilham MW, Hogendoorn PCW, Lankester AC. Pro-inflammatory chemokine-chemokine receptor interactions within the Ewing sarcoma microenvironment determine CD8+
T-lymphocyte infiltration and affect tumour progression. J Pathol 2010; 223:347-57. [DOI: 10.1002/path.2819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Revised: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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17
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Staege MS, Hesse M, Max D. Lipases and Related Molecules in Cancer. CANCER GROWTH AND METASTASIS 2010. [DOI: 10.4137/cgm.s2816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lipases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of lipids. Based on protein structures and sequences, lipases can be classified into different protein families. The majority of conventional mammalian lipases are members of the protein super-families of serine esterases and alpha-beta hydrolases. Differential expression of lipases and related alpha-beta hydrolases in tumor cells has been observed. The physiological or patho-physiological functions of these tumor related enzymes are largely unknown. However, lipases are not only involved in energy metabolism but also in the metabolism of bioactive molecules, e.g. phosphatidic acid or arachidonic acid, suggesting that tumor-specifically expressed lipases might be interesting targets for the development of future treatment strategies. Moreover, independent of the patho-physiological function, tumor associated lipases can serve as targets for immunological treatment strategies. In addition, lipases with exclusive expression in single tumor entities can serve as potential diagnostic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S. Staege
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, University Clinic and Polyclinic for Child and Adolescent Medicine, D-06097 Halle, Germany
| | - Manuela Hesse
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, University Clinic and Polyclinic for Child and Adolescent Medicine, D-06097 Halle, Germany
| | - Daniela Max
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, University Clinic and Polyclinic for Child and Adolescent Medicine, D-06097 Halle, Germany
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18
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Templeton JE, Bauer TW, Lietman SA. Chronic bilateral thigh and knee discomfort in an 18-year-old man. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2008; 466:507-13. [PMID: 18196439 PMCID: PMC2505125 DOI: 10.1007/s11999-007-0063-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2007] [Accepted: 11/02/2007] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse E. Templeton
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A-41, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
| | - Thomas W. Bauer
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A-41, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
| | - Steven A. Lietman
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A-41, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA
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