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Jhajj HS, Schardt JS, Khalasawi N, Yao EL, Lwo TS, Kwon NY, O'Meara RL, Desai AA, Tessier PM. Facile generation of biepitopic antibodies with intrinsic agonism for activating tumor necrosis factor receptors. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:944-954.e5. [PMID: 38653243 PMCID: PMC11142405 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.03.010] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Agonist antibodies are being pursued for therapeutic applications ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to cancer. For the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, higher-order clustering of three or more receptors is key to their activation, which can be achieved using antibodies that recognize two unique epitopes. However, the generation of biepitopic (i.e., biparatopic) antibodies typically requires animal immunization and is laborious and unpredictable. Here, we report a simple method for identifying biepitopic antibodies that potently activate TNF receptors without the need for additional animal immunization. Our approach uses existing, receptor-specific IgGs, which lack intrinsic agonist activity, to block their corresponding epitopes, then selects single-chain antibodies that bind accessible epitopes. The selected antibodies are fused to the light chains of IgGs to generate human tetravalent antibodies. We highlight the broad utility of this approach by converting several clinical-stage antibodies against OX40 and CD137 (4-1BB) into biepitopic antibodies with potent agonist activity.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Epitopes/immunology
- Epitopes/chemistry
- Animals
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/agonists
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/immunology
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/agonists
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/immunology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, OX40/agonists
- Receptors, OX40/immunology
- Receptors, OX40/metabolism
- Receptors, OX40/antagonists & inhibitors
- Antibodies/immunology
- Single-Chain Antibodies/immunology
- Single-Chain Antibodies/chemistry
- Single-Chain Antibodies/pharmacology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkamal S Jhajj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - John S Schardt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Namir Khalasawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily L Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Timon S Lwo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Na-Young Kwon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ryen L O'Meara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alec A Desai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter M Tessier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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2
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Wu H, Lin J, Ling N, Zhang Y, He Y, Qiu L, Tan W. Functional Nucleic Acid-Based Immunomodulation for T Cell-Mediated Cancer Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:119-135. [PMID: 38117770 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
T cell-mediated immunity plays a pivotal role in cancer immunotherapy. The anticancer actions of T cells are coordinated by a sequence of biological processes, including the capture and presentation of antigens by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), the activation of T cells by APCs, and the subsequent killing of cancer cells by activated T cells. However, cancer cells have various means to evade immune responses. Meanwhile, these vulnerabilities provide potential targets for cancer treatments. Functional nucleic acids (FNAs) make up a class of synthetic nucleic acids with specific biological functions. With their diverse functionality, good biocompatibility, and high programmability, FNAs have attracted widespread interest in cancer immunotherapy. This Review focuses on recent research progress in employing FNAs as molecular tools for T cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy, including corresponding challenges and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Neng Ling
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yutong Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yao He
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Liping Qiu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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3
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Shinde SH, Sandeep, Pande AH. Polyvalency: an emerging trend in the development of clinical antibodies. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103846. [PMID: 38029835 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Medicine has benefited greatly from the development of monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology. First-generation mAbs have seen significant success in the treatment of major diseases, such as autoimmune, inflammation, cancer, infectious, and cardiovascular diseases. Developing next-generation antibodies with improved potency, safety, and non-natural characteristics is a booming field of mAb research. In this review, we discuss the significance of polyvalency and polyvalent antibodies, as well as important findings from preclinical studies and clinical trials involving polyvalent antibodies. We then review the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in inflammatory diseases and the need for polyvalent anti-TNF-α antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj H Shinde
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Sandeep
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Abhay H Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India.
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4
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Jhajj HS, Schardt JS, Khalasawi N, Yao EL, Lwo TS, Kwon NY, O’Meara RL, Desai AA, Tessier PM. Facile generation of biepitopic antibodies with intrinsic agonism for activating receptors in the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.11.571146. [PMID: 38168220 PMCID: PMC10760063 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.11.571146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Agonist antibodies that activate cellular receptors are being pursued for therapeutic applications ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to cancer. For the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, higher-order clustering of three or more receptors is key to their potent activation. This can be achieved using antibodies that recognize two unique epitopes on the same receptor and mediate receptor superclustering. However, identifying compatible pairs of antibodies to generate biepitopic antibodies (also known as biparatopic antibodies) for activating TNF receptors typically requires animal immunization and is a laborious and unpredictable process. Here, we report a simple method for systematically identifying biepitopic antibodies that potently activate TNF receptors without the need for additional animal immunization. Our approach uses off-the-shelf, receptor-specific IgG antibodies, which lack intrinsic (Fc-gamma receptor-independent) agonist activity, to first block their corresponding epitopes. Next, we perform selections for single-chain antibodies from human nonimmune libraries that bind accessible epitopes on the same ectodomains using yeast surface display and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The selected single-chain antibodies are finally fused to the light chains of IgGs to generate human tetravalent antibodies that engage two different receptor epitopes and mediate potent receptor activation. We highlight the broad utility of this approach by converting several existing clinical-stage antibodies against TNF receptors, including ivuxolimab and pogalizumab against OX40 and utomilumab against CD137, into biepitopic antibodies with highly potent agonist activity. We expect that this widely accessible methodology can be used to systematically generate biepitopic antibodies for activating other receptors in the TNF receptor superfamily and many other receptors whose activation is dependent on strong receptor clustering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkamal S. Jhajj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - John S. Schardt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Namir Khalasawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily L. Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Timon S. Lwo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Na-Young Kwon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ryen L O’Meara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alec A. Desai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter M. Tessier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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5
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Sathe A, Ayala C, Bai X, Grimes SM, Lee B, Kin C, Shelton A, Poultsides G, Ji HP. GITR and TIGIT immunotherapy provokes divergent multicellular responses in the tumor microenvironment of gastrointestinal cancers. Genome Med 2023; 15:100. [PMID: 38008725 PMCID: PMC10680277 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01259-3] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the mechanistic effects of novel immunotherapy agents is critical to improving their successful clinical translation. These effects need to be studied in preclinical models that maintain the heterogenous tumor microenvironment (TME) and dysfunctional cell states found in a patient's tumor. We investigated immunotherapy perturbations targeting co-stimulatory molecule GITR and co-inhibitory immune checkpoint TIGIT in a patient-derived ex vivo system that maintains the TME in its near-native state. Leveraging single-cell genomics, we identified cell type-specific transcriptional reprogramming in response to immunotherapy perturbations. METHODS We generated ex vivo tumor slice cultures from fresh surgical resections of gastric and colon cancer and treated them with GITR agonist or TIGIT antagonist antibodies. We applied paired single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing to the original surgical resections, control, and treated ex vivo tumor slice cultures. We additionally confirmed target expression using multiplex immunofluorescence and validated our findings with RNA in situ hybridization. RESULTS We confirmed that tumor slice cultures maintained the cell types, transcriptional cell states and proportions of the original surgical resection. The GITR agonist was limited to increasing effector gene expression only in cytotoxic CD8 T cells. Dysfunctional exhausted CD8 T cells did not respond to GITR agonist. In contrast, the TIGIT antagonist increased TCR signaling and activated both cytotoxic and dysfunctional CD8 T cells. This included cells corresponding to TCR clonotypes with features indicative of potential tumor antigen reactivity. The TIGIT antagonist also activated T follicular helper-like cells and dendritic cells, and reduced markers of immunosuppression in regulatory T cells. CONCLUSIONS We identified novel cellular mechanisms of action of GITR and TIGIT immunotherapy in the patients' TME. Unlike the GITR agonist that generated a limited transcriptional response, TIGIT antagonist orchestrated a multicellular response involving CD8 T cells, T follicular helper-like cells, dendritic cells, and regulatory T cells. Our experimental strategy combining single-cell genomics with preclinical models can successfully identify mechanisms of action of novel immunotherapy agents. Understanding the cellular and transcriptional mechanisms of response or resistance will aid in prioritization of targets and their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Sathe
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CCSR 2245, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Carlos Ayala
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xiangqi Bai
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CCSR 2245, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Susan M Grimes
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CCSR 2245, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Byrne Lee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cindy Kin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Shelton
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - George Poultsides
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hanlee P Ji
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CCSR 2245, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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6
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Davar D, Zappasodi R. Targeting GITR in cancer immunotherapy - there is no perfect knowledge. Oncotarget 2023; 14:614-621. [PMID: 37335294 PMCID: PMC10278658 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) belongs to the TNFR superfamily (TNFRSF) and stimulates both the acquired and innate immunity. GITR is broadly expressed on immune cells, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Given its potential to promote T effector function and impede Treg immune suppression, GITR is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Preclinically, GITR agonists have demonstrated potent anti-tumor efficacy singly and in combination with a variety of agents, including PD-1 blockade. Multiple GITR agonists have been advanced into the clinic, although the experience with these agents has been disappointing. Recent mechanistic insights into the roles of antibody structure, valency, and Fc functionality in mediating anti-tumor efficacy may explain some of the apparent inconsistency or discordance between preclinical data and observed clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diwakar Davar
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Roberta Zappasodi
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, NY 10065, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, NY 10065, USA
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7
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Nagai H, Azuma M, Sato A, Shibui N, Ogawara S, Tsutsui Y, Suzuki A, Wakaizumi T, Ito A, Matsuyama S, Morita M, Hikosaka Kuniishi M, Ishii N, So T. Fundamental Characterization of Antibody Fusion-Single-Chain TNF Recombinant Proteins Directed against Costimulatory TNF Receptors Expressed by T-Lymphocytes. Cells 2023; 12:1596. [PMID: 37371066 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121596] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The costimulatory signal regulated by the members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily expressed by T cells plays essential roles for T cell responses and has emerged as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. However, it is unclear how the difference in TNFR costimulation contributes to T cell responses. In this study, to clarify the functional significance of four different TNFRs, OX40, 4-1BB, CD27 and GITR, we prepared corresponding single-chain TNF ligand proteins (scTNFLs) connected to IgG Fc domain with beneficial characteristics, i.e., Fc-scOX40L, Fc-sc4-1BBL, Fc-scCD27L (CD70) and Fc-scGITRL. Without intentional cross-linking, these soluble Fc-scTNFL proteins bound to corresponding TNFRs induced NF-kB signaling and promoted proliferative and cytokine responses in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with different dose-dependencies in vitro. Mice injected with one of the Fc-scTNFL proteins displayed significantly augmented delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, showing in vivo activity. The results demonstrate that each individual Fc-scTNFL protein provides a critical costimulatory signal and exhibits quantitatively distinct activity toward T cells. Our findings provide important insights into the TNFR costimulation that would be valuable for investigators conducting basic research in cancer immunology and also have implications for T cell-mediated immune regulation by designer TNFL proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hodaka Nagai
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mitsuki Azuma
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Ayaka Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Nagito Shibui
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Sayaka Ogawara
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuta Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Ayano Suzuki
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tomomi Wakaizumi
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Aya Ito
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shimpei Matsuyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Masashi Morita
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mari Hikosaka Kuniishi
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Naoto Ishii
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takanori So
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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8
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Sathe A, Ayala C, Bai X, Grimes SM, Lee B, Kin C, Shelton A, Poultsides G, Ji HP. GITR and TIGIT immunotherapy provokes divergent multi-cellular responses in the tumor microenvironment of gastrointestinal cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.13.532299. [PMID: 36993756 PMCID: PMC10054933 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.13.532299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the cellular mechanisms of novel immunotherapy agents in the human tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical to their clinical success. We examined GITR and TIGIT immunotherapy in gastric and colon cancer patients using ex vivo slice tumor slice cultures derived from cancer surgical resections. This primary culture system maintains the original TME in a near-native state. We applied paired single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing to identify cell type specific transcriptional reprogramming. The GITR agonist was limited to increasing effector gene expression only in cytotoxic CD8 T cells. The TIGIT antagonist increased TCR signaling and activated both cytotoxic and dysfunctional CD8 T cells, including clonotypes indicative of potential tumor antigen reactivity. The TIGIT antagonist also activated T follicular helper-like cells and dendritic cells, and reduced markers of immunosuppression in regulatory T cells. Overall, we identified cellular mechanisms of action of these two immunotherapy targets in the patients' TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Sathe
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Carlos Ayala
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Xiangqi Bai
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Susan M. Grimes
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Byrne Lee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Cindy Kin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Andrew Shelton
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - George Poultsides
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Hanlee P. Ji
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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9
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Gao C, Tong YX, Zhu L, Dan Zeng CD, Zhang S. Short-term prognostic role of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in patients with gastric cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109641. [PMID: 36584574 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109641] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune function is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with gastric cancer. This study aimed to explore the prognostic role of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in patients with gastric cancer after curative surgery. METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at a single tertiary referral hospital. We included patients diagnosed with gastric cancer who had undergone surgery and met the inclusion criteria. Clinicopathological characteristics and preoperative peripheral lymphocyte subset data were collected for the analysis. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox hazard regression model. We used the Whitney test and Spearman test to analyze the correlation between lymphocyte subsets and clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS This study included 171 patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed that carcinoembryonic antigen (p < 0.01), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (p < 0.001), lymph node metastases (p < 0.001), total T-cell count (p = 0.02), B-cell count (p < 0.01), and regulatory T-cell percentage (p < 0.01) were independent predictive factors associated with RFS. CONCLUSIONS Impaired immune function may lead to early recurrence following curative surgery. Our study showed that the characteristics of peripheral lymphocyte subsets (T, B, and Treg cells) were independent predictive factors for recurrence in patients with gastric cancer after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Xin Tong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ci Dian Dan Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Jhajj HS, Lwo TS, Yao EL, Tessier PM. Unlocking the potential of agonist antibodies for treating cancer using antibody engineering. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:48-60. [PMID: 36344331 PMCID: PMC9742327 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Agonist antibodies that target immune checkpoints, such as those in the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, are an important class of emerging therapeutics due to their ability to regulate immune cell activity, especially for treating cancer. Despite their potential, to date, they have shown limited clinical utility and further antibody optimization is urgently needed to improve their therapeutic potential. Here, we discuss key antibody engineering approaches for improving the activity of antibody agonists by optimizing their valency, specificity for different receptors (e.g., bispecific antibodies) and epitopes (e.g., biepitopic or biparatopic antibodies), and Fc affinity for Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). These powerful approaches are being used to develop the next generation of cancer immunotherapeutics with improved efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkamal S Jhajj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Timon S Lwo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily L Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peter M Tessier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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11
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Müller D. Targeting Co-Stimulatory Receptors of the TNF Superfamily for Cancer Immunotherapy. BioDrugs 2023; 37:21-33. [PMID: 36571696 PMCID: PMC9836981 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00573-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The clinical approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors is an important advancement in the field of cancer immunotherapy. However, the percentage of beneficiaries is still limited and it is becoming clear that combination therapies are required to further enhance the treatment efficacy. The potential of strategies targeting the immunoregulatory network by "hitting the gas pedal" as opposed to "blocking the brakes" is being recognized and intensively investigated. Hence, next to immune checkpoint inhibitors, agonists of co-stimulatory receptors of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNF-SF) are emerging as promising options to expand the immunomodulatory toolbox. In this review the development of different categories of recombinant antibody and ligand-based agonists of 4-1BB, OX40, and GITR is summarized and discussed in the context of the challenges presented by the structural and mechanistical features of the TNFR-SF. An overview of current formats, trends, and clinical studies is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafne Müller
- grid.5719.a0000 0004 1936 9713Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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12
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Hernandez-Guerrero T, Moreno V. GITR antibodies in cancer: not ready for prime time. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3905-3907. [PMID: 35834593 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
GITR agonistic antibodies are expected to increase the antitumor response mainly by reducing the effect of Foxp3+ T regulatory cells. TRX-518 is a novel GITR agonist that has shown good pharmacodynamic activity by depleting T regs in preclinical models, with limited clinical activity demonstrated in patients with advanced solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor Moreno
- START Madrid-FJD, Hospital Universitario Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain
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13
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Davar D, Zappasodi R, Wang H, Naik GS, Sato T, Bauer T, Bajor D, Rixe O, Newman W, Qi J, Holland A, Wong P, Sifferlen L, Piper D, Sirard CA, Merghoub T, Wolchok JD, Luke JJ. Phase IB Study of GITR Agonist Antibody TRX518 Singly and in Combination with Gemcitabine, Pembrolizumab or Nivolumab in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3990-4002. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: TRX518 is a monoclonal antibody engaging the glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR). This open-label, phase I study (TRX518-003) evaluated the safety and efficacy of repeated dose TRX518 monotherapy and combination with gemcitabine, pembrolizumab or nivolumab in advanced solid tumors. Experimental Design: TRX518 monotherapy was dose-escalated (Part A) and expanded (Part B) up to 4 mg/kg load, 1 mg/kg Q3W. Parts C-E included dose-escalation (2mg/kg and 4 mg/kg loading followed by 1mg/kg) and dose-expansion (4mg/kg load) phases with gemcitabine (Part C), pembrolizumab (Part D) or nivolumab (Part E). Primary endpoints included incidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), serious adverse events (SAEs), and pharmacokinetics. Secondary endpoints were efficacy and pharmacodynamics. Results:109 patients received TRX518: 43 (Parts A+B), 30 (Part C), 26 (Part D), and 10 (Part E) respectively. 67% of patients in Parts D+E had received prior anti-PD(L)1 or anti-CTLA-4. No DLTs, treatment-related SAEs and/or G4/5 AEs were observed with TRX518 monotherapy. In Parts C-E, no DLTs were observed, although TRX518-related SAEs were reported in 3.3% (Part C) and 10.0% (Part E) respectively. Objective response rate was 3.2%, 3.8%, 4% and 12.5% in Parts A+B, C, D and E respectively. TRX518 affected peripheral and intratumoral regulatory T cells (Tregs) with different kinetics depending on the combination regimen. Responses with TRX518 monotherapy+anti-PD1 combination were associated with intratumoral Treg reductions and CD8 increases and activation after treatment. Conclusions:TRX518 showed an acceptable safety profile with pharmacodynamic activity. Repeated dose TRX518 monotherapy and in combination resulted in limited clinical responses associated with immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diwakar Davar
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Hong Wang
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Takami Sato
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Todd Bauer
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute / Tennessee Oncology, PLLC., Nashville, TN, United States
| | - David Bajor
- University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Olivier Rixe
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
| | | | - Jingjing Qi
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Aliya Holland
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Phillip Wong
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Diane Piper
- Leap Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Taha Merghoub
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jedd D. Wolchok
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jason J. Luke
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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14
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Hair J, Robinson MJ, Wilkinson RW, Dovedi SJ. Deep phenotyping of surface stimulatory and inhibitory co-receptors on cancer-resident T and NK cells reveals cell subsets within the tumor-reactive CTL population that are uniquely defined by NKG2A expression. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:95-106. [PMID: 35058180 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The field of Immuno-Oncology (IO) is evolving to utilise novel antibody backbones that can co-target multiple cell-surface stimulatory and inhibitory co-receptors (SICR). This approach necessitates a better understanding of SICR co-expression at the single-cell level on IO-relevant tumor-infiltrating leukocyte (TIL) cell types such as T and natural killer (NK) cells. Using high-dimensional flow cytometry we established a comprehensive SICR profile for tumor-resident T and NK cells across a range of human solid tumors where there is a clear need for improved immunotherapeutic intervention. Leveraging the power of our large flow panel, we performed deep-phenotyping of the critical CD8+CD39+ Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) population that is enriched for tumor-reactive cytotoxic cells, revealing subsets that are differentiated by their SICR profile, including three that are uniquely defined by NKG2A expression. This study establishes a comprehensive SICR phenotype for human TIL T and NK cells, providing insights to guide the design and application of the next generation of IO molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hair
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Granta Park, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | | | - Simon J Dovedi
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Granta Park, Cambridge, UK
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15
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Zhao M, Fu L, Chai Y, Sun M, Li Y, Wang S, Qi J, Zeng B, Kang L, Gao GF, Tan S. Atypical TNF-TNFR superfamily binding interface in the GITR-GITRL complex for T cell activation. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109734. [PMID: 34551288 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related protein (GITR) is a critical regulatory molecule in modulation of T cell immune responses. Here we report the mouse GITR (mGITR) and mGITR ligand (mGITRL) complex structure and find that the binding interface of mGITR and mGITRL is distinct from the typical tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF)/TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) members. mGITR binds to its ligand with a single domain, whereas the binding interface on mGITRL is located on the side, which is distal from conserved binding sites of TNFSF molecules. Mutational analysis reveals that the binding interface of GITR/GITRL in humans is conserved with that in the mouse. Substitution of key interacting D93-I94-V95 (DIV) in mGITR with the corresponding K93-F94-S95 (KFS) in human GITR enables cross-recognition with human GITRL and cross-activation of receptor signaling. The findings of this study substantially expand our understanding of the interaction of TNFSF/TNFRSF superfamily molecules and can benefit the future design of biologics by targeting GITR/GITRL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lijun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Yan Chai
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330013, China; College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Le Kang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - George F Gao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Shuguang Tan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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16
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Li H, Hostager BS, Arkee T, Bishop GA. Multiple mechanisms for TRAF3-mediated regulation of the T cell costimulatory receptor GITR. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101097. [PMID: 34418432 PMCID: PMC8441216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) plays context-specific roles in multiple receptor-mediated signaling pathways in different cell types. Mice lacking TRAF3 in T cells display defective T-cell-mediated immune responses to immunization and infection and demonstrate defective early signaling via the TCR complex. However, the role of TRAF3 in the function of GITR/TNFRSF18, an important costimulatory member of the TNFR superfamily, is unclear. Here we investigated the impact of T cell TRAF3 status on both GITR expression and activation of specific kinases in the GITR signaling pathway in T cells. Our results indicate that TRAF3 negatively regulates GITR functions in several ways. First, expression of GITR protein was elevated in TRAF3-deficient T cells, resulting from both transcriptional and posttranslational regulation that led to greater GITR transcript levels, as well as enhanced GITR protein stability. TRAF3 associated with T cell GITR in a manner dependent upon GITR ligation. TRAF3 also inhibited several events of the GITR mediated early signaling cascade, in a manner independent of recruitment of phosphatases, a mechanism by which TRAF3 inhibits signaling through several other cytokine receptors. These results add new information to our understanding of GITR signaling and function in T cells, which is relevant to the potential use of GITR to enhance immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanzeng Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bruce S Hostager
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Tina Arkee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Gail A Bishop
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Research, Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
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17
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Balmanoukian AS, Infante JR, Aljumaily R, Naing A, Chintakuntlawar AV, Rizvi NA, Ross HJ, Gordon M, Mallinder PR, Elgeioushi N, González-García I, Standifer N, Cann J, Durham N, Rahimian S, Kumar R, Denlinger CS. Safety and Clinical Activity of MEDI1873, a Novel GITR Agonist, in Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:6196-6203. [PMID: 32887725 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The safety and preliminary efficacy of MEDI1873, an agonistic IgG1 fusion protein targeting glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor-related protein (GITR), were evaluated in an open-label, first-in-human, phase I, dose escalation study in previously treated patients with advanced solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two single-patient cohorts at 1.5 and 3 mg i.v. were followed by 3+3 dose escalation in six cohorts at 7.5, 25, 75, 250, 500, and 750 mg, all every 2 weeks, for up to 52 weeks. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability, dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), and MTD. Secondary endpoints included antitumor activity, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and pharmacodynamics. RESULTS Forty patients received MEDI1873. Three experienced DLTs: grade 3 worsening tumor pain (250 mg); grade 3 nausea, vomiting, and headache (500 mg); and grade 3 non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (750 mg). An MTD was not reached and treatment was well tolerated up to 500 mg. Most common treatment-related adverse events were headache (25%), infusion-related reaction (17.5%), and decreased appetite (17.5%). MEDI1873 exposure was dose proportional. Antidrug-antibody incidence was low. MEDI1873 increased peripheral CD4+ effector memory T-cell proliferation as well as cytokines associated with effector T-cell activation at dose levels ≥75 mg. The best response was stable disease (SD) in 17 patients (42.5%), including 1 unconfirmed partial response. Eight patients (20.0%) had SD ≥24 weeks. CONCLUSIONS MEDI1873 showed acceptable safety up to 500 mg i.v. every 2 weeks with pharmacodynamics activity, and prolonged SD in some patients. However, further development is not planned because of lack of demonstrated tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Aung Naing
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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18
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Smith MH, Fologea D. Kinetic Exclusion Assay of Biomolecules by Aptamer Capture. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E3442. [PMID: 32570818 PMCID: PMC7348807 DOI: 10.3390/s20123442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
DNA aptamers are short nucleotide oligomers selected to bind a target ligand with affinity and specificity rivaling that of antibodies. These remarkable features recommend aptamers as candidates for analytical and therapeutic applications that traditionally use antibodies as biorecognition elements. Numerous traditional and emerging analytical techniques have been proposed and successfully implemented to utilize aptamers for sensing purposes. In this work, we exploited the analytical capabilities offered by the kinetic exclusion assay technology to measure the affinity of fluorescent aptamers for their thrombin target and quantify the concentration of analyte in solution. Standard binding curves constructed by using equilibrated mixtures of aptamers titrated with thrombin were fitted with a 1:1 binding model and provided an effective Kd of the binding in the sub-nanomolar range. However, our experimental results suggest that this simple model does not satisfactorily describe the binding process; therefore, the possibility that the aptamer is composed of a mixture of two or more distinct Kd populations is discussed. The same standard curves, together with a four-parameter logistic equation, were used to determine "unknown" concentrations of thrombin in mock samples. The ability to identify and characterize complex binding stoichiometry, together with the determination of target analyte concentrations in the pM-nM range, supports the adoption of this technology for kinetics, equilibrium, and analytical purposes by employing aptamers as biorecognition elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark H. Smith
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725, USA;
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Programs, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - Daniel Fologea
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725, USA;
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Programs, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725, USA
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19
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Huang G, Zhang Y, Wei X, Yu Z, Lai J, Shen Q, Chen X, Tan G, Chen C, Luo W, Li Y, Zhou M, Li Y, Li B. CD8+GITR+ T cells may negatively regulate T cell overactivation in aplastic anemia. Immunol Invest 2020; 50:406-415. [PMID: 32462957 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2020.1770785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guixuan Huang
- Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Wei
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Yu
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Lai
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Shen
- Department of Hematology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Shengzhen, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangxiao Tan
- Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cunte Chen
- Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yumiao Li
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Li
- Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Discovery of New Immune Checkpoints: Family Grows Up. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1248:61-82. [PMID: 32185707 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-3266-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The first generation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) including anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 has achieved profound and great success. Till 2019 Q1, there are nine ICIs landing the oncology market: Ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4, Bristol-Myers Squibb), Nivolumab (anti-PD-1, Bristol-Myers Squibb), Pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1, Merck), Atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1, Roche/Genentech), Durvalumab (anti-PD-L1, Astra Zeneca), Tremelimumab (anti-CTLA-4, Astra Zeneca), Cemiplimab (anti-PD-1, Sanofi/Regeneron), Toripalimab (anti-PD-1, Junshi), and Sintilimab (anti-PD-1, Innovent), which have covered the majority of hematologic and solid malignancies' indication. Beyond the considerable benefits for the patients, frustrated boundary still exists: limited response rate in monotherapy in late-stage population, poor effectiveness in neoplasms with immune desert and immune excluded types, and immune-related toxicities, some are life-threatened and with higher incidence in I-O combination regiment. Moreover, clinicians observed some cases switching to progression after achieving partial or complete response, indicating treatment failure or drug resistance. So people begin looking for the next generation of immune checkpoint members.
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21
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Contet A, Caussanel V, Beck A, Lowe P. [Immunotoxins and immunocytokines]. Med Sci (Paris) 2020; 35:1054-1061. [PMID: 31903917 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2019205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines and biological toxins represent two potent classes of biomolecules that have long been explored for their potential as therapeutics. Considerable side effects and poor pharmacokinetics frequently observed with both have limited their broad application. Recombinant protein engineering has allowed the construction of immunocytokines and immunotoxins that seek to exploit the advantageous properties of immunoglobulins to address these issues. Whole antibodies, antibody fragments, constant domains and derivatives have been fused genetically to a range of cytokines and toxins. This review considers the strategies that have been employed and the problems sought to be resolved in the clinical evaluation of this class of biotherapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Contet
- Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, Centre d'Immunologie Pierre Fabre, 5 Avenue Napoléon III, 74160 St Julien en genevois, France
| | - Véronique Caussanel
- Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, Centre d'Immunologie Pierre Fabre, 5 Avenue Napoléon III, 74160 St Julien en genevois, France
| | - Alain Beck
- Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, Centre d'Immunologie Pierre Fabre, 5 Avenue Napoléon III, 74160 St Julien en genevois, France
| | - Peter Lowe
- Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, Centre d'Immunologie Pierre Fabre, 5 Avenue Napoléon III, 74160 St Julien en genevois, France
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22
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Tang F, Tie Y, Tu C, Wei X. Surgical trauma-induced immunosuppression in cancer: Recent advances and the potential therapies. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:199-223. [PMID: 32508035 PMCID: PMC7240866 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical resection remains the mainstay treatment for solid cancers, especially for localized disease. However, the postoperative immunosuppression provides a window for cancer cell proliferation and awakening dormant cancer cells, leading to rapid recurrences or metastases. This immunosuppressive status after surgery is associated with the severity of surgical trauma since immunosuppression induced by minimally invasive surgery is less than that of an extensive open surgery. The systemic response to tissue damages caused by surgical operations and the subsequent wound healing induced a cascade alteration in cellular immunity. After surgery, patients have a high level of circulating damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), triggering a local and systemic inflammation. The inflammatory metrics in the immediate postoperative period was associated with the prognosis of cancer patients. Neutrophils provide the first response to surgical trauma, and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) promotes cancer progression. Activated macrophage during wound healing presents a tumor-associated phenotype that cancers can exploit for their survival advantage. In addition, the amplification and activation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs) or the elevated programmed death ligand-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression under surgical trauma, exacerbate the immunosuppression and favor of the formation of the premetastatic niche. Therapeutic strategies to reduce the cellular immunity impairment after surgery include anti-DAMPs, anti-postoperative inflammation or inflammatory/pyroptosis signal, combined immunotherapy with surgery, antiangiogenesis and targeted therapies for neutrophils, macrophages, MDSCs, and Tregs. Further, the application of enhanced recovery after surgery also has a feasible outcome for postoperative immunity restoration. Overall, current therapies to improve the cellular immunity under the special condition after surgery are relatively lacking. Further understanding the underlying mechanisms of surgical trauma-related immunity dysfunction, phenotyping the immunosuppressive cells, and developing the related therapeutic intervention should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanPeople's Republic of China
- Department of OrthopeadicsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yan Tie
- Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Chongqi Tu
- Department of OrthopeadicsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanPeople's Republic of China
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Mazzarella L, Duso BA, Trapani D, Belli C, D'Amico P, Ferraro E, Viale G, Curigliano G. The evolving landscape of ‘next-generation’ immune checkpoint inhibitors: A review. Eur J Cancer 2019; 117:14-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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24
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Zappasodi R, Sirard C, Li Y, Budhu S, Abu-Akeel M, Liu C, Yang X, Zhong H, Newman W, Qi J, Wong P, Schaer D, Koon H, Velcheti V, Hellmann MD, Postow MA, Callahan MK, Wolchok JD, Merghoub T. Rational design of anti-GITR-based combination immunotherapy. Nat Med 2019; 25:759-766. [PMID: 31036879 PMCID: PMC7457830 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0420-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Modulating T cell homeostatic mechanisms with checkpoint blockade can efficiently promote endogenous anti-tumor T cell responses1-11. However, many patients still do not benefit from checkpoint blockade12, highlighting the need for targeting of alternative immune pathways13. Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR) is an attractive target for immunotherapy, owing to its capacity to promote effector T cell (Teff) functions14,15 and hamper regulatory T cell (Treg) suppression16-20. On the basis of the potent preclinical anti-tumor activity of agonist anti-GITR antibodies, reported by us and others16,21,22, we initiated the first in-human phase 1 trial of GITR agonism with the anti-GITR antibody TRX518 ( NCT01239134 ). Here, we report the safety profile and immune effects of TRX518 monotherapy in patients with advanced cancer and provide mechanistic preclinical evidence to rationally combine GITR agonism with checkpoint blockade in future clinical trials. We demonstrate that TRX518 reduces circulating and intratumoral Treg cells to similar extents, providing an easily assessable biomarker of anti-GITR activity. Despite Treg reductions and increased Teff:Treg ratios, substantial clinical responses were not seen. Similarly, in mice with advanced tumors, GITR agonism was not sufficient to activate cytolytic T cells due to persistent exhaustion. We demonstrate that T cell reinvigoration with PD-1 blockade can overcome resistance of advanced tumors to anti-GITR monotherapy. These findings led us to start investigating TRX518 with PD-1 pathway blockade in patients with advanced refractory tumors ( NCT02628574 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Zappasodi
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Yanyun Li
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sadna Budhu
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohsen Abu-Akeel
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cailian Liu
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xia Yang
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hong Zhong
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jingjing Qi
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immune Monitoring Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Phillip Wong
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immune Monitoring Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Schaer
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Henry Koon
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Vamsidhar Velcheti
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew D Hellmann
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael A Postow
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret K Callahan
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jedd D Wolchok
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Taha Merghoub
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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25
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Beha N, Harder M, Ring S, Kontermann RE, Müller D. IL15-Based Trifunctional Antibody-Fusion Proteins with Costimulatory TNF-Superfamily Ligands in the Single-Chain Format for Cancer Immunotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1278-1288. [PMID: 31040163 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
IL15 and costimulatory receptors of the tumor necrosis superfamily (TNFRSF) have shown great potential to support and drive an antitumor immune response. However, their efficacy as monotherapy is limited. Here, we present the development of a novel format for a trifunctional antibody-fusion protein that combines and focuses the activity of IL15/TNFSF-ligand in a targeting-mediated manner to the tumor site. The previously reported format consisted of a tumor-directed antibody (scFv), IL15 linked to an IL15Rα-fragment (RD), and the extracellular domain of 4-1BBL, where noncovalent trimerization of 4-1BBL into its functional unit led to a homotrimeric molecule with 3 antibody and 3 IL15-RD units. To reduce the size and complexity of the molecule, we have now designed a second format, where 4-1BBL is introduced as single-chain (sc), that is 3 consecutively linked 4-1BBL ectodomains. Thus, a monomeric trifunctional fusion protein presenting only 1 functional unit of each component was generated. Interestingly, the in vitro activity on T-cell stimulation was conserved or even enhanced for the soluble and target-bound molecule, respectively. Also, in a lung tumor mouse model, comparable antitumor effects were observed. Furthermore, corroborating the concept, OX40L and GITRL were also successfully incorporated into the novel single-chain format and the advantage of target-bound trifunctional versus corresponding combined bifunctional fusion proteins demonstrated by measuring T-cell proliferation and cytotoxic potential in vitro and antitumor effects of RD_IL15_scFv_scGITRL in a lung tumor mouse model in vivo Thus, the trifunctional antibody-fusion protein single-chain format constitutes a promising innovative platform for further therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Beha
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Harder
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sarah Ring
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dafne Müller
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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26
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Fromm G, de Silva S, Johannes K, Patel A, Hornblower JC, Schreiber TH. Agonist redirected checkpoint, PD1-Fc-OX40L, for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2018; 6:149. [PMID: 30563566 PMCID: PMC6299665 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-018-0454-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous blockade of immune checkpoint molecules and co-stimulation of the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) is predicted to improve overall survival in human cancer. TNFRSF co-stimulation depends upon coordinated antigen recognition through the T cell receptor followed by homotrimerization of the TNFRSF, and is most effective when these functions occur simultaneously. To address this mechanism, we developed a two-sided human fusion protein incorporating the extracellular domains (ECD) of PD-1 and OX40L, adjoined by a central Fc domain, termed PD1-Fc-OX40L. The PD-1 end of the fusion protein binds PD-L1 and PD-L2 with affinities of 2.08 and 1.76 nM, respectively, and the OX40L end binds OX40 with an affinity of 246 pM. High binding affinity on both sides of the construct translated to potent stimulation of OX40 signaling and PD1:PD-L1/L2 blockade, in multiple in vitro assays, including improved potency as compared to pembrolizumab, nivolumab, tavolixizumab and combinations of those antibodies. Furthermore, when activated human T cells were co-cultured with PD-L1 positive human tumor cells, PD1-Fc-OX40L was observed to concentrate to the immune synapse, which enhanced proliferation of T cells and production of IL-2, IFNγ and TNFα, and led to efficient killing of tumor cells. The therapeutic activity of PD1-Fc-OX40L in established murine tumors was significantly superior to either PD1 blocking, OX40 agonist, or combination antibody therapy; and required CD4+ T cells for maximum response. Importantly, all agonist functions of PD1-Fc-OX40L are independent of Fc receptor cross-linking. Collectively, these data demonstrate a highly potent fusion protein that is part of a platform, capable of providing checkpoint blockade and TNFRSF costimulation in a single molecule, which uniquely localizes TNFRSF costimulation to checkpoint ligand positive tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Fromm
- Shattuck Labs, Inc, 21 Parmer Way, Suite 200, Durham, NC, 27703, USA
| | - Suresh de Silva
- Shattuck Labs, Inc, 21 Parmer Way, Suite 200, Durham, NC, 27703, USA
| | - Kellsey Johannes
- Shattuck Labs, Inc, 21 Parmer Way, Suite 200, Durham, NC, 27703, USA
| | - Arpita Patel
- Shattuck Labs, Inc, 21 Parmer Way, Suite 200, Durham, NC, 27703, USA
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27
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Emerson DA, Redmond WL. Overcoming Tumor-Induced Immune Suppression: From Relieving Inhibition to Providing Costimulation with T Cell Agonists. BioDrugs 2018; 32:221-231. [PMID: 29637478 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-018-0277-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent advancements in T-cell biology and antibody engineering have opened doors to significant improvements in cancer immunotherapy. Initial success with monoclonal antibodies targeting key receptors that inhibit T-cell function such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1) have demonstrated the potency of this new class of therapy, highlighted by long-term complete responses for metastatic cancers once thought incurable. However, only a subset of patients responds to checkpoint blockade because of a multitude of factors, including an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and the mutational burden of the cancer. Novel antibodies, as well as ligand-immunoglobulin fusion proteins that target costimulatory immune receptors, are being developed and tested in clinical trials to further enhance the anti-tumor immune response. Many of these costimulatory receptors are in the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) and are expressed on multiple immune cell types, including inhibitory cells. While TNFRSFs signal through common pathways, the outcome of targeting different receptors depends on the functional status of the cell types expressing the relevant receptors. In this review, we discuss the current state of targeted costimulatory immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana A Emerson
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St., 2N35, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - William L Redmond
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St., 2N35, Portland, OR, 97213, USA.
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28
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The promise and challenges of immune agonist antibody development in cancer. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:509-527. [PMID: 29904196 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2018.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immune cell functions are regulated by co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory receptors. The first two generations of cancer immunotherapy agents consist primarily of antagonist antibodies that block negative immune checkpoints, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA4). Looking ahead, there is substantial promise in targeting co-stimulatory receptors with agonist antibodies, and a growing number of these agents are making their way through various stages of development. This Review discusses the key considerations and potential pitfalls of immune agonist antibody design and development, their differentiating features from antagonist antibodies and the landscape of agonist antibodies in clinical development for cancer treatment.
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29
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Oberst MD, Augé C, Morris C, Kentner S, Mulgrew K, McGlinchey K, Hair J, Hanabuchi S, Du Q, Damschroder M, Feng H, Eck S, Buss N, de Haan L, Pierce AJ, Park H, Sylwester A, Axthelm MK, Picker L, Morris NP, Weinberg A, Hammond SA. Potent Immune Modulation by MEDI6383, an Engineered Human OX40 Ligand IgG4P Fc Fusion Protein. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1024-1038. [PMID: 29545330 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ligation of OX40 (CD134, TNFRSF4) on activated T cells by its natural ligand (OX40L, CD252, TNFSF4) enhances cellular survival, proliferation, and effector functions such as cytokine release and cellular cytotoxicity. We engineered a recombinant human OX40L IgG4P Fc fusion protein termed MEDI6383 that assembles into a hexameric structure and exerts potent agonist activity following engagement of OX40. MEDI6383 displayed solution-phase agonist activity that was enhanced when the fusion protein was clustered by Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) on the surface of adjacent cells. The resulting costimulation of OX40 on T cells induced NFκB promoter activity in OX40-expressing T cells and induced Th1-type cytokine production, proliferation, and resistance to regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated suppression. MEDI6383 enhanced the cytolytic activity of tumor-reactive T cells and reduced tumor growth in the context of an alloreactive human T cell:tumor cell admix model in immunocompromised mice. Consistent with the role of OX40 costimulation in the expansion of memory T cells, MEDI6383 administered to healthy nonhuman primates elicited peripheral blood CD4 and CD8 central and effector memory T-cell proliferation as well as B-cell proliferation. Together, these results suggest that OX40 agonism has the potential to enhance antitumor immunity in human malignancies. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(5); 1024-38. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Oberst
- Department of Oncology Research, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Catherine Augé
- Department of Oncology Research, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Chad Morris
- Department of Oncology Research, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Stacy Kentner
- Department of Oncology Research, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Kathy Mulgrew
- Department of Oncology Research, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Kelly McGlinchey
- Department of Oncology Research, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - James Hair
- Department of Oncology Research, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Shino Hanabuchi
- Department of Oncology Research, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Qun Du
- Department of Antibody Development and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Melissa Damschroder
- Department of Antibody Development and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Hui Feng
- Department of Antibody Development and Protein Engineering, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Steven Eck
- Translational Science, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Nicholas Buss
- Department of Toxicology, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Lolke de Haan
- Department of Toxicology, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Andrew J Pierce
- Innovative Medicines, Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Haesun Park
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Pathology, and the Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon
| | - Andrew Sylwester
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Pathology, and the Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon
| | - Michael K Axthelm
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Pathology, and the Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon
| | - Louis Picker
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Pathology, and the Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon
| | - Nicholas P Morris
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, Portland, Oregon.,AgonOx, Portland, Oregon
| | - Andrew Weinberg
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, Portland, Oregon.,AgonOx, Portland, Oregon
| | - Scott A Hammond
- Department of Oncology Research, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
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30
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Massa C, Seliger B. The tumor microenvironment: Thousand obstacles for effector T cells. Cell Immunol 2017; 343:103730. [PMID: 29249298 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The immune system is endowed with the capability to recognize and destroy transformed cells, but even in the presence of an immune infiltrate many tumors do progress. In the last decades new discoveries have shed light into (some of) the underlying mechanisms. Immune effector cells are not only under the influence of immune suppressive cell subsets, but also intrinsically regulated by immune check point molecules that under physiological condition avoid attach of healthy tissue. Moreover, tumor cells are modifying the surrounding microenvironment through secretion of immune modulators as well as via their own metabolism, thus further impairing the development of immune effector functions. Different approaches are currently being evaluated in the clinic to overcome those regulatory mechanisms and to unleash effector T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Massa
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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31
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Burugu S, Dancsok AR, Nielsen TO. Emerging targets in cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 52:39-52. [PMID: 28987965 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The first generation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1) targeted natural immune homeostasis pathways, co-opted by cancers, to drive anti-tumor immune responses. These agents led to unprecedented results in patients with previously incurable metastatic disease and may become first-line therapies for some advanced cancers. However, these agents are efficacious in only a minority of patients. Newer strategies are becoming available that target additional immunomodulatory mechanisms to activate patients' own anti-tumor immune responses. Herein, we present a succinct summary of emerging immune targets with reported pre-clinical efficacy that have progressed to active investigation in clinical trials. These emerging targets include co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory markers of the innate and adaptive immune system. In this review, we discuss: 1) T lymphocyte markers: Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 [LAG-3], T-cell Immunoglobulin- and Mucin-domain-containing molecule 3 [TIM-3], V-domain containing Ig Suppressor of T cell Activation [VISTA], T cell ImmunoGlobulin and ITIM domain [TIGIT], B7-H3, Inducible T-cell Co-stimulator [ICOS/ICOS-L], CD27/CD70, and Glucocorticoid-Induced TNF Receptor [GITR]; 2) macrophage markers: CD47/Signal-Regulatory Protein alpha [SIRPα] and Indoleamine-2,3-Dioxygenase [IDO]; and 3) natural killer cell markers: CD94/NKG2A and the Killer Immunoglobulin-like receptor [KIR] family. Finally, we briefly highlight combination strategies and potential biomarkers of response and resistance to these cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Burugu
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia Hospital, Koerner Pavilion, #G-227 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Amanda R Dancsok
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia Hospital, Koerner Pavilion, #G-227 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Torsten O Nielsen
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia Hospital, Koerner Pavilion, #G-227 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada.
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