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Lee D, Kim D, Kim D, Kim N, Nam YW, Lee BC, Song J, Chang J. Development of a targeted IL-12 immunotherapy platform for B-cell lymphomas. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112600. [PMID: 39002524 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112600] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to cancer treatment that utilizes the potential of the immune system to precisely identify and eradicate cancerous cells. Despite significant progress in immunotherapy, innovative approaches are required to enhance the effectiveness and safety of these treatments. Interleukin-12 (IL-12), widely recognized for its essential function in immune responses, has been explored as a potential candidate for treating cancer. However, early attempts involving the systemic administration of IL-12 were ineffective, with significant adverse effects, thus underscoring the need for innovation. To address these challenges, we developed a therapeutic molecule that utilizes a single-chain IL-12 mutant (IL-12mut) linked to a tumor-targeting arm. Here, we describe the development of a highly effective IL-12-based TMEkine™ platform by employing a B-cell lymphoma model (termed CD20-IL-12mut). CD20-IL-12mut combined the attenuated activities of IL-12 with targeted delivery to the tumor, thereby maximizing therapeutic potential while minimizing off-target effects. Our results revealed that CD20-IL-12mut exhibited potent anticancer activity by inducing complete regression and generating immunological memory for tumor antigens. Collectively, our data provide a basis for additional research on CD20-IL-12mut as a potential treatment choice for patients with B-cell lymphomas such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahea Lee
- Kanaph Therapeutics, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Young Woo Nam
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Jaewhan Song
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Bella Á, Arrizabalaga L, Di Trani CA, Gonzalez-Gomariz J, Gomar C, Russo-Cabrera JS, Olivera I, Cirella A, Fernandez-Sendin M, Alvarez M, Teijeira A, Atay C, Medina-Echeverz J, Hinterberger M, Hochrein H, Melero I, Berraondo P, Aranda F. Intraperitoneal administration of a modified vaccinia virus Ankara confers single-chain interleukin-12 expression to the omentum and achieves immune-mediated efficacy against peritoneal carcinomatosis. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006702. [PMID: 37918917 PMCID: PMC10626836 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritoneal carcinomatosis is an advanced stage of cancer in which the disease has spread to the peritoneal cavity. In order to restore antitumor immunity subverted by tumor cells in this location, we evaluated intraperitoneal administrations of modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) engineered to express single-chain interleukin 12 (scIL-12) to increase antitumor immune responses. METHODS MVA encoding scIL-12 (MVA.scIL-12) was evaluated against peritoneal carcinomatosis models based on intraperitoneal engraftment of tumor cells. CD8-mediated immune responses, elucidated antitumor efficacy, and safety were evaluated following intravenous, intratumoral, or intraperitoneal administration of the viral vector. The immune response was measured by ELISpot (enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot), RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, intravital microscopy, and depletion of lymphocyte subsets with monoclonal antibodies. Safety was assessed by body-weight follow-up and blood testing. Tissue tropism on intravenous or intraperitoneal administration was assessed by bioluminescence analysis using a reporter MVA encoding luciferase. RESULTS Intraperitoneal or locoregional administration, but not other routes of administration, resulted in a potent immune response characterized by increased levels of tumor-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes with the ability to produce both interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. The antitumor immune response was detectable not only in the peritoneal cavity but also systemically. As a result of intraperitoneal treatment, a single administration of MVA.scIL-12 encoding scIL-12 completely eradicated MC38 tumors implanted in the peritoneal cavity and also protected cured mice from subsequent subcutaneous rechallenges. Bioluminescence imaging using an MVA encoding luciferase revealed that intraperitoneal administration targets transgene to the omentum. The omentum is considered a key tissue in immune protection of the peritoneal cavity. The safety profile of intraperitoneal administration was also better than that following intravenous administration since no weight loss or hematological toxicity was observed when the vector was locally delivered into the peritoneal cavity. CONCLUSION Intraperitoneal administration of MVA vectors encoding scIL-12 targets the omentum, which is the tissue where peritoneal carcinomatosis usually begins. MVA.scIL-12 induces a potent tumor-specific immune response that often leads to the eradication of experimental tumors disseminated to the peritoneal cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Bella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Arrizabalaga
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose Gonzalez-Gomariz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Celia Gomar
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joan Salvador Russo-Cabrera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Oncology and Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Nuffield Department of Medicine and Oxford Center for Immuno-Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Aranda
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
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3
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Santollani L, Wittrup KD. Spatiotemporally programming cytokine immunotherapies through protein engineering. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:10-28. [PMID: 37409481 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have long been considered promising cancer immunotherapy agents due to their endogenous role in activating and proliferating lymphocytes. However, since the initial FDA approvals of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Interferon-ɑ (IFNɑ) for oncology over 30 years ago, cytokines have achieved little success in the clinic due to narrow therapeutic windows and dose-limiting toxicities. This is attributable to the discrepancy between the localized, regulated manner in which cytokines are deployed endogenously versus the systemic, untargeted administration used to date in most exogenous cytokine therapies. Furthermore, cytokines' ability to stimulate multiple cell types, often with paradoxical effects, may present significant challenges for their translation into effective therapies. Recently, protein engineering has emerged as a tool to address the shortcomings of first-generation cytokine therapies. In this perspective, we contextualize cytokine engineering strategies such as partial agonism, conditional activation and intratumoral retention through the lens of spatiotemporal regulation. By controlling the time, place, specificity, and duration of cytokine signaling, protein engineering can allow exogenous cytokine therapies to more closely approach their endogenous exposure profile, ultimately moving us closer to unlocking their full therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Santollani
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - K Dane Wittrup
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Fu Y, Tang R, Zhao X. Engineering cytokines for cancer immunotherapy: a systematic review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1218082. [PMID: 37483629 PMCID: PMC10357296 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1218082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are pivotal mediators of cell communication in the tumor microenvironment. Multiple cytokines are involved in the host antitumor response, but the production and function of these cytokines are usually dysregulated during malignant tumor progression. Considering their clinical potential and the early successful use of cytokines in cancer immunotherapy, such as interferon alpha-2b (IFNα-2b; IntronA®) and IL-2 (Proleukin®), cytokine-based therapeutics have been extensively evaluated in many follow-up clinical trials. Following these initial breakthroughs, however, clinical translation of these natural messenger molecules has been greatly limited owing to their high-degree pleiotropic features and complex biological properties in many cell types. These characteristics, coupled with poor pharmacokinetics (a short half-life), have hampered the delivery of cytokines via systemic administration, particularly because of severe dose-limiting toxicities. New engineering approaches have been developed to widen the therapeutic window, prolong pharmacokinetic effects, enhance tumor targeting and reduce adverse effects, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we focus on the recent progress and competitive landscape in cytokine engineering strategies and preclinical/clinical therapeutics for cancer. In addition, aiming to promote engineered cytokine-based cancer immunotherapy, we present a profound discussion about the feasibility of recently developed methods in clinical medicine translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Renhong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Nanjing, China
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5
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Venkatas J, Singh M. Curcumin-reduced gold nanoparticles facilitate IL-12 delivery to a cervical cancer in vitro cell model. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:945-960. [PMID: 37503889 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To synthesize curcumin-reduced gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the efficient delivery to and expression of the IL-12 gene in cervical cancer (HeLa) cells in vitro. Methods: Curcumin-reduced AuNPs were synthesized, stabilized with poly-L-lysine and PEG, conjugated to IL-12 DNA and physicochemically characterized. Cytotoxicity and IL-12 expression were accessed in vitro. Results & discussion: Stable, spherical AuNPs effectively compacted and protected the IL-12 DNA and tolerated well in vitro. Real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA confirmed the successful delivery and expression of the IL-12 gene in HeLa cells. Conclusion: The favorable attributes of this AuNP-delivery system and the significant IL-12 expression obtained augur well for cytokine-based therapy or immunotherapy in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeaneen Venkatas
- Nano-Gene & Drug Delivery Group, Discipline of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4000, South Africa
| | - Moganavelli Singh
- Nano-Gene & Drug Delivery Group, Discipline of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4000, South Africa
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Gutierrez E, Bigelow M, LaCroix C, Beech J, Kirby P, Markowitz L, Shifrin M, Naill M, Braun A, O'Neil S, Cuillerot JM, Cheung A, Grinberg A, Wagtmann N. An optimized IL-12-Fc expands its therapeutic window, achieving strong activity against mouse tumors at tolerable drug doses. MED 2023; 4:326-340.e5. [PMID: 37059099 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-12 (IL-12) has emerged as one of the most potent cytokines for tumor immunotherapy due to its ability to induce interferon γ (IFNγ) and polarize Th1 responses. Clinical use of IL-12 has been limited by a short half-life and narrow therapeutic index. METHODS We generated a monovalent, half-life-extended IL-12-Fc fusion protein, mDF6006, engineered to retain the high potency of native IL-12 while significantly expanding its therapeutic window. In vitro and in vivo activity of mDF6006 was tested against murine tumors. To translate our findings, we developed a fully human version of IL-12-Fc, designated DF6002, which we characterized in vitro on human cells and in vivo in cynomolgus monkeys in preparation for clinical trials. FINDINGS The extended half-life of mDF6006 modified the pharmacodynamic profile of IL-12 to one that was better tolerated systemically while vastly amplifying its efficacy. Mechanistically, mDF6006 led to greater and more sustained IFNγ production than recombinant IL-12 without inducing high, toxic peak serum concentrations of IFNγ. We showed that mDF6006's expanded therapeutic window allowed for potent anti-tumor activity as single agent against large immune checkpoint blockade-resistant tumors. Furthermore, the favorable benefit-risk profile of mDF6006 enabled effective combination with PD-1 blockade. Fully human DF6002, similarly, demonstrated an extended half-life and a protracted IFNγ profile in non-human primates. CONCLUSION An optimized IL-12-Fc fusion protein increased the therapeutic window of IL-12, enhancing anti-tumor activity without concomitantly increasing toxicity. FUNDING This research was funded by Dragonfly Therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ann Cheung
- Dragonfly Therapeutics, Waltham, MA 02451, USA.
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7
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Chen P, Yang W, Nagaoka K, Huang GL, Miyazaki T, Hong T, Li S, Igarashi K, Takeda K, Kakimi K, Kataoka K, Cabral H. An IL-12-Based Nanocytokine Safely Potentiates Anticancer Immunity through Spatiotemporal Control of Inflammation to Eradicate Advanced Cold Tumors. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205139. [PMID: 36739605 PMCID: PMC10074049 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of immunologically cold tumors is a major challenge for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Interleukin 12 (IL-12) can invigorate ICIs against cold tumors by establishing a robust antitumor immunity. However, its toxicity and systemic induction of counteracting immunosuppressive signals have hindered translation. Here, IL-12 activity is spatiotemporally controlled for safely boosting efficacy without the stimulation of interfering immune responses by generating a nanocytokine that remains inactive at physiological pH, but unleashes its full activity at acidic tumor pH. The IL-12-based nanocytokine (Nano-IL-12) accumulate and release IL-12 in tumor tissues, eliciting localized antitumoral inflammation, while preventing systemic immune response, counteractive immune reactions, and adverse toxicities even after repeated intravenous administration. The Nano-IL-12-mediated spatiotemporal control of inflammation prompt superior anticancer efficacy, and synergize with ICIs to profoundly inflame the tumor microenvironment and completely eradicate ICI-resistant primary and metastatic tumors. The strategy could be a promising approach toward safer and more effective immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengwen Chen
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Wenqian Yang
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Koji Nagaoka
- Department of ImmunotherapeuticsThe University of Tokyo Hospital7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8655Japan
| | - George Lo Huang
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Takuya Miyazaki
- Red Arrow Therapeutics, Inc.7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐0003Japan
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology705‐1ShimoimaizumiEbina CityKanagawa243‐0435Japan
| | - Taehun Hong
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Shangwei Li
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Kazunori Igarashi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine and Faculty of MedicineThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐0033Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Takeda
- Department of Biofunctional MicrobiotaGraduate School of MedicineJuntendo University2‐1‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8421Japan
- Laboratory of Cell BiologyResearch Support CenterGraduate School of MedicineJuntendo University2‐1‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8421Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kakimi
- Department of ImmunotherapeuticsThe University of Tokyo Hospital7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8655Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM)Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion3‐25‐14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki‐kuKawasaki210‐0821Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
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Aung T, Grubbe WS, Nusbaum RJ, Mendoza JL. Recent and future perspectives on engineering interferons and other cytokines as therapeutics. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:259-273. [PMID: 36241490 PMCID: PMC9974544 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
As crucial mediators and regulators of our immune system, cytokines are involved in a broad range of biological processes and are implicated in various disease pathologies. The field of cytokine therapeutics has gained much momentum from the maturation of conventional protein engineering methodologies such as structure-based designs and/or directed evolution, which is further aided by the advent of in silico protein designs and characterization. Just within the past 5 years, there has been an explosion of proof-of-concept, preclinical, and clinical studies that utilize an armory of protein engineering methods to develop cytokine-based drugs. Here, we highlight the key engineering strategies undertaken by recent studies that aim to improve the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile of interferons and other cytokines as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theint Aung
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - William S Grubbe
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rebecca J Nusbaum
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Juan L Mendoza
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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9
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Roles of natural killer cells in immunity to cancer, and applications to immunotherapy. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:90-105. [PMID: 35637393 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00732-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 144.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Great strides have been made in recent years towards understanding the roles of natural killer (NK) cells in immunity to tumours and viruses. NK cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that produce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. By lysing transformed or infected cells, they limit tumour growth and viral infections. Whereas T cells recognize peptides presented by MHC molecules, NK cells display receptors that recognize stress-induced autologous proteins on cancer cells. At the same time, their functional activity is inhibited by MHC molecules displayed on such cells. The enormous potential of NK cells for immunotherapy for cancer is illustrated by their broad recognition of stressed cells regardless of neoantigen presentation, and enhanced activity against tumours that have lost expression of MHC class I owing to acquired resistance mechanisms. As a result, many efforts are under way to mobilize endogenous NK cells with therapeutics, or to provide populations of ex vivo-expanded NK cells as a cellular therapy, in some cases by equipping the NK cells with chimeric antigen receptors. Here we consider the key features that underlie why NK cells are emerging as important new additions to the cancer therapeutic arsenal.
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Zhang J, Song H, Dong Y, Li G, Li J, Cai Q, Yuan S, Wang Y, Song H. Surface Engineering of HEK293 Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Improved Pharmacokinetic Profile and Targeted Delivery of IL-12 for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:209-223. [PMID: 36660339 PMCID: PMC9844138 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s388916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered a promising drug delivery platform. Naïve EVs face numerous issues that limit their applications, such as fast clearance, hepatic accumulations, and a lack of target-specific tropism. We aimed to explore a series of surface engineering approaches to: 1) reduce the non-specific adhesion of EVs, and 2) improve their enrichment in the target tissue. As a proof-of-concept, we investigated the therapeutic potentials of a multi-modal EVs system carrying a tumor-specific nanobody and the immuno-stimulant interleukin-12 (IL12) using in vivo models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods The major cell adhesion molecule on the HEK293-derived EVs, integrin β1 (ITGB1), was knocked out (KO) by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, followed by deglycosylation to generate ITGB1-Deg EVs for the subsequent pharmacokinetic and biodistribution analyses. ITGB1-Deg EVs were further loaded with glypican-3 (GPC3)-specific nanobody (HN3) and mouse single-chain IL12 (mscIL12) to generate ITGB1-mscIL12+HN3+Deg EVs, for evaluation of tumor tropism and therapeutic potential in a mice model of hepatocellular carcinoma. Results Removal of ITGB1 led to the broad suppression of integrins on the EVs surface, resulting in a decrease in cellular uptake. Deglycosylation of ITGB1- EVs gave rise to inhibition of the EVs uptake by activated RAW264.7 cells. ITGB1 removal did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetic behaviors of HEK293-EVs, whereas the ITGB1-Deg EVs exhibited enhanced systemic exposure with reduced hepatic accumulation. Loading of HN3 conferred the ITGB1-Deg EVs with tumor-specific tropism for both subcutaneous and metastasized tumors in mice. The ITGB1-mscIL12+HN3+Deg EVs activated mouse splenocytes with high potency. Systemic administration of the EVs with the equivalent dose of 1.5µg/kg of exosomal IL12 achieved satisfactory tumor growth inhibition and good tolerability. Conclusion The combinatorial approach of EVs surface engineering conferred HEK293-EVs with reduced non-specific clearance and enhanced tumor targeting efficacy, which constituted an efficient delivery platform for critical cancer therapeutics like IL12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haijing Song
- Emergency Medicine, PLA Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, 100101, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ganghui Li
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qizhe Cai
- Department of Echocardiography, Beijing Chao Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shoujun Yuan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Song
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Haifeng Song; Yi Wang, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 102206, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 10 81139169, Fax +86 10 81139169, Email ;
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Siewe N, Friedman A. Cancer therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor and CSF-1 blockade: A mathematical model. J Theor Biol 2023; 556:111297. [PMID: 36228716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111297] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) introduced in recent years have revolutionized the treatment of many metastatic cancers. However, data suggest that treatment has benefits only in a limited percentage of patients, and that this is due to immune suppression of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Anti-tumor inflammatory macrophages (M1), which are attracted to the TME, are converted by tumor secreted cytokines, such as CSF-1, to pro-tumor anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2), or tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), which block the anti-tumor T cells. In the present paper we develop a mathematical model that represents the interactions among the immune cells and cancer in terms of differential equations. The model can be used to assess treatments of combination therapy of anti-PD-1 with anti-CSF-1. Examples are given in comparing the efficacy among different strategies for anti-CSF-1 dosing in a setup of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nourridine Siewe
- School of Mathematical Sciences, College of Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Avner Friedman
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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12
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Wang H, Tran TT, Duong KT, Nguyen T, Le UM. Options of Therapeutics and Novel Delivery Systems of Drugs for the Treatment of Melanoma. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:4487-4505. [PMID: 36305753 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most severe cancerous diseases. The cells employ multiple signaling pathways, such as ERK, HGF/c-MET, WNT, and COX-2 to cause the cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Treatment of melanoma, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy, is based on 4 major or 11 substages of the disease. Fourteen drugs, including dacarbazine, interferon α-2b, interleukin-12, ipilimumab, peginterferon α-2b, vemurafenib, trametinib, talimogene laherparepvec, cobimetinib, pembrolizumab, dabrafenib, binimetinib, encorafenib, and nivolumab, have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of melanoma. All of them are in conventional dosage forms of injection solutions, suspensions, oral tablets, or capsules. Major drawbacks of the treatment are side effects of the drugs and patients' incompliance to them. These are consequences of high doses and long-term treatments for the diseases. Currently more than 350 NCI-registered clinical trials are being carried out to treat advanced and/or metastatic melanoma using novel treatment methods, such as immune cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and new therapeutic targets. In addition, novel delivery systems using biomaterials of the approved drugs have been developed attempting to increase the drug delivery, targeting, stability, bioavailability, thus potentially reducing the toxicity and increasing the treatment effectiveness. Nanoparticles and liposomes have been emerging as advanced delivery systems which can improve drug stability and systemic circulation time. In this review, the most recent findings in the options for treatment and development of novel drug delivery systems for the treatment of melanoma are comprehensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Wang
- College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States.,Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Graduate Study, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States
| | - Tuan T Tran
- College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States
| | - Katherine T Duong
- CVS Pharmacy, 18872 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, California 92648, United States
| | - Trieu Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States
| | - Uyen M Le
- College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States
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13
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Siewe N, Friedman A. Optimal timing of steroid initiation in response to CTLA-4 antibody in metastatic cancer: A mathematical model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277248. [PMID: 36355837 PMCID: PMC9648769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, introduced in recent years, have revolutionized the treatment of many cancers. However, the toxicity associated with this therapy may cause severe adverse events. In the case of advanced lung cancer or metastatic melanoma, a significant number (10%) of patients treated with CTLA-4 inhibitor incur damage to the pituitary gland. In order to reduce the risk of hypophysitis and other severe adverse events, steroids may be combined with CTLA-4 inhibitor; they reduce toxicity, but they also diminish the anti-cancer effect of the immunotherapy. This trade-off between tumor reduction and the risk of severe adverse events poses the following question: What is the optimal time to initiate treatment with steroid. We address this question with a mathematical model from which we can also evaluate the comparative benefits of each schedule of steroid administration. In particular, we conclude that treatment with steroid should not begin too early, but also not very late, after immunotherapy began; more precisely, it should start as soon as tumor volume, under the effect of CTLA-4 inhibitor alone, begins to decrease. We can also compare the benefits of short term treatment of steroid at high doses to a longer term treatment with lower doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nourridine Siewe
- School of Mathematical Sciences, College of Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Avner Friedman
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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14
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Jung K, Yoo S, Kim JE, Kim W, Kim YS. Improved intratumoral penetration of IL12 immunocytokine enhances the antitumor efficacy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1034774. [PMID: 36405748 PMCID: PMC9667294 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-targeting antibody (Ab)-fused cytokines, referred to as immunocytokines, are designed to increase antitumor efficacy and reduce toxicity through the tumor-directed delivery of cytokines. However, the poor localization and intratumoral penetration of immunocytokines, especially in solid tumors, pose a challenge to effectively stimulate antitumor immune cells to kill tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we investigated the influence of the tumor antigen-binding kinetics of a murine interleukin 12 (mIL12)-based immunocytokine on tumor localization and diffusive intratumoral penetration, and hence the consequent antitumor activity, by activating effector T cells in immunocompetent mice bearing syngeneic colon tumors. Based on tumor-associated antigen HER2-specific Ab Herceptin (HCT)-fused mIL12 carrying one molecule of mIL12 (HCT-mono-mIL12 immunocytokine), we generated a panel of HCT-mono-mIL12 variants with different affinities (K D) mainly varying in their dissociation rates (k off) for HER2. Systemic administration of HCT-mono-mIL12 required an anti-HER2 affinity above a threshold (K D = 130 nM) for selective localization and antitumor activity to HER2-expressing tumors versus HER2-negative tumors. However, the high affinity (K D = 0.54 or 46 nM) due to the slow k off from HER2 antigen limited the depth of intratumoral penetration of HCT-mono-mIL12 and the consequent tumor infiltration of T cells, resulting in inferior antitumor activity compared with that of HCT-mono-mIL12 with moderate affinity of (K D = 130 nM) and a faster k off. The extent of intratumoral penetration of HCT-mono-mIL12 variants was strongly correlated with their tumor infiltration and intratumoral activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to kill tumor cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that when developing antitumor immunocytokines, tumor antigen-binding kinetics and affinity of the Ab moiety should be optimized to achieve maximal antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keunok Jung
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sojung Yoo
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Wook Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
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15
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Yang Z, Rajendran S, Spires V, Poirson B, Gururajan M, Lin Z, Arbanas J, Krystek S, Loy J, Cheng Y, Carl S, Pace S, Wang Y, Mehl J, Xu S, Vasudevan K, Broz M, Lehman-McKeeman LD, Morin P, Graziano RF. Target-Mediated Drug Disposition Affects the Pharmacokinetics of Interleukin-10 Fc-fusion Proteins at Pharmacologically Active Doses. Drug Metab Dispos 2022; 50:898-908. [PMID: 35545256 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.121.000799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragment crystallizable (Fc) fusion is commonly used for extending the half-life of biotherapeutics such as cytokines. In this work, we studied the pharmacokinetics of Fc-fused interleukin-10 (IL-10) proteins that exhibited potent anti-tumor activity in mouse syngeneic tumor models. At pharmacologically active doses of {greater than or equal to}0.1 mg/kg, both mouse Fc-mouse IL-10 and human Fc-human IL-10, constructed as the C-terminus of the Fc domain fused with IL-10 via a glycine-serine polypeptide linker, exhibited nonlinear pharmacokinetics after intravenous administration to mice at the doses of 0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/kg. With a nominal dose ratio of 1:10:100; the ratio of the area under the curve for mouse Fc-mouse IL-10 and human Fc-human IL-10 was 1:181:1830 and 1:75:633, respectively. In contrast, recombinant mouse or human IL-10 proteins exhibited linear pharmacokinetics in mice. Compartmental analysis, using the Michaelis-Menten equation with the in vitro IL-10 receptor alpha binding affinity inputted as the Km, unified the pharmacokinetic data across the dose range. Additionally, non-target-mediated clearance estimated for fusion proteins was ~200-fold slower than that for cytokines, causing the manifestation of target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) in the fusion protein pharmacokinetics. The experimental data generated with a mouse IL-10 receptor alpha-blocking antibody and a human Fc-human IL-10 mutant with a reduced receptor binding affinity showed significant improvements in pharmacokinetics, supporting TMDD as the cause of nonlinearity. Target expression and its effect on pharmacokinetics must be determined when considering using Fc as a half-life extension strategy, and pharmacokinetic evaluations need to be performed at a range of doses covering pharmacological activity. Significance Statement Target-mediated drug disposition can manifest to affect the pharmacokinetics of a fragment crystallizable (Fc)-fused cytokine when the non-target-mediated clearance of the cytokine is decreased due to neonatal Fc receptor-mediated recycling and molecular weight increases that reduce the renal clearance. The phenomenon was demonstrated with interleukin-10 Fc-fusion proteins in mice at pharmacologically active doses. Future drug designs using Fc as a half-life extension approach for cytokines need to consider target expression and its effect on pharmacokinetics at relevant doses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yun Wang
- Bristol Myers Squibb, United States
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16
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Jung K, Son MJ, Lee SY, Kim JA, Ko DH, Yoo S, Kim CH, Kim YS. Antibody-mediated delivery of a viral MHC-I epitope into the cytosol of target tumor cells repurposes virus-specific CD8 + T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:102. [PMID: 35459256 PMCID: PMC9027861 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01574-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Redirecting pre-existing virus-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTLs) to tumors by simulating a viral infection of the tumor cells has great potential for cancer immunotherapy. However, this strategy is limited by lack of amenable method for viral antigen delivery into the cytosol of target tumors. Here, we addressed the limit by developing a CD8+T cell epitope-delivering antibody, termed a TEDbody, which was engineered to deliver a viral MHC-I epitope peptide into the cytosol of target tumor cells by fusion with a tumor-specific cytosol-penetrating antibody. Methods To direct human cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific CTLs against tumors, we designed a series of TEDbodies carrying various CMV pp65 antigen-derived peptides. CMV-specific CTLs from blood of CMV-seropositive healthy donors were expanded for use in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Comprehensive cellular assays were performed to determine the presentation mechanism of TEDbody-mediated CMV peptide-MHC-I complex (CMV-pMHCI) on the surface of target tumor cells and the recognition and lysis by CMV-specific CTLs. In vivo CMV-pMHCI presentation and antitumor efficacy of TEDbody were evaluated in immunodeficient mice bearing human tumors. Results TEDbody delivered the fused epitope peptides into target tumor cells to be intracellularly processed and surface displayed in the form of CMV-pMHCI, leading to disguise target tumor cells as virally infected cells for recognition and lysis by CMV-specific CTLs. When systemically injected into tumor-bearing immunodeficient mice, TEDbody efficiently marked tumor cells with CMV-pMHCI to augment the proliferation and cytotoxic property of tumor-infiltrated CMV-specific CTLs, resulting in significant inhibition of the in vivo tumor growth by redirecting adoptively transferred CMV-specific CTLs. Further, combination of TEDbody with anti-OX40 agonistic antibody substantially enhanced the in vivo antitumor activity. Conclusion Our study offers an effective technology for MHC-I antigen cytosolic delivery. TEDbody may thus have utility as a therapeutic cancer vaccine to redirect pre-existing anti-viral CTLs arising from previously exposed viral infections to attack tumors. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-022-01574-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keunok Jung
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Son
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Young Lee
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ah Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok-Han Ko
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojung Yoo
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.,Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Holder PG, Lim SA, Huang CS, Sharma P, Dagdas YS, Bulutoglu B, Sockolosky JT. Engineering interferons and interleukins for cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114112. [PMID: 35085624 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a class of potent immunoregulatory proteins that are secreted in response to various stimuli and act locally to regulate many aspects of human physiology and disease. Cytokines play important roles in cancer initiation, progression, and elimination, and thus, there is a long clinical history associated with the use of recombinant cytokines to treat cancer. However, the use of cytokines as therapeutics has been limited by cytokine pleiotropy, complex biology, poor drug-like properties, and severe dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, cytokines are crucial mediators of innate and adaptive antitumor immunity and have the potential to enhance immunotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer. Development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination immunotherapies has reinvigorated interest in cytokines as therapeutics, and a variety of engineering approaches are emerging to improve the safety and effectiveness of cytokine immunotherapy. In this review we highlight recent advances in cytokine biology and engineering for cancer immunotherapy.
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18
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A novel method for the development of plasmid DNA-loaded nanoliposomes for cancer gene therapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 12:1508-1520. [PMID: 34322851 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-01034-0] [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] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to develop a simple yet novel method to prepare plasmid DNA-loaded nanoliposomes for cancer gene therapy. Murine interleukin-12 (mIL-12) pDNA-loaded nanoliposomes were prepared via novel freeze-drying of a monophase solution method. The physicochemical characteristics, cytotoxicity, and transfection efficiency of the prepared nanoliposomes in murine CT-26 colon carcinoma cells were evaluated. Furthermore, tumor progression and survival rate in CT-26 colon carcinoma-bearing BALB/c mice subsequent to direct intratumoral injections were investigated over a period of 40 days. Using this preparation method, nanoliposomes with particle size of around 300 nm and zeta potential of 96.5 mV were obtained. The transmission electron microscope results showed that the liposomes were nano-sized and almost spherical. The agarose gel retardation assay revealed the pDNA encapsulation in the nanoliposomes. The nanoliposomes with 72.4% encapsulation efficiency and low cell toxicity could significantly improve mIL-12 expression by approximately 25-fold relative to the naked mIL-12 pDNA. There was a significant tumor growth inhibition after repeated injections of mIL-12 pDNA-loaded nanoliposomes. This is the first study on the freeze-drying of a monophase solution method as a simple yet novel technique for the preparation of pDNA-loaded nanoliposomes. Given the ease of preparation method and promising in vitro and in vivo characteristics, this investigation demonstrates advances in pDNA lipid formulation for cancer gene therapy.
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19
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Mansurov A, Lauterbach A, Budina E, Alpar AT, Hubbell JA, Ishihara J. Immunoengineering approaches for cytokine therapy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C369-C383. [PMID: 34232748 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00515.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of cytokines, much effort has been put forth to achieve therapeutic translation for treatment of various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. Despite these efforts, very few cytokines have cleared regulatory approval, and those that were approved are not commonly used due to their challenging toxicity profile and/or limited therapeutic efficacy. The main limitation in translation has been that wild-type cytokines have unfavorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, either eliciting unwanted systemic side effects or insufficient residence in secondary lymphoid organs. In this review, we address protein-engineering approaches that have been applied to both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines to enhance their therapeutic indices, and we highlight diseases in which administration of engineered cytokines is especially relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslan Mansurov
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Abigail Lauterbach
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Erica Budina
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aaron T Alpar
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeffrey A Hubbell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Jung K, Kim JA, Kim YJ, Lee HW, Kim CH, Haam S, Kim YS. A Neuropilin-1 Antagonist Exerts Antitumor Immunity by Inhibiting the Suppressive Function of Intratumoral Regulatory T Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 8:46-56. [PMID: 31554638 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are targeted for cancer immunotherapy because they suppress antitumor immunity. Although the importance of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) in the stability and function of intratumoral Tregs is well-documented, targeting of NRP1+ Tregs for anticancer immunotherapy has not been well explored. Here, we found that an NRP1 antagonist [Fc(AAG)-TPP11], generated by fusion of the NRP1-specific binding peptide TPP11 with the C-terminus of an effector function-deficient immunoglobulin Fc(AAG) variant, inhibits intratumoral NRP1+ Treg function and stability. Fc(AAG)-TPP11 triggered the internalization of NRP1, reducing its surface expression on Tregs and thereby inhibiting the suppressive function of Tregs. In two murine syngeneic tumor models, Fc(AAG)-TPP11 retarded tumor growth, comparable with a Treg-depleting anti-CTLA-4 antibody, without noticeable toxicity. Fc(AAG)-TPP11 inhibited NRP1-dependent Treg function, inducing unstable intratumoral Tregs, with reduced expression of Foxp3 and enhanced production of IFNγ, which subsequently increased the functionality and frequency of intratumoral CD8+ T cells. We also observed selective expression of NRP1 on Tregs isolated from human tumors, but not from the blood of healthy donors and patients with cancer, as well as ex vivo inhibition of intratumoral NRP1+ Treg function by Fc(AAG)-TPP11. Our results suggest that the NRP1 antagonist Fc(AAG)-TPP11 has therapeutic potential for the inhibition of intratumoral NRP1+ Tregs with limited unfavorable effects on peripheral Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keunok Jung
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ah Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokjin Haam
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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21
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Shen X, Li Q, Wang F, Bao J, Dai M, Zheng H, Lao X. Generation of a novel long-acting thymosin alpha1-Fc fusion protein and its efficacy for the inhibition of breast cancer in vivo. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:610-617. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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22
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Yan Z, Huang X, Sun W, Yang Q, Shi H, Jiang T, Li S, Wang P, Gun S. Analyses of long non-coding RNA and mRNA profiling in the spleen of diarrheic piglets caused by Clostridium perfringens type C. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5997. [PMID: 30533301 PMCID: PMC6276591 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) type C is the most common bacteria causing piglet diarrheal disease and it greatly affects the economy of the global pig industry. The spleen is an important immune organ in mammals; it plays an irreplaceable role in resisting and eradicating pathogenic microorganisms. Based on different immune capacity in piglets, individuals display the resistance and susceptibility to diarrhea caused by C. perfringens type C. Recently, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA have been found to be involved in host immune and inflammatory responses to pathogenic infections. However, little is known about spleen transcriptome information in piglet diarrhea caused by C. perfringens type C. Methods Hence, we infected 7-day-old piglets with C. perfringens type C to lead to diarrhea. Then, we investigated lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in spleens of piglets, including control (SC), susceptible (SS), and resistant (SR) groups. Results As a result, 2,056 novel lncRNAs and 2,417 differentially expressed genes were found. These lncRNAs shared the same characteristics of fewer exons and shorter length. Bioinformatics analysis identified that two lncRNAs (ALDBSSCT0000006918 and ALDBSSCT0000007366) may be involved in five immune/inflammation-related pathways (such as Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and Jak-STAT signaling pathway), which were associated with resistance and susceptibility to C. perfringens type C infection. This study contributes to the understanding of potential mechanisms involved in the immune response of piglets infected with C. perfringens type C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunqiang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wenyang Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Qiaoli Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hairen Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tiantuan Jiang
- Gansu Research Center for Swine Production Engineering and Technology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shenggui Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shuangbao Gun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,Gansu Research Center for Swine Production Engineering and Technology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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