1
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Wang Z, Li R, Yang G, Wang Y. Cancer stem cell biomarkers and related signalling pathways. J Drug Target 2024; 32:33-44. [PMID: 38095181 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2295222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a distinct subset of neoplastic cells characterised by their heightened capacity for tumorigenesis. These cells are implicated in the facilitation of cancer metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions. Extensive scientific research has been devoted to the identification of biomarkers and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in order to improve targeted therapeutic approaches. Accurate identification of cancer stem cells based on biomarkers can provide a theoretical basis for drug combinations of malignant tumours. Targeted biomarker-based therapies also offer a silver lining for patients with advanced malignancies. This review aims comprehensively to consolidate the latest findings on CSCs biomarkers, targeted agents as well as biomarkers associated signalling pathways in well-established cancer types, thereby contributing to improved prognostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guilin Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Man K, Kallies A. Recreating immune and epithelial interactions in organoids. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:1778-1780. [PMID: 39322744 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01967-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Man
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Axel Kallies
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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3
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Freitag PC, Kolibius J, Wieboldt R, Weber R, Hartmann KP, van Gogh M, Brücher D, Läubli H, Plückthun A. DARPin-fused T cell engager for adenovirus-mediated cancer therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200821. [PMID: 39021370 PMCID: PMC11253662 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engagers are a promising class of therapeutic proteins for cancer therapy. Their potency and small size often come with systemic toxicity and short half-life, making intravenous administration cumbersome. These limitations can be overcome by tumor-specific in situ expression, allowing high local accumulation while reducing systemic concentrations. However, encoding T cell engagers in viral or non-viral vectors and expressing them in situ ablates all forms of quality control performed during recombinant protein production. It is therefore vital to design constructs that feature minimal domain mispairing, and increased homogeneity of the therapeutic product. Here, we report a T cell engager architecture specifically designed for vector-mediated immunotherapy. It is based on a fusion of a designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) to a CD3-targeting single-chain antibody fragment, termed DATE (DARPin-fused T cell Engager). The DATE induces potent T cell-mediated killing of HER2+ cancer cells, both as recombinantly produced therapeutic protein and as in situ expressed payload from a HER2+-retargeted high-capacity adenoviral vector (HC-AdV). We report remarkable tumor remission, DATE accumulation, and T cell infiltration through in situ expression mediated by a HER2+-retargeted HC-AdV in vivo. Our results support further investigations and developments of DATEs as payloads for vector-mediated immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C. Freitag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Kolibius
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ronja Wieboldt
- Laboratory for Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Remi Weber
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K. Patricia Hartmann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Merel van Gogh
- Department of Physiology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Brücher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Läubli
- Laboratory for Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Recaldin T, Steinacher L, Gjeta B, Harter MF, Adam L, Kromer K, Mendes MP, Bellavista M, Nikolaev M, Lazzaroni G, Krese R, Kilik U, Popovic D, Stoll B, Gerard R, Bscheider M, Bickle M, Cabon L, Camp JG, Gjorevski N. Human organoids with an autologous tissue-resident immune compartment. Nature 2024; 633:165-173. [PMID: 39143209 PMCID: PMC11374719 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07791-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The intimate relationship between the epithelium and immune system is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis, with perturbations therein linked to autoimmune disease and cancer1-3. Whereas stem cell-derived organoids are powerful models of epithelial function4, they lack tissue-resident immune cells that are essential for capturing organ-level processes. We describe human intestinal immuno-organoids (IIOs), formed through self-organization of epithelial organoids and autologous tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells, a portion of which integrate within the epithelium and continuously survey the barrier. TRM cell migration and interaction with epithelial cells was orchestrated by TRM cell-enriched transcriptomic programs governing cell motility and adhesion. We combined IIOs and single-cell transcriptomics to investigate intestinal inflammation triggered by cancer-targeting biologics in patients. Inflammation was associated with the emergence of an activated population of CD8+ T cells that progressively acquired intraepithelial and cytotoxic features. The appearance of this effector population was preceded and potentiated by a T helper-1-like CD4+ population, which initially produced cytokines and subsequently became cytotoxic itself. As a system amenable to direct perturbation, IIOs allowed us to identify the Rho pathway as a new target for mitigation of immunotherapy-associated intestinal inflammation. Given that they recapitulate both the phenotypic outcomes and underlying interlineage immune interactions, IIOs can be used to study tissue-resident immune responses in the context of tumorigenesis and infectious and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Recaldin
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Linda Steinacher
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Immunology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bruno Gjeta
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marius F Harter
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Lukas Adam
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Kromer
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marisa Pimentel Mendes
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marina Bellavista
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mikhail Nikolaev
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giacomo Lazzaroni
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rok Krese
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Umut Kilik
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Doris Popovic
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bilgenaz Stoll
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Régine Gerard
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Bscheider
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bickle
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lauriane Cabon
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - J Gray Camp
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Nikolche Gjorevski
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
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5
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Gu Y, Zhao Q. Clinical Progresses and Challenges of Bispecific Antibodies for the Treatment of Solid Tumors. Mol Diagn Ther 2024:10.1007/s40291-024-00734-w. [PMID: 39172329 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00734-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy against tumors. BsAbs can recruit and activate immune cells, block multiple signaling pathways, and deliver therapeutic payloads directly to tumor sites. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the development and clinical application of BsAbs for the treatment of solid tumors. We discuss the different formats, the unique mechanisms of action, and the clinical outcomes of the most advanced BsAbs in solid tumor therapy. Several studies have also analyzed the clinical progress of bispecific antibodies. However, this review distinguishes itself by exploring the challenges associated with bispecific antibodies and proposing potential solutions. As the field progresses, BsAbs hold promise to redefine cancer treatment paradigms and offer new hope to patients with solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Gu
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, 999078, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, 999078, China.
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, 999078, China.
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6
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Shen J, Qian N, Xu G, Dou X, An Y, Yang C, Liu Y, Liu Y, Pan X, Wang J, Bai G, Chen H, Zhu X, Gao X, Zhou G, Xu Q. IMT030122, A novel engineered EpCAM/CD3/4-1BB tri-specific antibody, enhances T-cell recruitment and demonstrates anti-tumor activity in mouse models of colorectal cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112424. [PMID: 38878486 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a major global health burden, with limited efficacy of traditional treatment modalities in improving survival rates. However, recently advances in immunotherapy has improved treatment outcomes for patients with this cancer. To address the continuing need for improved treatment efficacy, this study introduced a novel tri-specific antibody, IMT030122, that targets EpCAM, 4-1BB, and CD3. We evaluated the pharmacological efficacy and mechanism of action of IMT030122 in vitro and in vivo. In in vitro studies, IMT030122 exhibited differential binding to antigens and cells expressing EpCAM, 4-1BB, and CD3. Moreover, IMT030122 relied on EpCAM-targeted activation of intracellular CD3 and 4-1BB signaling and mediated T cell cytotoxicity specific to HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. In vivo, IMT030122 demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity, significantly inhibiting the growth of colon cancer HCT116 and MC38-hEpCAM subcutaneous grafts. Further pharmacological analysis revealed that IMT030122 recruited lymphocytes from peripheral blood into colorectal cancer tissue and exerted durable anti-tumor activity, predominantly by promoting the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of CD8T cells. Notably, IMT030122 still exhibited anti-tumor efficacy even in the presence of significantly depleted lymphocytes in colorectal cancer tissue. The potent pharmacological activity and anti-tumor effects of IMT030122 suggest it may enhance treatment efficacy and substantially extend the survival of patients with colorectal cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Niliang Qian
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China
| | - Guili Xu
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China
| | - Xiaoqian Dou
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China
| | - Ying An
- Department of Preventive Treatment of Disease, Chengde Traditional Medicine Hospital, Hebei 067000, China
| | - Cuima Yang
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China
| | - Yunhui Liu
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China
| | - Xiujie Pan
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China
| | - Guijun Bai
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China
| | - Guoxiong Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qinzhi Xu
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing 100141, China.
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7
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Goebeler ME, Stuhler G, Bargou R. Bispecific and multispecific antibodies in oncology: opportunities and challenges. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:539-560. [PMID: 38822215 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00905-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Research into bispecific antibodies, which are designed to simultaneously bind two antigens or epitopes, has advanced enormously over the past two decades. Owing to advances in protein engineering technologies and considerable preclinical research efforts, bispecific antibodies are constantly being developed and optimized to improve their efficacy and to mitigate toxicity. To date, >200 of these agents, the majority of which are bispecific immune cell engagers, are in either preclinical or clinical evaluation. In this Review, we discuss the role of bispecific antibodies in patients with cancer, including history and development, as well as innovative targeting strategies, clinical applications, and adverse events. We also discuss novel alternative bispecific antibody constructs, such as those targeting two antigens expressed by tumour cells or cells located in the tumour microenvironment. Finally, we consider future research directions in this rapidly evolving field, including innovative antibody engineering strategies, which might enable more effective delivery, overcome resistance, and thus optimize clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Elisabeth Goebeler
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Gernot Stuhler
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bargou
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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8
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Kuznetsova AV, Glukhova XA, Popova OP, Beletsky IP, Ivanov AA. Contemporary Approaches to Immunotherapy of Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2270. [PMID: 38927974 PMCID: PMC11201544 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122270] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the arrival of the immunotherapy industry has introduced the possibility of providing transformative, durable, and potentially curative outcomes for various forms of malignancies. However, further research has shown that there are a number of issues that significantly reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy, especially in solid tumors. First of all, these problems are related to the protective mechanisms of the tumor and its microenvironment. Currently, major efforts are focused on overcoming protective mechanisms by using different adoptive cell therapy variants and modifications of genetically engineered constructs. In addition, a complex workforce is required to develop and implement these treatments. To overcome these significant challenges, innovative strategies and approaches are necessary to engineer more powerful variations of immunotherapy with improved antitumor activity and decreased toxicity. In this review, we discuss recent innovations in immunotherapy aimed at improving clinical efficacy in solid tumors, as well as strategies to overcome the limitations of various immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla V. Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Russian University of Medicine (Formerly A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bld 4, Dolgorukovskaya Str, 1127006 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (O.P.P.)
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 26 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Xenia A. Glukhova
- Onni Biotechnologies Ltd., Aalto University Campus, Metallimiehenkuja 10, 02150 Espoo, Finland; (X.A.G.); (I.P.B.)
| | - Olga P. Popova
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Russian University of Medicine (Formerly A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bld 4, Dolgorukovskaya Str, 1127006 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (O.P.P.)
| | - Igor P. Beletsky
- Onni Biotechnologies Ltd., Aalto University Campus, Metallimiehenkuja 10, 02150 Espoo, Finland; (X.A.G.); (I.P.B.)
| | - Alexey A. Ivanov
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Russian University of Medicine (Formerly A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bld 4, Dolgorukovskaya Str, 1127006 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (O.P.P.)
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9
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Paul S, Konig MF, Pardoll DM, Bettegowda C, Papadopoulos N, Wright KM, Gabelli SB, Ho M, van Elsas A, Zhou S. Cancer therapy with antibodies. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:399-426. [PMID: 38740967 PMCID: PMC11180426 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The greatest challenge in cancer therapy is to eradicate cancer cells with minimal damage to normal cells. Targeted therapy has been developed to meet that challenge, showing a substantially increased therapeutic index compared with conventional cancer therapies. Antibodies are important members of the family of targeted therapeutic agents because of their extraordinarily high specificity to the target antigens. Therapeutic antibodies use a range of mechanisms that directly or indirectly kill the cancer cells. Early antibodies were developed to directly antagonize targets on cancer cells. This was followed by advancements in linker technologies that allowed the production of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that guide cytotoxic payloads to the cancer cells. Improvement in our understanding of the biology of T cells led to the production of immune checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies that indirectly kill the cancer cells through activation of the T cells. Even more recently, bispecific antibodies were synthetically designed to redirect the T cells of a patient to kill the cancer cells. In this Review, we summarize the different approaches used by therapeutic antibodies to target cancer cells. We discuss their mechanisms of action, the structural basis for target specificity, clinical applications and the ongoing research to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Paul
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Katharine M Wright
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratory, Merck and Co, West Point, PA, USA
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratory, Merck and Co, West Point, PA, USA.
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Engineering Program, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Shibin Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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10
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Lampe H, Tam L, Hansen AR. Bi-specific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) in prostate cancer and strategies to enhance development: hope for a BiTE-r future. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399802. [PMID: 38873417 PMCID: PMC11169794 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) continues to have poor survival rates due to limited treatment options. Bi-specific T cell engagers (BiTEs) are a promising class of novel immunotherapies with demonstrated success in haematological malignancies and melanoma. BiTEs developed for tumour associated antigens in prostate cancer have entered clinical testing. These trials have been hampered by high rates of treatment related adverse events, minimal or transient anti-tumour efficacy and generation of high titres of anti-drug antibodies. This paper aims to analyse the challenges faced by the different BiTE therapy constructs and the mCRPC tumour microenvironment that result in therapeutic resistance and identify possible strategies to overcome these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aaron R. Hansen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Care Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health Service, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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11
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Heumann P, Albert A, Gülow K, Tümen D, Müller M, Kandulski A. Insights in Molecular Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1831. [PMID: 38791911 PMCID: PMC11120383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101831] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a comprehensive review of the current literature of published data and clinical trials (MEDLINE), as well as published congress contributions and active recruiting clinical trials on targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Combinations of different agents and medical therapy along with radiological interventions were analyzed for the setting of advanced HCC. Those settings were also analyzed in combination with adjuvant situations after resection or radiological treatments. We summarized the current knowledge for each therapeutic setting and combination that currently is or has been under clinical evaluation. We further discuss the results in the background of current treatment guidelines. In addition, we review the pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways for each of these investigated targets and drugs to further elucidate the molecular background and underlying mechanisms of action. Established and recommended targeted treatment options that already exist for patients are considered for systemic treatment: atezolizumab/bevacizumab, durvalumab/tremelimumab, sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, regorafenib, and ramucirumab. Combination treatment for systemic treatment and local ablative treatment or transarterial chemoembolization and adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment strategies are under clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Heumann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany (K.G.); (D.T.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Arne Kandulski
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany (K.G.); (D.T.)
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12
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Yuan Y, Li J, Chen J, Han L, Wang L, Yue Y, Liu J, Zhang B, Yuan Y, Wu M, Bian Y, Xie Y, Zhu J. Characterization of a novel T cell-engaging bispecific antibody for elimination of L1CAM-positive tumors. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116565. [PMID: 38603888 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM) is a cell-surface glycoprotein involved in cancer occurrence and migration. Up to today, L1CAM-targeted therapy appeared limited efficacy in clinical trials although quite a few attempts by monoclonal antibody (mAb) or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) have been reported. Therefore, the development of new effective therapies targeting L1CAM is highly desirable. It has been demonstrated that T cell-engaging bispecific antibody (TCE) plays an effective role in cancer immunotherapy by redirecting the cytotoxic activity of CD3+ T cells to tumor cells, resulting in tumor cell death. In this study, we designed and characterized a novel bispecific antibody (CE7-TCE) based on the IgG-(L)-ScFv format, which targets L1CAM and CD3 simultaneously. In vitro, CE7-TCE induced specific killing of L1CAM-positive tumor cells through T cells. In vivo, CE7-TCE inhibited tumor growth in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell/tumor cell co-grafting models. To overcome the adaptive immune resistance (AIR) that impairs the efficacy of TCEs, we conducted a combination therapy of CE7-TCE with Pembrolizumab (anti-PD1 mAb), which enhanced the anti-tumor activity of CE7-TCE. Our results confirmed the feasibility of using L1CAM as a TCE target for the treatment of solid tumors and revealed the therapeutic potential of CE7-TCE combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Junyan Li
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lei Han
- Jecho Institute, Co. Ltd, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yali Yue
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Junjun Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yunsheng Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mingyuan Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yanlin Bian
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yueqing Xie
- Jecho Institute, Co. Ltd, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutical Antibody, Ministry of Education, China, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Jecho Institute, Co. Ltd, Shanghai 200241, China.
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13
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Cech P, Skórka K, Dziki L, Giannopoulos K. T-Cell Engagers-The Structure and Functional Principle and Application in Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1580. [PMID: 38672662 PMCID: PMC11048836 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081580] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy have made directing the cellular immune response onto cancer cells a promising strategy for the treatment of hematological malignancies. The introduction of monoclonal antibody-based (mAbs) targeted therapy has significantly improved the prognosis for hematological patients. Facing the issues of mAb-based therapies, a novel bispecific antibody (BsAb) format was developed. T-cell engagers (TCEs) are BsAbs, which simultaneously target tumor-associated antigens on tumor cells and CD3 molecules present on T-cells. This mechanism allows for the direct activation of T-cells and their anti-tumor features, ultimately resulting in the lysis of tumor cells. In 2014, the FDA approved blinatumomab, a TCE directed to CD3 and CD19 for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Since then, numerous TCEs have been developed, allowing for treating different hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. As of November 2023, seven clinically approved TCE therapies are on the market. TCE-based therapies still have their limitations; however, improving the properties of TCEs, as well as combining TCE-based therapies with other forms of treatment, give hope to find the cures for currently terminal diseases. In this paper, we summarized the technical basis of the TCE technology, its application in hematology, and its current issues and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarzyna Skórka
- Department of Experimental Hematooncology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.C.); (L.D.); (K.G.)
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14
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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15
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Harter MF, Recaldin T, Gerard R, Avignon B, Bollen Y, Esposito C, Guja-Jarosz K, Kromer K, Filip A, Aubert J, Schneider A, Bacac M, Bscheider M, Stokar-Regenscheit N, Piscuoglio S, Beumer J, Gjorevski N. Analysis of off-tumour toxicities of T-cell-engaging bispecific antibodies via donor-matched intestinal organoids and tumouroids. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:345-360. [PMID: 38114742 PMCID: PMC11087266 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01156-5] [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: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Predicting the toxicity of cancer immunotherapies preclinically is challenging because models of tumours and healthy organs do not typically fully recapitulate the expression of relevant human antigens. Here we show that patient-derived intestinal organoids and tumouroids supplemented with immune cells can be used to study the on-target off-tumour toxicities of T-cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (TCBs), and to capture clinical toxicities not predicted by conventional tissue-based models as well as inter-patient variabilities in TCB responses. We analysed the mechanisms of T-cell-mediated damage of neoplastic and donor-matched healthy epithelia at a single-cell resolution using multiplexed immunofluorescence. We found that TCBs that target the epithelial cell-adhesion molecule led to apoptosis in healthy organoids in accordance with clinical observations, and that apoptosis is associated with T-cell activation, cytokine release and intra-epithelial T-cell infiltration. Conversely, tumour organoids were more resistant to damage, probably owing to a reduced efficiency of T-cell infiltration within the epithelium. Patient-derived intestinal organoids can aid the study of immune-epithelial interactions as well as the preclinical and clinical development of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius F Harter
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Timothy Recaldin
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Regine Gerard
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Blandine Avignon
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yannik Bollen
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cinzia Esposito
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Kristina Kromer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Filip
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julien Aubert
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anneliese Schneider
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Marina Bacac
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Michael Bscheider
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Joep Beumer
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nikolche Gjorevski
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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16
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Li T, Niu M, Zhou J, Wu K, Yi M. The enhanced antitumor activity of bispecific antibody targeting PD-1/PD-L1 signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:179. [PMID: 38475778 PMCID: PMC10935874 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01562-5] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) signaling pathway, a key player in immune checkpoint regulation, has become a focal point in cancer immunotherapy. In the context of cancer, upregulated PD-L1 on tumor cells can result in T cell exhaustion and immune evasion, fostering tumor progression. The advent of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor has demonstrated clinical success by unleashing T cells from exhaustion. Nevertheless, challenges such as resistance and adverse effects have spurred the exploration of innovative strategies, with bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) emerging as a promising frontier. BsAbs offer a multifaceted approach to cancer immunotherapy by simultaneously targeting PD-L1 and other immune regulatory molecules. We focus on recent advancements in PD-1/PD-L1 therapy with a particular emphasis on the development and potential of BsAbs, especially in the context of solid tumors. Various BsAb products targeting PD-1 signaling are discussed, highlighting their unique mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Noteworthy examples include anti-TGFβ × PD-L1, anti-CD47 × PD-L1, anti-VEGF × PD-L1, anti-4-1BB × PD-L1, anti-LAG-3 × PD-L1, and anti-PD-1 × CTLA-4 BsAbs. Besides, we summarize ongoing clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of these innovative BsAb agents. By unraveling the intricacies of the tumor microenvironment and harnessing the synergistic effects of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 BsAbs, there exists the potential to elevate the precision and efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, ultimately enabling the development of personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual patient profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Yang K, Yi T. Tumor cell stemness in gastrointestinal cancer: regulation and targeted therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1297611. [PMID: 38455361 PMCID: PMC10918437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cells are a rare group of self-renewable cancer cells capable of the initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence of tumors, and also a key contributor to the therapeutic resistance. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of tumor stemness regulation, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, is of great importance for targeting CSC and designing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate current advancements in the understanding of CSC regulation, including CSC biomarkers, signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. We will also provide a comprehensive view on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) display an overall tumor-promoting effect, including the recruitment and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the establishment of an immunosuppressive milieu, and the induction of angiogenesis and hypoxia. Lastly, this review consolidates mainstream novel therapeutic interventions targeting CSC stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tuo Yi
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Jung S, Schlenk RF, Hackenbruch C, Roldan Pinzon SSL, Bitzer M, Pflügler M, Walz JS, Jung G, Heitmann JS, Salih HR. Protocol of a first-in-human clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of the bispecific CD276xCD3 antibody CC-3 in patients with colorectal cancer (CoRe_CC-3). Front Oncol 2024; 14:1351901. [PMID: 38410109 PMCID: PMC10896605 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1351901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide in men and women. In the metastasized stage, treatment options and prognosis are limited. To address the high medical need of this patient population, we generated a CD276xCD3 bispecific antibody termed CC-3. CD276 is expressed on CRC cells and on tumor vessels, thereby allowing for a "dual" anticancer effect. Methods and analysis This first-in-human clinical study is planned as a prospective multicenter trial, enrolling patients with metastatic CRC after three lines of therapy. During the dose-escalation part, initially, an accelerated titration design with single-patient cohorts is employed. Here, each patient will receive a fixed dose level (starting with 50 µg for the first patient); however, between patients, dose level may be increased by up to 100%, depending on the decision of a safety review committee. Upon occurrence of any adverse events (AEs) grade ≥2, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), or reaching a dose level of ≥800 µg, the escalation will switch to a standard 3 + 3 dose design. After maximum tolerated dose (MTD) has been determined, defined as no more than one of the six patients experiencing DLT, an additional 14 patients receive CC-3 at the MTD level in the dose-expansion phase. Primary endpoints are incidence and severity of AEs, as well as the best objective response to the treatment according to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1. Secondary endpoints include overall safety, efficacy, survival, quality of life, and pharmacokinetic investigations. Ethics and dissemination The CD276xCD3 study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (P00702). Clinical trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration numbers: ClinicalTrials.cov Registry (NCT05999396) and EU ClinicalTrials Registry (EU trial number 2022-503084-15-00).
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Jung
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University of Tübingen and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Richard F Schlenk
- NCT Trial Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Hackenbruch
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University of Tübingen and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sandra S L Roldan Pinzon
- NCT Trial Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Bitzer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Hepatology, Infectiology and Geriatrics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Pflügler
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juliane S Walz
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University of Tübingen and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gundram Jung
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas S Heitmann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University of Tübingen and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helmut R Salih
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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19
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Hartupee C, Nagalo BM, Chabu CY, Tesfay MZ, Coleman-Barnett J, West JT, Moaven O. Pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment is a major therapeutic barrier and target. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1287459. [PMID: 38361931 PMCID: PMC10867137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1287459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to become the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Limitations in early detection and treatment barriers contribute to the lack of substantial success in the treatment of this challenging-to-treat malignancy. Desmoplasia is the hallmark of PDAC microenvironment that creates a physical and immunologic barrier. Stromal support cells and immunomodulatory cells face aberrant signaling by pancreatic cancer cells that shifts the complex balance of proper repair mechanisms into a state of dysregulation. The product of this dysregulation is the desmoplastic environment that encases the malignant cells leading to a dense, hypoxic environment that promotes further tumorigenesis, provides innate systemic resistance, and suppresses anti-tumor immune invasion. This desmoplastic environment combined with the immunoregulatory events that allow it to persist serve as the primary focus of this review. The physical barrier and immune counterbalance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) make PDAC an immunologically cold tumor. To convert PDAC into an immunologically hot tumor, tumor microenvironment could be considered alongside the tumor cells. We discuss the complex network of microenvironment molecular and cellular composition and explore how they can be targeted to overcome immuno-therapeutic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conner Hartupee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bolni Marius Nagalo
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
- The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Chiswili Y. Chabu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mulu Z. Tesfay
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Joycelynn Coleman-Barnett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - John T. West
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Omeed Moaven
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Louisiana State University - Louisiana Children's Medical Center (LSU - LCMC) Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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20
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Logghe T, van Zwol E, Immordino B, Van den Cruys K, Peeters M, Giovannetti E, Bogers J. Hyperthermia in Combination with Emerging Targeted and Immunotherapies as a New Approach in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:505. [PMID: 38339258 PMCID: PMC10854776 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030505] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in the development of novel therapies, cancer continues to stand as a prominent global cause of death. In many cases, the cornerstone of standard-of-care therapy consists of chemotherapy (CT), radiotherapy (RT), or a combination of both. Notably, hyperthermia (HT), which has been in clinical use in the last four decades, has proven to enhance the effectiveness of CT and RT, owing to its recognized potency as a sensitizer. Furthermore, HT exerts effects on all steps of the cancer-immunity cycle and exerts a significant impact on key oncogenic pathways. Most recently, there has been a noticeable expansion of cancer research related to treatment options involving immunotherapy (IT) and targeted therapy (TT), a trend also visible in the research and development pipelines of pharmaceutical companies. However, the potential results arising from the combination of these innovative therapeutic approaches with HT remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this review aims to explore the oncology pipelines of major pharmaceutical companies, with the primary objective of identifying the principal targets of forthcoming therapies that have the potential to be advantageous for patients by specifically targeting molecular pathways involved in HT. The ultimate goal of this review is to pave the way for future research initiatives and clinical trials that harness the synergy between emerging IT and TT medications when used in conjunction with HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Logghe
- Elmedix NV, Dellingstraat 34/1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Eke van Zwol
- Elmedix NV, Dellingstraat 34/1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Benoît Immordino
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano, 56017 Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Life Sciences, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Marc Peeters
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano, 56017 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Bogers
- Elmedix NV, Dellingstraat 34/1, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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21
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Zhao Q, Zong H, Zhu P, Su C, Tang W, Chen Z, Jin S. Crosstalk between colorectal CSCs and immune cells in tumorigenesis, and strategies for targeting colorectal CSCs. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:6. [PMID: 38254219 PMCID: PMC10802076 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00474-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy in the treatment of colorectal cancer, and relapse after tumor immunotherapy has attracted increasing attention. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of tumor cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities, are resistant to traditional therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recently, CSCs have been proven to be the cells driving tumor relapse after immunotherapy. However, the mutual interactions between CSCs and cancer niche immune cells are largely uncharacterized. In this review, we focus on colorectal CSCs, CSC-immune cell interactions and CSC-based immunotherapy. Colorectal CSCs are characterized by robust expression of surface markers such as CD44, CD133 and Lgr5; hyperactivation of stemness-related signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Hippo/Yap1, Jak/Stat and Notch pathways; and disordered epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and noncoding RNA action. Moreover, colorectal CSCs express abnormal levels of immune-related genes such as MHC and immune checkpoint molecules and mutually interact with cancer niche cells in multiple tumorigenesis-related processes, including tumor initiation, maintenance, metastasis and drug resistance. To date, many therapies targeting CSCs have been evaluated, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody‒drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, tumor vaccines adoptive cell therapy, and small molecule inhibitors. With the development of CSC-/niche-targeting technology, as well as the integration of multidisciplinary studies, novel therapies that eliminate CSCs and reverse their immunosuppressive microenvironment are expected to be developed for the treatment of solid tumors, including colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hong Zong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Pingping Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chang Su
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Wenxue Tang
- The Research and Application Center of Precision Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2 Jing‑ba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China.
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Shuiling Jin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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22
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Frey G, Cugnetti APG, Liu H, Xing C, Wheeler C, Chang HW, Boyle WJ, Short JM. A novel conditional active biologic anti-EpCAM x anti-CD3 bispecific antibody with synergistic tumor selectivity for cancer immunotherapy. MAbs 2024; 16:2322562. [PMID: 38445633 PMCID: PMC10936661 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2322562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays several roles in cancer biology. EpCAM is an attractive therapeutic target because of its expression in most solid tumors. However, targeting EpCAM has been challenging because it is also highly expressed in normal epithelial tissues. Initial attempts to develop EpCAM-specific T-cell engagers were unsuccessful due to severe cytokine release effects, as well as serious on-target, off-tumor drug-related toxicities. We developed novel, conditionally active biological (CAB) bispecific antibodies that bind to both EpCAM and CD3 in an acidic tumor microenvironment. In healthy tissues, binding to EpCAM and CD3 is greatly reduced by a novel, dual CAB selection, where each binding domain is independently blocked by the presence of physiological chemicals known as Protein-associated Chemical Switches (PaCS). The CAB anti-EpCAM T-cell engagers displayed the anticipated bispecific binding properties and mediated the potent lysis of EpCAM-positive cancer cell lines through the recruitment of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Xenograft studies showed that the efficacy of CAB bispecific antibodies is similar to that of a non-CAB anti-EpCAM bispecific antibody, but they have markedly reduced toxicity in non-human primates, indicating an unprecedentedly widened therapeutic index of over 100-fold. These preclinical results indicate that the dual CAB bispecific antibody is potentially both a powerful and safe therapeutic platform and a promising T cell-engaging treatment for patients with EpCAM-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Frey
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Haizhen Liu
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Charles Xing
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jay M. Short
- Research & Development, BioAtla Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
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23
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Jiang X, Wang S, Liang Q, Liu Y, Liu L. Unraveling the multifaceted role of EpCAM in colorectal cancer: an integrated review of its function and interplay with non-coding RNAs. Med Oncol 2023; 41:35. [PMID: 38151631 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02273-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a critical glycoprotein involved in cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and immune evasion. Its role as a target for bispecific antibodies has shown promise in annihilating cancer cells. EpCAM's potential as a biomarker for tumor-initiating cells, characterized by self-renewal and tumorigenic capabilities, underscores its value in early cancer detection, immunotherapy, and targeted drug delivery. While EpCAM monotherapies have been met with limited success, bispecific antibodies targeting both EpCAM and other proteins have exhibited encouraging results in colorectal cancer (CRC) research. The integration of EpCAM-directed nanotechnology in drug delivery systems has emerged as a pivotal innovation in CRC treatment. Moreover, developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell and CAR natural killer (NK) cell therapies opens promising therapeutic avenues for EpCAM-positive CRC patients. Although preliminary, this review sets the stage for future advances. Additionally, this study advances our understanding of the role of non-coding RNAs in CRC, which may be pivotal in gene regulation and could provide insights into the molecular underpinning. The findings suggest that lncRNA, miRNA, and circRNA could serve as novel therapeutic targets or biomarkers, further enriching the landscape of CRC diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Sumeng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqian Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lingxiang Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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24
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Soto KEG, Loureiro LR, Bartsch T, Arndt C, Kegler A, Mitwasi N, Drewitz L, Hoffmann L, Saleh HA, Crespo E, Mehnert M, Daglar C, Abken H, Momburg F, Bachmann M, Feldmann A. Targeting colorectal cancer cells using AND-gated adaptor RevCAR T-cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1302354. [PMID: 38169746 PMCID: PMC10758449 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1302354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells especially for treating hematological malignancies, critical drawbacks, such as "on-target, off-tumor" toxicities, need to be addressed to improve safety in translating to clinical application. This is especially true, when targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that are not exclusively expressed by solid tumors but also on hea9lthy tissues. To improve the safety profile, we developed switchable adaptor CAR systems including the RevCAR system. RevCAR T-cells are activated by cross-linking of bifunctional adaptor molecules termed target modules (RevTM). In a further development, we established a Dual-RevCAR system for an AND-gated combinatorial targeting by splitting the stimulatory and co-stimulatory signals of the RevCAR T-cells on two individual CARs. Examples of common markers for colorectal cancer (CRC) are the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), while these antigens are also expressed by healthy cells. Here we describe four novel structurally different RevTMs for targeting of CEA and EpCAM. All anti-CEA and anti-EpCAM RevTMs were validated and the simultaneous targeting of CEA+ and EpCAM+ cancer cells redirected specific in vitro and in vivo killing by Dual-RevCAR T-cells. In summary, we describe the development of CEA and EpCAM specific adaptor RevTMs for monospecific and AND-gated targeting of CRC cells via the RevCAR platform as an improved approach to increase tumor specificity and safety of CAR T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla E. G. Soto
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Liliana R. Loureiro
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tabea Bartsch
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Claudia Arndt
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexandra Kegler
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicola Mitwasi
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Laura Drewitz
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lydia Hoffmann
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Haidy A. Saleh
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Eugenia Crespo
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Mehnert
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cansu Daglar
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Department of Gene-Immunotherapy, Leibniz-Institute of Immunotherapy, and University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Frank Momburg
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Bachmann
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), partner site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anja Feldmann
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), partner site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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25
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Keshavarz S, Wall JR, Keshavarz S, Vojoudi E, Jafari-Shakib R. Breast cancer immunotherapy: a comprehensive review. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4431-4447. [PMID: 37658246 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains a major health problem despite numerous new medical interventions that have been introduced in recent years. One of the major choices for cancer therapy is so-called adoptive cell therapy (ACT). ACT can be performed using both innate immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and γδ T cells and acquired immune T cells. It has become possible to utilize these cells in both their native and modified states in clinical studies. Because of considerable success in cancer treatment, ACT now plays a role in advanced therapy protocols. Genetic engineering of autologous and allogeneic immune cells (T lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages, etc.) with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) is a powerful new tool to target specific antigens on cancer cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has approved certain CAR-T cells for hematologic malignancies and it is hoped that their use can be extended to incorporate a variety of cells, in particular NK cells. However, the ACT method has some limitations, such as the risk of rejection in allogeneic engrafts. Accordingly, numerous efforts are being made to eliminate or minimize this and other complications. In the present review, we have developed a guide to breast cancer (BC) therapy from conventional therapy, through to cell-based approaches, in particular novel technologies including CAR with emphasis on NK cells as a new and safer candidate in this field as well as the more recent aptamer technology, which can play a major role in BC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Jack R Wall
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Somayeh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Elham Vojoudi
- Regenerative Medicine, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Multidisciplinary Center, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Reza Jafari-Shakib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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26
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Khosla AA, Jatwani K, Singh R, Reddy A, Jaiyesimi I, Desai A. Bispecific Antibodies in Lung Cancer: A State-of-the-Art Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1461. [PMID: 37895932 PMCID: PMC10609957 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies have emerged as a promising class of therapeutics in the field of oncology, offering an innovative approach to target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. These antibodies are designed to bind two different antigens, enabling them to bridge immune cells with cancer cells, resulting in enhanced tumor cell killing and improved treatment responses. This review article summarizes the current landscape of bispecific antibodies in lung cancer, including their mechanisms of action, clinical development, and potential applications in other solid tumor malignancies. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities associated with their use in the clinic are discussed, along with future directions for research and development in this exciting area of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atulya Aman Khosla
- Division of Internal Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA;
| | - Karan Jatwani
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Rohit Singh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Aswanth Reddy
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mercy Clinic, Fort Smith, AR 72903, USA
| | - Ishmael Jaiyesimi
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Aakash Desai
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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27
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Alsajjan R, Mason WP. Bispecific T-Cell Engagers and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapies in Glioblastoma: An Update. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8501-8549. [PMID: 37754534 PMCID: PMC10529026 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30090619] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. The prognosis is extremely poor even with standard treatment of maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recurrence is inevitable within months, and treatment options are very limited. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CART) and bispecific T-cell engagers (TCEs) are two emerging immunotherapies that can redirect T-cells for tumor-specific killing and have shown remarkable success in hematological malignancies and been under extensive study for application in glioblastoma. While there have been multiple clinical trials showing preliminary evidence of safety and efficacy for CART, bispecific TCEs are still in the early stages of clinical testing, with preclinical studies showing very promising results. However, there are multiple shared challenges that need to be addressed in the future, including the route of delivery, antigen escape, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and toxicity resulting from the limited choice of tumor-specific antigens. Efforts are underway to optimize the design of both these treatments and find the ideal combination therapy to overcome these challenges. In this review, we describe the work that has been performed as well as novel approaches in glioblastoma and in other solid tumors that may be applicable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roa Alsajjan
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Warren P. Mason
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
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28
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Zhu I, Piraner DI, Roybal KT. Synthesizing a Smarter CAR T Cell: Advanced Engineering of T-cell Immunotherapies. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1030-1043. [PMID: 37429007 PMCID: PMC10527511 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0962] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The immune system includes an array of specialized cells that keep us healthy by responding to pathogenic cues. Investigations into the mechanisms behind immune cell behavior have led to the development of powerful immunotherapies, including chimeric-antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Although CAR T cells have demonstrated efficacy in treating blood cancers, issues regarding their safety and potency have hindered the use of immunotherapies in a wider spectrum of diseases. Efforts to integrate developments in synthetic biology into immunotherapy have led to several advancements with the potential to expand the range of treatable diseases, fine-tune the desired immune response, and improve therapeutic cell potency. Here, we examine current synthetic biology advances that aim to improve on existing technologies and discuss the promise of the next generation of engineered immune cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iowis Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Dan I. Piraner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Kole T. Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA 8Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Gladstone UCSF Institute for Genetic Immunology, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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29
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Wan PKT, Fernandes RA, Seymour LW. Oncolytic viruses and antibodies: are they more successful when delivered separately or when engineered as a single agent? J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006518. [PMID: 37541690 PMCID: PMC10407364 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006518] [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] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) provide the promise of tumor-selective cytotoxicity coupled with amplification of the therapeutic agent (the virus) in situ within the tumor improving its therapeutic index. Despite this promise, however, single agent-treatments have not been as successful as combination therapies, particularly combining with checkpoint inhibitor antibodies. The antibodies may be delivered by two approaches, either encoded within the OV genome to restrict antibody production to sites of active virus infection or alternatively given alongside OVs as separate treatments. Both approaches have shown promising therapeutic outcomes, and this leads to an interesting question of whether one approach is potentially better than the other. In this review, we provide a brief summary of the combination OV-antibody therapies that target tumor cells, tumor microenvironment and immune cells to help define key parameters influencing which approach is superior, thereby improving insight into the rational design of OV treatment strategies.
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30
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Tapia-Galisteo A, Álvarez-Vallina L, Sanz L. Bi- and trispecific immune cell engagers for immunotherapy of hematological malignancies. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:83. [PMID: 37501154 PMCID: PMC10373336 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01482-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cell engagers are engineered antibodies with at least one arm binding a tumor-associated antigen and at least another one directed against an activating receptor in immune effector cells: CD3 for recruitment of T cells and CD16a for NK cells. The first T cell engager (the anti-CD19 blinatumomab) was approved by the FDA in 2014, but no other one hit the market until 2022. Now the field is gaining momentum, with three approvals in 2022 and 2023 (as of May): the anti-CD20 × anti-CD3 mosunetuzumab and epcoritamab and the anti-B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) × anti-CD3 teclistamab, and another three molecules in regulatory review. T cell engagers will likely revolutionize the treatment of hematological malignancies in the short term, as they are considerably more potent than conventional monoclonal antibodies recognizing the same tumor antigens. The field is thriving, with a plethora of different formats and targets, and around 100 bispecific T cell engagers more are already in clinical trials. Bispecific NK cell engagers are also in early-stage clinical studies and may offer similar efficacy with milder side effects. Trispecific antibodies (engaging either T cell or NK cell receptors) raise the game even further with a third binding moiety, which allows either the targeting of an additional tumor-associated antigen to increase specificity and avoid immune escape or the targeting of additional costimulatory receptors on the immune cell to improve its effector functions. Altogether, these engineered molecules may change the paradigm of treatment for relapsed or refractory hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Tapia-Galisteo
- Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez-Vallina
- Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
- H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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31
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Zekri L, Lutz M, Prakash N, Manz T, Klimovich B, Mueller S, Hoerner S, Hagelstein I, Engel M, Chashchina A, Pfluegler M, Heitmann JS, Jung G, Salih HR. An optimized IgG-based B7-H3xCD3 bispecific antibody for treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1033-1045. [PMID: 36793213 PMCID: PMC10124076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapy has revolutionized oncological treatment. However, many patients do not respond to treatment, and long-term remissions remain rare, particularly in gastrointestinal cancers like colorectal cancer (CRC). B7-H3 is overexpressed in multiple cancer entities including CRC on both tumor cells and tumor vasculature, the latter facilitating influx of effector cells into the tumor site upon therapeutic targeting. We generated a panel of T cell-recruiting B7-H3xCD3 bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) and show that targeting a membrane-proximal B7-H3 epitope allows for a 100-fold reduction of CD3 affinity. In vitro, our lead compound CC-3 showed superior tumor cell killing, T cell activation, proliferation, and memory formation, whereas undesired cytokine release was reduced. In vivo, CC-3 mediated potent antitumor activity in three independent models using immunocompromised mice adoptively transferred with human effector cells with regard to prevention of lung metastasis and flank tumor growth as well as elimination of large established tumors. Thus, fine-tuning of both target and CD3 affinities as well as binding epitopes allowed for the generation of a B7-H3xCD3 bsAbs with promising therapeutic activity. CC-3 is presently undergoing good manufacturing practice (GMP) production to enable evaluation in a clinical "first-in-human" study in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Zekri
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Martina Lutz
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Nisha Prakash
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Timo Manz
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Boris Klimovich
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Stefanie Mueller
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hoerner
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Ilona Hagelstein
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Monika Engel
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Anna Chashchina
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Martin Pfluegler
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Jonas S Heitmann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Gundram Jung
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Helmut R Salih
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; DKFZ Partner Site Tuebingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tuebingen 72076, Germany.
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32
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Cheng Q, Zhang XN, Li J, Chen J, Wang Y, Zhang Y. Synthesis of Bispecific Antibody Conjugates Using Functionalized Poly-ADP-ribose Polymers. Biochemistry 2023; 62:1138-1144. [PMID: 36821831 PMCID: PMC10033384 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Poly-ADP-ribose (PAR) is a natural type of polymer derived from enzymatic reactions catalyzed by cellular poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Given its notable solubility and biocompatibility, the PAR polymer may function as effective carriers for therapeutics in addition to modulating biomolecular interactions in cells. To explore its therapeutic potential, we herein developed a PAR polymer-based bispecific antibody targeting both human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and T-cell CD3 antigens. This was accomplished by conjugating anti-HER2 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies to azido-functionalized PAR polymers through click chemistry. The generated PAR polymer-anti-HER2/anti-CD3 antibody conjugate could not only bind specifically to both HER2- and CD3-expressing target cells but also display potent cytotoxicity against HER2-positive breast cancer cells in the presence of non-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Functionalized PAR polymers provide a new strategy for synthesizing bispecific antibodies and may enable generation of PAR polymer-based conjugates with unique pharmacological activities for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Xiao-Nan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Jiawei Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Yiling Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
- Department of Chemistry, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
- Research Center for Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
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33
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Simão DC, Zarrabi KK, Mendes JL, Luz R, Garcia JA, Kelly WK, Barata PC. Bispecific T-Cell Engagers Therapies in Solid Tumors: Focusing on Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1412. [PMID: 36900202 PMCID: PMC10001031 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immunotherapy has demonstrated an impressive improvement in treatment outcomes for multiple cancers. Following the landmark approvals for use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, new challenges emerged in various clinical settings. Not all tumor types harbor immunogenic characteristics capable of triggering responses. Similarly, many tumors' immune microenvironment allows them to become evasive, leading to resistance and, thus, limiting the durability of responses. To overcome this limitation, new T-cell redirecting strategies such as bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) have become attractive and promising immunotherapies. Our review provides a comprehensive perspective of the current evidence of BiTE therapies in solid tumors. Considering that immunotherapy has shown modest results in advanced prostate cancer to date, we review the biologic rationale and promising results of BiTE therapy in this clinical setting and discuss potential tumor-associated antigens that may be integrated into BiTE construct designs. Our review also aims to evaluate the advances of BiTE therapies in prostate cancer, illustrate the major obstacles and underlying limitations, and discuss directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C. Simão
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, 1169-050 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Kevin K. Zarrabi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - José L. Mendes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, 1169-050 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Luz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, 1169-050 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge A. Garcia
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - William K. Kelly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Pedro C. Barata
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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34
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Mueller JPJ, Dobosz M, O’Brien N, Abdoush N, Giusti AM, Lechmann M, Osl F, Wolf AK, Arellano-Viera E, Shaikh H, Sauer M, Rosenwald A, Herting F, Umaña P, Colombetti S, Pöschinger T, Beilhack A. ROCKETS - a novel one-for-all toolbox for light sheet microscopy in drug discovery. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1034032. [PMID: 36845124 PMCID: PMC9945347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1034032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancing novel immunotherapy strategies requires refined tools in preclinical research to thoroughly assess drug targets, biodistribution, safety, and efficacy. Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) offers unprecedented fast volumetric ex vivo imaging of large tissue samples in high resolution. Yet, to date laborious and unstandardized tissue processing procedures have limited throughput and broader applications in immunological research. Therefore, we developed a simple and harmonized protocol for processing, clearing and imaging of all mouse organs and even entire mouse bodies. Applying this Rapid Optical Clearing Kit for Enhanced Tissue Scanning (ROCKETS) in combination with LSFM allowed us to comprehensively study the in vivo biodistribution of an antibody targeting Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) in 3D. Quantitative high-resolution scans of whole organs did not only reveal known EpCAM expression patterns but, importantly, uncovered several new EpCAM-binding sites. We identified gustatory papillae of the tongue, choroid plexi in the brain and duodenal papillae as previously unanticipated locations of high EpCAM expression. Subsequently, we confirmed high EpCAM expression also in human tongue and duodenal specimens. Choroid plexi and duodenal papillae may be considered as particularly sensitive sites due to their importance for liquor production or as critical junctions draining bile and digestive pancreatic enzymes into the small bowel, respectively. These newly gained insights appear highly relevant for clinical translation of EpCAM-addressing immunotherapies. Thus, ROCKETS in combination with LSFM may help to set new standards for preclinical evaluation of immunotherapeutic strategies. In conclusion, we propose ROCKETS as an ideal platform for a broader application of LSFM in immunological research optimally suited for quantitative co-localization studies of immunotherapeutic drugs and defined cell populations in the microanatomical context of organs or even whole mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg P. J. Mueller
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory (IZKF) Würzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Michael Dobosz
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Nils O’Brien
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Nassri Abdoush
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Giusti
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Glycart AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Martin Lechmann
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Franz Osl
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ann-Katrin Wolf
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory (IZKF) Würzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Estibaliz Arellano-Viera
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory (IZKF) Würzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Haroon Shaikh
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory (IZKF) Würzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Frank Herting
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Pablo Umaña
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Glycart AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Sara Colombetti
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Glycart AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Pöschinger
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Beilhack
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory (IZKF) Würzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
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35
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Pirkalkhoran S, Grabowska WR, Kashkoli HH, Mirhassani R, Guiliano D, Dolphin C, Khalili H. Bioengineering of Antibody Fragments: Challenges and Opportunities. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020122. [PMID: 36829616 PMCID: PMC9952581 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody fragments are used in the clinic as important therapeutic proteins for treatment of indications where better tissue penetration and less immunogenic molecules are needed. Several expression platforms have been employed for the production of these recombinant proteins, from which E. coli and CHO cell-based systems have emerged as the most promising hosts for higher expression. Because antibody fragments such as Fabs and scFvs are smaller than traditional antibody structures and do not require specific patterns of glycosylation decoration for therapeutic efficacy, it is possible to express them in systems with reduced post-translational modification capacity and high expression yield, for example, in plant and insect cell-based systems. In this review, we describe different bioengineering technologies along with their opportunities and difficulties to manufacture antibody fragments with consideration of stability, efficacy and safety for humans. There is still potential for a new production technology with a view of being simple, fast and cost-effective while maintaining the stability and efficacy of biotherapeutic fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sama Pirkalkhoran
- School of Biomedical Science, University of West London, London W5 5RF, UK
| | | | | | | | - David Guiliano
- School of Life Science, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Colin Dolphin
- School of Biomedical Science, University of West London, London W5 5RF, UK
| | - Hanieh Khalili
- School of Biomedical Science, University of West London, London W5 5RF, UK
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
- Correspondence:
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36
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Kerns JS, Belgur C, Kanellias M, Manatakis DV, Barrile R, Tien-Street W, Ewart L, Gjorevski N, Cabon L, Cabon L. Safety Profiling of Tumor-targeted T Cell-Bispecific Antibodies with Alveolus Lung- and Colon-on-Chip. Bio Protoc 2023; 13:e4579. [PMID: 36789090 PMCID: PMC9901459 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4579] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional drug safety assessments often fail to predict complications in humans, especially when the drug targets the immune system. Rodent-based preclinical animal models are often ill-suited for predicting immunotherapy-mediated adverse events in humans, in part because of the fundamental differences in immunological responses between species and the human relevant expression profile of the target antigen, if it is expected to be present in normal, healthy tissue. While human-relevant cell-based models of tissues and organs promise to bridge this gap, conventional in vitro two-dimensional models fail to provide the complexity required to model the biological mechanisms of immunotherapeutic effects. Also, like animal models, they fail to recapitulate physiologically relevant levels and patterns of organ-specific proteins, crucial for capturing pharmacology and safety liabilities. Organ-on-Chip models aim to overcome these limitations by combining micro-engineering with cultured primary human cells to recreate the complex multifactorial microenvironment and functions of native tissues and organs. In this protocol, we show the unprecedented capability of two human Organs-on-Chip models to evaluate the safety profile of T cell-bispecific antibodies (TCBs) targeting tumor antigens. These novel tools broaden the research options available for a mechanistic understanding of engineered therapeutic antibodies and for assessing safety in tissues susceptible to adverse events. Graphical abstract Figure 1. Graphical representation of the major steps in target-dependent T cell-bispecific antibodies engagement and immunomodulation, as performed in the Colon Intestine-Chip.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nikolche Gjorevski
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
,
*For correspondence:
;
| | - Lauriane Cabon
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
,
*For correspondence:
;
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37
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Lutz MS, Zekri L, Weßling L, Berchtold S, Heitmann JS, Lauer UM, Jung G, Salih HR. IgG-based B7-H3xCD3 bispecific antibody for treatment of pancreatic, hepatic and gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1163136. [PMID: 37122707 PMCID: PMC10140336 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1163136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapy has significantly improved treatment options for many malignancies. However, despite these and other therapeutic improvements over the last decades, gastrointestinal cancers, in particular pancreatic, hepatic and gastric cancer, are still characterized by high relapse rates and dismal prognosis, with an accordingly high unmet medical need for novel treatment strategies. We here report on the preclinical characterization of a novel bispecific antibody in an IgG-based format termed CC-3 with B7-H3xCD3 specificity. In many cancer entities including pancreatic, hepatic and gastric cancers, B7-H3 (CD276) is overexpressed on tumor cells and also on the tumor vasculature, the latter allowing for improved access of immune effector cells into the tumor site upon therapeutic targeting. We demonstrate that CC-3 induces profound T cell reactivity against various pancreatic, hepatic and gastric cancer cell lines as revealed by analysis of activation, degranulation and secretion of IL2, IFNγ as well as perforin, resulting in potent target cell lysis. Moreover, CC-3 induced efficient T cell proliferation and formation of T cell memory subsets. Together, our results emphasize the potential of CC-3, which is presently being GMP-produced to enable clinical evaluation for treatment of pancreatic, hepatic and gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina S. Lutz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Latifa Zekri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Laura Weßling
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Berchtold
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, Medical Oncology & Pneumology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas S. Heitmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich M. Lauer
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, Medical Oncology & Pneumology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gundram Jung
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Helmut R. Salih
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Helmut R. Salih,
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38
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Zhang W, Auguste A, Liao X, Walterskirchen C, Bauer K, Lin YH, Yang L, Sayedian F, Fabits M, Bergmann M, Binder C, Corrales L, Vogt AB, Hudson LJ, Barnes MP, Bisht A, Giragossian C, Voynov V, Adam PJ, Hipp S. A Novel B7-H6-Targeted IgG-Like T Cell-Engaging Antibody for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:5190-5201. [PMID: 36166004 PMCID: PMC9713360 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advanced-stage gastrointestinal cancers represent a high unmet need requiring new effective therapies. We investigated the antitumor activity of a novel T cell-engaging antibody (B7-H6/CD3 ITE) targeting B7-H6, a tumor-associated antigen that is expressed in gastrointestinal tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Membrane proteomics and IHC analysis identified B7-H6 as a tumor-associated antigen in gastrointestinal tumor tissues with no to very little expression in normal tissues. The antitumor activity and mode of action of B7-H6/CD3 ITE was evaluated in in vitro coculture assays, in humanized mouse tumor models, and in colorectal cancer precision cut tumor slice cultures. RESULTS B7-H6 expression was detected in 98% of colorectal cancer, 77% of gastric cancer, and 63% of pancreatic cancer tissue samples. B7-H6/CD3 ITE-mediated redirection of T cells toward B7-H6-positive tumor cells resulted in B7-H6-dependent lysis of tumor cells, activation and proliferation of T cells, and cytokine secretion in in vitro coculture assays, and infiltration of T cells into tumor tissues associated with tumor regression in in vivo colorectal cancer models. In primary patient-derived colorectal cancer precision-cut tumor slice cultures, treatment with B7-H6/CD3 ITE elicited cytokine secretion by endogenous tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Combination with anti-PD-1 further enhanced the activity of the B7-H6/CD3 ITE. CONCLUSION These data highlight the potential of the B7-H6/CD3 ITE to induce T cell-redirected lysis of tumor cells and recruitment of T cells into noninflamed tumor tissues, leading to antitumor activity in in vitro, in vivo, and human tumor slice cultures, which supports further evaluation in a clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cancer Immunology & Immune Modulation, Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Aurélie Auguste
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma, GmbH & Co KG, Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Xiaoyun Liao
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Oncology Translational Science, Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | | | - Kathrin Bauer
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG., Cancer Immunology & Immune Modulation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yu-Hsi Lin
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cancer Immunology & Immune Modulation, Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Ling Yang
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cancer Immunology & Immune Modulation, Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | | | - Markus Fabits
- Medical University of Vienna, Division of Visceral Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Bergmann
- Medical University of Vienna, Division of Visceral Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Binder
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leticia Corrales
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG., Cancer Immunology & Immune Modulation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne B. Vogt
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG., Cancer Immunology & Immune Modulation, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Arnima Bisht
- Oxford BioTherapeutics, Inc., San Jose, California
| | - Craig Giragossian
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Vladimir Voynov
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Biotherapeutics Discovery, Ridgefield, Connecticut
| | - Paul J. Adam
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, GmbH & Co KG., Cancer Immunology & Immune Modulation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Hipp
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cancer Immunology & Immune Modulation, Ridgefield, Connecticut.,Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Ridgefield, Connecticut.,Corresponding Author: Susanne Hipp, Translational Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, P.O. Box 368, Ridgefield, CT 06877-0368. Phone: 203-798-4567; E-mail:
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39
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Wei M, Zuo S, Chen Z, Qian P, Zhang Y, Kong L, Gao H, Wei J, Dong J. Oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing a bispecific T-cell engager enhances immune responses in EpCAM positive solid tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1017574. [PMID: 36451817 PMCID: PMC9702515 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficient intratumoral T-cell infiltration and lack of tumor-specific immune surveillance in tumor microenvironment (TME) hinder the progression of cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we explored a recombinant vaccinia virus encoding an EpCAM BiTE (VV-EpCAM BiTE) to modulate the immune suppressive microenvironment to enhance antitumor immunity in several solid tumors. VV-EpCAM BiTE effectively infected, replicated and lysed malignant cells. The EpCAM BiTE secreted from infected malignants effectively mediated the binding of EpCAM-positive tumor cells and CD3ϵ on T cells, which led to activation of naive T-cell and the release of cytokines, such as IFN-γ and IL-2. Intratumoral administration of VV-EpCAM BiTE significantly enhanced antitumor activity in malignancies with high other than with low EpCAM expression level. In addition, immune cell infiltration was significantly increased in TME upon VV-EpCAM BiTE treatment, CD8+ T cell exhaustion was reduced and T-cell-mediated immune activation was markedly enhanced. Taken together, VV-EpCAM BiTE sophistically combines the antitumor advantages of bispecific antibodies and oncolytic viruses, which provides preclinical evidence for the therapeutic potential of VV-EpCAM BiTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wei
- Affiliated Yancheng No.1 People’s Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Yancheng, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuguang Zuo
- Liuzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Application, Affiliated Liutie Central Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhimin Chen
- Affiliated Yancheng No.1 People’s Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Yancheng, China
| | - Peng Qian
- Affiliated Yancheng No.1 People’s Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Yancheng, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yenan Zhang
- Affiliated Yancheng No.1 People’s Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Yancheng, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingkai Kong
- Affiliated Yancheng No.1 People’s Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Yancheng, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Honglan Gao
- Affiliated Yancheng No.1 People’s Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Yancheng, China
| | - Jiwu Wei
- Affiliated Yancheng No.1 People’s Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Yancheng, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Affiliated Yancheng No.1 People’s Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Yancheng, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Long M, Mims AS, Li Z. Factors Affecting the Cancer Immunotherapeutic Efficacy of T Cell Bispecific Antibodies and Strategies for Improvement. Immunol Invest 2022; 51:2176-2214. [PMID: 36259611 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2022.2131569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
T-cell bispecific antibodies (T-BsAbs) are a new class of cancer immunotherapy drugs that can simultaneously bind to tumor-associated antigens on target cells and to the CD3 subunit of the T-cell receptor (TCR) on T cells. In the last decade, numerous T-BsAbs have been developed for the treatment of both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Among them, blinatumomab has been successfully used to treat CD19 positive malignancies and has been approved by the FDA as standard care for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, in many clinical scenarios, the efficacy of T-BsAbs remains unsatisfactory. To further improve T-BsAb therapy, it will be crucial to better understand the factors affecting treatment efficacy and the nature of the T-BsAb-induced immune response. Herein, we first review the studies on the potential mechanisms by which T-BsAbs activate T-cells and how they elicit efficient target killing despite suboptimal costimulatory support. We focus on analyzing reports from clinical trials and preclinical studies, and summarize the factors that have been identified to impact the efficacy of T-BsAbs. Lastly, we review current and propose new approaches to improve the clinical efficacy of T-BsAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixiao Long
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alice S Mims
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Insights into Clinical Features and Outcomes of Adrenal Cortical Carcinosarcoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102419. [PMID: 36292108 PMCID: PMC9600293 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenal cortical carcinosarcomas are a rare and typically aggressive malignancy with few reported cases in medical literature. We present a case of a 78-year-old female who presented with complaints of fatigue and right shoulder pain. Imaging of the abdomen with computed tomography visualized a large mass in the right upper quadrant. The mass was radiologically described as a 22 × 17 × 13 cm heterogeneous mass with its epicenter in the area of the right adrenal gland, with medial and peripheral effacement of all structures in the right upper quadrant. Non-contrasted images demonstrated anterior mid-portion calcifications. The mass parasitized its blood supply from several surrounding structures, including the liver and right psoas muscle, and extensively invaded the psoas muscle. Resection of the mass was performed with pathology, which revealed a high mitotic index and nuclear atypia with two morphologically and immunophenotypically distinct components. One of these components stained positively for calretinin and inhibin, which is indicative of adrenal cortical carcinoma; the other exhibited strong expression of vimentin and desmin, which was concordant with sarcomatous change and confirmed the diagnosis of adrenal cortical carcinosarcoma. This unique histology with both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components presents a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. As such, adrenal carcinosarcomas should be kept on the differential when evaluating retroperitoneal masses. Additionally, this study includes a review of 34 previously reported cases of adrenal cortical carcinosarcomas along with a discussion about the future exploration of this pathology.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW T-cell-engaging antibodies or T-cell engagers (TCEs) can connect a patient's cytotoxic T cells with cancer cells, leading to potent redirected lysis. Until very recently, only one TCE was approved, the CD19/CD3-bispecific blinatumomab. Many new TCEs in late-stage clinical development target various hematopoietic lineage markers like CD20, BCMA, or CD123. Although very compelling single-agent activity of TCEs was observed with various blood-borne cancers, therapy of solid tumor indications has thus far been less successful. RECENT FINDINGS The approval in 2022 of the gp100 peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)/CD3 bispecific TCE tebentafusp in uveal melanoma confirms that TCEs can also efficiently work against solid tumors. TCEs targeting peptide-MHC complexes will expand the target space for solid tumor therapy to intracellular targets. Likewise, early clinical trial data from TCEs targeting DLL3 in small cell lunger cancer showed promising antitumor activity. Various technologies for conditional activation of TCEs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) may expand the scope of conventional surface targets that suffer from a narrow therapeutic window. Finally, pharmacological enhancements for TCE therapies by engagement of certain costimulatory receptors and cytokines, or blockade of checkpoints, are showing promise. SUMMARY Targeting peptide-MHC complexes, conditional TCE technologies, and concepts enhancing TCE-activated T cells are paving the way towards overcoming challenges associated with solid tumor therapy.
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Avanzino BC, Prabhakar K, Dalvi P, Hartstein S, Kehm H, Balasubramani A, Boudreau AA, Buelow B, Chang K, Davison LM, Iyer S, Kalwit V, Lewis Wilson K, Malik-Chaudhry HK, Pierson W, Pineda G, Rangaswamy US, Saiganesh S, Schellenberger U, Ugamraj HS, Yabut RD, Buelow R, Chapman J, Trinklein ND, Harris KE. A T-cell engaging bispecific antibody with a tumor-selective bivalent folate receptor alpha binding arm for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2113697. [PMID: 36016696 PMCID: PMC9397469 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2113697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of T-cell engagers (TCEs) to treat solid tumors is challenging, and several have been limited by narrow therapeutic windows due to substantial on-target, off-tumor toxicities due to the expression of low levels of target antigens on healthy tissues. Here, we describe TNB-928B, a fully human TCE that has a bivalent binding arm for folate receptor alpha (FRα) to selectively target FRα overexpressing tumor cells while avoiding the lysis of cells with low levels of FRα expression. The bivalent design of the FRα binding arm confers tumor selectivity due to low-affinity but high-avidity binding to high FRα antigen density cells. TNB-928B induces preferential effector T-cell activation, proliferation, and selective cytotoxic activity on high FRα expressing cells while sparing low FRα expressing cells. In addition, TNB-928B induces minimal cytokine release compared to a positive control TCE containing OKT3. Moreover, TNB-928B exhibits substantial ex vivo tumor cell lysis using endogenous T-cells and robust tumor clearance in vivo, promoting T-cell infiltration and antitumor activity in mouse models of ovarian cancer. TNB-928B exhibits pharmacokinetics similar to conventional antibodies, which are projected to enable favorable administration in humans. TNB-928B is a novel TCE with enhanced safety and specificity for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. Avanzino
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Kirthana Prabhakar
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Pranjali Dalvi
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Sharon Hartstein
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | | | - Aarti Balasubramani
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | | | - Ben Buelow
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Vidyut Kalwit
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Kristin Lewis Wilson
- Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Will Pierson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Geovanni Pineda
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Udaya S. Rangaswamy
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Sowmya Saiganesh
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | | | - Harshad S. Ugamraj
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Process Development, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
| | - Rodolfovan D. Yabut
- Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Jocelyn Chapman
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Katherine E. Harris
- Teneobio, Inc, Newark, CA, United States
- Oncology Research, Amgen Inc., Newark, CA, USA
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Lewis JH, Khaldoyanidi SK, Britten CD, Wei AH, Subklewe M. Clinical Significance of Transient Asymptomatic Elevations in Aminotransferase (TAEAT) in Oncology. Am J Clin Oncol 2022; 45:352-365. [PMID: 35848749 PMCID: PMC9311471 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring for liver injury remains an important aspect of drug safety assessment, including for oncotherapeutics. When present, drug-induced liver injury may limit the use or result in the discontinuation of these agents. Drug-induced liver injury can exhibit with a wide spectrum of clinical and biochemical manifestations, ranging from transient asymptomatic elevations in aminotransferases (TAEAT) to acute liver failure. Numerous oncotherapeutics have been associated with TAEAT, with published reports indicating a phenomenon in which patients may be asymptomatic without overt liver injury despite the presence of grade ≥3 aminotransferase elevations. In this review, we discuss the occurrence of TAEAT in the context of oncology clinical trials and clinical practice, as well as the clinical relevance of this phenomenon as an adverse event in response to oncotherapeutics and the related cellular and molecular mechanisms that may underlie its occurrence. We also identify several gaps in knowledge relevant to the diagnosis and the management of TAEAT in patients receiving oncotherapeutics, and identify areas warranting further study to enable the future development of consensus guidelines to support clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrew H. Wei
- The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marion Subklewe
- University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Chen TT. Conditionally active T cell engagers for the treatment of solid tumors: rationale and clinical development. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:955-963. [PMID: 35857922 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2098674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION T cell engagers are a class of bispecific molecules that induce highly potent T cell-dependent cytotoxicity by bringing T cell activating receptors into proximity with cancer-associated cell surface antigens. However, because of their high potency, there is a greater risk of on-target/off-tumor toxicity owing to normal tissues having tumor antigen expression even at low levels. To reduce these adverse events, the dysregulated activity of proteases within the tumor microenvironment has recently been explored to create inert prodrugs that become conditionally active engagers after their cleavage by these enzymes. AREAS COVERED T-cell engagers that have been introduced for clinical use, and their respective successes and failures are reviewed. The unique challenges of these bispecific molecules for treating solid tumors and prior technologies used to exploit the proteolytic tumor microenvironment to create better-tolerated prodrugs and how that experience has led to the current series of conditionally active T-cell engagers, are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Methods for modulating the serum half-life of both inert and activated T cell engagers could have important ramifications in how they infiltrate tumors and prevent toxicity. Alternative features of the tumor microenvironment can also be leveraged in the development of conditional T cell engagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Timothy Chen
- Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc
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Ordóñez-Reyes C, Garcia-Robledo JE, Chamorro DF, Mosquera A, Sussmann L, Ruiz-Patiño A, Arrieta O, Zatarain-Barrón L, Rojas L, Russo A, de Miguel-Perez D, Rolfo C, Cardona AF. Bispecific Antibodies in Cancer Immunotherapy: A Novel Response to an Old Question. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061243. [PMID: 35745815 PMCID: PMC9229626 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has redefined the treatment of cancer patients and it is constantly generating new advances and approaches. Among the multiple options of immunotherapy, bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) represent a novel thoughtful approach. These drugs integrate the action of the immune system in a strategy to redirect the activation of innate and adaptive immunity toward specific antigens and specific tumor locations. Here we discussed some basic aspects of the design and function of bsAbs, their main challenges and the state-of-the-art of these molecules in the treatment of hematological and solid malignancies and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ordóñez-Reyes
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research—FICMAC, Bogotá 110111, Colombia; (C.O.-R.); (J.E.G.-R.); (D.F.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.-P.); (L.R.)
- Molecular Oncology and Biology Systems Research Group (Fox-G), Universidad el Bosque, Bogotá 110121, Colombia
| | - Juan Esteban Garcia-Robledo
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research—FICMAC, Bogotá 110111, Colombia; (C.O.-R.); (J.E.G.-R.); (D.F.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.-P.); (L.R.)
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
| | - Diego F. Chamorro
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research—FICMAC, Bogotá 110111, Colombia; (C.O.-R.); (J.E.G.-R.); (D.F.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.-P.); (L.R.)
- Molecular Oncology and Biology Systems Research Group (Fox-G), Universidad el Bosque, Bogotá 110121, Colombia
| | - Andrés Mosquera
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research—FICMAC, Bogotá 110111, Colombia; (C.O.-R.); (J.E.G.-R.); (D.F.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.-P.); (L.R.)
| | - Liliana Sussmann
- Department of Neurology, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Bogotá 111221, Colombia;
| | - Alejandro Ruiz-Patiño
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research—FICMAC, Bogotá 110111, Colombia; (C.O.-R.); (J.E.G.-R.); (D.F.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.-P.); (L.R.)
- Molecular Oncology and Biology Systems Research Group (Fox-G), Universidad el Bosque, Bogotá 110121, Colombia
| | - Oscar Arrieta
- Thoracic Oncology Unit and Personalized Oncology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute (INCan), Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (O.A.); (L.Z.-B.)
| | - Lucia Zatarain-Barrón
- Thoracic Oncology Unit and Personalized Oncology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute (INCan), Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (O.A.); (L.Z.-B.)
| | - Leonardo Rojas
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research—FICMAC, Bogotá 110111, Colombia; (C.O.-R.); (J.E.G.-R.); (D.F.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.-P.); (L.R.)
| | | | - Diego de Miguel-Perez
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.d.M.-P.); (C.R.)
| | - Christian Rolfo
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (D.d.M.-P.); (C.R.)
| | - Andrés F. Cardona
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research—FICMAC, Bogotá 110111, Colombia; (C.O.-R.); (J.E.G.-R.); (D.F.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.-P.); (L.R.)
- Molecular Oncology and Biology Systems Research Group (Fox-G), Universidad el Bosque, Bogotá 110121, Colombia
- Direction of Research, Science and Education, Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo Cancer Treatment and Research Center (CTIC), Bogotá 110131, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-(1)-6190052; Fax: +57-(1)-6190053
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Xie X, Lee J, Iwase T, Kai M, Ueno NT. Emerging drug targets for triple-negative breast cancer: A guided tour of the preclinical landscape. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:405-425. [PMID: 35574694 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2077188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most fatal molecular subtype of breast cancer because of its aggressiveness and resistance to chemotherapy. FDA-approved therapies for TNBC are limited to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and trophoblast cell surface antigen 2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate. Therefore, developing a novel effective targeted therapy for TNBC is an urgent unmet need. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, we discuss emerging targets for TNBC treatment discovered in early translational studies. We focus on cancer cell membrane molecules, hyperactive intracellular signaling pathways, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) based on their druggability, therapeutic potency, specificity to TNBC, and application in immunotherapy. EXPERT OPINION The significant challenges in the identification and validation of TNBC-associated targets are 1) application of appropriate genetic, molecular, and immunological approaches for modulating the target, 2) establishment of a proper mouse model that accurately represents the human immune TME, 3) TNBC molecular heterogeneity, and 4) failure translation of preclinical findings to clinical practice. To overcome those difficulties, future research needs to apply novel technology, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptase sequencing, and humanized mouse models. Further, combination treatment targeting multiple pathways in both the TNBC tumor and its TME is essential for effective disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Xie
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jangsoon Lee
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Toshiaki Iwase
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Megumi Kai
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Harding JJ, Garrido-Laguna I, Chen X, Basu C, Dowlati A, Forgie A, Hooper AT, Kamperschroer C, Max SI, Moreau A, Shannon M, Wong GY, Hong DS. A Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Study of PF-06671008, a Bispecific T-Cell-Engaging Therapy Targeting P-Cadherin in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:845417. [PMID: 35493516 PMCID: PMC9047766 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.845417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
P-cadherin is a cell-cell adhesion molecule that is overexpressed in several solid tumors. PF-06671008 is a T-cell–redirecting bispecific antibody that engages both P-cadherin on tumors and CD3ϵ on T cells and induces antitumor activity in preclinical models. We conducted a phase 1, open-label, first-in-human, dose-escalation study to characterize the safety and tolerability of PF-06671008, towards determining the recommended phase 2 dose. Adult patients with treatment-refractory solid tumors received PF-06671008 (1.5–400 ng/kg) as a weekly intravenous (IV) infusion on a 21-day/3-week cycle. Parallel cohorts evaluated dosing via subcutaneous injection (SC) or an IV-prime dose. Of the 27 patients enrolled in the study, 24 received PF-06671008 IV in escalating doses, two received SC, and one IV-prime. A dose-limiting toxicity of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in the 400-ng/kg IV group, prompting evaluation of SC and IV-prime schedules. In all, 25/27 patients who received PF-06671008 reported at least one treatment-related adverse event (TRAE); the most common were CRS (21/27), decreased lymphocyte count (9/27), and hypophosphatemia (8/27). Seven patients permanently discontinued treatment due to adverse events and no treatment-related deaths occurred. Cytokine peak concentrations and CRS grade appeared to positively correlate with Cmax. Although the study was terminated due to limited antitumor activity, it provides important insights into understanding and managing immune-related adverse events resulting from this class of molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Harding
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Xiaoying Chen
- Early Oncology Development and Clinical Research, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia Basu
- Early Oncology Development and Clinical Research, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Afshin Dowlati
- University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Alison Forgie
- Early Clinical Development and Oncology Research, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Andrea T. Hooper
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, United States
| | - Cris Kamperschroer
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, Groton, CT, United States
| | - Steven I. Max
- Early Oncology Development and Clinical Research, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, San Diego, CA, United States
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Allison Moreau
- Early Oncology Development and Clinical Research, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Megan Shannon
- Early Oncology Development and Clinical Research, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Gilbert Y. Wong
- Early Clinical Development and Oncology Research, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - David S. Hong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: David S. Hong,
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You R, Artichoker J, Ray A, Gonzalez Velozo H, Rock DA, Conner KP, Krummel MF. Visualizing Spatial and Stoichiometric Barriers to Bispecific T-cell Engager Efficacy. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:698-712. [PMID: 35413104 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) molecules are biologic T cell-directing immunotherapies. Blinatumomab is approved for treatment of B-cell malignancies, but BiTE molecule development in solid tumors has been more challenging. Here, we employed intravital imaging to characterize exposure and pharmacodynamic response of an anti-muCD3/anti-huEGFRvIII mouse surrogate BiTE molecule in epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII)-positive breast tumors implanted within immunocompetent mice. Our study revealed heterogeneous temporal and spatial dynamics of BiTE molecule extravasation into solid tumors, highlighting physical barriers to BiTE molecule function. We also discovered that high, homogeneous EGFRvIII expression on cancer cells was necessary for a BiTE molecule to efficiently clear tumors. Additionally, we found that resident tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were sufficient for optimal tumor killing only at high BiTE molecule dosage, whereas inclusion of peripheral T-cell recruitment was synergistic at moderate to low dosages. We report that deletion of stimulatory conventional type I DCs (cDC1) diminished BiTE molecule-induced T-cell activation and tumor clearance, suggesting that in situ antigen-presenting cell (APC) engagements modulate the extent of BiTE molecule efficacy. In summary, our work identified multiple requirements for optimal BiTE molecule efficacy in solid tumors, providing insights that could be harnessed for solid cancer immunotherapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran You
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jordan Artichoker
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Biological Imaging Development CoLab, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Arja Ray
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Hugo Gonzalez Velozo
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Dan A Rock
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen, South San Francisco, California
| | - Kip P Conner
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen, South San Francisco, California
| | - Matthew F Krummel
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Biological Imaging Development CoLab, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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50
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Arvedson T, Bailis JM, Britten CD, Klinger M, Nagorsen D, Coxon A, Egen JG, Martin F. Targeting Solid Tumors with Bispecific T Cell Engager Immune Therapy. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-070620-104325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
T cell engagers (TCEs) are targeted immunotherapies that have emerged as a promising treatment to redirect effector T cells for tumor cell killing. The strong therapeutic value of TCEs, established by the approval of blinatumomab for the treatment of B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has expanded to include other hematologic malignancies, as well as some solid tumors. Successful clinical development of TCEs in solid tumors has proven challenging, as it requires additional considerations such as the selectivity of target expression, tumor accessibility, and the impact of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide a brief history of blinatumomab, summarize learnings from TCEs in hematologic malignancies, and highlight results from recent TCE trials in solid tumors. Additionally, we examine approaches to improve the efficacy and safety of TCEs in solid tumors, including therapeutic combinations to increase the depth and durability of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Arvedson
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julie M. Bailis
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Dirk Nagorsen
- Amgen Global Development, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Angela Coxon
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Jackson G. Egen
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Flavius Martin
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
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