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Yao S, Liu X, Feng Y, Li Y, Xiao X, Han Y, Xia S. Unveiling the Role of HGF/c-Met Signaling in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9101. [PMID: 39201787 PMCID: PMC11354629 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized by several molecular alterations that contribute to its development and progression. These alterations include the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET). Among these, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-MET signaling pathway plays a crucial role in NSCLC. In spite of this, the involvement of the HGF/c-MET signaling axis in remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains relatively unexplored. This review explores the biological functions of the HGF/c-MET signaling pathway in both normal and cancerous cells, examining its multifaceted roles in the NSCLC tumor microenvironment, including tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. Furthermore, we summarize the current progress and clinical applications of MET-targeted therapies in NSCLC and discuss future research directions, such as the development of novel MET inhibitors and the potential of combination immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shu Xia
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (S.Y.); (X.L.); (Y.F.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (Y.H.)
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2
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Jabbarzadeh Kaboli P, Chen HF, Babaeizad A, Roustai Geraylow K, Yamaguchi H, Hung MC. Unlocking c-MET: A comprehensive journey into targeted therapies for breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216780. [PMID: 38462033 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216780] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, posing a formidable health challenge worldwide. In this complex landscape, the c-MET (cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor) receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), also recognized as the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor (HGFR), emerges as a prominent protagonist, displaying overexpression in nearly 50% of breast cancer cases. Activation of c-MET by its ligand, HGF, secreted by neighboring mesenchymal cells, contributes to a cascade of tumorigenic processes, including cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression. While c-MET inhibitors such as crizotinib, capmatinib, tepotinib and cabozantinib have garnered FDA approval for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), their potential within breast cancer therapy is still undetermined. This comprehensive review embarks on a journey through structural biology, multifaceted functions, and intricate signaling pathways orchestrated by c-MET across cancer types. Furthermore, we highlight the pivotal role of c-MET-targeted therapies in breast cancer, offering a clinical perspective on this promising avenue of intervention. In this pursuit, we strive to unravel the potential of c-MET as a beacon of hope in the fight against breast cancer, unveiling new horizons for therapeutic innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Center for Cancer Biology, Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Fan Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Center for Cancer Biology, Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan
| | - Ali Babaeizad
- Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | | | - Hirohito Yamaguchi
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Center for Cancer Biology, Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Center for Cancer Biology, Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, 413, Taiwan.
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3
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Gao F, You X, Yang L, Zou X, Sui B. Boosting immune responses in lung tumor immune microenvironment: A comprehensive review of strategies and adjuvants. Int Rev Immunol 2024; 43:280-308. [PMID: 38525925 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2024.2333275] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The immune system has a substantial impact on the growth and expansion of lung malignancies. Immune cells are encompassed by a stroma comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) and different cells like stromal cells, which are known as the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). TME is marked by the presence of immunosuppressive factors, which inhibit the function of immune cells and expand tumor growth. In recent years, numerous strategies and adjuvants have been developed to extend immune responses in the TIME, to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we outline the present knowledge of immune evasion mechanisms in lung TIME, explain the biology of immune cells and diverse effectors on these components, and discuss various approaches for overcoming suppressive barriers. We highlight the potential of novel adjuvants, including toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, cytokines, phytochemicals, nanocarriers, and oncolytic viruses, for enhancing immune responses in the TME. Ultimately, we provide a summary of ongoing clinical trials investigating these strategies and adjuvants in lung cancer patients. This review also provides a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art in boosting immune responses in the TIME and highlights the potential of these approaches for improving outcomes in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoqing You
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Da Qing Long Nan Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiangni Zou
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bowen Sui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Esmaeilzadeh A, Hadiloo K, Jabbari M, Elahi R. Current progress of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T versus CAR NK cell for immunotherapy of solid tumors. Life Sci 2024; 337:122381. [PMID: 38145710 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122381] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Equipping cancer-fighting immune cells with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has gained immense attention for cancer treatment. CAR-engineered T cells (CAR T cells) are the first immune-engineered cells that have achieved brilliant results in anti-cancer therapy. Despite promising anti-cancer features, CAR T cells could also cause fatal side effects and have shown inadequate efficacy in some studies. This has led to the introduction of other candidates for CAR transduction, e.g., Natural killer cells (NK cells). Regarding the better safety profile and anti-cancer properties, CAR-armored NK cells (CAR NK cells) could be a beneficial and suitable alternative to CAR T cells. Since introducing these two cells as anti-cancer structures, several studies have investigated their efficacy and safety, and most of them have focused on hematological malignancies. Solid tumors have unique properties that make them more resistant and less curable cancers than hematological malignancies. In this review article, we conduct a comprehensive review of the structure and properties of CAR NK and CAR T cells, compare the recent experience of immunotherapy with CAR T and CAR NK cells in various solid cancers, and overview current challenges and future solutions to battle solid cancers using CARNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Kaveh Hadiloo
- Student Research Committee, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Marjan Jabbari
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Reza Elahi
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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5
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Li Y, Yan B, He S. Advances and challenges in the treatment of lung cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115891. [PMID: 37979378 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115891] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer accounts for a relatively high proportion of malignant tumors. As the most prevalent type of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Presently, the arsenal of treatment strategies encompasses surgical resection, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiotherapy. However, despite these options, the prognosis remains distressingly poor with a low 5-year survival rate. Therefore, it is urgent to pursue a paradigm shift in treatment methodologies. In recent years, the advent of sophisticated biotechnologies and interdisciplinary integration has provided innovative approaches for the treatment of lung cancer. This article reviews the cutting-edge developments in the nano drug delivery system, molecular targeted treatment system, photothermal treatment strategy, and immunotherapy for lung cancer. Overall, by systematically summarizing and critically analyzing the latest progress and current challenges in these treatment strategies of lung cancer, we aim to provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel drugs for lung cancer treatment, and thus improve the therapeutic outcomes for lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Li
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingshuo Yan
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiming He
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
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Wang S, Zhang G, Cui Q, Yang Y, Wang D, Liu A, Xia Y, Li W, Liu Y, Yu J. The DC-T cell axis is an effective target for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e1099. [PMID: 38018578 PMCID: PMC10681037 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1099] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The dendritic cell (DC)-T cell axis is a bridge that connects innate and adaptive immunities. The initial immune response against tumors is mainly induced by mature antigen-presenting DCs. Enhancing the crosstalk between DCs and T cells may be an effective approach to improve the immune response to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this article, a review was made of the interaction between DCs and T cells in the treatment of NSCLC and how this interaction affects the treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangcui Wang
- Department of OncologyFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
- Graduate SchoolTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Guan Zhang
- Department of OncologyFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
- Graduate SchoolTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Qian Cui
- Department of OncologyFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
- Graduate SchoolTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yanjie Yang
- Department of OncologyFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
- Graduate SchoolTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of OncologyFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
- Graduate SchoolTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Aqing Liu
- Department of OncologyFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
- Graduate SchoolTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of OncologyFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
- Graduate SchoolTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Wentao Li
- Department of OncologyFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yunhe Liu
- Department of OncologyFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Jianchun Yu
- Department of OncologyFirst Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
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7
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Ma H, Wei W, Liang D, Xu X, Yang D, Wang Q, Wang Y, Wei Q, Sun B, Zhao X. HGF-Based CAR-T Cells Target Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells That Express High Levels of c-Met. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:735-748. [PMID: 37409941 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2232402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CAR-T is emerging as an effective treatment strategy for hematologic malignancies, however its effectiveness for treating solid tumors, such as Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is limited. Here, we screened a variety of CAR-T cells that target c-Met to investigate their potential to induce HCC cell death in vitro. METHODS Human T cells were transduced to express CARs by lentiviral vector transfection. c-Met expression in human HCC cell lines and CARs expression were monitored by flow cytometry. Tumor cell killing was evaluated by Luciferase Assay System Kit. The concentrations of cytokine were tested by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Knock down and overexpression studies targeting c-Met were conducted to assess the targeting specificity of CARs. RESULTS We found that CAR T cells expressing a minimal amino-terminal polypeptide sequence comprising the first kringle (kringle 1) domain (denoted as NK1 CAR-T cells), efficiently killed HCC cell lines that expressed high levels of the HGF receptor c-Met. Furthermore, we report that while NK1 CAR-T cells were efficient at targeting SMMC7221 cells for destruction, and its potency was significantly attenuated in parallel experiments with cells stably expressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that suppressed c-Met expression. Correspondingly, overexpression of c-Met in the embryonic kidney cell line HEK293T led to their enhanced killing by NK1 CAR-T cells. CONCLUSION Our studies demonstrate that a minimal amino-terminal polypeptide sequence comprising the kirngle1 domain of HGF is highly relevant to the design of effective CAR-T cell therapies that kill HCC cells expressing high levels of c-Met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dandan Liang
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xing Xu
- Core Facilities, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Quan Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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8
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Wang C, Yuan X, Xue J. Targeted therapy for rare lung cancers: Status, challenges, and prospects. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1960-1978. [PMID: 37179456 PMCID: PMC10362419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.05.007] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer causes the most cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent years, molecular and immunohistochemical techniques have rapidly developed, further inaugurating an era of personalized medicine for lung cancer. The rare subset of lung cancers accounts for approximately 10%, each displaying distinct clinical characteristics. Treatments for rare lung cancers are mainly based on evidence from common counterparts, which may lead to unsolid clinical benefits considering intertumoral heterogeneity. The increasing knowledge of molecular profiling of rare lung cancers has made targeting genetic alterations and immune checkpoints a powerful strategy. Additionally, cellular therapy has emerged as a promising way to target tumor cells. In this review, we first discuss the current status of targeted therapy and preclinical models for rare lung cancers, as well as provide mutational profiles by integrating the results of existing cohorts. Finally, we point out the challenges and future directions for developing targeted agents for rare lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsen Wang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Yuan
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Shah PD, Huang AC, Xu X, Orlowski R, Amaravadi RK, Schuchter LM, Zhang P, Tchou J, Matlawski T, Cervini A, Shea J, Gilmore J, Lledo L, Dengel K, Marshall A, Wherry EJ, Linette GP, Brennan A, Gonzalez V, Kulikovskaya I, Lacey SF, Plesa G, June CH, Vonderheide RH, Mitchell TC. Phase I Trial of Autologous RNA-electroporated cMET-directed CAR T Cells Administered Intravenously in Patients with Melanoma and Breast Carcinoma. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:821-829. [PMID: 37377890 PMCID: PMC10167933 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Treatments are limited for metastatic melanoma and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). This pilot phase I trial (NCT03060356) examined the safety and feasibility of intravenous RNA-electroporated chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting the cell-surface antigen cMET. Experimental Design Metastatic melanoma or mTNBC subjects had at least 30% tumor expression of cMET, measurable disease and progression on prior therapy. Patients received up to six infusions (1 × 10e8 T cells/dose) of CAR T cells without lymphodepleting chemotherapy. Forty-eight percent of prescreened subjects met the cMET expression threshold. Seven (3 metastatic melanoma, 4 mTNBC) were treated. Results Mean age was 50 years (35-64); median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0 (0-1); median prior lines of chemotherapy/immunotherapy were 4/0 for TNBC and 1/3 for melanoma subjects. Six patients experienced grade 1 or 2 toxicity. Toxicities in at least 1 patient included anemia, fatigue, and malaise. One subject had grade 1 cytokine release syndrome. No grade 3 or higher toxicity, neurotoxicity, or treatment discontinuation occurred. Best response was stable disease in 4 and disease progression in 3 subjects. mRNA signals corresponding to CAR T cells were detected by RT-PCR in all patients' blood including in 3 subjects on day +1 (no infusion administered on this day). Five subjects underwent postinfusion biopsy with no CAR T-cell signals seen in tumor. Three subjects had paired tumor tissue; IHC showed increases in CD8 and CD3 and decreases in pS6 and Ki67. Conclusions Intravenous administration of RNA-electroporated cMET-directed CAR T cells is safe and feasible. Significance Data evaluating CAR T therapy in patients with solid tumors are limited. This pilot clinical trial demonstrates that intravenous cMET-directed CAR T-cell therapy is safe and feasible in patients with metastatic melanoma and metastatic breast cancer, supporting the continued evaluation of cellular therapy for patients with these malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal D. Shah
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexander C. Huang
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert Orlowski
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ravi K. Amaravadi
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lynn M. Schuchter
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul Zhang
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Julia Tchou
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tina Matlawski
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amanda Cervini
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joanne Shea
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joan Gilmore
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lester Lledo
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Karen Dengel
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amy Marshall
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - E. John Wherry
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Institute of Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gerald P. Linette
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrea Brennan
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vanessa Gonzalez
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Irina Kulikovskaya
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Simon F. Lacey
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gabriela Plesa
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Carl H. June
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert H. Vonderheide
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tara C. Mitchell
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Chiriaco C, Donini C, Cortese M, Ughetto S, Modica C, Martinelli I, Proment A, Vitali L, Fontani L, Casucci M, Comoglio PM, Giordano S, Sangiolo D, Leuci V, Vigna E. Efficacy of CAR-T immunotherapy in MET overexpressing tumors not eligible for anti-MET targeted therapy. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:309. [PMID: 36271379 PMCID: PMC9585715 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02479-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background Aberrant activation of the MET receptor in cancer is sustained by genetic alterations or, more frequently, by transcriptional upregulations. A fraction of MET-amplified or mutated tumors are sensible to MET targeting agents, but their responsiveness is typically short-lasting, as secondary resistance eventually occurs. Since in the absence of genetic alterations MET is usually not a tumor driver, MET overexpressing tumors are not/poorly responsive to MET targeted therapies. Consequently, the vast majority of tumors exhibiting MET activation still represent an unmet medical need. Methods Here we propose an immunotherapy strategy based on T lymphocytes expressing a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) targeting MET overexpressing tumors of different histotypes. We engineered two different MET-CAR constructs and tested MET-CAR-T cell cytotoxic activity against different MET overexpressing models, including tumor cell lines, primary cancer cells, organoids, and xenografts in immune-deficient mice. Results We proved that MET-CAR-T exerted a specific cytotoxic activity against MET expressing cells. Cell killing was proportional to the level of MET expressed on the cell surface. While CAR-T cytotoxicity was minimal versus cells carrying MET at physiological levels, essentially sparing normal cells, the activity versus MET overexpressing tumors was robust, significantly controlling tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Notably, MET-CAR-T cells were also able to brake acquired resistance to MET targeting agents in MET amplified cancer cells carrying secondary mutations in downstream signal transducers. Conclusions We set and validated at the pre-clinical level a MET-CAR immunotherapy strategy potentially beneficial for cancers not eligible for MET targeted therapy with inhibitory molecules, including those exhibiting primary or secondary resistance. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02479-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Chiriaco
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy ,Present address: Anemocyte S.r.l., 21040 Gerenzano, VA Italy
| | - Chiara Donini
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Cortese
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Ughetto
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy ,Present address: Bios-Therapy, Physiological System for Health S.p.A, 52037 Sansepolcro, AR Italy
| | - Chiara Modica
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy ,grid.10776.370000 0004 1762 5517Present address: Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy
| | - Alessia Proment
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Letizia Vitali
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lara Fontani
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy
| | - Monica Casucci
- grid.18887.3e0000000417581884Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Maria Comoglio
- grid.7678.e0000 0004 1757 7797IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Leuci
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy
| | - Elisa Vigna
- grid.419555.90000 0004 1759 7675Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, TO Italy ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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11
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Qu C, Zhang H, Cao H, Tang L, Mo H, Liu F, Zhang L, Yi Z, Long L, Yan L, Wang Z, Zhang N, Luo P, Zhang J, Liu Z, Ye W, Liu Z, Cheng Q. Tumor buster - where will the CAR-T cell therapy 'missile' go? Mol Cancer 2022; 21:201. [PMID: 36261831 PMCID: PMC9580202 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01669-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy based on gene editing technology represents a significant breakthrough in personalized immunotherapy for human cancer. This strategy uses genetic modification to enable T cells to target tumor-specific antigens, attack specific cancer cells, and bypass tumor cell apoptosis avoidance mechanisms to some extent. This method has been extensively used to treat hematologic diseases, but the therapeutic effect in solid tumors is not ideal. Tumor antigen escape, treatment-related toxicity, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) limit their use of it. Target selection is the most critical aspect in determining the prognosis of patients receiving this treatment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of all therapeutic targets used in the clinic or shown promising potential. We summarize CAR-T cell therapies’ clinical trials, applications, research frontiers, and limitations in treating different cancers. We also explore coping strategies when encountering sub-optimal tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or TAA loss. Moreover, the importance of CAR-T cell therapy in cancer immunotherapy is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunrun Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, The Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lanhua Tang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haoyang Mo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fangkun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenjie Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lifu Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Luzhe Yan
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,One-third Lab, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weijie Ye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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