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Li S, Xia Y, Hou R, Wang X, Zhao X, Guan Z, Ma W, Xu Y, Zhang W, Liu D, Zheng J, Shi M. Armed with IL-2 based fusion protein improves CAR-T cell fitness and efficacy against solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167159. [PMID: 38583815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167159] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is regarded as a potent immunotherapy and has made significant success in hematologic malignancies by eliciting antigen-specific immune responses. However, response rates of CAR-T cell therapy against solid tumors with immunosuppressive microenvironments remain limited. Co-engineering strategies are advancing methods to overcome immunosuppressive barriers and enhance antitumor responses. Here, we engineered an IL-2 mutein co-engineered CAR-T for the improvement of CAR-T cells against solid tumors and the efficient inhibition of solid tumors. We equipped the CAR-T cells with co-expressing both tumor antigen-targeted CAR and a mutated human interleukin-2 (IL-2m), conferring enhanced CAR-T cells fitness in vitro, reshaped immune-excluded TME, enhanced CAR-T infiltration in solid tumors, and improved tumor control without significant systemic toxicity. Overall, this subject demonstrates the universal CAR-T cells armed strategy for the development and optimization of CAR-T cells against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yifei Xia
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Rui Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Zhangchun Guan
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wen Ma
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yutong Xu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
| | - Ming Shi
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
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Nie S, Song Y, Hu K, Zu W, Zhang F, Chen L, Ma Q, Zhou Z, Jiao S. CXCL10 and IL15 co-expressing chimeric antigen receptor T cells enhance anti-tumor effects in gastric cancer by increasing cytotoxic effector cell accumulation and survival. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2358590. [PMID: 38812569 PMCID: PMC11135867 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2358590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated outstanding therapeutic success in hematological malignancies. Yet, their efficacy against solid tumors remains constrained due to inadequate infiltration of cytotoxic T and CAR-T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), a factor correlated with poor prognosis in patients with solid tumors. To overcome this limitation, we engineered CAR-T cells to secrete CXCL10 and IL15 (10 × 15 CAR-T), which sustain T cell viability and enhance their recruitment, thereby amplifying the long-term cytotoxic capacity of CAR-T cells in vitro. In a xenograft model employing NUGC4-T21 cells, mice receiving 10 × 15 CAR-T cells showed superior tumor reduction and extended survival rates compared to those treated with second-generation CAR-T cells. Histopathological evaluations indicated a pronounced increase in cytotoxic T cell accumulation in the TME post 10 × 15 CAR-T cell treatment. Therefore, the synergistic secretion of CXCL10 and IL15 in these CAR-T cells enhances T cell recruitment and adaptability within tumor tissues, improving tumor control. This approach may offer a promising strategy for advancing CAR-T therapies in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyue Nie
- PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
- Research and Development Department, Beijing DCTY Biotech Co. LTD, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Song
- Research and Development Department, Beijing DCTY Biotech Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Hu
- Research and Development Department, Beijing DCTY Biotech Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zu
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengjiao Zhang
- Research and Development Department, Beijing DCTY Biotech Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Lixia Chen
- Research and Development Department, Beijing DCTY Biotech Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Research and Development Department, Beijing DCTY Biotech Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Zishan Zhou
- Research and Development Department, Beijing DCTY Biotech Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Shunchang Jiao
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Lutskovich D, Meleshko A, Katsin M. State of the art and perspectives of chimeric antigen receptor T cells cell therapy for neuroblastoma. Cytotherapy 2024:S1465-3249(24)00718-7. [PMID: 38852096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.05.011] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a solid, neuroendocrine pediatric solid tumor with divergent clinical behavior. Patients with high-risk diseases have poor prognoses despite complex multimodal therapy, which requires the search for new therapeutic approaches. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) have led to dramatic improvements in the survival of cancer patients, most notably those with hematologic malignancies. Early-phase clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy for NB have proven safe and feasible, but limited clinical efficacy. At the same time, multiple experimental and preclinical studies have shown that the most common in clinical trials single 2nd or 3rd generation CAR structure is not sufficient for a complete response in solid tumors. Here, we review the recent advances and future perspectives associated with engineered receptors, including several antigens binding, armored CAR-T of 4th and 5th generation and CAR-T cell combination strategies with other immunotherapy. We also summarize the results and shortcomings of ongoing clinical trials of CAR-T therapy for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzmitry Lutskovich
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk, Belarus.
| | - Alexander Meleshko
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Mikalai Katsin
- Vitebsk Regional Clinical Cancer Centre, Vitebsk, Belarus
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Borogovac A, Siddiqi T. Advancing CAR T-cell therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: exploring resistance mechanisms and the innovative strategies to overcome them. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:18. [PMID: 38835348 PMCID: PMC11149098 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has ushered in substantial advancements in the management of various B-cell malignancies. However, its integration into chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment has been challenging, attributed largely to the development of very effective chemo-free alternatives. Additionally, CAR T-cell responses in CLL have not been as high as in other B-cell lymphomas or leukemias. However, a critical void exists in therapeutic options for patients with high-risk diseases who are resistant to the current CLL therapies, underscoring the urgency for adoptive immunotherapies in these patients. The diminished CAR T-cell efficacy within CLL can be traced to factors such as compromised T-cell fitness due to persistent antigenic stimulation inherent to CLL. Resistance mechanisms encompass tumor-related factors like antigen escape, CAR T-cell-intrinsic factors like T-cell exhaustion, and a suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). New strategies to combat CAR T-cell resistance include the concurrent administration of therapies that augment CAR T-cell endurance and function, as well as the engineering of novel CAR T-cells targeting different antigens. Moreover, the concept of "armored" CAR T-cells, armed with transgenic modulators to modify both CAR T-cell function and the tumor milieu, is gaining traction. Beyond this, the development of readily available, allogeneic CAR T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells presents a promising countermeasure to innate T-cell defects in CLL patients. In this review, we explore the role of CAR T-cell therapy in CLL, the intricate tapestry of resistance mechanisms, and the pioneering methods studied to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Borogovac
- City of Hope, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Tanya Siddiqi
- City of Hope, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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Xu MY, Zeng N, Liu CQ, Sun JX, An Y, Zhang SH, Xu JZ, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Hu J, Xia QD, Wang SG. Enhanced cellular therapy: revolutionizing adoptive cellular therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:47. [PMID: 38664743 PMCID: PMC11046957 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00506-6] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced cellular therapy has emerged as a novel concept following the basis of cellular therapy. This treatment modality applied drugs or biotechnology to directly enhance or genetically modify cells to enhance the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT). Drugs or biotechnology that enhance the killing ability of immune cells include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) / antibody drugs, small molecule inhibitors, immunomodulatory factors, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), oncolytic virus (OV), etc. Firstly, overcoming the inhibitory tumor microenvironment (TME) can enhance the efficacy of ACT, which can be achieved by blocking the immune checkpoint. Secondly, cytokines or cytokine receptors can be expressed by genetic engineering or added directly to adoptive cells to enhance the migration and infiltration of adoptive cells to tumor cells. Moreover, multi-antigen chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can be designed to enhance the specific recognition of tumor cell-related antigens, and OVs can also stimulate antigen release. In addition to inserting suicide genes into adoptive cells, PROTAC technology can be used as a safety switch or degradation agent of immunosuppressive factors to enhance the safety and efficacy of adoptive cells. This article comprehensively summarizes the mechanism, current situation, and clinical application of enhanced cellular therapy, describing potential improvements to adoptive cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Na Zeng
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen-Qian Liu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Xuan Sun
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ye An
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Han Zhang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin-Zhou Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Yu Zhong
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Yang Ma
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao-Dong He
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi-Dong Xia
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shao-Gang Wang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Frebel K, Albring JC, Wohlgemuth A, Schwöppe C, Hailfinger S, Lenz G, Stelljes M. Comparison of antibody-based immunotherapeutics for malignant hematological disease in an experimental murine model. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1934-1945. [PMID: 38197968 PMCID: PMC11021910 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Antibody-based immunotherapies have revolutionized leukemia and lymphoma treatment, with animal studies being crucial in evaluating effectiveness and side effects. By targeting the evolutionary conserved Slamf7 immune receptor, which is naturally expressed by the murine multiple myeloma cell line MPC-11, we have developed a syngeneic mouse model for direct comparison of 3 immunotherapies: monoclonal antibodies (mAb), bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells (CART), all targeting Slamf7. Slamf7-BiTE is a bispecific single-chain antibody consisting of α-Slamf7 and α-CD3 Fv fragments joined through a Gly-Ser linker, and Slamf7-CART comprises the α-Slamf7 Fv fragment fused to the msCD8α transmembrane and msCD28, 4-1BB, and CD3ζ intracellular signaling domains. Slamf7-BiTE and Slamf7-CART effectively killed MPC-11 cells in vitro, independently of Slamf7-mediated inhibitory signaling by self-ligation. After chimerizing the constant region of the rat-anti-mouse Slamf7 antibody to mouse Fc-immunoglobulin G2a for enhanced effector functions, Slamf7-mAb triggered antigen-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity by binding to Fcγ receptor IV. In vivo, all 3 immunotherapies showed antitumor effects against Slamf7-expressing targets. Unlike Slamf7-mAb, Slamf7-BiTE led to considerable side effects in test animals, including weight loss and general malaise, which were also observed to a lesser extent after Slamf7-CART infusion. In allogeneic transplant, Slamf7-BiTE and Slamf7-CART maintained activity compared with the nontransplant setting, whereas Slamf7-mAb displayed enhanced antimyeloma activity. In summary, our model faithfully replicates treatment efficacy and side effects detected after human immunotherapy. It aids in developing and improving immunotherapies and may help devise novel approaches to mitigate undesired effects in steady state and allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Frebel
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jörn C. Albring
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anika Wohlgemuth
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Schwöppe
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Hailfinger
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Georg Lenz
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Matthias Stelljes
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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Yuan G, Ye M, Zhang Y, Zeng X. Challenges and strategies in relation to effective CAR-T cell immunotherapy for solid tumors. Med Oncol 2024; 41:126. [PMID: 38652178 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02310-y] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but its application to solid tumors is limited. CAR-T cells have poor incapability of entering, surviving, proliferating, and finally exerting function in the tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes the main strategies related to enhancing the infiltration, efficacy, antigen recognition, and production of CAR-T in solid tumors. Additional applications of CAR-γδ T and macrophages are also discussed. We believe CAR-T will be a milestone in treating solid tumors once these problems are solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxun Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Mengke Ye
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yixi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Xun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Nguyen R, Doubrovina E, Mousset CM, Jin BY, Okada R, Zhang X, Clavel A, Reyes-Gonzalez JM, Dyomin V, Diaz L, Zhang L, Abbas S, Sun M, Hsieh CM, Ho M, Shern JF, Gulley JL, Hinrichs CS. Cooperative Armoring of CAR and TCR T Cells by T Cell-Restricted IL15 and IL21 Universally Enhances Solid Tumor Efficacy. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1555-1566. [PMID: 37910044 PMCID: PMC11018485 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1872] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapies are effective in a subset of patients with solid tumors, but new approaches are needed to universally improve patient outcomes. Here, we developed a technology to leverage the cooperative effects of IL15 and IL21, two common cytokine-receptor gamma chain family members with distinct, pleiotropic effects on T cells and other lymphocytes, to enhance the efficacy of adoptive T cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We designed vectors that induce the constitutive expression of either membrane-tethered IL15, IL21, or IL15/IL21. We used clinically relevant preclinical models of transgenic CARs and TCRs against pediatric and adult solid tumors to determine the effect of the membrane-tethered cytokines on engineered T cells for human administration. RESULTS We found that self-delivery of these cytokines by CAR or TCR T cells prevents functional exhaustion by repeated stimulation and limits the emergence of dysfunctional natural killer (NK)-like T cells. Across different preclinical murine solid tumor models, we observed enhanced regression with each individual cytokine but the greatest antitumor efficacy when T cells were armored with both. CONCLUSIONS The coexpression of membrane-tethered IL15 and IL21 represents a technology to enhance the resilience and function of engineered T cells against solid tumors and could be applicable to multiple therapy platforms and diseases. See related commentary by Ruffin et al., p. 1431.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Nguyen
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ekaterina Doubrovina
- Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Charlotte M. Mousset
- Genitourinary Malignancy Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Y. Jin
- Genitourinary Malignancy Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Reona Okada
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xiyuan Zhang
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arina Clavel
- Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jeyshka M. Reyes-Gonzalez
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vadim Dyomin
- Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Louis Diaz
- Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Ling Zhang
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shahroze Abbas
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ming Sun
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chao-Ming Hsieh
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jack F. Shern
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James L. Gulley
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christian S. Hinrichs
- Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Zhu HX, Yang SH, Gao CY, Bian ZH, Chen XM, Huang RR, Meng QL, Li X, Jin H, Tsuneyama K, Han Y, Li L, Zhao ZB, Gershwin ME, Lian ZX. Targeting pathogenic CD8 + tissue-resident T cells with chimeric antigen receptor therapy in murine autoimmune cholangitis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2936. [PMID: 38580644 PMCID: PMC10997620 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46654-5] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by autoreactive T cell response against intrahepatic small bile ducts. Here, we use Il12b-/-Il2ra-/- mice (DKO mice) as a model of autoimmune cholangitis and demonstrate that Cd8a knockout or treatment with an anti-CD8α antibody prevents/reduces biliary immunopathology. Using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we identified CD8+ tissue-resident memory T (Trm) cells in the livers of DKO mice, which highly express activation- and cytotoxicity-associated markers and induce apoptosis of bile duct epithelial cells. Liver CD8+ Trm cells also upregulate the expression of several immune checkpoint molecules, including PD-1. We describe the development of a chimeric antigen receptor to target PD-1-expressing CD8+ Trm cells. Treatment of DKO mice with PD-1-targeting CAR-T cells selectively depleted liver CD8+ Trm cells and alleviated autoimmune cholangitis. Our work highlights the pathogenic role of CD8+ Trm cells and the potential therapeutic usage of PD-1-targeting CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Xian Zhu
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Han Yang
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cai-Yue Gao
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Bian
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Min Chen
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong-Rong Huang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian-Li Meng
- Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haosheng Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Li
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhi-Bin Zhao
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Zhe-Xiong Lian
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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10
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Zhang T, Tai Z, Miao F, Zhang X, Li J, Zhu Q, Wei H, Chen Z. Adoptive cell therapy for solid tumors beyond CAR-T: Current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances. J Control Release 2024; 368:372-396. [PMID: 38408567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.033] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a highly specific anti-tumor immunotherapy that has shown promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, there has been a slow progress toward the treatment of solid tumors owing to the complex tumor microenvironment that affects the localization and killing ability of the CAR cells. Solid tumors with a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and complex vascular system are unaffected by CAR cell infiltration and attack. To improve their efficacy toward solid tumors, CAR cells have been modified and upgraded by "decorating" and "pruning". This review focuses on the structure and function of CARs, the immune cells that can be engineered by CARs and the transformation strategies to overcome solid tumors, with a view to broadening ideas for the better application of CAR cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrui Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China; Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Jiadong Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China.
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11
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Zhou R, Wu ST, Yazdanifar M, Williams C, Sanders A, Brouwer C, Maher J, Mukherjee P. Mucin-1-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Are Effective and Safe in Controlling Solid Tumors in Immunocompetent Host. J Immunother 2024; 47:77-88. [PMID: 38270462 PMCID: PMC10913860 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000505] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in solid epithelial tumors has been explored, however, with limited success. As much of the preclinical work has relied on xenograft models in immunocompromised animals, the immune-related efficacies and toxicities may have been missed. In this study, we engineered syngeneic murine CAR T cells targeting the tumor form of human mucin-1 (tMUC1) and tested the MUC1 CAR T cells' efficacy and toxicity in the immunocompetent human MUC1-expressing mouse models. The MUC1 CAR T cells significantly eliminated murine pancreatic and breast cancer cell lines in vitro. In vivo, MUC1 CAR T cells significantly slowed the mammary gland tumor progression in the spontaneous PyVMT×MUC1.Tg (MMT) mice, prevented lung metastasis, and prolonged survival. Most importantly, there was minimal short or long-term toxicity with acceptable levels of transient liver toxicity but no kidney toxicity. In addition, the mice did not show any signs of weight loss or other behavioral changes with the treatment. We also report that a single dose of MUC1 CAR T-cell treatment modestly reduced the pancreatic tumor burden in a syngeneic orthotopic model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma given at late stage of an established tumor. Taken together, these findings suggested the further development of tMUC1-targeted CAR T cells as an effective and relatively safe treatment modality for various tMUC1-expressing solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - Shu-ta Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
- Medpace, Irving, TX
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
- Adaptive Biotechnologies, South San Francisco, CA
| | - Chandra Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
- Pfizer, Cambridge, MA
| | - Alexa Sanders
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - Cory Brouwer
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - John Maher
- King’s College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy’s Cancer Centre, London, UK
| | - Pinku Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
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12
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Borogovac A, Siddiqi T. Transforming CLL management with immunotherapy: Investigating the potential of CAR T-cells and bispecific antibodies. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:119-130. [PMID: 38290860 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.01.001] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies or T-cell engagers, have revolutionized the treatment landscape for various B-cell malignancies, including B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia and many non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Despite their significant impact on these malignancies, their application in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) management is still largely under investigation. Although the initial success of CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy was observed in 3 multiply relapsed CLL patients, with 2 of them surviving over 10 years without relapse, recent CAR T-cell therapy trials in CLL have shown reduced response rates compared to their efficacy in other B-cell malignancies. One of the challenges with using immunotherapy in CLL is the compromised T-cell fitness from persistent CLL-related antigenic stimulation, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). These challenges underscore a critical gap in therapeutic options for CLL patients intolerant or resistant to current therapies, emphasizing the imperative role of effective immunotherapy. Encouragingly, innovative strategies are emerging to overcome these challenges. These include integrating synergistic agents like ibrutinib to enhance CAR T-cell function and persistence and engineering newer CAR T-cell constructs targeting diverse antigens or employing dual-targeting approaches. Bispecific antibodies are an exciting "off-the-shelf" prospect for these patients, with their investigation in CLL currently entering the realm of clinical trials. Additionally, the development of allogeneic CAR T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells from healthy donors presents a promising solution to address the diminished T-cell fitness observed in CLL patients. This comprehensive review delves into the latest insights regarding the role of immunotherapy in CLL, the complex landscape of resistance mechanisms, and a spectrum of innovative approaches to surmount therapeutic challenges.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Antibodies, Bispecific/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Bispecific/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Immunotherapy/methods
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Borogovac
- City of Hope, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA.
| | - Tanya Siddiqi
- City of Hope, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA
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13
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Lin Y, Chen Y, Luo Z, Wu YL. Recent advances in biomaterial designs for assisting CAR-T cell therapy towards potential solid tumor treatment. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:3226-3242. [PMID: 38284230 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05768b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have shown promising outcomes in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumor treatment has been significantly hindered, due to the complex manufacturing process, difficulties in proliferation and infiltration, lack of precision, or poor visualization ability. Fortunately, recent reports have shown that functional biomaterial designs such as nanoparticles, polymers, hydrogels, or implantable scaffolds might have potential to address the above challenges. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent advances in the designs of functional biomaterials for assisting CAR-T cell therapy for potential solid tumor treatments. Firstly, by enabling efficient CAR gene delivery in vivo and in vitro, functional biomaterials can streamline the difficult process of CAR-T cell therapy manufacturing. Secondly, they might also serve as carriers for drugs and bioactive molecules, promoting the proliferation and infiltration of CAR-T cells. Furthermore, a number of functional biomaterial designs with immunomodulatory properties might modulate the tumor microenvironment, which could provide a platform for combination therapies or improve the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy through synergistic therapeutic effects. Last but not least, the current challenges with biomaterials-based CAR-T therapies will also be discussed, which might be helpful for the future design of CAR-T therapy in solid tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Ying Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Zheng Luo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore 138634, Singapore
| | - Yun-Long Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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14
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Yu Z, Li H, Lu Q, Zhang Z, Tong A, Niu T. Fc receptor-like 5 (FCRL5)-directed CAR-T cells exhibit antitumor activity against multiple myeloma. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:16. [PMID: 38212320 PMCID: PMC10784595 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01702-2] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) remains a challenging hematologic malignancy despite advancements in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. Current targets of CAR-T cells used in MM immunotherapy have limitations, with a subset of patients experiencing antigen loss resulting in relapse. Therefore, novel targets for enhancing CAR-T cell therapy in MM remain needed. Fc receptor-like 5 (FCRL5) is a protein marker with considerably upregulated expression in MM and has emerged as a promising target for CAR-T cell therapeutic interventions, offering an alternative treatment for MM. To further explore this option, we designed FCRL5-directed CAR-T cells and assessed their cytotoxicity in vitro using a co-culture system and in vivo using MM cell-derived xenograft models, specifically focusing on MM with gain of chromosome 1q21. Given the challenges in CAR-T therapies arising from limited T cell persistence, our approach incorporates interleukin-15 (IL-15), which enhances the functionality of central memory T (TCM) cells, into the design of FCRL5-directed CAR-T cells, to improve cytotoxicity and reduce T-cell dysfunction, thereby promoting greater CAR-T cell survival and efficacy. Both in vitro and xenograft models displayed that FCRL5 CAR-T cells incorporating IL-15 exhibited potent antitumor efficacy, effectively inhibiting the proliferation of MM cells and leading to remarkable tumor suppression. Our results highlight the capacity of FCRL5-specific CAR-T cells with the integration of IL-15 to improve the therapeutic potency, suggesting a potential novel immunotherapeutic strategy for MM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Yu
- Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hexian Li
- Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qizhong Lu
- Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zongliang Zhang
- Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Ting Niu
- Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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15
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Chamorro DF, Somes LK, Hoyos V. Engineered Adoptive T-Cell Therapies for Breast Cancer: Current Progress, Challenges, and Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:124. [PMID: 38201551 PMCID: PMC10778447 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010124] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, and novel treatment approaches are critically needed. This review presents an in-depth analysis of engineered adoptive T-cell therapies (E-ACTs), an innovative frontier in cancer immunotherapy, focusing on their application in breast cancer. We explore the evolving landscape of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapies, highlighting their potential and challenges in targeting breast cancer. The review addresses key obstacles such as target antigen selection, the complex breast cancer tumor microenvironment, and the persistence of engineered T-cells. We discuss the advances in overcoming these barriers, including strategies to enhance T-cell efficacy. Finally, our comprehensive analysis of the current clinical trials in this area provides insights into the future possibilities and directions of E-ACTs in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F. Chamorro
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
| | - Lauren K. Somes
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
| | - Valentina Hoyos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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16
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Majumder A. Evolving CAR-T-Cell Therapy for Cancer Treatment: From Scientific Discovery to Cures. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:39. [PMID: 38201467 PMCID: PMC10777914 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010039] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy has emerged as the most promising immunotherapy for cancer that typically uses patients' T cells and genetically engineered them to target cancer cells. Although recent improvements in CAR-T-cell therapy have shown remarkable success for treating hematological malignancies, the heterogeneity in tumor antigens and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) limits its efficacy in solid tumors. Despite the enormous efforts that have been made to make CAR-T-cell therapy more effective and have minimal side effects for treating hematological malignancies, more research needs to be conducted regarding its use in the clinic for treating various other types of cancer. The main concern for CAR-T-cell therapy is severe toxicities due to the cytokine release syndrome, whereas the other challenges are associated with complexity and immune-suppressing TME, tumor antigen heterogeneity, the difficulty of cell trafficking, CAR-T-cell exhaustion, and reduced cytotoxicity in the tumor site. This review discussed the latest discoveries in CAR-T-cell therapy strategies and combination therapies, as well as their effectiveness in different cancers. It also encompasses ongoing clinical trials; current challenges regarding the therapeutic use of CAR-T-cell therapy, especially for solid tumors; and evolving treatment strategies to improve the therapeutic application of CAR-T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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17
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Takayanagi SI, Wang B, Hasegawa S, Nishikawa S, Fukumoto K, Nakano K, Chuganji S, Kato Y, Kamibayashi S, Minagawa A, Kunisato A, Nozawa H, Kaneko S. Mini-TCRs: Truncated T cell receptors to generate T cells from induced pluripotent stem cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101109. [PMID: 37822720 PMCID: PMC10562677 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101109] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic T cell platforms utilizing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology exhibit significant promise for the facilitation of adoptive immunotherapies. While mature T cell receptor (TCR) signaling plays a crucial role in generating T cells from iPSCs, the introduction of exogenous mature TCR genes carries a potential risk of causing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). In this study, we present the development of truncated TCRα and TCRβ chains, termed mini-TCRs, which lack variable domains responsible for recognizing human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-peptide complexes. We successfully induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) from iPSCs by employing mini-TCRs. Combinations of TCRα and TCRβ fragments were screened from mini-TCR libraries based on the surface localization of CD3 proteins and their ability to transduce T cell signaling. Consequently, mini-TCR-expressing iPSCs underwent physiological T cell development, progressing from the CD4 and CD8 double-positive stage to the CD8 single-positive stage. The resulting iPSC-derived CTLs exhibited comparable cytokine production and cytotoxicity in comparison to that of full-length TCR-expressing T lymphocytes when chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) were expressed. These findings demonstrate the potential of mini-TCR-carrying iPSCs as a versatile platform for CAR T cell therapy, offering a promising avenue for advancing adoptive immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-ichiro Takayanagi
- Kirin Central Research Institute, Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd., 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Bo Wang
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Shinobi Therapeutics, Inc., 46-29 Yoshida-Shimo-Adachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Saki Hasegawa
- Kirin Central Research Institute, Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd., 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nishikawa
- R&D Division, Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd, 3-6-6 Asahi-machi, Machida-shi, Tokyo 194-8533, Japan
| | - Ken Fukumoto
- Kirin Central Research Institute, Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd., 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakano
- Shinobi Therapeutics, Inc., 46-29 Yoshida-Shimo-Adachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Sayaka Chuganji
- Kirin Central Research Institute, Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd., 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yuya Kato
- Kirin Central Research Institute, Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd., 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Sanae Kamibayashi
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Atsutaka Minagawa
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kunisato
- Kirin Central Research Institute, Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd., 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Hajime Nozawa
- Kirin Central Research Institute, Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd., 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Shin Kaneko
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Shinobi Therapeutics, Inc., 46-29 Yoshida-Shimo-Adachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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18
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Haydar D, Ibañez-Vega J, Crawford JC, Chou CH, Guy CS, Meehl M, Yi Z, Perry S, Laxton J, Cunningham T, Langfitt D, Vogel P, DeRenzo C, Gottschalk S, Roussel MF, Thomas PG, Krenciute G. CAR T-cell Design-dependent Remodeling of the Brain Tumor Immune Microenvironment Modulates Tumor-associated Macrophages and Anti-glioma Activity. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2430-2446. [PMID: 37971169 PMCID: PMC10689147 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the intricate dynamics between adoptively transferred immune cells and the brain tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is crucial for the development of effective T cell-based immunotherapies. In this study, we investigated the influence of the TIME and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) design on the anti-glioma activity of B7-H3-specific CAR T-cells. Using an immunocompetent glioma model, we evaluated a panel of seven fully murine B7-H3 CARs with variations in transmembrane, costimulatory, and activation domains. We then investigated changes in the TIME following CAR T-cell therapy using high-dimensional flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. Our results show that five out of six B7-H3 CARs with single costimulatory domains demonstrated robust functionality in vitro. However, these CARs had significantly varied levels of antitumor activity in vivo. To enhance therapeutic effectiveness and persistence, we incorporated 41BB and CD28 costimulation through transgenic expression of 41BBL on CD28-based CAR T-cells. This CAR design was associated with significantly improved anti-glioma efficacy in vitro but did not result in similar improvements in vivo. Analysis of the TIME revealed that CAR T-cell therapy influenced the composition of the TIME, with the recruitment and activation of distinct macrophage and endogenous T-cell subsets crucial for successful antitumor responses. Indeed, complete brain macrophage depletion using a CSF1R inhibitor abrogated CAR T-cell antitumor activity. In sum, our study highlights the critical role of CAR design and its modulation of the TIME in mediating the efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy for high-grade glioma. SIGNIFICANCE CAR T-cell immunotherapies hold great potential for treating brain cancers; however, they are hindered by a challenging immune environment that dampens their effectiveness. In this study, we show that the CAR design influences the makeup of the immune environment in brain tumors, underscoring the need to target specific immune components to improve CAR T-cell performance, and highlighting the significance of using models with functional immune systems to optimize this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Haydar
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
- Children's National Hospital, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jorge Ibañez-Vega
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Ching-Heng Chou
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Clifford S. Guy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Michaela Meehl
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
- Department of Microbiology Immunology Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Zhongzhen Yi
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
- Children's National Hospital, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Scott Perry
- Flow Cytometry Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan Laxton
- Flow Cytometry Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Trevor Cunningham
- Flow Cytometry Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Deanna Langfitt
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Peter Vogel
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Christopher DeRenzo
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Martine F. Roussel
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Paul G. Thomas
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Giedre Krenciute
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, Tennessee
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19
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Kizerwetter M, Pietz K, Tomasovic LM, Spangler JB. Empowering gene delivery with protein engineering platforms. Gene Ther 2023; 30:775-782. [PMID: 36529795 PMCID: PMC10277311 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00379-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The repertoire of therapeutic proteins has been substantially augmented by molecular engineering approaches, which have seen remarkable advancement in recent years. In particular, advances in directed evolution technologies have empowered the development of custom-designed proteins with novel and disease-relevant functions. Whereas engineered proteins have typically been administered through systemic injection of the purified molecule, exciting progress in gene delivery affords the opportunity to elicit sustained production of the engineered proteins by targeted cells in the host organism. Combining developments at the leading edge of protein engineering and gene delivery has catapulted a new wave of molecular and cellular therapy approaches, which harbor great promise for personalized and precision medicine. This mini-review outlines currently used display platforms for protein evolution and describes recent examples of how the resulting engineered proteins have been incorporated into DNA- and cell-based therapeutic platforms, both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, the strategies detailed herein provide a framework for synthesizing molecular engineering workflows with gene therapy systems for a breadth of applications in research and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kizerwetter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Pietz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luke M Tomasovic
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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20
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Nguyen DT, Liu R, Ogando-Rivas E, Pepe A, Pedro D, Qdaisat S, Nguyen NTY, Lavrador JM, Golde GR, Smolchek RA, Ligon J, Jin L, Tao H, Webber A, Phillpot S, Mitchell DA, Sayour EJ, Huang J, Castillo P, Gregory Sawyer W. Bioconjugated liquid-like solid enhances characterization of solid tumor - chimeric antigen receptor T cell interactions. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:466-479. [PMID: 37788737 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.042] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable success as an immunotherapy for hematological malignancies, and its potential for treating solid tumors is an active area of research. However, limited trafficking and mobility of T cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) present challenges for CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors. To gain a better understanding of CAR T cell function in solid tumors, we subjected CD70-specific CAR T cells to a challenge by evaluating their immune trafficking and infiltration through a confined 3D microchannel network in a bio-conjugated liquid-like solid (LLS) medium. Our results demonstrated successful CAR T cell migration and anti-tumor activity against CD70-expressing glioblastoma and osteosarcoma tumors. Through comprehensive analysis of cytokines and chemokines, combined with in situ imaging, we elucidated that immune recruitment occurred via chemotaxis, and the effector-to-target ratio plays an important role in overall antitumor function. Furthermore, through single-cell collection and transcriptomic profiling, we identified differential gene expression among the immune subpopulations. Our findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of CAR T cell function in solid tumors, informing future research and development in this promising cancer treatment approach. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The use of specialized immune cells named CAR T cells to combat cancers has demonstrated remarkable success against blood cancers. However, this success is not replicated in solid tumors, such as brain or bone cancers, mainly due to the physical barriers of these solid tumors. Currently, preclinical technologies do not allow for reliable evaluation of tumor-immune cell interactions. To better study these specialized CAR T cells, we have developed an innovative in vitro three-dimensional model that promises to dissect the interactions between tumors and CAR T cells at the single-cell level. Our findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of CAR T cell function in solid tumors, informing future research and development in this promising cancer treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy T Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Ruixuan Liu
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Elizabeth Ogando-Rivas
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Alfonso Pepe
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Diego Pedro
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Sadeem Qdaisat
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States; University of Florida Genetics Institute, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Nhi Tran Yen Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Julia M Lavrador
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Griffin R Golde
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Ryan A Smolchek
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - John Ligon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Linchun Jin
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Haipeng Tao
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Alex Webber
- Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Simon Phillpot
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Elias J Sayour
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Jianping Huang
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Paul Castillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - W Gregory Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
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21
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Giardino Torchia ML, Moody G. DIALing-up the preclinical characterization of gene-modified adoptive cellular immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264882. [PMID: 38090585 PMCID: PMC10713823 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264882] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The preclinical characterization of gene modified adoptive cellular immunotherapy candidates for clinical development often requires the use of mouse models. Gene-modified lymphocytes (GML) incorporating chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and T-cell receptors (TCR) into immune effector cells require in vivo characterization of biological activity, mechanism of action, and preclinical safety. Typically, this characterization involves the assessment of dose-dependent, on-target, on-tumor activity in severely immunocompromised mice. While suitable for the purpose of evaluating T cell-expressed transgene function in a living host, this approach falls short in translating cellular therapy efficacy, safety, and persistence from preclinical models to humans. To comprehensively characterize cell therapy products in mice, we have developed a framework called "DIAL". This framework aims to enable an end-to-end understanding of genetically engineered cellular immunotherapies in vivo, from infusion to tumor clearance and long-term immunosurveillance. The acronym DIAL stands for Distribution, Infiltration, Accumulation, and Longevity, compartmentalizing the systemic attributes of gene-modified cellular therapy and providing a platform for optimization with the ultimate goal of improving therapeutic efficacy. This review will discuss both existent and emerging examples of DIAL characterization in mouse models, as well as opportunities for future development and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gordon Moody
- Cell Therapy Unit, Oncology Research, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
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22
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Pan J. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for Acute Leukemia. BLOOD CELL THERAPY 2023; 6:145-150. [PMID: 38149027 PMCID: PMC10749733 DOI: 10.31547/bct-2023-028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide use of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has increased the response rate in patients with refractory or relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Clinical practice has become much safer with the help of immunotherapy-related toxicity management guidelines, such as the ASTCT consensus grading system. Tocilizumab and steroids are the major interventions for controlling cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). New drugs and interventions for uncontrolled CRS and ICANS, including JAK1/2 inhibitors, have also been investigated. The combination of ruxolitinib and steroids effectively controlled severe CRS without impeding CAR-T cell expansion. Patients with refractory CNS3 status and CNS masses were excluded from the clinical trials because of the high risk of severe ICANS. Intracranial injections of steroids and Ommaya capsule implantation were effective. For some heavily treated patients, the difficulties in CAR-T cell manufacturing and expansion may be resolved by combination with blinatumumab. Relapse is a major concern after CAR-T therapy, and combination interventions, such as allogeneic stem cell transplantation, dual-target CAR-T cell therapies, and sequential CD19/22 CAR-T infusion, have been investigated in many centers. For T-lineage-targeted CAR-T therapies, the CAR T-cell fratricide can be overcome using many techniques. The efficacy and safety of CD7+ CAR-T cell therapy have been widely reported in recent years. A high response rate can be achieved when the immune reconstitution is prolonged. Infections, particularly viral reactivations, should be carefully monitored, as relapses are another potential issue. Switching targets and eliminating residual CD7+ CAR-T cells in the blood are key points for patients who relapse after CD7+ CAR-T cell therapy. CAR-T cell therapies for AML have not been investigated in a large-scale cohort, except for CD19-positive AML with the AML1-ETO fusion gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Boren Clinical Translational Center, Department of Hematology, Beijing Gobroad Boren Hospital, Beijing, China
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23
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Roth P. Chimeric antigen receptors in the brain: Can we tackle glioblastoma with engineered NK cells? Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:2072-2073. [PMID: 37522296 PMCID: PMC10628930 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Roth
- University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center, Zurich, Switzerland
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24
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Giordano Attianese GMP, Ash S, Irving M. Coengineering specificity, safety, and function into T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:166-198. [PMID: 37548063 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) therapies, including of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and T cells gene-modified to express either a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), have demonstrated clinical efficacy for a proportion of patients and cancer-types. The field of ACT has been driven forward by the clinical success of CD19-CAR therapy against various advanced B-cell malignancies, including curative responses for some leukemia patients. However, relapse remains problematic, in particular for lymphoma. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, relative limited efficacy has been demonstrated for ACT of non-hematological solid tumors. Indeed, in addition to pre-infusion challenges including lymphocyte collection and manufacturing, ACT failure can be attributed to several biological processes post-transfer including, (i) inefficient tumor trafficking, infiltration, expansion and retention, (ii) chronic antigen exposure coupled with insufficient costimulation resulting in T-cell exhaustion, (iii) a range of barriers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mediated by both tumor cells and suppressive immune infiltrate, (iv) tumor antigen heterogeneity and loss, or down-regulation of antigen presentation machinery, (v) gain of tumor intrinsic mechanisms of resistance such as to apoptosis, and (vi) various forms of toxicity and other adverse events in patients. Affinity-optimized TCRs can improve T-cell function and innovative CAR designs as well as gene-modification strategies can be used to coengineer specificity, safety, and function into T cells. Coengineering strategies can be designed not only to directly support the transferred T cells, but also to block suppressive barriers in the TME and harness endogenous innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we review a selection of the remarkable T-cell coengineering strategies, including of tools, receptors, and gene-cargo, that have been developed in recent years to augment tumor control by ACT, more and more of which are advancing to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Maria Paola Giordano Attianese
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Ash
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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25
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Cui Y, Luo M, Gu C, He Y, Yao Y, Li P. CAR designs for solid tumors: overcoming hurdles and paving the way for effective immunotherapy. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2023; 9:279-297. [PMID: 38516299 PMCID: PMC10951476 DOI: 10.52601/bpr.2023.230020] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized immunotherapy by modifying patients' immune cells genetically. By expressing CARs, these modified cells can specifically identify and eliminate tumor cells. The success of CAR-T therapy in hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma, has been remarkable. Numerous studies have reported improved patient outcomes and increased survival rates. However, the application of CAR-T therapy in treating solid tumors faces significant challenges. Solid tumors possess complex microenvironments containing stromal cells, extracellular matrix components, and blood vessels. These factors can impede the infiltration and persistence of CAR-T cells within the tumor. Additionally, the lack of target antigens exclusively expressed on tumor cells raises concerns about off-target effects and potential toxicity. This review aims to discuss advancements achieved by CAR-T therapy in solid tumors and the clinical outcomes in the realm of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbin Cui
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Mintao Luo
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Chuanyuan Gu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yuxian He
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0021, USA
| | - Yao Yao
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Peng Li
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
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26
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Wang JY, Wang L. CAR-T cell therapy: Where are we now, and where are we heading? BLOOD SCIENCE 2023; 5:237-248. [PMID: 37941917 PMCID: PMC10629745 DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000173] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapies have exhibited remarkable efficacy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, with 9 CAR-T-cell products currently available. Furthermore, CAR-T cells have shown promising potential for expanding their therapeutic applications to diverse areas, including solid tumors, myocardial fibrosis, and autoimmune and infectious diseases. Despite these advancements, significant challenges pertaining to treatment-related toxic reactions and relapses persist. Consequently, current research efforts are focused on addressing these issues to enhance the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cells and reduce the relapse rate. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the present state of CAR-T-cell therapies, including their achievements, existing challenges, and potential future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
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27
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Zhang X, Guo H, Chen J, Xu C, Wang L, Ke Y, Gao Y, Zhang B, Zhu J. Highly proliferative and hypodifferentiated CAR-T cells targeting B7-H3 enhance antitumor activity against ovarian and triple-negative breast cancers. Cancer Lett 2023; 572:216355. [PMID: 37597651 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216355] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapy is highly effective against hematological neoplasms. However, owing to tumor variability, low antigen specificity, and impermanent viability of CAR-T cells, their use in the treatment of solid tumors is limited. Here, a novel CAR-T cell targeting B7-H3 and incorporating a 4-1BB costimulatory molecule with STAT3-and STAT5-related activation motifs was constructed using lentivirus transduction. B7-H3, a tumor-associated antigen, and its scFv antibody endowed CAR-T cells with tumor-specific targeting capabilities. Moreover, the integration of the trIL2RB and YRHQ motifs stimulated STAT5 and STAT3 in an antigen-dependent manner, inducing a remarkable increase in the proliferation and survival of CAR-T cells via the activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Besides, the proportion of less-differentiated T cells increased among BB-trIL2RB-z(YRHQ) CAR-T cells. Moreover, BB-trIL2RB-z(YRHQ) effectively inhibited ovarian cancer (OC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in vivo at low doses, without high serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and organ toxicity. Therefore, our study proposes a combination of elements for the construction of superior pluripotent CAR-T cells to provide an effective strategy for the treatment of intractable solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuai Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Haiyan Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Jecho Biopharmaceutical Institute, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Chenxiao Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yong Ke
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, MOE, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Jecho Biopharmaceutical Institute, Shanghai, 200240, China
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28
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Liang T, Song Y, Gu L, Wang Y, Ma W. Insight into the Progress in CAR-T Cell Therapy and Combination with Other Therapies for Glioblastoma. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:4121-4141. [PMID: 37720174 PMCID: PMC10503554 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s418837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain cancer in adults. It is always resistant to existing treatments, including surgical resection, postoperative radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which leads to a dismal prognosis and a high relapse rate. Therefore, novel curative therapies are urgently needed for GBM. Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has significantly improved life expectancy for hematological malignancies patients, and thus it increases the interest in applying CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors. In the recently published research, it is indicated that there are numerous obstacles to achieve clinical benefits for solid tumors, especially for GBM, because of GBM anatomical characteristics (the blood-brain barrier and suppressive tumor microenvironment) and the tumor heterogeneity. CAR-T cells are difficult to penetrate blood-brain barrier, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which induces CAR-T cell exhaustion, impairs CAR-T cell therapy response. Moreover, under the pressure of CAR-T cell therapy, the tumor heterogeneity and tumor plasticity drive tumor evolution and therapy resistance, such as antigen escape. Nonetheless, scientists strive for strategies to overcome these hurdles, including novel CAR-T cell designs and regional delivery. For instance, the structure of multi-antigen-targeted CAR-T cells can enrich CAR-T accumulation in tumor TME and eliminate abundant tumor cells to avoid tumor antigen heterogeneity. Additionally, paired with an immune modifier and one or more stimulating domains, different generation of innovations in the structure and manufacturing of CAR-T cells have improved efficacy and persistence. While single CAR-T cell therapy receives limited clinical survival benefit. Compared with single CAR-T cell therapy, the combination therapies have supplemented the treatment paradigm. Combinatorial treatment methods consolidate the CAR-T cells efficacy by regulating the tumor microenvironment, optimizing the CAR structure, targeting the CAR-T cells to the tumor cells, reversing the tumor-immune escape mechanisms, and represent a promising avenue against GBM, based on multiple impressive research. Moreover, exciting results are also reported to be realized through combining effective therapies with CAR-T cells in preclinical and clinical trials samples, have aroused inspiration to explore the antitumor function of combination therapies. In summary, this study aims to summarize the limitation of CAR-T cell therapies and introduces novel strategies to enhance CAR-T cell function as well as prospect the potential of the therapeutic combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yixuan Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingui Gu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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29
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Lu X, Lofgren SM, Zhao Y, Mazur PK. Multiplexed transcriptomic profiling of the fate of human CAR T cells in vivo via genetic barcoding with shielded small nucleotides. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1170-1187. [PMID: 37652986 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The design of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells would benefit from knowledge of the fate of the cells in vivo. This requires the permanent labelling of CAR T cell products and their pooling in the same microenvironment. Here, we report a cell-barcoding method for the multiplexed longitudinal profiling of cells in vivo using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). The method, which we named shielded-small-nucleotide-based scRNA-seq (SSN-seq), is compatible with both 3' and 5' single-cell profiling, and enables the recording of cell identity, from cell infusion to isolation, by leveraging the ubiquitous Pol III U6 promoters to robustly express small-RNA barcodes modified with direct-capture sequences. By using SSN-seq to track the dynamics of the states of CAR T cells in a tumour-rechallenge mouse model of leukaemia, we found that a combination of cytokines and small-molecule inhibitors that are used in the ex vivo manufacturing of CAR T cells promotes the in vivo expansion of persistent populations of CD4+ memory T cells. By facilitating the probing of cell-state dynamics in vivo, SSN-seq may aid the development of adoptive cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyin Lu
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shane M Lofgren
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuehui Zhao
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pawel K Mazur
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Shi H, Li A, Dai Z, Xue J, Zhao Q, Tian J, Song D, Wang H, Chen J, Zhang X, Zhou K, Wei H, Qin S. IL-15 armoring enhances the antitumor efficacy of claudin 18.2-targeting CAR-T cells in syngeneic mouse tumor models. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1165404. [PMID: 37564658 PMCID: PMC10410263 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165404] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2)-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells are one of the few cell therapies currently producing an impressive therapeutic effect in treating solid tumors; however, their long-term therapeutic efficacy is not satisfactory with a short duration of response. Transgenic expression of interleukin (IL)-15 has been reported to promote T-cell expansion, survival, and function and enhance the antitumor activity of engineered T cells in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether IL-15 modification would increase the antitumor activity of CLDN18.2-targeting CAR-modified T (CAR-T) cells in immunocompetent murine tumor models. CLDN18.2-specific CAR-T cells with (H9 CAR-IL15) or without transgenic IL-15 expression (H9 CAR) were generated by retroviral transduction of mouse splenic T cells. In vitro, compared with H9 CAR T cells, H9 CAR-IL15 T cells exhibited better expansion and viability in the absence of antigen stimulation, with a less differentiated and T-cell exhausted phenotype; although IL-15 modification did not affect the production of effector cytokines and cytotoxic activity in the short-term killing assay, it moderately improved the in vitro recursive killing activity of CAR-T cells against CLDN18.2-expressing tumor cells. In vivo, H9 CAR T cells showed no antitumor activity against CLDN18.2-expressing pancreatic tumors in immunocompetent mice without lymphodepleting pretreatment; however, H9 CAR-IL15 T cells produced significant tumor-suppressive effects. Furthermore, H9 CAR-IL15 T cells exhibited greater in vivo expansion and tumor infiltration when combined with lymphodepleting preconditioning, resulting in superior antitumor activity in two murine tumor models and a survival advantage in one tumor model. We further demonstrated that recurrent tumors following H9 CAR-IL15 T-cell therapy downregulated CLDN18.2 expression, suggesting immune escape through the selection of antigen-negative cells under persistent CAR-T-cell immune pressure. In conclusion, our findings provide preclinical evidence supporting the clinical evaluation of IL-15-expressing CLDN18.2 CAR-T cells in patients with CLDN18.2-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtai Shi
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People’s Hospital, Yancheng, China
| | - Andi Li
- Innovent Cells Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Dai
- Department of Radiology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People’s Hospital, Yancheng, China
| | - Jiao Xue
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiyuan Tian
- Innovent Cells Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | | | - Hao Wang
- Innovent Biologics, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Jianan Chen
- Innovent Cells Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaokang Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kaisong Zhou
- Innovent Cells Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
- Innovent Biologics, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Huafeng Wei
- Innovent Cells Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
- Innovent Biologics, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Songbing Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Dong X, Wu W, Pan P, Zhang XZ. Engineered Living Materials for Advanced Diseases Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2304963. [PMID: 37436776 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural living materials serving as biotherapeutics exhibit great potential for treating various diseases owing to their immunoactivity, tissue targeting, and other biological activities. In this review, the recent developments in engineered living materials, including mammalian cells, bacteria, viruses, fungi, microalgae, plants, and their active derivatives that are used for treating various diseases are summarized. Further, the future perspectives and challenges of such engineered living material-based biotherapeutics are discussed to provide considerations for future advances in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Dong
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, P. R. China
| | - Pei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xian-Zheng Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
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Lee J, Lee K, Bae H, Lee K, Lee S, Ma J, Jo K, Kim I, Jee B, Kang M, Im SJ. IL-15 promotes self-renewal of progenitor exhausted CD8 T cells during persistent antigenic stimulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1117092. [PMID: 37409128 PMCID: PMC10319055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1117092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In chronic infections and cancer, exhausted CD8 T cells exhibit heterogeneous subpopulations. TCF1+PD-1+ progenitor exhausted CD8 T cells (Tpex) can self-renew and give rise to Tim-3+PD-1+ terminally differentiated CD8 T cells that retain their effector functions. Tpex cells are thus essential to maintaining a pool of antigen-specific CD8 T cells during persistent antigenic stimulation, and only they respond to PD-1-targeted therapy. Despite their potential as a crucial therapeutic target for immune interventions, the mechanisms controlling the maintenance of virus-specific Tpex cells remain to be determined. We observed approximately 10-fold fewer Tpex cells in the spleens of mice chronically infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) one-year post-infection (p.i.) than at three months p.i. Similar to memory CD8 T cells, Tpex cells have been found to undergo self-renewal in the lymphoid organs, prominently the bone marrow, during chronic LCMV infection. Furthermore, ex vivo treatment with IL-15 preferentially induced the proliferation of Tpex cells rather than the terminally differentiated subsets. Interestingly, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of LCMV-specific exhausted CD8 T cells after ex vivo IL-15 treatment compared with those before treatment revealed increased expression of ribosome-related genes and decreased expression of genes associated with the TCR signaling pathway and apoptosis in both Tpex and Ttex subsets. The exogenous administration of IL-15 to chronically LCMV-infected mice also significantly increased self-renewal of Tpex cells in the spleen and bone marrow. In addition, we assessed the responsiveness of CD8 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from renal cell carcinoma patients to IL-15. Similar to the data we obtained from chronic viral infection in mice, the expansion of the Tpex subset of PD-1+ CD8 TILs upon ex vivo IL-15 treatment was significantly higher than that of the terminally differentiated subset. These results show that IL-15 could promote self-renewal of Tpex cells, which has important therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghwa Lee
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjin Bae
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kunhee Lee
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Solhwi Lee
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhui Ma
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungjo Jo
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ijun Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - ByulA Jee
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minyong Kang
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Im
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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Haydar D, Ibañez-Vega J, Crawford JC, Chou CH, Guy C, Meehl M, Yi Z, Langfitt D, Vogel P, DeRenzo C, Gottschalk S, Roussel MF, Thomas PG, Krenciute G. CAR T-cell design dependent remodeling of the brain tumor immune microenvironment identify macrophages as key players that inhibit or promote anti-tumor activity. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2972427. [PMID: 37333156 PMCID: PMC10275057 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2972427/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Understanding interactions between adoptively transferred immune cells and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is critical for developing successful T-cell based immunotherapies. Here we investigated the impact of the TIME and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) design on anti-glioma activity of B7-H3-specific CAR T-cells. We show that five out of six B7-H3 CARs with varying transmembrane, co-stimulatory, and activation domains, exhibit robust functionality in vitro. However, in an immunocompetent glioma model, these CAR T-cells demonstrated significantly varied levels of anti-tumor activity. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to examine the brain TIME after CAR T-cell therapy. We show that the TIME composition was influenced by CAR T-cell treatment. We also found that successful anti-tumor responses were supported by the presence and activity of macrophages and endogenous T-cells. Together, our study demonstrates that efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in high-grade glioma is dependent on CAR structural design and its capacity to modulate the TIME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Haydar
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
- Children’s National Hospital, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jorge Ibañez-Vega
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Ching-Heng Chou
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Immunology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Cliff Guy
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Immunology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Michaela Meehl
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Department of Microbiology Immunology Biochemistry, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Zhongzhen Yi
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
- Children’s National Hospital, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Deanna Langfitt
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Peter Vogel
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Pathology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christopher DeRenzo
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Martine F Roussel
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Paul G. Thomas
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Immunology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Giedre Krenciute
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Memphis, TN, USA
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34
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Duane C, O'Dwyer M, Glavey S. Adoptive Immunotherapy and High-Risk Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092633. [PMID: 37174099 PMCID: PMC10177276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092633] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant improvements in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), it remains mostly incurable, highlighting a need for new therapeutic approaches. Patients with high-risk disease characteristics have a particularly poor prognosis and limited response to current frontline therapies. The recent development of immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly T cell-based agents have changed the treatment landscape for patients with relapsed and refractory disease. Adoptive cellular therapies include chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, which have emerged as a highly promising therapy, particularly for patients with refractory disease. Other adoptive cellular approaches currently in trials include T cell receptor-based therapy (TCR), and the expansion of CAR technology to natural killer (NK) cells. In this review we explore the emerging therapeutic field of adoptive cellular therapy for MM, with a particular focus on the clinical impact of these therapies for patients with high-risk myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Duane
- Department of Haematology, Beaumont Hospital, D09 V2N0 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael O'Dwyer
- Department of Haematology, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Glavey
- Department of Haematology, Beaumont Hospital, D09 V2N0 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Pathology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D09 V2N0 Dublin, Ireland
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35
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Corria-Osorio J, Carmona SJ, Stefanidis E, Andreatta M, Ortiz-Miranda Y, Muller T, Rota IA, Crespo I, Seijo B, Castro W, Jimenez-Luna C, Scarpellino L, Ronet C, Spill A, Lanitis E, Romero P, Luther SA, Irving M, Coukos G. Orthogonal cytokine engineering enables novel synthetic effector states escaping canonical exhaustion in tumor-rejecting CD8 + T cells. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:869-883. [PMID: 37081150 PMCID: PMC10154250 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01477-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
To date, no immunotherapy approaches have managed to fully overcome T-cell exhaustion, which remains a mandatory fate for chronically activated effector cells and a major therapeutic challenge. Understanding how to reprogram CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes away from exhausted effector states remains an elusive goal. Our work provides evidence that orthogonal gene engineering of T cells to secrete an interleukin (IL)-2 variant binding the IL-2Rβγ receptor and the alarmin IL-33 reprogrammed adoptively transferred T cells to acquire a novel, synthetic effector state, which deviated from canonical exhaustion and displayed superior effector functions. These cells successfully overcame homeostatic barriers in the host and led-in the absence of lymphodepletion or exogenous cytokine support-to high levels of engraftment and tumor regression. Our work unlocks a new opportunity of rationally engineering synthetic CD8+ T-cell states endowed with the ability to avoid exhaustion and control advanced solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Corria-Osorio
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland.
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Santiago J Carmona
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Evangelos Stefanidis
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Massimo Andreatta
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yaquelin Ortiz-Miranda
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tania Muller
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ioanna A Rota
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isaac Crespo
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bili Seijo
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wilson Castro
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Jimenez-Luna
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Catherine Ronet
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aodrenn Spill
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Evripidis Lanitis
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Romero
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sanjiv A Luther
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne; and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges, Switzerland.
- AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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36
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Ruixin S, Yifan L, Chuanlong W, Min Z, Hong L, Guoxiu D, Zhengyang L, Yansha S, Yiwei D, Jingwen S, Mingliang F, Bizhi S, Hua J, Zonghai L. Expressing IL-15/IL-18 and CXCR2 improve infiltration and survival of EGFRvIII-targeting CAR-T cells in breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115536. [PMID: 37028461 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we have generated EGFRvIII-targeting CAR-T cells and brought hope for treating advanced breast cancer. However, EGFRvIII-targeting CAR-T cells were defined limited anti-tumor efficacy, which might be due to reduced accumulation, persistence of therapeutic T cells in tumor site of breast cancer. CXCLs were highly expressed in tumor environment of breast cancer and CXCR2 is the main receptor for CXCLs. Here, CXCR2 could significantly improve the trafficking and tumor specific accumulation of CAR-T cells both in vivo and in vitro. However, the anti-tumor effect of CXCR2 CAR-T cells were weaken which might be results of the apoptosis of T cells. Cytokines could stimulate Tcell proliferation, such as interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-18. Then, we generated CXCR2 CAR with synthetic IL-15 or IL-18 production. Co-expressing IL-15 or IL-18 could significantly suppress the exhaustion and apoptosis of T cells and enhanced the anti-tumor activity of CXCR2 CAR-T cells in vivo. Further, coexpression IL-15 or IL-18 in CXCR2 CAR-T cells did not cause toxicity. These findings provide a potential therapy strategy of co-expression IL-15 or IL-18 in CXCR2 CAR-T cells for the treatment of advancing breast cancer in the future.
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Ning P, Yao H, Du F, Yuan J, Xia Y, Yang P, Chen X, Rao Z, Wang X. Gene Reprogramming Armed Macrophage Membrane-Camouflaged Nanoplatform Enhances Bionic Targeted Drug Delivery to Solid Tumor for Synergistic Therapy. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:2362-2375. [PMID: 36989419 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00929] [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] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Efficient drug delivery to solid tumors remains a challenge. HER2-positive (HER2+) tumors are an aggressive cancer subtype with a resistance to therapy, high risk of relapse, and poor prognosis. Although nanomedicine technology shows obvious advantages in tumor treatment, its potential clinical translation is still impeded by the unsatisfactory delivery and therapeutic efficacy. In this study, a gene reprogramming macrophage membrane-encapsulated drug-loading nanoplatform was developed for HER2+ cancer therapy based on the co-assembly of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and engineered modified macrophage membranes. In this nanoplatform, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye ICG or chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into the PLGA cores, and an anti-HER2 affibody was stably expressed on the membrane of macrophages. In comparison to the nanoparticles with conventional macrophage membrane coating, the ICG/DOX@AMNP nanoparticles armed with anti-HER2 affibody showed excellent HER2-targeting ability both in vitro and in vivo. Small animal imaging studies confirmed the improved pharmacokinetics of drug delivery and specific distribution of the ICG/DOX@AMNPs in HER2+ tumors. Mechanistically, compared with DOX@NPs or DOX@MNPs nanoparticles, DOX@AMNPs exhibited synergistic inhibition of HER2+ cancer cells or mice tumor growth by inducing apoptosis and blocking the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Altogether, this study proposes a promising biomimetic nanoplatform for the efficient targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to HER2+ tumors, demonstrating its great potential for solid tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Ning
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Huimin Yao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Fuyu Du
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Jingtong Yuan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Yuqiong Xia
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Peng Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, P. R. China
| | - Zhiping Rao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
| | - Xinan Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular & Neuroimaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, P. R. China
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38
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Synthetic biology-inspired cell engineering in diagnosis, treatment, and drug development. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:112. [PMID: 36906608 PMCID: PMC10007681 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The fast-developing synthetic biology (SB) has provided many genetic tools to reprogram and engineer cells for improved performance, novel functions, and diverse applications. Such cell engineering resources can play a critical role in the research and development of novel therapeutics. However, there are certain limitations and challenges in applying genetically engineered cells in clinical practice. This literature review updates the recent advances in biomedical applications, including diagnosis, treatment, and drug development, of SB-inspired cell engineering. It describes technologies and relevant examples in a clinical and experimental setup that may significantly impact the biomedicine field. At last, this review concludes the results with future directions to optimize the performances of synthetic gene circuits to regulate the therapeutic activities of cell-based tools in specific diseases.
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Zannikou M, Duffy JT, Levine RN, Seblani M, Liu Q, Presser A, Arrieta VA, Chen CJ, Sonabend AM, Horbinski CM, Lee-Chang C, Miska J, Lesniak MS, Gottschalk S, Balyasnikova IV. IL15 modification enables CAR T cells to act as a dual targeting agent against tumor cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in GBM. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006239. [PMID: 36759014 PMCID: PMC9923337 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is a major barrier to the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) in glioblastoma (GBM). Transgenic expression of IL15 is one attractive strategy to modulate the TME. However, at present, it is unclear if IL15 could be used to directly target myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a major cellular component of the GBM TME. Here, we explored if MDSC express IL15Rα and the feasibility of exploiting its expression as an immunotherapeutic target. METHODS RNA-seq, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry were used to determine IL15Rα expression in paired peripheral and tumor-infiltrating immune cells of GBM patients and two syngeneic murine GBM models. We generated murine T cells expressing IL13Rα2-CARs and secretory IL15 (CAR.IL15s) or IL13Rα2-CARs in which IL15 was fused to the CAR to serve as an IL15Rα-targeting moiety (CAR.IL15f), and characterized their effector function in vitro and in syngeneic IL13Rα2+glioma models. RESULTS IL15Rα was preferentially expressed in myeloid, B, and dendritic cells in patients' and syngeneic GBMs. In vitro, CAR.IL15s and CAR.IL15f T cells depleted MDSC and decreased their secretion of immunosuppressive molecules with CAR.IL15f T cells being more efficacious. Similarly, CAR.IL15f T cells significantly improved the survival of mice in two GBM models. TME analysis showed that treatment with CAR.IL15f T cells resulted in higher frequencies of CD8+T cells, NK, and B cells, but a decrease in CD11b+cells in tumors compared with therapy with CAR T cells. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that MDSC of the glioma TME express IL15Ra and that these cells can be targeted with secretory IL15 or an IL15Rα-targeting moiety incorporated into the CAR. Thus, IL15-modified CAR T cells act as a dual targeting agent against tumor cells and MDSC in GBM, warranting their future evaluation in early-phase clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markella Zannikou
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joseph T Duffy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rebecca N Levine
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Maggie Seblani
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Qianli Liu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Aaron Presser
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Victor A Arrieta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher J Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Adam M Sonabend
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Craig M Horbinski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Catalina Lee-Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jason Miska
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Maciej S Lesniak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Irina V Balyasnikova
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Harrer DC, Dörrie J, Schaft N. CARs and Drugs: Pharmacological Ways of Boosting CAR-T-Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032342. [PMID: 36768665 PMCID: PMC9916546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032342] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) has marked a new era in cancer immunotherapy. Based on a multitude of durable complete remissions in patients with hematological malignancies, FDA and EMA approval was issued to several CAR products targeting lymphoid leukemias and lymphomas. Nevertheless, about 50% of patients treated with these approved CAR products experience relapse or refractory disease necessitating salvage strategies. Moreover, in the vast majority of patients suffering from solid tumors, CAR-T-cell infusions could not induce durable complete remissions so far. Crucial obstacles to CAR-T-cell therapy resulting in a priori CAR-T-cell refractory disease or relapse after initially successful CAR-T-cell therapy encompass antigen shutdown and CAR-T-cell dysfunctionality. Antigen shutdown predominately rationalizes disease relapse in hematological malignancies, and CAR-T-cell dysfunctionality is characterized by insufficient CAR-T-cell proliferation and cytotoxicity frequently observed in patients with solid tumors. Thus, strategies to surmount those obstacles are being developed with high urgency. In this review, we want to highlight different approaches to combine CAR-T cells with drugs, such as small molecules and antibodies, to pharmacologically boost CAR-T-cell therapy. In particular, we discuss how certain drugs may help to counteract antigen shutdown and CAR-T-cell dysfunctionality in both hematological malignancies and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Department of Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Östliche Stadtmauerstraße 30, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Östliche Stadtmauerstraße 30, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-31127
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Zhang X, Zhang H, Lan H, Wu J, Xiao Y. CAR-T cell therapy in multiple myeloma: Current limitations and potential strategies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1101495. [PMID: 36891310 PMCID: PMC9986336 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1101495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the survival outcome of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has been substantially improved with the emergence of novel therapeutic agents, such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINEs), and T cell redirecting bispecific antibodies. However, MM remains an incurable neoplastic plasma cell disorder, and almost all MM patients inevitably relapse due to drug resistance. Encouragingly, B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has achieved impressive success in the treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) MM and brought new hopes for R/R MM patients in recent years. Due to antigen escape, the poor persistence of CAR-T cells, and the complicated tumor microenvironment, a significant population of MM patients still experience relapse after anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy. Additionally, the high manufacturing costs and time-consuming manufacturing processes caused by the personalized manufacturing procedures also limit the broad clinical application of CAR-T cell therapy. Therefore, in this review, we discuss current limitations of CAR-T cell therapy in MM, such as the resistance to CAR-T cell therapy and the limited accessibility of CAR-T cell therapy, and summarize some optimization strategies to overcome these challenges, including optimizing CAR structure, such as utilizing dual-targeted/multi-targeted CAR-T cells and armored CAR-T cells, optimizing manufacturing processes, combing CAR-T cell therapy with existing or emerging therapeutic approaches, and performing subsequent anti-myeloma therapy after CAR-T cell therapy as salvage therapy or maintenance/consolidation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, China
| | - Huixuan Lan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinming Wu
- Department of Hematology, Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Pilot Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Zhou Z, Li J, Hong J, Chen S, Chen M, Wang L, Lin W, Ye Y. Interleukin-15 and chemokine ligand 19 enhance cytotoxic effects of chimeric antigen receptor T cells using zebrafish xenograft model of gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1002361. [PMID: 36618357 PMCID: PMC9816141 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1002361] [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: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been proven effective for the treatment of B-cell-mediated malignancies. Currently, the development of efficient tools that supply CAR T cells for the treatment of other malignancies would have great impact. In this study, interleukin (IL)-15 and C-C motif chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19) were introduced into natural killer group 2D (NKG2D)-based CARs to generate 15×19 CAR T cells, which remarkably increased T-cell expansion and promoted the production of central memory T (Tcm) cells. 15×19 CAR T cells showed greater cytotoxicity to gastric cell lines than conventional CAR T cells and produced higher levels of IL-15 and CCL-19, which resulted in increased responder T cell chemotaxis and reduced expression of T cell exhaustion markers. A live zebrafish model was used for single-cell visualization of local cytotoxicity and metastatic cancers. Administration of 15×19 CAR T cells resulted in significant shrinking of gastric cancer xenograft tumors and expansion of 15×19 CAR T cells in zebrafish models. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that 15×19 CAR T cells are highly efficient in killing gastric cancer cells, are effective to avoid off-target effects, and migrate to local and metastatic sites for long-term surveillance of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Zhou
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China
| | - Jieyu Li
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China
| | - Jingwen Hong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China
| | - Shuping Chen
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Mingshui Chen
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wansong Lin
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China,*Correspondence: Yunbin Ye, ; Wansong Lin,
| | - Yunbin Ye
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhu, Fujian, China,*Correspondence: Yunbin Ye, ; Wansong Lin,
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Al-Haideri M, Tondok SB, Safa SH, maleki AH, Rostami S, Jalil AT, Al-Gazally ME, Alsaikhan F, Rizaev JA, Mohammad TAM, Tahmasebi S. CAR-T cell combination therapy: the next revolution in cancer treatment. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:365. [DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02778-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractIn recent decades, the advent of immune-based therapies, most notably Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. The promising results of numerous studies indicate that CAR-T cell therapy has had a remarkable ability and successful performance in treating blood cancers. However, the heterogeneity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors have challenged the effectiveness of these anti-tumor fighters by creating various barriers. Despite the promising results of this therapeutic approach, including tumor degradation and patient improvement, there are some concerns about the efficacy and safety of the widespread use of this treatment in the clinic. Complex and suppressing tumor microenvironment, tumor antigen heterogeneity, the difficulty of cell trafficking, CAR-T cell exhaustion, and reduced cytotoxicity in the tumor site limit the applicability of CAR-T cell therapy and highlights the requiring to improve the performance of this treatment. With this in mind, in the last decade, many efforts have been made to use other treatments for cancer in combination with tuberculosis to increase the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy, especially in solid tumors. The combination therapy results have promising consequences for tumor regression and better cancer control compared to single therapies. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively discuss different cancer treatment methods in combination with CAR-T cell therapy and their therapeutic outcomes, which can be a helpful perspective for improving cancer treatment in the near future.
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Wang X, Yang X, Yuan X, Wang W, Wang Y. Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK cells: new weapons of cancer immunotherapy with great potential. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:85. [PMID: 36324149 PMCID: PMC9628181 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cells have obtained prominent achievement in the clinical immunotherapy of hematological malignant tumors, leading to a rapid development of cellular immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Scientists are also aware of the prospective advantages of CAR engineering in cellular immunotherapy. Due to various limitations such as the serious side effects of CAR-T therapy, researchers began to investigate other immune cells for CAR modification. Natural killer (NK) cells are critical innate immune cells with the characteristic of non-specifically recognizing target cells and with the potential to become "off-the-shelf" products. In recent years, many preclinical studies on CAR-engineered NK (CAR-NK) cells have shown their remarkable efficacy in cancer therapy and their superiority over autologous CAR-T cells. In this review, we summarize the generation, mechanisms of anti-tumor activity and unique advantages of CAR-NK cells, and then analyze some challenges and recent clinical trials about CAR-NK cells therapy. We believe that CAR-NK therapy is a promising prospect for cancer immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xiang Yuan
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Yueying Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
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Liu Z, Zhou Z, Dang Q, Xu H, Lv J, Li H, Han X. Immunosuppression in tumor immune microenvironment and its optimization from CAR-T cell therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:6273-6290. [PMID: 36168626 PMCID: PMC9475465 DOI: 10.7150/thno.76854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy represents a landmark advance in personalized cancer treatment. CAR-T strategy generally engineers T cells from a specific patient with a new antigen-specificity, which has achieved considerable success in hematological malignancies, but scarce benefits in solid tumors. Recent studies have demonstrated that tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) cast a profound impact on the immunotherapeutic response. The immunosuppressive landscape of TIME is a critical obstacle to the effector activity of CAR-T cells. Nevertheless, every cloud has a silver lining. The immunosuppressive components also shed new inspiration on reshaping a friendly TIME by targeting them with engineered CARs. Herein, we summarize recent advances in disincentives of TIME and discuss approaches and technologies to enhance CAR-T cell efficacy via addressing current hindrances. Simultaneously, we firmly believe that by parsing the immunosuppressive components of TIME, rationally manipulating the complex interactions of immunosuppressive components, and optimizing CAR-T cell therapy for each patient, the CAR-T cell immunotherapy responsiveness for solid malignancies will be substantially enhanced, and novel therapeutic targets will be revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhaokai Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Qin Dang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Jinxiang Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Huanyun Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
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IP-10 enhances the amplification capacity and antitumor activity of CAR-T cells in vitro and could influence positive outcomes in MM patients treated with CAR-T cell therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 112:109253. [PMID: 36179419 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown impressive outcomes in haematologic malignancies. However, many patients experience a limited response and tumour relapse because of poor expansion and transport. Fourth-generation CARs address some of the limitations of CAR-T cell therapy, and cytokines are frequently included in fourth-generation CARs due to their importance in T cell development and homeostasis. However, new explorations are still needed to provide more desirable possibilities. Here, we first analysed clinical data from 18 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who received immunotherapy with BCMA-CAR-T cells. The data showed that the basal serum level of IP-10 was correlated with patient outcomes one year after CAR-T cell therapy and that a higher basal serum level of IP-10 was positively associated with progression-free survival (PFS). Next, we performed in vitro experiments using flow cytometry-based assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and cytotoxicity assays. The data verified that IP-10 can effectively stimulate the chemotaxis of CD8+ CAR-T cells. In addition, CAR-T cells cultured in IP-10-supplemented medium had a greater proliferation ability and a more powerful ability to kill tumour cells at a lower effector: target ratio. Thus, our findings demonstrate that IP-10 can enhance the function of CAR-T cells, which has important implications for improving CAR-T cell immunotherapy for haematologic malignancies.
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Zhang Y, Zhuang Q, Wang F, Zhang C, Xu C, Gu A, Zhong WH, Hu Y, Zhong X. Co-expression IL-15 receptor alpha with IL-15 reduces toxicity via limiting IL-15 systemic exposure during CAR-T immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2022; 20:432. [PMID: 36167591 PMCID: PMC9516829 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03626-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a powerful adoptive immunotherapy against both B-cell malignancies and some types of solid tumors. Interleukin (IL) -15 is an important immune stimulator that may provide ideal long-term persistent CAR-T cells. However, higher base line or peak serum IL-15 levels are also related to severe toxicity, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and neurotoxicity. Methods We successfully constructed CD19 specific armored CAR-T cells overexpressing IL-I5 and IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Ra). In vitro cell differentiation and viability were monitored by flow cytometry, and an in vivo xenograft mouse models was used to evaluate the anti-tumor efficiency and liver damage of CAR-T cells. Results CAR-T cells overexpressing IL-15 alone demonstrated enhanced viability, retarded exhaustion in vitro and superior tumor-inhibitory effects in vivo. However, these tumor-free mice had lower survival rates, with serious liver injuries, as a possible result of toxicity. As expected, CAR-T cells overexpressing IL-15 combined with IL-15Ra had reduced CD132 expression and released fewer cytokines (IFNγ, IL-2 and IL-15) in vitro, as well as had the tendency to improve mouse survival via repressing the growth of tumor cells and keeping livers healthier compared to CAR-IL-15 T cells. Conclusions These results indicated the importance of IL-15 in enhancing T cells persistence and IL-15Ra in reducing the adverse effects of IL-15, with superior tumor retardation during CAR-T therapy. This study paves the way for the rapid exploitation of IL-15 in adoptive cell therapy in the future. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03626-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Qinghui Zhuang
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Fang Wang
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Can Zhang
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Chang Xu
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Aiqin Gu
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | | | - Yi Hu
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Xiaosong Zhong
- The Clinical Center of Gene and Cell Engineering, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Haidian District, No. 10, Iron Medicine Road, Yang Fang Dian, Beijing, 100038, China. .,Carriage Therapeutics for Affiliation, Beijing, China.
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Cribioli E, Giordano Attianese GMP, Ginefra P, Signorino-Gelo A, Vuillefroy de Silly R, Vannini N, Hess C, Irving M, Coukos G. Enforcing GLUT3 expression in CD8+ T cells improves fitness and tumor control by promoting glucose uptake and energy storage. Front Immunol 2022; 13:976628. [PMID: 36203587 PMCID: PMC9530831 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.976628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the tremendous success of adoptive T-cell therapies (ACT) in fighting certain hematologic malignancies, not all patients respond, a proportion experience relapse, and effective ACT of most solid tumors remains elusive. In order to improve responses to ACT suppressive barriers in the solid tumor microenvironment (TME) including insufficient nutrient availability must be overcome. Here we explored how enforced expression of the high-affinity glucose transporter GLUT3 impacted tumor-directed T cells. Overexpression of GLUT3 in primary murine CD8+ T cells enhanced glucose uptake and increased glycogen and fatty acid storage, and was associated with increased mitochondrial fitness, reduced ROS levels, higher abundance of the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1, and better resistance to stress. Importantly, GLUT3-OT1 T cells conferred superior control of B16-OVA melanoma tumors and, in this same model, significantly improved survival. Moreover, a proportion of treated mice were cured and protected from re-challenge, indicative of long-term T cell persistence and memory formation. Enforcing expression of GLUT3 is thus a promising strategy to improve metabolic fitness and sustaining CD8+ T cell effector function in the context of ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Cribioli
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Greta Maria Paola Giordano Attianese
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierpaolo Ginefra
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amandine Signorino-Gelo
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Romain Vuillefroy de Silly
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Vannini
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Hess
- Department of Biomedicine, Immunobiology, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Melita Irving
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Melita Irving, ; George Coukos,
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Melita Irving, ; George Coukos,
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Silveira CRF, Corveloni AC, Caruso SR, Macêdo NA, Brussolo NM, Haddad F, Fernandes TR, de Andrade PV, Orellana MD, Guerino-Cunha RL. Cytokines as an important player in the context of CAR-T cell therapy for cancer: Their role in tumor immunomodulation, manufacture, and clinical implications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:947648. [PMID: 36172343 PMCID: PMC9512053 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.947648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapies have been recognized as one of the most advanced and efficient strategies to treat patients with hematologic malignancies. However, similar results have not been observed for the treatment of solid tumors. One of the explanations is the fact that tumors have extremely hostile microenvironments for the infiltration and effector activity of T-cells, mainly due to the presence of highly suppressive cytokines, hypoxia, and reactive oxygen species. Taking advantage of cytokines functionally, new fourth-generation CAR constructs have been developed to target tumor cells and additionally release cytokines that can contribute to the cytotoxicity of T-cells. The manufacturing process, including the use of cytokines in the expansion and differentiation of T cells, is also discussed. Finally, the clinical aspects and the influence of cytokines on the clinical condition of patients, such as cytokine release syndrome, who receive treatment with CAR-T cells are addressed. Therefore, this review aims to highlight how important cytokines are as one of the major players of cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sâmia Rigotto Caruso
- Cell Therapy Laboratory, Fundação Hemocentro de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathália Araújo Macêdo
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Fundação Hemocentro de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Haddad
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Fundação Hemocentro de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Pamela Viani de Andrade
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Fundação Hemocentro de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Renato Luiz Guerino-Cunha
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Fundação Hemocentro de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Medical Images, Hematology and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Renato Luiz Guerino-Cunha,
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Okuma A, Ishida Y, Kawara T, Hisada S, Araki S. Secretory co-factors in next-generation cellular therapies for cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:907022. [PMID: 36059449 PMCID: PMC9433659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.907022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for hematologic malignancies were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, numerous "next-generation" CAR T cells have been developed to improve their safety, efficacy, and applicability. Although some of these novel therapeutic strategies are promising, it remains difficult to apply these therapies to solid tumors and to control adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. CAR T cells are generated using highly scalable genetic engineering techniques. One of the major strategies for producing next-generation CAR T cells involves the integration of useful co-factor(s) into the artificial genetic design of the CAR gene, resulting in next-generation CAR T cells that express both CAR and the co-factor(s). Many soluble co-factors have been reported for CAR T cells and their therapeutic effects and toxicity have been tested by systemic injection; therefore, CAR T cells harnessing secretory co-factors could be close to clinical application. Here, we review the various secretory co-factors that have been reported to improve the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cells and ameliorate adverse events. In addition, we discuss the different co-factor expression systems that have been used to optimize their beneficial effects. Altogether, we demonstrate that combining CAR T cells with secretory co-factors will lead to next-generation CAR T-cell therapies that can be used against broader types of cancers and might provide advanced tools for more complicated synthetic immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Okuma
- Center for Exploratory Research, Research and Development Group, Hitachi Ltd., Kobe, Japan
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