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Harrer DC, Li SS, Kaljanac M, Bezler V, Barden M, Pan H, Herr W, Abken H. Magnetic CAR T cell purification using an anti-G4S linker antibody. J Immunol Methods 2024; 528:113667. [PMID: 38574803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2024.113667] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirected T cells are successfully employed in the combat against several hematological malignancies, however, are often compromised by low transduction rates making refinement of the CAR T cell products necessary. Here, we report a broadly applicable enrichment protocol relying on marking CAR T cells with an anti-glycine4-serine (G4S) linker antibody followed by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). The protocol is broadly applicable since the G4S peptide is an integral part of the vast majority of CARs as it links the VH and VL recognition domains. We demonstrate the feasibility by using the canonical second generation CARs specific for CEA and Her2, respectively, obtaining highly purified CAR T cell products in a one-step procedure without impairing cell viability. The protocol is also applicable to a dual specific CAR (tandem CAR). Except for CD39, T cell activation/exhaustion markers were not upregulated after separation. Purified CAR T cells retained their functionality with respect to antigen-specific cytokine secretion, cytotoxicity, and the capacity to proliferate and eliminate cognate tumor cells upon repetitive stimulation. Collectively, the one-step protocol for purifying CAR T cells extends the toolbox for preclinical research and specifically for clinical CAR T cell manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Department of Internal Medicine III - Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Sin-Syue Li
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Germany; Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Marcell Kaljanac
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Germany
| | - Valerie Bezler
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Barden
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hong Pan
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herr
- Department of Internal Medicine III - Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Germany
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2
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Barden M, Holzinger A, Velas L, Mezősi-Csaplár M, Szöőr Á, Vereb G, Schütz GJ, Hombach AA, Abken H. CAR and TCR form individual signaling synapses and do not cross-activate, however, can co-operate in T cell activation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1110482. [PMID: 36817444 PMCID: PMC9929185 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1110482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In engineered T cells the CAR is co-expressed along with the physiological TCR/CD3 complex, both utilizing the same downstream signaling machinery for T cell activation. It is unresolved whether CAR-mediated T cell activation depends on the presence of the TCR and whether CAR and TCR mutually cross-activate upon engaging their respective antigen. Here we demonstrate that the CD3ζ CAR level was independent of the TCR associated CD3ζ and could not replace CD3ζ to rescue the TCR complex in CD3ζ KO T cells. Upon activation, the CAR did not induce phosphorylation of TCR associated CD3ζ and, vice versa, TCR activation did not induce CAR CD3ζ phosphorylation. Consequently, CAR and TCR did not cross-signal to trigger T cell effector functions. On the membrane level, TCR and CAR formed separate synapses upon antigen engagement as revealed by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and fast AiryScan microscopy. Upon engaging their respective antigen, however, CAR and TCR could co-operate in triggering effector functions through combinatorial signaling allowing logic "AND" gating in target recognition. Data also imply that tonic TCR signaling can support CAR-mediated T cell activation emphasizing the potential relevance of the endogenous TCR for maintaining T cell capacities in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Barden
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Holzinger
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Velas
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marianna Mezősi-Csaplár
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Árpád Szöőr
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Vereb
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary,ELKH-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | - Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany,Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Hinrich Abken,
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3
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A CD19-Anti-ErbB2 scFv Engager Protein Enables CD19-Specific CAR T Cells to Eradicate ErbB2 + Solid Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020248. [PMID: 36672182 PMCID: PMC9856536 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020248] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of CD19-specific CAR T cells in the treatment of leukemia/lymphoma relies, at least in part, on the unique properties of the particular CAR and the presence of healthy B cells that enhance the target cell lysis and cytokine secretion through repetitive stimulation. Here, we report to apply the same CAR to target solid tumors, such as ErbB2+ carcinoma. CD19 CAR T cells are redirected towards the ErbB2+ cells by a fusion protein that is composed of the herceptin-derived anti-ErbB2 scFv 4D5 linked to the CD19 exodomain. The CD19-4D5scFv engager enabled CD19 CAR T cells to recognize the ErbB2+ cancer cells and to suppress the ErbB2+ tumor growth. The primary killing capacity by the ErbB2-redirected CD19 CAR T cells was as efficient as by the ErbB2 CAR T cells, however, adding CD19+ B cells furthermore reinforced the activation of the CD19 CAR T cells, thereby improving the anti-tumor activities. The ErbB2-redirected CD19 CAR T cells, moreover, showed a 100-fold superior selectivity in targeting cancer cells versus healthy fibroblasts, which was not the case for the ErbB2 CAR T cells. The data demonstrate that the CD19 CAR T cells can be high-jacked by a CD19-scFv engager protein to attack specifically solid cancer, thereby expanding their application beyond the B cell malignancies.
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Harrer DC, Schenkel C, Bezler V, Kaljanac M, Hartley J, Barden M, Pan H, Holzinger A, Herr W, Abken H. CAR Triggered Release of Type-1 Interferon Limits CAR T-Cell Activities by an Artificial Negative Autocrine Loop. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233839. [PMID: 36497099 PMCID: PMC9737386 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233839] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells expedited the field of cancer immunotherapy enabling durable remissions in patients with refractory hematological malignancies. T cells redirected for universal cytokine-mediated killing (TRUCKs), commonly referred to as "fourth generation" CAR T-cells, are designed to release engineered payloads upon CAR-induced T-cell activation. Building on the TRUCK technology, we aimed to generate CAR T-cells with a CAR-inducible artificial, self-limiting autocrine loop. To this end, we engineered CAR T-cells with CAR triggered secretion of type-1 interferons (IFNs). At baseline, IFNα and IFNβ CAR T-cells showed similar capacities in cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion compared to conventional CAR T-cells. However, under "stress" conditions of repetitive rounds of antigen stimulation using BxPC-3 pancreas carcinoma cells as targets, anti-tumor activity faded in later rounds while being fully active in destructing carcinoma cells during first rounds of stimulation. Mechanistically, the decline in activity was primarily based on type-1 IFN augmented CAR T-cell apoptosis, which was far less the case for CAR T-cells without IFN release. Such autocrine self-limiting loops can be used for applications where transient CAR T-cell activity and persistence upon target recognition is desired to avoid lasting toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Department Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Charlotte Schenkel
- Department Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Valerie Bezler
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marcell Kaljanac
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jordan Hartley
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Barden
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hong Pan
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Holzinger
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herr
- Department Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Hombach A, Barden M, Hannappel L, Chmielewski M, Rappl G, Sachinidis A, Abken H. IL12 integrated into the CAR exodomain converts CD8 + T cells to poly-functional NK-like cells with superior killing of antigen-loss tumors. Mol Ther 2022; 30:593-605. [PMID: 34678512 PMCID: PMC8821972 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T cell therapy often fails to control tumors in the long term due to selecting cancer cells that downregulated or lost CAR targeted antigen. To reprogram the functional capacities specifically of engineered CAR T cells, we inserted IL12 into the extracellular moiety of a CD28-ζ CAR; both the CAR endodomain and IL12 were functionally active, as indicated by antigen-redirected effector functions and STAT4 phosphorylation, respectively. The IL12-CAR reprogrammed CD8+ T cells toward a so far not recognized natural killer (NK) cell-like signature and a CD94+CD56+CD62Lhigh phenotype closely similar, but not identical, to NK and cytokine induced killer (CIK) cells. In contrast to conventional CAR T cells, IL12-CAR T cells acquired antigen-independent, human leukocyte antigen E (HLA-E) restricted cytotoxic capacities eliminating antigen-negative cancer cells in addition to eliminating cancer cells with CAR cognate antigen. Simultaneous signaling through both the CAR endodomain and IL12 were required for inducing maximal NK-like cytotoxicity; adding IL12 to conventional CAR T cells was not sufficient. Antigen-negative tumors were attacked by IL12-CAR T cells, but not by conventional CAR T cells. Overall, we present a prototype of a new family of CARs that augments tumor recognition and elimination through expanded functional capacities by an appropriate cytokine integrated into the CAR exodomain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany,Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Barden
- RCI, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Department Genetic Immunotherapy, and University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Hannappel
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Chmielewski
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany,Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Gunter Rappl
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and Center for Physiology, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- RCI, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Department Genetic Immunotherapy, and University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany,Corresponding author: Hinrich Abken, RCI, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Department Genetic Immunotherapy, and University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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6
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Patasic L, Seifried J, Bezler V, Kaljanac M, Schneider IC, Schmitz H, Tondera C, Hartmann J, Hombach A, Buchholz CJ, Abken H, König R, Cichutek K. Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein (DARPin) to target chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T cells towards CD4 + T cells to reduce the latent HIV + cell reservoir. Med Microbiol Immunol 2020; 209:681-691. [PMID: 32918599 PMCID: PMC7568711 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-020-00692-0] [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: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-redirected T cells show great efficacy in the patient-specific therapy of hematologic malignancies. Here, we demonstrate that a DARPin with specificity for CD4 specifically redirects and triggers the activation of CAR engineered T cells resulting in the depletion of CD4+ target cells aiming for elimination of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Patasic
- Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Janna Seifried
- Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany.
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Valerie Bezler
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Department of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marcell Kaljanac
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Department of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Irene C Schneider
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Heike Schmitz
- Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | | | - Jessica Hartmann
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, and Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, and Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), Department of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Renate König
- Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Langen, Germany
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Klaus Cichutek
- Host-Pathogen Interactions, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany.
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Langen, Germany.
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7
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PSMA-Directed CAR T Cells Combined with Low-Dose Docetaxel Treatment Induce Tumor Regression in a Prostate Cancer Xenograft Model. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 18:226-235. [PMID: 32728611 PMCID: PMC7372156 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
While chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy targeting CD19 has shown remarkable success in patients with lymphoid malignancies, the potency of CAR T cells in solid tumors is low so far. To improve the efficacy of CAR T cells targeting prostate carcinoma, we designed a novel CAR that recognizes a new epitope in the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and established novel paradigms to apply CAR T cells in a preclinical prostate cancer model. In vitro characterization of the D7 single-chain antibody fragment-derived anti-PSMA CAR confirmed that the choice of the co-stimulatory domain is a major determinant of CAR T cell activation, differentiation, and exhaustion. In vivo, focal injections of the PSMA CAR T cells eradicated established human prostate cancer xenografts in a preclinical mouse model. Moreover, systemic intravenous CAR T cell application significantly inhibited tumor growth in combination with non-ablative low-dose docetaxel chemotherapy, while docetaxel or CAR T cell application alone was not effective. In conclusion, the focal application of D7-derived CAR T cells and their combination with chemotherapy represent promising immunotherapeutic avenues to treat local and advanced prostate cancer in the clinic.
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Hombach AA, Geumann U, Günther C, Hermann FG, Abken H. IL7-IL12 Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Improve A CAR T Cell Attack Against Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040873. [PMID: 32260097 PMCID: PMC7226757 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirected T cells are efficacious in the treatment of leukemia/lymphoma, however, showed less capacities in eliminating solid tumors which is thought to be partly due to the lack of cytokine support in the tumor lesion. In order to deliver supportive cytokines, we took advantage of the inherent ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to actively migrate to tumor sites and engineered MSCs to release both IL7 and IL12 to promote homeostatic expansion and Th1 polarization. There is a mutual interaction between engineered MSCs and CAR T cells; in presence of CAR T cell released IFN-γ and TNF-α, chronic inflammatory Th2 MSCs shifted towards a Th17/Th1 pattern with IL2 and IL15 release that mutually activated CAR T cells with extended persistence, amplification, killing and protection from activation induced cell death. MSCs releasing IL7 and IL12 were superior over non-modified MSCs in supporting the CAR T cell response and improved the anti-tumor attack in a transplant tumor model. Data demonstrate the first use of genetically modified MSCs as vehicles to deliver immuno-modulatory proteins to the tumor tissue in order to improve the efficacy of CAR T cells in the treatment of solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Tumor Genetics, University of Cologne, and Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, D-50931 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Ulf Geumann
- Apceth Biopharma GmbH, D-81377 Munich, Germany; (U.G.); (F.G.H.)
| | | | - Felix G. Hermann
- Apceth Biopharma GmbH, D-81377 Munich, Germany; (U.G.); (F.G.H.)
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Tumor Genetics, University of Cologne, and Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, D-50931 Cologne, Germany;
- Department for Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, and University Hospital Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-941-944-381-11; Fax: +49-941-944-381-13
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9
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Hombach AA, Rappl G, Abken H. Blocking CD30 on T Cells by a Dual Specific CAR for CD30 and Colon Cancer Antigens Improves the CAR T Cell Response against CD30 - Tumors. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1825-1835. [PMID: 31331813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells are efficacious in controlling advanced leukemia and lymphoma, however, they fail in the treatment of solid cancer, which is thought to be due to insufficient T cell activation. We revealed that the immune response of CAR T cells with specificity for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was more efficacious against CEA+ cancer cells when simultaneously incubated with an anti-CD30 immunotoxin or anti-CD30 CAR T cells, although the targeted cancer cells lack CD30. The same effect was achieved when the anti-CD30 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) was integrated into the extracellular domain of the anti-CEA CAR. Improvement in T cell activation was due to interfering with the T cell CD30-CD30L interaction by the antagonistic anti-CD30 scFv HRS3; an agonistic anti-CD30 scFv or targeting the high-affinity interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor was not effective. T cells with the anti-CD30/CEA CAR showed superior immunity against established CEA+ CD30- tumors in a mouse model. The concept is broadly applicable since anti-CD30/TAG72 CAR T cells also showed improved elimination of TAG72+ CD30- cancer cells. Taken together, targeting CD30 on CAR T cells by the HRS3 scFv within the anti-tumor CAR improves the redirected immune response against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Gunter Rappl
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- RCI, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, University of Regensburg and University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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10
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Abstract
The successes with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in early clinical trials involving patients with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or B cell lymphomas have revolutionized anticancer therapy, providing a potentially curative option for patients who are refractory to standard treatments. These trials resulted in rapid FDA approvals of anti-CD19 CAR T cell products for both ALL and certain types of B cell lymphoma - the first approved gene therapies in the USA. However, growing experience with these agents has revealed that remissions will be brief in a substantial number of patients owing to poor CAR T cell persistence and/or cancer cell resistance resulting from antigen loss or modulation. Furthermore, the initial experience with CAR T cells has highlighted challenges associated with manufacturing a patient-specific therapy. Understanding the limitations of CAR T cell therapy will be critical to realizing the full potential of this novel treatment approach. Herein, we discuss the factors that can preclude durable remissions following CAR T cell therapy, with a primary focus on the resistance mechanisms that underlie disease relapse. We also provide an overview of potential strategies to overcome these obstacles in an effort to more effectively incorporate this unique therapeutic strategy into standard treatment paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali N Shah
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Terry J Fry
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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11
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Martyniszyn A, Krahl AC, André MC, Hombach AA, Abken H. CD20-CD19 Bispecific CAR T Cells for the Treatment of B-Cell Malignancies. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:1147-1157. [PMID: 29207878 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of leukemia/lymphoma by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirected T cells with specificity for CD19 induced complete remissions in the majority of patients, with a realistic hope for cure. However, recent follow-up data revealed a substantial risk of relapse through leukemic cells that lack the CAR targeted antigen. In this situation, a bispecific CAR with binding domains for CD19 and CD20 is aimed at recognizing leukemic cells with only one cognate antigen. The anti-CD20-CD19 bispecific CAR induced a full T-cell response upon engagement of CD19 or CD20 on target cells showing a true "OR" gate recognition in redirecting T-cell activation. T cells with the anti-CD20-CD19 CAR efficiently killed patients' chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in vitro. The bispecific CAR T cells cleared pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia with a mixed CD19+CD20+/CD20- phenotype from the blood and bone marrow of transplanted mice, while anti-CD20 CAR T cells left CD20- leukemic cells behind without curing the disease. Data indicate the superior anti-leukemic activity in the control of leukemia, implying that the anti-CD20-CD19 bispecific CAR T cells may reduce the risk of relapse through antigen-loss leukemic cells in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Martyniszyn
- 1 Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, and Deparment I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Krahl
- 2 Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maya C André
- 2 Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University , Tübingen, Germany.,3 Deparment of Pediatric Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital , Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas A Hombach
- 1 Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, and Deparment I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- 1 Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, and Deparment I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne , Cologne, Germany
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Golumba-Nagy V, Kuehle J, Hombach AA, Abken H. CD28-ζ CAR T Cells Resist TGF-β Repression through IL-2 Signaling, Which Can Be Mimicked by an Engineered IL-7 Autocrine Loop. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2218-2230. [PMID: 30055872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T cells induced spectacular regressions of leukemia and lymphoma, however, failed so far in the treatment of solid tumors. A cause is thought to be T cell repression through TGF-β, which is massively accumulating in the tumor tissue. Here, we show that T cells with a CD28-ζ CAR, but not with a 4-1BB-ζ CAR, resist TGF-β-mediated repression. Mechanistically, LCK activation and consequently IL-2 release and autocrine IL-2 receptor signaling mediated TGF-β resistance; deleting the LCK-binding motif in the CD28 CAR abolished both IL-2 secretion and TGF-β resistance, while IL-2 add-back restored TGF-β resistance. Other γ-cytokines like IL-7 and IL-15 could replace IL-2 in this context. This is demonstrated by engineering IL-2 deficient CD28ΔLCK-ζ CAR T cells with a hybrid IL-7 receptor to provide IL-2R β chain signaling upon IL-7 binding. Such modified T cells showed improved CAR T cell activity against TGF-β+ tumors. Data draw the concept that an autocrine loop resulting in IL-2R signaling can make CAR T cells more potent in staying active against TGF-β+ solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Golumba-Nagy
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Kuehle
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas A Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology (RCI), University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; University Medical Center of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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Tomuleasa C, Fuji S, Berce C, Onaciu A, Chira S, Petrushev B, Micu WT, Moisoiu V, Osan C, Constantinescu C, Pasca S, Jurj A, Pop L, Berindan-Neagoe I, Dima D, Kitano S. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells for the Treatment of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29515572 PMCID: PMC5825894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell technology has seen a rapid development over the last decade mostly due to the potential that these cells may have in treating malignant diseases. It is a generally accepted principle that very few therapeutic compounds deliver a clinical response without treatment-related toxicity, and studies have shown that CAR T-cells are not an exception to this rule. While large multinational drug companies are currently investigating the potential role of CAR T-cells in hematological oncology, the potential of such cellular therapies are being recognized worldwide as they are expected to expand in the patient to support the establishment of the immune memory, provide a continuous surveillance to prevent and/or treat a relapse, and keep the targeted malignant cell subpopulation in check. In this article, we present the possible advantages of using CAR T-cells in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia, presenting the technology and the current knowledge in their preclinical and early clinical trial use. Thus, this article first presents the main present-day knowledge on the standard of care for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Afterward, current knowledge is presented about the use of CAR T-cells in cancer immunotherapy, describing their design, the molecular constructs, and the preclinical data on murine models to properly explain the background for their clinical use. Last, but certainly not least, this article presents the use of CAR T-cells for the immunotherapy of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, describing both their potential clinical advantages and the possible side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology Institute Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta, Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Shigeo Fuji
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Cristian Berce
- Animal Facility, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Onaciu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Bobe Petrushev
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Wilhelm-Thomas Micu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad Moisoiu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ciprian Osan
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Catalin Constantinescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Pasca
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Laura Pop
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Oncology Institute Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Shigehisa Kitano
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Ren YB, Sun SJ, Han SY. Safety Strategies of Genetically Engineered T Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy. Curr Pharm Des 2018; 24:78-83. [PMID: 29283058 PMCID: PMC5876919 DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666171227222624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
T-cell therapy using genetically engineered T cells modified with either T cell receptor or chimeric antigen receptor holds great promise for cancer immunotherapy. The concerns about its toxicities still remain despite recent successes in clinical trials. Temporal and spatial control of the engineered therapeutic T cells may improve the safety profile of these treatment regimens. To achieve these goals, numerous approaches have been tested and utilized including the incorporation of a suicide gene, the switch-mediated activation, the combinatorial antigen recognition, etc. This review will summarize the toxicities caused by engineered T cells and novel strategies to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Bei Ren
- Stem Cell Research Center, People’s Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450003, P.R.China
| | - Shang-Jun Sun
- Stem Cell Research Center, People’s Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450003, P.R.China
| | - Shuang-Yin Han
- Stem Cell Research Center, People’s Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou450003, P.R.China
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