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Ercilla-Rodríguez P, Sánchez-Díez M, Alegría-Aravena N, Quiroz-Troncoso J, Gavira-O'Neill CE, González-Martos R, Ramírez-Castillejo C. CAR-T lymphocyte-based cell therapies; mechanistic substantiation, applications and biosafety enhancement with suicide genes: new opportunities to melt side effects. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1333150. [PMID: 39091493 PMCID: PMC11291200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1333150] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has made significant strides in cancer treatment with strategies like checkpoint blockade antibodies and adoptive T cell transfer. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) have emerged as a promising approach to combine these strategies and overcome their limitations. This review explores CAR-T cells as a living drug for cancer treatment. CAR-T cells are genetically engineered immune cells designed to target and eliminate tumor cells by recognizing specific antigens. The study involves a comprehensive literature review on CAR-T cell technology, covering structure optimization, generations, manufacturing processes, and gene therapy strategies. It examines CAR-T therapy in haematologic cancers and solid tumors, highlighting challenges and proposing a suicide gene-based mechanism to enhance safety. The results show significant advancements in CAR-T technology, particularly in structure optimization and generation. The manufacturing process has improved for broader clinical application. However, a series of inherent challenges and side effects still need to be addressed. In conclusion, CAR-T cells hold great promise for cancer treatment, but ongoing research is crucial to improve efficacy and safety for oncology patients. The proposed suicide gene-based mechanism offers a potential solution to mitigate side effects including cytokine release syndrome (the most common toxic side effect of CAR-T therapy) and the associated neurotoxicity.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Genes, Transgenic, Suicide
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Animals
- Genetic Therapy/adverse effects
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Sánchez-Díez
- ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cancer Stem Cell, HST group, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicolás Alegría-Aravena
- Grupo de Biología y Producción de Cérvidos, Instituto de Desarrollo Regional, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC)-Fundación Científica AECC, Albacete, Spain
| | - Josefa Quiroz-Troncoso
- ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cancer Stem Cell, HST group, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara E. Gavira-O'Neill
- Laboratorio Cancer Stem Cell, HST group, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Sección de Oncología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel González-Martos
- ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cancer Stem Cell, HST group, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Ramírez-Castillejo
- ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cancer Stem Cell, HST group, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Sección de Oncología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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Ren Y, Bao X, Feng M, Xing B, Lian W, Yao Y, Wang R. CD87-targeted BiTE and CAR-T cells potently inhibit invasive nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-024-2591-7. [PMID: 38987430 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2591-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Recently, bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) and chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-Ts) have been shown to have high therapeutic efficacy in hematological tumors. CD87 is highly expressed in solid tumors with an oncogenic function. To assess their cytotoxic effects on invasive nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (iNFPAs), we first examined CD87 expression and its effects on the metabolism of iNFPA cells. We generated CD87-specific BiTE and CAR/IL-12 T cells, and their cytotoxic effects on iNFPAs cells and in mouse models were determined. CD87 had high expression in iNFPA tissue and cell samples but was undetected in noncancerous brain samples. CD87×CD3 BiTE and CD87 CAR/IL-12 T-cells showed antigenic specificity and exerted satisfactory cytotoxic effects, decreasing tumor cell proliferation in vitro and reducing existing tumors in experimental mice. Overall, the above findings suggest that CD87 is a promising target for the immunotherapeutic management of iNFPAs using anti-CD87 BiTE and CD87-specific CAR/IL-12 T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xinjie Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ming Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Bing Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wei Lian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yong Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Renzhi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Rademacher MJ, Faber ML, Bone KM, Medin JA, Schloemer NJ. Fate control engagement augments NK cell responses in LV/hu-IL-12 transduced sarcoma. Exp Mol Pathol 2024; 137:104898. [PMID: 38729059 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104898] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION NK cells are an untapped resource for cancer therapy. Sarcomas transduced with lentiviruses to express human IL-12 are only cleared in mice bearing mature human NK cells. However, systemic inflammation limits IL-12 utilization. Fate control a.k.a. "suicide mechanisms" regulate unchecked systemic inflammation caused by cellular immunotherapies. Despite increasing utilization, there remains limited data on immune consequences or tumor-directed effects of fate control. OBJECTIVES We sought to engage the mutant thymidylate kinase (mTMPK) metabolic fate control system to regulate systemic inflammation and assess the impact on NK cell effector functions. METHODS Primary human sarcoma short-passage samples and cell lines were transduced with LV/hu-IL-12_mTMPK engineering expression of IL-12 and an AZT-associated fate control enzyme. We assessed transduced sarcoma responses to AZT engagement and subsequent modulation of NK cell functions as measured by inflammatory cytokine production and cytotoxicity. RESULTS AZT administration to transduced (LV/hu-IL-12_mTMPK) short-passage primary human sarcomas and human Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, abrogated the robust expression of human IL-12. Fate control activation elicited a specific dose-dependent cytotoxic effect measured by metabolic activity (WST-1) and cell death (Incucyte). NK effector functions of IFN-γ and cytotoxic granule release were significantly augmented despite IL-12 abrogation. This correlated with preferentially induced expression of NK cell activation ligands. CONCLUSIONS mTMPK fate control engagement terminates transduced sarcoma IL-12 production and triggers cell death, but also augments an NK cell-mediated response coinciding with metabolic stress activating surface ligand induction. Fate control engagement could offer a novel immune activation method for NK cell-mediated cancer clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Jo Rademacher
- Departments of Pediatrics; Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Mary L Faber
- Departments of Pediatrics; Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Kathleen M Bone
- Departments of Pathology; Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Medin
- Departments of Pediatrics; Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Departments of Biochemisty; Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Nathan J Schloemer
- Departments of Pediatrics; Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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Huang J, Yang Q, Wang W, Huang J. CAR products from novel sources: a new avenue for the breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378739. [PMID: 38665921 PMCID: PMC11044028 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378739] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has transformed cancer immunotherapy. However, significant challenges limit its application beyond B cell-driven malignancies, including limited clinical efficacy, high toxicity, and complex autologous cell product manufacturing. Despite efforts to improve CAR T cell therapy outcomes, there is a growing interest in utilizing alternative immune cells to develop CAR cells. These immune cells offer several advantages, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent function, tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation, and increased tissue infiltration capabilities. Currently, CAR products from various T cell subtypes, innate immune cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells, and even exosomes are being explored. These CAR products often show enhanced antitumor efficacy, diminished toxicity, and superior tumor penetration. With these benefits in mind, numerous clinical trials are underway to access the potential of these innovative CAR cells. This review aims to thoroughly examine the advantages, challenges, and existing insights on these new CAR products in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wen Wang
- Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Hematology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Carrillo MA, Zhen A, Mu W, Rezek V, Martin H, Peterson CW, Kiem HP, Kitchen SG. Stem cell-derived CAR T cells show greater persistence, trafficking, and viral control compared to ex vivo transduced CAR T cells. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1000-1015. [PMID: 38414243 PMCID: PMC11163220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.02.026] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is an area of intense investigation in the treatment of malignancies and chronic viral infections. One of the limitations of ACT-based CAR therapy is the lack of in vivo persistence and maintenance of optimal cell function. Therefore, alternative strategies that increase the function and maintenance of CAR-expressing T cells are needed. In our studies using the humanized bone marrow/liver/thymus (BLT) mouse model and nonhuman primate (NHP) model of HIV infection, we evaluated two CAR-based gene therapy approaches. In the ACT approach, we used cytokine enhancement and preconditioning to generate greater persistence of anti-HIV CAR+ T cells. We observed limited persistence and expansion of anti-HIV CAR T cells, which led to minimal control of the virus. In our stem cell-based approach, we modified hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) with anti-HIV CAR to generate anti-HIV CAR T cells in vivo. We observed CAR-expressing T cell expansion, which led to better plasma viral load suppression. HSPC-derived CAR cells in infected NHPs showed superior trafficking and persistence in multiple tissues. Our results suggest that a stem cell-based CAR T cell approach may be superior in generating long-term persistence and functional antiviral responses against HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra A Carrillo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and UCLA AIDS Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anjie Zhen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and UCLA AIDS Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wenli Mu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and UCLA AIDS Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Valerie Rezek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and UCLA AIDS Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Heather Martin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and UCLA AIDS Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher W Peterson
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Scott G Kitchen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and UCLA AIDS Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA; Broad Stem Cell Research Center, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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6
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Karpov DS, Sosnovtseva AO, Pylina SV, Bastrich AN, Petrova DA, Kovalev MA, Shuvalova AI, Eremkina AK, Mokrysheva NG. Challenges of CRISPR/Cas-Based Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: How Not to Engineer a "Trojan Horse". Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17320. [PMID: 38139149 PMCID: PMC10743607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417320] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas by cytotoxic T-cells. To date, there are no drugs that can prevent the development of T1D. Insulin replacement therapy is the standard care for patients with T1D. This treatment is life-saving, but is expensive, can lead to acute and long-term complications, and results in reduced overall life expectancy. This has stimulated the research and development of alternative treatments for T1D. In this review, we consider potential therapies for T1D using cellular regenerative medicine approaches with a focus on CRISPR/Cas-engineered cellular products. However, CRISPR/Cas as a genome editing tool has several drawbacks that should be considered for safe and efficient cell engineering. In addition, cellular engineering approaches themselves pose a hidden threat. The purpose of this review is to critically discuss novel strategies for the treatment of T1D using genome editing technology. A well-designed approach to β-cell derivation using CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technology will significantly reduce the risk of incorrectly engineered cell products that could behave as a "Trojan horse".
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry S. Karpov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anastasiia O. Sosnovtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Svetlana V. Pylina
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Asya N. Bastrich
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Darya A. Petrova
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Maxim A. Kovalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anastasija I. Shuvalova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anna K. Eremkina
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Natalia G. Mokrysheva
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
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Stock S, Klüver AK, Fertig L, Menkhoff VD, Subklewe M, Endres S, Kobold S. Mechanisms and strategies for safe chimeric antigen receptor T-cell activity control. Int J Cancer 2023; 153:1706-1725. [PMID: 37350095 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34635] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The clinical application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has rapidly changed the treatment options for terminally ill patients with defined blood-borne cancer types. However, CAR T-cell therapy can lead to severe therapy-associated toxicities including CAR-related hematotoxicity, ON-target OFF-tumor toxicity, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Just as CAR T-cell therapy has evolved regarding receptor design, gene transfer systems and production protocols, the management of side effects has also improved. However, because of measures taken to abrogate adverse events, CAR T-cell viability and persistence might be impaired before complete remission can be achieved. This has fueled efforts for the development of extrinsic and intrinsic strategies for better control of CAR T-cell activity. These approaches can mediate a reversible resting state or irreversible T-cell elimination, depending on the route chosen. Control can be passive or active. By combination of CAR T-cells with T-cell inhibiting compounds, pharmacologic control, mostly independent of the CAR construct design used, can be achieved. Other strategies involve the genetic modification of T-cells or further development of the CAR construct by integration of molecular ON/OFF switches such as suicide genes. Alternatively, CAR T-cell activity can be regulated intracellularly through a self-regulation function or extracellularly through titration of a CAR adaptor or of a priming small molecule. In this work, we review the current strategies and mechanisms to control activity of CAR T-cells reversibly or irreversibly for preventing and for managing therapy-associated toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Stock
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna-Kristina Klüver
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Luisa Fertig
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Vivien D Menkhoff
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Marion Subklewe
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, LMU Gene Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Endres
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Neuherberg, Germany
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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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Celichowski P, Turi M, Charvátová S, Radhakrishnan D, Feizi N, Chyra Z, Šimíček M, Jelínek T, Bago JR, Hájek R, Hrdinka M. Tuning CARs: recent advances in modulating chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell activity for improved safety, efficacy, and flexibility. J Transl Med 2023; 21:197. [PMID: 36922828 PMCID: PMC10015723 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04041-6] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies utilizing genetically engineered T cells have emerged as powerful personalized therapeutic agents showing dramatic preclinical and clinical results, particularly in hematological malignancies. Ectopically expressed chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) reprogram immune cells to target and eliminate cancer. However, CAR T cell therapy's success depends on the balance between effective anti-tumor activity and minimizing harmful side effects. To improve CAR T cell therapy outcomes and mitigate associated toxicities, scientists from different fields are cooperating in developing next-generation products using the latest molecular cell biology and synthetic biology tools and technologies. The immunotherapy field is rapidly evolving, with new approaches and strategies being reported at a fast pace. This comprehensive literature review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the latest developments in controlling CAR T cell activity for improved safety, efficacy, and flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Celichowski
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Marcello Turi
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Sandra Charvátová
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Dhwani Radhakrishnan
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Neda Feizi
- Department of Internal Clinical Sciences, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Zuzana Chyra
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Šimíček
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Jelínek
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Juli Rodriguez Bago
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Hájek
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Matouš Hrdinka
- Department of Haematooncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.
- Department of Haematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.
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10
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Shabaneh TB, Moffett HF, Stull SM, Derezes T, Tait LJ, Park S, Riddell SR, Lajoie MJ. Safety switch optimization enhances antibody-mediated elimination of CAR T cells. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 2:1026474. [PMID: 39086975 PMCID: PMC11285702 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2022.1026474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Activation of a conditional safety switch has the potential to reverse serious toxicities arising from the administration of engineered cellular therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. The functionally inert, non-immunogenic cell surface marker derived from human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRt) is a promising safety switch that has been used in multiple clinical constructs and can be targeted by cetuximab, a clinically available monoclonal antibody. However, this approach requires high and persistent cell surface expression of EGFRt to ensure that antibody-mediated depletion of engineered cells is rapid and complete. Here we show that incorporating a short juxtamembrane sequence into the EGFRt polypeptide enhances its expression on the surface of T cells and their susceptibility to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Incorporating this optimized variant (EGFRopt) into bicistronic and tricistronic CAR designs results in more rapid in vivo elimination of CAR T cells and robust termination of their effector activity compared to EGFRt. These studies establish EGFRopt as a superior safety switch for the development of next-generation cell-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer B. Shabaneh
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Sylvia M. Stull
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Thomas Derezes
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Spencer Park
- Lyell Immunopharma, Inc., Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Stan R. Riddell
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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11
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Chatterjee A, Asija S, Yadav S, Purwar R, Goda JS. Clinical utility of CAR T cell therapy in brain tumors: Lessons learned from the past, current evidence and the future stakes. Int Rev Immunol 2022; 41:606-624. [PMID: 36191126 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2022.2125963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
The unprecedented clinical success of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in hematological malignancies has led researchers to study its role in solid tumors. Although, its utility in solid tumors especially in neuroblastoma has begun to emerge, preclinical studies of its efficacy in other solid tumors like osteosarcomas or gliomas has caught the attention of oncologist to be tried in clinical trials. Malignant high-grade brain tumors like glioblastomas or midline gliomas in children represent some of the most difficult malignancies to be managed with conventionally available therapeutics, while relapsed gliomas continue to have the most dismal prognosis due to limited therapeutic options. Innovative therapies such as CAR T cells could give an additional leverage to the treating oncologists by potentially improving outcomes and ameliorating the toxicity of the currently available therapies. Moreover, CAR T cell therapy has the potential to be integrated into the therapeutic paradigm for aggressive gliomas in the near future. In this review we discuss the challenges in using CAR T cell therapy in brain tumors, enumerate the completed and ongoing clinical trials of different types of CAR T cell therapy for different brain tumors with special emphasis on glioblastoma and also discuss the future role of CAR T cells in Brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chatterjee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Sweety Asija
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Sandhya Yadav
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Rahul Purwar
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Jayant S Goda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
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12
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Application and Design of Switches Used in CAR. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121910. [PMID: 35741039 PMCID: PMC9221702 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the many oncology therapies, few have generated as much excitement as CAR-T. The success of CAR therapy would not have been possible without the many discoveries that preceded it, most notably, the Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs in cellular immunity. However, despite the fact that CAR-T already offers not only hope for development, but measurable results in the treatment of hematological malignancies, CAR-T still cannot be safely applied to solid tumors. The reason for this is, among other things, the lack of tumor-specific antigens which, in therapy, threatens to cause a lethal attack of lymphocytes on healthy cells. In the case of hematological malignancies, dangerous complications such as cytokine release syndrome may occur. Scientists have responded to these clinical challenges with molecular switches. They make it possible to remotely control CAR lymphocytes after they have already been administered to the patient. Moreover, they offer many additional capabilities. For example, they can be used to switch CAR antigenic specificity, create logic gates, or produce local activation under heat or light. They can also be coupled with costimulatory domains, used for the regulation of interleukin secretion, or to prevent CAR exhaustion. More complex modifications will probably require a combination of reprogramming (iPSc) technology with genome editing (CRISPR) and allogenic (off the shelf) CAR-T production.
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13
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Wu AM, Pandit-Taskar N. ImmunoPET: harnessing antibodies for imaging immune cells. Mol Imaging Biol 2022; 24:181-197. [PMID: 34550529 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01652-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Dramatic, but uneven, progress in the development of immunotherapies for cancer has created a need for better diagnostic technologies including innovative non-invasive imaging approaches. This review discusses challenges and opportunities for molecular imaging in immuno-oncology and focuses on the unique role that antibodies can fill. ImmunoPET has been implemented for detection of immune cell subsets, activation and inhibitory biomarkers, tracking adoptively transferred cellular therapeutics, and many additional applications in preclinical models. Parallel progress in radionuclide availability and infrastructure supporting biopharmaceutical manufacturing has accelerated clinical translation. ImmunoPET is poised to provide key information on prognosis, patient selection, and monitoring immune responses to therapy in cancer and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Wu
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Center for Theranostics Studies, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
| | - Neeta Pandit-Taskar
- Molecular Imaging &Therapy Svc, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Targeted Radioimmunotherapy and Theranostics, Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, MSK, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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14
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Li G, Zhang Z, Cai L, Tang X, Huang J, Yu L, Wang G, Zhong K, Cao Y, Liu C, Wang Y, Tong A, Zhou L. Fn14-targeted BiTE and CAR-T cells demonstrate potent preclinical activity against glioblastoma. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1983306. [PMID: 34595061 PMCID: PMC8477963 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1983306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-engaging therapies involving bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have achieved great success in the treatment of hematological tumors. However, the paucity of ideal cell surface molecules that can be targeted on glioblastoma (GBM) partially reduces the immunotherapeutic efficacy. Recently, high expression of Fn14 has been reported in several solid tumors, so the strategy of exploiting this specific antigen for GBM immunotherapy is worth studying. Consequently, we constructed Fn14× CD3 BiTE and Fn14-specific CAR-T cells and investigated their cytotoxic activity against GBM in vitro and in vivo. First, expression of Fn14 was confirmed in glioma tissues and GBM cells. Then, we designed Fn14-specific BiTE and CAR-T cells and tested their cytotoxicity in GBM cell cultures and mouse models of GBM. Fn14 was highly expressed in GBM tissues and cell lines, while it was undetectable in normal brain samples. Fn14× CD3 BiTE, Fn14 CAR-T cells and Fn14 CAR-T/IL-15 cells were antigen-specific and highly cytotoxic, showing good antitumor activity in vitro and causing significant regression of established solid tumors in xenograft models. However, the xenografts treated with Fn14 CAR-T cells regrew, whereas xenografts treated with Fn14 CAR-T/IL-15 cells did not. IL-15 engineering augmented the antitumor activity of Fn14 CAR-T cells and resulted in significant antitumor effects similar to those of Fn14× CD3 BiTE. Our results suggest that Fn14 is an appropriate target for GBM. Anti-Fn14 BiTE and Fn14-specific CAR-T/IL-15 cells may be exciting immunotherapeutic options for malignant brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaowei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Linjun Cai
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhan Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyu Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunhong Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuelong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiping Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangxue Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
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15
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Caulier B, Enserink JM, Wälchli S. Pharmacologic Control of CAR T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094320. [PMID: 33919245 PMCID: PMC8122276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy is a promising modality for the treatment of advanced cancers that are otherwise incurable. During the last decade, different centers worldwide have tested the anti-CD19 CAR T cells and shown clinical benefits in the treatment of B cell tumors. However, despite these encouraging results, CAR treatment has also been found to lead to serious side effects and capricious response profiles in patients. In addition, the CD19 CAR success has been difficult to reproduce for other types of malignancy. The appearance of resistant tumor variants, the lack of antigen specificity, and the occurrence of severe adverse effects due to over-stimulation of the therapeutic cells have been identified as the major impediments. This has motivated a growing interest in developing strategies to overcome these hurdles through CAR control. Among them, the combination of small molecules and approved drugs with CAR T cells has been investigated. These have been exploited to induce a synergistic anti-cancer effect but also to control the presence of the CAR T cells or tune the therapeutic activity. In the present review, we discuss opportunistic and rational approaches involving drugs featuring anti-cancer efficacy and CAR-adjustable effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Caulier
- Translational Research Unit, Section for Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
- Center for Cancer Cell Reprogramming (CanCell), Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jorrit M. Enserink
- Center for Cancer Cell Reprogramming (CanCell), Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Section for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sébastien Wälchli
- Translational Research Unit, Section for Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
- Correspondence:
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16
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Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have emerged as a powerful therapeutic modality for cancer. Following encouraging clinical results, autologous anti-CD19 CAR-T cells first secured regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the treatment of pediatric B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), followed recently by mantle cell lymphoma. While long-term immunosurveillance is among the most important requirements for durable remissions in leukemia and a major potential benefit of immunotherapy, the exact determinants of CAR-T cell persistence remain elusive. Furthermore, it is less clear that long-term persistence is required for durable remission in lymphoma. In this review, we aim to describe the factors governing CAR-T cell persistence as well as unique approaches to exert control over engineered lymphocyte populations post-infusion. Additionally, we explore potential risks and associated clinical considerations arising from prolonged surveillance by highly reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Gupta
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Saar Gill
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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17
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Moghanloo E, Mollanoori H, Talebi M, Pashangzadeh S, Faraji F, Hadjilooei F, Mahmoodzadeh H. Remote controlling of CAR-T cells and toxicity management: Molecular switches and next generation CARs. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101070. [PMID: 33789222 PMCID: PMC8027274 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based immunotherapies have been selected for the front-line cancer treatment approaches. Among them, CAR-T cells have shown extraordinary effects in hematologic diseases including chemotherapy-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In this approach, autologous T cells isolated from the patient's body genetically engineered to express a tumor specific synthetic receptor against a tumor antigen, then these cells expanded ex vivo and re-infusion back to the patient body. Recently, significant clinical response and high rates of complete remission of CAR T cell therapy in B-cell malignancies led to the approval of Kymriah and Yescarta (CD19-directed CAR-T cells) were by FDA for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Despite promising therapeutic outcomes, CAR T cells also can elicit the immune-pathologic effects, such as Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS), and on-target off-tumor toxicity, that hampered its application. Ineffective control of these highly potent synthetic cells causes discussed potentially life-threatening toxicities, so researchers have developed several mechanisms to remote control CAR T cells. In this paper, we briefly review the introduced toxicities of CAR-T cells, then describe currently existing control approaches and review their procedure, pros, and cons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Moghanloo
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasan Mollanoori
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Salar Pashangzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farimah Hadjilooei
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Habibollah Mahmoodzadeh
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Breast Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Jones MA, MacCuaig WM, Frickenstein AN, Camalan S, Gurcan MN, Holter-Chakrabarty J, Morris KT, McNally MW, Booth KK, Carter S, Grizzle WE, McNally LR. Molecular Imaging of Inflammatory Disease. Biomedicines 2021; 9:152. [PMID: 33557374 PMCID: PMC7914540 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory diseases include a wide variety of highly prevalent conditions with high mortality rates in severe cases ranging from cardiovascular disease, to rheumatoid arthritis, to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to graft vs. host disease, to a number of gastrointestinal disorders. Many diseases that are not considered inflammatory per se are associated with varying levels of inflammation. Imaging of the immune system and inflammatory response is of interest as it can give insight into disease progression and severity. Clinical imaging technologies such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are traditionally limited to the visualization of anatomical information; then, the presence or absence of an inflammatory state must be inferred from the structural abnormalities. Improvement in available contrast agents has made it possible to obtain functional information as well as anatomical. In vivo imaging of inflammation ultimately facilitates an improved accuracy of diagnostics and monitoring of patients to allow for better patient care. Highly specific molecular imaging of inflammatory biomarkers allows for earlier diagnosis to prevent irreversible damage. Advancements in imaging instruments, targeted tracers, and contrast agents represent a rapidly growing area of preclinical research with the hopes of quick translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A. Jones
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (M.A.J.); (W.M.M.); (A.N.F.)
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.-C.); (K.T.M.); (M.W.M.); (K.K.B.); (S.C.)
| | - William M. MacCuaig
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (M.A.J.); (W.M.M.); (A.N.F.)
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.-C.); (K.T.M.); (M.W.M.); (K.K.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Alex N. Frickenstein
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA; (M.A.J.); (W.M.M.); (A.N.F.)
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.-C.); (K.T.M.); (M.W.M.); (K.K.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Seda Camalan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (S.C.); (M.N.G.)
| | - Metin N. Gurcan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (S.C.); (M.N.G.)
| | - Jennifer Holter-Chakrabarty
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.-C.); (K.T.M.); (M.W.M.); (K.K.B.); (S.C.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Katherine T. Morris
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.-C.); (K.T.M.); (M.W.M.); (K.K.B.); (S.C.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Molly W. McNally
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.-C.); (K.T.M.); (M.W.M.); (K.K.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Kristina K. Booth
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.-C.); (K.T.M.); (M.W.M.); (K.K.B.); (S.C.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Steven Carter
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.-C.); (K.T.M.); (M.W.M.); (K.K.B.); (S.C.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - William E. Grizzle
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Lacey R. McNally
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.-C.); (K.T.M.); (M.W.M.); (K.K.B.); (S.C.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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19
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Warda W, Da Rocha MN, Trad R, Haderbache R, Salma Y, Bouquet L, Roussel X, Nicod C, Deschamps M, Ferrand C. Overcoming target epitope masking resistance that can occur on low-antigen-expresser AML blasts after IL-1RAP chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy using the inducible caspase 9 suicide gene safety switch. Cancer Gene Ther 2021; 28:1365-1375. [PMID: 33414517 PMCID: PMC8636256 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-00284-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although chimeric antigen receptor CAR) T cell immunotherapies are an undeniable and unequivocal success, knowledge obtained from the monitoring of the first clinical trials targeting the CD19 antigen in B malignancies, either refractory/relapsed acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) or lymphomas, contributed to the identification of tumor cell escape in about 30–50% of B-ALL. Resistance occurred due to loss of surface expression of the antigen (rCD19−) or to the early disappearance or inactivation of CAR T cells (rCD19+). In a recently reported clinical case, rCD19− relapse resulted from masking of the antigen by the CAR at the surface of B-ALL leukemia cells following the unexpected viral transduction of a leukemic cell present in the cytapheresis sample. The objective of this work was to reproduce this epitope-masking resistance model, in the context of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), based on our immunotherapeutic CAR T cell model targeting the accessory protein of the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1RAP) expressed by leukemic stem cells. As AML primary blasts express different levels of IL-1RAP, we modeled transduction of different AML tumor cell lines screened for density of antigenic sites with our lentiviral vectors carrying a third-generation IL-1RAP CAR, an iCASP9 suicide gene, and a truncated CD19 surface gene. We demonstrated that primary AML blasts can be easily transduced (74.55 ± 21.29%, n = 4) and that CAR T cytotoxicity to IL-1RAP is inversely correlated with epitope masking in relation to the number of antigenic sites expressed on the surface of IL-1RAP+ lines. Importantly, we showed that, in vitro, a 24-h exposure of IL-1RAP+/CAR+ leukemia lines to Rimiducid eliminated >85% of the cells. We confirmed that the expression of IL-1RAP CAR by an IL-1RAP+ leukemic cell, by decreasing the membrane availability of the targeted antigen, can induce resistance while a high epitope density maintains sensitivity to CAR T cells. Moreover, the presence of the iCASP9/Rimiducid suicide system safety switch makes this immunotherapy approach safe for application in a future phase 1 clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Warda
- INSERM UMR1098 Right, EFS BFC, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Mathieu Neto Da Rocha
- INSERM UMR1098 Right, EFS BFC, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Rim Trad
- INSERM UMR1098 Right, EFS BFC, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Rafik Haderbache
- INSERM UMR1098 Right, EFS BFC, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Yahya Salma
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), AZM Center for Research in Biotechnology and its Applications, Lebanese University, Tripoli, 1300, Lebanon
| | - Lucie Bouquet
- INSERM UMR1098 Right, EFS BFC, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Xavier Roussel
- INSERM UMR1098 Right, EFS BFC, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France.,Hematology Department, Hôpital Jean Minjoz, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Clémentine Nicod
- INSERM UMR1098 Right, EFS BFC, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Marina Deschamps
- INSERM UMR1098 Right, EFS BFC, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Christophe Ferrand
- INSERM UMR1098 Right, EFS BFC, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000, Besançon, France.
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20
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Wu AM. Protein Engineering for Molecular Imaging. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00045-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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21
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Luo B, Zhan Y, Luo M, Dong H, Liu J, Lin Y, Zhang J, Wang G, Verhoeyen E, Zhang Y, Zhang H. Engineering of α-PD-1 antibody-expressing long-lived plasma cells by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted gene integration. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:973. [PMID: 33184267 PMCID: PMC7661525 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) are robust specialized antibody-secreting cells that mainly stay in the bone marrow and can persist a lifetime. As they can be generated by inducing the differentiation of B-lymphocytes, we investigated the possibility that human LLPCs might be engineered to express α-PD-1 monoclonal antibody to substitute recombinant α-PD-1 antitumor immunotherapy. To this end, we inserted an α-PD-1 cassette into the GAPDH locus through Cas9/sgRNA-guided specific integration in B-lymphocytes, which was mediated by an integrase-defective lentiviral vector. The edited B cells were capable of differentiating into LLPCs both in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptional profiling analysis confirmed that these cells were typical LLPCs. Importantly, these cells secreted de novo antibodies persistently, which were able to inhibit human melanoma growth via an antibody-mediated checkpoint blockade in xenograft-tumor mice. Our work suggests that the engineered LLPCs may be utilized as a vehicle to constantly produce special antibodies for long-term cellular immunotherapy to eradicate tumors and cellular reservoirs for various pathogens including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B virus (HBV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohong Luo
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yikang Zhan
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minqi Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huimin Dong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingtong Lin
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junsong Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanwen Wang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Els Verhoeyen
- CIRI - International Center for Infectiology, Research team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, 06204, Nice, France
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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22
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Land CA, Musich PR, Haydar D, Krenciute G, Xie Q. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in glioblastoma: charging the T cells to fight. J Transl Med 2020; 18:428. [PMID: 33176788 PMCID: PMC7659102 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02598-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain cancer that invades normal brain tissue and impedes surgical eradication, resulting in early local recurrence and high mortality. In addition, most therapeutic agents lack permeability across the blood brain barrier (BBB), further reducing the efficacy of chemotherapy. Thus, effective treatment against GBM requires tumor specific targets and efficient intracranial drug delivery. With the most recent advances in immunotherapy, genetically engineered T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are becoming a promising approach for treating cancer. By transducing T lymphocytes with CAR constructs containing a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) recognition domain linked to the constant regions of a signaling T cell receptor, CAR T cells may recognize a predefined TAA with high specificity in a non-MHC restricted manner, and is independent of antigen processing. Active T cells can travel across the BBB, providing additional advantage for drug delivery and tumor targeting. Here we review the CAR design and technical innovations, the major targets that are in pre-clinical and clinical development with a focus on GBM, and multiple strategies developed to improve CAR T cell efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A. Land
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Phillip R. Musich
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Dalia Haydar
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105 USA
| | - Giedre Krenciute
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105 USA
| | - Qian Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Center of Excellence for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
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23
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Guo F, Cui J. CAR-T in solid tumors: Blazing a new trail through the brambles. Life Sci 2020; 260:118300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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24
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All systems go: converging synthetic biology and combinatorial treatment for CAR-T cell therapy. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 65:75-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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25
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Critical Care Management of Toxicities Associated With Targeted Agents and Immunotherapies for Cancer. Crit Care Med 2020; 48:10-21. [PMID: 31725440 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000004087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the most common serious adverse effects and organ toxicities associated with emerging therapies for cancer that may necessitate admission to the ICU. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION PubMed and Medline search of relevant articles in English on the management of adverse effects of immunotherapy for cancer. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS Targeted therapies including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, and immune effector cell therapy have improved the outcome and quality of life of patients with cancer. However, severe and life-threatening side effects can occur. These toxicities include infusion or hypersensitivity reactions, cytokine release syndrome, pulmonary, cardiac, renal, hepatic, and neurologic toxicities, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, opportunistic infections, and endocrinopathies. Cytokine release syndrome is the most common serious toxicity after administration of monoclonal antibodies and immune effector cell therapies. Most of the adverse events from immunotherapy results from an exaggerated T-cell response directed against normal tissue, resulting in the generation of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Toxicities from targeted therapies are usually secondary to "on target toxicities." Management is largely supportive and may include discontinuation of the specific agent, corticosteroids, and other immune suppressing agents for severe (grade 3 or 4) immune-related adverse events like neurotoxicity and pneumonitis. CONCLUSIONS The complexity of toxicities associated with modern targeted and immunotherapeutic agents for cancer require a multidisciplinary approach among ICU staff, oncologists, and organ specialists and adoption of standardized treatment protocols to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.
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26
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Sievers NM, Dörrie J, Schaft N. CARs: Beyond T Cells and T Cell-Derived Signaling Domains. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3525. [PMID: 32429316 PMCID: PMC7279007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
When optimizing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy in terms of efficacy, safety, and broadening its application to new malignancies, there are two main clusters of topics to be addressed: the CAR design and the choice of transfected cells. The former focuses on the CAR construct itself. The utilized transmembrane and intracellular domains determine the signaling pathways induced by antigen binding and thereby the cell-specific effector functions triggered. The main part of this review summarizes our understanding of common signaling domains employed in CARs, their interactions among another, and their effects on different cell types. It will, moreover, highlight several less common extracellular and intracellular domains that might permit unique new opportunities. Different antibody-based extracellular antigen-binding domains have been pursued and optimized to strike a balance between specificity, affinity, and toxicity, but these have been reviewed elsewhere. The second cluster of topics is about the cellular vessels expressing the CAR. It is essential to understand the specific attributes of each cell type influencing anti-tumor efficacy, persistence, and safety, and how CAR cells crosstalk with each other and bystander cells. The first part of this review focuses on the progress achieved in adopting different leukocytes for CAR therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico M. Sievers
- Department of Dermatology, Universtitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (N.M.S.); (J.D.)
- 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
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universtitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (N.M.S.); (J.D.)
- 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, Universtitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstraße 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (N.M.S.); (J.D.)
- 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
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27
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Williams KM, Chakrabarty JH. Imaging haemopoietic stem cells and microenvironment dynamics through transplantation. LANCET HAEMATOLOGY 2020; 7:e259-e269. [PMID: 32109406 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(20)30003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the subclinical pathway to cellular engraftment following haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has historically been limited by infrequent marrow biopsies, which increase the risk of infections and might poorly represent the health of the marrow space. Nuclear imaging could represent an opportunity to evaluate the entire medullary space non-invasively, yielding information about cell number, proliferation, or metabolism. Because imaging is not associated with infectious risk, it permits assessment of neutropenic timepoints that were previously inaccessible. This Viewpoint summarises the data regarding the use of nuclear medicine techniques to assess the phases of HSCT: pre-transplant homoeostasis, induced aplasia, early settling and engraftment of infused cells, and later recovery of lymphocytes that target cancers or mediate tolerance. Although these data are newly emerging and preliminary, nuclear medicine imaging approaches might advance our understanding of HSCT events and lead to novel recommendations to enhance outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten M Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University and the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA; Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, AFLAC Cancer and Blood disorder Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Jennifer Holter Chakrabarty
- Department of Medicine, Division of Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma CIty, OK, USA
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28
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Shen SH, Woroniecka K, Barbour AB, Fecci PE, Sanchez-Perez L, Sampson JH. CAR T cells and checkpoint inhibition for the treatment of glioblastoma. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:579-591. [PMID: 32027536 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1727436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor and is one of the most lethal human cancers. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has markedly improved survival in previously incurable disease; however, this vanguard treatment still faces challenges in GBM. Likewise, checkpoint blockade therapies have not enjoyed the same victories against GBM. As it becomes increasingly evident that a mono-therapeutic approach is unlikely to provide anti-tumor efficacy, there evolves a critical need for combined treatment strategies.Areas covered: This review highlights the clinical successes observed with CAR T cell therapy as well the current efforts to overcome its perceived limitations. The review also explores employed combinations of CAR T cell approaches with immune checkpoint blockade strategies, which aim to potentiate immunotherapeutic benefits while restricting the impact of tumor heterogeneity and T cell exhaustion.Expert opinion: Barriers such as tumor heterogeneity and T cell exhaustion have exposed the weaknesses of various mono-immunotherapeutic approaches to GBM, including CAR T cell and checkpoint blockade strategies. Combining these potentially complementary strategies, however, may proffer a rational means of mitigating these barriers and advancing therapeutic successes against GBM and other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven H Shen
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karolina Woroniecka
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew B Barbour
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter E Fecci
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Luis Sanchez-Perez
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John H Sampson
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Abstract
Advances in academic and clinical studies during the last several years have resulted in practical outcomes in adoptive immune therapy of cancer. Immune cells can be programmed with molecular modules that increase their therapeutic potency and specificity. It has become obvious that successful immunotherapy must take into account the full complexity of the immune system and, when possible, include the use of multifactor cell reprogramming that allows fast adjustment during the treatment. Today, practically all immune cells can be stably or transiently reprogrammed against cancer. Here, we review works related to T cell reprogramming, as the most developed field in immunotherapy. We discuss factors that determine the specific roles of αβ and γδ T cells in the immune system and the structure and function of T cell receptors in relation to other structures involved in T cell target recognition and immune response. We also discuss the aspects of T cell engineering, specifically the construction of synthetic T cell receptors (synTCRs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and the use of engineered T cells in integrative multifactor therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G Katz
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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30
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Strohl WR, Naso M. Bispecific T-Cell Redirection versus Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T Cells as Approaches to Kill Cancer Cells. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:E41. [PMID: 31544847 PMCID: PMC6784091 DOI: 10.3390/antib8030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The concepts for T-cell redirecting bispecific antibodies (TRBAs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are both at least 30 years old but both platforms are just now coming into age. Two TRBAs and two CAR-T cell products have been approved by major regulatory agencies within the last ten years for the treatment of hematological cancers and an additional 53 TRBAs and 246 CAR cell constructs are in clinical trials today. Two major groups of TRBAs include small, short-half-life bispecific antibodies that include bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE®s) which require continuous dosing and larger, mostly IgG-like bispecific antibodies with extended pharmacokinetics that can be dosed infrequently. Most CAR-T cells today are autologous, although significant strides are being made to develop off-the-shelf, allogeneic CAR-based products. CAR-Ts form a cytolytic synapse with target cells that is very different from the classical immune synapse both physically and mechanistically, whereas the TRBA-induced synapse is similar to the classic immune synapse. Both TRBAs and CAR-T cells are highly efficacious in clinical trials but both also present safety concerns, particularly with cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. New formats and dosing paradigms for TRBAs and CAR-T cells are being developed in efforts to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity, as well as to optimize use with both solid and hematologic tumors, both of which present significant challenges such as target heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Strohl
- BiStro Biotech Consulting, LLC, 1086 Tullo Farm Rd., Bridgewater, NJ 08807, USA.
| | - Michael Naso
- Century Therapeutics, 3675 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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