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Zhang T, Tai Z, Miao F, Zhang X, Li J, Zhu Q, Wei H, Chen Z. Adoptive cell therapy for solid tumors beyond CAR-T: Current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances. J Control Release 2024; 368:372-396. [PMID: 38408567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a highly specific anti-tumor immunotherapy that has shown promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, there has been a slow progress toward the treatment of solid tumors owing to the complex tumor microenvironment that affects the localization and killing ability of the CAR cells. Solid tumors with a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and complex vascular system are unaffected by CAR cell infiltration and attack. To improve their efficacy toward solid tumors, CAR cells have been modified and upgraded by "decorating" and "pruning". This review focuses on the structure and function of CARs, the immune cells that can be engineered by CARs and the transformation strategies to overcome solid tumors, with a view to broadening ideas for the better application of CAR cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrui Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China; Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Jiadong Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China.
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Zhang Z, Liu C, Wang M, Sun R, Yang Z, Hua Z, Wu Y, Wu M, Wang H, Qiu W, Yin H, Yang M. Treating solid tumors with TCR-based chimeric antigen receptor targeting extra domain B-containing fibronectin. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007199. [PMID: 37586774 PMCID: PMC10432677 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The suppression of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells by the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial obstacle in the T-cell-based treatment of solid tumors. Extra domain B (EDB)-fibronectin is an oncofetal antigen expressed on the endothelium layer of the neovasculature and cancer cells. Though recognized as a T cell therapy target, engineered CAR T cells thus far have failed to demonstrate satisfactory in vivo efficacy. In this study, we report that targeting EDB-fibronectin by redirected TCR-CAR T cells (rTCR-CAR) bypasses the suppressive TME for solid tumor treatment and sufficiently suppressed tumor growth.We generated EDB-targeting CAR by fusing single-chain variable fragment to CD3ε, resulting in rTCR-CAR. Human primary T cells and Jurkat cells were used to study the EDB-targeting T cells. Differences to the traditional second-generation CAR T cell in signaling, immune synapse formation, and T cell exhaustion were characterized. Cytotoxicity of the rTCR-CAR T cells was tested in vitro, and therapeutic efficacies were demonstrated using xenograft models. METHODS RESULTS: In the xenograft models, the rTCR-CAR T cells demonstrated in vivo efficacies superior to that based on traditional CAR design. A significant reduction in tumor vessel density was observed alongside tumor growth inhibition, extending even to tumor models established with EDB-negative cancer cells. The rTCR-CAR bound to immobilized EDB, and the binding led to immune synapse structures superior to that formed by second-generation CARs. By a mechanism similar to that for the conventional TCR complex, EDB-fibronectin activated the rTCR-CAR, resulting in rTCR-CAR T cells with low basal activation levels and increased in vivo expansion. CONCLUSION Our study has demonstrated the potential of rTCR-CAR T cells targeting the EDB-fibronectin as an anticancer therapeutic. Engineered to possess antiangiogenic and cytotoxic activities, the rTCR-CAR T cells showed therapeutic efficacies not impacted by the suppressive TMEs. These combined characteristics of a single therapeutic agent point to its potential to achieve sustained control of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Muhan Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongcheng Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Cell Tech Medical Research Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhe Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen Hua
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yushuang Wu
- Jiangsu Cell Tech Medical Research Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- Jiangsu Cell Tech Medical Research Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hang Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen Qiu
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongping Yin
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meijia Yang
- Jiangsu Cell Tech Medical Research Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Butler SE, Hartman CJ, Huang YH, Ackerman ME. Toward high-throughput engineering techniques for improving CAR intracellular signaling domains. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1101122. [PMID: 37051270 PMCID: PMC10083361 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1101122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) are generated by linking extracellular antigen recognition domains with one or more intracellular signaling domains derived from the T-cell receptor complex or various co-stimulatory receptors. The choice and relative positioning of signaling domains help to determine chimeric antigen receptors T-cell activity and fate in vivo. While prior studies have focused on optimizing signaling power through combinatorial investigation of native intracellular signaling domains in modular fashion, few have investigated the prospect of sequence engineering within domains. Here, we sought to develop a novel in situ screening method that could permit deployment of directed evolution approaches to identify intracellular domain variants that drive selective induction of transcription factors. To accomplish this goal, we evaluated a screening approach based on the activation of a human NF-κB and NFAT reporter T-cell line for the isolation of mutations that directly impact T cell activation in vitro. As a proof-of-concept, a model library of chimeric antigen receptors signaling domain variants was constructed and used to demonstrate the ability to discern amongst chimeric antigen receptors containing different co-stimulatory domains. A rare, higher-signaling variant with frequency as low as 1 in 1000 could be identified in a high throughput setting. Collectively, this work highlights both prospects and limitations of novel mammalian display methods for chimeric antigen receptors signaling domain discovery and points to potential strategies for future chimeric antigen receptors development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah E. Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Colin J. Hartman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Yina H. Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Margaret E. Ackerman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
- *Correspondence: Margaret E. Ackerman,
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Sanz L, Ibáñez-Pérez R, Guerrero-Ochoa P, Lacadena J, Anel A. Antibody-Based Immunotoxins for Colorectal Cancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1729. [PMID: 34829955 PMCID: PMC8615520 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are included among the treatment options for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, while these mAbs effectively target cancer cells, they may have limited clinical activity. A strategy to improve their therapeutic potential is arming them with a toxic payload. Immunotoxins (ITX) combining the cell-killing ability of a toxin with the specificity of a mAb constitute a promising strategy for CRC therapy. However, several important challenges in optimizing ITX remain, including suboptimal pharmacokinetics and especially the immunogenicity of the toxin moiety. Nonetheless, ongoing research is working to solve these limitations and expand CRC patients' therapeutic armory. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of targets and toxins employed in the design of ITX for CRC and highlight a wide selection of ITX tested in CRC patients as well as preclinical candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Ibáñez-Pérez
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.I.-P.); (P.G.-O.)
| | - Patricia Guerrero-Ochoa
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.I.-P.); (P.G.-O.)
| | - Javier Lacadena
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Anel
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.I.-P.); (P.G.-O.)
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5
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Hardy IR, Schamel WW, Baeuerle PA, Getts DR, Hofmeister R. Implications of T cell receptor biology on the development of new T cell therapies for cancer. Immunotherapy 2020; 12:89-103. [PMID: 31902264 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, two chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies were approved based on their remarkable efficacy in patients with hematological malignancies. By contrast, CAR-T cell therapies results in solid tumors have been less promising. To develop the next generation of T cell therapies a better understanding of T cell receptor (TCR) biology and its implication for the design of synthetic receptors is critical. Here, we review current and newly developed forms of T cell therapies and how their utilization of different components of the TCR signaling machinery and their requirement for engagement (or not) of human leukocyte antigen impacts their design, efficacy and applicability as cancer drugs. Notably, we highlight the development of human leukocyte antigen-independent T cell platforms that utilize the full TCR complex as having promise to overcome some of the limitations of existing T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian R Hardy
- TCR2 Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney St. Suite 710, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Wolfgang W Schamel
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, BIOSS Center for Biological Signalling Studies, CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies & Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency CCI, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraβe 18,79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick A Baeuerle
- TCR Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney St. Suite 710, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Institute for Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Grosshadernerstr. 9, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Daniel R Getts
- TCR Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney St. Suite 710, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Robert Hofmeister
- TCR Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney St. Suite 710, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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Ibáñez-Pérez R, Guerrero-Ochoa P, Al-Wasaby S, Navarro R, Tapia-Galisteo A, De Miguel D, Gonzalo O, Conde B, Martínez-Lostao L, Hurtado-Guerrero R, Sanz L, Anel A. Anti-tumoral potential of a human granulysin-based, CEA-targeted cytolytic immunotoxin. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:1641392. [PMID: 31646080 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1641392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulysin is a protein present in the granules of human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells, with cytolytic activity against microbes and tumors. Previous work demonstrated the therapeutic effect of intratumoral injection of recombinant granulysin using in vivo models of breast cancer and multiple myeloma. In the present work we have developed a granulysin gene fusion to the anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA/CEACAM5) single chain Fv antibody fragment MFE23. Both granulysin and the granulysin-based immunotoxin were expressed in Pichia pastoris. The immunotoxin specifically recognized CEA, purified or expressed on the cell surface. Moreover, the bioactivity of the immunotoxin against several CEA+ cell lines was higher than that of granulysin alone. Granulysin and the immunotoxin were tested as a treatment in in vivo xenograft models in athymic mice. When injected intratumorally, both granulysin and the immunotoxin were able to inhibit tumor growth. Furthermore, systemic administration of the immunotoxin demonstrated a decrease in tumor growth in a CEA+ tumor-bearing mouse model, whereas granulysin did not exhibit a therapeutic effect. This is the first granulysin-based immunotoxin and the present work constitutes the proof of concept of its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ibáñez-Pérez
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, University of Zaragoza/Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Patricia Guerrero-Ochoa
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, University of Zaragoza/Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sameer Al-Wasaby
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, University of Zaragoza/Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rocío Navarro
- Molecular Immunology Unit, "Puerta de Hierro" University Hospital, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Tapia-Galisteo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, "Puerta de Hierro" University Hospital, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego De Miguel
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, University of Zaragoza/Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Oscar Gonzalo
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, University of Zaragoza/Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Blanca Conde
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, University of Zaragoza/Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis Martínez-Lostao
- Immunology Department, "Lozano Blesa" University Clinical Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ramón Hurtado-Guerrero
- Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems Institute (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,ARAID Foundation, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, "Puerta de Hierro" University Hospital, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Anel
- Apoptosis, Immunity and Cancer Group, University of Zaragoza/Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
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7
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The clinical efficacy of first-generation carcinoembryonic antigen (CEACAM5)-specific CAR T cells is limited by poor persistence and transient pre-conditioning-dependent respiratory toxicity. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:1425-1436. [PMID: 28660319 PMCID: PMC5645435 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2034-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The primary aim of this clinical trial was to determine the feasibility of delivering first-generation CAR T cell therapy to patients with advanced, CEACAM5+ malignancy. Secondary aims were to assess clinical efficacy, immune effector function and optimal dose of CAR T cells. Three cohorts of patients received increasing doses of CEACAM5+-specific CAR T cells after fludarabine pre-conditioning plus systemic IL2 support post T cell infusion. Patients in cohort 4 received increased intensity pre-conditioning (cyclophosphamide and fludarabine), systemic IL2 support and CAR T cells. No objective clinical responses were observed. CAR T cell engraftment in patients within cohort 4 was significantly higher. However, engraftment was short-lived with a rapid decline of systemic CAR T cells within 14 days. Patients in cohort 4 had transient, acute respiratory toxicity which, in combination with lack of prolonged CAR T cell persistence, resulted in the premature closure of the trial. Elevated levels of systemic IFNγ and IL-6 implied that the CEACAM5-specific T cells had undergone immune activation in vivo but only in patients receiving high-intensity pre-conditioning. Expression of CEACAM5 on lung epithelium may have resulted in this transient toxicity. Raised levels of serum cytokines including IL-6 in these patients implicate cytokine release as one of several potential factors exacerbating the observed respiratory toxicity. Whilst improved CAR designs and T cell production methods could improve the systemic persistence and activity, methods to control CAR T ‘on-target, off-tissue’ toxicity are required to enable a clinical impact of this approach in solid malignancies.
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8
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Efficient and reproducible generation of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes for renal cell carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2015; 112:1510-8. [PMID: 25867267 PMCID: PMC4453687 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2015.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is showing great promise in the treatment of patients with advanced malignant melanoma. However, the translation of TIL therapy to non-melanoma tumours such as renal cell carcinoma has been less successful with a major constraint being the inability to reproducibly generate TILs from primary and metastatic tumour tissue. METHODS Primary and metastatic renal cell carcinoma biopsies were subjected to differential tumour disaggregation methods and procedures that stimulate the specific expansion of TILs tested to determine which reliably generated TIL maintained antitumour specificity. RESULTS Enzymatic or combined enzymatic/mechanical disaggregation resulted in equivalent numbers of TILs being liberated from renal cell carcinoma biopsies. Following mitogenic activation of the isolated TILs with anti-CD3/anti-CD28-coated paramagnetic beads, successful TIL expansion was achieved in 90% of initiated cultures. The frequency of T-cell recognition of autologous tumours was enhanced when tumours were disaggregated using the GentleMACS enzymatic/mechanical system. CONCLUSION TILs can be consistently produced from renal cell carcinoma biopsies maintaining autologous tumour recognition after expansion in vitro. While the method of disaggregation has little impact on the success of TIL growth, methods that preserve the cell surface architecture facilitate TIL recognition of an autologous tumour, which is important in terms of characterising the functionality of the expanded TIL population.
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Dotti G, Gottschalk S, Savoldo B, Brenner MK. Design and development of therapies using chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cells. Immunol Rev 2014; 257:107-26. [PMID: 24329793 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 379] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Investigators developed chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for expression on T cells more than 25 years ago. When the CAR is derived from an antibody, the resultant cell should combine the desirable targeting features of an antibody (e.g. lack of requirement for major histocompatibility complex recognition, ability to recognize non-protein antigens) with the persistence, trafficking, and effector functions of a T cell. This article describes how the past two decades have seen a crescendo of research which has now begun to translate these potential benefits into effective treatments for patients with cancer. We describe the basic design of CARs, describe how antigenic targets are selected, and the initial clinical experience with CAR-T cells. Our review then describes our own and other investigators' work aimed at improving the function of CARs and reviews the clinical studies in hematological and solid malignancies that are beginning to exploit these approaches. Finally, we show the value of adding additional engineering features to CAR-T cells, irrespective of their target, to render them better suited to function in the tumor environment, and discuss how the safety of these heavily modified cells may be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpietro Dotti
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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10
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Bridgeman JS, Ladell K, Sheard VE, Miners K, Hawkins RE, Price DA, Gilham DE. CD3ζ-based chimeric antigen receptors mediate T cell activation via cis- and trans-signalling mechanisms: implications for optimization of receptor structure for adoptive cell therapy. Clin Exp Immunol 2014; 175:258-67. [PMID: 24116999 PMCID: PMC3892417 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can mediate redirected lysis of tumour cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent manner, thereby enabling autologous adoptive T cell therapy for a variety of malignant neoplasms. Currently, most CARs incorporate the T cell receptor (TCR) CD3ζ signalling chain; however, the precise mechanisms responsible for CAR-mediated T cell activation are unclear. In this study, we used a series of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-mutant and transmembrane-modified receptors to demonstrate that CARs activate T cells both directly via the antigen-ligated signalling chain and indirectly via associated chains within the TCR complex. These observations allowed us to generate new receptors capable of eliciting polyfunctional responses in primary human T cells. This work increases our understanding of CAR function and identifies new avenues for the optimization of CAR-based therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Bridgeman
- Clinical and Experimental Immunotherapy Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Institute of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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Shablak A, Gilham DE, Hawkins RE, Elkord E. In vitroeffect of IL-2 in combination with pazopanib or sunitinib on lymphocytes function and apoptosis of RCC cells. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2014; 15:1489-99. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2014.920824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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12
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Cheadle EJ, Sheard V, Rothwell DG, Bridgeman JS, Ashton G, Hanson V, Mansoor AW, Hawkins RE, Gilham DE. Differential role of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in autotoxicity driven by CD19-specific second-generation chimeric antigen receptor T cells in a mouse model. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:3654-65. [PMID: 24623129 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
T cells engrafted with chimeric AgRs (CAR) are showing exciting potential for targeting B cell malignancies in early-phase clinical trials. To determine whether the second-generation CAR was essential for optimal antitumor activity, two CD28-based CAR constructs targeting CD19 were tested for their ability to redirect mouse T cell function against established B cell lymphoma in a BALB/c syngeneic model system. T cells armed with either CAR eliminated A20 B cell lymphoma in vivo; however, one construct induced a T cell dose-dependent acute toxicity associated with a raised serum Th1 type cytokine profile on transfer into preconditioned mice. Moreover, a chronic toxicity manifested as granuloma-like formation in spleen, liver, and lymph nodes was observed in animals receiving T cells bearing either CD28 CAR, albeit with different kinetics dependent upon the specific receptor used. This phenotype was associated with an expansion of CD4+ CAR+ T cells and CD11b+ Gr-1(+) myeloid cells and increased serum Th2-type cytokines, including IL-10 and IL-13. Mouse T cells engrafted with a first-generation CAR failed to develop such autotoxicity, whereas toxicity was not apparent when T cells bearing the same receptors were transferred into C57BL/6 or C3H animals. In summary, the adoptive transfer of second-generation CD19-specific CAR T cells can result in a cell dose-dependent acute toxicity, whereas the prolonged secretion of high levels of Th2 cytokines from these CAR T cells in vivo drives a granulomatous reaction resulting in chronic toxicity. Strategies that prevent a prolonged Th2-cytokine biased CAR T cell response are clearly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J Cheadle
- Clinical and Experimental Immunotherapy Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M20 4BX, United Kingdom
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Guest RD, Kirillova N, Mowbray S, Gornall H, Rothwell DG, Cheadle EJ, Austin E, Smith K, Watt SM, Kühlcke K, Westwood N, Thistlethwaite F, Hawkins RE, Gilham DE. Definition and application of good manufacturing process-compliant production of CEA-specific chimeric antigen receptor expressing T-cells for phase I/II clinical trial. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:133-45. [PMID: 24190544 PMCID: PMC11029514 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1492-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy employing gene-modified T-cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has shown promising preclinical activity in a range of model systems and is now being tested in the clinical setting. The manufacture of CAR T-cells requires compliance with national and European regulations for the production of medicinal products. We established such a compliant process to produce T-cells armed with a first-generation CAR specific for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). CAR T-cells were successfully generated for 14 patients with advanced CEA(+) malignancy. Of note, in the majority of patients, the defined procedure generated predominantly CD4(+) CAR T-cells with the general T-cell population bearing an effector-memory phenotype and high in vitro effector function. Thus, improving the process to generate less-differentiated T-cells would be more desirable in the future for effective adoptive gene-modified T-cell therapy. However, these results confirm that CAR T-cells can be generated in a manner compliant with regulations governing medicinal products in the European Union.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Guest
- Cellular Therapeutics, Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9XX UK
| | | | - Sam Mowbray
- Cellular Therapeutics, Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9XX UK
| | - Hannah Gornall
- Clinical and Experimental Immunotherapy Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4BX UK
| | - Dominic G. Rothwell
- Clinical Immune and Molecular Monitoring Laboratory, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, CRUK Manchester Institute, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Eric Austin
- Stem Cells and Immunotherapy, NHSBT Liverpool Centre, Speke, Liverpool, UK
| | - Keith Smith
- Stem Cells and Immunotherapy, NHSBT Liverpool Centre, Speke, Liverpool, UK
| | - Suzanne M. Watt
- Stem Cell Research, NHS Blood and Transplant Oxford Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Klaus Kühlcke
- EUFETS GmbH, Vollmersbachstr. 66, 55743 Idar-Oberstein, Germany
| | - Nigel Westwood
- Cancer Research UK Drug Development Office, Angel Building, 407 St John Street, London, EC1V 4AD UK
| | - Fiona Thistlethwaite
- Clinical and Experimental Immunotherapy Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4BX UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, UK
| | - Robert E. Hawkins
- Clinical and Experimental Immunotherapy Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4BX UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, UK
| | - David E. Gilham
- Clinical and Experimental Immunotherapy Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4BX UK
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14
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Engineered T cells for cancer treatment. Cytotherapy 2013; 16:713-33. [PMID: 24239105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptively transferred T cells have the capacity to traffic to distant tumor sites, infiltrate fibrotic tissue and kill antigen-expressing tumor cells. Various groups have investigated different genetic engineering strategies designed to enhance tumor specificity, increase T cell potency, improve proliferation, persistence or migratory capacity and increase safety. This review focuses on recent developments in T cell engineering, discusses the clinical application of these engineered cell products and outlines future prospects for this therapeutic modality.
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15
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Duong CPM, Westwood JA, Yong CSM, Murphy A, Devaud C, John LB, Darcy PK, Kershaw MH. Engineering T cell function using chimeric antigen receptors identified using a DNA library approach. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63037. [PMID: 23667569 PMCID: PMC3646939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of cellular function holds much promise for the treatment of a variety of diseases including gene deficiencies and cancer. However, engineering the full complement of cellular functions can be a daunting genetic exercise since many molecular triggers need to be activated to achieve complete function. In the case of T cells, genes encoding chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) covalently linking antibodies to cytoplasmic signaling domains can trigger some, but not all, cellular functions against cancer cells. To date, relatively few CAR formats have been investigated using a candidate molecule approach, in which rationally chosen molecules were trialed one by one. Therefore, to expedite this arduous process we developed an innovative screening method to screen many thousands of CAR formats to identify genes able to enhance the anticancer ability of T cells. We used a directional in-frame library of randomly assembled signaling domains in a CAR specific for the tumor associated antigen erbB2. Several new and original CARs were identified, one of which had an enhanced ability to lyse cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth in mice. This study highlights novel technology that could be used to screen a variety of molecules for their capacity to induce diverse functions in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie P. M. Duong
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer A. Westwood
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carmen S. M. Yong
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda Murphy
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christel Devaud
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liza B. John
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phillip K. Darcy
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael H. Kershaw
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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16
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Curran KJ, Pegram HJ, Brentjens RJ. Chimeric antigen receptors for T cell immunotherapy: current understanding and future directions. J Gene Med 2012; 14:405-15. [PMID: 22262649 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic engineering of T cells through the introduction of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) allows for generation of tumor-targeted T cells. Once expressed by T cells, CARs combine antigen-specificity with T cell activation in a single fusion molecule. Most CARs are comprised of an antigen-binding domain, an extracellular spacer/hinge region, a trans-membrane domain and an intracellular signaling domain resulting in T cell activation after antigen binding. METHODS We performed a search of the literature regarding tumor immunotherapy using CAR-modified T cells to provide a concise review of this topic. RESULTS This review aims to focus on the elements of CAR design required for successful application of this technology in cancer immunotherapy. Most notably, proper target antigen selection, co-stimulatory signaling, and the ability of CAR-modified T cells to traffic, persist and retain function after adoptive transfer are required for optimal tumor eradication. Furthermore, recent clinical trials have demonstrated tumor burden and chemotherapy conditioning before adoptive transfer as being critically important for this therapy. Future research into counteracting the suppressive tumor microenvironment and the ability to activate an endogenous anti-tumor response by CAR-modified T cells may enhance the therapeutic potential of this treatment. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, CAR-modified T cell therapy is a highly promising treatment for cancer, having already demonstrated both promising preclinical and clinical results. However, further modification and additional clinical trials will need to be conducted to ultimately optimize the anti-tumor efficacy of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Curran
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center - Bone Marrow Transplant Service, Department of Pediatrics, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Maher J. Immunotherapy of malignant disease using chimeric antigen receptor engrafted T cells. ISRN ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:278093. [PMID: 23304553 PMCID: PMC3523553 DOI: 10.5402/2012/278093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor- (CAR-) based immunotherapy has been under development for almost 25 years, over which period it has progressed from a new but cumbersome technology to an emerging therapeutic modality for malignant disease. The approach involves the genetic engineering of fusion receptors (CARs) that couple the HLA-independent binding of cell surface target molecules to the delivery of a tailored activating signal to host immune cells. Engineered CARs are delivered most commonly to peripheral blood T cells using a range of vector systems, most commonly integrating viral vectors. Preclinical refinement of this approach has proceeded over several years to the point that clinical testing is now being undertaken at several centres, using increasingly sophisticated and therapeutically successful genetic payloads. This paper considers several aspects of the pre-clinical and clinical development of CAR-based immunotherapy and how this technology is acquiring an increasing niche in the treatment of both solid and haematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maher
- CAR Mechanics Group, Department of Research Oncology, King's Health Partners Integrated Cancer Centre, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Immunology, Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 3DJ, UK
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK
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18
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Gilham DE, Debets R, Pule M, Hawkins RE, Abken H. CAR-T cells and solid tumors: tuning T cells to challenge an inveterate foe. Trends Mol Med 2012; 18:377-84. [PMID: 22613370 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2012] [Revised: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports on the impressive efficacy of adoptively transferred T cells to challenge cancer in early phase clinical trials have significantly raised the profile of T cell therapy. Concomitantly, general expectations are also raised by these reports, with the natural aspiration to deliver this therapy over a wide range of tumor indications. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) endow T cell populations with defined antigen specificities that function independently of the natural T cell receptor and permit targeting of T cells towards virtually any tumor. Here, we review the current clinical application of CAR-T cells and relate clinical efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell trials to parameters considered critical for CAR engineering, classified as the three T's of CAR-T cell manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Gilham
- Clinical and Experimental Immunotherapy Group, School of Cancer and Enabling Sciences, The University of Manchester, Withington, Manchester M20 4BX, UK.
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19
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Ligation of the CD2 co-stimulatory receptor enhances IL-2 production from first-generation chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Gene Ther 2011; 19:1114-20. [PMID: 22130449 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
T cells bearing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are broadly categorised into first- and second-generation receptors. Second-generation CARs contain a co-stimulatory signalling molecule and have been shown to secrete IL-2, undergo greater proliferation and to have enhanced persistence in vivo. However, we have shown that T cells bearing a first-generation CAR containing a CD19-targeting scFv (single-chain variable fragment) and the CD3ζ-signalling domain are able to produce IL-2 upon co-culture with CD19(+) B-cell lymphomas independent of CD28 activity. Here, we report that signalling through endogenous CD2 following ligation with its ligands, CD48 in mouse and CD58 in humans, drives IL-2 production by first-generation CD19-specific CAR. Moreover, the high levels of IL-2 produced by human T cells engrafted with a second-generation CD28-containing CAR during target-cell recognition are dependent to a degree upon CD2 receptor activity. These observations highlight the fact that the functional activity induced by T-cell-expressed CARs is dependent upon endogenous 'natural' receptor interactions. A deeper understanding of the role of these activities will serve to further refine the design of future CARs to either exploit or avoid these interactions.
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20
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Holland M, Castro FV, Alexander S, Smith D, Liu J, Walker M, Bitton D, Mulryan K, Ashton G, Blaylock M, Bagley S, Connolly Y, Bridgeman J, Miller C, Krishnan S, Dempsey C, Masurekar A, Stern P, Whetton A, Saha V. RAC2, AEP, and ICAM1 expression are associated with CNS disease in a mouse model of pre-B childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood 2011; 118:638-49. [PMID: 21606482 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-09-307330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed a murine model of CNS disease to obtain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of CNS involvement in pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Semiquantitative proteomic discovery-based approaches identified unique expression of asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), and ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2), among others, in an invasive pre-B-cell line that produced CNS leukemia in NOD-SCID mice. Targeting RAC2 significantly inhibited in vitro invasion and delayed disease onset in mice. Induced expression of RAC2 in cell lines with low/absent expression of AEP and ICAM1 did not result in an invasive phenotype or murine CNS disease. Flow cytometric analysis identified an enriched population of blast cells expressing ICAM1/lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1)/CD70 in the CD10(+)/CD19(+) fraction of bone marrow aspirates obtained from relapsed compared with normal controls and those with primary disease. CD10(+)/CD19(+) fractions obtained from relapsed patients also express RAC2 and give rise to CNS disease in mice. Our data suggest that combinations of processes are involved in the pathogenesis of CNS disease in pre-B-cell ALL, support a model in which CNS disease occurs as a result of external invasion, and suggest that targeting the processes of adhesion and invasion unique to pre-B cells may prevent recurrences within the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Holland
- Cancer Research UK Children's Cancer Group, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, School of Cancer & Enabling Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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21
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Elkord E, Burt DJ. Novel IFNγ ELISPOT assay for detection of functional carcinoembryonic antigen-specific chimeric antigen receptor-redirected T cells. Scand J Immunol 2011; 74:419-22. [PMID: 21645031 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2011.02588.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We here describe the development of a novel ELISPOT assay for the detection and enumeration of IFNγ-secreting functional chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T cells against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). This method is valuable for clinical trials to monitor the presence of functional CEA-specific T cells transduced with a CAR. The same principle should be applicable for the detection of functional CAR-redirected T cells against any other tumour-associated antigens by immobilizing a particular biotinylated antigen to streptavidin-coated beads.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Elkord
- Centre for Biochemistry, Drug Design and Cancer Research, School of Environment & Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
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22
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Ramos CA, Dotti G. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered lymphocytes for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2011; 11:855-73. [PMID: 21463133 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2011.573476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) usually combine the antigen binding site of a monoclonal antibody with the signal activating machinery of a T cell, freeing antigen recognition from MHC restriction and thus breaking one of the barriers to more widespread application of cellular therapy. Similar to treatment strategies employing monoclonal antibodies, T cells expressing CARs are highly targeted, but additionally offer the potential benefits of active trafficking to tumor sites, in vivo expansion and long-term persistence. Furthermore, gene transfer allows the introduction of countermeasures to tumor immune evasion and of safety mechanisms. AREAS COVERED The basic structure of so-called first and later generation CARs and their potential advantages over other immune therapy systems. How these molecules can be grafted into immune cells (including retroviral and non-retroviral transduction methods) and strategies to improve the in vivo persistence and function of immune cells expressing CARs. Examples of tumor-associated antigens that have been targeted in preclinical models and clinical experience with these modified cells. Safety issues surrounding CAR gene transfer into T cells and potential solutions to them. EXPERT OPINION Because of recent advances in immunology, genetics and cell processing, CAR-modified T cells will likely play an increasing role in the cellular therapy of cancer, chronic infections and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Ramos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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23
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Gilham DE, Lie-A-Ling M, Taylor N, Hawkins RE. Cytokine stimulation and the choice of promoter are critical factors for the efficient transduction of mouse T cells with HIV-1 vectors. J Gene Med 2010; 12:129-36. [PMID: 20033928 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-1 fails to successfully infect mouse T cells as a result of several blocks in the viral replication cycle. We investigated whether this also impacted on the use of HIV-1 derived lentiviral vectors for stable gene transfer into mouse T cells. METHODS Freshly isolated primary mouse T cells were immediately mixed with lentiviral vectors encoding an enhanced green fluorescent protein marker gene and transduction frequency was determined after 5 days of culture. RESULTS Optimal transduction required both mouse T cell activation and cytokine support. Furthermore, transduction was also dependent upon the promoter chosen, with the rank order of potency being PGK > EF1 > SFFV > CMV. HIV-1 lentiviral vectors also efficiently transduced cytokine-stimulated T cells (in the absence of antibody driven T cell activation), albeit with a lower level of transgene expression compared to fully-activated T cells. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that primary mouse T cells can be efficiently transduced with HIV-1 lentiviral vectors, opening up prospects for their use in mouse models of gene-modified adoptive cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Gilham
- Cell Therapy Group, Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
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24
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Davies DM, Maher J. Adoptive T-cell immunotherapy of cancer using chimeric antigen receptor-grafted T cells. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2010; 58:165-78. [PMID: 20373147 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-010-0074-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing the power of the immune system to target cancer has long been a goal of tumor immunologists. One avenue under investigation is the modification of T cells to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Expression of such a receptor enables T-cell specificity to be redirected against a chosen tumor antigen. Substantial research in this field has been carried out, incorporating a wide variety of malignancies and tumor-associated antigens. Ongoing investigations will ensure this area continues to expand at a rapid pace. This review will explain the evolution of CAR technology over the last two decades in addition to detailing the associated benefits and disadvantages. The outcome of recent phase I clinical trials and the impact that these have had upon the direction of future research in this field will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Marc Davies
- King's College London School of Medicine, Research Oncology Section, Division of Cancer Studies, Third Floor Bermondsey Wing, Guy's Hospital Campus, St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RT, UK
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25
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Bridgeman JS, Hawkins RE, Bagley S, Blaylock M, Holland M, Gilham DE. The optimal antigen response of chimeric antigen receptors harboring the CD3zeta transmembrane domain is dependent upon incorporation of the receptor into the endogenous TCR/CD3 complex. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 184:6938-49. [PMID: 20483753 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0901766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric Ag receptors (CARs) expressed in T cells permit the redirected lysis of tumor cells in an MHC-unrestricted manner. In the Jurkat T cell model system, expression of a carcinoembryonic Ag-specific CD3zeta CAR (MFEzeta) resulted in an increased sensitivity of the transduced Jurkat cell to generate cytokines when stimulated through the endogenous TCR complex. This effect was driven through two key characteristics of the MFEzeta CAR: 1) receptor dimerization and 2) the interaction of the CAR with the endogenous TCR complex. Mutations of the CAR transmembrane domain that abrogated these interactions resulted in a reduced functional capacity of the MFEzeta CAR to respond to carcinoembryonic Ag protein Ag. Taken together, these results indicate that CARs containing the CD3zeta transmembrane domain can form a complex with the endogenous TCR that may be beneficial for optimal T cell activation. This observation has potential implications for the future design of CARs for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Bridgeman
- Cell Therapy Group, Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Manchester, UK
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26
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Bridgeman JS, Blaylock M, Hawkins RE, Gilham DE. Development of a flow cytometric co-immunoprecipitation technique for the study of multiple protein-protein interactions and its application to T-cell receptor analysis. Cytometry A 2010; 77:338-46. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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27
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Cheadle EJ, Hawkins RE, Batha H, O'Neill AL, Dovedi SJ, Gilham DE. Natural expression of the CD19 antigen impacts the long-term engraftment but not antitumor activity of CD19-specific engineered T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 184:1885-96. [PMID: 20089697 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0901440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
T cells gene-modified to express chimeric Ag receptors (CARs) have shown potent antitumor activity in vivo and are in clinical trials at locations worldwide. However, CAR activity has been investigated in mouse models in which Ag expression is restricted to the tumor. To explore the impact of normal tissue expression of the target Ag, we developed a mouse CD19-specific CAR to investigate antitumor efficacy against a syngeneic B cell lymphoma cell line within a background of normal CD19(+) host B cells. Mouse T cells engrafted with the amCD19CD3zeta CAR specifically lysed A20 lymphoma targets and B cells in vitro. These T cells also eradicated a 12-d established disseminated A20 lymphoma in mice preconditioned with 6 Gy total body irradiation. In the short-term (7 d after adoptive transfer), amCD19z T cells underwent Ag-dependent proliferation in vivo with a concomitant depletion in host B cell levels. However, the levels of amCD19z CAR(+) T cells decreased significantly at later time points, at which point host B cells returned, eventually reaching normal levels. In contrast, CAR(+) T cells lacking a signaling domain or specificity for mCD19 persisted over extended periods in blood and spleen. Importantly, no overt clinical signs of autotoxicity were observed in tumor-free or tumor-bearing mice treated with amCD19z T cells over an extended period of time. These observations highlight the importance of studying the activity of CAR(+) T cells in autologous models that have the normal range of tissue expression of Ag.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J Cheadle
- Cellular Therapy Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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28
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The Lewis-Y carbohydrate antigen is expressed by many human tumors and can serve as a target for genetically redirected T cells despite the presence of soluble antigen in serum. J Immunother 2009; 32:292-301. [PMID: 19242371 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e31819b7c8e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study we aimed to determine the suitability of the Lewis-Y carbohydrate antigen as a target for immunotherapy using genetically redirected T cells. Using the 3S193 monoclonal antibody and immunohistochemistry, Lewis-Y was found to be expressed on a range of tumors including 42% squamous cell lung carcinoma, 80% lung adenocarcinoma, 25% ovarian carcinoma, and 25% colorectal adenocarcinoma. Expression levels varied from low to intense on between 1% and 90% of tumor cells. Lewis- was also found in soluble form in sera from both normal donors and cancer patients using a newly developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels in patients was often less than 1 ng/mL, similar to normal donors, but approximately 30% of patients had soluble Lewis-Y levels exceeding 1 ng/mL and up to 9 ng/mL. Lewis-Y-specific human T cells were generated by genetic modification with a chimeric receptor encoding a single-chain humanized antibody linked to the T-cell signaling molecules, T-cell receptor-zeta, and CD28. T cells responded against the Lewis-Y antigen by cytokine secretion and cytolysis in response to tumor cells. Importantly, the T-cell response was not inhibited by patient serum containing soluble Lewis-Y. This study demonstrates that Lewis-Y is expressed on a large number of tumors and Lewis-Y-specific T cells can retain antitumor function in the presence of patient serum, indicating that this antigen is a suitable target for this form of therapy.
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29
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Eradication of established B-cell lymphoma by CD19-specific murine T cells is dependent on host lymphopenic environment and can be mediated by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. J Immunother 2009; 32:207-18. [PMID: 19242379 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e318194a921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
B-cell malignancies seem to be particularly amenable to immunotherapy and as such make particularly attractive targets for adoptive T-cell therapy. Murine T cells gene-modified to express a chimeric immune receptor specific for CD19+ (aCD19z) efficiently kill CD19 B-cell lymphoma cells in vitro. aCD19z T cells also secrete high levels of interleukin-2 during culture with target cells in a CD86 independent manner. aCD19z T cells proved effective at eradicating established B-cell lymphoma in a syngeneic model system when combined with a lymphodepleting preconditioning regimen. In mice deficient of T, B, and natural killer cells (severe combined immunodeficient/Beige), aCD19z T cells efficiently eradicated long-term (13 d) established tumors with 100% of treated animals remaining tumor free for greater than 77 days. Although gene-modified CD4+ and CD8+ were both active in this setting, poor engraftment by CD8+ T cells coupled with the rigorous expansion of CD4+ cells in the Balb/c background suggests that CD4+ T cells may be playing a predominant role in lymphoma rejection in this model. Taken together, the therapeutic effectiveness of aCD19z T cells in this model supports a recently opened phase 1 trial of this receptor in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
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30
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Yu K, Hu Y, Tan Y, Shen Z, Jiang S, Qian H, Liang B, Shan D. Immunotherapy of lymphomas with T cells modified by anti-CD20 scFv/CD28/CD3zeta recombinant gene. Leuk Lymphoma 2008; 49:1368-73. [PMID: 18452062 DOI: 10.1080/10428190802064958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
One of the approaches to make anti-CD20 antibody more efficient is to express this antibody on the surface of T cells. scFv from anti-CD20 antibody has been expressed on T cell surface to bind to CD20 positive cells and CD3zeta has been expressed as a fusion partner to transduct signals. T cells grafted with this chimeric scFv/CD3zeta were able to redirect grafted T cells to an MHC/Ag-independent antitumor response. To test the effects of CD28 signal on the cellular activation and antitumor effectiveness of chimeric scFv/CD3zeta modified T cells, we constructed a recombinant anti-CD20 scFv/CD28/CD3zeta gene in a retroviral vector. T cells expressing anti-CD20 scFv/CD28/CD3zeta specifically lysed CD20 positive target tumor cells and secreted not only IFN-gamma but also IL-2 after binding to their target cells. Our data indicate that CD3 and CD28 signalling can be delivered in one molecule, which is sufficient for complete T cell activation without exogenous B7/CD28 costimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Yu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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31
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Nguyen Huu NS, Ryder WDJ, Zeps N, Flasza M, Chiu M, Hanby AM, Poulsom R, Clarke RB, Baron M. Tumour-promoting activity of altered WWP1 expression in breast cancer and its utility as a prognostic indicator. J Pathol 2008; 216:93-102. [PMID: 18604872 DOI: 10.1002/path.2385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
WWP1 is a ubiquitin ligase, associated with the post-translational regulation of several tumour-promoting and tumour suppressor proteins. Here we show that WWP1 expression is up-regulated in a subset of breast tumour cell lines and primary breast tumours. We overexpressed WWP1 in MCF10A breast epithelial cells and demonstrated increased cell growth and anchorage-independent colony formation. RNAi knockdown of WWP1 expression in T47D and MCF7 breast tumour cell lines reduced anchorage-independent colony formation. We used WWP1 protein expression levels, in combination with its sub-cellular localization, to classify breast tumours into four categories. Surprisingly, a category with low/absent WWP1 expression displayed a consistently worse prognosis compared with WWP1-expressing tumours. Importantly, the association with disease-free survival was independent of the status of other commonly used prognostic indicators. Thus, WWP1 is a prognostic marker and may be a potential therapeutic target for a subset of breast tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Nguyen Huu
- University of Manchester, Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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Cheadle EJ, Gilham DE, Hawkins RE. The combination of cyclophosphamide and human T cells genetically engineered to target CD19 can eradicate established B-cell lymphoma. Br J Haematol 2008; 142:65-8. [PMID: 18477047 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07145.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
T cells genetically engineered to express tumour-targeting receptors are attractive anti-cancer therapeutic agents. Human T cells engrafted with a chimeric receptor specific for the B-cell lymphoma antigen CD19 fused to the CD3zeta receptor (aCD19z) are functional in vitro. Current successful clinical protocols targeting melanoma use pre-conditioning chemotherapy in combination with T cells. This study demonstrated that interleukin-2 expanded aCD19z T cells combined with cyclophosphamide effectively treated five-day established Raji B-cell lymphoma in an immunocompromised model system with 50% of mice surviving >100 days. This observation strongly supports the combination of antibody targeted T cells with chemotherapy as a novel approach for the therapy of CD19(+) B-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J Cheadle
- Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Cheadle EJ, Riyad K, Subar D, Rothwell DG, Ashton G, Batha H, Sherlock DJ, Hawkins RE, Gilham DE. Eotaxin-2 and colorectal cancer: a potential target for immune therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13:5719-28. [PMID: 17908961 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-1145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the production of chemokines by colorectal hepatic metastases. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Biopsies of resected colorectal hepatic metastases and nonneoplastic adjacent liver tissue were screened for chemokines using protein arrays and results were confirmed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Two chemokines, eotaxin-2 and MCP-1, were found at elevated levels within the tumor biopsy compared with adjacent liver. The relative increase in expression from tumor was much higher for eotaxin-2 than MCP-1, with 10 of 25 donors having a >100-fold increase in expression compared with 0 of 24 donors for MCP-1. In a parallel analysis, eotaxin-2 was also found at elevated levels in the tumor region of primary colorectal cancer biopsies. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that carcinoembryonic antigen-positive tumor cells stained strongly for eotaxin-2, implicating these cells as the predominant source of the chemokine. In vitro studies confirmed that several colorectal tumor lines produce eotaxin-2 and that secretion of this chemokine could be depressed by IFN-gamma and enhanced by the Th2-type cytokines interleukin-4 and interleukin-13. Jurkat T cells were engineered to express the receptor for eotaxin-2 (CCR3). These cells effectively migrated in response to eotaxin-2 protein, suggesting that immune cells gene modified to express a chemokine receptor may have improved abilities to home to tumor. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these observations confirm eotaxin-2 as a chemokine strongly associated with primary and metastatic tumors of colorectal origin. Furthermore, the importance of this result may be a useful tool in the development of targeted therapeutic approaches to colorectal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J Cheadle
- Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
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Turatti F, Figini M, Balladore E, Alberti P, Casalini P, Marks JD, Canevari S, Mezzanzanica D. Redirected activity of human antitumor chimeric immune receptors is governed by antigen and receptor expression levels and affinity of interaction. J Immunother 2007; 30:684-93. [PMID: 17893561 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e3180de5d90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Novel Ab-based immunotherapeutic strategies have exploited T-cell receptor-like chimeric immune receptors (CIR) expressed on the surface of transduced human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) to redirect potent non-major histocompatibility complex-dependent cytotoxicity to tumor cells expressing a tumor-associated antigens. We transduced human PBMC with 2 fully human CIRs that trigger through the zeta-chain of CD3 and contain either one of two human scFv specific for the same epitope on the extracellular domain of HER2 but with distinctly different affinities (KD 1616 and 1 nM) for this antigen. Potent direct CIR-mediated killing and in vitro tumor growth inhibition mediated by transduced PBMC were observed against targets expressing different levels of HER2. High-affinity CIR showed stronger ability to bind Ag and retain binding than low-affinity CIR. When lytic potential of the 2 CIRs was evaluated, their efficiency was comparable under conditions of high CIR and Ag expression, whereas low-affinity CIR was more efficient than high-affinity CIR in conditions of limiting Ag and CIR expression levels. When tumor growth inhibition was evaluated, Ag and CIR levels, rather than CIR affinity appeared relevant. Ag-driven CIR activation resulted in the production of soluble factors mediating efficient bystander effect. By carefully defining CIR surface expression and increasing affinity for a specific target antigen, it may be possible to selectively exclude CIR-mediated activity against targets expressing low levels of antigen, as normal cells. On the contrary, low antigen-expressing tumor variants could be eliminated by decreasing CIR affinity. Tuning CIR expression and affinity might help in discriminating different biologic contexts.
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MESH Headings
- Antibody Affinity
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Cell Line
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-2/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Transduction, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Turatti
- Molecular Therapies Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Coppock HA, Gilham DE, Howell A, Clarke RB. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and basement membrane interact to regulate breast epithelial cell differentiation and acinar morphogenesis. Cell Prolif 2007; 40:721-40. [PMID: 17877612 PMCID: PMC6496798 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2007.00463.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs), p21(CIP1) and p27(KIP1) regulate growth and differentiation in diverse tissue types. We aimed to determine whether p21(CIP1) or p27(KIP1) could induce a terminally differentiated phenotype in breast cells, and to examine if CDKI expression is regulated by basement membrane interactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Effects of increased CDKI expression on the phenotype of MCF-10A breast epithelial cells were examined by retroviral transduction of p21(CIP1) or p27(KIP1) cDNA. RESULTS Overexpression of p21(CIP1) or p27(KIP1) reduced MCF-10A growth rates in monolayer cultures, altered cellular morphology and stimulated accumulation of neutral lipid droplets, suggesting partial lactational differentiation. However, markers of luminal differentiation (oestrogen and progesterone receptors, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-casein and adipophilin) were absent when examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Cell-basement membrane contacts are known to be essential for full mammary epithelial cell differentiation and therefore parental MCF-10A cells were cultured on a basement membrane preparation (Matrigel) in which they form acini. Immunocytochemistry showed that Ki67, the cell proliferation marker, was initially expressed at high levels and as growth decreased p27(KIP1) expression steadily increased. Surprisingly, p21(CIP1) was highest at the early stages of acinus growth and was detected in proliferating cells, as demonstrated by colocalization in dual Ki67/p21(CIP1) immunofluorescence. Overexpression of p21(CIP1) or p27(KIP1) impaired formation of acini, whereas their knockdown, using siRNA, increased acinus formation. CONCLUSION We conclude that both p21(CIP1) and p27(KIP1) induce partial secretory differentiation of mammary cells in monolayer, but during acinus morphogenesis in 3D culture they have a highly regulated temporal expression pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Coppock
- Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Xu Y, Darcy PK, Kershaw MH. Tumor-specific dendritic cells generated by genetic redirection of Toll-like receptor signaling against the tumor-associated antigen, erbB2. Cancer Gene Ther 2007; 14:773-80. [PMID: 17599092 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7701073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) perform an important role in the initiation of the immune response through the local secretion of inflammatory mediators within diseased tissue in response to Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligation. However, DC vaccine strategies fail to make use of this capability against cancer. To harness the TLR response capability of DC against cancer, we tested a series of recombinant genes for their ability to redirect DC function specifically against a tumor-associated antigen. Each gene encoded a cell surface chimeric protein made up of extracellular single-chain immunoglobulin anti-erbB2 linked to an intracellular TLR-signaling component composed of either myeloid differentiation factor 88, interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK-1) or the cytoplasmic domain of TLR4. Each gene was expressed in the DC line, JAWS II, to a similar degree following retroviral transduction. However, only the chimera containing IRAK-1 was able to mediate interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion. Since TLR engagement can also activate DC and enhance their ability to stimulate T cells, we ligated the chimeric anti-erbB2-IRAK-1 receptor and determined the effect on the stimulation of T cells. We found that JAWS II cells triggered through chimeric anti-erbB2-IRAK-1 displayed an enhanced ability to stimulate ovalbumin-specific OT-II CD4(+) T cells. This first description of the generation of tumor-reactive DC may lead to the development of new cell-based vaccines that can act at both the tumor site to induce danger and at the lymph node to stimulate a specific T-cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Xu
- Cancer Immunology Research Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic. 3002, Australia
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Guinn BA, Kasahara N, Farzaneh F, Habib NA, Norris JS, Deisseroth AB. Recent Advances and Current Challenges in Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2007; 15:1065-71. [PMID: 17375068 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in animal studies, where the cure of the majority of mice with pre-established (albeit early-stage) tumors has become almost standard, human clinical trials have been much less successful. Here we describe some of the most recent advances in the specialist field of tumor immunology and immunotherapy, highlighting salient work to identify key problem areas and potential solutions. We make particular note of recent developments in adoptive therapy; whole-cell, DNA, and peptide vaccines; and antibody therapy. We also describe the revival of interest in regulatory T cells and conclude by detailing the need for clinical trial read-out autonomy and methods to predict which patients will respond to a particular treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara-ann Guinn
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College London School of Medicine, The Rayne, Institute, London, UK.
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Jiang HR, Gilham DE, Mulryan K, Kirillova N, Hawkins RE, Stern PL. Combination of vaccination and chimeric receptor expressing T cells provides improved active therapy of tumors. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 177:4288-98. [PMID: 16982863 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.7.4288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We have generated murine T cells expressing chimeric immune receptors (CR) against human 5T4 oncofetal Ag (h5T4) and evaluated their tumor therapeutic efficacy alone and in combination with immunization using a replication-defective adenovirus encoding h5T4 (Rad.h5T4) and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC). The h5T4-specific engineered T cells demonstrated Ag-specific, non-MHC-restricted cytolysis of h5T4-positive B16 and CT26 tumor cells in vitro by cytotoxicity assay and antitumor activity in vivo using a Winn assay. In the s.c. injected B16h5T4 melanoma model, early local but not systemic i.v. administration of syngeneic h5T4-specific CR T cells significantly increased mice survival. This improvement was further enhanced when combined with immunization with Rad.h5T4, followed by post-CR T cell treatment with BMDC in the active therapy model, possibly through mechanisms of enhancing Ag-specific cellular immune responses. This synergistic effect was lost without delivery of the BMDC. Our findings suggest that combining engineered T cells with specific vaccination strategies can improve the active tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Rong Jiang
- Cancer Research U.K. Immunology Group, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Manchester and Christie Hospital National Health Service Trust, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
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Biglari A, Southgate TD, Fairbairn LJ, Gilham DE. Human monocytes expressing a CEA-specific chimeric CD64 receptor specifically target CEA-expressing tumour cells in vitro and in vivo. Gene Ther 2006; 13:602-10. [PMID: 16397508 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is one means by which macrophages (as well as natural killer cells and granulocytes) elicit a cytotoxic response. This is achieved via interaction of the Fc-gamma-receptor (CD64) with the Fc portion of antibody bound to target cells. We have created a chimeric CD64 molecule that incorporates a single chain Fv molecule, targeted against human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), fused to the membrane spanning and cytosolic domains of human CD64. Following adenoviral transfer to primary human monocytes, this chimeric CD64 receptor induced antigen-specific cytokine secretion during culture on immobilised CEA protein or on CEA-expressing tumour cells. Moreover, CEA targeted, but not control, monocytes effectively retarded CEA-positive tumour cell growth in vitro. Importantly, targeted monocyte cultures significantly reduced in vivo tumour growth rates in xenograft studies resulting in improved survival rates over that of control monocyte cultures. These data suggest that genetically directing monocytes against tumour antigens may be a useful means of achieving an immunotherapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Biglari
- Cancer Research UK Gene Therapy Group and Department of Medical Oncology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
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40
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Westwood JA, Smyth MJ, Teng MWL, Moeller M, Trapani JA, Scott AM, Smyth FE, Cartwright GA, Power BE, Hönemann D, Prince HM, Darcy PK, Kershaw MH. Adoptive transfer of T cells modified with a humanized chimeric receptor gene inhibits growth of Lewis-Y-expressing tumors in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:19051-6. [PMID: 16365285 PMCID: PMC1323148 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0504312102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2005] [Accepted: 11/09/2005] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, human T cells were provided with a reactivity against the Lewis-Y (Le(Y)) carbohydrate antigen, which is overexpressed on 70% of epithelial-derived tumors, but not normally recognized by T cells. Antitumor reactivity was achieved by transduction of T cells with a gene encoding a cell-surface chimeric receptor composed of single-chain anti-Le(Y) antibody linked to an enhanced cytoplasmic signaling domain made up of CD28 and CD3-zeta. Importantly, the single-chain antibody was humanized to try to reduce potential problems of human anti-mouse antibody responses in patients receiving chimeric receptor-modified T cells in future clinical trials. T cells expressing the chimeric receptor were demonstrated to secrete cytokines and proliferate in response to receptor ligation and lysed Le(Y+) tumors in vitro. Another aspect of this study was the finding that no activity was observed against normal tissue, as represented by autologous neutrophils that express low levels of Le(Y). Significantly, systemic delivery of anti-Le(Y) T cells dramatically inhibited established s.c. human ovarian OVCAR-3 tumors (a recognized difficult model to treat) in mice. Finally, we demonstrated that anti-Le(Y) T cells preferentially expanded or accumulated in the tumor compared with control empty vector T cells, thereby providing mechanistic insight into the specific antitumor response. This study supports the use of humanized gene-modified T cells as a potential therapy for Le(Y+) malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Westwood
- Cancer Immunology Program and Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St. Andrew's Place, Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
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Abstract
It is generally accepted that the immune system plays an important role in controlling tumour development. However, the interplay between tumour and immune system is complex, as demonstrated by the fact that tumours can successfully establish and develop despite the presence of T cells in tumour. An improved understanding of how tumours evade T-cell surveillance, coupled with technical developments allowing the culture and manipulation of T cells, has driven the exploration of therapeutic strategies based on the adoptive transfer of tumour-specific T cells. The isolation, expansion and re-infusion of large numbers of tumour-specific T cells generated from tumour biopsies has been shown to be feasible. Indeed, impressive clinical responses have been documented in melanoma patients treated with these T cells. These studies and others demonstrate the potential of T cells for the adoptive therapy of cancer. However, the significant technical issues relating to the production of natural tumour-specific T cells suggest that the application of this approach is likely to be limited at the moment. With the advent of retroviral gene transfer technology, it has become possible to efficiently endow T cells with antigen-specific receptors. Using this strategy, it is potentially possible to generate large numbers of tumour reactive T cells rapidly. This review summarises the current gene therapy approaches in relation to the development of adoptive T-cell-based cancer treatments, as these methods now head towards testing in the clinical trial setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Mansoor
- Cancer Research UK, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manchester, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - D E Gilham
- Cancer Research UK, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manchester, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - F C Thistlethwaite
- Cancer Research UK, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manchester, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - R E Hawkins
- Cancer Research UK, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manchester, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
- Cancer Research UK, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manchester, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. E-mail:
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Griffiths RW, Gilham DE, Dangoor A, Ramani V, Clarke NW, Stern PL, Hawkins RE. Expression of the 5T4 oncofoetal antigen in renal cell carcinoma: a potential target for T-cell-based immunotherapy. Br J Cancer 2005; 93:670-7. [PMID: 16222313 PMCID: PMC2361613 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6602776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5T4 oncofoetal antigen is a heavily glycosylated cell surface protein found on human placental trophoblast and on diverse types of human cancer but is not expressed at significant levels on adult human tissues in health. It therefore satisfies the criteria for a tumour-associated antigen and is an ideal target for the immunotherapy of cancer. We report here that 5T4 is strongly expressed on the majority of renal cell carcinomas and therefore this population of patients is suitable for trials of 5T4-targeted therapies. In particular, we have shown that T cells from renal cell carcinoma patients can be genetically modified to kill 5T4 expressing renal cancer cell lines by introduction of a chimeric-signalling protein. This protein consists of a single chain antibody fragment capable of binding antigen directly at the cell surface and then activating the T cell by virtue of a CD3zeta-signalling domain. This is a powerful tool that bypasses a number of mechanisms that allow tumours to escape T-cell killing and can be readily scaled up for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Griffiths
- Department of Medical Oncology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Research Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - D E Gilham
- Department of Medical Oncology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Research Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - A Dangoor
- Department of Immunology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - V Ramani
- Department of Urological Surgery, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - N W Clarke
- Department of Urological Surgery, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - P L Stern
- Department of Immunology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - R E Hawkins
- Department of Medical Oncology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Research Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Research Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. E-mail:
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Guest RD, Hawkins RE, Kirillova N, Cheadle EJ, Arnold J, O'Neill A, Irlam J, Chester KA, Kemshead JT, Shaw DM, Embleton MJ, Stern PL, Gilham DE. The role of extracellular spacer regions in the optimal design of chimeric immune receptors: evaluation of four different scFvs and antigens. J Immunother 2005; 28:203-11. [PMID: 15838376 DOI: 10.1097/01.cji.0000161397.96582.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human peripheral blood lymphocytes can be transduced to express antigen-dependent CD3zeta chimeric immune receptors (CIRs), which function independently of the T-cell receptor (TCR). Although the exact function of these domains is unclear, previous studies imply that an extracellular spacer region is required for optimal CIR activity. In this study, four scFvs (in the context of CIRs with or without extracellular spacer regions) were used to target the human tumor-associated antigens carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), the oncofetal antigen 5T4, and the B-cell antigen CD19. In all cases human T-cell populations expressing the CIRs were functionally active against their respective targets, but the anti-5T4 and anti-NCAM CIRs showed enhanced specific cytokine release and cytotoxicity only when possessing an extracellular spacer region. In contrast, the anti-CEA and anti-CD19 CIRs displayed optimal cytokine release activity only in the absence of an extracellular spacer. Interestingly, mapping of the scFv epitopes has revealed that the anti-CEA scFv binds close to the amino-terminal of CEA, which is easily accessible to the CIR. In contrast, CIRs enhanced by a spacer domain appear to bind to epitopes residing closer to the cell membrane, suggesting that a more flexible extracellular domain may be required to permit the efficient binding of such epitopes. These results show that a spacer is not necessary for optimal activity of CIRs but that the optimal design varies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Guest
- Cancer Research UK, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manchester and Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
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Turatti F, Figini M, Alberti P, Willemsen RA, Canevari S, Mezzanzanica D. Highly efficient redirected anti-tumor activity of human lymphocytes transduced with a completely human chimeric immune receptor. J Gene Med 2005; 7:158-70. [PMID: 15538730 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel antibody-based immunotherapeutic strategies exploit chimeric immune receptors (CIR), expressed on the surface of transduced human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), to redirect potent non-MHC-dependent cytotoxicity to tumor cells expressing a tumor-associated antigen. However, clinical application of the strategy has been hampered by the potential side effects associated with immunogenicity and by low transduction efficiency. METHODS A fully human CIR was constructed that triggers immune activation through the zeta chain of CD3 and contains a human single-chain antibody fragment specific for an extracellular epitope of HER2. PBMC were transduced with the CIR using gibbon-ape leukemia virus envelope pseudotyped retroviruses. In vitro cytotoxicity and inhibition assays were carried out using normal and tumor cell lines expressing different levels of HER2. RESULTS Bulk populations of CIR-transduced PBMC could express high levels of the construct and subcloning ensured stable expression. CIR-mediated killing and growth inhibition of targets expressing high HER2 levels were very efficient at low effector-to-target ratios. Under the same experimental conditions, CIR-mediated activity against normal cells expressing low HER2 levels was marginal. The CIR-mediated recognition of target cells induced the release of soluble factors able to inhibit growth of both HER-positive and HER2-negative bystander tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS Human CIR-transduced PBMC exert a potent and dose-dependent anti-tumor activity. Target antigen level appeared to be a critical determinant of specificity and delivery of signals leading to redirected effector functions. Soluble factors, released by redirected effectors at the site of antigen-driven activation, mediate potent bystander killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Turatti
- Molecular Therapies Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Italy
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Cheadle EJ, Gilham DE, Thistlethwaite FC, Radford JA, Hawkins RE. Killing of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells by autologous CD19 engineered T cells. Br J Haematol 2005; 129:322-32. [PMID: 15842655 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2005.05456.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy with tumour-specific T cells is an emerging technology that may be applicable to a broad range of cancers. However, tumours can avoid T cell-mediated attack through multiple mechanisms including downregulation of major histocompatability complex (MHC). Consequently, engineering T cells to target intact protein antigen directly, thus bypassing the need for MHC presentation, can facilitate T cell targeting of tumour cells. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from nine of nine patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were successfully gene-modified to express a receptor consisting of a CD19 single chain variable fragment (scFv) fused to the T cell CD3zeta signalling molecule. These T cells were functionally active against the CD19(+) Raji Burkitt's lymphoma cell line. Importantly, engineered T cells from seven of nine NHL patients efficiently lysed autologous lymph node tumour biopsy cells. There was a clear correlation between levels of CD19 expression on the tumour and effective killing by the engineered T cells. For two patients with a low or absent CD19(+) cells within the biopsy, no significant killing was observed. These results demonstrate that patients with CD19(+) NHL would be suitable candidates for this form of therapy in the setting of a phase I clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J Cheadle
- Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manchester and Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
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Dermime S, Gilham DE, Shaw DM, Davidson EJ, Meziane EK, Armstrong A, Hawkins RE, Stern PL. Vaccine and antibody-directed T cell tumour immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2004; 1704:11-35. [PMID: 15238242 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2004.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2003] [Revised: 01/22/2004] [Accepted: 03/31/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Clearer evidence for immune surveillance in malignancy and the identification of many new tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) have driven novel vaccine and antibody-targeted responses for therapy in cancer. The exploitation of active immunisation may be particularly favourable for TAA where tolerance is incomplete but passive immunisation may offer an additional strategy where the immune repertoire is affected by either tolerance or immune suppression. This review will consider how to utilise both active and passive types of therapy delivered by T cells in the context of the failure of tumour-specific immunity by presenting cancer patients. This article will outline the progress, problems and prospects of several different vaccine and antibody-targeted approaches for immunotherapy of cancer where proof of principle pre-clinical studies have been or will soon be translated into the clinic. Two examples of vaccination-based therapies where both T cell- and antibody-mediated anti-tumour responses are likely to be relevant and two examples of oncofoetal antigen-specific antibody-directed T cell therapies are described in the following sections: (1) therapeutic vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) antigens in cervical neoplasia; (2) B cell lymphoma vaccines including against immunoglobulin idiotype; (3) oncofoetal antigens as tumour targets for redirecting T cells with antibody strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Dermime
- Immunology, Cancer Research UK Groups, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research and University of Manchester, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
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Kershaw MH, Jackson JT, Haynes NM, Teng MWL, Moeller M, Hayakawa Y, Street SE, Cameron R, Tanner JE, Trapani JA, Smyth MJ, Darcy PK. Gene-Engineered T Cells as a Superior Adjuvant Therapy for Metastatic Cancer. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 173:2143-50. [PMID: 15265951 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.173.3.2143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The major limiting factor in the successful application of adjuvant therapy for metastatic disease is the lack of adjuvant specificity that leads to severe side effects. Reasoning that T cells of the immune system are highly specific, we generated tumor-specific T cells by genetic modification of mouse primary T cells with a chimeric receptor reactive with the human breast cancer-associated Ag erbB-2. These T cells killed breast cancer cells and secreted IFN-gamma in an Ag-specific manner in vitro. We investigated their use against metastatic breast cancer in mice in an adjuvant setting, and compared their effectiveness with the commonly applied adjuvants doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and herceptin. Mice were inoculated orthotopically with the human erbB-2-expressing spontaneously metastatic mouse breast cancer 4T1.2 in mammary tissue, and the primary tumor was surgically removed 8 days later. Significant metastatic disease was demonstrated in lung and liver at the time of surgery on day 8 with increased tumor burden at later time points. T cell adjuvant treatment of day 8 metastatic disease resulted in dramatic increases in survival of mice, and this survival was significantly greater than that afforded by either doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, or herceptin.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma/drug therapy
- Carcinoma/pathology
- Carcinoma/secondary
- Carcinoma/surgery
- Carcinoma/therapy
- Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Doxorubicin/therapeutic use
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Female
- Fluorouracil/therapeutic use
- Genetic Engineering
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/secondary
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/secondary
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/surgery
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Proteins/immunology
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Receptor, ErbB-2/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- T-Cell Antigen Receptor Specificity/genetics
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/transplantation
- Trastuzumab
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Kershaw
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Cheung NKV, Guo HF, Modak S, Cheung IY. Anti-idiotypic antibody facilitates scFv chimeric immune receptor gene transduction and clonal expansion of human lymphocytes for tumor therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 22:209-18. [PMID: 14511566 DOI: 10.1089/153685903322328938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric immune receptors (CIR) transduced into lymphocytes link target recognition by single chain antibody Fv (scFv) to activation through CD28/TCRzeta signaling. As surrogate antigens, anti-idiotypic antibodies may facilitate gene-transduction and clonal expansion of human lymphocytes for in vivo tumor therapy. The murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) 8H9 reacts with a novel antigen widely expressed on solid tumors. A CIR consisting of human CD8-leader sequence, 8H9-scFv, CD28 (transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains), and TCR-zeta chain was constructed, ligated into the pMSCVneo vector, and used to transfect the packaging line GP + envAM12 bearing an amphotropic envelope. Rat anti-idiotypic MAb 2E9 (IgG2a) was used to clone retroviral producer line as well as to expand gene-modified primary human lymphocytes. Sequential enrichments using either affinity chromatography or cell sorting using anti-idiotypic MAb 2E9 significantly improved the percentage of producer clones positive for surface 8H9-scFv and the efficiency of their supernatant in transducing the indicator cell line K562. By 3 weeks of in vitro culture, >95% of transduced primary human lymphocytes were CIR-positive. Upon periodic stimulation with 2E9, these lymphocytes underwent >10(6)-fold expansion by 6 months in culture. They mediated antigen-specific non-MHC restricted cytokine release and tumor cytotoxicity, and inhibited human xenograft engraftment in SCID mice. Anti-idiotypic antibody may provide a useful tool for optimizing gene transduction of CIR fusion constructs into primary human lymphocytes and their continual expansion in vitro.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/metabolism
- Clone Cells/immunology
- Cloning, Molecular
- Genetic Vectors
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/genetics
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mice
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Rats
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/biosynthesis
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/chemistry
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
- Retroviridae/genetics
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Time Factors
- Transfection
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Abstract
Artificial T-cell receptors are generated by joining an Ag-recognizing domain (ectodomain) to the transmembrane and intracellular portion of a signaling molecule (endodomain). The ectodomain is most often derived from Ab variable chains, but may also be generated from T-cell receptor variable chains, as well as from other molecules. Various alternative ectodomain designs exist, with some comparative studies suggesting optimal forms. The endodomain most often used is the intracellular portion of CD-zeta. Although signaling by CD-zeta leads to IFN-n release and cell killing, it fails to transmit a full activation signal. Recently, unions of different signaling molecule segments have facilitated transmission of more potent signals, stimulating T-cell proliferation and overcoming this major limitation. Artificial T-cell receptors allow grafting of nearly any specificity to T cells. This allows generation of large numbers of specific T cells, without laborious selection and expansion procedures. Efficacy against tumors has been demonstrated in animal models. Phase I and II studies of T-cells transduced with artificial T-cell receptors as therapy for HIV infection have been performed. This rapidly advancing technology will make new strategies of adoptive immunotherapy possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pule
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Kuroki M, Kuroki M, Shibaguchi H, Badran A, Hachimine K, Zhang J, Kinugasa T. Strategies to Endow Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes or Natural Killer Cells with Antibody Activity against Carcinoembryonic Antigen. Tumour Biol 2004; 25:208-16. [PMID: 15557759 DOI: 10.1159/000081104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2004] [Accepted: 04/06/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells are main effecter cells in cellular immunity against tumor cells. T-cell immunotherapy is based on the assumption that tumor(-associated) antigen (TA) peptides are correctly presented by HLA class I molecules on target tumor cells, and NK cell immunotherapy is based on the hypothesis that cell surface TAs or ligands for NK receptors are widely expressed in tumor cells. However, human tumor cells often lose HLA class I molecules, and target cell ligands for NK receptors are not always expressed in human tumor cells. These altered HLA class I phenotypes and non-ubiquitous expression of NK receptor ligands constitute the major tumor escape mechanism facing tumor-specific CTL and/or NK cell mediated responses. These facts also indicate that it is not easy to eliminate the target tumors only by activating tumor-specific CTLs or NK cells with cancer vaccine treatments. On the other hand, it is easily confirmed by immunohistochemistry whether or not antibody-recognized TAs exist on the cell surface of target tumor cells. Therefore, endowing CTLs or NK cells with antigen-binding specificity of anti-TA antibody is a promising approach for re-targeting the activities of these effector cells to tumor cells in an HLA-independent manner. This review summarizes the following four new strategies for re-targeting CTLs or NK cells to carcinoembryonic-antigen-expressing tumor cells: (1) bispecific antibody technology; (2) antibody-cytokine fusion protein technology; (3) chimeric immune receptor technology, and (4) antibody-HLA/peptide complex technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahide Kuroki
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan.
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