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Anurogo D, Liu CL, Chang YC, Chang YH, Qiu JT. Discovery of differentially expressed proteins for CAR-T therapy of ovarian cancers with a bioinformatics analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:11409-11433. [PMID: 39033780 PMCID: PMC11315388 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206024] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Target antigens are crucial for developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, but their application to ovarian cancers is limited. This study aimed to identify potential genes as CAR-T-cell antigen candidates for ovarian cancers. A differential gene expression analysis was performed on ovarian cancer samples from four datasets obtained from the GEO datasets. Functional annotation, pathway analysis, protein localization, and gene expression analysis were conducted using various datasets and tools. An oncogenicity analysis and network analysis were also performed. In total, 153 differentially expressed genes were identified in ovarian cancer samples, with 60 differentially expressed genes expressing plasma membrane proteins suitable for CAR-T-cell antigens. Among them, 21 plasma membrane proteins were predicted to be oncogenes in ovarian cancers, with nine proteins playing crucial roles in the network. Key genes identified in the oncogenic pathways of ovarian cancers included MUC1, CXCR4, EPCAM, RACGAP1, UBE2C, PRAME, SORT1, JUP, and CLDN3, suggesting them as recommended antigens for CAR-T-cell therapy for ovarian cancers. This study sheds light on potential targets for immunotherapy in ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dito Anurogo
- International Ph.D. Program in Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, Makassar 90221, Indonesia
| | - Chao-Lien Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chu Chang
- International Ph.D. Program in Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiang Chang
- International Ph.D. Program in Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - J. Timothy Qiu
- International Ph.D. Program in Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
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2
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Bandara V, Niktaras VM, Willett VJ, Chapman H, Lokman NA, Macpherson AM, Napoli S, Gundsambuu B, Foeng J, Sadlon TJ, Coombs J, McColl SR, Barry SC, Oehler MK, Ricciardelli C. Engineered CAR-T cells targeting the non-functional P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7) receptor as a novel treatment for ovarian cancer. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1512. [PMID: 38800555 PMCID: PMC11116765 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Recent studies have identified expression of the non-functional P2X7 (nfP2X7) receptor on various malignant cells including ovarian cancer, but not on normal cells, which makes it a promising tumour-associated antigen candidate for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell immunotherapies. In this study, we assessed the cytotoxic effects of nfP2X7-CAR-T cells on ovarian cancer using in vitro and in vivo models. Methods We evaluated the effects of nfP2X7-CAR-T cells on ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV-3, OVCAR3, OVCAR5), normal peritoneal cells (LP-9) and primary serous ovarian cancer cells derived from patient ascites in vitro using monolayer and 3D spheroid assays. We also evaluated the effects of nfP2X7-CAR-T cells on patient-derived tissue explants, which recapitulate an intact tumour microenvironment. In addition, we investigated the effect of nfP2X7-CAR-T cells in vivo using the OVCAR-3 xenograft model in NOD-scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice. Results Our study found that nfP2X7-CAR-T cells were cytotoxic and significantly inhibited survival of OVCAR3, OVCAR5 and primary serous ovarian cancer cells compared with un-transduced CD3+ T cells in vitro. However, no significant effects of nfP2X7-CAR-T cells were observed for SKOV3 or normal peritoneal cells (LP-9) cells with low P2X7 receptor expression. Treatment with nfP2X7-CAR-T cells increased apoptosis compared with un-transduced T cells in patient-derived explants and correlated with CD3 positivity. Treatment with nfP2X7-CAR-T cells significantly reduced OVCAR3 tumour burden in mice compared with un-transduced CD3 cells for 7-8 weeks. Conclusion This study demonstrates that nfP2X7-CAR-T cells have great potential to be developed as a novel immunotherapy for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Bandara
- Molecular Immunology, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Victoria M Niktaras
- Reproductive Cancer Research Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Vasiliki J Willett
- Reproductive Cancer Research Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Hayley Chapman
- Reproductive Cancer Research Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Noor A Lokman
- Reproductive Cancer Research Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Anne M Macpherson
- Reproductive Cancer Research Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Silvana Napoli
- Molecular Immunology, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Batjargal Gundsambuu
- Molecular Immunology, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Jade Foeng
- Chemokine Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological SciencesThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Timothy J Sadlon
- Molecular Immunology, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Justin Coombs
- Carina Biotech, Level 2 Innovation & Collaboration CentreAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Shaun R McColl
- Chemokine Biology Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological SciencesThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
- Carina Biotech, Level 2 Innovation & Collaboration CentreAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Simon C Barry
- Molecular Immunology, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Martin K Oehler
- Reproductive Cancer Research Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
- Department of Gynaecological OncologyRoyal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Carmela Ricciardelli
- Reproductive Cancer Research Group, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
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Pfefferle A, Contet J, Wong K, Chen C, Verhoeyen E, Slichter CK, Schluns KS, Cursons J, Berry R, Nikolic I, Rautela J, Huntington ND. Optimisation of a primary human CAR-NK cell manufacturing pipeline. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1507. [PMID: 38707997 PMCID: PMC11063921 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy of B-cell malignancies achieves long-term disease remission in a high fraction of patients and has triggered intense research into translating this successful approach into additional cancer types. However, the complex logistics involved in autologous CAR-T manufacturing, the compromised fitness of patient-derived T cells, the high rates of serious toxicities and the overall cost involved with product manufacturing and hospitalisation have driven innovation to overcome such hurdles. One alternative approach is the use of allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells as a source for CAR-NK cell therapy. However, this source has traditionally faced numerous manufacturing challenges. Methods To address this, we have developed an optimised expansion and transduction protocol for primary human NK cells primed for manufacturing scaling and clinical evaluation. We have performed an in-depth comparison of primary human NK cell sources as a starting material by characterising their phenotype, functionality, expansion potential and transduction efficiency at crucial timepoints of our CAR-NK manufacturing pipeline. Results We identified adult peripheral blood-derived NK cells to be the superior source for generating a CAR-NK cell product because of a higher maximum yield of CAR-expressing NK cells combined with potent natural, as well as CAR-mediated anti-tumor effector functions. Conclusions Our optimised manufacturing pipeline dramatically improves lentiviral transduction efficiency of primary human NK cells. We conclude that the exponential expansion pre- and post-transduction and high on-target cytotoxicity make peripheral blood-derived NK cells a feasible and attractive CAR-NK cell product for clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Pfefferle
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- oNKo‐Innate Pty LtdMoonee PondsVICAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Els Verhoeyen
- CIRI, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, ENS de LyonUniversité Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308LyonFrance
- INSERM, C3MUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jai Rautela
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- oNKo‐Innate Pty LtdMoonee PondsVICAustralia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- oNKo‐Innate Pty LtdMoonee PondsVICAustralia
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Page A, Chuvin N, Valladeau-Guilemond J, Depil S. Development of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies through receptor engineering. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:315-331. [PMID: 38443448 PMCID: PMC10978891 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies are attracting increasing interest in the field of cancer treatment. Early clinical trials have shown promising outcomes, alongside satisfactory product efficacy and safety. Recent developments have greatly increased the therapeutic potential of NK cells by endowing them with enhanced recognition and cytotoxic capacities. This review focuses on surface receptor engineering in NK cell therapy and discusses its impact, challenges, and future directions.Most approaches are based on engineering with chimeric antigen receptors to allow NK cells to target specific tumor antigens independent of human leukocyte antigen restriction. This approach has increased the precision and potency of NK-mediated recognition and elimination of cancer cells. In addition, engineering NK cells with T-cell receptors also mediates the recognition of intracellular epitopes, which broadens the range of target peptides. Indirect tumor peptide recognition by NK cells has also been improved by optimizing immunoglobulin constant fragment receptor expression and signaling. Indeed, engineered NK cells have an improved ability to recognize and destroy target cells coated with specific antibodies, thereby increasing their antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The ability of NK cell receptor engineering to promote the expansion, persistence, and infiltration of transferred cells in the tumor microenvironment has also been explored. Receptor-based strategies for sustained NK cell functionality within the tumor environment have also been discussed, and these strategies providing perspectives to counteract tumor-induced immunosuppression.Overall, receptor engineering has led to significant advances in NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies. As technical challenges are addressed, these innovative treatments will likely reshape cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Page
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, UMR INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
| | | | - Jenny Valladeau-Guilemond
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, UMR INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Depil
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, UMR INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
- ErVimmune, Lyon, France.
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
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Lv Y, Luo X, Xie Z, Qiu J, Yang J, Deng Y, Long R, Tang G, Zhang C, Zuo J. Prospects and challenges of CAR-T cell therapy combined with ICIs. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1368732. [PMID: 38571495 PMCID: PMC10989075 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1368732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules are a group of molecules expressed on the surface of immune cells that primarily regulate their immune homeostasis. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is an immunotherapeutic technology that realizes tumor-targeted killing by constructing synthetic T cells expressing specific antigens through biotechnology. Currently, CAR-T cell therapy has achieved good efficacy in non-solid tumors, but its treatment of solid tumors has not yielded the desired results. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with CAR-T cell therapy is a novel combination therapy with high expectations to defeat solid tumors. This review addresses the challenges and expectations of this combination therapy in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Lv
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xinyu Luo
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhuoyi Xie
- Transformation Research Lab, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jieya Qiu
- Transformation Research Lab, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jinsai Yang
- Computer Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yuqi Deng
- Transformation Research Lab, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Rou Long
- Transformation Research Lab, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyang Tang
- Transformation Research Lab, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Chaohui Zhang
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jianhong Zuo
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Transformation Research Lab, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Computer Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Hou Y, Zhao X, Nie X. Enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of NK cells in the treatment of ovarian cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 51:50. [PMID: 38299257 PMCID: PMC10851334 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a prevalent gynecological malignancy associated with a high mortality rate and a low 5‑year survival rate. Typically, >70% of patients present with an advanced stage of the disease, resulting in a high number of ovarian cancer‑associated deaths worldwide. Over the past decade, adoptive cellular immunotherapy has been investigated in clinical trials, and the results have led to the increased use in cancer treatment. Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphoid cells that recognize and lyse transformed cells, thereby impeding tumor growth. Thus, NK cells exhibit potential as a form of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. However, some patients with ovarian cancer treated with NK cells have experienced unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, further optimization of NK cells is required to increase the number of patients achieving long‑term remission. In the present review article, studies focusing on improving NK cell function were systematically summarized, and innovative strategies that augment the anticancer properties of NK cells were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhu Hou
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Xiujun Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqian Nie
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
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Guo F, Zhang Y, Cui J. Manufacturing CAR-NK against tumors: Who is the ideal supplier? Chin J Cancer Res 2024; 36:1-16. [PMID: 38455373 PMCID: PMC10915637 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2024.01.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer (CAR-NK) cells have emerged as another prominent player in the realm of tumor immunotherapy following CAR-T cells. The unique features of CAR-NK cells make it possible to compensate for deficiencies in CAR-T therapy, such as the complexity of the manufacturing process, clinical adverse events, and solid tumor challenges. To date, CAR-NK products from different allogeneic sources have exhibited remarkable anti-tumor effects on preclinical studies and have gradually been applied in clinical practice. However, each source has advantages and disadvantages. Selecting a suitable source may help maximize CAR-NK cell efficacy and increase the feasibility of clinical transformation. Therefore, this review discusses the development and challenges of CAR-NK cells from different sources to provide a reference for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Guo
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Cancer Center, Changchun 133021, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Cancer Center, Changchun 133021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Cancer Center, Changchun 133021, China
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Wang X, Qiu W, Liu H, He M, He W, Li Z, Wu Z, Xu X, Chen P. The inducible secreting TLR5 agonist, CBLB502, enhances the anti-tumor activity of CAR133-NK92 cells in colorectal cancer. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0033. [PMID: 37731205 PMCID: PMC10546094 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE CAR-T/NK cells have had limited success in the treatment of solid tumors, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), in part because of the heterogeneous nature of tumor-associated antigens that lead to antigen-negative relapse after the initial response. This barrier might be overcome by enhancing the recruitment and durability of endogenous immune cells. METHODS Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were used to assess the expression of CD133 antigen in tissue microarrays and cell lines, respectively. Retroviral vector transduction was used to generate CBLB502-secreting CAR133-NK92 cells (CAR133-i502-NK92). The tumor killing capacity of CAR133-NK92 cells in vitro and in vivo were quantified via LDH release, the RTCA assay, and the degranulation test, as well as measuring tumor bioluminescence signal intensity in mice xenografts. RESULTS We engineered CAR133-i502-NK92 cells and demonstrated that those cells displayed enhanced proliferation (9.0 × 104 cells vs. 7.0 × 104 cells) and specific anti-tumor activities in vitro and in a xenogeneic mouse model, and were well-tolerated. Notably, CBLB502 secreted by CAR133-i502-NK92 cells effectively activated endogenous immune cells. Furthermore, in hCD133+/hCD133- mixed cancer xenograft models, CAR133-i502-NK92 cells suppressed cancer growth better than the counterparts (n = 5, P = 0.0297). Greater T-cell infiltration was associated with greater anti-tumor potency (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Armed with a CBLB502 TLR5 agonist, CAR133-NK92 cells were shown to be capable of specifically eliminating CD133-positive colon cancer cells in a CAR133-dependent manner and indirectly eradicating CD133-negative colon cancer cells in a CBLB502-specific endogenous immune response manner. This study describes a novel technique for optimizing CAR-T/NK cells for the treatment of antigenically-diverse solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wang
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haoyu Liu
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Min He
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Wei He
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhan Li
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wu
- Department of Biotherapeutics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Ping Chen
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Chen Z, Yao MW, Shen ZL, Li SD, Xing W, Guo W, Li Z, Wu XF, Ao LQ, Lu WY, Lian QZ, Xu X, Ao X. Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synergistically enhance the immunosuppressive capacity of human umbilical-cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells by increasing PD-L1 expression. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:787-806. [PMID: 37700823 PMCID: PMC10494569 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i8.787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunosuppressive capacity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is dependent on the "license" of several proinflammatory factors to express immunosuppressive factors such as programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), which determines the clinical therapeutic efficacy of MSCs for inflammatory or immune diseases. In MSCs, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a key inducer of PD-L1 expression, which is synergistically enhanced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. AIM To reveal the mechanism of pretreated MSCs express high PD-L1 and explore the application of pretreated MSCs in ulcerative colitis. METHODS We assessed PD-L1 expression in human umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) induced by IFN-γ and TNF-α, alone or in combination. Additionally, we performed signal pathway inhibitor experiments as well as RNA interference experiments to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which IFN-γ alone or in combination with TNF-α induces PD-L1 expression. Moreover, we used luciferase reporter gene experiments to verify the binding sites of the transcription factors of each signal transduction pathway to the targeted gene promoters. Finally, we evaluated the immunosuppressive capacity of hUC-MSCs treated with IFN-γ and TNF-α in both an in vitro mixed lymphocyte culture assay, and in vivo in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis. RESULTS Our results suggest that IFN-γ induction alone upregulates PD-L1 expression in hUC-MSCs while TNF-α alone does not, and that the co-induction of IFN-γ and TNF-α promotes higher expression of PD-L1. IFN-γ induces hUC-MSCs to express PD-L1, in which IFN-γ activates the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway, up-regulates the expression of the interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) transcription factor, promotes the binding of IRF1 and the PD-L1 gene promoter, and finally promotes PD-L1 mRNA. Although TNF-α alone did not induce PD-L1 expression in hUC-MSCs, the addition of TNF-α significantly enhanced IFN-γ-induced JAK/STAT1/IRF1 activation. TNF-α up-regulated IFN-γ receptor expression through activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway, which significantly enhanced IFN-γ signaling. Finally, co-induced hUC-MSCs have a stronger inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation, and significantly ameliorate weight loss, mucosal damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and up-regulation of inflammatory factors in colitis mice. CONCLUSION Overall, our results suggest that IFN-γ and TNF-α enhance both the immunosuppressive ability of hUC-MSCs and their efficacy in ulcerative colitis by synergistically inducing high expression of PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chen
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Meng-Wei Yao
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Zhi-Lin Shen
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Shi-Dan Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Wei Xing
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Zhan Li
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Wu
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Luo-Quan Ao
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Wen-Yong Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The South of Shangcai Village, Wenzhou 325005, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi-Zhou Lian
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Xiang Ao
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
- Department of Orthopedics, 953 Hospital of PLA Army, Shigatse Branch of Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Shigatse 857000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhou W, Yang J, Yang J, Wang W. Chimeric antigen receptor engineered natural killer cells for cancer therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:70. [PMID: 37563648 PMCID: PMC10413722 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00431-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a unique component of the innate immune system, are inherent killers of stressed and transformed cells. Based on their potent capacity to kill cancer cells and good tolerance of healthy cells, NK cells have been successfully employed in adoptive cell therapy to treat cancer patients. In recent years, the clinical success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has proven the vast potential of gene-manipulated immune cells as the main force to fight cancer. Following the lessons learned from mature gene-transfer technologies and advanced strategies in CAR-T therapy, NK cells have been rapidly explored as a promising candidate for CAR-based therapy. An exponentially growing number of studies have employed multiple sources of CAR-NK cells to target a wide range of cancer-related antigens, showing remarkable outcomes and encouraging safety profiles. Clinical trials of CAR-NK cells have also shown their impressive therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hematological tumors, but CAR-NK cell therapy for solid tumors is still in the initial stages. In this review, we present the favorable profile of NK cells as a potential platform for CAR-based engineering and then summarize the outcomes and strategies of CAR-NK therapies in up-to-date preclinical and clinical investigations. Finally, we evaluate the challenges remaining in CAR-NK therapy and describe existing strategies that can assist us in devising future prospective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangping Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Hematology Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Xiong Q, Zhu J, Zhang Y, Deng H. CAR-NK cell therapy for glioblastoma: what to do next? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1192128. [PMID: 37404752 PMCID: PMC10315652 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1192128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a malignant tumor with the highest morbidity and mortality in the central nervous system. Conventional surgical resection combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy has a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. The 5-year survival rate of patients is less than 10%. In tumor immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy represented by chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells has achieved great success in hematological tumors. However, the application of CAR-T cells in solid tumors such as glioblastoma still faces many challenges. CAR-NK cells are another potential adoptive cell therapy strategy after CAR-T cells. Compared with CAR-T cell therapy, CAR-NK cells have similar anti-tumor effects. CAR-NK cells can also avoid some deficiencies in CAR-T cell therapy, a research hotspot in tumor immunity. This article summarizes the preclinical research status of CAR-NK cells in glioblastoma and the problems and challenges faced by CAR-NK in glioblastoma.
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12
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Domínguez-Prieto V, Qian S, Villarejo-Campos P, Meliga C, González-Soares S, Guijo Castellano I, Jiménez-Galanes S, García-Arranz M, Guadalajara H, García-Olmo D. Understanding CAR T cell therapy and its role in ovarian cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1104547. [PMID: 37274261 PMCID: PMC10233107 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1104547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide in women and the most lethal gynecologic malignancy due to the lack of accurate screening tools for early detection and late symptom onset. The absence of early-onset symptoms often delays diagnosis until the disease has progressed to advanced stages, frequently when there is peritoneal involvement. Although ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy with different histopathologic types, treatment for advanced tumors is usually based on chemotherapy and cytoreduction surgery. CAR T cells have shown promise for the treatment of hematological malignancies, though their role in treating solid tumors remains unclear. Outcomes are less favorable owing to the low capacity of CAR T cells to migrate to the tumor site, the influence of the protective tumor microenvironment, and the heterogeneity of surface antigens on tumor cells. Despite these results, CAR T cells have been proposed as a treatment approach for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal and gastric origin. Local intraperitoneal administration of CAR T cells has been found to be superior to systemic administration, as this route is associated with increased tumor reduction, a more durable effect, protection against local relapse and distant metastases, and fewer systemic adverse effects. In this article we review the application of CAR T cells for the treatment of ovarian cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siyuan Qian
- Department of Surgery, Fundación Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Cecilia Meliga
- Department of Surgery, Fundación Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara González-Soares
- Department of Surgery, Fundación Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Mariano García-Arranz
- Department of Surgery, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- New Therapies Laboratory, Health Research Institute-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor Guadalajara
- Department of Surgery, Fundación Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Damián García-Olmo
- Department of Surgery, Fundación Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- New Therapies Laboratory, Health Research Institute-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
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13
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Ding T, Yu Y, Pan X, Chen H. Establishment of humanized mice and its application progress in cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:679-697. [PMID: 37096919 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The current high prevalence of malignant tumors has attracted considerable attention, and treating advanced malignancies is becoming increasingly difficult. Although immunotherapy is a hopeful alternative, it is effective in only a few people. Thus, development of preclinical animal models is needed. Humanized xenotransplantation mouse models can help with selecting treatment protocols, evaluating curative effects and assessing prognosis. This review discusses the establishment of humanized mouse models and their application prospects in cancer immunotherapy to identify tailored therapies for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlong Ding
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
- Department of Tumor Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
| | - Yang Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
| | - Xiaoyuan Pan
- Department of Vision Rehabilitation, Gansu Province Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Tumor Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
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14
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Mercogliano MF, Bruni S, Mauro FL, Schillaci R. Emerging Targeted Therapies for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071987. [PMID: 37046648 PMCID: PMC10093019 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the leading cause of death. HER2 overexpression is found in approximately 20% of breast cancers and is associated with a poor prognosis and a shorter overall survival. Tratuzumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the HER2 receptor, is the standard of care treatment. However, a third of the patients do not respond to therapy. Given the high rate of resistance, other HER2-targeted strategies have been developed, including monoclonal antibodies such as pertuzumab and margetuximab, trastuzumab-based antibody drug conjugates such as trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) and trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-DXd), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors like lapatinib and tucatinib, among others. Moreover, T-DXd has proven to be of use in the HER2-low subtype, which suggests that other HER2-targeted therapies could be successful in this recently defined new breast cancer subclassification. When patients progress to multiple strategies, there are several HER2-targeted therapies available; however, treatment options are limited, and the potential combination with other drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cells, CAR-NK, CAR-M, and vaccines is an interesting and appealing field that is still in development. In this review, we will discuss the highlights and pitfalls of the different HER2-targeted therapies and potential combinations to overcome metastatic disease and resistance to therapy.
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15
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Fares J, Davis ZB, Rechberger JS, Toll SA, Schwartz JD, Daniels DJ, Miller JS, Khatua S. Advances in NK cell therapy for brain tumors. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:17. [PMID: 36792722 PMCID: PMC9932101 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in treatment regimens that comprise surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, outcome of many brain tumors remains dismal, more so when they recur. The proximity of brain tumors to delicate neural structures often precludes complete surgical resection. Toxicity and long-term side effects of systemic therapy remain a concern. Novel therapies are warranted. The field of NK cell-based cancer therapy has grown exponentially and currently constitutes a major area of immunotherapy innovation. This provides a new avenue for the treatment of cancerous lesions in the brain. In this review, we explore the mechanisms by which the brain tumor microenvironment suppresses NK cell mediated tumor control, and the methods being used to create NK cell products that subvert immune suppression. We discuss the pre-clinical studies evaluating NK cell-based immunotherapies that target several neuro-malignancies and highlight advances in molecular imaging of NK cells that allow monitoring of NK cell-based therapeutics. We review current and ongoing NK cell based clinical trials in neuro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad Fares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Zachary B Davis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
| | - Julian S Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Stephanie A Toll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Jonathan D Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA.
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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16
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Basak M, Chaudhary DK, Takahashi RU, Yamamoto Y, Tiwari S, Tahara H, Mittal A. Immunocyte Derived Exosomes: Insight into the Potential Chemo-immunotherapeutic Nanocarrier Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:20-39. [PMID: 36524837 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
"Cancer" is a dreadful immune-pathological condition that is characterized by anti-inflammatory and tumorigenic responses, elicited by the infiltrating immune cells in the vicinity of an uncontrollably proliferative tumor in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME offers a conducive microenvironment that supports cancer cell survival by modulating the host immune defense. Recent advancement in exosomal research has shown exosomes, originating from immune cells as well as the cancer cells, have immense potential for suppressing cancer progression and survival in the TME. Additionally, exosomes, irrespective of their diverse sources, have been reported to be efficient nanocarriers for cancer therapeutics with the ability for targeted delivery due to their biogenic nature, ease of cellular uptake, and scope for functionalization with biomolecules like peptides, aptamers, targeting ligands, etc. Immune cell-derived exosomes per se have been found efficacious against cancer owing to their immune-stimulant properties (in either naive or antigen primed form) even without loading any of cancer therapeutics or targeting ligand conjugation. Nevertheless, exosomes are being primarily explored as nanovesicular carriers for therapeutic molecules with different loading and targeting strategies, and the synergism between immunotherapeutic behavior of exosomes and the anticancer effect of the therapeutic molecules is yet to be explored. Hence, this review focuses specifically on the possible strategies to modulate the immunological nature of the source immune cells to obtain immune stimulant exosomes and bring these into the spotlight as chemo-immunotherapeutic nanovesicles, that can easily target and modulate the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Basak
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Chaudhary
- Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology Division, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226014, India
| | - Ryou-U Takahashi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamamoto
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Swasti Tiwari
- Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology Division, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226014, India
| | - Hidetoshi Tahara
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Anupama Mittal
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
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17
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Darvishi M, Tosan F, Nakhaei P, Manjili DA, Kharkouei SA, Alizadeh A, Ilkhani S, Khalafi F, Zadeh FA, Shafagh SG. Recent progress in cancer immunotherapy: Overview of current status and challenges. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 241:154241. [PMID: 36543080 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer treatment is presently one of the most important challenges in medical science. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combining these methods is used to eliminate the tumor. Hormone therapy, bone marrow transplantation, stem cell therapy as well as immunotherapy are other well-known therapeutic modalities. Immunotherapy, as the most important complementary method, uses the immune system for treating cancer followed by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This method is systematically used to prevent malignancies development mainly via potentiating antitumor immune cells activation and conversely compromising their exhaustion with the lowest negative effects on healthy cells. Active immunotherapy can be employed for cancer immunotherapy by directly using the ingredients of the immune system and activating immune responses. On the other hand, inactive immunotherapy is utilized by indirect induction and using immune cell-based products consisting of monoclonal antibodies. It has strongly been proved that combination therapy with immunotherapies and other therapeutic means, such as anti-angiogenic agents, could be a rational plan to treat cancer. Herein, we have focused on recent findings concerning the therapeutic merits of cancer therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and cancer vaccine alone or in combination with other approaches. Also, we offer a glimpse into the current challenges in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Darvishi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medicinal Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Foad Tosan
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Pooria Nakhaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Danial Amiri Manjili
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Alizadeh
- Department of Digital Health, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farima Khalafi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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CAR-NK as a Rapidly Developed and Efficient Immunotherapeutic Strategy against Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010117. [PMID: 36612114 PMCID: PMC9817948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cell therapy has been rapidly developing in recent years, ultimately revolutionizing immunotherapeutic strategies and providing significant anti-tumor potency, mainly in treating hematological neoplasms. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and other adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndromes (CRS) and neurotoxicity associated with CAR-T cell infusion, have raised some concerns about the broad application of this therapy. Natural killer (NK) cells have been identified as promising alternative platforms for CAR-based therapies because of their unique features, such as a lack of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matching restriction, superior safety, and better anti-tumor activity when compared with CAR-T cells. The lack of CRS, neurotoxicity, or GVHD, in the case of CAR-NK therapy, in addition to the possibility of using allogeneic NK cells as a CAR platform for "off-the-shelf" therapy, opens new windows for strategic opportunities. This review underlines recent design achievements in CAR constructs and summarizes preclinical studies' results regarding CAR-NK therapies' safety and anti-tumor potency. Additionally, new approaches in CAR-NK technology are briefly described, and currently registered clinical trials are listed.
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19
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Li X, Zhou J, Zhang W, You W, Wang J, Zhou L, Liu L, Chen WW, Li H. Pan-Cancer Analysis Identifies Tumor Cell Surface Targets for CAR-T Cell Therapies and Antibody Drug Conjugates. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225674. [PMID: 36428765 PMCID: PMC9688665 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells can be recognized through tumor surface antigens by immune cells and antibodies, which therefore can be used as drug targets for chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) therapies and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). In this study, we aimed to identify novel tumor-specific antigens as targets for more effective and safer CAR-T cell therapies and ADCs. Here, we performed differential expression analysis of pan-cancer data obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and then performed a series of conditional screenings including Cox regression analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and risk-score calculation to find tumor-specific cell membrane genes. A tumor tissue-specific and highly expressed gene set containing 3919 genes from 17 cancer types was obtained. Moreover, the prognostic roles of these genes and the functions of these highly expressed membrane proteins were assessed. Notably, 427, 584, 431 and 578 genes were identified as risk factors for LIHC, KIRC, UCEC, and KIRP, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these tumor-specific surface proteins might confer tumor cells the ability to invade and metastasize. Furthermore, correlation analysis displayed that most overexpressed membrane proteins were positively correlated to each other. In addition, 371 target membrane protein-coding genes were sifted out by excluding proteins expressed in normal tissues. Apart from the identification of well-validated genes such as GPC3, MSLN and EGFR in the literature, we further confirmed the differential protein expression of 23 proteins: ADD2, DEF6, DOK3, ENO2, FMNL1, MICALL2, PARVG, PSTPIP1, FERMT1, PLEK2, CD109, GNG4, MAPT, OSBPL3, PLXNA1, ROBO1, SLC16A3, SLC26A6, SRGAP2, and TMEM65 in four types of tumors. In summary, our findings reveal novel tumor-specific antigens, which could be potentially used for next-generation CAR-T cell therapies and ADC discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Institute of Hepatology, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Weiwen Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenhua You
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Linlin Zhou
- College of Medical Sciences, Qingdao Binhai University, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Wei-Wei Chen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Correspondence: (W.-W.C.); (H.L.)
| | - Hanjie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (W.-W.C.); (H.L.)
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20
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Xiao J, Zhang T, Gao F, Zhou Z, Shu G, Zou Y, Yin G. Natural Killer Cells: A Promising Kit in the Adoptive Cell Therapy Toolbox. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225657. [PMID: 36428748 PMCID: PMC9688567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As an important component of the innate immune system, natural killer (NK) cells have gained increasing attention in adoptive cell therapy for their safety and efficacious tumor-killing effect. Unlike T cells which rely on the interaction between TCRs and specific peptide-MHC complexes, NK cells are more prone to be served as "off-the-shelf" cell therapy products due to their rapid recognition and killing of tumor cells without MHC restriction. In recent years, constantly emerging sources of therapeutic NK cells have provided flexible options for cancer immunotherapy. Advanced genetic engineering techniques, especially chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modification, have yielded exciting effectiveness in enhancing NK cell specificity and cytotoxicity, improving in vivo persistence, and overcoming immunosuppressive factors derived from tumors. In this review, we highlight current advances in NK-based adoptive cell therapy, including alternative sources of NK cells for adoptive infusion, various CAR modifications that confer different targeting specificity to NK cells, multiple genetic engineering strategies to enhance NK cell function, as well as the latest clinical research on adoptive NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Xiao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Guang Shu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Yizhou Zou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (G.Y.)
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (G.Y.)
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21
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Li H, Song W, Li Z, Zhang M. Preclinical and clinical studies of CAR-NK-cell therapies for malignancies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:992232. [PMID: 36353643 PMCID: PMC9637940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, a specific type of immunotherapy, in recent decades was a fantastic breakthrough for the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, difficulties in collecting normal T cells from patients and the time cost of manufacturing CAR-T cells have limited the application of CAR-T-cell therapy. In addition, the termination of related clinical trials on universal CAR-T cell therapy has made further research more difficult. Natural killer (NK) cells have drawn great attention in recent years. Chimeric antigen receptor-NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy is a promising strategy in the treatment of malignant tumors because of its lack of potential for causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this review, we will address the advances in and achievements of CAR-NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenting Song
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhaoming Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Mingzhi Zhang,
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22
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Hu X, Bian C, Zhao X, Yi T. Efficacy evaluation of multi-immunotherapy in ovarian cancer: From bench to bed. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1034903. [PMID: 36275669 PMCID: PMC9582991 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, one of the most common gynecological malignancies, is characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy remain the mainstay of ovarian cancer treatment, and most women experience recurrence after standard care therapies. There is compelling evidence that ovarian cancer is an immunogenic tumor. For example, the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with increased survival, while increases in immunosuppressive regulatory T cells are correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, immunotherapies targeting components of the tumor microenvironment have been gradually integrated into the existing treatment options, including immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. Immunotherapies have changed guidelines for maintenance treatment and established a new paradigm in ovarian cancer treatment. Despite single immunotherapies targeting DNA repair mechanisms, immune checkpoints, and angiogenesis bringing inspiring efficacy, only a subset of patients can benefit much from it. Thus, the multi-immunotherapy investigation remains an active area for ovarian cancer treatment. The current review provides an overview of various clinically oriented forms of multi-immunotherapy and explores potentially effective combinational therapies for ovarian cancer.
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23
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Moscarelli J, Zahavi D, Maynard R, Weiner LM. The Next Generation of Cellular Immunotherapy: Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Natural Killer Cells. Transplant Cell Ther 2022; 28:650-656. [PMID: 35788086 PMCID: PMC9547868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering has led to the development of powerful cellular therapies for cancer. CAR T cell-based treatments have had notable clinical success, but logistical issues and associated toxicities are recognized limitations. There is emerging interest in using other immune effector cell types for CAR therapy. Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system, and these lymphocytes play major roles in immunosurveillance and antitumor immune responses. Incorporating CARs into NK cells provides the opportunity to harness and enhance their innate cytotoxic potential toward malignancies. In this review, we discuss the production of CAR-engineered NK cells, highlight data on their preclinical and clinical efficacy, and examine the obstacles and strategies to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Moscarelli
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - David Zahavi
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Rachael Maynard
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Louis M Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington, DC.
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24
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Keshavarz A, Salehi A, Khosravi S, Shariati Y, Nasrabadi N, Kahrizi MS, Maghsoodi S, Mardi A, Azizi R, Jamali S, Fotovat F. Recent findings on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered immune cell therapy in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:482. [PMID: 36153626 PMCID: PMC9509604 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in adoptive cell therapy over the last four decades have revealed various new therapeutic strategies, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which are dedicated immune cells that are engineered and administered to eliminate cancer cells. In this context, CAR T-cells have shown significant promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, many obstacles limit the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Consequently, CAR-NK and CAR-M cell therapies have recently emerged as novel therapeutic options for addressing the challenges associated with CAR T-cell therapies. Currently, many CAR immune cell trials are underway in various human malignancies around the world to improve antitumor activity and reduce the toxicity of CAR immune cell therapy. This review will describe the comprehensive literature of recent findings on CAR immune cell therapy in a wide range of human malignancies, as well as the challenges that have emerged in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Keshavarz
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Salehi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University,, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Setareh Khosravi
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Yasaman Shariati
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Navid Nasrabadi
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Sairan Maghsoodi
- Department of Paramedical, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Mardi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramyar Azizi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samira Jamali
- Department of Endodontics, College of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Farnoush Fotovat
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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25
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Baghery Saghchy Khorasani A, Yousefi AM, Bashash D. CAR NK cell therapy in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors; obstacles and strategies to overcome the challenges. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109041. [PMID: 35839565 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell treatment (ACT) utilizing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) diverts the specificity of safe cells against a target-specific antigen and portrays exceptional potential for cancer treatment. While CAR T cell treatment has risen as a breakthrough with unprecedented results within the therapeutic procedures of human malignancies, different deficiencies including challenging and costly generation processes, strict patient qualification criteria, and undesirable toxicity have ruined its application. Unlike T cells, the application of natural killer (NK) cells has attracted consideration as a reasonable alternative owing to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independency, shorter life expectancy, the potential to create an off-the-shelf immune product, and potent antitumor properties. In this article, we provide an updated review of the differences between CAR T and CAR NK cells, current enhancements in CAR NK design, the available sources for collecting NK cells, and strategies for the transduction step of the CARs to NK cells. Furthermore, we focus on the published and ongoing preclinical and clinical studies of CAR NK treatment strategies both in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. We also discuss limitations and plausible solutions to improve the perseverance, function, safety, and efficacy of CAR NK cells with a special focus on solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amir-Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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26
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Alternative CAR Therapies: Recent Approaches in Engineering Chimeric Antigen Receptor Immune Cells to Combat Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071493. [PMID: 35884798 PMCID: PMC9313317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
For nearly three decades, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have captivated the interest of researchers seeking to find novel immunotherapies to treat cancer. CARs were first designed to work with T cells, and the first CAR T cell therapy was approved to treat B cell lymphoma in 2017. Recent advancements in CAR technology have led to the development of modified CARs, including multi-specific CARs and logic gated CARs. Other immune cell types, including natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, have also been engineered to express CARs to treat cancer. Additionally, CAR technology has been adapted in novel approaches to treating autoimmune disease and other conditions and diseases. In this article, we review these recent advancements in alternative CAR therapies and design, as well as their mechanisms of action, challenges in application, and potential future directions.
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27
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Chan LY, Dass SA, Tye GJ, Imran SAM, Wan Kamarul Zaman WS, Nordin F. CAR-T Cells/-NK Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy and the Potential of MSC to Enhance Its Efficacy: A Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040804. [PMID: 35453554 PMCID: PMC9024487 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) plays a dynamic role in targeting tumour-associated antigens in cancer cells. This novel therapeutic discovery combines fragments of monoclonal antibodies with the signalling and co-stimulatory domains that have been modified to its current fourth generation. CAR has been widely implemented in T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells immunotherapy. The significant advancement in CAR technology is evident based on numerous ongoing clinical trials on CAR-T/-NK cells and successful CAR-related products such as Kymriah (Novartis) and Yescarta (Kite Pharma, Gilead). Another important cell-based therapy is the engineering of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Researchers have been exploring MSCs and their innate homing abilities to tumour sites and secretion cytokines that bridge both CAR and MSC technologies as a therapeutic agent. This combination allows for both therapies to overcome each one’s flaw as an immunotherapy intervention. Herein, we have provided a concise review on the background of CAR and its applications in different cancers, as well as MSCs’ unique ability as delivery vectors for cancer therapy and the possibility of enhancing the CAR-immune cells’ activity. Hence, we have highlighted throughout this review the synergistic effects of both interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ler Yie Chan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (L.Y.C.); (S.A.M.I.)
- INTEC Education College, Jalan Senangin Satu 17/2A, Seksyen 17, Shah Alam 40200, Malaysia
| | - Sylvia Annabel Dass
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Malaysia; (S.A.D.); (G.J.T.)
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Malaysia; (S.A.D.); (G.J.T.)
| | - Siti A. M. Imran
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (L.Y.C.); (S.A.M.I.)
| | - Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Centre for Innovation in Medical Engineering (CIME), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (L.Y.C.); (S.A.M.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-91457670
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28
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Zhang L, Meng Y, Feng X, Han Z. CAR-NK cells for cancer immunotherapy: from bench to bedside. Biomark Res 2022; 10:12. [PMID: 35303962 PMCID: PMC8932134 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique innate immune cells and manifest rapid and potent cytotoxicity for cancer immunotherapy and pathogen removal without the requirement of prior sensitization or recognition of peptide antigens. Distinguish from the T lymphocyte-based cythotherapy with toxic side effects, chimeric antigen receptor-transduced NK (CAR-NK) cells are adequate to simultaneously improve efficacy and control adverse effects including acute cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Moreover, considering the inherent properties of NK cells, the CAR-NK cells are “off-the-shelf” product satisfying the clinical demand for large-scale manufacture for cancer immunotherapy attribute to the cytotoxic effect via both NK cell receptor-dependent and CAR-dependent signaling cascades. In this review, we mainly focus on the latest updates of CAR-NK cell-based tactics, together with the opportunities and challenges for cancer immunotherapies, which represent the paradigm for boosting the immune system to enhance antitumor responses and ultimately eliminate malignancies. Collectively, we summarize and highlight the auspicious improvement in CAR-NK cells and will benefit the large-scale preclinical and clinical investigations in adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province & NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China. .,Center for Cellular Therapies, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Ji-nan, 250014, China. .,Key Laboratory of Radiation Technology and Biophysics, Hefei Institute of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 350 Shushanhu Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui Province, China. .,Institute of Stem Cells, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 301700, China. .,Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd., Shangrao, 334000, China. .,Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 204 Donggangxi Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730013, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Yuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Zhongchao Han
- Institute of Stem Cells, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 301700, China. .,Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd., Shangrao, 334000, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China. .,Stem Cell Bank of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Health-Biotech Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guiyang, 550000, China.
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29
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Karvouni M, Vidal-Manrique M, Lundqvist A, Alici E. Engineered NK Cells Against Cancer and Their Potential Applications Beyond. Front Immunol 2022; 13:825979. [PMID: 35242135 PMCID: PMC8887605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.825979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is an innovative therapeutic concept where viable cells are implanted, infused, or grafted into a patient to treat impaired or malignant tissues. The term was first introduced circa the 19th century and has since resulted in multiple breakthroughs in different fields of medicine, such as neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Lately, cell and gene therapy are merging to provide cell products with additional or enhanced properties. In this context, adoptive transfer of genetically modified cytotoxic lymphocytes has emerged as a novel treatment option for cancer patients. To this day, five cell therapy products have been FDA approved, four of which for CD19-positive malignancies and one for B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-positive malignancies. These are personalized immunotherapies where patient T cells are engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with the aim to redirect the cells against tumor-specific antigens. CAR-T cell therapies show impressive objective response rates in clinical trials that, in certain instances, may reach up to 80%. However, the life-threatening side effects associated with T cell toxicity and the manufacturing difficulties of developing personalized therapies hamper their widespread use. Recent literature suggests that Natural Killer (NK) cells, may provide a safer alternative and an 'off-the-shelf' treatment option thanks to their potent antitumor properties and relatively short lifespan. Here, we will discuss the potential of NK cells in CAR-based therapies focusing on the applications of CAR-NK cells in cancer therapy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karvouni
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcos Vidal-Manrique
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology‐Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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30
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Cell-based immunotherapies in gynecologic cancers. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 34:10-14. [PMID: 34967809 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an update on recent developments in cell-based immunotherapy in gynecologic cancers. RECENT FINDINGS Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology has made significant progress allowing now for not only expressing CARs on T-cells, but also on other immune effector cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages. Cell-based vaccines have started to show promising results in clinical trials. SUMMARY Cell-based immunotherapies in gynecologic cancers continue to evolve with promising clinical efficacy in select patients.
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31
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Bashiri Dezfouli A, Yazdi M, Pockley AG, Khosravi M, Kobold S, Wagner E, Multhoff G. NK Cells Armed with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR): Roadblocks to Successful Development. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123390. [PMID: 34943898 PMCID: PMC8699535 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cell-based immunotherapies have demonstrated promising results in the treatment of cancer. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) arm effector cells with a weapon for targeting tumor antigens, licensing engineered cells to recognize and kill cancer cells. The quality of the CAR-antigen interaction strongly depends on the selected tumor antigen and its expression density on cancer cells. CD19 CAR-engineered T cells approved by the Food and Drug Administration have been most frequently applied in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Clinical challenges in their application primarily include cytokine release syndrome, neurological symptoms, severe inflammatory responses, and/or other off-target effects most likely mediated by cytotoxic T cells. As a consequence, there remains a significant medical need for more potent technology platforms leveraging cell-based approaches with enhanced safety profiles. A promising population that has been advanced is the natural killer (NK) cell, which can also be engineered with CARs. NK cells which belong to the innate arm of the immune system recognize and kill virally infected cells as well as (stressed) cancer cells in a major histocompatibility complex I independent manner. NK cells play an important role in the host’s immune defense against cancer due to their specialized lytic mechanisms which include death receptor (i.e., Fas)/death receptor ligand (i.e., Fas ligand) and granzyme B/perforin-mediated apoptosis, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, as well as their immunoregulatory potential via cytokine/chemokine release. To develop and implement a highly effective CAR NK cell-based therapy with low side effects, the following three principles which are specifically addressed in this review have to be considered: unique target selection, well-designed CAR, and optimized gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Bashiri Dezfouli
- Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research Technische Universität München (TranslaTUM), Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Einstein Str. 25, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-4140-6013
| | - Mina Yazdi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany; (M.Y.); (E.W.)
| | - Alan Graham Pockley
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK;
| | - Mohammad Khosravi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 61357-831351, Iran;
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 80337 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany; (M.Y.); (E.W.)
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research Technische Universität München (TranslaTUM), Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Einstein Str. 25, 81675 Munich, Germany;
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32
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Hosseini M, Habibi Z, Hosseini N, Abdoli S, Rezaei N. Preclinical studies of chimeric antigen receptor-modified natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy: a review. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 22:349-366. [PMID: 34541989 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1983539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As one of the most efficacious methods of cancer immunotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor-modified immune cells have recently drawn enormous attention. After the great success achieved with CAR-T-cells in cancer treatment both in preclinical setting and in the clinic, other types of immune cells, including natural killer (NK)-cells and macrophages, have been evaluated for their anti-cancer effects along with their potential superiority against CAR-T-cells, especially in terms of safety. First introduced by Tran et al. almost 26 years ago, CAR-NK-cells are now being considered as efficient immunotherapeutic modalities in various types of cancers, not only in preclinical setting but also in numerous phase I and II clinical studies. AREAS COVERED In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive survey of the preclinical studies on CAR-NK-cells' development, with an evolutional approach on CAR structures and their associated signaling moieties. Current NK-cell sources and modes of gene transfer are also reviewed. EXPERT OPINION CAR-NK-cells have appeared as safe and effective immunotherapeutic tools in preclinical settings; however, designing CAR structures with an eye on their specific biology, along with choosing the optimal cell source and gene transfer method require further investigation to support clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Hosseini
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Habibi
- School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sina Abdoli
- School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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33
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Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered Natural Killer (CAR NK) Cells in Cancer Treatment; Recent Advances and Future Prospects. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:2081-2106. [PMID: 34472037 PMCID: PMC8410173 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10246-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical members of the innate immunity lymphocytes and have a critical role in host defense against malignant cells. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirects the specificity of the immune cell against a target-specific antigen. ACT has recently created an outstanding opportunity for cancer treatment. Unlike CAR-armored T cells which hadnsome shortcomings as the CAR-receiving construct, Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independency, shorter lifespan, the potential to produce an off-the-shelf immune product, and potent anti-tumor properties of the NK cells has introduced NK cells as a potent alternative target for expression of CAR. Here, we aim to provide an updated overview on the current improvements in CAR NK design and immunobiology and describe the potential of CAR-modified NK cells as an alternative “off-the-shelf” carrier of CAR. We also provide lists for the sources of NK cells in the process of CAR NK cell production, different methods for transduction of the CAR genetic sequence to NK cells, the differences between CAR T and CAR NK, and CAR NK-targeted tumor antigens in current studies. Additionally, we provide data on recently published preclinical and clinical studies of CAR NK therapy and a list of finished and ongoing clinical trials. For achieving CAR NK products with higher efficacy and safety, we discuss current challenges in transduction and expansion of CAR NK cells, CAR NK therapy side effects, and challenges that limit the optimal efficacy of CAR NK cells and recommend possible solutions to enhance the persistence, function, safety, and efficacy of CAR NK cells with a special focus on solid tumors.
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Marofi F, Abdul-Rasheed OF, Rahman HS, Budi HS, Jalil AT, Yumashev AV, Hassanzadeh A, Yazdanifar M, Motavalli R, Chartrand MS, Ahmadi M, Cid-Arreguid A, Jarahian M. CAR-NK cell in cancer immunotherapy; A promising frontier. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:3427-3436. [PMID: 34050690 PMCID: PMC8409419 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have a unique facet of synthetic biology and offer a paradigm shift in personalized medicine as they can use and redirect the patient's immune cells to attack cancer cells. CAR‐natural killer (NK) cells combine the targeted specificity of antigens with the subsequent intracellular signaling ability of the receptors to increase their anti‐cancer functions. Importantly, CAR‐NK cells can be utilized as universal cell‐based therapy without requiring human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching or earlier contact with tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs). Indeed, CAR‐NK cells can be adapted to recognize various antigens, hold higher proliferation capacity, and in vivo persistence, show improved infiltration into the tumors, and the ability to overcome the resistant tumor microenvironment leading to sustained cytotoxicity against tumors. Accumulating evidence from recent in vivo studies rendering CAR‐NK cell anti‐cancer competencies renewed the attention in the context of cancer immunotherapy, as these redirected effector cells can be used in the development of the “off‐the‐shelf” anti‐cancer immunotherapeutic products. In the current review, we focus on the therapeutic efficacy of CAR‐NK cell therapies for treating various human malignancies, including hematological malignancies and solid tumors, and will discuss the recent findings in this regard, with a special focus on animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faroogh Marofi
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Omar F Abdul-Rasheed
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Heshu Sulaiman Rahman
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Suleimanyah, Suleimanyah, Iraq
| | - Hendrik Setia Budi
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Ali Hassanzadeh
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Roza Motavalli
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Majid Ahmadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Angel Cid-Arreguid
- Targeted Tumor Vaccines Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mostafa Jarahian
- German Cancer Research Center, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit (G401), Heidelberg, Germany
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Marofi F, Al-Awad AS, Sulaiman Rahman H, Markov A, Abdelbasset WK, Ivanovna Enina Y, Mahmoodi M, Hassanzadeh A, Yazdanifar M, Stanley Chartrand M, Jarahian M. CAR-NK Cell: A New Paradigm in Tumor Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:673276. [PMID: 34178661 PMCID: PMC8223062 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.673276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is greatly multifaceted and immune escape is an imperative attribute of tumors fostering tumor progression and metastasis. Based on reports, the restricted achievement attained by T cell immunotherapy reflects the prominence of emerging other innovative immunotherapeutics, in particular, natural killer (NK) cells-based treatments. Human NK cells act as the foremost innate immune effector cells against tumors and are vastly heterogeneous in the TME. Currently, there exists a rapidly evolving interest in the progress of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells for tumor immunotherapy. CAR-NK cells superiorities over CAR-T cells in terms of better safety (e.g., absence or minimal cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), engaging various mechanisms for stimulating cytotoxic function, and high feasibility for 'off-the-shelf' manufacturing. These effector cells could be modified to target various antigens, improve proliferation and persistence in vivo, upturn infiltration into tumors, and defeat resistant TME, which in turn, result in a desired anti-tumor response. More importantly, CAR-NK cells represent antigen receptors against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), thereby redirecting the effector NK cells and supporting tumor-related immunosurveillance. In the current review, we focus on recent progress in the therapeutic competence of CAR-NK cells in solid tumors and offer a concise summary of the present hurdles affecting therapeutic outcomes of CAR-NK cell-based tumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faroogh Marofi
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Heshu Sulaiman Rahman
- College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Alexander Markov
- Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia
- Tyumen Industrial University, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Mahnaz Mahmoodi
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hassanzadeh
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | | | - Mostafa Jarahian
- German Cancer Research Center, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit (G401), Heidelberg, Germany
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CAR-NK Cells in the Treatment of Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115899. [PMID: 34072732 PMCID: PMC8197981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T) cells have emerged as a milestone in the treatment of patients with refractory B-cell neoplasms. However, despite having unprecedented efficacy against hematological malignancies, the treatment is far from flawless. Its greatest drawbacks arise from a challenging and expensive production process, strict patient eligibility criteria and serious toxicity profile. One possible solution, supported by robust research, is the replacement of T lymphocytes with NK cells for CAR expression. NK cells seem to be an attractive vehicle for CAR expression as they can be derived from multiple sources and safely infused regardless of donor-patient matching, which greatly reduces the cost of the treatment. CAR-NK cells are known to be effective against hematological malignancies, and a growing number of preclinical findings indicate that they have activity against non-hematological neoplasms. Here, we present a thorough overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the use of CAR-NK cells in treating various solid tumors.
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37
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Chimeric Antigen Receptor Design and Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073495. [PMID: 33800608 PMCID: PMC8037934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our increased understanding of tumour biology gained over the last few years has led to the development of targeted molecular therapies, e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) antagonists, poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitors in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutants), increasing survival and improving the quality of life. However, the majority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients still do not have access to targeted molecular therapies that would be capable of controlling their disease, especially resistant or relapsed. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are recombinant receptor constructs located on T lymphocytes or other immune cells that change its specificity and functions. Therefore, in a search for a successful solid tumour therapy using CARs the specific cell surface antigens identification is crucial. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as studies on humans, prove that targeting overexpressed molecules, such as mucin 16 (MUC16), annexin 2 (ANXA2), receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (HER2/neu) causes high tumour cells toxicity and decreased tumour burden. CARs are well tolerated, side effects are minimal and they inhibit disease progression. However, as OC is heterogenic in its nature with high mutation diversity and overexpression of different receptors, there is a need to consider an individual approach to treat this type of cancer. In this publication, we would like to present the history and status of therapies involving the CAR T cells in treatment of OC tumours, suggest potential T cell-intrinsic determinants of response and resistance as well as present extrinsic factors impacting the success of this approach.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Success from checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell therapy has brought a new hope in cancer immunotherapy. Adoptive cell therapy involves the isolation of immune cells, ex vivo activation and/or expansion, and reinfusion into the patients, and their effect can be dramatically increased by the incorporation of chimeric antigen receptors specific to molecules expressed on tumor cells. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells have shown exciting results in the treatment of liquid malignancies; nevertheless, they suffer from limitations including severe adverse effects such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity seen in patients as well as a potential for causing graft-versus-host disease in an allogeneic setting. It is thus imperial to explore innate immune cells including natural killer cells, macrophages, natural killer T cells, and γδ T cells. Here, we provide a broad overview of the major innate immune cells and their potential for adoptive cell therapy and chimeric antigen receptor engineering.
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Ning F, Cole CB, Annunziata CM. Driving Immune Responses in the Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 10:604084. [PMID: 33520713 PMCID: PMC7843421 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.604084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecological neoplasms, with an estimated 14,000 deaths in 2019. First-line treatment options center around a taxane and platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. However, many patients often have recurrence due to late stage diagnoses and acquired chemo-resistance. Recent approvals for bevacizumab and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors have improved treatment options but effective treatments are still limited in the recurrent setting. Immunotherapy has seen significant success in hematological and solid malignancies. However, effectiveness has been limited in ovarian cancer. This may be due to a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and a lack of tumor-specific antigens. Certain immune cell subsets, such as regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages, have been implicated in ovarian cancer. Consequently, therapies augmenting the immune response, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and dendritic cell vaccines, may be unable to properly enact their effector functions. A better understanding of the various interactions among immune cell subsets in the peritoneal microenvironment is necessary to develop efficacious therapies. This review will discuss various cell subsets in the ovarian tumor microenvironment, current immunotherapy modalities to target or augment these immune subsets, and treatment challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin Ning
- Translational Genomics Section, Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christopher B Cole
- Translational Genomics Section, Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christina M Annunziata
- Translational Genomics Section, Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
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40
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Cao Y, Wang X, Jin T, Tian Y, Dai C, Widarma C, Song R, Xu F. Immune checkpoint molecules in natural killer cells as potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:250. [PMID: 33122640 PMCID: PMC7596531 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00348-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of natural killer (NK) cells in immunotherapy to treat multiple types of cancer. NK cells are innate lymphoid cells that play essential roles in tumor surveillance and control that efficiently kill the tumor and do not require the major histocompatibility complex. The discovery of the NK's potential as a promising therapeutic target for cancer is a relief to oncologists as they face the challenge of increased chemo-resistant cancers. NK cells show great potential against solid and hematologic tumors and have progressively shown promise as a therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. The effector role of these cells is reliant on the balance of inhibitory and activating signals. Understanding the role of various immune checkpoint molecules in the exhaustion and impairment of NK cells when their inhibitory receptors are excessively expressed is particularly important in cancer immunotherapy studies and clinical implementation. Emerging immune checkpoint receptors and molecules have been found to mediate NK cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment; this has brought up the need to explore further additional NK cell-related immune checkpoints that may be exploited to enhance the immune response to refractory cancers. Accordingly, this review will focus on the recent findings concerning the roles of immune checkpoint molecules and receptors in the regulation of NK cell function, as well as their potential application in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, 110819, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Crystal Widarma
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Rui Song
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China.
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41
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Bachiller M, Battram AM, Perez-Amill L, Martín-Antonio B. Natural Killer Cells in Immunotherapy: Are We Nearly There? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3139. [PMID: 33120910 PMCID: PMC7694052 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are potent anti-tumor and anti-microbial cells of our innate immune system. They are equipped with a vast array of receptors that recognize tumor cells and other pathogens. The innate immune activity of NK cells develops faster than the adaptive one performed by T cells, and studies suggest an important immunoregulatory role for each population against the other. The association, observed in acute myeloid leukemia patients receiving haploidentical killer-immunoglobulin-like-receptor-mismatched NK cells, with induction of complete remission was the determinant to begin an increasing number of clinical studies administering NK cells for the treatment of cancer patients. Unfortunately, even though transfused NK cells demonstrated safety, their observed efficacy was poor. In recent years, novel studies have emerged, combining NK cells with other immunotherapeutic agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, which might improve clinical efficacy. Moreover, genetically-modified NK cells aimed at arming NK cells with better efficacy and persistence have appeared as another option. Here, we review novel pre-clinical and clinical studies published in the last five years administering NK cells as a monotherapy and combined with other agents, and we also review chimeric antigen receptor-modified NK cells for the treatment of cancer patients. We then describe studies regarding the role of NK cells as anti-microbial effectors, as lessons that we could learn and apply in immunotherapy applications of NK cells; these studies highlight an important immunoregulatory role performed between T cells and NK cells that should be considered when designing immunotherapeutic strategies. Lastly, we highlight novel strategies that could be combined with NK cell immunotherapy to improve their targeting, activity, and persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Beatriz Martín-Antonio
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.B.); (A.M.B.); (L.P.-A.)
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42
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Benard E, Casey NP, Inderberg EM, Wälchli S. SJI 2020 special issue: A catalogue of Ovarian Cancer targets for CAR therapy. Scand J Immunol 2020; 92:e12917. [PMID: 32557659 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian Cancer (OC) is currently difficult to cure, mainly due to its late detection and the advanced state of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, conventional treatments such as debulking surgery and combination chemotherapy are rarely able to control progression of the tumour, and relapses are frequent. Alternative therapies are currently being evaluated, including immunotherapy and advanced T cell-based therapy. In the present review, we will focus on a description of those Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) that have been validated in the laboratory or are being tested in the clinic. Numerous target antigens have been defined due to the identification of OC biomarkers, and many are being used as CAR targets. We provide an exhaustive list of these constructs and their current status. Despite being innovative and efficient, the OC-specific CARs face a barrier to their clinical efficacy: the tumour microenvironment (TME). Indeed, effector cells expressing CARs have been shown to be severely inhibited, rendering the CAR T cells useless once at the tumour site. Herein, we give a thorough description of the highly immunosuppressive OC TME and present recent studies and innovations that have enabled CAR T cells to counteract this negative environment and to destroy tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Benard
- Translational Research Unit, Section for Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicholas P Casey
- Translational Research Unit, Section for Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else Marit Inderberg
- Translational Research Unit, Section for Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sébastien Wälchli
- Translational Research Unit, Section for Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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43
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Wagner J, Wickman E, DeRenzo C, Gottschalk S. CAR T Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors: Bright Future or Dark Reality? Mol Ther 2020; 28:2320-2339. [PMID: 32979309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has garnered significant excitement due to its success for hematological malignancies in clinical studies leading to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of three CD19-targeted CAR T cell products. In contrast, the clinical experience with CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors and brain tumors has been less encouraging, with only a few patients achieving complete responses. Clinical and preclinical studies have identified multiple "roadblocks," including (1) a limited array of targetable antigens and heterogeneous antigen expression, (2) limited T cell fitness and survival before reaching tumor sites, (3) an inability of T cells to efficiently traffic to tumor sites and penetrate physical barriers, and (4) an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Herein, we review these challenges and discuss strategies that investigators have taken to improve the effector function of CAR T cells for the adoptive immunotherapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Wagner
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wickman
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Christopher DeRenzo
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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44
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Huang R, Li X, He Y, Zhu W, Gao L, Liu Y, Gao L, Wen Q, Zhong JF, Zhang C, Zhang X. Recent advances in CAR-T cell engineering. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:86. [PMID: 32616000 PMCID: PMC7333410 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00910-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is regarded as an effective solution for relapsed or refractory tumors, particularly for hematological malignancies. Although the initially approved anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy has produced impressive outcomes, setbacks such as high relapse rates and resistance were experienced, driving the need to discover engineered CAR-T cells that are more effective for therapeutic use. Innovations in the structure and manufacturing of CAR-T cells have resulted in significant improvements in efficacy and persistence, particularly with the development of fourth-generation CAR-T cells. Paired with an immune modifier, the use of fourth-generation and next-generation CAR-T cells will not be limited because of cytotoxic effects and will be an efficient tool for overcoming the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the recent transformations in the ectodomain, transmembrane domain, and endodomain of the CAR structure, which, together with innovative manufacturing technology and improved cell sources, improve the prospects for the future development of CAR-T cell therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, CD19/genetics
- Antigens, CD19/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- CD28 Antigens/chemistry
- CD28 Antigens/immunology
- Cell Engineering/trends
- Chemotaxis, Leukocyte
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/trends
- Lentivirus/genetics
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/therapy
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/therapy
- Protein Binding
- Protein Domains
- Protein Engineering
- Receptors, Chemokine/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/agonists
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- T-Cell Antigen Receptor Specificity
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Transduction, Genetic
- Tumor Microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihao Huang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yundi He
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Li Gao
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Qin Wen
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jiang F Zhong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Xi Zhang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
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45
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Alcantara M, Du Rusquec P, Romano E. Current Clinical Evidence and Potential Solutions to Increase Benefit of CAR T-Cell Therapy for Patients with Solid Tumors. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1777064. [PMID: 32934880 PMCID: PMC7466853 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1777064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T-cells has shown unprecedented clinical efficacy for hematological malignancies. Recently two CAR T-cell based therapeutics, Kymriah (Tisagenlecleucel) and Yescarta (Axicabtagene ciloleucel) were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and by the European Medicines Agency. Despite the progress in treating hematological malignancies, challenges remain for the use of CAR T-cell therapy in patients with solid tumors. Barriers yet to overcome for achieving effective CAR T-cell therapy include antigenic heterogeneity of solid tumors, an immune-suppressive microenvironment, and organ-specific properties that limit T-cell entry. This review will summarize available clinical data for CAR T-cell therapy in solid tumors, including present obstacles and promising strategies to advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Alcantara
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, INSERM U932, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | | | - Emanuela Romano
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, INSERM U932, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Dpt of Drug Development and Innovation, Institut Curie, Paris, France.,Dpt of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
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46
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You Have Got a Fast CAR: Chimeric Antigen Receptor NK Cells in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030706. [PMID: 32192067 PMCID: PMC7140022 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical success stories of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy against B-cell malignancies have contributed to immunotherapy being at the forefront of cancer therapy today. Their success has fueled interest in improving CAR constructs, identifying additional antigens to target, and clinically evaluating them across a wide range of malignancies. However, along with the exciting potential of CAR-T therapy comes the real possibility of serious side effects. While the FDA has approved commercialized CAR-T cell therapy, challenges associated with manufacturing, costs, and related toxicities have resulted in increased attention being paid to implementing CAR technology in innate cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells. Here, we review the current landscape of the CAR-NK field, from successful clinical implementation to outstanding challenges which remain to be addressed to deliver the full potential of this therapy to more patients.
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Cao B, Liu M, Wang L, Liang B, Feng Y, Chen X, Shi Y, Zhang J, Ye X, Tian Y, Zhi C, Li J, Lian H, Wu Q, Zhang Z. Use of chimeric antigen receptor NK-92 cells to target mesothelin in ovarian cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 524:96-102. [PMID: 31980173 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) has been reported to be overexpressed in ovarian cancer and may be an ideal target for immunotherapy. Recent studies have suggested that natural killer (NK) cells may be better chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) drivers because of their favorable innate characteristics, such as directly recognizing and killing tumor cells, resulting in a graft-versus-tumor effect but irresponsible for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The therapeutic effects of CAR-engineered NK cells targeting MSLN in ovarian cancer have not been evaluated. In this study, MSLN- and CD19-targeted CAR NK-92 (MSLN- and CD19-CAR NK) cells were constructed. Both MSLN- and CD19-CAR molecules were highly expressed on the surface of NK-92 cells following lentiviral gene transduction. MSLN-CAR NK cells specifically killed MSLN-positive ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3 and SK-OV-3), rather than MSLN-negative cells (SK-HEP-1), in vitro. Moreover, compared with parental NK-92 cells and CD19-CAR NK cells, stronger cytokine secretion was detected in MSLN-CAR NK cells cocultured with OVCAR-3 and SK-OV-3. Furthermore, MSLN-CAR NK cells effectively eliminated ovarian cancer cells in both subcutaneous and intraperitoneal tumor models; these cells also significantly prolonged the survival of intraperitoneally tumor-bearing mice. These results demonstrate that MSLN-CAR NK cells have robust specific antitumor activity, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that mesothelin could be a potential target for CAR NK cells and could be applied in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bihui Cao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Manting Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Baoxia Liang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yunfei Feng
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Xiaopei Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Xiaodie Ye
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Cheng Zhi
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Junping Li
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Hui Lian
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Qingde Wu
- Department of Radiology, Shunde Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine University of Guangzhou, Foshan, 528000, China.
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
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