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Sailer N, Fetzer I, Salvermoser M, Braun M, Brechtefeld D, Krendl C, Geiger C, Mutze K, Noessner E, Schendel DJ, Bürdek M, Wilde S, Sommermeyer D. T-Cells Expressing a Highly Potent PRAME-Specific T-Cell Receptor in Combination with a Chimeric PD1-41BB Co-Stimulatory Receptor Show a Favorable Preclinical Safety Profile and Strong Anti-Tumor Reactivity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081998. [PMID: 35454906 PMCID: PMC9030144 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The development of effective adoptive T-cell therapies (ATCs) to treat solid tumors has several challenges: the choice of a suitable target antigen, the generation of a specific T-cell receptor (TCR) directed against this target, and the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). The cancer/testis antigen Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME) is a promising target for ATCs since it is highly expressed in several solid tumor indications, while its expression in normal tissues is mainly restricted to the testis. Using our well-established high throughput TCR generation and characterization process, we identified a highly potent PRAME-specific TCR. To convert the inhibitory PD-1 signal in T-cells to an activating signal, we designed a chimeric receptor consisting of the extracellular domain of PD-1 and the signaling domain of 4-1BB. Combining this PD1-41BB receptor with our lead PRAME-TCR generated a very promising T-cell product with a favorable preclinical in vitro safety profile and enhanced in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy. Abstract The hostile tumor microenvironment (TME) is a major challenge for the treatment of solid tumors with T-cell receptor (TCR)-modified T-cells (TCR-Ts), as it negatively influences T-cell efficacy, fitness, and persistence. These negative influences are caused, among others, by the inhibitory checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 axis. The Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME) is a highly relevant cancer/testis antigen for TCR-T immunotherapy due to broad expression in multiple solid cancer indications. A TCR with high specificity and sensitivity for PRAME was isolated from non-tolerized T-cell repertoires and introduced into T-cells alongside a chimeric PD1-41BB receptor, consisting of the natural extracellular domain of PD-1 and the intracellular signaling domain of 4-1BB, turning an inhibitory pathway into a T-cell co-stimulatory pathway. The addition of PD1-41BB to CD8+ T-cells expressing the transgenic PRAME-TCR enhanced IFN-γ secretion, improved cytotoxic capacity, and prevented exhaustion upon repetitive re-challenge with tumor cells in vitro without altering the in vitro safety profile. Furthermore, a single dose of TCR-Ts co-expressing PD1-41BB was sufficient to clear a hard-to-treat melanoma xenograft in a mouse model, whereas TCR-Ts without PD1-41BB could not eradicate the PD-L1-positive tumors. This cutting-edge strategy supports development efforts to provide more effective TCR-T immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Sailer
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Ina Fetzer
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Melanie Salvermoser
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Monika Braun
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Doris Brechtefeld
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Christian Krendl
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Christiane Geiger
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Kathrin Mutze
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Elfriede Noessner
- Immunoanalytics-Research Group Tissue Control of Immunocytes (TCI), Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Dolores J. Schendel
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
- Medigene AG, 82152 Planegg, Germany
- Correspondence: or
| | - Maja Bürdek
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Susanne Wilde
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Daniel Sommermeyer
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (N.S.); (I.F.); (M.S.); (M.B.); (D.B.); (C.K.); (C.G.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (S.W.); (D.S.)
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Davari K, Holland T, Prassmayer L, Longinotti G, Ganley KP, Pechilis LJ, Diaconu I, Nambiar PR, Magee MS, Schendel DJ, Sommermeyer D, Ellinger C. Development of a CD8 co-receptor independent T-cell receptor specific for tumor-associated antigen MAGE-A4 for next generation T-cell-based immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002035. [PMID: 33771892 PMCID: PMC7996660 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002035] [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] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cancer-testis antigen MAGE-A4 is an attractive target for T-cell-based immunotherapy, especially for indications with unmet clinical need like non-small cell lung or triple-negative breast cancer. METHODS An unbiased CD137-based sorting approach was first used to identify an immunogenic MAGE-A4-derived epitope (GVYDGREHTV) that was properly processed and presented on human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 molecules encoded by the HLA-A*02:01 allele. To isolate high-avidity T cells via subsequent multimer sorting, an in vitro priming approach using HLA-A2-negative donors was conducted to bypass central tolerance to this self-antigen. Pre-clinical parameters of safety and activity were assessed in a comprehensive set of in vitro and in vivo studies. RESULTS A MAGE-A4-reactive, HLA-A2-restricted T-cell receptor (TCR) was isolated from primed T cells of an HLA-A2-negative donor. The respective TCR-T-cell (TCR-T) product bbT485 was demonstrated pre-clinically to have a favorable safety profile and superior in vivo potency compared with TCR-Ts expressing a TCR derived from a tolerized T-cell repertoire to self-antigens. This natural high-avidity TCR was found to be CD8 co-receptor independent, allowing effector functions to be elicited in transgenic CD4+ T helper cells. These CD4+ TCR-Ts supported an anti-tumor response by direct killing of MAGE-A4-positive tumor cells and upregulated hallmarks associated with helper function, such as CD154 expression and release of key cytokines on tumor-specific stimulation. CONCLUSION The extensive pre-clinical assessment of safety and in vivo potency of bbT485 provide the basis for its use in TCR-T immunotherapy studies. The ability of this non-mutated high-avidity, co-receptor-independent TCR to activate CD8+ and CD4+ T cells could potentially provide enhanced cellular responses in the clinical setting through the induction of functionally diverse T-cell subsets that goes beyond what is currently tested in the clinic.
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MESH Headings
- A549 Cells
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- CD8 Antigens/genetics
- CD8 Antigens/immunology
- CD8 Antigens/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Coculture Techniques
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Female
- HEK293 Cells
- HLA-A2 Antigen/immunology
- HLA-A2 Antigen/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunodominant Epitopes
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- K562 Cells
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/immunology
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Phenotype
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Tumor Burden
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Davari
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Wilde S, Geiger C, Milosevic S, Mosetter B, Eichenlaub S, Schendel DJ. Generation of allo-restricted peptide-specific T cells using RNA-pulsed dendritic cells: A three phase experimental procedure. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:129-140. [PMID: 22720234 PMCID: PMC3376998 DOI: 10.4161/onci.1.2.18216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Designer T cells expressing transgenic T cell receptors (TCR) with anti-tumor specificity offer new treatment options for cancer patients. We developed a three phase procedure to identify T cells of high avidity based on the fact that T cells recognizing peptides presented by allogeneic MHC efficiently kill tumor cells. Autologous dendritic cells (DC) are co-transfected with ivt-RNA encoding an allogeneic MHC molecule and a selected antigen to allow them to express allogeneic MHC-peptide complexes that activate allo-restricted peptide-specific T cells. This approach provides great flexibility for obtaining high-avidity T cells as potential sources of TCR for adoptive T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Wilde
- Institute of Molecular Immunology; Helmholtz Zentrum München; German Research Center for Environmental Health; Munich, Germany
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4
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Abraham RS, Mitchell DA. Gene-modified dendritic cell vaccines for cancer. Cytotherapy 2017; 18:1446-1455. [PMID: 27745604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines are an immunotherapeutic approach to cancer treatment that use the antigen-presentation machinery of DCs to activate an endogenous anti-tumor response. In this treatment strategy, DCs are cultured ex vivo, exposed to tumor antigens and administered to the patient. The ex vivo culturing provides a unique and powerful opportunity to modify and enhance the DCs. As such, a variety of genetic engineering approaches have been employed to optimize DC vaccines, including the introduction of messenger RNA and small interfering RNA, viral gene transduction, and even fusion with whole tumor cells. In general, these modifications aim to improve targeting, enhance immunogenicity, and reduce susceptibility to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. It has been demonstrated that several of these modifications can be employed in tandem, allowing for fine-tuning and optimization of the DC vaccine across multiple metrics. Thus, the application of genetic engineering techniques to the dendritic cell vaccine platform has the potential to greatly enhance its efficacy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Abraham
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32605
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32605.
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Kongsted P, Borch TH, Ellebaek E, Iversen TZ, Andersen R, Met Ö, Hansen M, Lindberg H, Sengeløv L, Svane IM. Dendritic cell vaccination in combination with docetaxel for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A randomized phase II study. Cytotherapy 2017; 19:500-513. [PMID: 28215654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS We investigated whether the addition of an autologous dendritic cell-based cancer vaccine (DCvac) induces an immune response in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with docetaxel. METHODS Forty-three patients were randomized 1:1 to receive up to 10 cycles of docetaxel alone, 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks or in combination with DCvac. Monocytes were harvested following a leukapheresis procedure, matured ex vivo and subsequently transfected with messenger RNA encoding multiple tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). DCvac was administered intradermally twice through treatment cycles 1-4 and once through treatment cycles 5-10. Immune cell composition and antigen-specific responses were analyzed using flow cytometry, ELISpot and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) tests. Toxicity was graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Prostate-specific antigen responses were similar in patients treated with docetaxel alone and combination therapy (58% versus 38%; P = 0.21). PFS and DSS were comparable: 5.5 versus 5.7 months (P = 0.62, log rank) and 21.9 versus 25.1 months (P = 0.60, log rank). Nine (50%) and 14 (78%) patients treated with docetaxel and DCvac had a TAA-specific or vaccine-specific immune response in the ELISpot and DTH analysis, respectively. Vaccine induced toxicity was limited to local reactions. Decline in myeloid-derived suppressor cells at the third treatment cycle was found to be an independent predictor of DSS. CONCLUSIONS The addition of DCvac was safe. Immune responses were detected in approximately half of the patients investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Kongsted
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Troels Holz Borch
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Eva Ellebaek
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Trine Zeeberg Iversen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Rikke Andersen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Özcan Met
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Morten Hansen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Henriette Lindberg
- Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lisa Sengeløv
- Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark.
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Borch TH, Engell-Noerregaard L, Zeeberg Iversen T, Ellebaek E, Met Ö, Hansen M, Andersen MH, Thor Straten P, Svane IM. mRNA-transfected dendritic cell vaccine in combination with metronomic cyclophosphamide as treatment for patients with advanced malignant melanoma. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1207842. [PMID: 27757300 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1207842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccination with dendritic cells (DCs) has generally not fulfilled its promise in cancer immunotherapy due to ineffective translation of immune responses into clinical responses. A proposed reason for this is intrinsic immune regulatory mechanisms, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs). A metronomic regimen of cyclophosphamide (mCy) has been shown to selectively deplete Tregs. To test this in a clinical setting, we conducted a phase I trial to evaluate the feasibility and safety of vaccination with DCs transfected with mRNA in combination with mCy in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma (MM). In addition, clinical and immunological effect of the treatment was evaluated. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Twenty-two patients were enrolled and treated with six cycles of cyclophosphamide 50 mg orally bi-daily for a week every second week (day 1-7). During the six cycles patients received at least 5 × 106 autologous DCs administered by intradermal (i.d.) injection in the week without chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated 12 and 27 weeks and every 3rd mo thereafter with CT scans according to RECIST 1.0. Blood samples for immune monitoring were collected at baseline, at the time of 4th and 6th vaccines. Immune monitoring consisted of IFNγ ELISpot assay, proliferation assay, and flow cytometry for enumeration of immune cell subsets. RESULTS Toxicity was manageable. Eighteen patients were evaluable after six cycles. Of these, nine patients had progressive disease as best response and nine patients achieved stable disease. In three patients minor tumor regression was observed. By IFNγ ELISpot and proliferation assay immune responses were seen in 6/17 and 4/17 patients, respectively; however, no correlation with clinical response was found. The percentage of Tregs was unchanged during treatment. CONCLUSION Treatment with autologous DCs transfected with mRNA in combination with mCy was feasible and safe. Importantly, mCy did not alter the percentage of Tregs in our patient cohort. There was an indication of clinical benefit; however, more knowledge is needed in order for DCs to be exploited as a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troels Holz Borch
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lotte Engell-Noerregaard
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Trine Zeeberg Iversen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Eva Ellebaek
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Özcan Met
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Morten Hansen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital , Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital , Herlev, Denmark
| | - Per Thor Straten
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital , Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
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Lorenz FKM, Wilde S, Voigt K, Kieback E, Mosetter B, Schendel DJ, Uckert W. Codon optimization of the human papillomavirus E7 oncogene induces a CD8+ T cell response to a cryptic epitope not harbored by wild-type E7. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121633. [PMID: 25799237 PMCID: PMC4370481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Codon optimization of nucleotide sequences is a widely used method to achieve high levels of transgene expression for basic and clinical research. Until now, immunological side effects have not been described. To trigger T cell responses against human papillomavirus, we incubated T cells with dendritic cells that were pulsed with RNA encoding the codon-optimized E7 oncogene. All T cell receptors isolated from responding T cell clones recognized target cells expressing the codon-optimized E7 gene but not the wild type E7 sequence. Epitope mapping revealed recognition of a cryptic epitope from the +3 alternative reading frame of codon-optimized E7, which is not encoded by the wild type E7 sequence. The introduction of a stop codon into the +3 alternative reading frame protected the transgene product from recognition by T cell receptor gene-modified T cells. This is the first experimental study demonstrating that codon optimization can render a transgene artificially immunogenic through generation of a dominant cryptic epitope. This finding may be of great importance for the clinical field of gene therapy to avoid rejection of gene-corrected cells and for the design of DNA- and RNA-based vaccines, where codon optimization may artificially add a strong immunogenic component to the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanne Wilde
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Voigt
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisa Kieback
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Mosetter
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Dolores J. Schendel
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Uckert
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Subklewe M, Geiger C, Lichtenegger FS, Javorovic M, Kvalheim G, Schendel DJ, Bigalke I. New generation dendritic cell vaccine for immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:1093-103. [PMID: 25186611 PMCID: PMC11028838 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1600-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy is a promising strategy for the elimination of minimal residual disease in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Particularly, patients with a high risk of relapse who are not eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation could benefit from such a therapeutic approach. Here, we review our extensive studies on the development of a protocol for the generation of DCs with improved immunogenicity and optimized for the use in cell-based immunotherapy. This new generation DC vaccine combines the production of DCs in only 3 days with Toll-like receptor-signaling-induced cell maturation. These mature DCs are then loaded with RNA encoding the leukemia-associated antigens Wilm's tumor protein 1 and preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma in order to stimulate an AML-specific T-cell-based immune response. In vitro as well as in vivo studies demonstrated the enhanced capacity of these improved DCs for the induction of tumor-specific immune responses. Finally, a proof-of-concept Phase I/II clinical trial is discussed for post-remission AML patients with high risk for disease relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Subklewe
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christiane Geiger
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Trianta Immunotherapies GmbH, A subsidiary of Medigene AG, Lochhamer Str. 11, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Felix S. Lichtenegger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Miran Javorovic
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Gunnar Kvalheim
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dolores J. Schendel
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Trianta Immunotherapies GmbH, A subsidiary of Medigene AG, Lochhamer Str. 11, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Iris Bigalke
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Peng W, Nan Z, Liu Y, Shen H, Lin C, Lin L, Yuan B. Dendritic cells transduced with CPEB4 induced antitumor immune response. Exp Mol Pathol 2014; 97:273-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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10
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Stripecke R. Lentivirus-Induced Dendritic Cells (iDC) for Immune-Regenerative Therapies in Cancer and Stem Cell Transplantation. Biomedicines 2014; 2:229-246. [PMID: 28548069 PMCID: PMC5344221 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines2030229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional dendritic cells (cDC) are ex vivo differentiated professional antigen presenting cells capable of potently stimulating naïve T cells and with vast potential for immunotherapeutic applications. The manufacture of clinical-grade cDC is relatively complex and requires several days for completion. Clinical trials showed poor trafficking of cDC from subcutaneous injection sites to lymph nodes (LN), where DC can optimally stimulate naïve lymphocytes for long-lasting memory responses. We demonstrated in mouse and human systems that a single overnight ex vivo lentiviral (LV) gene transfer into DC precursors for production of combination of cytokines and antigens was capable to induce autonomous self-differentiation of antigen-loaded DC in vitro and in vivo. These highly viable induced DC (iDC) effectively migrated from the injected skin to LN, where they effectively activated de novo antigen-specific effector memory T cells. Two iDC modalities were validated in relevant animal models and are now in clinical development: Self-differentiated Myeloid-derived Antigen-presenting-cells Reactive against Tumors co-expressing GM-CSF/IL-4/TRP2 for melanoma immunotherapy in the autologous setting (SmartDCtrp2), and Self-differentiated Myeloid-derived Lentivirus-induced against human cytomegalovirus as an allogeneic matched adoptive cell after stem cell transplantation (SmyleDCpp65). The lentiviral vector design and packaging methodology has “evolved” continuously in order to simplify and optimize function and biosafety of in vitro and in vivo genetic reprogramming of iDC. Here, we address the challenges seeking for new creations of genetically programmed iDC and integrase-defective LV vaccines for immune regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Stripecke
- Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, Excellence Cluster Rebirth, Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, OE6862, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
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Frankenberger B, Schendel DJ. Third generation dendritic cell vaccines for tumor immunotherapy. Eur J Cell Biol 2011; 91:53-8. [PMID: 21439674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2011.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes our studies of the past several years on the development of third generation dendritic cell (DC) vaccines. These developments have implemented two major innovations in DC preparation: first, young DCs are prepared within 3 days and, second, the DCs are matured with the help of Toll-like receptor agonists, imbuing them with the capacity to produce bioactive IL-12 (p70). Based on phenotype, chemokine-directed migration, facility to process and present antigens, and stimulatory capacity to polarize Th1 responses in CD4+ T cells, induce antigen-specific CD8+ CTL and activate natural killer cells, these young mDCs display all the important properties needed for initiating good antitumor responses in a vaccine setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Frankenberger
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Marchioninistrasse 25, Munich, Germany.
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Dendritic cells pulsed with RNA encoding allogeneic MHC and antigen induce T cells with superior antitumor activity and higher TCR functional avidity. Blood 2009; 114:2131-9. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-03-209387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells expressing transgenic T-cell receptors (TCRs) with antitumor function is a hopeful new therapy for patients with advanced tumors; however, there is a critical bottleneck in identifying high-affinity TCR specificities needed to treat different malignancies. We have developed a strategy using autologous dendritic cells cotransfected with RNA encoding an allogeneic major histocompatibility complex molecule and a tumor-associated antigen to obtain allo-restricted peptide-specific T cells having superior capacity to recognize tumor cells and higher functional avidity. This approach provides maximum flexibility because any major histocompatibility complex molecule and any tumor-associated antigen can be combined in the dendritic cells used for priming of autologous T cells. TCRs of allo-restricted T cells, when expressed as transgenes in activated peripheral blood lymphocytes, transferred superior function compared with self-restricted TCR. This approach allows high-avidity T cells and TCR specific for tumor-associated self-peptides to be easily obtained for direct adoptive T-cell therapy or for isolation of therapeutic transgenic TCR sequences.
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Geiger C, Nößner E, Frankenberger B, Falk CS, Pohla H, Schendel DJ. Harnessing innate and adaptive immunity for adoptive cell therapy of renal cell carcinoma. J Mol Med (Berl) 2009; 87:595-612. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-009-0455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Revised: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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