1
|
Shu J, Xie W, Chen Z, Offringa R, Hu Y, Mei H. The enchanting canvas of CAR technology: Unveiling its wonders in non-neoplastic diseases. MED 2024; 5:495-529. [PMID: 38608709 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.03.016] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have made a groundbreaking advancement in personalized immunotherapy and achieved widespread success in hematological malignancies. As CAR technology continues to evolve, numerous studies have unveiled its potential far beyond the realm of oncology. This review focuses on the current applications of CAR-based cellular platforms in non-neoplastic indications, such as autoimmune, infectious, fibrotic, and cellular senescence-associated diseases. Furthermore, we delve into the utilization of CARs in non-T cell populations such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, highlighting their therapeutic potential in non-neoplastic conditions and offering the potential for targeted, personalized therapies to improve patient outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Shu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhaozhao Chen
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Rienk Offringa
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Heng Mei
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang F, Ju J, Diao H, Song J, Bian Y, Yang B. Innovative pharmacotherapy for hepatic metabolic and chronic inflammatory diseases in China. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38514420 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16342] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver disease constitutes a significant global health concern, particularly in China where it has distinctive characteristics. China grapples with a staggering 300 million cases, predominantly due to hepatitis B and metabolic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, hepatocellular carcinoma has become a prevalent which is a lethal type of cancer. Despite the scarcity of innovative treatment options, Chinese hepatologists and researchers have achieved notable breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of liver diseases. Traditional Chinese medicines have found widespread application in the treatment of various liver ailments owing to their commendable pharmacological efficacy and minimal side effects. Furthermore, there is a growing body of research in extracellular vesicles, cell therapy and gene therapy, offering new hope in the fight against liver diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiological characteristics of liver diseases and the diverse array of treatments that Chinese scholars and scientists have pursued in critical field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaming Ju
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongtao Diao
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jinglun Song
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Bian
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Baofeng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moar P, Premeaux TA, Atkins A, Ndhlovu LC. The latent HIV reservoir: current advances in genetic sequencing approaches. mBio 2023; 14:e0134423. [PMID: 37811964 PMCID: PMC10653892 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01344-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple cellular HIV reservoirs in diverse anatomical sites can undergo clonal expansion and persist for years despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy, posing a major barrier toward an HIV cure. Commonly adopted assays to assess HIV reservoir size mainly consist of PCR-based measures of cell-associated total proviral DNA, intact proviruses and transcriptionally competent provirus (viral RNA), flow cytometry and microscopy-based methods to measure translationally competent provirus (viral protein), and quantitative viral outgrowth assay, the gold standard to measure replication-competent provirus; yet no assay alone can provide a comprehensive view of the total HIV reservoir or its dynamics. Furthermore, the detection of extant provirus by these measures does not preclude defects affecting replication competence. An accurate measure of the latent reservoir is essential for evaluating the efficacy of HIV cure strategies. Recent approaches have been developed, which generate proviral sequence data to create a more detailed profile of the latent reservoir. These sequencing approaches are valuable tools to understand the complex multicellular processes in a diverse range of tissues and cell types and have provided insights into the mechanisms of HIV establishment and persistence. These advancements over previous sequencing methods have allowed multiplexing and new assays have emerged, which can document transcriptional activity, chromosome accessibility, and in-depth cellular phenotypes harboring latent HIV, enabling the characterization of rare infected cells across restrictive sites such as the brain. In this manuscript, we provide a review of HIV sequencing-based assays adopted to address challenges in quantifying and characterizing the latent HIV reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Moar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Thomas A. Premeaux
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Atkins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Lishomwa C. Ndhlovu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Veeraraghavan VP, Needamangalam Balaji J, Prakash S, Prashar L, Mony U, Surapaneni KM. HIV and immunotherapy: will CAR-T cell therapy cure HIV? Int J Surg 2023; 109:3224-3225. [PMID: 37318866 PMCID: PMC10583899 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu P. Veeraraghavan
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University
| | | | | | - Lavina Prashar
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Medicine, Unza Ridgeway Campus, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ullas Mony
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University
| | - Krishna M. Surapaneni
- Departments of Biochemistry, Medical Education, Molecular Virology, Research, Clinical Skills & Simulation, Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Varadharajapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bednar C, Kübel S, Cordsmeier A, Scholz B, Menschikowski H, Ensser A. A Genetically Encoded Dark-to-Bright Biosensor for Visualisation of Granzyme-Mediated Cytotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13589. [PMID: 37686395 PMCID: PMC10487497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Granzyme B (GZMB) is a key enzyme released by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells to induce apoptosis in target cells. We designed a novel fluorogenic biosensor which is able to assess GZMB activity in a specific and sensitive manner. This cleavage-responsive sensor for T cell activity level (CRSTAL) is based on a fluorescent protein that is only activated upon cleavage by GZMB or caspase-8. CRSTAL was tested in stable cell lines and demonstrated a strong and long-lasting fluorescence signal upon induction with GZMB. It can detect GZMB activity not only by overexpression of GZMB in target cells but also following transfer of GZMB and perforin from effector cells during cytotoxicity. This feature has significant implications for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in monitoring the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. CAR-T cells are a promising therapy option for various cancer types, but monitoring their activity in vivo is challenging. The development of biosensors like CRSTAL provides a valuable tool for monitoring of CAR-T cell activity. In summary, CRSTAL is a highly sensitive biosensor that can detect GZMB activity in target cells, providing a means for evaluating the cytotoxic activity of immune cells and monitoring T cell activity in real time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Armin Ensser
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.B.); (S.K.); (A.C.); (B.S.); (H.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang C, Zaman LA, Poluektova LY, Gorantla S, Gendelman HE, Dash PK. Humanized Mice for Studies of HIV-1 Persistence and Elimination. Pathogens 2023; 12:879. [PMID: 37513726 PMCID: PMC10383313 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A major roadblock to achieving a cure for human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) is the persistence of latent viral infections in the cells and tissue compartments of an infected human host. Latent HIV-1 proviral DNA persists in resting memory CD4+ T cells and mononuclear phagocytes (MPs; macrophages, microglia, and dendritic cells). Tissue viral reservoirs of both cell types reside in the gut, lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, liver, kidney, skin, adipose tissue, reproductive organs, and brain. However, despite the identification of virus-susceptible cells, several limitations persist in identifying broad latent reservoirs in infected persons. The major limitations include their relatively low abundance, the precise identification of latently infected cells, and the lack of biomarkers for identifying latent cells. While primary MP and CD4+ T cells and transformed cell lines are used to interrogate mechanisms of HIV-1 persistence, they often fail to accurately reflect the host cells and tissue environments that carry latent infections. Given the host specificity of HIV-1, there are few animal models that replicate the natural course of viral infection with any precision. These needs underlie the importance of humanized mouse models as both valuable and cost-effective tools for studying viral latency and subsequently identifying means of eliminating it. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of humanized mice for studies of viral persistence and latency with an eye toward using these models to test antiretroviral and excision therapeutics. The goals of this research are to use the models to address how and under which circumstances HIV-1 latency can be detected and eliminated. Targeting latent reservoirs for an ultimate HIV-1 cure is the task at hand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Prasanta K. Dash
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA (S.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pampusch MS, Sevcik EN, Quinn ZE, Davey BC, Berg JM, Gorrell-Brown I, Abdelaal HM, Rakasz EG, Rendahl A, Skinner PJ. Assessment of anti-CD20 antibody pre-treatment for augmentation of CAR-T cell therapy in SIV-infected rhesus macaques. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1101446. [PMID: 36825014 PMCID: PMC9941136 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1101446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During chronic HIV and SIV infections, the majority of viral replication occurs within lymphoid follicles. In a pilot study, infusion of SIV-specific CD4-MBL-CAR-T cells expressing the follicular homing receptor, CXCR5, led to follicular localization of the cells and a reduction in SIV viral loads in rhesus macaques. However, the CAR-T cells failed to persist. We hypothesized that temporary disruption of follicles would create space for CAR-T cell engraftment and lead to increased abundance and persistence of CAR-T cells. In this study we treated SIV-infected rhesus macaques with CAR-T cells and preconditioned one set with anti-CD20 antibody to disrupt the follicles. We evaluated CAR-T cell abundance and persistence in four groups of SIVmac239-infected and ART-suppressed animals: untreated, CAR-T cell treated, CD20 depleted, and CD20 depleted/CAR-T cell treated. In the depletion study, anti-CD20 was infused one week prior to CAR-T infusion and cessation of ART. Anti-CD20 antibody treatment led to temporary depletion of CD20+ cells in blood and partial depletion in lymph nodes. In this dose escalation study, there was no impact of CAR-T cell infusion on SIV viral load. However, in both the depleted and non-depleted animals, CAR-T cells accumulated in and around lymphoid follicles and were Ki67+. CAR-T cells increased in number in follicles from 2 to 6 days post-treatment, with a median 15.2-fold increase in follicular CAR-T cell numbers in depleted/CAR-T treated animals compared to an 8.1-fold increase in non-depleted CAR-T treated animals. The increase in CAR T cells in depleted animals was associated with a prolonged elevation of serum IL-6 levels and a rapid loss of detectable CAR-T cells. Taken together, these data suggest that CAR-T cells likely expanded to a greater extent in depleted/CAR-T cell treated animals. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms mediating the rapid loss of CAR-T cells and to evaluate strategies to improve engraftment and persistence of HIV-specific CAR-T cells. The potential for an inflammatory cytokine response appears to be enhanced with anti-CD20 antibody treatment and future studies may require CRS control strategies. These studies provide important insights into cellular immunotherapy and suggest future studies for improved outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary S. Pampusch
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Emily N. Sevcik
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Zoe E. Quinn
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Brianna C. Davey
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - James M. Berg
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Ian Gorrell-Brown
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Hadia M. Abdelaal
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Eva G. Rakasz
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI, United States
| | - Aaron Rendahl
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Pamela J. Skinner
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Davey BC, Pampusch MS, Cartwright EK, Abdelaal HM, Rakasz EG, Rendahl A, Berger EA, Skinner PJ. Development of an anti-CAR antibody response in SIV-infected rhesus macaques treated with CD4-MBL CAR/CXCR5 T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1032537. [PMID: 36582226 PMCID: PMC9793449 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1032537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells expressing a simian immunodeficiency (SIV)-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and the follicular homing molecule, CXCR5, were infused into antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppressed, SIV-infected rhesus macaques to assess their ability to localize to the lymphoid follicle and control the virus upon ART interruption. While the cells showed evidence of functionality, they failed to persist in the animals beyond 28 days. Development of anti-CAR antibodies could be responsible for the lack of persistence. Potential antigenic sites on the anti-SIV CAR used in these studies included domains 1 and 2 of CD4, the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), and an extracellular domain of the costimulatory molecule, CD28, along with short linker sequences. Using a flow cytometry based assay and target cells expressing the CAR/CXCR5 construct, we examined the serum of the CD4-MBL CAR/CXCR5-T cell treated animals to determine that the animals had developed an anti-CAR antibody response after infusion. Binding sites for the anti-CAR antibodies were identified by using alternative CARs transduced into target cells and by preincubation of the target cells with a CD4 blocking antibody. All of the treated animals developed antibodies in their serum that bound to CD4-MBL CAR/CXCR5 T cells and the majority were capable of inducing an ADCC response. The CD4 antibody-blocking assay suggests that the dominant immunogenic components of this CAR are the CD4 domains with a possible additional site of the CD28 domain with its linker. This study shows that an anti-drug antibody (ADA) response can occur even when using self-proteins, likely due to novel epitopes created by abridged self-proteins and/or the self-domain of the CAR connection to a small non-self linker. While in our study, there was no statistically significant correlation between the ADA response and the persistence of the CD4-MBL CAR/CXCR5-T cells in rhesus macaques, these findings suggest that the development of an ADA response could impact the long-term persistence of self-based CAR immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianna C. Davey
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Mary S. Pampusch
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Emily K. Cartwright
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Hadia M. Abdelaal
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Eva G. Rakasz
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Aaron Rendahl
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Edward A. Berger
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pamela J. Skinner
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States,*Correspondence: Pamela J. Skinner,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mahajan S, Kortleve D, Debets R, Hammerl D. Detection of Low-Frequency Epitope-Specific T Cells in Blood of Healthy Individuals according to an Optimized In Vitro Amplification System. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:2239-2247. [PMID: 36426971 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Detection and amplification of epitope-specific T cells hold great promise for diagnosis and therapy of cancer patients. Currently, measurement and retrieval of epitope-specific T cells is hampered by limited availability of patients' biomaterials and lack of sensitive and easy-to-implement T cell priming and expansion. We have developed an in vitro T cell amplification system starting from healthy donor blood and tested different subsets and ratios of autologous T cells and APCs as well as the resting period between amplification cycles. We demonstrated in 10 different donors significantly enhanced frequency of T cells specific for MelanA/HLA-A2, which relied on coculturing of naive T cells and CD11c+ dendritic cells in a 1:1 ratio followed by three weekly amplification cycles using the effluent of the naive T cell sort as APCs, a 24-h rest period prior to every reamplification cycle, and IFN-γ production as a readout for epitope-specific T cells. Using this system, MelanA/HLA-A2-specific T cells were enriched by 200-fold, measuring up to 20-60% of all T cells. We extended this system to enrich NY-ESO-1/HLA-A2- and BMLF-1/HLA-A2-specific T cells, examples of a cancer germline Ag and an oncoviral Ag differing in their ability to bind to HLA-A2 and the presence of specific T cells in the naive and, in case of BMLF-1, also the Ag-experienced repertoire. Collectively, we have developed a sensitive and easy-to-implement in vitro T cell amplification method to enrich epitope-specific T cells that is expected to facilitate research and clinical utility regarding T cell diagnosis and treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Mahajan
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dian Kortleve
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dora Hammerl
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Anthony-Gonda K, Ray A, Su H, Wang Y, Xiong Y, Lee D, Block A, Chilunda V, Weiselberg J, Zemelko L, Wang YY, Kleinsorge-Block S, Reese JS, de Lima M, Ochsenbauer C, Kappes JC, Dimitrov DS, Orentas R, Deeks SG, Rutishauser RL, Berman JW, Goldstein H, Dropulić B. In vivo killing of primary HIV-infected cells by peripheral-injected early memory-enriched anti-HIV duoCAR T cells. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e161698. [PMID: 36345941 PMCID: PMC9675454 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.161698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-specific chimeric antigen receptor-T cell (CAR T cell) therapies are candidates to functionally cure HIV infection in people with HIV (PWH) by eliminating reactivated HIV-infected cells derived from latently infected cells within the HIV reservoir. Paramount to translating such therapeutic candidates successfully into the clinic will require anti-HIV CAR T cells to localize to lymphoid tissues in the body and eliminate reactivated HIV-infected cells such as CD4+ T cells and monocytes/macrophages. Here we show that i.v. injected anti-HIV duoCAR T cells, generated using a clinical-grade anti-HIV duoCAR lentiviral vector, localized to the site of active HIV infection in the spleen of humanized mice and eliminated HIV-infected PBMCs. CyTOF analysis of preinfusion duoCAR T cells revealed an early memory phenotype composed predominantly of CCR7+ stem cell-like/central memory T cells (TSCM/TCM) with expression of some effector-like molecules. In addition, we show that anti-HIV duoCAR T cells effectively sense and kill HIV-infected CD4+ T cells and monocytes/macrophages. Furthermore, we demonstrate efficient genetic modification of T cells from PWH on suppressive ART into anti-HIV duoCAR T cells that subsequently kill autologous PBMCs superinfected with HIV. These studies support the safety and efficacy of anti-HIV duoCAR T cell therapy in our presently open phase I/IIa clinical trial (NCT04648046).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Anthony-Gonda
- Caring Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
- Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Alex Ray
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology and
| | - Hang Su
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology and
| | - Yuge Wang
- Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Ying Xiong
- Caring Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
- Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Danica Lee
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology and
| | | | - Vanessa Chilunda
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Weiselberg
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Lily Zemelko
- Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yen Y. Wang
- Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sarah Kleinsorge-Block
- Stem Cell Transplant Program and Center for Regenerative Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jane S. Reese
- Stem Cell Transplant Program and Center for Regenerative Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Marcos de Lima
- Stem Cell Transplant Program and Center for Regenerative Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Christina Ochsenbauer
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - John C. Kappes
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Dimiter S. Dimitrov
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rimas Orentas
- Caring Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, and Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research lnstitute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Steven G. Deeks
- Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Joan W. Berman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology and
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Harris Goldstein
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology and
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Boro Dropulić
- Caring Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
- Lentigen, a Miltenyi Biotec Company, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen M, Li M, Budai MM, Rice AP, Kimata JT, Mohan M, Wang J. Clearance of HIV-1 or SIV reservoirs by promotion of apoptosis and inhibition of autophagy: Targeting intracellular molecules in cure-directed strategies. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:1245-1259. [PMID: 35362118 PMCID: PMC9522917 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4mr0222-606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The reservoirs of the HIV display cellular properties resembling long-lived immune memory cells that could be exploited for viral clearance. Our interest in developing a cure for HIV stems from the studies of immunologic memory against infections. We and others have found that long-lived immune memory cells employ prosurvival autophagy and antiapoptotic mechanisms to protect their longevity. Here, we describe the rationale for the development of an approach to clear HIV-1 by selective elimination of host cells harboring replication-competent HIV (SECH). While reactivation of HIV-1 in the host cells with latency reversing agents (LRAs) induces viral gene expression leading to cell death, LRAs also simultaneously up-regulate prosurvival antiapoptotic molecules and autophagy. Mechanistically, transcription factors that promote HIV-1 LTR-directed gene expression, such as NF-κB, AP-1, and Hif-1α, can also enhance the expression of cellular genes essential for cell survival and metabolic regulation, including Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, and autophagy genes. In the SECH approach, we inhibit the prosurvival antiapoptotic molecules and autophagy induced by LRAs, thereby allowing maximum killing of host cells by the induced HIV-1 proteins. SECH treatments cleared HIV-1 infections in humanized mice in vivo and in HIV-1 patient PBMCs ex vivo. SECH also cleared infections by the SIV in rhesus macaque PBMCs ex vivo. Research efforts are underway to improve the efficacy and safety of SECH and to facilitate the development of SECH as a therapeutic approach for treating people with HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Min Li
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marietta M. Budai
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew P. Rice
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jason T. Kimata
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jin Wang
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Immunocompromised host section: Adoptive T-cell therapy for dsDNA viruses in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2022; 35:302-311. [PMID: 35849520 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses remain important causes of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). As treatment options are limited, adoptive therapy with virus-specific T cells (VST) is promising in restoring immunity and thereby preventing and treating virus infections. Here we review current evidence and recent advances in the field of VST for dsDNA viruses in allogeneic HCT recipients. RECENT FINDINGS Four different protocols for VST generation are currently used in clinical trials, and various products including multivirus-specific and off-the-shelf products are under investigation for prophylaxis, preemptive therapy or treatment. Data from nearly 1400 dsDNA-VST applications in allogeneic HCT patients have been published and demonstrated its safety. Although Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and adenovirus-specific T-cell therapy studies have predominated over the past 25 years, additional human herpes viruses were added to multivirus-specific T cells over the last decade and clinical evidence for polyomavirus-specific VST has just recently emerged. Response rates of around 70-80% have been reported, but cautious interpretation is warranted as data are predominantly from phase 1/2 studies and clinical efficacy needs to be confirmed in phase 3 studies. SUMMARY Investigation on the 'ideal' composition of VST is ongoing. Several products recently entered phase 3 trials and may allow widespread clinical use in the near future.
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
|
14
|
Alnefaie A, Albogami S, Asiri Y, Ahmad T, Alotaibi SS, Al-Sanea MM, Althobaiti H. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells: An Overview of Concepts, Applications, Limitations, and Proposed Solutions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:797440. [PMID: 35814023 PMCID: PMC9256991 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.797440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immunity, orchestrated by B-cells and T-cells, plays a crucial role in protecting the body from pathogenic invaders and can be used as tools to enhance the body's defense mechanisms against cancer by genetically engineering these immune cells. Several strategies have been identified for cancer treatment and evaluated for their efficacy against other diseases such as autoimmune and infectious diseases. One of the most advanced technologies is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, a pioneering therapy in the oncology field. Successful clinical trials have resulted in the approval of six CAR-T cell products by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, there have been various obstacles that limit the use of CAR T-cell therapy as the first line of defense mechanism against cancer. Various innovative CAR-T cell therapeutic designs have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical trial settings and have demonstrated much potential for development. Such trials testing the suitability of CARs against solid tumors and HIV are showing promising results. In addition, new solutions have been proposed to overcome the limitations of this therapy. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding this novel technology, including CAR T-cell structure, different applications, limitations, and proposed solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Alnefaie
- Department of Medical Services, King Faisal Medical Complex, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Albogami
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousif Asiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tanveer Ahmad
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Saqer S. Alotaibi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad M. Al-Sanea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisham Althobaiti
- Chief of Medical Department, King Faisal Medical Complex (KFMC), Taif, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Guan M, Lim L, Holguin L, Han T, Vyas V, Urak R, Miller A, Browning DL, Echavarria L, Li S, Li S, Chang WC, Scott T, Yazaki P, Morris KV, Cardoso AA, Blanchard MS, Le Verche V, Forman SJ, Zaia JA, Burnett JC, Wang X. Pre-clinical data supporting immunotherapy for HIV using CMV-HIV-specific CAR T cells with CMV vaccine. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 25:344-359. [PMID: 35573050 PMCID: PMC9062763 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
T cells engineered to express HIV-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) represent a promising strategy to clear HIV-infected cells, but to date have not achieved clinical benefits. A likely hurdle is the limited T cell activation and persistence when HIV antigenemia is low, particularly during antiretroviral therapy (ART). To overcome this issue, we propose to use a cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine to stimulate CMV-specific T cells that express CARs directed against the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120. In this study, we use a GMP-compliant platform to engineer CMV-specific T cells to express a second-generation CAR derived from the N6 broadly neutralizing antibody, one of the broadest anti-gp120 neutralizing antibodies. These CMV-HIV CAR T cells exhibit dual effector functions upon in vitro stimulation through their endogenous CMV-specific T cell receptors or the introduced CARs. Using a humanized HIV mouse model, we show that CMV vaccination during ART accelerates CMV-HIV CAR T cell expansion in the peripheral blood and that higher numbers of CMV-HIV CAR T cells were associated with a better control of HIV viral load and fewer HIV antigen p24+ cells in the bone marrow upon ART interruption. Collectively, these data support the clinical development of CMV-HIV CAR T cells in combination with a CMV vaccine in HIV-infected individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Guan
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Laura Lim
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Leo Holguin
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Tianxu Han
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Vibhuti Vyas
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Urak
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Aaron Miller
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Diana L. Browning
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Liliana Echavarria
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Shasha Li
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Shirley Li
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Wen-Chung Chang
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Tristan Scott
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Paul Yazaki
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Kevin V. Morris
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Angelo A. Cardoso
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - M. Suzette Blanchard
- Division of Biostatistics, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Virginia Le Verche
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Stephen J. Forman
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - John A. Zaia
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - John C. Burnett
- Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Xiuli Wang
- T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Corresponding author Xiuli Wang, T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dubé K, Kanazawa J, Patel H, Louella M, Sylla L, Sheehy J, Dee L, Taylor J, Adair J, Anthony-Gonda K, Dropulić B, Sauceda JA, Peluso MJ, Deeks SG, Simoni J. Ethical and practical considerations for cell and gene therapy toward an HIV cure: findings from a qualitative in-depth interview study in the United States. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:39. [PMID: 35397551 PMCID: PMC8994300 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00780-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV cure research involving cell and gene therapy has intensified in recent years. There is a growing need to identify ethical standards and safeguards to ensure cell and gene therapy (CGT) HIV cure research remains valued and acceptable to as many stakeholders as possible as it advances on a global scale. METHODS To elicit preliminary ethical and practical considerations to guide CGT HIV cure research, we implemented a qualitative, in-depth interview study with three key stakeholder groups in the United States: (1) biomedical HIV cure researchers, (2) bioethicists, and (3) community stakeholders. Interviews permitted evaluation of informants' perspectives on how CGT HIV cure research should ethically occur, and were transcribed verbatim. We applied conventional content analysis focused on inductive reasoning to analyze the rich qualitative data and derive key ethical and practical considerations related to CGT towards an HIV cure. RESULTS We interviewed 13 biomedical researchers, 5 community members, and 1 bioethicist. Informants generated considerations related to: perceived benefits of CGT towards an HIV cure, perceived risks, considerations necessary to ensure an acceptable benefit/risk balance, CGT strategies considered unacceptable, additional ethical considerations, and considerations for first-in-human CGT HIV cure trials. Informants also proposed important safeguards to developing CGT approaches towards an HIV cure, such as the importance of mitigating off-target effects, mitigating risks associated with long-term duration of CGT interventions, and mitigating risks of immune overreactions. CONCLUSION Our study identified preliminary considerations for CGT-based HIV cure across three key stakeholder groups. Respondents identified an ideal cure strategy as one which would durably control HIV infection, protect the individual from re-acquisition, and eliminate transmission to others. Known and unknown risks should be anticipated and perceived as learning opportunities to preserve and honor the altruism of participants. Preclinical studies should support these considerations and be transparently reviewed by regulatory experts and peers prior to first-in-human studies. To protect the public trust in CGT HIV cure research, ethical and practical considerations should be periodically revisited and updated as the science continues to evolve. Additional ethics studies are required to expand stakeholder participation to include traditionally marginalized groups and clinical care providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Dubé
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
| | - John Kanazawa
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Hursch Patel
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 4108 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Michael Louella
- defeatHIV Collaboratory, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, E5-110, Seattle, WA 98109 USA
| | - Laurie Sylla
- defeatHIV Collaboratory, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, E5-110, Seattle, WA 98109 USA
| | - Jeff Sheehy
- Independent Consultant, 1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1650, Oakland, CA 94612 USA
| | - Lynda Dee
- AIDS Action Baltimore, 14 East Eager Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 USA
- Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) Community Advisory Board (CAB), 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110 USA
| | - Jeff Taylor
- Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE) Community Advisory Board (CAB), 995 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110 USA
- HIV + Aging Research Project – Palm Springs (HARP-PS), 1775 East Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 110-349, Palm Springs, CA 92264 USA
| | - Jen Adair
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, 825 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Kim Anthony-Gonda
- Caring Cross, 708 Quince Orchard Road, Suite 250D, Gaithersburg, MD USA
| | - Boro Dropulić
- Caring Cross, 708 Quince Orchard Road, Suite 250D, Gaithersburg, MD USA
| | - John A. Sauceda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Science, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Michael J. Peluso
- Department of Medicine, Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco General Hospital, Ward 84, Building 80, San Francisco, CA 94110 USA
| | - Steven G. Deeks
- Department of Medicine, Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco General Hospital, Ward 84, Building 80, San Francisco, CA 94110 USA
| | - Jane Simoni
- Departments of Psychology and Global Health, University of Washington, 3909 Stevens Way CE, Box 351525, Seattle, WA USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Makuku R, Seyedmirzaei H, Tantuoyir MM, Rodríguez-Román E, Albahash A, Mohamed K, Moyo E, Ahmed AO, Razi S, Rezaei N. Exploring the application of immunotherapy against HIV infection in the setting of malignancy: A detailed review article. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 105:108580. [PMID: 35121225 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108580] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), as of 2019, approximately 42.2 million people have died from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced mortality, morbidity, and incidence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS-defining cancers, taming once-dreaded disease into a benign chronic infection. Although the treatment has prolonged the patients' survival, general HIV prevalence has increased and this increase has dovetailed with an increasing incidence of Non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) among people living with HIV (PLWH). This is happening when new promising approaches in both oncology and HIV infection are being developed. This review focuses on recent progress witnessed in immunotherapy approaches against HIV-related, Non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs), and HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rangarirai Makuku
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Homa Seyedmirzaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Marcarious M Tantuoyir
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Accra, Ghana; Biomedical Engineering Unit, University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC), Accra, Ghana
| | - Eduardo Rodríguez-Román
- Center for Microbiology and Cell Biology, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela; Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Assil Albahash
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kawthar Mohamed
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Manama, Bahrain
| | - Ernest Moyo
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Sepideh Razi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Aghajanian H, Rurik JG, Epstein JA. CAR-based therapies: opportunities for immuno-medicine beyond cancer. Nat Metab 2022; 4:163-169. [PMID: 35228742 PMCID: PMC9947862 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00537-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
One of the most exciting new therapies for cancer involves the use of autologous T cells that are engineered to recognize and destroy cancerous cells. Patients with previously untreatable B cell leukaemias and lymphomas have been cured, and efforts are underway to extend this success to other tumours. Here, we discuss recent studies and emerging research aimed to extend this approach beyond oncology in areas such as cardiometabolic disorders, autoimmunity, fibrosis and senescence. We also summarize new technologies that may help to reduce the cost and increase access to related forms of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haig Aghajanian
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Penn Cardiovascular Institute, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Joel G. Rurik
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Penn Cardiovascular Institute, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jonathan A. Epstein
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Penn Cardiovascular Institute, and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
De Clercq J, Rutsaert S, De Scheerder MA, Verhofstede C, Callens S, Vandekerckhove L. Benefits of antiretroviral therapy initiation during acute HIV infection. Acta Clin Belg 2022; 77:168-176. [PMID: 32468932 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2020.1770413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: In the last decade, there has been increasing scientific and legislative focus on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for all people living with HIV. Especially early ART initiation, preferably during acute HIV infection, has been named as a promising strategy, both for the individual and for the society. This article will review the benefits and possible future applications of immediate ART initiation during acute HIV infection and explore the remaining hurdles towards this strategy.Results: On an individual level, initiation of ART during acute HIV infection limits the viral reservoir, preserves immune function, and decreases systemic inflammation. In addition, obtaining viral suppression soon after infection can be beneficial for the society by decreasing the chance of onward HIV transmission. Reducing the transmission will reduce HIV incidence and can curtail HIV-related health expenditure. Furthermore, the favorable immunological and virological profile obtained by treating during acute HIV infection will form an ideal starting point for several HIV cure strategies.Conclusions: Initiation of ART during acute HIV infection has shown distinct benefits for the individual, for the society, and for future research on HIV cure. In order to implement this strategy, equal focus should be placed on early diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jozefien De Clercq
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Rutsaert
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Chris Verhofstede
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Callens
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Linos Vandekerckhove
- HIV Cure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rogers GL, Cannon PM. Genome edited B cells: a new frontier in immune cell therapies. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3192-3204. [PMID: 34563675 PMCID: PMC8571172 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies based on reprogrammed adaptive immune cells have great potential as "living drugs." As first demonstrated clinically for engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, the ability of such cells to undergo clonal expansion in response to an antigen promotes both self-renewal and self-regulation in vivo. B cells also have the potential to be developed as immune cell therapies, but engineering their specificity and functionality is more challenging than for T cells. In part, this is due to the complexity of the immunoglobulin (Ig) locus, as well as the requirement for regulated expression of both cell surface B cell receptor and secreted antibody isoforms, in order to fully recapitulate the features of natural antibody production. Recent advances in genome editing are now allowing reprogramming of B cells by site-specific engineering of the Ig locus with preformed antibodies. In this review, we discuss the potential of engineered B cells as a cell therapy, the challenges involved in editing the Ig locus and the advances that are making this possible, and envision future directions for this emerging field of immune cell engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey L Rogers
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Paula M Cannon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Devanathan AS, Kashuba AD. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Persistence in the Spleen: Opportunities for Pharmacologic Intervention. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2021; 37:725-735. [PMID: 33499746 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The persistence of HIV in the spleen, despite combination antiretroviral therapy, is not well understood. Sustained immune dysregulation and delayed immune recovery, in addition to immune cell exhaustion, may contribute to persistence of infection in the spleen. Eliminating HIV from this secondary lymphoid organ will require a thorough understanding of antiretroviral (ARV) pharmacology in the spleen, which has been minimally investigated. Low ARV exposure within the spleen may hinder the achievement of a functional or sterilizing cure if cells are not protected from HIV infection. In this study, we provide an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the spleen, review the evidence of the spleen as a site for persistence of HIV, discuss the consequences of persistence of HIV in the spleen, address challenges to eradicating HIV in the spleen, and examine opportunities for future curative efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela D.M. Kashuba
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pepple KL, Van Gelder RN. T-Cell Therapy to the Rescue. Ophthalmol Retina 2021; 5:835-837. [PMID: 34503757 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Pepple
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Russell N Van Gelder
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mehdizadeh M, Karami S, Ghaffari Nazari H, Sankanian G, Hamidpour M, Hajifathali A. Immunotherapy with adoptive cytomegalovirus-specific T cells transfer: Summarizing latest gene engineering techniques. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e322. [PMID: 34263085 PMCID: PMC8264956 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a major complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). T cell response plays a critical role in inducing long-term immunity against CMV infection/reactivation that impairs during HSCT. Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) via transferring CMV-specific T cells from a seropositive donor to the recipient can accelerate virus-specific immune reconstitution. ACT, as an alternative approach, can restore protective antiviral T cell immunity in patients. Different manufacturing protocols have been introduced to isolate and expand specific T cells for the ACT clinical setting. Nevertheless, HLA restriction, long-term manufacturing process, risk of alloreactivity, and CMV seropositive donor availability have limited ACT broad applicability. Genetic engineering has developed new strategies to produce TCR-modified T cells for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious disease. In this review, we presented current strategies required for ACT in posttransplant CMV infection. We also introduced novel gene-modified T cell discoveries in the context of ACT for CMV infection. It seems that these innovations are enabling to improvement and development of ACT utilization to combat posttransplant CMV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Mehdizadeh
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Samira Karami
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Haniyeh Ghaffari Nazari
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ghazaleh Sankanian
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mohsen Hamidpour
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
CAR T cell-therapy for infectious diseases with emphasis on invasive fungal infections. Ther Deliv 2021; 12:627-630. [PMID: 34374578 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2021-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
|
25
|
Jiang Z, Liang H, Pan H, Liang Y, Wang H, Yang X, Lu P, Zhang X, Yang J, Zhang D, Shen X, Wang J, Liang Z, Lin Q, Wang Y, Zhao L, Zhong Y, Lu H, Zhu H. HIV-1-Specific CAR-T Cells With Cell-Intrinsic PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade Enhance Anti-HIV Efficacy in vivo. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:684016. [PMID: 34295319 PMCID: PMC8290485 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.684016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy therapy using broadly neutralizing antibody-based chimeric antigen receptor-T cells (bNAb-based CAR-T) has shown great potency and safety for the functional cure of HIV. The efficacy of bNAb-based CAR-T cells could be compromised by adaptive resistance during HIV chronic infection according to the phenomenon that cellular exhaustion was observed in endogenous cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) along with upregulated expression of PD−1. Here, we created HIV-specific CAR-T cells using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and a 3BNC117-DNR CAR (3BD CAR) construct that enables the expression of PD-1 dominant negative receptor (DNR) and the single-chain variable fragment of the HIV-1-specific broadly neutralizing antibody 3BNC117 to target native HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env). Compared with HIV CAR expression alone, 3BD CAR-T cells displayed potent lytic and functional responses to Env-expressing cell lines and HIV-infected CD4+ T cells. Moreover, 3BD CAR-T cells can kill HIV-latently-infected cell lines, which are reactivated by the secretory cytokines of effector cells followed by contact with initial HIV-expressing fraction. Furthermore, bioluminescence imaging indicated that 3BD CAR-T cells displayed superior anti-HIV function in an HIV NCG mouse model of transplanting Env+/PD-L1+ cells (LEL6). These studies suggested that our proposed combinational strategy of HIV CAR-T therapy with PD-1 blockade therapy is feasible and potent, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for HIV functional cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengtao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huitong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanyu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Panpan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinlong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dengji Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoting Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiming Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinru Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangcheng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huanzhang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Could gene therapy cure HIV? Life Sci 2021; 277:119451. [PMID: 33811896 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed almost 33 million lives so far. According to the recent report of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, about 38 million people are living with AIDS. Hence, finding a solution to overcome this life-threatening virus can save millions of lives. Scientists and medical doctors have prescribed HIV patients with specific drugs for many years. Methods such antiretroviral therapy (ART) or latency-reversing agents (LRAs) have been used for a while to treat HIV patients, however they have some side effects and drawbacks causing their application to be not quite successful. Instead, the application of gene therapy which refers to the utilization of the therapeutic delivery of nucleic acids into a patient's cells as a drug to treat disease has shown promising results to control HIV infection. Therefore, in this review, we will summarize recent advances in gene therapy approach against HIV.
Collapse
|
27
|
|
28
|
Abstract
While therapy with T cells engineered with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or a classical T cell receptor (TCR) is revolutionizing cancer treatment, its adoption in infectious diseases has been met with considerable resistance. Can we find its value for the cure of infections?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Singapore Immunology Network, Agency of Science Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore
| | - Anthony Tanoto Tan
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mazzi MT, Hajdu KL, Ribeiro PR, Bonamino MH. CAR-T cells leave the comfort zone: current and future applications beyond cancer. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2020; 1:ltaa006. [PMID: 36284896 PMCID: PMC9585679 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy represents a breakthrough in the immunotherapy field and has achieved great success following its approval in 2017 for the treatment of B cell malignancies. While CAR-T cells are mostly applied as anti-tumor therapy in the present, their initial concept was aimed at a more general purpose of targeting membrane antigens, thus translating in many potential applications. Since then, several studies have assessed the use of CAR-T cells toward non-malignant pathologies such as autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and, more recently, cardiac fibrosis, and cellular senescence. In this review, we present the main findings and implications of CAR-based therapies for non-malignant conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Torres Mazzi
- Immunology and Tumor Biology Program - Research Coordination, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karina Lôbo Hajdu
- Immunology and Tumor Biology Program - Research Coordination, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Priscila Rafaela Ribeiro
- Immunology and Tumor Biology Program - Research Coordination, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martín Hernán Bonamino
- Immunology and Tumor Biology Program - Research Coordination, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Vice - Presidency of Research and Biological Collections (VPPCB), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
McCune JM, Turner EH, Jiang A, Doehle BP. Bringing Gene Therapies for HIV Disease to Resource-Limited Parts of the World. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 32:21-30. [PMID: 32998595 PMCID: PMC10112459 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M McCune
- HIV Frontiers, Global Health Innovative Technology Solutions, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Emily H Turner
- HIV Frontiers, Global Health Innovative Technology Solutions, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Adam Jiang
- HIV Frontiers, Global Health Innovative Technology Solutions, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brian P Doehle
- HIV Frontiers, Global Health Innovative Technology Solutions, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The application of immunotherapies to HIV presents a new horizon of treatment options, but little is known about what impact they may have on the central nervous system (CNS). Here we review the most promising immunotherapeutic strategies that can be used to target HIV in the CNS and focus on identifying their potential benefits while exploring the challenges that remain in their application. RECENT FINDINGS We have identified five immunotherapeutic strategies that hold potential in managing CNS disease among HIV-infected patients. These include broadly neutralizing antibodies, multi-affinity antibodies, CAR-T cell therapy, checkpoint inhibitors, and therapeutic vaccines. Each class of immunotherapy presents unique mechanisms by which CNS viremia and latency may be addressed but are faced with several challenges. CAR-T cell therapy and multi-affinity antibodies seem to hold promise, but combination therapy is likely to be most effective. However, more human trials are needed before the clinical benefits of these therapies are realized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kapoor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Sabrina Tan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue E/CLS 1011, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Varadé J, Magadán S, González-Fernández Á. Human immunology and immunotherapy: main achievements and challenges. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 18:805-828. [PMID: 32879472 PMCID: PMC7463107 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00530-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system is a fascinating world of cells, soluble factors, interacting cells, and tissues, all of which are interconnected. The highly complex nature of the immune system makes it difficult to view it as a whole, but researchers are now trying to put all the pieces of the puzzle together to obtain a more complete picture. The development of new specialized equipment and immunological techniques, genetic approaches, animal models, and a long list of monoclonal antibodies, among many other factors, are improving our knowledge of this sophisticated system. The different types of cell subsets, soluble factors, membrane molecules, and cell functionalities are some aspects that we are starting to understand, together with their roles in health, aging, and illness. This knowledge is filling many of the gaps, and in some cases, it has led to changes in our previous assumptions; e.g., adaptive immune cells were previously thought to be unique memory cells until trained innate immunity was observed, and several innate immune cells with features similar to those of cytokine-secreting T cells have been discovered. Moreover, we have improved our knowledge not only regarding immune-mediated illnesses and how the immune system works and interacts with other systems and components (such as the microbiome) but also in terms of ways to manipulate this system through immunotherapy. The development of different types of immunotherapies, including vaccines (prophylactic and therapeutic), and the use of pathogens, monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, cytokines, and cellular immunotherapies, are changing the way in which we approach many diseases, especially cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jezabel Varadé
- CINBIO, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidade de Vigo, Immunology Group, Campus Universitario Lagoas, Marcosende, 36310, Vigo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Galicia Sur (IIS-Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
| | - Susana Magadán
- CINBIO, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidade de Vigo, Immunology Group, Campus Universitario Lagoas, Marcosende, 36310, Vigo, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Galicia Sur (IIS-Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
| | - África González-Fernández
- CINBIO, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidade de Vigo, Immunology Group, Campus Universitario Lagoas, Marcosende, 36310, Vigo, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Galicia Sur (IIS-Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lim RM, Rong L, Zhen A, Xie J. A Universal CAR-NK Cell Targeting Various Epitopes of HIV-1 gp160. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2299-2310. [PMID: 32667183 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Engineering T cells and natural killer (NK) cells with anti-HIV chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) has emerged as a promising strategy to eradicate HIV-infected cells. However, current anti-HIV CARs are limited by targeting a single epitope of the HIV envelope glycoprotein gp160, which cannot counter the enormous diversity and mutability of viruses. Here, we report the development of a universal CAR-NK cell, which recognizes 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) and can subsequently be redirected to target various epitopes of gp160 using DNP-conjugated antibodies as adaptor molecules. We show that this CAR-NK cell can recognize and kill mimic HIV-infected cell lines expressing subtypes B and C gp160. We additionally find that anti-gp160 antibodies targeting membrane-distal epitopes (including V1/V2, V3, and CD4bs) are more likely to activate universal CAR-NK cells against gp160+ target cells, compared with those targeting membrane-proximal epitopes located in the gp41 MPER. Finally, we confirm that HIV-infected primary human CD4+ T cells can be effectively killed using the same approach. Given that numerous anti-gp160 antibodies with different antigen specificities are readily available, this modular universal CAR-NK cell platform can potentially overcome HIV diversity, thus providing a promising strategy to eradicate HIV-infected cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Lim
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Liang Rong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Anjie Zhen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Jianming Xie
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Overhauling CAR T Cells to Improve Efficacy, Safety and Cost. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092360. [PMID: 32825533 PMCID: PMC7564591 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is now surpassing 30 years of clinical experience and in that time a variety of approaches has been applied for the treatment of a wide range of pathologies. While the promise of gene therapy was over-stated in the 1990’s, the following decades were met with polar extremes between demonstrable success and devastating setbacks. Currently, the field of gene therapy is enjoying the rewards of overcoming the hurdles that come with turning new ideas into safe and reliable treatments, including for cancer. Among these modalities, the modification of T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T cells) has met with clear success and holds great promise for the future treatment of cancer. We detail a series of considerations for the improvement of the CAR-T cell approach, including the design of the CAR, routes of gene transfer, introduction of CARs in natural killer and other cell types, combining the CAR approach with checkpoint blockade or oncolytic viruses, improving pre-clinical models as well as means for reducing cost and, thus, making this technology more widely available. While CAR-T cells serve as a prime example of translating novel ideas into effective treatments, certainly the lessons learned will serve to accelerate the current and future development of gene therapy drugs.
Collapse
|
35
|
Mu W, Carrillo MA, Kitchen SG. Engineering CAR T Cells to Target the HIV Reservoir. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:410. [PMID: 32903563 PMCID: PMC7438537 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV reservoir remains to be a difficult barrier to overcome in order to achieve a therapeutic cure for HIV. Several strategies have been developed to purge the reservoir, including the “kick and kill” approach, which is based on the notion that reactivating the latent reservoir will allow subsequent elimination by the host anti-HIV immune cells. However, clinical trials testing certain classes of latency reactivating agents (LRAs) have so far revealed the minimal impact on reducing the viral reservoir. A robust immune response to reactivated HIV expressing cells is critical for this strategy to work. A current focus to enhance anti-HIV immunity is through the use of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Currently, HIV-specific CARs are being applied to peripheral T cells, NK cells, and stem cells to boost recognition and killing of HIV infected cells. In this review, we summarize current developments in engineering HIV directed CAR-expressing cells to facilitate HIV elimination. We also summarize current LRAs that enhance the “kick” strategy and how new generation and combinations of LRAs with HIV specific CAR T cell therapies could provide an optimal strategy to target the viral reservoir and achieve HIV clearance from the body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Mu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mayra A Carrillo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Scott G Kitchen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Namdari H, Rezaei F, Teymoori-Rad M, Mortezagholi S, Sadeghi A, Akbari A. CAR T cells: Living HIV drugs. Rev Med Virol 2020; 30:1-14. [PMID: 32713110 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), is a major global public health issue. Although the advent of combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) has made significant progress in inhibiting HIV replication in patients, HIV-infected cells remain the principal cellular reservoir of HIV, this allows HIV to rebound immediately upon stopping ART, which is considered the major obstacle to curing HIV infection. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cell therapy has provided new opportunities for HIV treatment. Engineering T cells or hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to generate CAR T cells is a rapidly growing approach to develop an efficient immune cell to fight HIV. Herein, we review preclinical and clinical data available for the development of CAR T cells. Further, the advantages and disadvantages of clinical application of anti-HIV CAR T cells will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haideh Namdari
- Iranian Tissue Bank Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Rezaei
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Teymoori-Rad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Mortezagholi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Sadeghi
- Iranian Tissue Bank Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Akbari
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lee PH, Keller MD, Hanley PJ, Bollard CM. Virus-Specific T Cell Therapies for HIV: Lessons Learned From Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:298. [PMID: 32775304 PMCID: PMC7381350 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused millions of deaths and continues to threaten the health of millions of people worldwide. Despite anti-retroviral therapy (ART) substantially alleviating severity and limiting transmission, HIV has not been eradicated and its persistence can lead to other health concerns such as cancer. The only two cases of HIV cure to date are HIV+ cancer patients receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) from a donor with the CCR5 Δ32 mutation. While this approach has not led to such success in other patients and is not applicable to HIV+ individuals without cancer, the encouraging results may point toward a breakthrough in developing a cure strategy for HIV. Adoptive transfer of virus-specific T cells (VSTs) post HSCT has been effectively used to treat and prevent reactivation of latent viral infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), making VSTs an attractive therapeutic to control HIV rebound. Here we will discuss the potential of using adoptive T cell therapies in combination with other treatments such as HSCT and latency reversing agents (LRAs) to achieve a functional cure for HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Hsien Lee
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michael D Keller
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,Division of Allergy & Immunology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Patrick J Hanley
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Beck SE, Blankson JN. Replacing cART with CAR-T Cells: Using Immunotherapy to Cure HIV. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1561-1562. [PMID: 32562615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Beck
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel N Blankson
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hajduczki A, Danielson DT, Elias DS, Bundoc V, Scanlan AW, Berger EA. A Trispecific Anti-HIV Chimeric Antigen Receptor Containing the CCR5 N-Terminal Region. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:242. [PMID: 32523897 PMCID: PMC7261873 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-HIV chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) promote direct killing of infected cells, thus offering a therapeutic approach aimed at durable suppression of infection emerging from viral reservoirs. CD4-based CARs represent a favored option, since they target the essential conserved primary receptor binding site on the HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env). We have previously shown that adding a second Env-binding moiety, such as the carbohydrate recognition domain of human mannose-binding lectin (MBL) that recognizes the highly conserved oligomannose patch on gp120, increases CAR potency in an in vitro HIV suppression assay; moreover it reduces the undesired capacity for the CD4 of the CAR molecule to act as an entry receptor, thereby rendering CAR-expressing CD8+ T cells susceptible to infection. Here, we further improve the bispecific CD4-MBL CAR by adding a third targeting moiety against a distinct conserved Env determinant, i.e. a polypeptide sequence derived from the N-terminus of the HIV coreceptor CCR5. The trispecific CD4-MBL-R5Nt CAR displays enhanced in vitro anti-HIV potency compared to the CD4-MBL CAR, as well as undetectable HIV entry receptor activity. The high anti-HIV potency of the CD4-MBL-R5Nt CAR, coupled with its all-human composition and absence of immunogenic variable regions associated with antibody-based CARs, offer promise for the trispecific construct in therapeutic approaches seeking durable drug-free HIV remission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Hajduczki
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David T Danielson
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David S Elias
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Virgilio Bundoc
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Aaron W Scanlan
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Edward A Berger
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Bertoletti A, Tan AT. HBV as a target for CAR or TCR-T cell therapy. Curr Opin Immunol 2020; 66:35-41. [PMID: 32361634 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Engineering HBV-specific T cells utilizing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or a classical T cell receptor (TCR) provides a well characterized, sizeable and functionally intact population of HBV-specific T cells with identical in vitro functionality to the T cells isolated in patients who resolved acute HBV infection. In this review we present evidences of the virological and immunological features of chronic HBV infection, alone or in combination with Hepatitis Delta that might make it amenable for CAR/TCR-T cells therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network (SigN), Agency of Science Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore.
| | - Anthony Tanoto Tan
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pampusch MS, Haran KP, Hart GT, Rakasz EG, Rendahl AK, Berger EA, Connick E, Skinner PJ. Rapid Transduction and Expansion of Transduced T Cells with Maintenance of Central Memory Populations. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 16:1-10. [PMID: 31673565 PMCID: PMC6816036 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells show great promise in treating cancers and viral infections. However, most protocols developed to expand T cells require relatively long periods of time in culture, potentially leading to progression toward populations of terminally differentiated effector memory cells. Here, we describe in detail a 9-day protocol for CAR gene transduction and expansion of primary rhesus macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Cells produced and expanded with this method show high levels of viability, high levels of co-expression of two transduced genes, retention of the central memory phenotype, and sufficient quantity for immunotherapeutic infusion of 1-2 × 108 cells/kg in a 10 kg rhesus macaque. This 9-day protocol may be broadly used for CAR-T cell and other T cell immunotherapy approaches to decrease culture time and increase maintenance of central memory populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary S. Pampusch
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Kumudhini Preethi Haran
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Geoffrey T. Hart
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Eva G. Rakasz
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Aaron K. Rendahl
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Edward A. Berger
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Elizabeth Connick
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Pamela J. Skinner
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Delviks-Frankenberry KA, Ackerman D, Timberlake ND, Hamscher M, Nikolaitchik OA, Hu WS, Torbett BE, Pathak VK. Development of Lentiviral Vectors for HIV-1 Gene Therapy with Vif-Resistant APOBEC3G. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:1023-1038. [PMID: 31778955 PMCID: PMC6889484 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Strategies to control HIV-1 replication without antiviral therapy are needed to achieve a functional cure. To exploit the innate antiviral function of restriction factor cytidine deaminase APOBEC3G (A3G), we developed self-activating lentiviral vectors that efficiently deliver HIV-1 Vif-resistant mutant A3G-D128K to target cells. To circumvent APOBEC3 expression in virus-producing cells, which diminishes virus infectivity, a vector containing two overlapping fragments of A3G-D128K was designed that maintained the gene in an inactive form in the virus-producer cells. However, during transduction of target cells, retroviral recombination between the direct repeats reconstituted an active A3G-D128K in 89%-98% of transduced cells. Lentiviral vectors that expressed A3G-D128K transduced CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with a high efficiency (>30%). A3G-D128K expression in T cell lines CEM, CEMSS, and PM1 potently inhibited spreading infection of several HIV-1 subtypes by C-to-U deamination leading to lethal G-to-A hypermutation and inhibition of reverse transcription. SIVmac239 and HIV-2 were not inhibited, since their Vifs degraded A3G-D128K. A3G-D128K expression in CEM cells potently suppressed HIV-1 replication for >3.5 months without detectable resistant virus, suggesting a high genetic barrier for the emergence of A3G-D128K resistance. Because of this, A3G-D128K expression in HIV-1 target cells is a potential anti-HIV gene therapy approach that could be combined with other therapies for the treatment and functional cure of HIV-1 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista A Delviks-Frankenberry
- Viral Mutation Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Daniel Ackerman
- Viral Mutation Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | - Maria Hamscher
- Viral Mutation Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Olga A Nikolaitchik
- Viral Recombination Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Wei-Shau Hu
- Viral Recombination Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | - Vinay K Pathak
- Viral Mutation Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Seif M, Einsele H, Löffler J. CAR T Cells Beyond Cancer: Hope for Immunomodulatory Therapy of Infectious Diseases. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2711. [PMID: 31824500 PMCID: PMC6881243 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the progress in drug development, the occurrence of microbial resistance is still a significant concern. Alternative therapeutic strategies are required for non-responding or relapsing patients. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy, providing a potential therapeutic option for patients who are unresponsive to standard treatments. Recently two CAR T cell therapies, Yescarta® (Kite Pharma/Gilead) and Kymriah® (Novartis) were approved by the FDA for the treatments of certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, respectively. The success of adoptive CAR T cell therapy for cancer has inspired researchers to develop CARs for the treatment of infectious diseases. Here, we review the main achievements in CAR T cell therapy targeting viral infections, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, Human Cytomegalovirus, and opportunistic fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Seif
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Löffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Olson A, Basukala B, Wong WW, Henderson AJ. Targeting HIV-1 proviral transcription. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 38:89-96. [PMID: 31473372 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the success of antiretroviral therapies, there is no cure for HIV-1 infection due to the establishment of a long-lived latent reservoir that fuels viral rebound upon treatment interruption. 'Shock-and-kill' strategies to diminish the latent reservoir have had modest impact on the reservoir leading to considerations of alternative approaches to target HIV-1 proviruses. This review explores approaches to target HIV-1 transcription as a way to block the provirus expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Olson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Binita Basukala
- Cell & Molecular Biology, Biology, Boston University, United States
| | - Wilson W Wong
- Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, United States
| | - Andrew J Henderson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Balcom EF, Roda WC, Cohen EA, Li MY, Power C. HIV-1 persistence in the central nervous system: viral and host determinants during antiretroviral therapy. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 38:54-62. [PMID: 31390580 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite remarkable therapeutic advances in the past two decades, the elimination of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) from latent reservoirs constitutes a major barrier to eradication and preventing neurological disease associated with HIV/AIDS. Invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) by HIV-1 occurs early in infection, leading to viral infection and productive persistence in brain macrophage-like cells (BMCs) including resident microglia and infiltrating macrophages. HIV-1 persistence in the brain and chronic neuroinflammation occur despite effective treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART). This review examines the evidence from clinical studies, in vivo and in vitro models for HIV-1 CNS persistence, as well as therapeutic considerations in targeting latent CNS reservoirs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E F Balcom
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - W C Roda
- Department of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - E A Cohen
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - M Y Li
- Department of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - C Power
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Stoszko M, Ne E, Abner E, Mahmoudi T. A broad drug arsenal to attack a strenuous latent HIV reservoir. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 38:37-53. [PMID: 31323521 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
HIV cure is impeded by the persistence of a strenuous reservoir of latent but replication competent infected cells, which remain unsusceptible to c-ART and unrecognized by the immune system for elimination. Ongoing progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms that control HIV transcription and latency has led to the development of strategies to either permanently inactivate the latent HIV infected reservoir of cells or to stimulate the virus to emerge out of latency, coupled to either induction of death in the infected reactivated cell or its clearance by the immune system. This review focuses on the currently explored and non-exclusive pharmacological strategies and their molecular targets that 1. stimulate reversal of HIV latency in infected cells by targeting distinct steps in the HIV-1 gene expression cycle, 2. exploit mechanisms that promote cell death and apoptosis to render the infected cell harboring reactivated virus more susceptible to death and/or elimination by the immune system, and 3. permanently inactivate any remaining latently infected cells such that c-ART can be safely discontinued.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Stoszko
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Ee634 PO Box 2040, 3000CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Enrico Ne
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Ee634 PO Box 2040, 3000CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Abner
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tokameh Mahmoudi
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Ee634 PO Box 2040, 3000CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Yang Q, Feng F, Li P, Pan E, Wu C, He Y, Zhang F, Zhao J, Li R, Feng L, Hu F, Li L, Zou H, Cai W, Lehner T, Sun C, Chen L. Arsenic Trioxide Impacts Viral Latency and Delays Viral Rebound after Termination of ART in Chronically SIV-Infected Macaques. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1900319. [PMID: 31380187 PMCID: PMC6662089 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201900319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The latent viral reservoir is the source of viral rebound after interruption of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and is the major obstacle in eradicating the latent human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). In this study, arsenic class of mineral, arsenic trioxide, clinically approved for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, is demonstrated to reactivate latent provirus in CD4+ T cells from HIV-1 patients and Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques, without significant systemic T cell activation and inflammatory responses. In a proof-of-concept study using chronically SIVmac239-infected macaques, arsenic trioxide combined with ART delays viral rebound after ART termination, reduces the integrated SIV DNA copies in CD4+ T cells, and restores CD4+ T cells counts in vivo. Most importantly, half of arsenic trioxide-treated macaques show no detectable viral rebound in the plasma for at least 80 days after ART discontinuation. Mechanistically, the study reveals that CD4 receptors and CCR5 co-receptors of CD4+ T cells are significantly downregulated by arsenic trioxide treatment, which reduces susceptibility to infection after provirus reactivation. Furthermore, an increase in SIV-specific immune responses after arsenic trioxide treatment may contribute to suppression of viral rebound. This work suggests that arsenic trioxide in combination with ART is a novel regimen in down-sizing or even eradicating latent HIV-1 reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
| | - Fengling Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
| | - Pingchao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
| | - Enxiang Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
| | - Chunxiu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
| | - Yizi He
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
| | - Jin Zhao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen)Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangdong518107China
| | - Ruiting Li
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen)Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangdong518107China
| | - Liqiang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
| | - Fengyu Hu
- Guangzhou Eighth People's HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510182China
| | - Linghua Li
- Guangzhou Eighth People's HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510182China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen)Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangdong518107China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Guangzhou Eighth People's HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510182China
| | - Thomas Lehner
- Mucosal Immunology UnitKing's College London at Guy's HospitalLondonWC2R 2LSUK
| | - Caijun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen)Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangdong518107China
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou510530China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
DESIGN This was an exploratory, single-arm clinical trial that tested the immune enhancement effects of 24-weeks of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist (MGN1703; Lefitolimod; 60 mg × 2 weekly) therapy. METHODS We enrolled HIV-1-infected individuals on suppressive combination antiretroviral therapy. Safety was assessed throughout the study. The primary outcome was reduction in total CD4 T-cell viral DNA levels. Secondary outcomes included safety, detailed immunological and virological analyses, and time to viral rebound (viral load > 5000 copies/ml) after randomization into an analytical treatment interruption (ATI). RESULTS A total of 12 individuals completed the treatment phase and nine completed the ATI. Adverse events were limited and consistent with previous reports for MGN1703. Although the dosing regimen led to potent T-cell activation and increased HIV-1-specific T-cell responses, there were no cohort-wide changes in persistent virus (total CD4 T cells viral DNA; P = 0.34). No difference in time to rebound was observed between the ATI arms (log rank P = 0.25). One of nine ATI participants, despite harboring a large replication-competent reservoir, controlled viremia for 150 days via both HIV-1-specific cellular and antibody-mediated immune responses. CONCLUSION A period of 24 weeks of MGN1703 treatment was safe and improved innate as well as HIV-1-specific adaptive immunity in HIV-1+ individuals. These findings support the incorporation of TLR9 agonism into combination HIV-1 cure strategies. TRIAL NAME AND REGISTRATION TLR9 Enhancement of antiviral immunity in chronic HIV-1 infection: a phase 1B/2A trial; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02443935.
Collapse
|
49
|
HBV Immune-Therapy: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112754. [PMID: 31195619 PMCID: PMC6600394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a worldwide public health concern with approximately 250 million people chronically infected and at risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUC) are the most widely used therapies for HBV infection, but they often require long-lasting administration to avoid the risk of HBV reactivation at withdrawal. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel treatments to shorten the duration of NUC therapy by accelerating virus control, and to complement the effect of available anti-viral therapies. In chronic HBV infection, virus-specific T cells are functionally defective, and this exhaustion state is a key determinant of virus persistence. Reconstitution of an efficient anti-viral T cell response may thus represent a rational strategy to treat chronic HBV patients. In this perspective, the enhancement of adaptive immune responses by a checkpoint inhibitor blockade, specific T cell vaccines, lymphocyte metabolism targeting, and autologous T cell engineering, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and TCR-redirected T cells, constitutes a promising immune modulatory approach for a therapeutic restoration of protective immunity. The advances of the emerging immune-based therapies in the setting of the HBV research field will be outlined.
Collapse
|
50
|
Cat and Mouse: HIV Transcription in Latency, Immune Evasion and Cure/Remission Strategies. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030269. [PMID: 30889861 PMCID: PMC6466452 DOI: 10.3390/v11030269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is broad scientific and societal consensus that finding a cure for HIV infection must be pursued. The major barrier to achieving a cure for HIV/AIDS is the capacity of the HIV virus to avoid both immune surveillance and current antiretroviral therapy (ART) by rapidly establishing latently infected cell populations, termed latent reservoirs. Here, we provide an overview of the rapidly evolving field of HIV cure/remission research, highlighting recent progress and ongoing challenges in the understanding of HIV reservoirs, the role of HIV transcription in latency and immune evasion. We review the major approaches towards a cure that are currently being explored and further argue that small molecules that inhibit HIV transcription, and therefore uncouple HIV gene expression from signals sent by the host immune response, might be a particularly promising approach to attain a cure or remission. We emphasize that a better understanding of the game of "cat and mouse" between the host immune system and the HIV virus is a crucial knowledge gap to be filled in both cure and vaccine research.
Collapse
|