1
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Mendez-Gomez HR, DeVries A, Castillo P, von Roemeling C, Qdaisat S, Stover BD, Xie C, Weidert F, Zhao C, Moor R, Liu R, Soni D, Ogando-Rivas E, Chardon-Robles J, McGuiness J, Zhang D, Chung MC, Marconi C, Michel S, Barpujari A, Jobin GW, Thomas N, Ma X, Campaneria Y, Grippin A, Karachi A, Li D, Sahay B, Elliott L, Foster TP, Coleman KE, Milner RJ, Sawyer WG, Ligon JA, Simon E, Cleaver B, Wynne K, Hodik M, Molinaro AM, Guan J, Kellish P, Doty A, Lee JH, Massini T, Kresak JL, Huang J, Hwang EI, Kline C, Carrera-Justiz S, Rahman M, Gatica S, Mueller S, Prados M, Ghiaseddin AP, Silver NL, Mitchell DA, Sayour EJ. RNA aggregates harness the danger response for potent cancer immunotherapy. Cell 2024; 187:2521-2535.e21. [PMID: 38697107 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.003] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy remains limited by poor antigenicity and a regulatory tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we create "onion-like" multi-lamellar RNA lipid particle aggregates (LPAs) to substantially enhance the payload packaging and immunogenicity of tumor mRNA antigens. Unlike current mRNA vaccine designs that rely on payload packaging into nanoparticle cores for Toll-like receptor engagement in immune cells, systemically administered RNA-LPAs activate RIG-I in stromal cells, eliciting massive cytokine/chemokine response and dendritic cell/lymphocyte trafficking that provokes cancer immunogenicity and mediates rejection of both early- and late-stage murine tumor models. In client-owned canines with terminal gliomas, RNA-LPAs improved survivorship and reprogrammed the TME, which became "hot" within days of a single infusion. In a first-in-human trial, RNA-LPAs elicited rapid cytokine/chemokine release, immune activation/trafficking, tissue-confirmed pseudoprogression, and glioma-specific immune responses in glioblastoma patients. These data support RNA-LPAs as a new technology that simultaneously reprograms the TME while eliciting rapid and enduring cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector R Mendez-Gomez
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Anna DeVries
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Paul Castillo
- University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Christina von Roemeling
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sadeem Qdaisat
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; University of Florida Genetics Institute, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Brian D Stover
- University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Chao Xie
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Frances Weidert
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Chong Zhao
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rachel Moor
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ruixuan Liu
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Dhruvkumar Soni
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ogando-Rivas
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jonathan Chardon-Robles
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - James McGuiness
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Dingpeng Zhang
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Michael C Chung
- University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Austin TX 78712
| | - Christiano Marconi
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Stephen Michel
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Arnav Barpujari
- University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Gabriel W Jobin
- University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nagheme Thomas
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Xiaojie Ma
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yodarlynis Campaneria
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Adam Grippin
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Aida Karachi
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Derek Li
- University of Florida, Division of Quantitative Sciences, UF Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Bikash Sahay
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Leighton Elliott
- University of Florida, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Timothy P Foster
- University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kirsten E Coleman
- University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rowan J Milner
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - W Gregory Sawyer
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - John A Ligon
- University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Eugenio Simon
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Brian Cleaver
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kristine Wynne
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Marcia Hodik
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Annette M Molinaro
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Neurological Surgery, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Juan Guan
- University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Austin TX 78712
| | - Patrick Kellish
- University of Florida Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Andria Doty
- University of Florida Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ji-Hyun Lee
- University of Florida, Department of Biostatistics, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Tara Massini
- University of Florida, Department of Radiology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jesse L Kresak
- University of Florida, Department of Pathology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jianping Huang
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Eugene I Hwang
- Children's National Hospital, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Cassie Kline
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Maryam Rahman
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sebastian Gatica
- University of Florida, Department of Anesthesiology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sabine Mueller
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Neurology, Neurological Surgery, and Pediatrics, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Michael Prados
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Neurological Surgery, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ashley P Ghiaseddin
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Natalie L Silver
- Cleveland Clinic, Center of Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology/Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Elias J Sayour
- University of Florida Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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2
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Ogando-Rivas E, Castillo P, Yang C, Trivedi V, Zhang D, Pohl-Guimarães F, Liu R, Barpujari A, Candelario KM, Mendez-Gomez H, Sayour EJ, Mitchell DA. Expanded specific T cells to hypomutated regions of the SARS-CoV-2 using mRNA electroporated antigen-presenting cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101192. [PMID: 38327807 PMCID: PMC10847775 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused about seven million deaths worldwide. Preventative vaccines have been developed including Spike gp mRNA-based vaccines that provide protection to immunocompetent patients. However, patients with primary immunodeficiencies, patients with cancer, or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients are not able to mount robust immune responses against current vaccine approaches. We propose to target structural SARS-CoV-2 antigens (i.e., Spike gp, Membrane, Nucleocapsid, and Envelope) using circulating human antigen-presenting cells electroporated with full length SARS-CoV-2 structural protein-encoding mRNAs to activate and expand specific T cells. Based on the Th1-type cytokine and cytolytic enzyme secretion upon antigen rechallenge, we were able to generate SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells in up to 70% of unexposed unvaccinated healthy donors (HDs) after 3 subsequent stimulations and in 100% of recovered patients (RPs) after 2 stimulations. By means of SARS-CoV-2 specific TCRβ repertoire analysis, T cells specific to Spike gp-derived hypomutated regions were identified in HDs and RPs despite viral genomic evolution. Hence, we demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-loaded antigen-presenting cells are effective activating and expanding COVID19-specific T cells. This approach represents an alternative to patients who are not able to mount adaptive immune responses to current COVID-19 vaccines with potential protection across new variants that have conserved genetic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ogando-Rivas
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paul Castillo
- UF Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Changlin Yang
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Vrunda Trivedi
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dingpeng Zhang
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fernanda Pohl-Guimarães
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ruixuan Liu
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Arnav Barpujari
- UF Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kate M. Candelario
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hector Mendez-Gomez
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Elias J. Sayour
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- UF Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Duane A. Mitchell
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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3
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Trivedi V, Yang C, Klippel K, Yegorov O, von Roemeling C, Hoang-Minh L, Fenton G, Ogando-Rivas E, Castillo P, Moore G, Long-James K, Dyson K, Doonan B, Flores C, Mitchell DA. mRNA-based precision targeting of neoantigens and tumor-associated antigens in malignant brain tumors. Genome Med 2024; 16:17. [PMID: 38268001 PMCID: PMC10809449 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01281-z] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advancements in the successful use of immunotherapy in treating a variety of solid tumors, applications in treating brain tumors have lagged considerably. This is due, at least in part, to the lack of well-characterized antigens expressed within brain tumors that can mediate tumor rejection; the low mutational burden of these tumors that limits the abundance of targetable neoantigens; and the immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironment that hampers the generation of sustained and productive immunologic responses. The field of mRNA-based therapeutics has experienced a boon following the universal approval of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. mRNA-based immunotherapeutics have also garnered widespread interest for their potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. In this study, we developed a novel and scalable approach for the production of personalized mRNA-based therapeutics that target multiple tumor rejection antigens in a single therapy for the treatment of refractory brain tumors. METHODS Tumor-specific neoantigens and aberrantly overexpressed tumor-associated antigens were identified for glioblastoma and medulloblastoma tumors using our cancer immunogenomics pipeline called Open Reading Frame Antigen Network (O.R.A.N). Personalized tumor antigen-specific mRNA vaccine was developed for each individual tumor model using selective gene capture and enrichment strategy. The immunogenicity and efficacy of the personalized mRNA vaccines was evaluated in combination with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy or adoptive cellular therapy with ex vivo expanded tumor antigen-specific lymphocytes in highly aggressive murine GBM models. RESULTS Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the antigen-specific mRNA vaccines in eliciting robust anti-tumor immune responses in GBM hosts. Our findings substantiate an increase in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes characterized by enhanced effector function, both intratumorally and systemically, after antigen-specific mRNA-directed immunotherapy, resulting in a favorable shift in the tumor microenvironment from immunologically cold to hot. Capacity to generate personalized mRNA vaccines targeting human GBM antigens was also demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS We have established a personalized and customizable mRNA-therapeutic approach that effectively targets a plurality of tumor antigens and demonstrated potent anti-tumor response in preclinical brain tumor models. This platform mRNA technology uniquely addresses the challenge of tumor heterogeneity and low antigen burden, two key deficiencies in targeting the classically immunotherapy-resistant CNS malignancies, and possibly other cold tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vrunda Trivedi
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Changlin Yang
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Kelena Klippel
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Oleg Yegorov
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | | | - Lan Hoang-Minh
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Graeme Fenton
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | | | - Paul Castillo
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Ginger Moore
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Kaytora Long-James
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Kyle Dyson
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Bently Doonan
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Catherine Flores
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, BSB B1-118, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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4
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Nguyen DT, Liu R, Ogando-Rivas E, Pepe A, Pedro D, Qdaisat S, Nguyen NTY, Lavrador JM, Golde GR, Smolchek RA, Ligon J, Jin L, Tao H, Webber A, Phillpot S, Mitchell DA, Sayour EJ, Huang J, Castillo P, Gregory Sawyer W. Bioconjugated liquid-like solid enhances characterization of solid tumor - chimeric antigen receptor T cell interactions. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:466-479. [PMID: 37788737 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.042] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable success as an immunotherapy for hematological malignancies, and its potential for treating solid tumors is an active area of research. However, limited trafficking and mobility of T cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) present challenges for CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors. To gain a better understanding of CAR T cell function in solid tumors, we subjected CD70-specific CAR T cells to a challenge by evaluating their immune trafficking and infiltration through a confined 3D microchannel network in a bio-conjugated liquid-like solid (LLS) medium. Our results demonstrated successful CAR T cell migration and anti-tumor activity against CD70-expressing glioblastoma and osteosarcoma tumors. Through comprehensive analysis of cytokines and chemokines, combined with in situ imaging, we elucidated that immune recruitment occurred via chemotaxis, and the effector-to-target ratio plays an important role in overall antitumor function. Furthermore, through single-cell collection and transcriptomic profiling, we identified differential gene expression among the immune subpopulations. Our findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of CAR T cell function in solid tumors, informing future research and development in this promising cancer treatment approach. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The use of specialized immune cells named CAR T cells to combat cancers has demonstrated remarkable success against blood cancers. However, this success is not replicated in solid tumors, such as brain or bone cancers, mainly due to the physical barriers of these solid tumors. Currently, preclinical technologies do not allow for reliable evaluation of tumor-immune cell interactions. To better study these specialized CAR T cells, we have developed an innovative in vitro three-dimensional model that promises to dissect the interactions between tumors and CAR T cells at the single-cell level. Our findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of CAR T cell function in solid tumors, informing future research and development in this promising cancer treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy T Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Ruixuan Liu
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Elizabeth Ogando-Rivas
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Alfonso Pepe
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Diego Pedro
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Sadeem Qdaisat
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States; University of Florida Genetics Institute, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Nhi Tran Yen Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Julia M Lavrador
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Griffin R Golde
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Ryan A Smolchek
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - John Ligon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Linchun Jin
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Haipeng Tao
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Alex Webber
- Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Simon Phillpot
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Elias J Sayour
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Jianping Huang
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Paul Castillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - W Gregory Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
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5
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Bergantini L, d'Alessandro M, Cavallaro D, Pordon E, Cassai L, Gangi S, Meloni F, Montagnani F, Paladini P, Refini RM, Luzzi L, Fossi A, Bargagli E, Bennett D. Immune checkpoint analysis of T-cell responses to pp65 and IE-1 antigens in end-stage lung diseases. Scand J Immunol 2023; 97:e13248. [PMID: 36574966 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lung transplant (LTX) patients are at high risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which is often associated with high mortality and morbidity. Reactivation of CMV causes cell injury due to the cytopathic effect of viral replication and triggering of T cell immunity. The aim of this study was to compare expression of immune checkpoints (ICs) (PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3 and TIGIT) in CD4, CD8 and CD56 and activation markers CD137, CD154 and CD69 of end-stage patients awaiting lung transplant. Eighteen pre-LTX positive for anti-CMV IgG titres and 18 healthy subjects were enrolled. IC and activation markers have been evaluated through flow cytometric analysis in HC and pre-LTX patients. Reactive (QF+) and unreactive (QF-) patients were stratified according to QuantiFERON-CMV assays. ICs' and activation markers' expression were determined before and after in vitro stimulation with pp-65 and IE-1 antigens. Lower expression of PD-1 was observed in CD4 and CD8 cells of pre-LTX patients than controls, whereas CTLA4 appeared upregulated in CD56 and CD8 cells. TIGIT is increased on the surface of CD4, CD8 and NK cells after peptide stimulation in QF-negative patients and PD-1 is only downregulated after stimulation in the QF-positive patients. This study provides new evidence of immune dysregulation in patients with end-stage lung disorders, particularly in relation to immune checkpoint cell biology. The change in QF+ mostly happens on cytotoxic cells NK and CD8, while the changes in QF- were observed in adaptive immune cells, including CD4 and CD8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bergantini
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Miriana d'Alessandro
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Dalila Cavallaro
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Pordon
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Cassai
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Gangi
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Meloni
- University of Pavia, pavia, Italy
- Department of Haematological, Pneumological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Montagnani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Piero Paladini
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Rosa Metella Refini
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Luzzi
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Fossi
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - David Bennett
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
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Nguyen DT, Liu R, Ogando-Rivas E, Pepe A, Pedro D, Qdasait S, Nguyen NTY, Lavrador JM, Golde GR, Smolchek RA, Ligon J, Jin L, Tao H, Webber A, Phillpot S, Mitchell DA, Sayour EJ, Huang J, Castillo P, Sawyer WG. Three-Dimensional Bioconjugated Liquid-Like Solid (LLS) Enhance Characterization of Solid Tumor - Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.17.529033. [PMID: 36865164 PMCID: PMC9980005 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.17.529033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy offers lifesaving treatments for cancers, but the lack of reliable preclinical models that could enable the mechanistic studies of tumor-immune interactions hampers the identification of new therapeutic strategies. We hypothesized 3D confined microchannels, formed by interstitial space between bio-conjugated liquid-like solids (LLS), enable CAR T dynamic locomotion within an immunosuppressive TME to carry out anti-tumor function. Murine CD70-specific CAR T cells cocultured with the CD70-expressing glioblastoma and osteosarcoma demonstrated efficient trafficking, infiltration, and killing of cancer cells. The anti-tumor activity was clearly captured via longterm in situ imaging and supported by upregulation of cytokines and chemokines including IFNg, CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4. Interestingly, target cancer cells, upon an immune attack, initiated an "immune escape" response by frantically invading the surrounding microenvironment. This phenomenon however was not observed for the wild-type tumor samples which remained intact and produced no relevant cytokine response. Single cells collection and transcriptomic profiling of CAR T cells at regions of interest revealed feasibility of identifying differential gene expression amongst the immune subpopulations. Complimentary 3D in vitro platforms are necessary to uncover cancer immune biology mechanisms, as emphasized by the significant roles of the TME and its heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy T. Nguyen
- UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Ruixuan Liu
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ogando-Rivas
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Alfonso Pepe
- UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Diego Pedro
- UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Sadeem Qdasait
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Nhi Tran Yen Nguyen
- UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Julia M. Lavrador
- UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Griffin R. Golde
- UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | | | - John Ligon
- UF Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Linchun Jin
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Haipeng Tao
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | | | | | - Duane A. Mitchell
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Elias J Sayour
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Jianping Huang
- UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 South Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Paul Castillo
- UF Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - W. Gregory Sawyer
- UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Gainesville, FL, 32610
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7
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Nguyen DT, Ogando-Rivas E, Liu R, Wang T, Rubin J, Jin L, Tao H, Sawyer WW, Mendez-Gomez HR, Cascio M, Mitchell DA, Huang J, Sawyer WG, Sayour EJ, Castillo P. CAR T Cell Locomotion in Solid Tumor Microenvironment. Cells 2022; 11:1974. [PMID: 35741103 PMCID: PMC9221866 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The promising outcomes of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in hematologic malignancies potentiates its capability in the fight against many cancers. Nevertheless, this immunotherapy modality needs significant improvements for the treatment of solid tumors. Researchers have incrementally identified limitations and constantly pursued better CAR designs. However, even if CAR T cells are armed with optimal killer functions, they must overcome and survive suppressive barriers imposed by the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we will discuss in detail the important role of TME in CAR T cell trafficking and how the intrinsic barriers contribute to an immunosuppressive phenotype and cancer progression. It is of critical importance that preclinical models can closely recapitulate the in vivo TME to better predict CAR T activity. Animal models have contributed immensely to our understanding of human diseases, but the intensive care for the animals and unreliable representation of human biology suggest in vivo models cannot be the sole approach to CAR T cell therapy. On the other hand, in vitro models for CAR T cytotoxic assessment offer valuable insights to mechanistic studies at the single cell level, but they often lack in vivo complexities, inter-individual heterogeneity, or physiologically relevant spatial dimension. Understanding the advantages and limitations of preclinical models and their applications would enable more reliable prediction of better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy T. Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
| | - Elizabeth Ogando-Rivas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Ruixuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Theodore Wang
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Jacob Rubin
- Warrington College of Business, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Linchun Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Haipeng Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - William W. Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Hector R. Mendez-Gomez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Matthew Cascio
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Duane A. Mitchell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Jianping Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - W. Gregory Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
| | - Elias J. Sayour
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Paul Castillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
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