1
|
Berdecka D, De Smedt SC, De Vos WH, Braeckmans K. Non-viral delivery of RNA for therapeutic T cell engineering. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115215. [PMID: 38401848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115215] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell transfer has shown great success in treating blood cancers, resulting in a growing number of FDA-approved therapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells. However, the effectiveness of this treatment for solid tumors is still not satisfactory, emphasizing the need for improved T cell engineering strategies and combination approaches. Currently, CAR T cells are mainly manufactured using gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors due to their high transduction efficiency. However, there are concerns about their safety, the high cost of producing them in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), regulatory obstacles, and limited cargo capacity, which limit the broader use of engineered T cell therapies. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored non-viral approaches, such as membrane permeabilization and carrier-mediated methods, as more versatile and sustainable alternatives for next-generation T cell engineering. Non-viral delivery methods can be designed to transport a wide range of molecules, including RNA, which allows for more controlled and safe modulation of T cell phenotype and function. In this review, we provide an overview of non-viral RNA delivery in adoptive T cell therapy. We first define the different types of RNA therapeutics, highlighting recent advancements in manufacturing for their therapeutic use. We then discuss the challenges associated with achieving effective RNA delivery in T cells. Next, we provide an overview of current and emerging technologies for delivering RNA into T cells. Finally, we discuss ongoing preclinical and clinical studies involving RNA-modified T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Berdecka
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Blokon-Kogan D, Levi-Mann M, Malka-Levy L, Itzhaki O, Besser MJ, Shiftan Y, Szöőr Á, Vereb G, Gross G, Abken H, Weinstein-Marom H. Membrane anchored IL-18 linked to constitutively active TLR4 and CD40 improves human T cell antitumor capacities for adoptive cell therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2022. [PMCID: PMC9442493 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAdoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or blood T cells genetically redirected by an antitumor TCR or CAR induces a strong antitumor response in a proportion of patients with cancer; however, the therapeutic efficacy is often limited by rapid decline in T cell functions. Coadministering supportive cytokines frequently provokes systemic side effects preventing their broad clinical application. We recently showed that cytokines can be anchored to the cell membrane in a functional fashion and that cytokine receptor signaling can synergize with TLR4 and CD40 signaling. Here, we aimed at augmenting T cell activation by simultaneous signaling through the cytokine receptor, toll-like receptor and TNF-type receptor using IL-18, TLR4 and CD40 as prototypes.MethodsGenes were expressed on electroporation of in vitro-transcribed mRNA in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from healthy donors redirected against melanoma cells with an anti-melanotransferrin CAR and in TILs derived from melanoma patients. Functional assays included the activation of signaling pathways, expression of activation and differentiation markers, cytokine secretion and killing of melanoma target cells.ResultsTo provide IL-18 costimulation to T cells in-cis while avoiding systemic effects, we genetically anchored IL-18 to the T cell membrane, either alone (memIL-18) or fused with constitutively active (ca)TLR4 and caCD40 signaling domains arranged in tandem, creating a synthetic ‘all-in-one’ memIL-18-TLR4-CD40 receptor. MemIL-18-TLR4-CD40, but not memIL-18, triggered strong NF-κB activation in cells lacking the IL-18 receptor, attesting to functionality of the TLR-CD40 moiety. While the membrane-anchored cytokine was found to act mainly in-cis, some T cell activation in-trans was also observed. The electroporated T cells exhibited spontaneous T-bet upregulation and IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion. Melanoma-induced activation of CAR-T cells and TILs as manifested by cytokine secretion and cytolytic activity was substantially augmented by both constructs, with memIL-18-TLR4-CD40 exerting stronger effects than memIL-18 alone.ConclusionsLinking membrane anchored IL-18 with caTLR4 and caCD40 signaling in one hybrid transmembrane protein provides simultaneous activation of three T cell costimulatory pathways through one genetically engineered membrane molecule, strongly amplifying T cell functions for adoptive T cell therapy of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Blokon-Kogan
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- The Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Maya Levi-Mann
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- The Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Lior Malka-Levy
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- The Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Orit Itzhaki
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michal J Besser
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikvah, Israel
| | - Yuval Shiftan
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Árpád Szöőr
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Vereb
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, University of Debrecen Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gideon Gross
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- The Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy and University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hadas Weinstein-Marom
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- The Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Di Trani CA, Fernandez-Sendin M, Cirella A, Segués A, Olivera I, Bolaños E, Melero I, Berraondo P. Advances in mRNA-based drug discovery in cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 17:41-53. [PMID: 34496689 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1978972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T-cell therapy based on chimeric antigen receptors are the spearhead strategies to exploit the immune system to fight cancer. To take advantage of the full potential of the immune system, cancer immunotherapy must incorporate new biotechnologies such as mRNA technology that may synergize with already approved immunotherapies and act more effectively on immune targets. AREAS COVERED This review describes the basics of mRNA biotechnology and provides insight into the recent advances in the use of mRNA for the local and systemic delivery of immunostimulatory antibodies, proinflammatory cytokines or for optimizing adoptive T-cell therapy. EXPERT OPINION mRNA-based nanomedicines have great potential to expand the arsenal of immunotherapy tools due to their ability to simplify and accelerate drug development and their suitability for transient and local expression of immunostimulatory molecules, whose systemic and sustained expression would be toxic. The success of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines has highlighted the feasibility of this approach. Continuous advances in the delivery and construction of RNA-based vectors hold promise for improvements in clinical efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad De Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (Idisna), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad De Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (Idisna), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad De Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (Idisna), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aina Segués
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh UK
| | - Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad De Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (Idisna), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elixabet Bolaños
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad De Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (Idisna), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad De Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (Idisna), Pamplona, Spain.,Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Cáncer (Ciberonc), Spain.,Departments of Oncology and Immunology, Clínica Universidad De Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad De Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (Idisna), Pamplona, Spain.,Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Cáncer (Ciberonc), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beck JD, Reidenbach D, Salomon N, Sahin U, Türeci Ö, Vormehr M, Kranz LM. mRNA therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:69. [PMID: 33858437 PMCID: PMC8047518 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic mRNA provides a template for the synthesis of any given protein, protein fragment or peptide and lends itself to a broad range of pharmaceutical applications, including different modalities of cancer immunotherapy. With the ease of rapid, large scale Good Manufacturing Practice-grade mRNA production, mRNA is ideally poised not only for off-the shelf cancer vaccines but also for personalized neoantigen vaccination. The ability to stimulate pattern recognition receptors and thus an anti-viral type of innate immune response equips mRNA-based vaccines with inherent adjuvanticity. Nucleoside modification and elimination of double-stranded RNA can reduce the immunomodulatory activity of mRNA and increase and prolong protein production. In combination with nanoparticle-based formulations that increase transfection efficiency and facilitate lymphatic system targeting, nucleoside-modified mRNA enables efficient delivery of cytokines, costimulatory receptors, or therapeutic antibodies. Steady but transient production of the encoded bioactive molecule from the mRNA template can improve the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety properties as compared to the respective recombinant proteins. This may be harnessed for applications that benefit from a higher level of expression control, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified adoptive T-cell therapies. This review highlights the advancements in the field of mRNA-based cancer therapeutics, providing insights into key preclinical developments and the evolving clinical landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan D Beck
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Reidenbach
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadja Salomon
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University gGmbH, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Lena M Kranz
- BioNTech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Weinstein-Marom H, Gross G, Levi M, Brayer H, Schachter J, Itzhaki O, Besser MJ. Genetic Modification of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes via Retroviral Transduction. Front Immunol 2021; 11:584148. [PMID: 33488585 PMCID: PMC7817656 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.584148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) holds great promise for cancer treatment. One approach, which has regained wide interest in recent years, employs antitumor T cells isolated from tumor lesions ("tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes" or TIL). It is now appreciated that a considerable proportion of anti-melanoma TIL recognize new HLA-binding peptides resulting from somatic mutations, which occurred during tumor progression. The clinical efficacy of TIL can potentially be improved via their genetic modification, designed to enhance their survival, homing capacity, resistance to suppression, tumor killing ability and additional properties of clinical relevance. Successful implementation of such gene-based strategies critically depends on efficient and reproducible protocols for gene delivery into clinical TIL preparations. Here we describe an optimized protocol for the retroviral transduction of TIL. As the experimental system we employed anti-melanoma TIL cultures prepared from four patients, recombinant retrovirus encoding an anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) as a model gene of interest and CD19+ and CD19- human cell lines serving as target cells. Transduction on day 7 of the rapid expansion protocol (REP) resulted in 69 ± 8% CAR positive TIL. Transduced, but not untransduced TIL, from the four patients responded robustly to CD19+, but not CD19- cell lines, as judged by substantial secretion of IFN-γ following co-culture. In light of the rekindled interest in antitumor TIL, this protocol can be incorporated into a broad range of gene-based approaches for improving the in-vivo survival and functionality of TIL in the clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadas Weinstein-Marom
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gideon Gross
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
- Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Michal Levi
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Hadar Brayer
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Jacob Schachter
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Orit Itzhaki
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michal J. Besser
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy has proven effective against hematologic malignancies and demonstrated efficacy against a variety of solid tumors in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Nonetheless, antitumor responses against solid tumors remain modest, highlighting the need to enhance the effectiveness of this therapy. Genetic modification of T cells with RNA has been explored to enhance T-cell antigen specificity, effector function, and migration to tumor sites, thereby potentiating antitumor immunity. This review describes the rationale for RNA-electroporated T cell modifications and provides an overview of their applications in preclinical and clinical investigations for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Pohl-Guimarães
- Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, McKnight Brain Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lan B Hoang-Minh
- Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, McKnight Brain Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, McKnight Brain Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Combined Expression of Genetic Adjuvants Via mRNA Electroporation Exerts Multiple Immunostimulatory Effects on Antitumor T Cells. J Immunother 2020; 42:43-50. [PMID: 30489430 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or gene-modified T cells expressing antitumor TCRs or chimeric antigen receptors often yields a high rate of clinical response in several types of cancer. New approaches for enhancing the functional properties of antitumor T cells could improve the clinical outcome of these treatments. To this end, we created 3 classes of genes, each designed to operate autonomously upon expression in T cells. We recently reported on the enhancing effects of constitutively active toll-like receptor 4 (caTLR4), membrane (mem) interleukin-2, memIL-12, and memIL-15, and self-oligomerizing, constitutively active CD40 (caCD40). Here, we evaluated their combined effects on peripheral blood CD8 T cells and different antimelanoma TIL cultures following mRNA electroporation. Expression in CD8 T cells induced transient production of interferon-γ and prolonged and robust upregulation of CD25, CD69, 4-1BB, and OX40. The adjuvants enhanced cytolytic activity of TILs and production of interferon-γ and TNF-α in the presence of autologous, but not mismatched, melanoma for at least 3 days after electroporation. Expression of the 3 adjuvants in young TILs from different patients markedly increased the expression of CD25, OX40, 4-1BB, CD127, and CD28 and exhibited cooperative and, at times, synergistic effects. Furthermore, predefined mixtures of mRNA encoding these adjuvants markedly enhanced the specific antitumor response of selected TILs and killing of autologous melanoma cells by young TILs. Our findings suggest that combinations of these new genetic adjuvants can substantially improve the functional properties of antitumor T cells, offering a new tool of unique versatility in adoptive cell therapy.
Collapse
|
8
|
Foster JB, Barrett DM, Karikó K. The Emerging Role of In Vitro-Transcribed mRNA in Adoptive T Cell Immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2019; 27:747-756. [PMID: 30819612 PMCID: PMC6453504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy is a form of cellular therapy that utilizes human immune cells, often empowered by the expression of recombinant proteins, to attack selected targets present on tumor or infected cells. T cell-based immunotherapy has been progressing over the past several decades, and reached a milestone with the recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for relapsed and refractory leukemia and lymphoma. Although most studies have used viral vectors, a growing number of researchers have come to appreciate in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA for the development, testing, and application of T cell-based immunotherapeutics. IVT mRNA offers inherent safety features, highly efficient recombinant protein translation, and the ability to control pharmacokinetic properties of the therapy. In this review, we discuss the history of IVT mRNA in adoptive T cell therapy, from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and T cell receptor-based therapies to chimeric antigen receptor therapy and gene-editing techniques, as well as prior and ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica B Foster
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - David M Barrett
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Weissberg O, Gross G. Endowing human CD8 T cells with a veto-like recognition capacity via the electroporation of MHC-I/CD3ζ mRNA. Transpl Immunol 2019; 55:101202. [PMID: 30904624 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2019.03.001] [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: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and transplant rejection as a result of host-versus-graft (HVG) response have remained two major complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). When donors are partially HLA-mismatched unrelated or haploidentical related, their severity correlates with the degree of HLA disparity. Specific elimination of alloreactive donor or recipient T cells targeting the mismatched HLA products could markedly alleviate both complications while only minimally affecting graft-versus-tumor (GVT) response or engraftment. To redirect human CD8 T cells against alloreactive CD8 T cells we electroporate these cells with in-vitro-transcribed mRNA encoding MHC-I heavy chains fused with the signaling portion of CD3ζ. Here we show that peripheral blood human CD8 T cells expressing H-2Kb/CD3ζ or H-2Kd/CD3ζ respond to anti-MHC-I stimuli in a strictly specific manner. This study paves the way for further advancing this approach as a means to dampen GVHD and HVG that are caused by HLA disparity in allo-HSCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orly Weissberg
- Immunology Laboratory, MIGAL, Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel; Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel
| | - Gideon Gross
- Immunology Laboratory, MIGAL, Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel; Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
RNA-Modified T Cells Mediate Effective Delivery of Immunomodulatory Cytokines to Brain Tumors. Mol Ther 2018; 27:837-849. [PMID: 30448196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), successful immunotherapeutic drug delivery to CNS malignancies remains a challenge. Immunomodulatory agents, such as cytokines, can reprogram the intratumoral microenvironment; however, systemic cytokine delivery has limited access to the CNS. To bypass the limitations of systemically administered cytokines, we investigated if RNA-modified T cells could deliver macromolecules directly to brain tumors. The abilities of T cells to cross the BBB and mediate direct cytotoxic killing of intracranial tumors make them an attractive tool as biological carriers. Using T cell mRNA electroporation, we demonstrated that activated T cells can be modified to secrete granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) protein while retaining their inherent effector functions in vitro. GM-CSF RNA-modified T cells effectively delivered GM-CSF to intracranial tumors in vivo and significantly extended overall survival in an orthotopic treatment model. Importantly, GM-CSF RNA-modified T cells demonstrated superior anti-tumor efficacy as compared to unmodified T cells alone or in combination with systemic administration of recombinant GM-CSF. Anti-tumor effects were associated with increased IFN-γ secretion locally within the tumor microenvironment and systemic antigen-specific T cell expansion. These findings demonstrate that RNA-modified T cells may serve as a versatile platform for the effective delivery of biological agents to CNS tumors.
Collapse
|
11
|
Levin N, Weinstein-Marom H, Pato A, Itzhaki O, Besser MJ, Eisenberg G, Peretz T, Lotem M, Gross G. Potent Activation of Human T Cells by mRNA Encoding Constitutively Active CD40. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:2959-2968. [PMID: 30305327 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
New strategies for augmenting the actual performance of therapeutic T cells in vivo are needed for improving clinical outcome of adoptive cell therapy. Cumulative findings suggest that CD40 plays an intrinsic role in T cell costimulation. Recently, we demonstrated the ability of truncated, auto-oligomerizing CD40 derivatives to induce strong activation of APCs in a ligand-independent manner. We reasoned that constitutively active CD40 (caCD40) can similarly exert enhancing effects on human antitumor T cells. To test this assumption, we transfected human T cells with in vitro-transcribed caCD40 mRNA. In polyclonal T cells, caCD40 triggered IFN-γ secretion and upregulated CD25 and 4-1BB. In antimelanoma tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), caCD40 induced massive production of IFN-γ, exerting a pronounced synergistic effect when coexpressed with constitutively active TLR4 devoid of its extracellular ligand binding. In unselected "young" TILs, caCD40 reproducibly increased surface expression of CD25, OX40, 4-1BB, CD127, and CD28. Three days post-mRNA electroporation of CD8 TILs, caCD40 elevated IFN-γ and TNF-α production and cytolytic activity in the presence of autologous but not HLA-I-mismatched melanoma. Enhanced killing of autologous melanoma by young TILs was observed 4 d posttransfection. These findings suggest that caCD40 can function as a potent T cell adjuvant and provide essential guidelines for similar manipulation of other key members of the TNFR family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noam Levin
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel.,Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Hadas Weinstein-Marom
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel.,Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Aviad Pato
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel.,Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Orit Itzhaki
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Michal J Besser
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel.,Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; and
| | - Galit Eisenberg
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Tamar Peretz
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Michal Lotem
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Gideon Gross
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; .,Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Spontaneous Activation of Antigen-presenting Cells by Genes Encoding Truncated Homo-Oligomerizing Derivatives of CD40. J Immunother 2018; 40:39-50. [PMID: 28005579 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between the CD40 receptor on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and its trimeric ligand on CD4 T cells is essential for the initiation and progression of the adaptive immune response. Here we undertook to endow CD40 with the capacity to trigger spontaneous APC activation through ligand-independent oligomerization. To this end we exploited the GCN4 yeast transcriptional activator, which contains a leucine zipper DNA-binding motif that induces homophilic interactions. We incorporated GCN4 variants forming homodimers, trimers, or tetramers at the intracellular domain of human and mouse CD40 and replaced the extracellular portion with peptide-β2m or other peptide tags. In parallel we examined similarly truncated CD40 monomers lacking a GCN4 motif. The oligomeric products appeared to arrange in high-molecular-weight aggregates and were considerably superior to the monomer in their ability to trigger nuclear factor kB signaling, substantiating the anticipated constitutively active (ca) phenotype. Cumulative results in human and mouse APC lines transfected with caCD40 mRNA revealed spontaneous upregulation of CD80, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, and IL-12, which could be further enhanced by caTLR4 mRNA. In mouse bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells caCD40 upregulated CD80, CD86, MHC-II, and IL-12 and in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells it elevated surface CD80, CD83 CD86, CCR7, and HLA-DR. Oligomeric products carrying the peptide-β2m extracellular portion could support MHC-I presentation of the linked peptide up to 4 days post-mRNA transfection. These findings demonstrate that the expression of a single caCD40 derivative in APCs can exert multiple immunostimulatory effects, offering a new powerful tool in the design of gene-based cancer vaccines.
Collapse
|
13
|
Cohen JE, Merims S, Frank S, Engelstein R, Peretz T, Lotem M. Adoptive cell therapy: past, present and future. Immunotherapy 2017; 9:183-196. [DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is a potent inhibitor of tumor growth with curative potential, constituting in many eyes the future of antineoplastic therapy. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is a form of immunotherapy in which autologous cancer-cognate lymphocytes are expanded and modified ex vivo and re-infused to combat the tumor. This review follows the evolvement of ACT and treatment protocols, focusing on unresolved dilemmas regarding this treatment while providing evidence for its effectiveness in refractory patients. Future directions of ACT are discussed, in particular with regard to genetic engineering of autologous cells, and the role of ACT in the era of checkpoint inhibitors is addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E Cohen
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sharon Merims
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Stephen Frank
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roni Engelstein
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamar Peretz
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Lotem
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fishman S, Lewis MD, Siew LK, De Leenheer E, Kakabadse D, Davies J, Ziv D, Margalit A, Karin N, Gross G, Wong FS. Adoptive Transfer of mRNA-Transfected T Cells Redirected against Diabetogenic CD8 T Cells Can Prevent Diabetes. Mol Ther 2017; 25:456-464. [PMID: 28109957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules supplemented with T cell receptor (TCR) signaling motifs function as activation receptors and can redirect gene-modified T cells against pathogenic CD8 T cells. We have shown that β2 microglobulin (β2m) operates as a universal signaling component of MHC-I molecules when fused with the CD3-ζ chain. Linking the H-2Kd-binding insulin B chain peptide insulin B chain, amino acids 15-23 (InsB15-23) to the N terminus of β2m/CD3-ζ, redirected polyclonal CD8 T cells against pathogenic CD8 T cells in a peptide-specific manner in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse. Here, we describe mRNA electroporation for delivering peptide/β2m/CD3-ζ genes to a reporter T cell line and purified primary mouse CD8 T cells. The peptide/β2m/CD3-ζ products paired with endogenous MHC-I chains and transmitted strong activation signals upon MHC-I cross-linking. The reporter T cell line transfected with InsB15-23/β2m/CD3-ζ mRNA was activated by an InsB15-23-H-2Kd-specific CD8 T cell hybrid only when the transfected T cells expressed H-2Kd. Primary NOD CD8 T cells expressing either InsB15-23/β2m/CD3-ζ or islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein, amino acids 206-214 (IGRP206-214)/β2m/CD3-ζ killed their respective autoreactive CD8 T cell targets in vitro. Furthermore, transfer of primary CD8 T cells transfected with InsB15-23/β2m/CD3-ζ mRNA significantly reduced insulitis and protected NOD mice from diabetes. Our results demonstrate that mRNA encoding chimeric MHC-I receptors can redirect effector CD8 against diabetogenic CD8 T cells, offering a new approach for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Fishman
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; Department of Immunology, Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525433, Israel
| | - Mark D Lewis
- Diabetes Research Group, Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - L Khai Siew
- Diabetes Research Group, Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Evy De Leenheer
- Diabetes Research Group, Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Dimitri Kakabadse
- Diabetes Research Group, Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Joanne Davies
- Diabetes Research Group, Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Doron Ziv
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 12210, Israel
| | - Alon Margalit
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 12210, Israel
| | - Nathan Karin
- Department of Immunology, Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525433, Israel
| | - Gideon Gross
- Laboratory of Immunology, MIGAL - Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 12210, Israel.
| | - F Susan Wong
- Diabetes Research Group, Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Association between TLR4 and PTEN Involved in LPS-TLR4 Signaling Response. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:6083178. [PMID: 27563672 PMCID: PMC4985570 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6083178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we explored the potential mechanisms of how PTEN regulating LPS induced TLR4 signaling pathway. The initial findings from ELISA demonstrate that PTEN influences TNF-α secretion by its lipid phosphatase activity. Subsequently, western blot, immunoprecipitation assay, and immunofluorescence were performed to explore the activation process of PTEN by stimulation with LPS. As early as 20 minutes after LPS stimulation, reduced phosphorylation of PTEN was found obviously. Accordingly, the whole cell-scattered PTEN translocated towards the cell membrane 20 minutes after stimulating with LPS. Moreover, the weak physical association between PTEN and TLR4 in resting RAW264.7 cells increased gradually after the stimulation of LPS. Furthermore, our study showed PTEN decreased LPS-induced Akt activity and upregulated NF-κB-dependent gene transcription, identifying indirectly that the PTEN could regulate the activation of NF-κB by its downstream Akt kinase. In summary, our study illustrates the potential signal transduction process of PTEN while stimulated by LPS: by increasing the association of TLR4, PTEN recruits to its phosphoinositide substrate PI(3,4,5)P3 located on the cell membrane and exerts its dephosphorylated function and subsequently depresses the activity of downstream molecule Akt and results in activation of NF-κB, followed by the secretion of inflammatory mediators TNF-α.
Collapse
|