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Li D, Liang T, Hutchins LE, Wolfarth AA, Ferrando-Martinez S, Lee BH, Ho M. rhIL-7-hyFc, a long-acting interleukin-7, improves efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008989. [PMID: 39043602 PMCID: PMC11268061 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-008989] [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] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has achieved remarkable remission in patients with B-cell malignancies. However, its efficacy in treating solid tumors remains limited. Here, we investigated a combination therapy approach using an engineered long-acting interleukin (IL)-7 (rhIL-7-hyFc or NT-I7) and CAR-T cells targeting three antigens, glypican-2 (GPC2), glypican-3 (GPC3), and mesothelin (MSLN), against multiple solid tumor types including liver cancer, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer in mice. METHODS CAR-T cells targeting GPC2, GPC3, and MSLN were used in combination with NT-I7 to assess the anticancer activity. Xenograft tumor models, including the liver cancer orthotopic model, were established using NOD scid gamma mice engrafted with cell lines derived from hepatocellular carcinoma, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The mice were monitored by bioluminescence in vivo tumor imaging and tumor volume measurement using a caliper. Immunophenotyping of CAR-T cells on NT-I7 stimulation was evaluated for memory markers, exhaust markers, and T-cell signaling molecules by flow cytometry and western blotting. RESULTS Compared with the IL-2 combination, preclinical evaluation of NT-I7 exhibited regression of solid tumors via enhanced occupancy of CD4+ CAR-T, improved T-cell expansion, reduced exhaustion markers (programmed cell death protein 1 or PD-1 and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 or LAG-3) expression, and increased generation of stem cell-like memory CAR-T cells. The STAT5 pathway was demonstrated to be downstream of NT-I7 signaling, mediated by increased expression of the IL-7 receptor expression in CAR-T cells. Furthermore, CAR-T cells improved efficacy against tumors with low antigen density when combined with NT-I7 in mice, presenting an avenue for patients with heterogeneous antigenic profiles. CONCLUSION This study provides a rationale for NT-I7 plus CAR-T cell combination therapy for solid tumors in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mitchell Ho
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Lee KJ, Choi D, Tae N, Song HW, Kang YW, Lee M, Moon D, Oh Y, Park S, Kim JH, Jeong S, Yang J, Park U, Hong DH, Byun MS, Park SH, Sohn J, Park Y, Im SK, Choi SS, Kim DH, Lee SW. IL-7-primed bystander CD8 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes optimize the antitumor efficacy of T cell engager immunotherapy. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101567. [PMID: 38744277 PMCID: PMC11148861 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101567] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engagers (TCEs) show promising clinical efficacy in blood tumors, but their application to solid tumors remains challenging. Here, we show that Fc-fused IL-7 (rhIL-7-hyFc) changes the intratumoral CD8 T cell landscape, enhancing the efficacy of TCE immunotherapy. rhIL-7-hyFc induces a dramatic increase in CD8 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in various solid tumors, but the majority of these cells are PD-1-negative tumor non-responsive bystander T cells. However, they are non-exhausted and central memory-phenotype CD8 T cells with high T cell receptor (TCR)-recall capacity that can be triggered by tumor antigen-specific TCEs to acquire tumoricidal activity. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals that rhIL-7-hyFc-induced bystander CD8 TILs transform into cycling transitional T cells by TCE redirection with decreased memory markers and increased cytotoxic molecules. Notably, TCE treatment has no major effect on tumor-reactive CD8 TILs. Our results suggest that rhIL-7-hyFc treatment promotes the antitumor efficacy of TCE immunotherapy by increasing TCE-sensitive bystander CD8 TILs in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Joo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghoon Choi
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Inc., Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Nara Tae
- Kangwon Institute of Inclusive Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Won Song
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Woo Kang
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Lee
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Inc., Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dain Moon
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsik Oh
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujeong Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hae Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Siheon Jeong
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyuk Yang
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Uni Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hee Hong
- Genexine Inc., Seoul 07789, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Byun
- Genexine Inc., Seoul 07789, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Joohyuk Sohn
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunji Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Kyoung Im
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Inc., Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Shim Choi
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dae Hee Kim
- Kangwon Institute of Inclusive Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
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Kim J, Choi H, Jeun SS, Ahn S. From lymphopenia to restoration: IL-7 immunotherapy for lymphocyte recovery in glioblastoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216714. [PMID: 38369003 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most prevalent malignant primary brain tumor, presents substantial treatment challenges because of its inherent aggressiveness and limited therapeutic options. Lymphopenia, defined as reduced peripheral blood lymphocyte count, commonly occurs as a consequence of the disease and its treatment. Recent studies have associated lymphopenia with a poor prognosis. Factors that contribute to lymphopenia include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and the tumor itself. Patients who are female, older, using dexamethasone, or receiving higher doses of radiation therapy are particularly vulnerable to this condition. Several preclinical studies have explored the use of interleukin-7, a crucial cytokine for lymphocyte homeostasis, to restore lymphocyte counts and potentially rebuild the immune system to combat glioblastoma cells. With the development of recombinant interleukin-7 for prolonged activity in the body, various clinical trials are underway to explore this treatment in patients with glioblastoma. Our study provides a comprehensive summary of the incidence of lymphopenia, its potential biological background, and the associated clinical risk factors. Furthermore, we reviewed several clinical trials using IL-7 cytokine therapy in glioblastoma patients. We propose IL-7 as a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for glioblastoma treatment. We are optimistic that our study will enhance understanding of the complex interplay between lymphopenia and glioblastoma and will pave the way for the development of more effective treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonseok Kim
- College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeyoun Choi
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sin-Soo Jeun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephen Ahn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Byun JH, Jeon HS, Yun HY, Kim JK. Validity conditions of approximations for a target-mediated drug disposition model: A novel first-order approximation and its comparison to other approximations. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012066. [PMID: 38656966 PMCID: PMC11090311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) is a phenomenon characterized by a drug's high-affinity binding to a target molecule, which significantly influences its pharmacokinetic profile within an organism. The comprehensive TMDD model delineates this interaction, yet it may become overly complex and computationally demanding in the absence of specific concentration data for the target or its complexes. Consequently, simplified TMDD models employing quasi-steady state approximations (QSSAs) have been introduced; however, the precise conditions under which these models yield accurate results require further elucidation. Here, we establish the validity of three simplified TMDD models: the Michaelis-Menten model reduced with the standard QSSA (mTMDD), the QSS model reduced with the total QSSA (qTMDD), and a first-order approximation of the total QSSA (pTMDD). Specifically, we find that mTMDD is applicable only when initial drug concentrations substantially exceed total target concentrations, while qTMDD can be used for all drug concentrations. Notably, pTMDD offers a simpler and faster alternative to qTMDD, with broader applicability than mTMDD. These findings are confirmed with antibody-drug conjugate real-world data. Our findings provide a framework for selecting appropriate simplified TMDD models while ensuring accuracy, potentially enhancing drug development and facilitating safer, more personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hyuk Byun
- Department of Mathematics and Institute of Mathematical Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Future Earth, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Seon Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-yeol Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-AI Convergence, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Kyoung Kim
- Biomedical Mathematics Group, Pioneer Research Center for Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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5
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Kim A, Oh MS, Lee GH, Song S, Byun MS, Choi D, Yu BY, Lee H. Understanding the pharmacokinetic journey of Fc-fusion protein, rhIL-7-hyFc using complementary approach of two analytical methods, accelerator mass spectrometry and ELISA. Antib Ther 2024; 7:105-113. [PMID: 38566969 PMCID: PMC10983079 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based therapeutics (ABTs), including monoclonal/polyclonal antibodies and fragment crystallizable region (Fc)-fusion proteins, are increasingly used in disease treatment, driving the global market growth. Understanding the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of ABTs is crucial for their clinical effectiveness. This study investigated the PK profile and tissue distribution of efineptakin alfa, a long-acting recombinant human interleukin-7 (rhIL-7-hyFc), using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Totally, four rats were injected intramuscularly with 1 mg/kg of rhIL-7-hyFc containing 14C-rhIL-7-hyFc, which was prepared via reductive methylation. Serum total radioactivity (TRA) and serum rhIL-7-hyFc concentrations were quantified using AMS and ELISA, respectively. The TRA concentrations in organs were determined by AMS. Serum TRA peaked at 10 hours with a terminal half-life of 40 hours. The rhIL-7-hyFc exhibited a mean peak concentration at around 17 hours and a rapid elimination with a half-life of 12.3 hours. Peak concentration and area under the curve of TRA were higher than those of rhIL-7-hyFc. Tissue distribution analysis showed an elevated TRA concentrations in lymph nodes, kidneys, and spleen, indicating rhIL-7-hyFc's affinity for these organs. The study also simulated the positions of 14C labeling in rhIL-7-hyFc, identifying specific residues in the fragment of rhIL-7 portion, and provided the explanation of distinct analytes targeted by each method. Combining ELISA and AMS provided advantages by offering sensitivity and specificity for quantification as well as enabling the identification of analyte forms. The integrated use of ELISA and AMS offers valuable insights for the development and optimization of ABT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhye Kim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam 13496, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, CHA University School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Biomedical Informatics, CHA University School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Seok Oh
- Research Resources Division, Advanced Analysis and Data Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwan-Ho Lee
- Research Resources Division, Advanced Analysis and Data Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongeun Song
- Research Resources Division, Advanced Analysis and Data Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-sun Byun
- Clinical Development Division, Genexine, Inc., Seoul 07789, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghoon Choi
- Research Institute, NeoImmuneTech, co. Ltd., Pohang 37666, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Yong Yu
- Research Resources Division, Advanced Analysis and Data Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Howard Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Suwon 16229, Republic of Korea
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6
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Stepanenko AA, Sosnovtseva AO, Valikhov MP, Chernysheva AA, Abramova OV, Naumenko VA, Chekhonin VP. The need for paradigm shift: prognostic significance and implications of standard therapy-related systemic immunosuppression in glioblastoma for immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1326757. [PMID: 38390330 PMCID: PMC10881776 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1326757] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in our knowledge regarding the genetics and molecular biology of gliomas over the past two decades and hundreds of clinical trials, no effective therapeutic approach has been identified for adult patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, and overall survival remains dismal. Great hopes are now placed on combination immunotherapy. In clinical trials, immunotherapeutics are generally tested after standard therapy (radiation, temozolomide, and steroid dexamethasone) or concurrently with temozolomide and/or steroids. Only a minor subset of patients with progressive/recurrent glioblastoma have benefited from immunotherapies. In this review, we comprehensively discuss standard therapy-related systemic immunosuppression and lymphopenia, their prognostic significance, and the implications for immunotherapy/oncolytic virotherapy. The effectiveness of immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy (viro-immunotherapy) critically depends on the activity of the host immune cells. The absolute counts, ratios, and functional states of different circulating and tumor-infiltrating immune cell subsets determine the net immune fitness of patients with cancer and may have various effects on tumor progression, therapeutic response, and survival outcomes. Although different immunosuppressive mechanisms operate in patients with glioblastoma/gliomas at presentation, the immunological competence of patients may be significantly compromised by standard therapy, exacerbating tumor-related systemic immunosuppression. Standard therapy affects diverse immune cell subsets, including dendritic, CD4+, CD8+, natural killer (NK), NKT, macrophage, neutrophil, and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC). Systemic immunosuppression and lymphopenia limit the immune system's ability to target glioblastoma. Changes in the standard therapy are required to increase the success of immunotherapies. Steroid use, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and low post-treatment total lymphocyte count (TLC) are significant prognostic factors for shorter survival in patients with glioblastoma in retrospective studies; however, these clinically relevant variables are rarely reported and correlated with response and survival in immunotherapy studies (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and oncolytic viruses). Our analysis should help in the development of a more rational clinical trial design and decision-making regarding the treatment to potentially improve the efficacy of immunotherapy or oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei A. Stepanenko
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia O. Sosnovtseva
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marat P. Valikhov
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia A. Chernysheva
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Abramova
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor A. Naumenko
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Chekhonin
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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7
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Park JH, Lee SW, Choi D, Lee C, Sung YC. Harnessing the Power of IL-7 to Boost T Cell Immunity in Experimental and Clinical Immunotherapies. Immune Netw 2024; 24:e9. [PMID: 38455462 PMCID: PMC10917577 DOI: 10.4110/in.2024.24.e9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytokine IL-7 plays critical and nonredundant roles in T cell immunity so that the abundance and availability of IL-7 act as key regulatory mechanisms in T cell immunity. Importantly, IL-7 is not produced by T cells themselves but primarily by non-lymphoid lineage stromal cells and epithelial cells that are limited in their numbers. Thus, T cells depend on cell extrinsic IL-7, and the amount of in vivo IL-7 is considered a major factor in maximizing and maintaining the number of T cells in peripheral tissues. Moreover, IL-7 provides metabolic cues and promotes the survival of both naïve and memory T cells. Thus, IL-7 is also essential for the functional fitness of T cells. In this regard, there has been an extensive effort trying to increase the protein abundance of IL-7 in vivo, with the aim to augment T cell immunity and harness T cell functions in anti-tumor responses. Such approaches started under experimental animal models, but they recently culminated into clinical studies, with striking effects in re-establishing T cell immunity in immunocompromised patients, as well as boosting anti-tumor effects. Depending on the design, glycosylation, and the structure of recombinantly engineered IL-7 proteins and their mimetics, recombinant IL-7 molecules have shown dramatic differences in their stability, efficacy, cellular effects, and overall immune functions. The current review is aimed to summarize the past and present efforts in the field that led to clinical trials, and to highlight the therapeutical significance of IL-7 biology as a master regulator of T cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hyun Park
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Donghoon Choi
- Research Institute of NeoImmune Tech., Co, Ltd., Bio Open Innovation Center, Pohang 37666, Korea
| | - Changhyung Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Korea
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Xiang J, Devenport JM, Carter AJ, Staser KW, Kim MY, O' Neal J, Ritchey JK, Rettig MP, Gao F, Rettig G, Turk R, Lee BH, Cooper ML, DiPersio JF. An "off-the-shelf" CD2 universal CAR-T therapy for T-cell malignancies. Leukemia 2023; 37:2448-2456. [PMID: 37798328 PMCID: PMC10681896 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
T-cell malignancies are associated with frequent relapse and high morbidity, which is partly due to the lack of effective or targeted treatment options. To broaden the use of CAR-T cells in pan T-cell malignancies, we developed an allogeneic "universal" CD2-targeting CAR-T cell (UCART2), in which the CD2 antigen is deleted to prevent fratricide, and the T-cell receptor is removed to prevent GvHD. UCART2 demonstrated efficacy against T-ALL and CTCL and prolonged the survival of tumor-engrafted NSG mice in vivo. To evaluate the impact of CD2 on CAR-T function, we generated CD19 CAR-T cells (UCART19) with or without CD2 deletion, single-cell secretome analysis revealed that CD2 deletion in UCART19 reduced frequencies of the effector cytokines (Granzyme-B and IFN-γ). We also observed that UCART19ΔCD2 had reduced anti-tumor efficacy compared to UCART19 in a CD19+NALM6 xenograft model. Of note is that the reduced efficacy resulting from CD2 deletion was reversed when combined with rhIL-7-hyFc, a long-acting recombinant human interleukin-7. Treatment with rhIL-7-hyFc prolonged UCART2 persistence and increased survival in both the tumor re-challenge model and primary patient T-ALL model in vivo. Together, these data suggest that allogeneic fratricide-resistant UCART2, in combination with rhIL-7-hyFc, could be a suitable approach for treating T-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Xiang
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jessica M Devenport
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alun J Carter
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Karl W Staser
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Miriam Y Kim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Julie O' Neal
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Julie K Ritchey
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael P Rettig
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Feng Gao
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Rolf Turk
- Integrated DNA Technologies, Coralville, IA, USA
| | | | - Matthew L Cooper
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - John F DiPersio
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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9
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O’Neal J, Cooper ML, Ritchey JK, Gladney S, Niswonger J, González LS, Street E, Haas GJ, Carter A, Amayta PN, Gao F, Lee BH, Choi D, Berrien-Elliott M, Zhou A, Fehniger TA, Rettig MP, DiPersio JF. Anti-myeloma efficacy of CAR-iNKT is enhanced with a long-acting IL-7, rhIL-7-hyFc. Blood Adv 2023; 7:6009-6022. [PMID: 37399471 PMCID: PMC10582278 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM), a malignancy of mature plasma cells, remains incurable. B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is the lead protein target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy because of its high expression in most MM, with limited expression in other cell types, resulting in favorable on-target, off tumor toxicity. The response rate to autologous BCMA CAR-T therapy is high; however, it is not curative and is associated with risks of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. Outcomes in patients treated with BCMA CAR-T cells (CAR-Ts) may improve with allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy, which offer higher cell fitness and reduced time to treatment. However, to prevent the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), allogenic BCMA CAR-Ts require genetic deletion of the T-cell receptor (TCR), which has potential for unexpected functional or phenotype changes. Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) have an invariant TCR that does not cause GVHD and, as a result, can be used in an allogeneic setting without the need for TCR gene editing. We demonstrate significant anti-myeloma activity of BCMA CAR-iNKTs in a xenograft mouse model of myeloma. We found that a long-acting interleukin-7 (IL-7), rhIL-7-hyFc, significantly prolonged survival and reduced tumor burden in BCMA CAR-iNKT-treated mice in both primary and re-challenge settings. Furthermore, in CRS in vitro assays, CAR-iNKTs induced less IL-6 than CAR-Ts, suggesting a reduced likelihood of CAR-iNKT therapy to induce CRS in patients. These data suggest that BCMA CAR-iNKTs are potentially a safer, effective alternative to BCMA CAR-Ts and that BCMA CAR-iNKT efficacy is further potentiated with rhIL-7-hyFc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie O’Neal
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Matthew L. Cooper
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Julie K. Ritchey
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Susan Gladney
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Jessica Niswonger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - L. Sofía González
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Emily Street
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Gabriel J. Haas
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Alun Carter
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Parmeshwar N. Amayta
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Feng Gao
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | | | | | - Melissa Berrien-Elliott
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Alice Zhou
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Mike P. Rettig
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - John F. DiPersio
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
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10
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Dower WJ, Park AI, Bakker AV, Cwirla SE, Pongtornpipat P, Williams BM, Joshi P, Baxter BA, Needels MC, Barrett RW. A mechanistically novel peptide agonist of the IL-7 receptor that addresses limitations of IL-7 cytokine therapy. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286834. [PMID: 37874823 PMCID: PMC10597491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-7 is broadly active on T-cell populations, and modified versions have been clinically evaluated for a variety of therapeutic applications, including cancer, lymphopenia, and infectious diseases; and found to be relatively well-tolerated and biologically active. Here we describe novel IL-7R agonists that are unrelated in structure to IL-7, bind to the receptor subunits differently from IL-7, but closely emulate IL-7 biology. The small size, low structural complexity, and the natural amino acid composition of the pharmacologically active peptide MDK1472 allows facile incorporation into protein structures, such as the IgG2-Fc fusion MDK-703. This molecule possesses properties potentially better suited to therapeutic applications than native IL-7 or its derivatives. We compared these compounds with IL-7 for immune cell selectivity, induction of IL-7R signaling, receptor-mediated internalization, proliferation, and generation of immune cell phenotypes in human and non-human primate (NHP) peripheral blood cells in vitro; and found them to be similar in biological activity to IL-7. In cynomolgus macaques, MDK-703 exhibits a circulating half-life of 46 hr and produces sustained T-cell expansion characteristic of IL-7 treatment. In the huCD34+-engrafted NSG mouse model of the human immune system, MDK-703 induces an immune cell profile very similar to that generated by IL-7-derived compounds; including the pronounced expansion of memory T-cells, particularly the population of stem-like memory T-cells (Tscm) which may be important for anti-tumor activities reported with IL-7 treatment. Clinical administration of IL-7 and modified variants has been reported to induce anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), including IL-7 neutralizing antibodies. The novel peptide agonist reported here scores very low in predicted immunogenicity, and because the peptide lacks sequence similarity with IL-7, the problematic immunogenic neutralization of endogenous cytokine should not occur. The properties we report here implicate MDK-703 as a candidate for clinical evaluation in oncology, anti-viral and other infectious disease, vaccine enhancement, and treatment of lymphopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Dower
- Medikine, Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States of America
| | | | - Alice V. Bakker
- Medikine, Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States of America
| | - Steven E. Cwirla
- Medikine, Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States of America
| | | | - Blake M. Williams
- Medikine, Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Center for Quantitative Bioinformatics and Quantitative Biology, Colleges of Engineering and Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Prarthana Joshi
- Medikine, Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States of America
| | - Bryan A. Baxter
- Medikine, Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States of America
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11
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Fu Y, Tang R, Zhao X. Engineering cytokines for cancer immunotherapy: a systematic review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1218082. [PMID: 37483629 PMCID: PMC10357296 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1218082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are pivotal mediators of cell communication in the tumor microenvironment. Multiple cytokines are involved in the host antitumor response, but the production and function of these cytokines are usually dysregulated during malignant tumor progression. Considering their clinical potential and the early successful use of cytokines in cancer immunotherapy, such as interferon alpha-2b (IFNα-2b; IntronA®) and IL-2 (Proleukin®), cytokine-based therapeutics have been extensively evaluated in many follow-up clinical trials. Following these initial breakthroughs, however, clinical translation of these natural messenger molecules has been greatly limited owing to their high-degree pleiotropic features and complex biological properties in many cell types. These characteristics, coupled with poor pharmacokinetics (a short half-life), have hampered the delivery of cytokines via systemic administration, particularly because of severe dose-limiting toxicities. New engineering approaches have been developed to widen the therapeutic window, prolong pharmacokinetic effects, enhance tumor targeting and reduce adverse effects, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we focus on the recent progress and competitive landscape in cytokine engineering strategies and preclinical/clinical therapeutics for cancer. In addition, aiming to promote engineered cytokine-based cancer immunotherapy, we present a profound discussion about the feasibility of recently developed methods in clinical medicine translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Renhong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Nanjing, China
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12
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Kozlakidis Z, Shi P, Abarbanel G, Klein C, Sfera A. Recent Developments in Protein Lactylation in PTSD and CVD: Novel Strategies and Targets. BIOTECH 2023; 12:38. [PMID: 37218755 PMCID: PMC10204439 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12020038] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1938, Corneille Heymans received the Nobel Prize in physiology for discovering that oxygen sensing in the aortic arch and carotid sinus was mediated by the nervous system. The genetics of this process remained unclear until 1991 when Gregg Semenza while studying erythropoietin, came upon hypoxia-inducible factor 1, for which he obtained the Nobel Prize in 2019. The same year, Yingming Zhao found protein lactylation, a posttranslational modification that can alter the function of hypoxia-inducible factor 1, the master regulator of cellular senescence, a pathology implicated in both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The genetic correlation between PTSD and CVD has been demonstrated by many studies, of which the most recent one utilizes large-scale genetics to estimate the risk factors for these conditions. This study focuses on the role of hypertension and dysfunctional interleukin 7 in PTSD and CVD, the former caused by stress-induced sympathetic arousal and elevated angiotensin II, while the latter links stress to premature endothelial cell senescence and early vascular aging. This review summarizes the recent developments and highlights several novel PTSD and CVD pharmacological targets. They include lactylation of histone and non-histone proteins, along with the related biomolecular actors such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, erythropoietin, acid-sensing ion channels, basigin, and Interleukin 7, as well as strategies to delay premature cellular senescence by telomere lengthening and resetting the epigenetic clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zisis Kozlakidis
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization (IARC/WHO), 69372 Lyon, France
| | - Patricia Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Ganna Abarbanel
- Patton State Hospital, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | | | - Adonis Sfera
- Patton State Hospital, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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13
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Swan SL, Mehta N, Ilich E, Shen SH, Wilkinson DS, Anderson AR, Segura T, Sanchez-Perez L, Sampson JH, Bellamkonda RV. IL7 and IL7 Flt3L co-expressing CAR T cells improve therapeutic efficacy in mouse EGFRvIII heterogeneous glioblastoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1085547. [PMID: 36817432 PMCID: PMC9936235 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1085547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in glioblastoma faces many challenges including insufficient CAR T cell abundance and antigen-negative tumor cells evading targeting. Unfortunately, preclinical studies evaluating CAR T cells in glioblastoma focus on tumor models that express a single antigen, use immunocompromised animals, and/or pre-treat with lymphodepleting agents. While lymphodepletion enhances CAR T cell efficacy, it diminishes the endogenous immune system that has the potential for tumor eradication. Here, we engineered CAR T cells to express IL7 and/or Flt3L in 50% EGFRvIII-positive and -negative orthotopic tumors pre-conditioned with non-lymphodepleting irradiation. IL7 and IL7 Flt3L CAR T cells increased intratumoral CAR T cell abundance seven days after treatment. IL7 co-expression with Flt3L modestly increased conventional dendritic cells as well as the CD103+XCR1+ population known to have migratory and antigen cross-presenting capabilities. Treatment with IL7 or IL7 Flt3L CAR T cells improved overall survival to 67% and 50%, respectively, compared to 9% survival with conventional or Flt3L CAR T cells. We concluded that CAR T cells modified to express IL7 enhanced CAR T cell abundance and improved overall survival in EGFRvIII heterogeneous tumors pre-conditioned with non-lymphodepleting irradiation. Potentially IL7 or IL7 Flt3L CAR T cells can provide new opportunities to combine CAR T cells with other immunotherapies for the treatment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheridan L Swan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nalini Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ekaterina Ilich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Steven H Shen
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Daniel S Wilkinson
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alexa R Anderson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Tatiana Segura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.,Clinical Science Departments of Neurology and Dermatology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Luis Sanchez-Perez
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - John H Sampson
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ravi V Bellamkonda
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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14
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Kudling TV, Clubb JH, Quixabeira DC, Santos JM, Havunen R, Kononov A, Heiniö C, Cervera-Carrascon V, Pakola S, Basnet S, Grönberg-Vähä-Koskela S, Arias V, Gladwyn-Ng I, Aro K, Bäck L, Räsänen J, Ilonen I, Borenius K, Räsänen M, Hemminki O, Rannikko A, Kanerva A, Tapper J, Hemminki A. Local delivery of interleukin 7 with an oncolytic adenovirus activates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and causes tumor regression. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2096572. [PMID: 35845722 PMCID: PMC9278414 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2096572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines have proven to be effective for cancer therapy, however whilst low-dose monotherapy with cytokines provides limited therapeutic benefit, high-dose treatment can lead to a number of adverse events. Interleukin 7 has shown promising results in clinical trials, but anti-cancer effect was limited, in part due to a low concentration of the cytokine within the tumor. We hypothesized that arming an oncolytic adenovirus with Interleukin 7, enabling high expression localized to the tumor microenvironment, would overcome systemic delivery issues and improve therapeutic efficacy. We evaluated the effects of Ad5/3-E2F-d24-hIL7 (TILT-517) on tumor growth, immune cell activation and cytokine profiles in the tumor microenvironment using three clinically relevant animal models and ex vivo tumor cultures. Our data showed that local treatment of tumor bearing animals with Ad5/3- E2F-d24-hIL7 significantly decreased cancer growth and increased frequency of tumor-infiltrating cells. Ad5/3-E2F-d24-hIL7 promoted notable upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and concomitant activation and migration of CD4+ and CD8 + T cells. Interleukin 7 expression within the tumor was positively correlated with increased number of cytotoxic CD4+ cells and IFNg-producing CD4+ and CD8+ cells. These findings offer an approach to overcome the current limitations of conventional IL7 therapy and could therefore be translated to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V. Kudling
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - James H.A. Clubb
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dafne C.A. Quixabeira
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joao M. Santos
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Havunen
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alexander Kononov
- Systems Oncology Group, Cancer research UK, Manchester University, Manchester, UK
| | - Camilla Heiniö
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Victor Cervera-Carrascon
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Santeri Pakola
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Saru Basnet
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanna Grönberg-Vähä-Koskela
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Victor Arias
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Katri Aro
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki Head and Neck Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leif Bäck
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki Head and Neck Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Räsänen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilkka Ilonen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristian Borenius
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Räsänen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Otto Hemminki
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Urology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Rannikko
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Urology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Kanerva
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Tapper
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Akseli Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland
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15
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Welty NE, Gill SI. Cancer Immunotherapy Beyond Checkpoint Blockade: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review. JACC CardioOncol 2022; 4:563-578. [PMID: 36636439 PMCID: PMC9830230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2022.11.006] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Avoidance of immune destruction is recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer development. Although first predicted as a potential antitumor treatment modality more than 50 years ago, the widespread clinical use of cancer immunotherapies has only recently become a reality. Cancer immunotherapy works by reactivation of a stalled pre-existing immune response or by eliciting a de novo immune response, and its toolkit comprises antibodies, vaccines, cytokines, and cell-based therapies. The treatment paradigm in some malignancies has completely changed over the past 10 to 15 years. Massive efforts in preclinical development have led to a surge of clinical trials testing innovative therapeutic approaches as monotherapy and, increasingly, in combination. Here we provide an overview of approved and emerging antitumor immune therapies, focusing on the rich landscape of therapeutic approaches beyond those that block the canonical PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 axes and placing them in the context of the latest understanding of tumor immunology.
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Key Words
- BiTE, bispecific T cell engager
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CRS, cytokine-release syndrome
- FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- ICI, immune checkpoint inhibitor
- IL, interleukin
- NK, natural killer
- NSCLC, non–small cell lung cancer
- TIL, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte
- alloHCT, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- cancer
- immune therapy
- immunotherapy
- innovation
- mAb, monoclonal antibody
- treatment
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan E. Welty
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saar I. Gill
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Address for correspondence: Dr Saar I. Gill, Smilow Center for Translational Research, Room 8-101, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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16
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IL-7: Comprehensive review. Cytokine 2022; 160:156049. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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17
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Coupet CA, Dubois C, Evlachev A, Kehrer N, Baldazza M, Hofman S, Vierboom M, Martin P, Inchauspe G. Intravenous injection of a novel viral immunotherapy encoding human interleukin-7 in nonhuman primates is safe and increases absolute lymphocyte count. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2133914. [PMID: 36315906 PMCID: PMC9746448 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2133914] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistence of an immunosuppression, affecting both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, plays a role in sepsis patients' morbidity and late mortality pointing to the need for broad and effective immune interventions. MVA-hIL-7-Fc is a non-replicative recombinant Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara encoding the human interleukin-7 fused to human IgG2 Fc fragment. We have shown in murine sepsis models the capacity of this new virotherapy to stimulate both arms of the immune system and increase survival. Herein, an exploratory study in nonhuman primates was performed following a single intravenous injection of the MVA-hIL-7-Fc used at the clinical dose to assess its safety and biological activities. Four cynomolgus macaques were followed for 3 weeks post-injection (p.i), without observed acute adverse reactions. Circulating hIL-7-Fc was detected during the first 3-5 days p.i with a detection peaking at 12 h p.i. IL-7 receptor engagement and downstream signal transduction were detected in T cells demonstrating functionality of the expressed IL-7. Expansion of blood lymphocytes, mainly CD4 and CD8 naïve and central memory T cells, was observed on day 7 p.i. together with a transient increase of Ki67 expression on T lymphocytes. In addition, we observed an increase in circulating B and NK cells as well as monocytes were albeit with different kinetics and levels. This study indicates that a vectorized IL-7-Fc, injected by intravenous route at a relevant clinical dose in a large animal model, is active without adverse reactions supporting the clinical development of this novel virotherapy for treatment of sepsis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nadine Kehrer
- Infectious Diseases Department, Transgene SA, Lyon, France
| | - Marie Baldazza
- Infectious Diseases Department, Transgene SA, Lyon, France
| | - Sam Hofman
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Vierboom
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Perrine Martin
- Infectious Diseases Department, Transgene SA, Lyon, France
| | - Geneviève Inchauspe
- Infectious Diseases Department, Transgene SA, Lyon, France,CONTACT Geneviève Inchauspe Infectious Diseases department, Transgene SA, 317 Avenue Jean Jaures, Lyon69007, France
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18
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Ware MB, Wolfarth AA, Goon JB, Ezeanya UI, Dhar S, Ferrando-Martinez S, Lee BH. The Role of Interleukin-7 in the Formation of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures and Their Prognostic Value in Gastrointestinal Cancers. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2022; 5:105-117. [PMID: 36483588 PMCID: PMC9714415 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-22-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumors continue to develop in preclinical and clinical research settings. Unfortunately, for many patients the tumor fails to respond or becomes resistant to therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) targeting programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4). In many cancers, failed response to CPIs can be attributed to poor T cell infiltration, dominant immunosuppression, and exhausted immune responses. In gastrointestinal (GI) cancers T cell infiltration can be dismal, with several reports finding that CD8+ T cells compose less than 2% of all cells within the tumor. Organized aggregates of lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells, and vessels, together termed tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), are hypothesized to be a major source of T cells within solid tumors. The intratumoral formation of these organized immune centers appears to rely on intricate cytokine and chemokine signaling to heterogeneous cell populations such as B and T cells, innate lymphoid cells, fibroblasts, and dendritic cells. In GI cancers, the presence and density of TLSs provide prognostic value for predicting outcome and survival. Further, TLS presence and density associates with favorable responses to CPIs in many cancers. This review highlights the prognostic value of TLSs in GI cancers, the role of the homeostatic cytokine interleukin-7 (IL-7) in TLS formation, and the induction of TLSs in solid tumors by novel therapeutics.
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19
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A single administration of hIL-7-hyFc induces long-lasting T-cell expansion with maintained effector functions. Blood Adv 2022; 6:6093-6107. [PMID: 36206199 PMCID: PMC9772483 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is an essential cytokine for T-cell homeostatic proliferation and maintenance. Clinical studies have shown the potential benefits of IL-7 therapy in various diseases associated with lymphopenia. However, the kinetics of the T-cell response to a single administration of IL-7 in humans have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of Fc-fused long-acting recombinant human IL-7 (hIL-7-hyFc, efineptakin alfa) on lymphocytes in healthy adults after a single subcutaneous or intramuscular administration. Administration of hIL-7-hyFc increased the CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell numbers up to 2.5-fold, with corresponding upregulation of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression, peaking at day 3 or 7. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) did not expand. Among CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, all T-cell subsets (TN, TEM, TCM, TEMRA, and TSCM) increased for 56 days. The T-cell receptor repertoire diversity of naive CD8+ and CD4+ T cells was increased by hIL-7-hyFc, whereas the memory T-cell subsets did not differ between day 56 and day 0. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that hIL-7-hyFc induced robust T-cell expansion without changes in gene expression profiles associated with T-cell functions or genes related to T-cell exhaustion, senescence, and anergy. The effector functions of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells were preserved after hIL-7-hyFc administration. Our results suggest that hIL-7-hyFc administration induced a sustained increase in the numbers of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, but not Tregs, without qualitative changes. These results support the potential of hIL-7-hyFc as a treatment for patients with compromised T-cell immunity or as a vaccine adjuvant.
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20
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Kim MY, Jayasinghe R, Devenport JM, Ritchey JK, Rettig MP, O'Neal J, Staser KW, Kennerly KM, Carter AJ, Gao F, Lee BH, Cooper ML, DiPersio JF. A long-acting interleukin-7, rhIL-7-hyFc, enhances CAR T cell expansion, persistence, and anti-tumor activity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3296. [PMID: 35697686 PMCID: PMC9192727 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30860-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is routinely used to treat patients with refractory hematologic malignancies. However, a significant proportion of patients experience suboptimal CAR T cell cytotoxicity and persistence that can permit tumor cell escape and disease relapse. Here we show that a prototype pro-lymphoid growth factor is able to enhance CAR T cell efficacy. We demonstrate that a long-acting form of recombinant human interleukin-7 (IL-7) fused with hybrid Fc (rhIL-7-hyFc) promotes proliferation, persistence and cytotoxicity of human CAR T cells in xenogeneic mouse models, and murine CAR T cells in syngeneic mouse models, resulting in long-term tumor-free survival. Thus, rhIL-7-hyFc represents a tunable clinic-ready adjuvant for improving suboptimal CAR T cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Y Kim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Reyka Jayasinghe
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jessica M Devenport
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Julie K Ritchey
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael P Rettig
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Julie O'Neal
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Karl W Staser
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Krista M Kennerly
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alun J Carter
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Feng Gao
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Matthew L Cooper
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - John F DiPersio
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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21
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Campian JL, Ghosh S, Kapoor V, Yan R, Thotala S, Jash A, Hu T, Mahadevan A, Rifai K, Page L, Lee BH, Ferrando-Martinez S, Wolfarth AA, Yang SH, Hallahan D, Chheda MG, Thotala D. Long-acting recombinant human interleukin-7, NT-I7, increases cytotoxic CD8 + T cells and enhances survival in mouse glioma models. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:1229-1239. [PMID: 35031547 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) are treated with radiation therapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ). These treatments may cause prolonged systemic lymphopenia, which itself is associated with poor outcomes. NT-I7 is a long-acting IL-7 that expands CD4 and CD8 T cell numbers in humans and mice. We tested whether NT-I7 prevents systemic lymphopenia and improves survival in mouse models of GBM. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN C57BL/6 mice bearing intracranial tumors (GL261 or CT2A) were treated with RT (1.8 Gy/day x 5 days), TMZ (33 mg/kg/day x 5 days), and/or NT-I7 (10 mg/kg on the final day of RT). We followed the mice for survival while serially analyzing levels of circulating T lymphocytes. We assessed regulatory T cells (Treg) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment, cervical lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus; and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow. RESULTS GBM tumor-bearing mice treated with RT+NT-I7 increased T lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen, enhanced IFNγ production, and decreased Treg cells in the tumor which was associated with a significant increase in survival. NT-I7 also enhanced central memory and effector memory CD8 T cells in lymphoid organs and tumor. Depleting CD8 T cells abrogated the effects of NT-I7. Furthermore, NT-I7 treatment decreased progenitor cells in the bone marrow. CONCLUSION In orthotopic glioma-bearing mice, NT-I7 mitigates radiation-related lymphopenia, increases cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes systemically and in the tumor, and improves survival. A phase I/II trial to evaluate NT-I7 in patients with high-grade gliomas is ongoing (NCT03687957).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Subhajit Ghosh
- Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
| | - Vaishali Kapoor
- Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
| | - Ran Yan
- Washington University in St. Louis
| | | | | | - Tong Hu
- Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Anita Mahadevan
- Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
| | - Kasem Rifai
- Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
| | - Logan Page
- Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
| | - Byung Ha Lee
- Translational Research Division, NeoImmuneTech, Inc
| | | | | | | | - Dennis Hallahan
- Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
| | | | - Dinesh Thotala
- Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
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22
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Wolfarth AA, Dhar S, Goon JB, Ezeanya UI, Ferrando-Martínez S, Lee BH. Advancements of Common Gamma-Chain Family Cytokines in Cancer Immunotherapy. Immune Netw 2022; 22:e5. [PMID: 35291658 PMCID: PMC8901704 DOI: 10.4110/in.2022.22.e5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Swati Dhar
- NeoImmuneTech, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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23
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Kim MY, Cooper ML, Jacobs MT, Ritchey JK, Hollaway J, Fehniger TA, DiPersio JF. CD7-deleted hematopoietic stem cells can restore immunity after CAR T cell therapy. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e149819. [PMID: 34423790 PMCID: PMC8410010 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting T cell malignancies with universal CD7-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells (UCART7) can lead to profound immune deficiency due to loss of normal T and NK cells. While a small population of endogenous CD7- T cells exists, these cells are unlikely to be able to repopulate the entire immune repertoire after UCART7 treatment, as they are limited in number and proliferative capacity. To rescue T and NK cells after UCART7, we created hematopoietic stem cells genetically deleted for CD7 (CD7-KO HSCs). CD7-KO HSCs were able to engraft immunodeficient mice and differentiate into T and NK cells lacking CD7 expression. CD7-KO T and NK cells could perform effector functions as robustly as control T and NK cells. Furthermore, CD7-KO T cells were phenotypically and functionally distinct from endogenous CD7- T cells, indicating that CD7-KO T cells can supplement immune functions lacking in CD7- T cells. Mice engrafted with CD7-KO HSCs maintained T and NK cell numbers after UCART7 treatment, while these were significantly decreased in control mice. These studies support the development of CD7-KO HSCs to augment host immunity in patients with T cell malignancies after UCART7 treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD7/genetics
- Cell Engineering/methods
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Gene Editing
- Gene Knockout Techniques
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Leukemia, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, B-Cell/therapy
- Mice
- RNA-Seq
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Single-Cell Analysis
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Transplantation Chimera
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Immunogenomic profiling and pathological response results from a clinical trial of docetaxel and carboplatin in triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 189:187-202. [PMID: 34173924 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who do not achieve pathological complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy have a high risk of recurrence and death. Molecular characterization may identify patients unlikely to achieve pCR. This neoadjuvant trial was conducted to determine the pCR rate with docetaxel and carboplatin and to identify molecular alterations and/or immune gene signatures predicting pCR. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patients with clinical stages II/III TNBC received 6 cycles of docetaxel and carboplatin. The primary objective was to determine if neoadjuvant docetaxel and carboplatin would increase the pCR rate in TNBC compared to historical expectations. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and immune profiling on pre-treatment tumor samples to identify alterations that may predict pCR. Thirteen matching on-treatment samples were also analyzed to assess changes in molecular profiles. RESULTS Fifty-eight of 127 (45.7%) patients achieved pCR. There was a non-significant trend toward higher mutation burden for patients with residual cancer burden (RCB) 0/I versus RCB II/III (median 80 versus 68 variants, p 0.88). TP53 was the most frequently mutated gene, observed in 85.7% of tumors. EGFR, RB1, RAD51AP2, SDK2, L1CAM, KPRP, PCDHA1, CACNA1S, CFAP58, COL22A1, and COL4A5 mutations were observed almost exclusively in pre-treatment samples from patients who achieved pCR. Seven mutations in PCDHA1 were observed in pre-treatment samples from patients who did not achieve pCR. Several immune gene signatures including IDO1, PD-L1, interferon gamma signaling, CTLA4, cytotoxicity, tumor inflammation signature, inflammatory chemokines, cytotoxic cells, lymphoid, PD-L2, exhausted CD8, Tregs, and immunoproteasome were upregulated in pre-treatment samples from patients who achieved pCR. CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant docetaxel and carboplatin resulted in a pCR of 45.7%. WES and immune profiling differentiated patients with and without pCR. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trial information: NCT02124902, Registered 24 April 2014 & NCT02547987, Registered 10 September 2015.
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25
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Abstract
Clinical trials have demonstrated that an increased number of effector cells, especially tumor-specific T cells, is positively linked with patients’ prognosis. Although the discovery of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has led to encouraging progress in cancer immunotherapy, the lack of either T cells or targets for CPIs is a limitation for patients with poor prognosis. Since interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-7 are cytokines that target many aspects of T-cell responses, they have been used to treat cancers. In this review, we focus on the basic biology of how these cytokines regulate T-cell response and on the clinical trials using the cytokines against cancer. Further, we introduce several recent studies that aim to improve cytokines’ biological activities and find the strategy for combination with other therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hae Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology(POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Kun-Joo Lee
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology(POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology(POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology(POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
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26
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Kim S, Kim YM, Kim H, Kang YW, Park S, Yang SI, Choi D, Sung YC, Lee SW. Fc-fused IL-7 mobilizes long-term HSCs in a pro-B cell-dependent manner and synergizes with G-CSF and AMD3100. Leukemia 2021; 35:3030-3034. [PMID: 34007048 PMCID: PMC8478653 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sora Kim
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Min Kim
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyekang Kim
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Woo Kang
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Park
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-In Yang
- grid.488254.7Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea
| | - Donghoon Choi
- Research Institute of NeoImmunetech, Co., ltd. Bio Open Innovation Center, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea ,grid.488254.7Genexine, Inc., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea ,grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
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27
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Kim JH, Kim YM, Choi D, Jo SB, Park HW, Hong SW, Park S, Kim S, Moon S, You G, Kang YW, Park Y, Lee BH, Lee SW. Hybrid Fc-fused interleukin-7 induces an inflamed tumor microenvironment and improves the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e1168. [PMID: 32994996 PMCID: PMC7507498 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Emerging oncotherapeutic strategies require the induction of an immunostimulatory tumor microenvironment (TME) containing numerous tumor‐reactive CD8+ T cells. Interleukin‐7 (IL‐7), a T‐cell homeostatic cytokine, induces an antitumor response; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying the contributions of the IL‐7 to TME remain unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the induction of antitumor response by hybrid Fc‐fused long‐acting recombinant human IL‐7 (rhIL‐7‐hyFc) through regulation of both adaptive and innate immune cells in the TME. Methods We evaluated rhIL‐7‐hyFc‐mediated antitumor responses in murine syngeneic tumor models. We analysed the cellular and molecular features of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and changes in the TME after rhIL‐7‐hyFc treatment. Furthermore, we evaluated the antitumor efficacy of rhIL‐7‐hyFc combined with chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Results Systemic delivery of rhIL‐7‐hyFc induced significant therapeutic benefits by expanding CD8+ T cells with enhanced tumor tropism. In tumors, rhIL‐7‐hyFc increased both tumor‐reactive and bystander CD8+ TILs, all of which displayed enhanced effector functions but less exhausted phenotypes. Moreover, rhIL‐7‐hyFc suppressed the generation of immunosuppressive myeloid cells in the bone marrow of tumor‐bearing mice, resulting in the immunostimulatory TME. Combination therapy with chemotherapy and CPIs, rhIL‐7‐hyFc elicited a strong antitumor response and even under a T lymphopenic condition by restoring CD8+ T cells. When combined with chemotherapy and CPIs, rhIL‐7‐hyFc administration enhanced antitumor response under intact andlymphopenic conditions by restoring CD8+ T cells. Conclusion Taken together, these data demonstrate that rhIL‐7‐hyFc induces antitumor responses by generating T‐cell‐inflamed TME and provide a preclinical proof of concept of immunotherapy with rhIL‐7‐hyFc to enhance therapeutic responses in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hae Kim
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Department of Life Sciences Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
| | - Young-Min Kim
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Department of Life Sciences Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
| | - Donghoon Choi
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Inc. Rockville MD USA
| | - Saet-Byeol Jo
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
| | - Han Wook Park
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
| | - Sung-Wook Hong
- Laboratory of T Cell Biology Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology Center for Immunology University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis MN USA
| | - Sujeong Park
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
| | - Sora Kim
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
| | - Sookjin Moon
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
| | - Gihoon You
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
| | - Yeon-Woo Kang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
| | - Yunji Park
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
| | - Byung Ha Lee
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Inc. Rockville MD USA
| | - Seung-Woo Lee
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Department of Life Sciences Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea.,Laboratory of Cellular Immunology Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology Pohang University of Science and Technology Pohang Korea
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