1
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Salek-Ardakani S, Zajonc DM, Croft M. Agonism of 4-1BB for immune therapy: a perspective on possibilities and complications. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228486. [PMID: 37662949 PMCID: PMC10469789 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228486] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Costimulatory receptors on immune cells represent attractive targets for immunotherapy given that these molecules can increase the frequency of individual protective immune cell populations and their longevity, as well as enhance various effector functions. 4-1BB, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, also known as CD137 and TNFRSF9, is one such molecule that is inducible on several cell types, including T cells and NK cells. Preclinical studies in animal models have validated the notion that stimulating 4-1BB with agonist reagents or its natural ligand could be useful to augment conventional T cell and NK cell immunity to protect against tumor growth and against viral infection. Additionally, stimulating 4-1BB can enhance regulatory T cell function and might be useful in the right context for suppressing autoimmunity. Two human agonist antibodies to 4-1BB have been produced and tested in clinical trials for cancer, with variable results, leading to the production of a wealth of second-generation antibody constructs, including bi- and multi-specifics, with the hope of optimizing activity and selectivity. Here, we review the progress to date in agonism of 4-1BB, discuss the complications in targeting the immune system appropriately to elicit the desired activity, together with challenges in engineering agonists, and highlight the untapped potential of manipulating this molecule in infectious disease and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk M. Zajonc
- Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Michael Croft
- Center for Autoimmunity and Inflammation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California (UC) San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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2
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Melero I, Sanmamed MF, Glez-Vaz J, Luri-Rey C, Wang J, Chen L. CD137 (4-1BB)-Based Cancer Immunotherapy on Its 25th Anniversary. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:552-569. [PMID: 36576322 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-five years ago, we reported that agonist anti-CD137 monoclonal antibodies eradicated transplanted mouse tumors because of enhanced CD8+ T-cell antitumor immunity. Mouse models indicated that anti-CD137 agonist antibodies synergized with various other therapies. In the clinic, the agonist antibody urelumab showed evidence for single-agent activity against melanoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma but caused severe liver inflammation in a fraction of the patients. CD137's signaling domain is included in approved chimeric antigen receptors conferring persistence and efficacy. A new wave of CD137 agonists targeting tumors, mainly based on bispecific constructs, are in early-phase trials and are showing promising safety and clinical activity. SIGNIFICANCE CD137 (4-1BB) is a costimulatory receptor of T and natural killer lymphocytes whose activity can be exploited in cancer immunotherapy strategies as discovered 25 years ago. Following initial attempts that met unacceptable toxicity, new waves of constructs acting agonistically on CD137 are being developed in patients, offering signs of clinical and pharmacodynamic activity with tolerable safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Luri-Rey
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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3
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Rojas M, Heuer LS, Zhang W, Chen YG, Ridgway WM. The long and winding road: From mouse linkage studies to a novel human therapeutic pathway in type 1 diabetes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918837. [PMID: 35935980 PMCID: PMC9353112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmunity involves a loss of immune tolerance to self-proteins due to a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental provocation, which generates autoreactive T and B cells. Genetic susceptibility affects lymphocyte autoreactivity at the level of central tolerance (e.g., defective, or incomplete MHC-mediated negative selection of self-reactive T cells) and peripheral tolerance (e.g., failure of mechanisms to control circulating self-reactive T cells). T regulatory cell (Treg) mediated suppression is essential for controlling peripheral autoreactive T cells. Understanding the genetic control of Treg development and function and Treg interaction with T effector and other immune cells is thus a key goal of autoimmunity research. Herein, we will review immunogenetic control of tolerance in one of the classic models of autoimmunity, the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of autoimmune Type 1 diabetes (T1D). We review the long (and still evolving) elucidation of how one susceptibility gene, Cd137, (identified originally via linkage studies) affects both the immune response and its regulation in a highly complex fashion. The CD137 (present in both membrane and soluble forms) and the CD137 ligand (CD137L) both signal into a variety of immune cells (bi-directional signaling). The overall outcome of these multitudinous effects (either tolerance or autoimmunity) depends upon the balance between the regulatory signals (predominantly mediated by soluble CD137 via the CD137L pathway) and the effector signals (mediated by both membrane-bound CD137 and CD137L). This immune balance/homeostasis can be decisively affected by genetic (susceptibility vs. resistant alleles) and environmental factors (stimulation of soluble CD137 production). The discovery of the homeostatic immune effect of soluble CD137 on the CD137-CD137L system makes it a promising candidate for immunotherapy to restore tolerance in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Rojas
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Doctoral Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Luke S. Heuer
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Yi-Guang Chen
- The Max McGee Research Center for Juvenile Diabetes, Children’s Research Institute of Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - William M. Ridgway
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: William M. Ridgway,
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4
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Wright Q, Gonzalez Cruz JL, Wells JW, Leggatt GR. PD-1 and beyond to Activate T Cells in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Cancers: The Case for 4-1BB and VISTA Antibodies in Combination Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3310. [PMID: 34282763 PMCID: PMC8269268 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) have a higher incidence than all other cancers combined with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), capable of metastasis, representing approximately 20% of NMSCs. Given the accessibility of the skin, surgery is frequently employed to treat localized disease, although certain localities, the delineation of clear margins, frequency and recurrence of tumors can make these cancers inoperable in a subset of patients. Other treatment modalities, including cryotherapy, are commonly used for individual lesions, with varying success. Immunotherapy, particularly with checkpoint antibodies, is increasingly a promising therapeutic approach in many cancers, offering the potential advantage of immune memory for protection against lesion recurrence. This review addresses a role for PD-1, 4-1BB and VISTA checkpoint antibodies as monotherapies, or in combination as a therapeutic treatment for both early and late-stage cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Graham R. Leggatt
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; (Q.W.); (J.L.G.C.); (J.W.W.)
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5
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Jin J, Jung IH, Moon SH, Jeon S, Jeong SJ, Sonn SK, Seo S, Lee MN, Song EJ, Kweon HY, Kim S, Kim TK, Kim J, Cho HR, Choi JH, Kwon B, Oh GT. CD137 Signaling Regulates Acute Colitis via RALDH2-Expressing CD11b -CD103 + DCs. Cell Rep 2021; 30:4124-4136.e5. [PMID: 32209473 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.02.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CD137, a potent costimulatory receptor for CD8+ T cells, is expressed in various non-T cells, but little is known about its regulatory functions in these cells. In this study, we show that CD137 signaling, specifically in intestinal CD11b-CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs), restricts acute colitis progression. Mechanistically, CD137 engagement activates TAK1 and subsequently stimulates the AMPK-PGC-1α axis to enhance expression of the Aldh1a2 gene encoding the retinoic acid (RA) metabolizing enzyme RALDH2. RA can act on CD11b+CD103- DCs and induce SOCS3 expression, which, in turn, suppresses p38MAPK activation and interleukin-23 (IL-23) production. Administration of RA in DC-specific CD137-/- mice represses IL-23-producing CD11b+CD103- DCs and TH17 cells, indicating that RA is a major inhibitory effector molecule against intestinal CD11b+CD103- DCs. Additionally, the therapeutic effect of the anti-CD137 antibody is abrogated in DC-specific CD137-/- mice. Taken together, our results define a mechanism of paracrine immunoregulation operating between adjacent DC subsets in the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jin
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
| | - In-Hyuk Jung
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shin Hye Moon
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
| | - Sejin Jeon
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
| | - Se-Jin Jeong
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Seong-Keun Sonn
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
| | - Seungwoon Seo
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
| | - Mi-Ni Lee
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
| | - Eun Ju Song
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
| | - Hyae Yon Kweon
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
| | - Sinai Kim
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
| | - Tae Kyeong Kim
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea
| | - Juyang Kim
- School of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Research Center, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, South Korea
| | - Hong Rae Cho
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Research Center, Ulsan University Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Choi
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, South Korea
| | - Byungsuk Kwon
- School of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Research Center, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 44610, South Korea.
| | - Goo Taeg Oh
- Immune and Vascular Cell Network Research Center, National Creative Initiatives, Department of Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea.
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6
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Wong HY, Schwarz H. CD137 / CD137 ligand signalling regulates the immune balance: A potential target for novel immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2020; 112:102499. [PMID: 32505443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CD137 (TNFRSF9, 4-1BB) is a potent co-stimulatory molecule of the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) that is expressed by activated T cells. CD137/CD137 ligand (CD137L) signalling primarily induces a potent cell-mediated immune response, while signalling of cell surface-expressed CD137L into antigen presenting cells enhances their activation, differentiation and migratory capacity. Studies have shown that bidirectional CD137/CD137L signalling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This review discusses the mechanisms how CD137/CD137L signalling contributes to immune deviation of helper T cell pathways in various murine models, and the potential of developing immunotherapies targeting CD137/CD137L signalling for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiu Yi Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore; Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Herbert Schwarz
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore; Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
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7
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Luu K, Shao Z, Schwarz H. The relevance of soluble CD137 in the regulation of immune responses and for immunotherapeutic intervention. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 107:731-738. [PMID: 32052477 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr1119-224r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD137 is a potent costimulatory receptor. Several agonistic anti-CD137 antibodies are currently in clinical trials for tumor immunotherapy. Soluble forms of CD137 (sCD137) are generated by differential splicing and antagonize the activities of membrane-bound CD137 (mCD137) and of therapeutic CD137 agonists. sCD137 is found in sera of patients suffering from autoimmune diseases where it is a natural regulator of immune responses, and which has therapeutic potential for immune-mediated diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge on sCD137, highlights its potential role in immunotherapy against cancer and in autoimmune diseases, and presents important issues to be addressed by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khang Luu
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Graduate School for Integrative Sciences & Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhe Shao
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Herbert Schwarz
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Graduate School for Integrative Sciences & Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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8
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Immune checkpoint molecules. Possible future therapeutic implications in autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2019; 104:102333. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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9
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Xiao ZX, Olsen N, Zheng SG. The essential role of costimulatory molecules in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2019; 28:575-582. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203319829818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease with immune system disorder mediated through complex autoimmune pathways that involve immune cells, nonimmune cells, cytokines, chemokines, as well as costimulatory molecules. Costimulatory signals play a critical role in initiating, maintaining and regulating immune reactions, and these include ligands and receptors and their interactions involving multiple types of signal information. Dysfunction of costimulatory factors results in complicated abnormal immune responses, with biological effects and eventually, clinical autoimmune diseases. Here we outline what is known about various roles that costimulatory families including the B7 family and tumor necrosis factor super family play in SLE. The aim of this review is to understand the possible association of costimulation with autoimmune diseases, especially SLE, and to explore possible therapeutic target(s) of costimulatory molecules and pathways that might be used to develop therapeutic approaches for patients with these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z X Xiao
- Department of Clinical Immunology at Sun Yat-sen University Third Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - N Olsen
- Division of Rheumatology, Penn State College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - S G Zheng
- Division of Rheumatology, Penn State College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
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10
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Hahn AW, Gill DM, Pal SK, Agarwal N. The future of immune checkpoint cancer therapy after PD-1 and CTLA-4. Immunotherapy 2017; 9:681-692. [DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Hahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112 USA
| | - David M Gill
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112 USA
| | - Sumanta K Pal
- Department of Oncology, City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010 USA
| | - Neeraj Agarwal
- Department of Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112 USA
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11
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Beyond TNF: TNF superfamily cytokines as targets for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2017; 13:217-233. [PMID: 28275260 DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2017.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
TNF blockers are highly efficacious at dampening inflammation and reducing symptoms in rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, and also in nonrheumatic syndromes such as inflammatory bowel disease. As TNF belongs to a superfamily of 19 structurally related proteins that have both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity, reagents that disrupt the interaction between proinflammatory TNF family cytokines and their receptors, or agonize the anti-inflammatory receptors, are being considered for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Biologic agents that block B cell activating factor (BAFF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) have been approved for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and osteoporosis, respectively. In this Review, we focus on additional members of the TNF superfamily that could be relevant for the pathogenesis of rheumatic disease, including those that can strongly promote activity of immune cells or increase activity of tissue cells, as well as those that promote death pathways and might limit inflammation. We examine preclinical mouse and human data linking these molecules to the control of damage in the joints, muscle, bone or other tissues, and discuss their potential as targets for future therapy of rheumatic diseases.
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12
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Dharmadhikari B, Wu M, Abdullah NS, Rajendran S, Ishak ND, Nickles E, Harfuddin Z, Schwarz H. CD137 and CD137L signals are main drivers of type 1, cell-mediated immune responses. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1113367. [PMID: 27141396 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1113367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
CD137 is expressed on activated T cells and NK cells, among others, and is a potent co-stimulator of antitumor immune responses. CD137 ligand (CD137L) is expressed by antigen presenting cells (APC), and CD137L reverse signaling into APC enhances their activity. CD137-CD137L interactions as main driver of type 1, cell-mediated immune responses explains the puzzling observation that CD137 agonists which enhance antitumor immune responses also ameliorate autoimmune diseases. Upon co-stimulation by CD137, Th1 CD4+ T cells together with Tc1 CD8+ T cells and NK cells inhibit other T cell subsets, thereby promoting antitumor responses and mitigating non-type 1 auto-immune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhushan Dharmadhikari
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Meihui Wu
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Nur Sharalyn Abdullah
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Sakthi Rajendran
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Nur Diana Ishak
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Emily Nickles
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Zulkarnain Harfuddin
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Herbert Schwarz
- Department of Physiology, and Immunology Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Bartkowiak T, Curran MA. 4-1BB Agonists: Multi-Potent Potentiators of Tumor Immunity. Front Oncol 2015; 5:117. [PMID: 26106583 PMCID: PMC4459101 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a rapidly expanding field of oncology aimed at targeting, not the tumor itself, but the immune system combating the cancerous lesion. Of the many approaches currently under study to boost anti-tumor immune responses; modulation of immune co-receptors on lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment has thus far proven to be the most effective. Antibody blockade of the T cell co-inhibitory receptor cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) has become the first FDA approved immune checkpoint blockade; however, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes express a diverse array of additional stimulatory and inhibitory co-receptors, which can be targeted to boost tumor immunity. Among these, the co-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB (CD137/TNFSF9) possesses an unequaled capacity for both activation and pro-inflammatory polarization of anti-tumor lymphocytes. While functional studies of 4-1BB have focused on its prominent role in augmenting cytotoxic CD8 T cells, 4-1BB can also modulate the activity of CD4 T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. 4-1BB’s expression on both T cells and antigen presenting cells, coupled with its capacity to promote survival, expansion, and enhanced effector function of activated T cells, has made it an alluring target for tumor immunotherapy. In contrast to immune checkpoint blocking antibodies, 4-1BB agonists can both potentiate anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity, while at the same time ameliorating autoimmune disease. Despite this, 4-1BB agonists can trigger high grade liver inflammation which has slowed their clinical development. In this review, we discuss how the underlying immunobiology of 4-1BB activation suggests the potential for therapeutically synergistic combination strategies in which immune adverse events can be minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Bartkowiak
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , USA ; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Michael A Curran
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , USA ; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston , Houston, TX , USA
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14
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Kachapati K, Bednar KJ, Adams DE, Wu Y, Mittler RS, Jordan MB, Hinerman JM, Herr AB, Ridgway WM. Recombinant soluble CD137 prevents type one diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. J Autoimmun 2013; 47:94-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Ho WT, Pang WL, Chong SM, Castella A, Al-Salam S, Tan TE, Moh MC, Koh LK, Gan SU, Cheng CK, Schwarz H. Expression of CD137 on Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg Cells Inhibits T-cell Activation by Eliminating CD137 Ligand Expression. Cancer Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-3849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Kachapati K, Adams DE, Wu Y, Steward CA, Rainbow DB, Wicker LS, Mittler RS, Ridgway WM. The B10 Idd9.3 locus mediates accumulation of functionally superior CD137(+) regulatory T cells in the nonobese diabetic type 1 diabetes model. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:5001-15. [PMID: 23066155 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CD137 is a T cell costimulatory molecule encoded by the prime candidate gene (designated Tnfrsf9) in NOD.B10 Idd9.3 congenic mice protected from type 1 diabetes (T1D). NOD T cells show decreased CD137-mediated T cell signaling compared with NOD.B10 Idd9.3 T cells, but it has been unclear how this decreased CD137 T cell signaling could mediate susceptibility to T1D. We and others have shown that a subset of regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitutively expresses CD137 (whereas effector T cells do not, and only express CD137 briefly after activation). In this study, we show that the B10 Idd9.3 region intrinsically contributes to accumulation of CD137(+) Tregs with age. NOD.B10 Idd9.3 mice showed significantly increased percentages and numbers of CD137(+) peripheral Tregs compared with NOD mice. Moreover, Tregs expressing the B10 Idd9.3 region preferentially accumulated in mixed bone marrow chimeric mice reconstituted with allotypically marked NOD and NOD.B10 Idd9.3 bone marrow. We demonstrate a possible significance of increased numbers of CD137(+) Tregs by showing functional superiority of FACS-purified CD137(+) Tregs in vitro compared with CD137(-) Tregs in T cell-suppression assays. Increased functional suppression was also associated with increased production of the alternatively spliced CD137 isoform, soluble CD137, which has been shown to suppress T cell proliferation. We show for the first time, to our knowledge, that CD137(+) Tregs are the primary cellular source of soluble CD137. NOD.B10 Idd9.3 mice showed significantly increased serum soluble CD137 compared with NOD mice with age, consistent with their increased numbers of CD137(+) Tregs with age. These studies demonstrate the importance of CD137(+) Tregs in T1D and offer a new hypothesis for how the NOD Idd9.3 region could act to increase T1D susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Kachapati
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Behrendt AK, Meyer-Bahlburg A, Hansen G. CD137 deficiency does not affect development of airway inflammation or respiratory tolerance induction in murine models. Clin Exp Immunol 2012; 168:308-17. [PMID: 22519594 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2012.04572.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The co-stimulatory molecule CD137 (4-1BB) plays a crucial role in the development and persistence of asthma, characterized by eosinophilic airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, airway hyperreactivity, increased T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine production and serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels. We have shown previously that application of an agonistic CD137 monoclonal antibody (mAb) prevented and even reversed an already established asthma phenotype. In the current study we investigated whether deficiency of the CD137/CD137L pathway affects the development of allergic airway inflammation or the opposite immune reaction of respiratory tolerance. CD137⁻/⁻ and wild-type (WT) mice were sensitized and challenged with the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA) and analysed for the presence of allergic disease parameters (allergy protocol). Some animals were tolerized by mucosal application of OVA prior to transferring the animals to the allergy protocol to analyse the effect of CD137 loss on tolerance induction (tolerance protocol). Eosinophilic airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, Th2 cytokine production and elevated allergen-specific serum IgE levels were increased equally in CD137⁻/⁻ and WT mice. Induction of tolerance resulted in comparable protection from the development of an allergic phenotype in both mouse strains. In addition, no significant differences could be identified in CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3⁺) regulatory T cells, supporting the conclusion that CD137⁻/⁻ mice show equal Th2-mediated immune responses compared to WT mice. Taken together, CD137⁻/⁻ mice and WT mice develop the same phenotype in a murine model of Th2-mediated allergic airway inflammation and respiratory tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-K Behrendt
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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18
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Abstract
The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse spontaneously develops type 1 diabetes (T1D) and has thus served as a model for understanding the genetic and immunological basis, and treatment, of T1D. Since its initial description in 1980, however, the field has matured and recognized that prevention of diabetes in NOD mice (i.e., preventing the disease from occurring by an intervention prior to frank diabetes) is relatively easy to achieve and does not correlate well with curing the disease (after the onset of frank hyperglycemia). Hundreds of papers have described the prevention of diabetes in NOD mice but only a handful have described its actual reversal. The paradoxical conclusion is that preventing the disease in NOD mice does not necessarily tell us what caused the disease nor how to reverse it. The NOD mouse model is therefore best used now, with respect to human disease, as a way to understand the genetic and immunologic causes of and as a model for trying to reverse disease once hyperglycemia occurs. We describe how genetic approaches to identifying causative gene variants can be adapted to identify novel therapeutic agents for reversing new-onset T1D.
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Golovina TN, Mikheeva T, Suhoski MM, Aqui NA, Tai VC, Shan X, Liu R, Balcarcel RR, Fisher N, Levine BL, Carroll RG, Warner N, Blazar BR, June CH, Riley JL. CD28 costimulation is essential for human T regulatory expansion and function. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2008; 181:2855-68. [PMID: 18684977 PMCID: PMC2556987 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.4.2855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The costimulatory requirements required for peripheral blood T regulatory cells (Tregs) are unclear. Using cell-based artificial APCs we found that CD28 but not ICOS, OX40, 4-1BB, CD27, or CD40 ligand costimulation maintained high levels of Foxp3 expression and in vitro suppressive function. Only CD28 costimulation in the presence of rapamycin consistently generated Tregs that consistently suppressed xenogeneic graft-vs-host disease in immunodeficient mice. Restimulation of Tregs after 8-12 days of culture with CD28 costimulation in the presence of rapamycin resulted in >1000-fold expansion of Tregs in <3 wk. Next, we determined whether other costimulatory pathways could augment the replicative potential of CD28-costimulated Tregs. We observed that while OX40 costimulation augmented the proliferative capacity of CD28-costimulated Tregs, Foxp3 expression and suppressive function were diminished. These studies indicate that the costimulatory requirements for expanding Tregs differ from those for T effector cells and, furthermore, they extend findings from mouse Tregs to demonstrate that human postthymic Tregs require CD28 costimulation to expand and maintain potent suppressive function in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana N Golovina
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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20
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Ge X, Brown J, Sykes M, Boussiotis VA. CD134-allodepletion allows selective elimination of alloreactive human T cells without loss of virus-specific and leukemia-specific effectors. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2008; 14:518-30. [PMID: 18410894 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2008.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2007] [Accepted: 02/13/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a frequent and severe complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). One approach to reducing alloreactivity is to deplete the graft of alloreactive T cells. Global T cell depletion results in poor immune reconstitution with high mortality from viral infections and disease relapse. Therefore, an approach to selectively deplete alloreactive T cells without compromising other responses would be highly beneficial. We undertook studies to identify an inducible activation marker expressed on alloreactive effector T cells following culture with HLA-mismatched allostimulators. Compared to other markers, CD134 was superior because of its negative baseline expression and rapid upregulation after activation. Depletion of CD134(+) cells from responder populations dramatically reduced specific alloreactivity as determined by reduction of helper T cell precursor frequencies below the threshold predicting development of clinical GVHD while retaining responses to third-party alloantigens. CD134-allodepleted populations retained effectors specific for the Wilms' tumor (WT1) leukemia antigen as determined by WT1 specific pentamers, and CMV-specific effectors as determined by CMV-specific pentamers and CMV-specific ELISpot. Thus, use of CD134-allodepleted grafts may improve allogeneic SCT by reducing GVHD without loss of pathogen-specific and leukemia-specific immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xupeng Ge
- Transplantation Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Gray JC, Johnson PWM, Glennie MJ. Therapeutic potential of immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies. Clin Sci (Lond) 2007; 111:93-106. [PMID: 16831129 DOI: 10.1042/cs20060024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of cancer immunotherapy is to employ the specificity of the immune system to provide a more effective, less toxic, treatment compared with conventional therapies. Although many strategies have been used to try to generate effective anticancer immune responses, very few have reached mainstream clinical use. A new approach introduced over the last few years is to use immunostimulatory mAbs (monoclonal antibodies) to boost weak endogenous antitumour immune responses to levels which are therapeutic. Such agonistic or antagonistic mAbs bind to key receptors in the immune system acting to enhance antigen presentation, provide co-stimulation or to counteract immunoregulation. In animal models, this approach has been shown to promote powerful tumour-specific T-cell responses capable of clearing established tumour and leaving the animal with long-term immunity. In addition to this impressive therapy seen in tumour models, these same mAbs also have the potential to be therapeutically useful in autoimmune and infectious diseases. This review discusses the use of these mAbs as therapeutic agents, their advantages and disadvantages and the challenges that need to be overcome to use them clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet C Gray
- Cancer Research UK Medical Oncology Unit, The Cancer Sciences Division, Southampton University School of Medicine, General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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Foell J, Mittler RS. Costimulatory molecules as immunotherapeutic targets in systemic lupus erythematosus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 28:153-62. [PMID: 16951932 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-006-0039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2006] [Accepted: 05/17/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
T cells undergo full and productive activation when they traffic to lymph nodes where they encounter dendritic cells displaying foreign antigen in the context of MHC molecules on their surface. Recognition of these antigen-MHC complexes by the T cell's receptor for antigen, or T cell receptor, provides the first of two obligate signals needed to drive cell proliferation. The second antigen-independent signal is provided by the costimulatory receptor, CD28, as it engages its ligand on the antigen-presenting cells. Failure of the T cell to receive this second signal after antigen recognition leaves the T cell in a state of anergy. Understanding the role of T cell costimulatory receptors in T cell activation has led to the development of novel approaches for regulating immune responses in subjects with cancer or autoimmune disease by experimentally triggering or blocking costimulatory receptor signaling. In this review, we will discuss, first, several costimulatory pathways known to participate or regulate the progression of autoimmune disease, and, second, how manipulation of T cell costimulation and/or costimulation blockade has been used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Foell
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenburg, Germany
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Lee UH, Son JH, Lee JJ, Kwon B, Park JW, Se Kwon B. Humanization of antagonistic anti-human 4-1BB monoclonal antibody using a phage-displayed combinatorial library. J Immunother 2004; 27:201-10. [PMID: 15076137 DOI: 10.1097/00002371-200405000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Anti-4-1BB (CD137) monoclonal antibody (mAb) has been reported to suppress immune responses and to have the potential for use as a therapeutic agent to block autoimmune diseases. Previously, the authors prepared an antagonistic anti-human 4-1BB (CD137) mAb, BBK2. Here the authors report the humanization of BBK2 using a phage display library. Four humanized single-chain Fv (scFv) fragments were selected from a combinatorial library expressing a phage-displayed humanized scFv. They were found to retain the epitope specificity of the original mAb and to have affinities higher than those of the original. Both the soluble and bound forms of the humanized scFv suppressed the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, similar to the original mAb. These results suggest that humanized anti-human 4-1BB scFvs can be used as a valuable reagent for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unn Hwa Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Immunomodulation Research Center, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, Korea
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