1
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Zhou D, Zhu X, Xiao Y. CAR-T cell combination therapies in hematologic malignancies. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:69. [PMID: 39026380 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00536-0] [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: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy, a groundbreaking cancer treatment, has achieved remarkable success against hematologic malignancies. However, CAR-T monotherapy faces challenges in certain cases, including treatment tolerance and relapse rates. To overcome these challenges, researchers are investigating combining CAR-T cells with other treatments to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the progress of research in combining CAR-T cells for hematologic malignancies. It covers the basic principles and clinical applications of CAR-T cell therapy, detailing combinations with chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted drugs, radiotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and other treatments. These combinations synergistically enhance the antitumor effects of CAR-T cells and comprehensively target tumors through different mechanisms, improving patient response and survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delian Zhou
- 1Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- 1Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Yi Xiao
- 1Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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2
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Garibyan M, Hoffman T, Makaske T, Do SK, Wu Y, Williams BA, March AR, Cho N, Pedroncelli N, Lima RE, Soto J, Jackson B, Santoso JW, Khademhosseini A, Thomson M, Li S, McCain ML, Morsut L. Engineering programmable material-to-cell pathways via synthetic notch receptors to spatially control differentiation in multicellular constructs. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5891. [PMID: 39003263 PMCID: PMC11246427 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50126-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors are genetically encoded, modular synthetic receptors that enable mammalian cells to detect environmental signals and respond by activating user-prescribed transcriptional programs. Although some materials have been modified to present synNotch ligands with coarse spatial control, applications in tissue engineering generally require extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived scaffolds and/or finer spatial positioning of multiple ligands. Thus, we develop here a suite of materials that activate synNotch receptors for generalizable engineering of material-to-cell signaling. We genetically and chemically fuse functional synNotch ligands to ECM proteins and ECM-derived materials. We also generate tissues with microscale precision over four distinct reporter phenotypes by culturing cells with two orthogonal synNotch programs on surfaces microcontact-printed with two synNotch ligands. Finally, we showcase applications in tissue engineering by co-transdifferentiating fibroblasts into skeletal muscle or endothelial cell precursors in user-defined micropatterns. These technologies provide avenues for spatially controlling cellular phenotypes in mammalian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mher Garibyan
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tyler Hoffman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thijs Makaske
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Utrecht University in the lab of Prof. Dr. Lukas Kapitein, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Stephanie K Do
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian A Williams
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Alexander R March
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Nathan Cho
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Pedroncelli
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ricardo Espinosa Lima
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Soto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brooke Jackson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Santoso
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Matt Thomson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Broad Stem Cell Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Megan L McCain
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Leonardo Morsut
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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3
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Kim MS, Bhargava HK, Shavey GE, Lim WA, El-Samad H, Ng AH. Degron-Based bioPROTACs for Controlling Signaling in CAR T Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2024. [PMID: 38991546 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have made a tremendous impact in the clinic, but potent signaling through the CAR can be detrimental to treatment safety and efficacy. The use of protein degradation to control CAR signaling can address these issues in preclinical models. Existing strategies for regulating CAR stability rely on small molecules to induce systemic degradation. In contrast to small molecule regulation, genetic circuits offer a more precise method to control CAR signaling in an autonomous cell-by-cell fashion. Here, we describe a programmable protein degradation tool that adopts the framework of bioPROTACs, heterobifunctional proteins that are composed of a target recognition domain fused to a domain that recruits the endogenous ubiquitin proteasome system. We develop novel bioPROTACs that utilize a compact four-residue degron and demonstrate degradation of cytosolic and membrane protein targets using either a nanobody or synthetic leucine zipper as a protein binder. Our bioPROTACs exhibit potent degradation of CARs and can inhibit CAR signaling in primary human T cells. We demonstrate the utility of our bioPROTACs by constructing a genetic circuit to degrade the tyrosine kinase ZAP70 in response to recognition of a specific membrane-bound antigen. This circuit can disrupt CAR T cell signaling only in the presence of a specific cell population. These results suggest that bioPROTACs are powerful tools for expanding the CAR T cell engineering toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Kim
- Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Cell Design Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Hersh K Bhargava
- Cell Design Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Gavin E Shavey
- Cell Design Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Wendell A Lim
- Cell Design Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Hana El-Samad
- Cell Design Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Altos Labs Inc., Redwood City, California, 94065, United States
| | - Andrew H Ng
- Cell Design Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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4
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Mog BJ, Marcou N, DiNapoli SR, Pearlman AH, Nichakawade TD, Hwang MS, Douglass J, Hsiue EHC, Glavaris S, Wright KM, Konig MF, Paul S, Wyhs N, Ge J, Miller MS, Azurmendi P, Watson E, Pardoll DM, Gabelli SB, Bettegowda C, Papadopoulos N, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B, Zhou S. Preclinical studies show that Co-STARs combine the advantages of chimeric antigen and T cell receptors for the treatment of tumors with low antigen densities. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadg7123. [PMID: 38985855 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg7123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Two types of engineered T cells have been successfully used to treat patients with cancer, one with an antigen recognition domain derived from antibodies [chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)] and the other derived from T cell receptors (TCRs). CARs use high-affinity antigen-binding domains and costimulatory domains to induce T cell activation but can only react against target cells with relatively high amounts of antigen. TCRs have a much lower affinity for their antigens but can react against target cells displaying only a few antigen molecules. Here, we describe a new type of receptor, called a Co-STAR (for costimulatory synthetic TCR and antigen receptor), that combines aspects of both CARs and TCRs. In Co-STARs, the antigen-recognizing components of TCRs are replaced by high-affinity antibody fragments, and costimulation is provided by two modules that drive NF-κB signaling (MyD88 and CD40). Using a TCR-mimic antibody fragment that targets a recurrent p53 neoantigen presented in a common human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele, we demonstrate that T cells equipped with Co-STARs can kill cancer cells bearing low densities of antigen better than T cells engineered with conventional CARs and patient-derived TCRs in vitro. In mouse models, we show that Co-STARs mediate more robust T cell expansion and more durable tumor regressions than TCRs similarly modified with MyD88 and CD40 costimulation. Our data suggest that Co-STARs may have utility for other peptide-HLA antigens in cancer and other targets where antigen density may limit the efficacy of engineered T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Mog
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Nikita Marcou
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sarah R DiNapoli
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Alexander H Pearlman
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Tushar D Nichakawade
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Michael S Hwang
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jacqueline Douglass
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Emily Han-Chung Hsiue
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Stephanie Glavaris
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Katharine M Wright
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Suman Paul
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Nicolas Wyhs
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jiaxin Ge
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Michelle S Miller
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - P Azurmendi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Evangeline Watson
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nickolas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kenneth W Kinzler
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shibin Zhou
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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5
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Ramapriyan R, Vykunta VS, Vandecandelaere G, Richardson LGK, Sun J, Curry WT, Choi BD. Altered cancer metabolism and implications for next-generation CAR T-cell therapies. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 259:108667. [PMID: 38763321 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108667] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This review critically examines the evolving landscape of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in treating solid tumors, with a particular focus on the metabolic challenges within the tumor microenvironment. CAR T-cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable success in hematologic malignancies, yet its efficacy in solid tumors remains limited. A significant barrier is the hostile milieu of the tumor microenvironment, which impairs CAR T-cell survival and function. This review delves into the metabolic adaptations of cancer cells and their impact on immune cells, highlighting the competition for nutrients and the accumulation of immunosuppressive metabolites. It also explores emerging strategies to enhance CAR T-cell metabolic fitness and persistence, including genetic engineering and metabolic reprogramming. An integrated approach, combining metabolic interventions with CAR T-cell therapy, has the potential to overcome these constraints and improve therapeutic outcomes in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishab Ramapriyan
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Vivasvan S Vykunta
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; ImmunoX Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Gust Vandecandelaere
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Leland G K Richardson
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jing Sun
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - William T Curry
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Bryan D Choi
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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6
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Shi H, Chen S, Chi H. Immunometabolism of CD8 + T cell differentiation in cancer. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:610-626. [PMID: 38693002 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.03.010] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are central mediators of tumor immunity and immunotherapies. Upon tumor antigen recognition, CTLs differentiate from naive/memory-like toward terminally exhausted populations with more limited function against tumors. Such differentiation is regulated by both immune signals, including T cell receptors (TCRs), co-stimulation, and cytokines, and metabolism-associated processes. These immune signals shape the metabolic landscape via signaling, transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, while metabolic processes in turn exert spatiotemporal effects to modulate the strength and duration of immune signaling. Here, we review the bidirectional regulation between immune signals and metabolic processes, including nutrient uptake and intracellular metabolic pathways, in shaping CTL differentiation and exhaustion. We also discuss the mechanisms underlying how specific nutrient sources and metabolite-mediated signaling events orchestrate CTL biology. Understanding how metabolic programs and their interplay with immune signals instruct CTL differentiation and exhaustion is crucial to uncover tumor-immune interactions and design novel immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shi
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sidi Chen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; System Biology Institute, Integrated Science & Technology Center, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Hongbo Chi
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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7
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Zouali M. Engineered immune cells as therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:842-858. [PMID: 38368169 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.01.006] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Current treatment options for autoimmune disease (AID) are essentially immunosuppressive, inhibiting the inflammatory cascade, without curing the disease. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target B cells showed efficacy, emphasizing the importance of B lymphocytes in autoimmune pathogenesis. Treatments that eliminate more potently B cells would open a new therapeutic era for AID. Immune cells can now be bioengineered to express constructs that enable them to specifically eradicate pathogenic B lymphocytes. Engineered immune cells (EICs) have shown therapeutic promise in both experimental models and in clinical trials in AID. Next-generation platforms are under development to optimize their specificity and improve safety. The profound and durable B cell depletion achieved reinforces the view that this biotherapeutic option holds promise for treating AID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moncef Zouali
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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8
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Wang Y, Liu C, Ren Y, Song J, Fan K, Gao L, Ji X, Chen X, Zhao H. Nanomaterial-Based Strategies for Attenuating T-Cell-Mediated Immunodepression in Stroke Patients: Advancing Research Perspectives. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5793-5812. [PMID: 38882535 PMCID: PMC11180442 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s456632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article discusses the potential of nanomaterials in targeted therapy and immunomodulation for stroke-induced immunosuppression. Although nanomaterials have been extensively studied in various biomedical applications, their specific use in studying and addressing immunosuppression after stroke remains limited. Stroke-induced neuroinflammation is characterized by T-cell-mediated immunodepression, which leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Key observations related to immunodepression after stroke, including lymphopenia, T-cell dysfunction, regulatory T-cell imbalance, and cytokine dysregulation, are discussed. Nanomaterials, such as liposomes, micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, and dendrimers, offer advantages in the precise delivery of drugs to T cells, enabling enhanced targeting and controlled release of immunomodulatory agents. These nanomaterials have the potential to modulate T-cell function, promote neuroregeneration, and restore immune responses, providing new avenues for stroke treatment. However, challenges related to biocompatibility, stability, scalability, and clinical translation need to be addressed. Future research efforts should focus on comprehensive studies to validate the efficacy and safety of nanomaterial-based interventions targeting T cells in stroke-induced immunosuppression. Collaborative interdisciplinary approaches are necessary to advance the field and translate these innovative strategies into clinical practice, ultimately improving stroke outcomes and patient care.
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Grants
- This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant number 82001248), National University of Singapore (NUHSRO/2020/133/Startup/08, NUHSRO/2023/008/NUSMed/TCE/LOA, NUHSRO/2021/034/TRP/09/Nanomedicine, NUHSRO/2021/044/Kickstart/09/LOA, 23-0173-A0001), National Medical Research Council (MOH-001388-00, CG21APR1005, OFIRG23jul-0047), Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE-000387-00), and National Research Foundation (NRF-000352-00)
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cuiying Liu
- School of Nursing, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanhong Ren
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jibin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kelong Fan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Institute of Biophysics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lizeng Gao
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Institute of Biophysics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xunming Ji
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Theranostics Center of Excellence (TCE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Heng Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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9
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Hua Y, Shen Y. Applications of self-assembled peptide hydrogels in anti-tumor therapy. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:2993-3008. [PMID: 38868817 PMCID: PMC11166105 DOI: 10.1039/d4na00172a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Peptides are a class of active substances composed of a variety of amino acids with special physiological functions. The rational design of peptide sequences at the molecular level enables their folding into diverse secondary structures. This property has garnered significant attention in the biomedical sphere owing to their favorable biocompatibility, adaptable mechanical traits, and exceptional loading capabilities. Concurrently with advancements in modern medicine, the diagnosis and treatment of tumors have increasingly embraced targeted and personalized approaches. This review explores recent applications of self-assembled peptides derived from natural amino acids in chemical therapy, immunotherapy, and other adjunctive treatments. We highlighted the utilization of peptide hydrogels as delivery systems for chemotherapeutic drugs and other bioactive molecules and then discussed the challenges and prospects for their future application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University Nanjing Jiangsu 210009 China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University Nanjing Jiangsu 210009 China
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10
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Li S, Xia Y, Hou R, Wang X, Zhao X, Guan Z, Ma W, Xu Y, Zhang W, Liu D, Zheng J, Shi M. Armed with IL-2 based fusion protein improves CAR-T cell fitness and efficacy against solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167159. [PMID: 38583815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167159] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is regarded as a potent immunotherapy and has made significant success in hematologic malignancies by eliciting antigen-specific immune responses. However, response rates of CAR-T cell therapy against solid tumors with immunosuppressive microenvironments remain limited. Co-engineering strategies are advancing methods to overcome immunosuppressive barriers and enhance antitumor responses. Here, we engineered an IL-2 mutein co-engineered CAR-T for the improvement of CAR-T cells against solid tumors and the efficient inhibition of solid tumors. We equipped the CAR-T cells with co-expressing both tumor antigen-targeted CAR and a mutated human interleukin-2 (IL-2m), conferring enhanced CAR-T cells fitness in vitro, reshaped immune-excluded TME, enhanced CAR-T infiltration in solid tumors, and improved tumor control without significant systemic toxicity. Overall, this subject demonstrates the universal CAR-T cells armed strategy for the development and optimization of CAR-T cells against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yifei Xia
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Rui Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Zhangchun Guan
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wen Ma
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yutong Xu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
| | - Ming Shi
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
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11
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Jin G, Liu Y, Wang L, He Z, Zhao X, Ma Y, Jia Y, Li Z, Yin N, Peng M. A single infusion of engineered long-lived and multifunctional T cells confers durable remission of asthma in mice. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:1059-1072. [PMID: 38802511 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01834-9] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Asthma, the most prevalent respiratory disease, affects more than 300 million people and causes more than 250,000 deaths annually. Type 2-high asthma is characterized by interleukin (IL)-5-driven eosinophilia, along with airway inflammation and remodeling caused by IL-4 and IL-13. Here we utilize IL-5 as the targeting domain and deplete BCOR and ZC3H12A to engineer long-lived chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells that can eradicate eosinophils. We call these cells immortal-like and functional IL-5 CAR T cells (5TIF) cells. 5TIF cells were further modified to secrete an IL-4 mutein that blocks IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, designated as 5TIF4 cells. In asthma models, a single infusion of 5TIF4 cells in fully immunocompetent mice, without any conditioning regimen, led to sustained repression of lung inflammation and alleviation of asthmatic symptoms. These data show that asthma, a common chronic disease, can be pushed into long-term remission with a single dose of long-lived CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zihao He
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaocui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuting Jia
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhuoyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Na Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Min Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.
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12
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Talleur AC, Fabrizio VA, Aplenc R, Grupp SA, Mackall C, Majzner R, Nguyen R, Rouce R, Moskop A, McNerney KO. INSPIRED Symposium Part 5: Expanding the Use of CAR T Cells in Children and Young Adults. Transplant Cell Ther 2024; 30:565-579. [PMID: 38588880 PMCID: PMC11139555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2024.04.004] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in relapsed/refractory (r/r) B cell malignancies, including in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Expanding this success to other hematologic and solid malignancies is an area of active research and, although challenges remain, novel solutions have led to significant progress over the past decade. Ongoing clinical trials for CAR T cell therapy for T cell malignancies and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have highlighted challenges, including antigen specificity with off-tumor toxicity and persistence concerns. In T cell malignancies, notable challenges include CAR T cell fratricide and prolonged T cell aplasia, which are being addressed with strategies such as gene editing and suicide switch technologies. In AML, antigen identification remains a significant barrier, due to shared antigens across healthy hematopoietic progenitor cells and myeloid blasts. Strategies to limit persistence and circumvent the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) created by AML are also being explored. CAR T cell therapies for central nervous system and solid tumors have several challenges, including tumor antigen heterogeneity, immunosuppressive and hypoxic TME, and potential for off-target toxicity. Numerous CAR T cell products have been designed to overcome these challenges, including "armored" CARs and CAR/T cell receptor (TCR) hybrids. Strategies to enhance CAR T cell delivery, augment CAR T cell performance in the TME, and ensure the safety of these products have shown promising results. In this manuscript, we will review the available evidence for CAR T cell use in T cell malignancies, AML, central nervous system (CNS), and non-CNS solid tumor malignancies, and recommend areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee C Talleur
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
| | - Vanessa A Fabrizio
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplant, Children's Hospital Colorado/University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Richard Aplenc
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephan A Grupp
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Crystal Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Rosa Nguyen
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rayne Rouce
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Amy Moskop
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Kevin O McNerney
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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13
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Leal-Alves C, Deng Z, Kermeci N, Shih SCC. Integrating microfluidics and synthetic biology: advancements and diverse applications across organisms. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2834-2860. [PMID: 38712893 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01090b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is the design and modification of biological systems for specific functions, integrating several disciplines like engineering, genetics, and computer science. The field of synthetic biology is to understand biological processes within host organisms through the manipulation and regulation of their genetic pathways and the addition of biocontrol circuits to enhance their production capabilities. This pursuit serves to address global challenges spanning diverse domains that are difficult to tackle through conventional routes of production. Despite its impact, achieving precise, dynamic, and high-throughput manipulation of biological processes is still challenging. Microfluidics offers a solution to those challenges, enabling controlled fluid handling at the microscale, offering lower reagent consumption, faster analysis of biochemical reactions, automation, and high throughput screening. In this review, we diverge from conventional focus on automating the synthetic biology design-build-test-learn cycle, and instead, focus on microfluidic platforms and their role in advancing synthetic biology through its integration with host organisms - bacterial cells, yeast, fungi, animal cells - and cell-free systems. The review illustrates how microfluidic devices have been instrumental in understanding biological systems by showcasing microfluidics as an essential tool to create synthetic genetic circuits, pathways, and organisms within controlled environments. In conclusion, we show how microfluidics expedite synthetic biology applications across diverse domains including but not limited to personalized medicine, bioenergy, and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Leal-Alves
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, 1515 Ste-Catherine St. W, Montréal, QC, H3G1M8 Canada
| | - Zhiyang Deng
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, 1515 Ste-Catherine St. W, Montréal, QC, H3G1M8 Canada
| | - Natalia Kermeci
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada.
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada
| | - Steve C C Shih
- Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, 1515 Ste-Catherine St. W, Montréal, QC, H3G1M8 Canada
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W, Montréal, QC, H4B1R6 Canada
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14
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Pan H, Tian Y, Pei S, Yang W, Zhang Y, Gu Z, Zhu H, Zou N, Zhang J, Jiang L, Hu Y, Shen S, Wang K, Jin H, Li Z, Zhang Y, Xiao Y, Luo Q, Wang H, Huang J. Combination of percutaneous thermal ablation and adoptive Th9 cell transfer therapy against non-small cell lung cancer. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:52. [PMID: 38760861 PMCID: PMC11100251 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00520-8] [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: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the predominant malignancies globally. Percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) has gained widespread use among NSCLC patients, with the potential to elicit immune responses but limited therapeutic efficacies for advanced-stage disease. T-helper type 9 (Th9) cells are a subset of CD4+ effector T cells with robust and persistent anti-tumor effects. This study proposes to develop PTA-Th9 cell integrated therapy as a potential strategy for NSCLC treatment. METHODS The therapeutic efficacies were measured in mice models with subcutaneously transplanted, recurrence, or lung metastatic tumors. The tumor microenvironments (TMEs) were evaluated by flow cytometry. The cytokine levels were assessed by ELISA. The signaling molecules were determined by quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The translational potential was tested in the humanized NSCLC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. RESULTS We find that PTA combined with adoptive Th9 cell transfer therapy substantially suppresses tumor growth, recurrence, and lung metastasis, ultimately extending the survival of mice with NSCLC grafts, outperforming both PTA and Th9 cell transfer monotherapy. Analysis of TMEs indicates that combinatorial therapy significantly augments tumor-infiltrating Th9 cells, boosts anti-tumor effects of CD8+ T cells, and remodels tumor immunosuppressive microenvironments. Moreover, combinatorial therapy significantly strengthens the regional and circulation immune response of CD8+ T cells in mice with tumor lung metastasis and induces peripheral CD8+ T effector memory cells in mice with tumor recurrence. Mechanically, PTA reinforces the anti-tumor ability of Th9 cells primarily through upregulating interleukin (IL)-1β and subsequently activating the downstream STAT1/IRF1 pathway, which could be effectively blocked by intercepting IL-1β signaling. Finally, the enhanced therapeutic effect of combinatorial therapy is validated in humanized NSCLC PDX models. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study demonstrates that combinatorial therapy displays robust and durable anti-tumor efficacy and excellent translational potential, offering excellent prospects for translation and emerging as a promising approach for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbo Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Siyu Pei
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Wanlin Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yanyang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Zenan Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hongda Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ningyuan Zou
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Long Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yingjie Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shengping Shen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Haizhen Jin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ziming Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yanyun Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yichuan Xiao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Qingquan Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Jia Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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Zhang X, Mille-Fragoso LS, Kaseniit KE, Call CC, Zhang M, Hu Y, Xie Y, Gao XJ. Post-Transcriptional Modular Synthetic Receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.03.592453. [PMID: 38746461 PMCID: PMC11092781 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.03.592453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Inspired by the power of transcriptional synthetic receptors and hoping to complement them to expand the toolbox for cell engineering, we establish LIDAR (Ligand-Induced Dimerization Activating RNA editing), a modular post-transcriptional synthetic receptor platform that harnesses RNA editing by ADAR. LIDAR is compatible with various receptor architectures in different cellular contexts, and enables the sensing of diverse ligands and the production of functional outputs. Furthermore, LIDAR can sense orthogonal signals in the same cell and produce synthetic spatial patterns, potentially enabling the programming of complex multicellular behaviors. Finally, LIDAR is compatible with compact encoding and can be delivered by synthetic mRNA. Thus, LIDAR expands the family of synthetic receptors, holding the promise to empower basic research and therapeutic applications.
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16
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Yang Z, Liu Y, Zhao H. CAR T treatment beyond cancer: Hope for immunomodulatory therapy of non-cancerous diseases. Life Sci 2024; 344:122556. [PMID: 38471620 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Engineering a patient's own T cells to accurately identify and eliminate cancer cells has effectively cured individuals afflicted with previously incurable hematologic cancers. These findings have stimulated research into employing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy across various areas within the field of oncology. However, evidence from both clinical and preclinical investigations emphasize the broader potential of CAR T therapy, extending beyond oncology to address autoimmune disorders, persistent infections, cardiac fibrosis, age-related ailments and other conditions. Concurrently, the advent of novel technologies and platforms presents additional avenues for utilizing CAR T therapy in non-cancerous contexts. This review provides an overview of the rationale behind CAR T therapy, delineates ongoing challenges in its application to cancer treatment, summarizes recent findings in non-cancerous diseases, and engages in discourse regarding emerging technologies that bear relevance. The review delves into prospective applications of this therapeutic approach across a diverse range of scenarios. Lastly, the review underscores concerns related to precision and safety, while also outlining the envisioned trajectory for extending CAR T therapy beyond cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, 3201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, China
| | - Yingfeng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianshui First People's Hospital, Tianshui, Gansu 741000, China
| | - Hai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266005, China.
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Ding Q, Xu W, Yang H, Wu W, Wu L, Chen X, Liu H, Qiu S. The causal impact of complement C3d receptor 2 on head and neck cancer microenvironment and its implications for immunotherapy response prediction. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29312. [PMID: 38623210 PMCID: PMC11016721 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29312] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This research dives into the intricate immune landscape of head and neck cancer (HNC), with a keen focus on the roles of specific immune cell subpopulations and their linked genes. We used tumour RNA-seq (in-house cohort: n = 192, TCGA-HNSC: n = 546) and Mendelian randomization to pinpoint key SNPs in immune cells that have a causal connection to HNC. Our discoveries unveil a spectrum of tumour immune phenotypes that either offer protection against or increase the risk of HNC. We underscore the therapeutic promise of Complement C3d Receptor 2 (CR2), a gene closely tied to immune cells, with its increased expression in tumour tissues linked to a more favourable prognosis. This is correlated with heightened immune pathway activity, stronger resistance to radiochemotherapy, and improved immunotherapy responses. Our research emphasises the pivotal role of CR2 in immune regulation and the significance of immune cells in tumour progression, highlighting the potential of CR2-targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hanxuan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenxi Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lishui Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Sufang Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fuzhou, China
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18
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Hou R, Zhang X, Wang X, Zhao X, Li S, Guan Z, Cao J, Liu D, Zheng J, Shi M. In vivo manufacture and manipulation of CAR-T cells for better druggability. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10185-8. [PMID: 38592427 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10185-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The current CAR-T cell therapy products have been hampered in their druggability due to the personalized preparation required, unclear pharmacokinetic characteristics, and unpredictable adverse reactions. Enabling standardized manufacturing and having clear efficacy and pharmacokinetic characteristics are prerequisites for ensuring the effective practicality of CAR-T cell therapy drugs. This review provides a broad overview of the different approaches for controlling behaviors of CAR-T cells in vivo. The utilization of genetically modified vectors enables in vivo production of CAR-T cells, thereby abbreviating or skipping the lengthy in vitro expansion process. By equipping CAR-T cells with intricately designed control elements, using molecule switches or small-molecule inhibitors, the control of CAR-T cell activity can be achieved. Moreover, the on-off control of CAR-T cell activity would yield potential gains in phenotypic remodeling. These methods provide beneficial references for the future development of safe, controllable, convenient, and suitable for standardized production of CAR-T cell therapy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sijin Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhangchun Guan
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiang Cao
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ming Shi
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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19
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Cheng H, Sun Y, Zhang X, Chen Z, Shao L, Liu J, Wang D, Chen Y, Wang X, Chen W, Sang W, Qi K, Li Z, Sun C, Shi M, Qiao J, Wu Q, Zeng L, Zheng J, Xu K, Cao J. Complex association of body mass index and outcomes in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma treated with CAR-T cell immunotherapy. Cytotherapy 2024:S1465-3249(24)00572-3. [PMID: 38625072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.03.481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells have exhibited remarkable efficacy in treating refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma (R/R MM). Although obesity has a favorable value in enhancing the response to immunotherapy, less is known about its predictive value regarding the efficacy and prognosis of CAR-T cell immunotherapy. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 111 patients with R/R MM who underwent CAR-T cell treatment. Using the body mass index (BMI) classification, the patients were divided into a normal-weight group (73/111) and an overweight group (38/111). We investigated the effect of BMI on CAR-T cell therapy outcomes in patients with R/R MM. RESULTS The objective remission rates after CAR-T cell infusion were 94.7% and 89.0% in the overweight and normal-weight groups, respectively. The duration of response and overall survival were not significant difference between BMI groups. Compared to normal-weight patients, overweight patients had an improved median progression-free survival. There was no significant difference in cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome between the subgroups. In terms of hematological toxicity, the erythrocyte, hemoglobin, platelet, leukocyte and neutrophil recovery was accelerated in the overweight group. Fewer patients in the overweight group displayed moderate percent CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratios compared to the normal-weight group. Furthermore, the percent CD4 ratios were positively correlated with the levels of cytokines [interleukin-2 (IL-2) (day 14), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) (day 7) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (days 14 and 21)] after cells infusion. On the other hand, BMI was positively associated with the levels of IFN-γ (day 7) and TNF-α (days 14 and 21) after CAR-T cells infusion. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study highlights the potential beneficial effect of a higher BMI on CAR-T cell therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yingjun Sun
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zihan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lingyan Shao
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jiaying Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yegan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wei Sang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kunming Qi
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Cai Sun
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jianlin Qiao
- Jiangsu Bone Marrow Stem Cell Institute, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qingyun Wu
- Jiangsu Bone Marrow Stem Cell Institute, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lingyu Zeng
- Jiangsu Bone Marrow Stem Cell Institute, Xuzhou, China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
| | - Jiang Cao
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
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20
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Johnston AC, Alicea GM, Lee CC, Patel PV, Hanna EA, Vaz E, Forjaz A, Wan Z, Nair PR, Lim Y, Chen T, Du W, Kim D, Nichakawade TD, Rebecca VW, Bonifant CL, Fan R, Kiemen AL, Wu PH, Wirtz D. Engineering self-propelled tumor-infiltrating CAR T cells using synthetic velocity receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.13.571595. [PMID: 38168186 PMCID: PMC10760159 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells express antigen-specific synthetic receptors, which upon binding to cancer cells, elicit T cell anti-tumor responses. CAR T cell therapy has enjoyed success in the clinic for hematological cancer indications, giving rise to decade-long remissions in some cases. However, CAR T therapy for patients with solid tumors has not seen similar success. Solid tumors constitute 90% of adult human cancers, representing an enormous unmet clinical need. Current approaches do not solve the central problem of limited ability of therapeutic cells to migrate through the stromal matrix. We discover that T cells at low and high density display low- and high-migration phenotypes, respectively. The highly migratory phenotype is mediated by a paracrine pathway from a group of self-produced cytokines that include IL5, TNFα, IFNγ, and IL8. We exploit this finding to "lock-in" a highly migratory phenotype by developing and expressing receptors, which we call velocity receptors (VRs). VRs target these cytokines and signal through these cytokines' cognate receptors to increase T cell motility and infiltrate lung, ovarian, and pancreatic tumors in large numbers and at doses for which control CAR T cells remain confined to the tumor periphery. In contrast to CAR therapy alone, VR-CAR T cells significantly attenuate tumor growth and extend overall survival. This work suggests that approaches to the design of immune cell receptors that focus on migration signaling will help current and future CAR cellular therapies to infiltrate deep into solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian C Johnston
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | | | - Cameron C Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Payal V Patel
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Eban A Hanna
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Eduarda Vaz
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | - André Forjaz
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Zeqi Wan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Praful R Nair
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Yeongseo Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Tina Chen
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Wenxuan Du
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Dongjoo Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University
| | - Tushar D Nichakawade
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Vito W Rebecca
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Challice L Bonifant
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Rong Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University
| | - Ashley L Kiemen
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Pei-Hsun Wu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
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21
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Hu D, Yang R, Wang G, Li H, Fan X, Liang G. Emerging Strategies to Overcome Current CAR-T Therapy Dilemmas - Exosomes Derived from CAR-T Cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2773-2791. [PMID: 38525009 PMCID: PMC10959326 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s445101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cells immunotherapy, specifically chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), has shown promising therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. As extensive research on CAR-T therapies has been conducted, various challenges have emerged that significantly hampered their clinical application, including tumor recurrence, CAR-T cell exhaustion, and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). To overcome the hurdles of CAR-T therapy in clinical treatment, cell-free emerging therapies based on exosomes derived from CAR-T cells have been developed as an effective and promising alternative approach. In this review, we present CAR-T cell-based therapies for the treatment of tumors, including the features and benefits of CAR-T therapies, the limitations that exist in this field, and the measures taken to overcome them. Furthermore, we discuss the notable benefits of utilizing exosomes released from CAR-T cells in tumor treatment and anticipate potential issues in clinical trials. Lastly, drawing from previous research on exosomes from CAR-T cells and the characteristics of exosomes, we propose strategies to overcome these restrictions. Additionally, the review discusses the plight in large-scale preparation of exosome and provides potential solutions for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hu
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, 471023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruyue Yang
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, 471023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guidan Wang
- School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, 471023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, 471023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xulong Fan
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, 471023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gaofeng Liang
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, 471023, People’s Republic of China
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22
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Zama N, Toda S. Designer cell therapy for tissue regeneration. Inflamm Regen 2024; 44:15. [PMID: 38491394 PMCID: PMC10941617 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-024-00327-4] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell therapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for blood cancers, has emerged as a powerful new modality for cancer treatment. Therapeutic cells differ significantly from conventional drugs, such as small molecules and biologics, as they possess cellular information processing abilities to recognize and respond to abnormalities in the body. This capability enables the targeted delivery of therapeutic factors to specific locations and times. Various types of designer cells have been developed and tested to overcome the shortcomings of CAR T cells and expand their functions in the treatment of solid tumors. In particular, synthetic receptor technologies are a key to designing therapeutic cells that specifically improve tumor microenvironment. Such technologies demonstrate great potential for medical applications to regenerate damaged tissues as well that are difficult to cure with conventional drugs. In this review, we introduce recent developments in next-generation therapeutic cells for cancer treatment and discuss the application of designer therapeutic cells for tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noyuri Zama
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa , 920-1192, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa , 920-1192, Japan
| | - Satoshi Toda
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa , 920-1192, Japan.
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23
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Long J, Wang Y, Jiang X, Ge J, Chen M, Zheng B, Wang R, Wang M, Xu M, Ke Q, Wang J. Nanomaterials Boost CAR-T Therapy for Solid Tumors. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2304615. [PMID: 38483400 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
T cell engineering, particularly via chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modifications for enhancing tumor specificity, has shown efficacy in treating hematologic malignancies. The extension of CAR-T cell therapy to solid tumors, however, is impeded by several challenges: The absence of tumor-specific antigens, antigen heterogeneity, a complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and physical barriers to cell infiltration. Additionally, limitations in CAR-T cell manufacturing capacity and the high costs associated with these therapies restrict their widespread application. The integration of nanomaterials into CAR-T cell production and application offers a promising avenue to mitigate these challenges. Utilizing nanomaterials in the production of CAR-T cells can decrease product variability and lower production expenses, positively impacting the targeting and persistence of CAR-T cells in treatment and minimizing adverse effects. This review comprehensively evaluates the use of various nanomaterials in the production of CAR-T cells, genetic modification, and in vivo delivery. It discusses their underlying mechanisms and potential for clinical application, with a focus on improving specificity and safety in CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Long
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute & Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, 1001 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yian Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Mingfen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Boshu Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Meifeng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Meifang Xu
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Qi Ke
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, No.1 Xuefu North Road University Town, Fuzhou, 350122, China
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24
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Wang M, Jia L, Dai X, Zhang X. Advanced strategies in improving the immunotherapeutic effect of CAR-T cell therapy. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38456710 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) cell therapy is a newly developed immunotherapy strategy and has achieved satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, some adverse effects related to CAR-T cell therapy have to be resolved before it is widely used in clinics as a cancer treatment. Furthermore, the application of CAR-T cell therapy in the treatment of solid tumors has been hampered by numerous limitations. Therefore, it is essential to explore novel strategies to improve the therapeutic effect of CAR-T cell therapy. In this review, we summarized the recently developed strategies aimed at optimizing the generation of CAR-T cells and improving the anti-tumor efficiency of CAR-T cell therapy. Furthermore, the discovery of new targets for CAR-T cell therapy and the combined treatment strategies of CAR-T cell therapy with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cancer vaccines and nanomaterials are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minmin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Linzi Jia
- Department of General Medicine, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiangpeng Dai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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25
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Kann MC, Schneider EM, Almazan AJ, Lane IC, Bouffard AA, Supper VM, Takei HN, Tepper A, Leick MB, Larson RC, Ebert BL, Maus MV, Jan M. Chemical genetic control of cytokine signaling in CAR-T cells using lenalidomide-controlled membrane-bound degradable IL-7. Leukemia 2024; 38:590-600. [PMID: 38123696 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02113-6] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy has emerged as a breakthrough therapy for the treatment of relapsed and refractory hematologic malignancies. However, insufficient CAR-T cell expansion and persistence is a leading cause of treatment failure. Exogenous or transgenic cytokines have great potential to enhance CAR-T cell potency but pose the risk of exacerbating toxicities. Here we present a chemical-genetic system for spatiotemporal control of cytokine function gated by the off-patent anti-cancer molecular glue degrader drug lenalidomide and its analogs. When co-delivered with a CAR, a membrane-bound, lenalidomide-degradable IL-7 fusion protein enforced a clinically favorable T cell phenotype, enhanced antigen-dependent proliferative capacity, and enhanced in vivo tumor control. Furthermore, cyclical pharmacologic combined control of CAR and cytokine abundance enabled the deployment of highly active, IL-7-augmented CAR-T cells in a dual model of antitumor potency and T cell hyperproliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Kann
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily M Schneider
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonio J Almazan
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabel C Lane
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amanda A Bouffard
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valentina M Supper
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hana N Takei
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Tepper
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark B Leick
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca C Larson
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin L Ebert
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marcela V Maus
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Max Jan
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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26
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Klobuch S, Seijkens TTP, Schumacher TN, Haanen JBAG. Tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy for patients with advanced-stage melanoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:173-184. [PMID: 38191921 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00848-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma over the past decade. Despite these breakthroughs, the 5-year survival rate of patients with advanced-stage melanoma is at most 50%, emphasizing the need for additional therapeutic strategies. Adoptive cell therapy with tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a therapeutic modality that has, in the past few years, demonstrated long-term clinical benefit in phase II/III trials involving patients with advanced-stage melanoma, including those with disease progression on ICIs and/or BRAF/MEK inhibitors. In this Review, we summarize the current status of TIL therapies for patients with advanced-stage melanoma, including potential upcoming marketing authorization, the characteristics of TIL therapy products, as well as future strategies that are expected to increase the efficacy of this promising cellular immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Klobuch
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ton N Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - John B A G Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
- Melanoma Clinic, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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27
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Sun D, Shi X, Li S, Wang X, Yang X, Wan M. CAR‑T cell therapy: A breakthrough in traditional cancer treatment strategies (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 29:47. [PMID: 38275119 PMCID: PMC10835665 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13171] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‑T cell therapy is an innovative approach to immune cell therapy that works by modifying the T cells of a patient to express the CAR protein on their surface, and thus induce their recognition and destruction of cancer cells. CAR‑T cell therapy has shown some success in treating hematological tumors, but it still faces a number of challenges in the treatment of solid tumors, such as antigen selection, tolerability and safety. In response to these issues, studies continue to improve the design of CAR‑T cells in pursuit of improved therapeutic efficacy and safety. In the future, CAR‑T cell therapy is expected to become an important cancer treatment, and may provide new ideas and strategies for individualized immunotherapy. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, clinical applications, therapeutic efficacy and challenges of CAR‑T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahua Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Qianjiang Central Hospital, Qianjiang, Hubei 433100, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Shi
- Department of Pathology, Qianjiang Central Hospital, Qianjiang, Hubei 433100, P.R. China
| | - Sanyan Li
- Department of Pathology, Qianjiang Central Hospital, Qianjiang, Hubei 433100, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Qianjiang Central Hospital, Qianjiang, Hubei 433100, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qianjiang Central Hospital, Qianjiang, Hubei 433100, P.R. China
| | - Meiping Wan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qianjiang Central Hospital, Qianjiang, Hubei 433100, P.R. China
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28
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Lu L, Xie M, Yang B, Zhao WB, Cao J. Enhancing the safety of CAR-T cell therapy: Synthetic genetic switch for spatiotemporal control. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj6251. [PMID: 38394207 PMCID: PMC10889354 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj6251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is a promising and precise targeted therapy for cancer that has demonstrated notable potential in clinical applications. However, severe adverse effects limit the clinical application of this therapy and are mainly caused by uncontrollable activation of CAR-T cells, including excessive immune response activation due to unregulated CAR-T cell action time, as well as toxicity resulting from improper spatial localization. Therefore, to enhance controllability and safety, a control module for CAR-T cells is proposed. Synthetic biology based on genetic engineering techniques is being used to construct artificial cells or organisms for specific purposes. This approach has been explored in recent years as a means of achieving controllability in CAR-T cell therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in synthetic biology methods used to address the major adverse effects of CAR-T cell therapy in both the temporal and spatial dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingqi Xie
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
- Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-bin Zhao
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji Cao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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29
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Kim MS, Bhargava HK, Shavey GE, Lim WA, El-Samad H, Ng AH. Degron-based bioPROTACs for controlling signaling in CAR T cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.16.580396. [PMID: 38405763 PMCID: PMC10888892 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.16.580396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have made a tremendous impact in the clinic, but potent signaling through the CAR can be detrimental to treatment safety and efficacy. The use of protein degradation to control CAR signaling can address these issues in pre-clinical models. Existing strategies for regulating CAR stability rely on small molecules to induce systemic degradation. In contrast to small molecule regulation, genetic circuits offer a more precise method to control CAR signaling in an autonomous, cell-by-cell fashion. Here, we describe a programmable protein degradation tool that adopts the framework of bioPROTACs, heterobifunctional proteins that are composed of a target recognition domain fused to a domain that recruits the endogenous ubiquitin proteasome system. We develop novel bioPROTACs that utilize a compact four residue degron and demonstrate degradation of cytosolic and membrane protein targets using either a nanobody or synthetic leucine zipper as a protein binder. Our bioPROTACs exhibit potent degradation of CARs and can inhibit CAR signaling in primary human T cells. We demonstrate the utility of our bioPROTACs by constructing a genetic circuit to degrade the tyrosine kinase ZAP70 in response to recognition of a specific membrane-bound antigen. This circuit is able to disrupt CAR T cell signaling only in the presence of a specific cell population. These results suggest that bioPROTACs are a powerful tool for expanding the cell engineering toolbox for CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Kim
- Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Hersh K Bhargava
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Gavin E Shavey
- Current: Arsenal Biociences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA; Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Wendell A Lim
- Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Hana El-Samad
- Current: Altos Labs, Redwood City, CA; Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Andrew H Ng
- Current: Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA; Cell Design Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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30
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Weinberg ZY, Soliman SS, Kim MS, Chen IP, Ott M, El-Samad H. De novo-designed minibinders expand the synthetic biology sensing repertoire. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.12.575267. [PMID: 38293112 PMCID: PMC10827046 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.12.575267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic and chimeric receptors capable of recognizing and responding to user-defined antigens have enabled "smart" therapeutics based on engineered cells. These cell engineering tools depend on antigen sensors which are most often derived from antibodies. Advances in the de novo design of proteins have enabled the design of protein binders with the potential to target epitopes with unique properties and faster production timelines compared to antibodies. Building upon our previous work combining a de novo-designed minibinder of the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 with the synthetic receptor synNotch (SARSNotch), we investigated whether minibinders can be readily adapted to a diversity of cell engineering tools. We show that the Spike minibinder LCB1 easily generalizes to a next-generation proteolytic receptor SNIPR that performs similarly to our previously reported SARSNotch. LCB1-SNIPR successfully enables the detection of live SARS-CoV-2, an improvement over SARSNotch which can only detect cell-expressed Spike. To test the generalizability of minibinders to diverse applications, we tested LCB1 as an antigen sensor for a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). LCB1-CAR enabled CD8+ T cells to cytotoxically target Spike-expressing cells. Our findings suggest that minibinders represent a novel class of antigen sensors that have the potential to dramatically expand the sensing repertoire of cell engineering tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew S. Kim
- Tetrad Gradudate Program, UCSF, San Francisco CA
- Cell Design Institute, San Francisco CA
| | - Irene P. Chen
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco CA
- Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco CA
| | - Melanie Ott
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco CA
- Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco CA
| | - Hana El-Samad
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, UCSF, San Francisco CA
- Cell Design Institute, San Francisco CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco CA
- Altos Labs, San Francisco CA
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31
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Wu H, Lin J, Ling N, Zhang Y, He Y, Qiu L, Tan W. Functional Nucleic Acid-Based Immunomodulation for T Cell-Mediated Cancer Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:119-135. [PMID: 38117770 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
T cell-mediated immunity plays a pivotal role in cancer immunotherapy. The anticancer actions of T cells are coordinated by a sequence of biological processes, including the capture and presentation of antigens by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), the activation of T cells by APCs, and the subsequent killing of cancer cells by activated T cells. However, cancer cells have various means to evade immune responses. Meanwhile, these vulnerabilities provide potential targets for cancer treatments. Functional nucleic acids (FNAs) make up a class of synthetic nucleic acids with specific biological functions. With their diverse functionality, good biocompatibility, and high programmability, FNAs have attracted widespread interest in cancer immunotherapy. This Review focuses on recent research progress in employing FNAs as molecular tools for T cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy, including corresponding challenges and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Neng Ling
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yutong Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yao He
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Liping Qiu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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32
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Teng F, Cui T, Zhou L, Gao Q, Zhou Q, Li W. Programmable synthetic receptors: the next-generation of cell and gene therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:7. [PMID: 38167329 PMCID: PMC10761793 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01680-5] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell and gene therapies hold tremendous promise for treating a range of difficult-to-treat diseases. However, concerns over the safety and efficacy require to be further addressed in order to realize their full potential. Synthetic receptors, a synthetic biology tool that can precisely control the function of therapeutic cells and genetic modules, have been rapidly developed and applied as a powerful solution. Delicately designed and engineered, they can be applied to finetune the therapeutic activities, i.e., to regulate production of dosed, bioactive payloads by sensing and processing user-defined signals or biomarkers. This review provides an overview of diverse synthetic receptor systems being used to reprogram therapeutic cells and their wide applications in biomedical research. With a special focus on four synthetic receptor systems at the forefront, including chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors, we address the generalized strategies to design, construct and improve synthetic receptors. Meanwhile, we also highlight the expanding landscape of therapeutic applications of the synthetic receptor systems as well as current challenges in their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Teng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
| | - Tongtong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Li Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qingqin Gao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Wei Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
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33
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Majumder A. Evolving CAR-T-Cell Therapy for Cancer Treatment: From Scientific Discovery to Cures. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:39. [PMID: 38201467 PMCID: PMC10777914 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy has emerged as the most promising immunotherapy for cancer that typically uses patients' T cells and genetically engineered them to target cancer cells. Although recent improvements in CAR-T-cell therapy have shown remarkable success for treating hematological malignancies, the heterogeneity in tumor antigens and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) limits its efficacy in solid tumors. Despite the enormous efforts that have been made to make CAR-T-cell therapy more effective and have minimal side effects for treating hematological malignancies, more research needs to be conducted regarding its use in the clinic for treating various other types of cancer. The main concern for CAR-T-cell therapy is severe toxicities due to the cytokine release syndrome, whereas the other challenges are associated with complexity and immune-suppressing TME, tumor antigen heterogeneity, the difficulty of cell trafficking, CAR-T-cell exhaustion, and reduced cytotoxicity in the tumor site. This review discussed the latest discoveries in CAR-T-cell therapy strategies and combination therapies, as well as their effectiveness in different cancers. It also encompasses ongoing clinical trials; current challenges regarding the therapeutic use of CAR-T-cell therapy, especially for solid tumors; and evolving treatment strategies to improve the therapeutic application of CAR-T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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34
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Luo M, Gong W, Zhang Y, Li H, Ma D, Wu K, Gao Q, Fang Y. New insights into the stemness of adoptively transferred T cells by γc family cytokines. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:347. [PMID: 38049832 PMCID: PMC10694921 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has exhibited excellent antitumoral efficacy exemplified by the clinical breakthrough of chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T) in hematologic malignancies. It relies on the pool of functional T cells to retain the developmental potential to serially kill targeted cells. However, failure in the continuous supply and persistence of functional T cells has been recognized as a critical barrier to sustainable responses. Conferring stemness on infused T cells, yielding stem cell-like memory T cells (TSCM) characterized by constant self-renewal and multilineage differentiation similar to pluripotent stem cells, is indeed necessary and promising for enhancing T cell function and sustaining antitumor immunity. Therefore, it is crucial to identify TSCM cell induction regulators and acquire more TSCM cells as resource cells during production and after infusion to improve antitumoral efficacy. Recently, four common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc) family cytokines, encompassing interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21, have been widely used in the development of long-lived adoptively transferred TSCM in vitro. However, challenges, including their non-specific toxicities and off-target effects, have led to substantial efforts for the development of engineered versions to unleash their full potential in the induction and maintenance of T cell stemness in ACT. In this review, we summarize the roles of the four γc family cytokines in the orchestration of adoptively transferred T cell stemness, introduce their engineered versions that modulate TSCM cell formation and demonstrate the potential of their various combinations. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Luo
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjian Gong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuewen Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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35
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Smith EL. The Future of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2023; 37:1215-1219. [PMID: 37442674 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 10 years CAR T cell therapies have been shown to be transformative for B- and plasma-cell malignancies, however the field is only beginning to realize the potential benefit to patients of such therapies. Over the next 10 years it is expected that advances will be made in durable response rates for patients with B/plasma cell malignancies; expansion to T-cell, myeloid, and solid malignancies; and in delivery and manufacturing to transform the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Smith
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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36
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Ornelas MY, Cournoyer JE, Bram S, Mehta AP. Evolution and synthetic biology. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 76:102394. [PMID: 37801925 PMCID: PMC10842511 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102394] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Evolutionary observations have often served as an inspiration for biological design. Decoding of the central dogma of life at a molecular level and understanding of the cellular biochemistry have been elegantly used to engineer various synthetic biology applications, including building genetic circuits in vitro and in cells, building synthetic translational systems, and metabolic engineering in cells to biosynthesize and even bioproduce complex high-value molecules. Here, we review three broad areas of synthetic biology that are inspired by evolutionary observations: (i) combinatorial approaches toward cell-based biomolecular evolution, (ii) engineering interdependencies to establish microbial consortia, and (iii) synthetic immunology. In each of the areas, we will highlight the evolutionary premise that was central toward designing these platforms. These are only a subset of the examples where evolution and natural phenomena directly or indirectly serve as a powerful source of inspiration in shaping synthetic biology and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marya Y Ornelas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Jason E Cournoyer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Stanley Bram
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Angad P Mehta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, United States; Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, United States; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, United States.
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37
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Cheng J, Liu M, Zhang J. Intelligent tunable CAR-T cell therapy leads the new trend. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2023; 8:606-609. [PMID: 37753197 PMCID: PMC10518343 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has been proved to have robust anti-tumor effects against hematological malignancies. However, problems about safety and efficacy, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), T cell exhaustion and antigen escape are still raised when patients are treated with CAR-T cells. Moreover, CAR-T therapy has limited applications in treating solid tumors, owing to inefficient infiltration and poor functional persistence of CAR-T cells and diverse immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment. In order to overcome these limitations and broad its applications, multiple controllable CAR-T technologies were exploited. In this article, we review the designs of intelligent controlled CAR-T technologies and the innovations that they bring about in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Cheng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiqin Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Xu L, Wang S, Zhang D, Wu Y, Shan J, Zhu H, Wang C, Wang Q. Machine learning- and WGCNA-mediated double analysis based on genes associated with disulfidptosis, cuproptosis and ferroptosis for the construction and validation of the prognostic model for breast cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16511-16523. [PMID: 37712959 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05378-7] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disulfidptosis, a recently discovered cellular death mechanism, has not been extensively studied in relation to breast cancer (BC). Specifically, no previous research has integrated disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs), cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs), and ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) to construct a prognostic signature for BC. METHODS DRGs, CRGs and FRGs with prognostic potential were identified through Cox regression analysis. A predictive model was constructed by intersecting the core genes obtained from unsupervised cluster analysis and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Differences in chemotherapy drug sensitivity, immune checkpoint levels were analyzed according to different risk score groups. The expression of the core disulfidptosis gene, SLC7A11, was analyzed using immunofluorescence. RESULTS Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed differential expression of DRGs in the BC tumor microenvironment. We developed a prognostic model, consisting of six genes, based on machine learning which included unsupervised cluster analysis and Lasso-Cox analysis. An internal training set and a validation set, both derived from the Cancer Genome Atlas-Breast Cancer (TCGA-BRCA) database, GSE20685 and GSE42568 as external validation sets all verified the model's validity. The low-risk group exhibited increased sensitivity to paclitaxel. Additionally, the high-risk group demonstrated significantly higher expression of tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability compared to the low-risk group. A nomogram confirmed that the risk score can be an independent risk factor for BC. Notably, our findings highlighted the impact of SLC7A11 on the BC tumor microenvironment. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed significantly higher expression of SLC7A11 in BC tissues compared to paracancerous tissues. CONCLUSION Multiplex analysis based on DRGs, CRGs and FRGs correlated strongly with BC, providing new insights for developing clinical prognostic tools and designing immunotherapy regimens for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yunxi Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jiali Shan
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Huixia Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Chongyu Wang
- Department of Medicine, Xinglin College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226007, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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Hoces D, Miguens Blanco J, Hernández-López RA. A synthetic biology approach to engineering circuits in immune cells. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:120-137. [PMID: 37464881 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13244] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
A synthetic circuit in a biological system involves the designed assembly of genetic elements, biomolecules, or cells to create a defined function. These circuits are central in synthetic biology, enabling the reprogramming of cellular behavior and the engineering of cells with customized responses. In cancer therapeutics, engineering T cells with circuits have the potential to overcome the challenges of current approaches, for example, by allowing specific recognition and killing of cancer cells. Recent advances also facilitate engineering integrated circuits for the controlled release of therapeutic molecules at specified locations, for example, in a solid tumor. In this review, we discuss recent strategies and applications of synthetic receptor circuits aimed at enhancing immune cell functions for cancer immunotherapy. We begin by introducing the concept of circuits in networks at the molecular and cellular scales and provide an analysis of the development and implementation of several synthetic circuits in T cells that have the goal to overcome current challenges in cancer immunotherapy. These include specific targeting of cancer cells, increased T-cell proliferation, and persistence in the tumor microenvironment. By harnessing the power of synthetic biology, and the characteristics of certain circuit architectures, it is now possible to engineer a new generation of immune cells that recognize cancer cells, while minimizing off-target toxicities. We specifically discuss T-cell circuits for antigen density sensing. These circuits allow targeting of solid tumors that share antigens with normal tissues. Additionally, we explore designs for synthetic circuits that could control T-cell differentiation or T-cell fate as well as the concept of synthetic multicellular circuits that leverage cellular communication and division of labor to achieve improved therapeutic efficacy. As our understanding of cell biology expands and novel tools for genome, protein, and cell engineering are developed, we anticipate further innovative approaches to emerge in the design and engineering of circuits in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hoces
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jesús Miguens Blanco
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Rogelio A Hernández-López
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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40
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Li Y, Rezvani K, Rafei H. Next-generation chimeric antigen receptors for T- and natural killer-cell therapies against cancer. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:217-235. [PMID: 37548050 PMCID: PMC10841677 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. However, the broad application of this approach for myeloid malignancies and solid cancers has been limited by the paucity and heterogeneity of target antigen expression, and lack of bona fide tumor-specific antigens that can be targeted without cross-reactivity against normal tissues. This may lead to unwanted on-target off-tumor toxicities that could undermine the desired antitumor effect. Recent advances in synthetic biology and genetic engineering have enabled reprogramming of immune effector cells to enhance their selectivity toward tumors, thus mitigating on-target off-tumor adverse effects. In this review, we outline the current strategies being explored to improve CAR selectivity toward tumor cells with a focus on natural killer (NK) cells, and the progress made in translating these strategies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hind Rafei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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41
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Garcia JM, Burnett CE, Roybal KT. Toward the clinical development of synthetic immunity to cancer. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:83-99. [PMID: 37491719 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13245] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology (synbio) tools, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), have been designed to target, activate, and improve immune cell responses to tumors. These therapies have demonstrated an ability to cure patients with blood cancers. However, there are significant challenges to designing, testing, and efficiently translating these complex cell therapies for patients who do not respond or have immune refractory solid tumors. The rapid progress of synbio tools for cell therapy, particularly for cancer immunotherapy, is encouraging but our development process should be tailored to increase translational success. Particularly, next-generation cell therapies should be rooted in basic immunology, tested in more predictive preclinical models, engineered for potency with the right balance of safety, educated by clinical findings, and multi-faceted to combat a range of suppressive mechanisms. Here, we lay out five principles for engineering future cell therapies to increase the probability of clinical impact, and in the context of these principles, we provide an overview of the current state of synbio cell therapy design for cancer. Although these principles are anchored in engineering immune cells for cancer therapy, we posit that they can help guide translational synbio research for broad impact in other disease indications with high unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute for Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Cassandra E Burnett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute for Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kole T Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute for Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, California, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
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42
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Tang L, Pan S, Wei X, Xu X, Wei Q. Arming CAR-T cells with cytokines and more: Innovations in the fourth-generation CAR-T development. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3146-3162. [PMID: 37803832 PMCID: PMC10638038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.09.021] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) therapy has shown great potential in tumor treatment. However, many factors impair the efficacy of CAR-T therapy, such as antigenic heterogeneity and loss, limited potency and persistence, poor infiltration capacity, and a suppressive tumor microenvironment. To overcome these obstacles, recent studies have reported a new generation of CAR-T cells expressing cytokines called armored CAR-T, TRUCK-T, or the fourth-generation CAR-T. Here we summarize the strategies of arming CAR-T cells with natural or synthetic cytokine signals to enhance their anti-tumor capacity. Moreover, we summarize the advances in CAR-T cells expressing non-cytokine proteins, such as membrane receptors, antibodies, enzymes, co-stimulatory molecules, and transcriptional factors. Furthermore, we discuss several prospective strategies for armored CAR-T therapy development. Altogether, these ideas may provide new insights for the innovations of the next-generation CAR-T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Sheng Pan
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Qiang Wei
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
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43
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Wei J, Lin X, Han W. Optimized collaboration of the first and third signals endows robust activity to T cells within the immunocompetent tumor microenvironment. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1393-1394. [PMID: 37308558 PMCID: PMC10616268 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01050-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jianshu Wei
- Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, 102206, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Lin
- Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, 102206, Beijing, China.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, 100084, Beijing, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China.
| | - Weidong Han
- Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, 102206, Beijing, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China.
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44
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Capponi S, Daniels KG. Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to advance cell therapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:147-165. [PMID: 37415280 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapies are powerful technologies in which human cells are reprogrammed for therapeutic applications such as killing cancer cells or replacing defective cells. The technologies underlying cell therapies are increasing in effectiveness and complexity, making rational engineering of cell therapies more difficult. Creating the next generation of cell therapies will require improved experimental approaches and predictive models. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods have revolutionized several fields in biology including genome annotation, protein structure prediction, and enzyme design. In this review, we discuss the potential of combining experimental library screens and AI to build predictive models for the development of modular cell therapy technologies. Advances in DNA synthesis and high-throughput screening techniques enable the construction and screening of libraries of modular cell therapy constructs. AI and ML models trained on this screening data can accelerate the development of cell therapies by generating predictive models, design rules, and improved designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Capponi
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cellular Engineering, IBM Almaden Research Center, San Jose, California, USA
- Center for Cellular Construction, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kyle G Daniels
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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45
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Dewdney B, Jenkins MR, Best SA, Freytag S, Prasad K, Holst J, Endersby R, Johns TG. From signalling pathways to targeted therapies: unravelling glioblastoma's secrets and harnessing two decades of progress. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:400. [PMID: 37857607 PMCID: PMC10587102 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01637-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a rare, and highly lethal form of brain cancer, poses significant challenges in terms of therapeutic resistance, and poor survival rates for both adult and paediatric patients alike. Despite advancements in brain cancer research driven by a technological revolution, translating our understanding of glioblastoma pathogenesis into improved clinical outcomes remains a critical unmet need. This review emphasises the intricate role of receptor tyrosine kinase signalling pathways, epigenetic mechanisms, and metabolic functions in glioblastoma tumourigenesis and therapeutic resistance. We also discuss the extensive efforts over the past two decades that have explored targeted therapies against these pathways. Emerging therapeutic approaches, such as antibody-toxin conjugates or CAR T cell therapies, offer potential by specifically targeting proteins on the glioblastoma cell surface. Combination strategies incorporating protein-targeted therapy and immune-based therapies demonstrate great promise for future clinical research. Moreover, gaining insights into the role of cell-of-origin in glioblastoma treatment response holds the potential to advance precision medicine approaches. Addressing these challenges is crucial to improving outcomes for glioblastoma patients and moving towards more effective precision therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Dewdney
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
- Centre For Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Misty R Jenkins
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
| | - Sarah A Best
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
| | - Saskia Freytag
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
| | - Krishneel Prasad
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
| | - Jeff Holst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Raelene Endersby
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre For Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Terrance G Johns
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre For Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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46
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Vlahos AE, Call CC, Kadaba SE, Guo S, Gao XJ. Compact Programmable Control of Protein Secretion in Mammalian Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.04.560774. [PMID: 37873144 PMCID: PMC10592972 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.04.560774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology currently holds immense potential to engineer the spatiotemporal control of intercellular signals for biomedicine. Programming behaviors using protein-based circuits has advantages over traditional gene circuits such as compact delivery and direct interactions with signaling proteins. Previously, we described a generalizable platform called RELEASE to enable the control of intercellular signaling through the proteolytic removal of ER-retention motifs compatible with pre-existing protease-based circuits. However, these tools lacked the ability to reliably program complex expression profiles and required numerous proteases, limiting delivery options. Here, we harness the recruitment and antagonistic behavior of endogenous 14-3-3 proteins to create RELEASE-NOT to turn off protein secretion in response to protease activity. By combining RELEASE and RELEASE-NOT, we establish a suite of protein-level processing and output modules called Compact RELEASE (compRELEASE). This innovation enables functions such as logic processing and analog signal filtering using a single input protease. Furthermore, we demonstrate the compactness of the post-translational design by using polycistronic single transcripts to engineer cells to control protein secretion via lentiviral integration and leverage mRNA delivery to selectively express cell surface proteins only in engineered cells harboring inducible proteases. CompRELEASE enables complex control of protein secretion and enhances the potential of synthetic protein circuits for therapeutic applications, while minimizing the overall genetic payload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E. Vlahos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Connor C. Call
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Samarth E. Kadaba
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Siqi Guo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- The Chinese Undergraduate Visiting Research (UGVR) Program, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Xiaojing J. Gao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Wang JY, Wang L. CAR-T cell therapy: Where are we now, and where are we heading? BLOOD SCIENCE 2023; 5:237-248. [PMID: 37941917 PMCID: PMC10629745 DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapies have exhibited remarkable efficacy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, with 9 CAR-T-cell products currently available. Furthermore, CAR-T cells have shown promising potential for expanding their therapeutic applications to diverse areas, including solid tumors, myocardial fibrosis, and autoimmune and infectious diseases. Despite these advancements, significant challenges pertaining to treatment-related toxic reactions and relapses persist. Consequently, current research efforts are focused on addressing these issues to enhance the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cells and reduce the relapse rate. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the present state of CAR-T-cell therapies, including their achievements, existing challenges, and potential future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
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Neeser A, Ramasubramanian R, Wang C, Ma L. Engineering enhanced chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy for solid tumors. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 2023; 19:100385. [PMID: 37483659 PMCID: PMC10362352 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2023.100385] [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] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The early clinical success and subsequent US Food and Drug Administration approval of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy for leukemia and lymphoma affirm that engineered T cells can be a powerful treatment for hematologic malignancies. Yet this success has not been replicated in solid tumors. Numerous challenges emerged from clinical experience and well-controlled preclinical animal models must be met to enable safe and efficacious CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors. Here, we review recent advances in bioengineering strategies developed to enhance CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors, focusing on targeted single-gene perturbation, genetic circuits design, cytokine engineering, and interactive biomaterials. These bioengineering approaches present a unique set of tools that synergize with CAR-T cells to overcome obstacles in solid tumors and achieve robust and long-lasting therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Neeser
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - R. Ramasubramanian
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - C. Wang
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
| | - L. Ma
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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49
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Li J, Xiao Z, Wang D, Jia L, Nie S, Zeng X, Hu W. The screening, identification, design and clinical application of tumor-specific neoantigens for TCR-T cells. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:141. [PMID: 37649123 PMCID: PMC10466891 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in neoantigen research have accelerated the development of tumor immunotherapies, including adoptive cell therapies (ACTs), cancer vaccines and antibody-based therapies, particularly for solid tumors. With the development of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics technology, the rapid identification and prediction of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) has become possible. Compared with tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), highly immunogenic TSAs provide new targets for personalized tumor immunotherapy and can be used as prospective indicators for predicting tumor patient survival, prognosis, and immune checkpoint blockade response. Here, the identification and characterization of neoantigens and the clinical application of neoantigen-based TCR-T immunotherapy strategies are summarized, and the current status, inherent challenges, and clinical translational potential of these strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangping Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiwen Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghui Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Jia
- International Health Medicine Innovation Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shihong Nie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Cancer Center, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingda Zeng
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, People's Republic of China
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50
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Rui R, Zhou L, He S. Cancer immunotherapies: advances and bottlenecks. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212476. [PMID: 37691932 PMCID: PMC10484345 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has ushered in a new era in cancer treatment, and cancer immunotherapy continues to be rejuvenated. The clinical goal of cancer immunotherapy is to prime host immune system to provide passive or active immunity against malignant tumors. Tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) play an immunomodulatory role in tumor microenvironment (TME) which is closely related to immune escape of tumor cells, thus influence tumor progress. Several cancer immunotherapies, include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccine, adoptive cell transfer (ACT), have shown great efficacy and promise. In this review, we will summarize the recent research advances in tumor immunotherapy, including the molecular mechanisms and clinical effects as well as limitations of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Rui
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- The Institution of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
- National Urological Cancer Center, Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Zhou
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- The Institution of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
- National Urological Cancer Center, Beijing, China
| | - Shiming He
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- The Institution of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing, China
- National Urological Cancer Center, Beijing, China
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