1
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Balagopalan L, Moreno T, Qin H, Angeles BC, Kondo T, Yi J, McIntire KM, Alvinez N, Pallikkuth S, Lee ME, Yamane H, Tran AD, Youkharibache P, Cachau RE, Taylor N, Samelson LE. Generation of antitumor chimeric antigen receptors incorporating T cell signaling motifs. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadp8569. [PMID: 39042728 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adp8569] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been used to successfully treat various blood cancers, but adverse effects have limited their potential. Here, we developed chimeric adaptor proteins (CAPs) and CAR tyrosine kinases (CAR-TKs) in which the intracellular ζ T cell receptor (TCRζ) chain was replaced with intracellular protein domains to stimulate signaling downstream of the TCRζ chain. CAPs contain adaptor domains and the kinase domain of ZAP70, whereas CAR-TKs contain only ZAP70 domains. We hypothesized that CAPs and CAR-TKs would be more potent than CARs because they would bypass both the steps that define the signaling threshold of TCRζ and the inhibitory regulation of upstream molecules. CAPs were too potent and exhibited high tonic signaling in vitro. In contrast, CAR-TKs exhibited high antitumor efficacy and significantly enhanced long-term tumor clearance in leukemia-bearing NSG mice as compared with the conventional CD19-28ζ-CAR-T cells. CAR-TKs were activated in a manner independent of the kinase Lck and displayed slower phosphorylation kinetics and prolonged signaling compared with the 28ζ-CAR. Lck inhibition attenuated CAR-TK cell exhaustion and improved long-term function. The distinct signaling properties of CAR-TKs may therefore be harnessed to improve the in vivo efficacy of T cells engineered to express an antitumor chimeric receptor.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Humans
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- Mice
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase/metabolism
- ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase/genetics
- ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Phosphorylation
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Balagopalan
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Taylor Moreno
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Haiying Qin
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin C Angeles
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Taisuke Kondo
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jason Yi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Katherine M McIntire
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Neriah Alvinez
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Sandeep Pallikkuth
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Mariah E Lee
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Hidehiro Yamane
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Andy D Tran
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (CCR Microscopy Core), National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Philippe Youkharibache
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Raul E Cachau
- Integrated Data Science Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naomi Taylor
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lawrence E Samelson
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
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2
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Ma R, Woods M, Burkhardt P, Crooks N, van Leeuwen DG, Shmidt D, Couturier J, Chaumette A, Popat D, Hill LC, Rouce RH, Thakkar S, Orozco AF, Carisey AF, Brenner MK, Mamonkin M. Chimeric antigen receptor-induced antigen loss protects CD5.CART cells from fratricide without compromising on-target cytotoxicity. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101628. [PMID: 38986621 PMCID: PMC11293353 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101628] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CART) targeting lymphocyte antigens can induce T cell fratricide and require additional engineering to mitigate self-damage. We demonstrate that the expression of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CD5, a prominent pan-T cell antigen, induces rapid internalization and complete loss of the CD5 protein on T cells, protecting them from self-targeting. Notably, exposure of healthy and malignant T cells to CD5.CART cells induces similar internalization of CD5 on target cells, transiently shielding them from cytotoxicity. However, this protection is short-lived, as sustained activity of CD5.CART cells in patients with T cell malignancies results in full ablation of CD5+ T cells while sparing healthy T cells naturally lacking CD5. These results indicate that continuous downmodulation of the target antigen in CD5.CART cells produces effective fratricide resistance without undermining their on-target cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Royce Ma
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mae Woods
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Phillip Burkhardt
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Noah Crooks
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dayenne G van Leeuwen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daniil Shmidt
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jacob Couturier
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alexandre Chaumette
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Divya Popat
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - LaQuisa C Hill
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rayne H Rouce
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sachin Thakkar
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Aaron F Orozco
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alexandre F Carisey
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Malcolm K Brenner
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maksim Mamonkin
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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3
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Lee SW, Lee HM. Engineered T Cell Receptor for Cancer Immunotherapy. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2024; 32:424-431. [PMID: 38844787 PMCID: PMC11214961 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2023.197] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Among the therapeutic strategies in cancer immunotherapy-such as immune-modulating antibodies, cancer vaccines, or adoptive T cell transfer-T cells have been an attractive target due to their cytotoxicity toward tumor cells and the tumor antigen-specific binding of their receptors. Leveraging the unique properties of T cells, chimeric antigen receptor-T cells and T cell receptor (TCR)-T cells were developed through genetic modification of their receptors, enhancing the specificity and effectiveness of T cell therapy. Adoptive cell transfer of chimeric antigen receptor-T cells has been successful for the treatment of hematological malignancies. To expand T cell therapy to solid tumors, T cells are modified to express defined TCR targeting tumor associated antigen, which is called TCR-T therapy. This review discusses anti-tumor T cell therapies, with a focus on engineered TCR-T cell therapy. We outline the characteristics of TCR-T cell therapy and its clinical application to non-hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Won Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongduk Women’s University, Seoul 02748, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang-Mi Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongduk Women’s University, Seoul 02748, Republic of Korea
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4
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Patel A, Kutuzov MA, Dustin ML, van der Merwe PA, Dushek O. Regulation of temporal cytokine production by co-stimulation receptors in TCR-T cells is lost in CAR-T cells. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2024; 4:ltae004. [PMID: 38978751 PMCID: PMC11228853 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells contribute to immune responses by producing cytokines when their T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognise peptide antigens on major-histocompability-complex class I. However, excessive cytokine production can be harmful. For example, cytokine release syndrome is a common toxicity observed in treatments that activate T cells, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy. While the engagement of costimulatory receptors is well known to enhance cytokine production, we have limited knowledge of their ability to regulate the kinetics of cytokine production by CAR-T cells. Here we compare early (0-12 h) and late (12-20 h) production of IFN-gg, IL-2, and TNF-a production by T cells stimulated via TCR or CARs in the presence or absence ligands for CD2, LFA-1, CD28, CD27, and 4-1BB. For T cells expressing TCRs and 1st-generation CARs, activation by antigen alone was sufficient to stimulate early cytokine production, while co-stimulation by CD2 and 4-1BB was required to maintain late cytokine production. In contrast, T cells expressing 2nd-generation CARs, which have intrinsic costimulatory signalling motifs, produce high levels of cytokines in both early and late periods in the absence of costimulatory receptor ligands. Losing the requirement for costimulation for sustained cytokine production may contribute to the effectiveness and/or toxicity of 2nd-generation CAR-T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashna Patel
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Mikhail A Kutuzov
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Michael L Dustin
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | | | - Omer Dushek
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
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5
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Zhang R, Zhang D, Luo Y, Sun Y, Duan C, Yang J, Wei J, Li X, Lu Y, Lai X. miR-34a promotes the immunosuppressive function of multiple myeloma-associated macrophages by dampening the TLR-9 signaling. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7387. [PMID: 38864479 PMCID: PMC11167606 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7387] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promising outcomes have been observed in multiple myeloma (MM) with the use of immunotherapies, specifically chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. However, a portion of MM patients do not respond to CAR-T therapy, and the reasons for this lack of response remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of miR-34a on the immunosuppressive polarization of macrophages obtained from MM patients. METHODS The levels of miR-34a and TLR9 (Toll-like receptor 9) were examined in macrophages obtained from both healthy individuals and patients with MM. ELISA was employed to investigate the cytokine profiles of the macrophage samples. Co-culture experiments were conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory impact of MM-associated macrophages on CAR-T cells. RESULTS There was an observed suppressed activation of macrophages and CD4+ T lymphocytes in the blood samples of MM patients. Overexpression of miR-34a in MM-associated macrophages dampened the TLR9 expression and impaired the inflammatory polarization. In both the co-culture system and an animal model, MM-associated macrophages suppressed the activity and tumoricidal effect of CAR-T cells in a miR-34a-dependent manner. CONCLUSION The findings imply that targeting the macrophage miR-34a/TLR9 axis could potentially alleviate the immunosuppression associated with CAR-T therapy in MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of HematologyYunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Peking University Cancer Hospital YunnanNo.519 Kunzhou Road, Xishan DistrictKunmingYunnan ProvinceChina
| | - Disi Zhang
- Department of HematologyYunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Peking University Cancer Hospital YunnanNo.519 Kunzhou Road, Xishan DistrictKunmingYunnan ProvinceChina
| | - Yilan Luo
- Department of HematologyYunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Peking University Cancer Hospital YunnanNo.519 Kunzhou Road, Xishan DistrictKunmingYunnan ProvinceChina
| | - Yunyan Sun
- Department of HematologyYunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Peking University Cancer Hospital YunnanNo.519 Kunzhou Road, Xishan DistrictKunmingYunnan ProvinceChina
| | - Ci Duan
- Department of HematologyYunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Peking University Cancer Hospital YunnanNo.519 Kunzhou Road, Xishan DistrictKunmingYunnan ProvinceChina
| | - Jiapeng Yang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryYunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Peking University Cancer Hospital YunnanNo.519 Kunzhou Road, Xishan DistrictKunmingYunnan ProvinceChina
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of HematologyYunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Peking University Cancer Hospital YunnanNo.519 Kunzhou Road, Xishan DistrictKunmingYunnan ProvinceChina
| | - Xianshi Li
- Department of HematologyYunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Peking University Cancer Hospital YunnanNo.519 Kunzhou Road, Xishan DistrictKunmingYunnan ProvinceChina
| | - Yanqi Lu
- Department of HematologyYunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Peking University Cancer Hospital YunnanNo.519 Kunzhou Road, Xishan DistrictKunmingYunnan ProvinceChina
| | - Xun Lai
- Department of HematologyYunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Peking University Cancer Hospital YunnanNo.519 Kunzhou Road, Xishan DistrictKunmingYunnan ProvinceChina
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Woessner NM, Brandl SM, Hartmann S, Schamel WW, Hartl FA, Minguet S. Phospho-mimetic CD3ε variants prevent TCR and CAR signaling. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1392933. [PMID: 38779683 PMCID: PMC11109380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1392933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antigen binding to the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) leads to the phosphorylation of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) of the CD3 complex, and thereby to T cell activation. The CD3ε subunit plays a unique role in TCR activation by recruiting the kinase LCK and the adaptor protein NCK prior to ITAM phosphorylation. Here, we aimed to investigate how phosphorylation of the individual CD3ε ITAM tyrosines impacts the CD3ε signalosome. Methods We mimicked irreversible tyrosine phosphorylation by substituting glutamic acid for the tyrosine residues in the CD3ε ITAM. Results Integrating CD3ε phospho-mimetic variants into the complete TCR-CD3 complex resulted in reduced TCR signal transduction, which was partially compensated by the involvement of the other TCR-CD3 ITAMs. By using novel CD3ε phospho-mimetic Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) variants, we avoided any compensatory effects of other ITAMs in the TCR-CD3 complex. We demonstrated that irreversible CD3ε phosphorylation prevented signal transduction upon CAR engagement. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that glutamic acid substitution at the N-terminal tyrosine residue of the CD3ε ITAM (Y39E) significantly reduces NCK binding to the TCR. In contrast, mutation at the C-terminal tyrosine of the CD3ε ITAM (Y50E) abolished LCK recruitment to the TCR, while increasing NCK binding. Double mutation at the C- and N-terminal tyrosines (Y39/50E) allowed ZAP70 to bind, but reduced the interaction with LCK and NCK. Conclusions The data demonstrate that the dynamic phosphorylation of the CD3ε ITAM tyrosines is essential for CD3ε to orchestrate optimal TCR and CAR signaling and highlights the key role of CD3ε signalosome to tune signal transduction.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- CD3 Complex/metabolism
- HEK293 Cells
- Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-Based Activation Motif
- Jurkat Cells
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56(lck)/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56(lck)/genetics
- Phosphorylation
- Protein Binding
- Receptor-CD3 Complex, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptor-CD3 Complex, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptor-CD3 Complex, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase/metabolism
- ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine M. Woessner
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon M. Brandl
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sara Hartmann
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang W. Schamel
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Clinics and Medical Faculty, University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frederike A. Hartl
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susana Minguet
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Clinics and Medical Faculty, University, Freiburg, Germany
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Chen K, Liu ML, Wang JC, Fang S. CAR-macrophage versus CAR-T for solid tumors: The race between a rising star and a superstar. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:465-476. [PMID: 37877819 PMCID: PMC11088881 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has been demonstrated to be one of the most promising cancer immunotherapy strategies due to its active antitumor capabilities in vivo. Engineering T cells to overexpress chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), for example, has shown potent efficacy in the therapy of some hematologic malignancies. However, the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy against solid tumors is still limited due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors, difficulty in infiltrating tumor sites, lack of tumor-specific antigens, antigen escape, and severe side effects. In contrast, macrophages expressing CARs (CAR-macrophages) have emerged as another promising candidate in immunotherapy, particularly for solid tumors. Now at its nascent stage (with only one clinical trial progressing), CAR-macrophage still shows inspiring potential advantages over CAR-T in treating solid tumors, including more abundant antitumor mechanisms and better infiltration into tumors. In this review, we discuss the relationships and differences between CAR-T and CAR-macrophage therapies in terms of their CAR structures, antitumor mechanisms, challenges faced in treating solid tumors, and insights gleaned from clinical trials and practice for solid tumors. We especially highlight the potential advantages of CAR-macrophage therapy over CAR-T for solid tumors. Understanding these relationships and differences provides new insight into possible optimization strategies of both these two therapies in solid tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min-ling Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian-cheng Wang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuo Fang
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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8
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Huang X, Meng L, Cao G, Prominski A, Hu Y, Yang C, Chen M, Shi J, Gallagher C, Cao T, Yue J, Huang J, Tian B. Multimodal probing of T-cell recognition with hexapod heterostructures. Nat Methods 2024; 21:857-867. [PMID: 38374262 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02165-7] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Studies using antigen-presenting systems at the single-cell and ensemble levels can provide complementary insights into T-cell signaling and activation. Although crucial for advancing basic immunology and immunotherapy, there is a notable absence of synthetic material toolkits that examine T cells at both levels, and especially those capable of single-molecule-level manipulation. Here we devise a biomimetic antigen-presenting system (bAPS) for single-cell stimulation and ensemble modulation of T-cell recognition. Our bAPS uses hexapod heterostructures composed of a submicrometer cubic hematite core (α-Fe2O3) and nanostructured silica branches with diverse surface modifications. At single-molecule resolution, we show T-cell activation by a single agonist peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex; distinct T-cell receptor (TCR) responses to structurally similar peptides that differ by only one amino acid; and the superior antigen recognition sensitivity of TCRs compared with that of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). We also demonstrate how the magnetic field-induced rotation of hexapods amplifies the immune responses in suspended T and CAR-T cells. In addition, we establish our bAPS as a precise and scalable method for identifying stimulatory antigen-specific TCRs at the single-cell level. Thus, our multimodal bAPS represents a unique biointerface tool for investigating T-cell recognition, signaling and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Huang
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lingyuan Meng
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Guoshuai Cao
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Yifei Hu
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chuanwang Yang
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Min Chen
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jiuyun Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Thao Cao
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jiping Yue
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jun Huang
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Bozhi Tian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- The Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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9
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Falde SD, Fussner LA, Tazelaar HD, O'Brien EK, Lamprecht P, Konig MF, Specks U. Proteinase 3-specific antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2024; 6:e314-e327. [PMID: 38574742 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(24)00035-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Proteinase 3 (PR3)-specific antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is one of two major ANCA-associated vasculitis variants and is pathogenically linked to granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). GPA is characterised by necrotising granulomatous inflammation that preferentially affects the respiratory tract. The small vessel vasculitis features of GPA are shared with microscopic polyangiitis. Necrotising granulomatous inflammation of GPA can lead to PR3-ANCA and small vessel vasculitis via activation of neutrophils and monocytes. B cells are central to the pathogenesis of PR3-ANCA-associated vasculitis. They are targeted successfully by remission induction and maintenance therapy with rituximab. Relapses of PR3-ANCA-associated vasculitis and toxicities associated with current standard therapy contribute substantially to remaining mortality and damage-associated morbidity. More effective and less toxic treatments are sought to address this unmet need. Advances with cellular and novel antigen-specific immunotherapies hold promise for application in autoimmune disease, including PR3-ANCA-associated vasculitis. This Series paper describes the inter-related histopathological and clinical features, pathophysiology, as well as current and future targeted treatments for PR3-ANCA-associated vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Falde
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lynn A Fussner
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Henry D Tazelaar
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Erin K O'Brien
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Peter Lamprecht
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine & Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ulrich Specks
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA.
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10
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Mitra A, Kumar A, Amdare NP, Pathak R. Current Landscape of Cancer Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune Arsenal to Overcome Immune Evasion. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:307. [PMID: 38785789 PMCID: PMC11118874 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immune evasion represents a leading hallmark of cancer, posing a significant obstacle to the development of successful anticancer therapies. However, the landscape of cancer treatment has significantly evolved, transitioning into the era of immunotherapy from conventional methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal component in cancer treatment, harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancer and offering improved prognostic outcomes for numerous patients. The remarkable success of immunotherapy has spurred significant efforts to enhance the clinical efficacy of existing agents and strategies. Several immunotherapeutic approaches have received approval for targeted cancer treatments, while others are currently in preclinical and clinical trials. This review explores recent progress in unraveling the mechanisms of cancer immune evasion and evaluates the clinical effectiveness of diverse immunotherapy strategies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and antibody-based treatments. It encompasses both established treatments and those currently under investigation, providing a comprehensive overview of efforts to combat cancer through immunological approaches. Additionally, the article emphasizes the current developments, limitations, and challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, by integrating analyses of cancer immunotherapy resistance mechanisms and exploring combination strategies and personalized approaches, it offers valuable insights crucial for the development of novel anticancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Anoop Kumar
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nitin P. Amdare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
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11
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Xu MY, Zeng N, Liu CQ, Sun JX, An Y, Zhang SH, Xu JZ, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Hu J, Xia QD, Wang SG. Enhanced cellular therapy: revolutionizing adoptive cellular therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:47. [PMID: 38664743 PMCID: PMC11046957 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00506-6] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced cellular therapy has emerged as a novel concept following the basis of cellular therapy. This treatment modality applied drugs or biotechnology to directly enhance or genetically modify cells to enhance the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT). Drugs or biotechnology that enhance the killing ability of immune cells include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) / antibody drugs, small molecule inhibitors, immunomodulatory factors, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), oncolytic virus (OV), etc. Firstly, overcoming the inhibitory tumor microenvironment (TME) can enhance the efficacy of ACT, which can be achieved by blocking the immune checkpoint. Secondly, cytokines or cytokine receptors can be expressed by genetic engineering or added directly to adoptive cells to enhance the migration and infiltration of adoptive cells to tumor cells. Moreover, multi-antigen chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can be designed to enhance the specific recognition of tumor cell-related antigens, and OVs can also stimulate antigen release. In addition to inserting suicide genes into adoptive cells, PROTAC technology can be used as a safety switch or degradation agent of immunosuppressive factors to enhance the safety and efficacy of adoptive cells. This article comprehensively summarizes the mechanism, current situation, and clinical application of enhanced cellular therapy, describing potential improvements to adoptive cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Na Zeng
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen-Qian Liu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Xuan Sun
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ye An
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Han Zhang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin-Zhou Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Yu Zhong
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Yang Ma
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao-Dong He
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi-Dong Xia
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shao-Gang Wang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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12
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Simon S, Bugos G, Prins R, Rajan A, Palani A, Heyer K, Stevens A, Zeng L, Thompson K, Price JP, Kluesner MK, Jaeger-Ruckstuhl C, Shabaneh TB, Olson JM, Su X, Riddell SR. Sensitive bispecific chimeric T cell receptors for cancer therapy. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4253777. [PMID: 38746248 PMCID: PMC11092799 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4253777/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The expression of a synthetic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to redirect antigen specificity of T cells is transforming the treatment of hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases [1-7]. In cancer, durable efficacy is frequently limited by the escape of tumors that express low levels or lack the target antigen [8-12]. These clinical results emphasize the need for immune receptors that combine high sensitivity and multispecificity to improve outcomes. Current mono- and bispecific CARs do not faithfully recapitulate T cell receptor (TCR) function and require high antigen levels on tumor cells for recognition [13-17]. Here, we describe a novel synthetic chimeric TCR (ChTCR) that exhibits superior antigen sensitivity and is readily adapted for bispecific targeting. Bispecific ChTCRs mimic TCR structure, form classical immune synapses, and exhibit TCR-like proximal signaling. T cells expressing Bi-ChTCRs more effectively eliminated tumors with heterogeneous antigen expression in vivo compared to T cells expressing optimized bispecific CARs. The Bi-ChTCR architecture is resilient and can be designed to target multiple B cell lineage and multiple myeloma antigens. Our findings identify a broadly applicable approach for engineering T cells to target hematologic malignancies with heterogeneous antigen expression, thereby overcoming the most frequent mechanism of relapse after current CAR T therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Simon
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Grace Bugos
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rachel Prins
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Anusha Rajan
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Arulmozhi Palani
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kersten Heyer
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Andrew Stevens
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Longhui Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kirsten Thompson
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jason P Price
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Ben Towne Center For Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Mitchell K Kluesner
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Carla Jaeger-Ruckstuhl
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tamer B Shabaneh
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - James M Olson
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Ben Towne Center For Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Xiaolei Su
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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13
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Cochrane RW, Robino RA, Granger B, Allen E, Vaena S, Romeo MJ, de Cubas AA, Berto S, Ferreira LM. High affinity chimeric antigen receptor signaling induces an inflammatory program in human regulatory T cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.31.587467. [PMID: 38617240 PMCID: PMC11014479 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.31.587467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are promising cellular therapies to induce immune tolerance in organ transplantation and autoimmune disease. The success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for cancer has sparked interest in using CARs to generate antigen-specific Tregs. Here, we compared CAR with endogenous T cell receptor (TCR)/CD28 activation in human Tregs. Strikingly, CAR Tregs displayed increased cytotoxicity and diminished suppression of antigen-presenting cells and effector T (Teff) cells compared with TCR/CD28 activated Tregs. RNA sequencing revealed that CAR Tregs activate Teff cell gene programs. Indeed, CAR Tregs secreted high levels of inflammatory cytokines, with a subset of FOXP3+ CAR Tregs uniquely acquiring CD40L surface expression and producing IFNγ. Interestingly, decreasing CAR antigen affinity reduced Teff cell gene expression and inflammatory cytokine production by CAR Tregs. Our findings showcase the impact of engineered receptor activation on Treg biology and support tailoring CAR constructs to Tregs for maximal therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell W. Cochrane
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rob A. Robino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Bryan Granger
- Bioinformatics Core, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Eva Allen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Silvia Vaena
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Martin J. Romeo
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Aguirre A. de Cubas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stefano Berto
- Bioinformatics Core, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Leonardo M.R. Ferreira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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14
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Ritmeester-Loy SA, Draper IH, Bueter EC, Lautz JD, Zhang-Wong Y, Gustafson JA, Wilson AL, Lin C, Gafken PR, Jensen MC, Orentas R, Smith SEP. Differential protein-protein interactions underlie signaling mediated by the TCR and a 4-1BB domain-containing CAR. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadd4671. [PMID: 38442200 PMCID: PMC10986860 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.add4671] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Cells rely on activity-dependent protein-protein interactions to convey biological signals. For chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells containing a 4-1BB costimulatory domain, receptor engagement is thought to stimulate the formation of protein complexes similar to those stimulated by T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling, but the number and type of protein interaction-mediating binding domains differ between CARs and TCRs. Here, we performed coimmunoprecipitation mass spectrometry analysis of a second-generation, CD19-directed 4-1BB:ζ CAR (referred to as bbζCAR) and identified 128 proteins that increased their coassociation after target engagement. We compared activity-induced TCR and CAR signalosomes by quantitative multiplex coimmunoprecipitation and showed that bbζCAR engagement led to the activation of two modules of protein interactions, one similar to TCR signaling that was more weakly engaged by bbζCAR as compared with the TCR and one composed of TRAF signaling complexes that was not engaged by the TCR. Batch-to-batch and interindividual variations in production of the cytokine IL-2 correlated with differences in the magnitude of protein network activation. Future CAR T cell manufacturing protocols could measure, and eventually control, biological variation by monitoring these signalosome activation markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A. Ritmeester-Loy
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Isabella H. Draper
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Eric C. Bueter
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Jonathan D Lautz
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Yue Zhang-Wong
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Joshua A. Gustafson
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101 USA
| | - Ashley L. Wilson
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101 USA
| | - Chenwei Lin
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Philip R. Gafken
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Michael C. Jensen
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Rimas Orentas
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Stephen E. P. Smith
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
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15
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Guo C, Guo X, Li X, Dong M, Wang X, Cheng S, Zhi L, Niu Z, Zhu W. The SpyCatcher-SpyTag interaction mediates tunable anti-tumor cytotoxicity of NK cells. Mol Immunol 2024; 165:11-18. [PMID: 38128392 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T and NK cell immunotherapy is a promising approach for cancer treatment. Due to the lack of tunability in anti-tumor activity, conventional CAR therapies have limited efficacy at low tumor antigen densities. To tune the CAR response to tumor cell surface antigens, we have developed a split CAR using the SpyCatcher-SpyTag system. The SpyCatcher serves as the ectodomain to constitute a SpyCatcher-CAR (SpyCAR), while SpyTag is attached to the antibodies that recognize tumor antigens. With dimerization mediated by SpyCatcher and SpyTag, the number and activation level of SpyCARs recruited by tumor antigens depends on the SpyTag number in the "antibody-SpyTag" fusion protein. The results demonstrated that the increasing number of SpyTags effectively enhanced the cytotoxicity of SpyCAR-NK92 cells against target cells. The development of SpyCAR with tunable cytotoxicity provides a novel strategy for CAR-based tumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjiang Guo
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China.
| | - Xiali Guo
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Meng Dong
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Shizhuang Cheng
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Lingtong Zhi
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Niu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Wuling Zhu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China.
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16
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Velasco Cárdenas RMH, Brandl SM, Meléndez AV, Schlaak AE, Buschky A, Peters T, Beier F, Serrels B, Taromi S, Raute K, Hauri S, Gstaiger M, Lassmann S, Huppa JB, Boerries M, Andrieux G, Bengsch B, Schamel WW, Minguet S. Harnessing CD3 diversity to optimize CAR T cells. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:2135-2149. [PMID: 37932456 PMCID: PMC10681901 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01658-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Current US Food and Drug Administration-approved chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells harbor the T cell receptor (TCR)-derived ζ chain as an intracellular activation domain in addition to costimulatory domains. The functionality in a CAR format of the other chains of the TCR complex, namely CD3δ, CD3ε and CD3γ, instead of ζ, remains unknown. In the present study, we have systematically engineered new CD3 CARs, each containing only one of the CD3 intracellular domains. We found that CARs containing CD3δ, CD3ε or CD3γ cytoplasmic tails outperformed the conventional ζ CAR T cells in vivo. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis revealed differences in activation potential, metabolism and stimulation-induced T cell dysfunctionality that mechanistically explain the enhanced anti-tumor performance. Furthermore, dimerization of the CARs improved their overall functionality. Using these CARs as minimalistic and synthetic surrogate TCRs, we have identified the phosphatase SHP-1 as a new interaction partner of CD3δ that binds the CD3δ-ITAM on phosphorylation of its C-terminal tyrosine. SHP-1 attenuates and restrains activation signals and might thus prevent exhaustion and dysfunction. These new insights into T cell activation could promote the rational redesign of synthetic antigen receptors to improve cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubí M-H Velasco Cárdenas
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon M Brandl
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ana Valeria Meléndez
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Emilia Schlaak
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annabelle Buschky
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Timo Peters
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabian Beier
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bryan Serrels
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- NanoString Technologies, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sanaz Taromi
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, University of Furtwangen, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Raute
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Hauri
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Gstaiger
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Silke Lassmann
- Institute for Surgical Pathology, Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes B Huppa
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang W Schamel
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susana Minguet
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany.
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17
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Liu L, Yoon CW, Yuan Z, Guo T, Qu Y, He P, Yu X, Zhu Z, Limsakul P, Wang Y. Cellular and molecular imaging of CAR-T cell-based immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115135. [PMID: 37931847 PMCID: PMC11052581 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115135] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a transformative therapeutic strategy for hematological malignancies. However, its efficacy in treating solid tumors remains limited. An in-depth and comprehensive understanding of CAR-T cell signaling pathways and the ability to track CAR-T cell biodistribution and activation in real-time within the tumor microenvironment will be instrumental in designing the next generation of CAR-T cells for solid tumor therapy. This review summarizes the signaling network and the cellular and molecular imaging tools and platforms that are utilized in CAR-T cell-based immune therapies, covering both in vitro and in vivo studies. Firstly, we provide an overview of the existing understanding of the activation and cytotoxic mechanisms of CAR-T cells, compared to the mechanism of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathways. We further describe the commonly employed tools for live cell imaging, coupled with recent research progress, with a focus on genetically encoded fluorescent proteins (FPs) and biosensors. We then discuss the utility of diverse in vivo imaging modalities, including fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and photoacoustic (PA) imaging, for noninvasive monitoring of CAR-T cell dynamics within tumor tissues, thereby providing critical insights into therapy's strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, we discuss the current challenges and future directions of CAR-T cell therapy from the imaging perspective. We foresee that a comprehensive and integrative approach to CAR-T cell imaging will enable the development of more effective treatments for solid tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longwei Liu
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Chi Woo Yoon
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Zhou Yuan
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Tianze Guo
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Yunjia Qu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Peixiang He
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Xi Yu
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Ziyue Zhu
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Praopim Limsakul
- Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science and Center of Excellence for Trace Analysis and Biosensor, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Yingxiao Wang
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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18
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Harrer DC, Li SS, Kaljanac M, Barden M, Pan H, Abken H. Fine-tuning the antigen sensitivity of CAR T cells: emerging strategies and current challenges. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1321596. [PMID: 38090558 PMCID: PMC10711209 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1321596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are "living drugs" that specifically recognize their target antigen through an antibody-derived binding domain resulting in T cell activation, expansion, and destruction of cognate target cells. The FDA/EMA approval of CAR T cells for the treatment of B cell malignancies established CAR T cell therapy as an emerging pillar of modern immunotherapy. However, nearly every second patient undergoing CAR T cell therapy is suffering from disease relapse within the first two years which is thought to be due to downregulation or loss of the CAR target antigen on cancer cells, along with decreased functional capacities known as T cell exhaustion. Antigen downregulation below CAR activation threshold leaves the T cell silent, rendering CAR T cell therapy ineffective. With the application of CAR T cells for the treatment of a growing number of malignant diseases, particularly solid tumors, there is a need for augmenting CAR sensitivity to target antigen present at low densities on cancer cells. Here, we discuss upcoming strategies and current challenges in designing CARs for recognition of antigen low cancer cells, aiming at augmenting sensitivity and finally therapeutic efficacy while reducing the risk of tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Deptartment of Hematology and Internal Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sin-Syue Li
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Marcell Kaljanac
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Barden
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hong Pan
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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19
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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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20
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Giordano Attianese GMP, Ash S, Irving M. Coengineering specificity, safety, and function into T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:166-198. [PMID: 37548063 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13252] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) therapies, including of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and T cells gene-modified to express either a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), have demonstrated clinical efficacy for a proportion of patients and cancer-types. The field of ACT has been driven forward by the clinical success of CD19-CAR therapy against various advanced B-cell malignancies, including curative responses for some leukemia patients. However, relapse remains problematic, in particular for lymphoma. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, relative limited efficacy has been demonstrated for ACT of non-hematological solid tumors. Indeed, in addition to pre-infusion challenges including lymphocyte collection and manufacturing, ACT failure can be attributed to several biological processes post-transfer including, (i) inefficient tumor trafficking, infiltration, expansion and retention, (ii) chronic antigen exposure coupled with insufficient costimulation resulting in T-cell exhaustion, (iii) a range of barriers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mediated by both tumor cells and suppressive immune infiltrate, (iv) tumor antigen heterogeneity and loss, or down-regulation of antigen presentation machinery, (v) gain of tumor intrinsic mechanisms of resistance such as to apoptosis, and (vi) various forms of toxicity and other adverse events in patients. Affinity-optimized TCRs can improve T-cell function and innovative CAR designs as well as gene-modification strategies can be used to coengineer specificity, safety, and function into T cells. Coengineering strategies can be designed not only to directly support the transferred T cells, but also to block suppressive barriers in the TME and harness endogenous innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we review a selection of the remarkable T-cell coengineering strategies, including of tools, receptors, and gene-cargo, that have been developed in recent years to augment tumor control by ACT, more and more of which are advancing to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Maria Paola Giordano Attianese
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Ash
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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21
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Tuomela K, Salim K, Levings MK. Eras of designer Tregs: Harnessing synthetic biology for immune suppression. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:250-267. [PMID: 37522861 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Since their discovery, CD4+ CD25hi FOXP3hi regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been firmly established as a critical cell type for regulating immune homeostasis through a plethora of mechanisms. Due to their immunoregulatory power, delivery of polyclonal Tregs has been explored as a therapy to dampen inflammation in the settings of transplantation and autoimmunity. Evidence shows that Treg therapy is safe and well-tolerated, but efficacy remains undefined and could be limited by poor persistence in vivo and lack of antigen specificity. With the advent of new genetic engineering tools, it is now possible to create bespoke "designer" Tregs that not only overcome possible limitations of polyclonal Tregs but also introduce new features. Here, we review the development of designer Tregs through the perspective of three 'eras': (1) the era of FOXP3 engineering, in which breakthroughs in the biological understanding of this transcription factor enabled the conversion of conventional T cells to Tregs; (2) the antigen-specificity era, in which transgenic T-cell receptors and chimeric antigen receptors were introduced to create more potent and directed Treg therapies; and (3) the current era, which is harnessing advanced genome-editing techniques to introduce and refine existing and new engineering approaches. The year 2022 marked the entry of "designer" Tregs into the clinic, with exciting potential for application and efficacy in a wide variety of immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoliina Tuomela
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin Salim
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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22
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Zhang X, Xiao Q, Zeng L, Hashmi F, Su X. IDR-induced CAR condensation improves the cytotoxicity of CAR-Ts against low-antigen cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.02.560460. [PMID: 37873222 PMCID: PMC10592880 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560460] [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
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell-based therapies demonstrate remarkable efficacy for the treatment of otherwise intractable cancers, particularly B-cell malignancies. However, existing FDA-approved CAR-Ts are limited by low antigen sensitivity, rendering their insufficient targeting to low antigen-expressing cancers. To improve the antigen sensitivity of CAR-Ts, we engineered CARs targeting CD19, CD22, and HER2 by including intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that promote signaling condensation. The "IDR CARs" triggered enhanced membrane-proximal signaling in the CAR-T synapse, which led to an increased release of cytotoxic factors, a higher killing activity towards low antigen-expressing cancer cells in vitro, and an improved anti-tumor efficacy in vivo. No elevated tonic signaling was observed in IDR CAR-Ts. Together, we demonstrated IDRs as a new tool set to enhance CAR-T cytotoxicity and to broaden CAR-T's application to low antigen-expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Longhui Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Fawzaan Hashmi
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale College, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Xiaolei Su
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Stem Cell Center, New Haven, CT 06520
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23
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Yun K, Siegler EL, Kenderian SS. Who wins the combat, CAR or TCR? Leukemia 2023; 37:1953-1962. [PMID: 37626090 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01976-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has drawn increasing attention over the last few decades given its remarkable effectiveness and breakthroughs in treating B cell hematological malignancies. Even though CAR-T cell therapy has outstanding clinical successes, most treated patients still relapse after infusion. CARs are derived from the T cell receptor (TCR) complex and co-stimulatory molecules associated with T cell activation; however, the similarities and differences between CARs and endogenous TCRs regarding their sensitivity, signaling pathway, killing mechanisms, and performance are still not fully understood. In this review, we discuss the parallel comparisons between CARs and TCRs from various aspects and how these current findings might provide novel insights and contribute to improvement of CAR-T cell therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yun
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Siegler
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Saad S Kenderian
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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24
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Rajakaruna H, Desai M, Das J. PASCAR: a multiscale framework to explore the design space of constitutive and inducible CAR T cells. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302171. [PMID: 37507138 PMCID: PMC10387492 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR T cells are engineered to bind and destroy tumor cells by targeting overexpressed surface antigens. However, healthy cells expressing lower abundances of these antigens can also be lysed by CAR T cells. Various CAR T cell designs increase tumor cell elimination, whereas reducing damage to healthy cells. However, these efforts are costly and labor-intensive, constraining systematic exploration of potential hypotheses. We develop a protein abundance structured population dynamic model for CAR T cells (PASCAR), a framework that combines multiscale population dynamic models and multi-objective optimization approaches with data from cytometry and cytotoxicity assays to systematically explore the design space of constitutive and tunable CAR T cells. PASCAR can quantitatively describe in vitro and in vivo results for constitutive and inducible CAR T cells and can successfully predict experiments outside the training data. Our exploration of the CAR design space reveals that optimal CAR affinities in the intermediate range of dissociation constants effectively reduce healthy cell lysis, whereas maintaining high tumor cell-killing rates. Furthermore, our modeling offers guidance for optimizing CAR expressions in synthetic notch CAR T cells. PASCAR can be extended to other CAR immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshana Rajakaruna
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomics, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Milie Desai
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Jayajit Das
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomics, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biophysics Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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25
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Rothemejer FH, Lauritsen NP, Søgaard OS, Tolstrup M. Strategies for enhancing CAR T cell expansion and persistence in HIV infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1253395. [PMID: 37671164 PMCID: PMC10475529 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1253395] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapies are tremendously successful in hematological malignancies and show great promise as treatment and curative strategy for HIV. A major determinant for effective CAR T cell therapy is the persistence of CAR T cells. Particularly, antigen density and target cell abundance are crucial for the engagement, engraftment, and persistence of CAR T cells. The success of HIV-specific CAR T cells is challenged by limited antigen due to low cell surface expression of viral proteins and the scarcity of chronically infected cells during antiretroviral therapy. Several strategies have been explored to increase the efficacy of CAR T cells by enhancing expansion and persistence of the engineered cells. This review highlights the challenges of designing CAR T cells against HIV and other chronic viral infections. We also discuss potential strategies to enhance CAR T cell expansion and persistence in the setting of low antigen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Holm Rothemejer
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nanna Pi Lauritsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Schmeltz Søgaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Martin Tolstrup
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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26
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Zhu I, Piraner DI, Roybal KT. Synthesizing a Smarter CAR T Cell: Advanced Engineering of T-cell Immunotherapies. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1030-1043. [PMID: 37429007 PMCID: PMC10527511 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0962] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The immune system includes an array of specialized cells that keep us healthy by responding to pathogenic cues. Investigations into the mechanisms behind immune cell behavior have led to the development of powerful immunotherapies, including chimeric-antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Although CAR T cells have demonstrated efficacy in treating blood cancers, issues regarding their safety and potency have hindered the use of immunotherapies in a wider spectrum of diseases. Efforts to integrate developments in synthetic biology into immunotherapy have led to several advancements with the potential to expand the range of treatable diseases, fine-tune the desired immune response, and improve therapeutic cell potency. Here, we examine current synthetic biology advances that aim to improve on existing technologies and discuss the promise of the next generation of engineered immune cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iowis Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Dan I. Piraner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Kole T. Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA 8Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Gladstone UCSF Institute for Genetic Immunology, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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27
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Chen H, Xu X, Hu W, Wu S, Xiao J, Wu P, Wang X, Han X, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Jiang N, Liu W, Lou C, Chen W, Xu C, Lou J. Self-programmed dynamics of T cell receptor condensation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2217301120. [PMID: 37399423 PMCID: PMC10334747 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2217301120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A common event upon receptor-ligand engagement is the formation of receptor clusters on the cell surface, in which signaling molecules are specifically recruited or excluded to form signaling hubs to regulate cellular events. These clusters are often transient and can be disassembled to terminate signaling. Despite the general relevance of dynamic receptor clustering in cell signaling, the regulatory mechanism underlying the dynamics is still poorly understood. As a major antigen receptor in the immune system, T cell receptors (TCR) form spatiotemporally dynamic clusters to mediate robust yet temporal signaling to induce adaptive immune responses. Here we identify a phase separation mechanism controlling dynamic TCR clustering and signaling. The TCR signaling component CD3ε chain can condensate with Lck kinase through phase separation to form TCR signalosomes for active antigen signaling. Lck-mediated CD3ε phosphorylation, however, switched its binding preference to Csk, a functional suppressor of Lck, to cause the dissolvement of TCR signalosomes. Modulating TCR/Lck condensation by targeting CD3ε interactions with Lck or Csk directly affects T cell activation and function, highlighting the importance of the phase separation mechanism. The self-programmed condensation and dissolvement is thus a built-in mechanism of TCR signaling and might be relevant to other receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xinyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310003, China
| | - Songfang Wu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
| | - Jianhui Xiao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310012, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xuling Han
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Yanruo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Wanli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Center for Life Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Changjie Lou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang150001, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory for Modern Optical Instrumentation Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310012, China
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang311121, China
| | - Chenqi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310024, China
| | - Jizhong Lou
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
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28
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Benoit A, Vogin G, Duhem C, Berchem G, Janji B. Lighting Up the Fire in the Microenvironment of Cold Tumors: A Major Challenge to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2023; 12:1787. [PMID: 37443821 PMCID: PMC10341162 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy includes immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) such as antibodies targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) or the programmed cell death protein/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis. Experimental and clinical evidence show that immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) provides long-term survival benefits to cancer patients in whom other conventional therapies have failed. However, only a minority of patients show high clinical benefits via the use of ICI alone. One of the major factors limiting the clinical benefits to ICI can be attributed to the lack of immune cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment. Such tumors are classified as "cold/warm" or an immune "desert"; those displaying significant infiltration are considered "hot" or inflamed. This review will provide a brief summary of different tumor properties contributing to the establishment of cold tumors and describe major strategies that could reprogram non-inflamed cold tumors into inflamed hot tumors. More particularly, we will describe how targeting hypoxia can induce metabolic reprogramming that results in improving and extending the benefit of ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Benoit
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; (A.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Guillaume Vogin
- Centre National de Radiothérapie François Baclesse, L-4005 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg;
- Ingénierie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire (IMoPA), Université de Lorraine—UMR 7365, 54505 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Caroline Duhem
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg, L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Guy Berchem
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; (A.B.); (G.B.)
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg, L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Bassam Janji
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; (A.B.); (G.B.)
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29
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Wang X, Liu D, Luo J, Kong D, Zhang Y. Exploring the Role of Enhancer-Mediated Transcriptional Regulation in Precision Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10843. [PMID: 37446021 PMCID: PMC10342031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310843] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of precision biology has been driven by the development of advanced technologies and techniques in high-resolution biological research systems. Enhancer-mediated transcriptional regulation, a complex network of gene expression and regulation in eukaryotes, has attracted significant attention as a promising avenue for investigating the underlying mechanisms of biological processes and diseases. To address biological problems with precision, large amounts of data, functional information, and research on the mechanisms of action of biological molecules is required to address biological problems with precision. Enhancers, including typical enhancers and super enhancers, play a crucial role in gene expression and regulation within this network. The identification and targeting of disease-associated enhancers hold the potential to advance precision medicine. In this review, we present the concepts, progress, importance, and challenges in precision biology, transcription regulation, and enhancers. Furthermore, we propose a model of transcriptional regulation for multi-enhancers and provide examples of their mechanisms in mammalian cells, thereby enhancing our understanding of how enhancers achieve precise regulation of gene expression in life processes. Precision biology holds promise in providing new tools and platforms for discovering insights into gene expression and disease occurrence, ultimately benefiting individuals and society as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Danli Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Jing Luo
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Dashuai Kong
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Yubo Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; (D.L.); (J.L.); (D.K.)
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30
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Meringa AD, Hernández-López P, Cleven A, de Witte M, Straetemans T, Kuball J, Beringer DX, Sebestyen Z. Strategies to improve γδTCRs engineered T-cell therapies for the treatment of solid malignancies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1159337. [PMID: 37441064 PMCID: PMC10333927 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1159337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. D. Meringa
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - P. Hernández-López
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - A. Cleven
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M. de Witte
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - T. Straetemans
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - J. Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - D. X. Beringer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Z. Sebestyen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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31
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Huang W, Lin W, Chen B, Zhang J, Gao P, Fan Y, Lin Y, Wei P. NFAT and NF-κB dynamically co-regulate TCR and CAR signaling responses in human T cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112663. [PMID: 37347664 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
While it has been established that the responses of T cells to antigens are combinatorially regulated by multiple signaling pathways, it remains elusive what mechanisms cells utilize to quantitatively modulate T cell responses during pathway integration. Here, we show that two key pathways in T cell signaling, calcium/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and protein kinase C (PKC)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), integrate through a dynamic and combinatorial strategy to fine-tune T cell response genes. At the cis-regulatory level, the two pathways integrate through co-binding of NFAT and NF-κB to immune response genes. Pathway integration is further regulated temporally, where T cell receptor (TCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) activation signals modulate the temporal relationships between the nuclear localization dynamics of NFAT and NF-κB. Such physical and temporal integrations together contribute to distinct modes of expression modulation for genes. Thus, the temporal relationships between regulators can be modulated to affect their co-targets during immune responses, underscoring the importance of dynamic combinatorial regulation in cellular signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Huang
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Baoqiang Chen
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianhan Zhang
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peifen Gao
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yingying Fan
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yihan Lin
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Ping Wei
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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32
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Sun L, Su Y, Jiao A, Wang X, Zhang B. T cells in health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:235. [PMID: 37332039 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are crucial for immune functions to maintain health and prevent disease. T cell development occurs in a stepwise process in the thymus and mainly generates CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Upon antigen stimulation, naïve T cells differentiate into CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic effector and memory cells, mediating direct killing, diverse immune regulatory function, and long-term protection. In response to acute and chronic infections and tumors, T cells adopt distinct differentiation trajectories and develop into a range of heterogeneous populations with various phenotype, differentiation potential, and functionality under precise and elaborate regulations of transcriptional and epigenetic programs. Abnormal T-cell immunity can initiate and promote the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of T cell development, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell classification, and differentiation in physiological settings. We further elaborate the heterogeneity, differentiation, functionality, and regulation network of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in infectious disease, chronic infection and tumor, and autoimmune disease, highlighting the exhausted CD8+ T cell differentiation trajectory, CD4+ T cell helper function, T cell contributions to immunotherapy and autoimmune pathogenesis. We also discuss the development and function of γδ T cells in tissue surveillance, infection, and tumor immunity. Finally, we summarized current T-cell-based immunotherapies in both cancer and autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on their clinical applications. A better understanding of T cell immunity provides insight into developing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Yanhong Su
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Anjun Jiao
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China.
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Roddie C, Lekakis LJ, Marzolini MAV, Ramakrishnan A, Zhang Y, Hu Y, Peddareddigari VGR, Khokhar N, Chen R, Basilico S, Raymond M, Vargas FA, Duffy K, Brugger W, O’Reilly MA, Wood L, Linch DC, Peggs KS, Bachier C, Budde EL, Lee Batlevi C, Bartlett N, Irvine D, Tholouli E, Osborne W, Ardeshna KM, Pule MA. Dual targeting of CD19 and CD22 with bicistronic CAR-T cells in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma. Blood 2023; 141:2470-2482. [PMID: 36821767 PMCID: PMC10646794 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022018598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Relapse after CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is commonly ascribed to antigen loss or CAR-T exhaustion. Multiantigen targeting and programmed cell death protein-1 blockade are rational approaches to prevent relapse. Here, we test CD19/22 dual-targeting CAR-T (AUTO3) plus pembrolizumab in relapsed/refractory LBCL (NCT03289455). End points include toxicity (primary) and response rates (secondary). Fifty-two patients received AUTO3 and 48/52 received pembrolizumab. Median age was 59 years (range, 27-83), 46/52 had stage III/ IV disease and median follow-up was 21.6 months. AUTO3 was safe; grade 1-2 and grade 3 cytokine release syndrome affected 18/52 (34.6%) and 1/52 (1.9%) patients, neurotoxicity arose in 4 patients (2/4, grade 3-4), and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis affected 2 patients. Outpatient administration was tested in 20 patients, saving a median of 14 hospital days per patient. Overall response rates were 66% (48.9%, complete response [CR]; 17%, partial response). Median duration of remission (DOR) for CR patients was not reached and for all responding patients was 8.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0-not evaluable). 54.4% (CI: 32.8-71.7) of CR patients and 42.6% of all responding patients were projected to remain progression-free at ≥12 months. AUTO3 ± pembrolizumab for relapsed/refractory LBCL was safe and delivered durable remissions in 54.4% of complete responders, associated with robust CAR-T expansion. Neither dual-targeting CAR-T nor pembrolizumab prevented relapse in a significant proportion of patients, and future developments include next-generation-AUTO3, engineered for superior expansion in vivo, and selection of CAR binders active at low antigen densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Roddie
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lazaros J. Lekakis
- Department of Hematology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Maria A. V. Marzolini
- Department of Haematology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Yiyun Zhang
- Department of Haematology, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yanqing Hu
- Department of Haematology, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nushmia Khokhar
- Department of Haematology, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Chen
- Department of Haematology, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Basilico
- Department of Haematology, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Meera Raymond
- Department of Haematology, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kevin Duffy
- Department of Haematology, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfram Brugger
- Department of Haematology, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maeve A. O’Reilly
- Department of Haematology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leigh Wood
- Department of Haematology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - David C. Linch
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karl S. Peggs
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Bachier
- Department of Hematology, Methodist Hospital, San Antonio, TX
| | | | - Connie Lee Batlevi
- Department of Hematology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Nancy Bartlett
- Department of Hematology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - David Irvine
- Department of Haematology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Tholouli
- Department of Haematology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Osborne
- Department of Haematology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Kirit M. Ardeshna
- Department of Haematology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin A. Pule
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, Autolus Ltd, London, United Kingdom
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34
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Li YR, Dunn ZS, Yu Y, Li M, Wang P, Yang L. Advancing cell-based cancer immunotherapy through stem cell engineering. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:592-610. [PMID: 36948187 PMCID: PMC10164150 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Advances in cell-based therapy, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, have transformed the treatment of hematological malignancies. Although an important step forward for the field, autologous CAR-T therapies are hindered by high costs, manufacturing challenges, and limited efficacy against solid tumors. With ongoing progress in gene editing and culture techniques, engineered stem cells and their application in cell therapy are poised to address some of these challenges. Here, we review stem cell-based immunotherapy approaches, stem cell sources, gene engineering and manufacturing strategies, therapeutic platforms, and clinical trials, as well as challenges and future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zachary Spencer Dunn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Yanqi Yu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pin Wang
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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35
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Laletin V, Bernard PL, Costa da Silva C, Guittard G, Nunes JA. Negative intracellular regulators of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling as potential antitumor immunotherapy targets. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005845. [PMID: 37217244 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy strategies aim to mobilize immune defenses against tumor cells by targeting mainly T cells. Co-inhibitory receptors or immune checkpoints (ICPs) (such as PD-1 and CTLA4) can limit T cell receptor (TCR) signal propagation in T cells. Antibody-based blocking of immune checkpoints (immune checkpoint inhibitors, ICIs) enable escape from ICP inhibition of TCR signaling. ICI therapies have significantly impacted the prognosis and survival of patients with cancer. However, many patients remain refractory to these treatments. Thus, alternative approaches for cancer immunotherapy are needed. In addition to membrane-associated inhibitory molecules, a growing number of intracellular molecules may also serve to downregulate signaling cascades triggered by TCR engagement. These molecules are known as intracellular immune checkpoints (iICPs). Blocking the expression or the activity of these intracellular negative signaling molecules is a novel field of action to boost T cell-mediated antitumor responses. This area is rapidly expanding. Indeed, more than 30 different potential iICPs have been identified. Over the past 5 years, several phase I/II clinical trials targeting iICPs in T cells have been registered. In this study, we summarize recent preclinical and clinical data demonstrating that immunotherapies targeting T cell iICPs can mediate regression of solid tumors including (membrane associated) immune-checkpoint inhibitor refractory cancers. Finally, we discuss how these iICPs are targeted and controlled. Thereby, iICP inhibition is a promising strategy opening new avenues for future cancer immunotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Laletin
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Louis Bernard
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Cathy Costa da Silva
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Geoffrey Guittard
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Jacques A Nunes
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
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36
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Ranoa DRE, Sharma P, Schane CP, Lewis AN, Valdez E, Marada VVVR, Hager MV, Montgomery W, Wolf SP, Schreiber K, Schreiber H, Bailey K, Fan TM, Hergenrother PJ, Roy EJ, Kranz DM. Single CAR-T cell treatment controls disseminated ovarian cancer in a syngeneic mouse model. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006509. [PMID: 37258040 PMCID: PMC10255004 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006509] [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] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of some blood cancers with T cells that express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against CD19 have shown remarkable results. In contrast, CAR-T cell efficacy against solid tumors has been difficult to achieve. METHODS To examine the potential of CAR-T cell treatments against ovarian cancers, we used the mouse ovarian cancer cell line ID8 in an intraperitoneal model that exhibits disseminated solid tumors in female C57BL/6J mice. The CAR contained a single-chain Fv from antibody 237 which recognizes a Tn-glycopeptide-antigen expressed by ID8 due to aberrant O-linked glycosylation in the absence of the transferase-dependent chaperone Cosmc. The efficacy of four Tn-dependent CARs with varying affinity to Tn antigen, and each containing CD28/CD3ζ cytoplasmic domains, were compared in vitro and in vivo in this study. RESULTS In line with many observations about the impact of aberrant O-linked glycosylation, the ID8Cosmc knock-out (ID8Cosmc-KO) exhibited more rapid tumor progression compared with wild-type ID8. Despite the enhanced tumor growth in vivo, 237 CAR and a mutant with 30-fold higher affinity, but not CARs with lower affinity, controlled advanced ID8Cosmc-KO tumors. Tumor regression could be achieved with a single intravenous dose of the CARs, but intraperitoneal administration was even more effective. The CAR-T cells persisted over a period of months, allowing CAR-treated mice to delay tumor growth in a re-challenge setting. The most effective CARs exhibited the highest affinity for antigen. Antitumor effects observed in vivo were associated with increased numbers of T cells and macrophages, and higher levels of cleaved caspase-3, in the tumor microenvironment. Notably, the least therapeutically effective CAR mediated tonic signaling leading to antigen-independent cytokine expression and it had higher levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin10. CONCLUSION The findings support the development of affinity-optimized CAR-T cells as a potential treatment for established ovarian cancer, with the most effective CARs mediating a distinct pattern of inflammatory cytokine release in vitro. Importantly, the most potent Tn-dependent CAR-T cells showed no evidence of toxicity in tumor-bearing mice in a syngeneic, immunocompetent system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rose E Ranoa
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Preeti Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Claire P Schane
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Amber N Lewis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Edward Valdez
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Venkata V V R Marada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Marlies V Hager
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Will Montgomery
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Steven P Wolf
- Department of Pathology and David and Etta Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Karin Schreiber
- Department of Pathology and David and Etta Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hans Schreiber
- Department of Pathology and David and Etta Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Keith Bailey
- Charles River Laboratories Inc Mattawan, Mattawan, Michigan, USA
| | - Timothy M Fan
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul J Hergenrother
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Edward J Roy
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - David M Kranz
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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Tousley AM, Rotiroti MC, Labanieh L, Rysavy LW, Kim WJ, Lareau C, Sotillo E, Weber EW, Rietberg SP, Dalton GN, Yin Y, Klysz D, Xu P, de la Serna EL, Dunn AR, Satpathy AT, Mackall CL, Majzner RG. Co-opting signalling molecules enables logic-gated control of CAR T cells. Nature 2023; 615:507-516. [PMID: 36890224 PMCID: PMC10564584 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05778-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Although chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have altered the treatment landscape for B cell malignancies, the risk of on-target, off-tumour toxicity has hampered their development for solid tumours because most target antigens are shared with normal cells1,2. Researchers have attempted to apply Boolean-logic gating to CAR T cells to prevent toxicity3-5; however, a truly safe and effective logic-gated CAR has remained elusive6. Here we describe an approach to CAR engineering in which we replace traditional CD3ζ domains with intracellular proximal T cell signalling molecules. We show that certain proximal signalling CARs, such as a ZAP-70 CAR, can activate T cells and eradicate tumours in vivo while bypassing upstream signalling proteins, including CD3ζ. The primary role of ZAP-70 is to phosphorylate LAT and SLP-76, which form a scaffold for signal propagation. We exploited the cooperative role of LAT and SLP-76 to engineer logic-gated intracellular network (LINK) CAR, a rapid and reversible Boolean-logic AND-gated CAR T cell platform that outperforms other systems in both efficacy and prevention of on-target, off-tumour toxicity. LINK CAR will expand the range of molecules that can be targeted with CAR T cells, and will enable these powerful therapeutic agents to be used for solid tumours and diverse diseases such as autoimmunity7 and fibrosis8. In addition, this work shows that the internal signalling machinery of cells can be repurposed into surface receptors, which could open new avenues for cellular engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan M Tousley
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lea Wenting Rysavy
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Won-Ju Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Caleb Lareau
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Evan W Weber
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Skyler P Rietberg
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Yajie Yin
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Klysz
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eva L de la Serna
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexander R Dunn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ansuman T Satpathy
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robbie G Majzner
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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38
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Barden M, Holzinger A, Velas L, Mezősi-Csaplár M, Szöőr Á, Vereb G, Schütz GJ, Hombach AA, Abken H. CAR and TCR form individual signaling synapses and do not cross-activate, however, can co-operate in T cell activation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1110482. [PMID: 36817444 PMCID: PMC9929185 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1110482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In engineered T cells the CAR is co-expressed along with the physiological TCR/CD3 complex, both utilizing the same downstream signaling machinery for T cell activation. It is unresolved whether CAR-mediated T cell activation depends on the presence of the TCR and whether CAR and TCR mutually cross-activate upon engaging their respective antigen. Here we demonstrate that the CD3ζ CAR level was independent of the TCR associated CD3ζ and could not replace CD3ζ to rescue the TCR complex in CD3ζ KO T cells. Upon activation, the CAR did not induce phosphorylation of TCR associated CD3ζ and, vice versa, TCR activation did not induce CAR CD3ζ phosphorylation. Consequently, CAR and TCR did not cross-signal to trigger T cell effector functions. On the membrane level, TCR and CAR formed separate synapses upon antigen engagement as revealed by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and fast AiryScan microscopy. Upon engaging their respective antigen, however, CAR and TCR could co-operate in triggering effector functions through combinatorial signaling allowing logic "AND" gating in target recognition. Data also imply that tonic TCR signaling can support CAR-mediated T cell activation emphasizing the potential relevance of the endogenous TCR for maintaining T cell capacities in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Barden
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Holzinger
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Velas
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marianna Mezősi-Csaplár
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Árpád Szöőr
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Vereb
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary,ELKH-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | - Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany,Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Hinrich Abken,
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39
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Labanieh L, Mackall CL. CAR immune cells: design principles, resistance and the next generation. Nature 2023; 614:635-648. [PMID: 36813894 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 149.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable clinical activity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies in B cell and plasma cell malignancies has validated the use of this therapeutic class for liquid cancers, but resistance and limited access remain as barriers to broader application. Here we review the immunobiology and design principles of current prototype CARs and present emerging platforms that are anticipated to drive future clinical advances. The field is witnessing a rapid expansion of next-generation CAR immune cell technologies designed to enhance efficacy, safety and access. Substantial progress has been made in augmenting immune cell fitness, activating endogenous immunity, arming cells to resist suppression via the tumour microenvironment and developing approaches to modulate antigen density thresholds. Increasingly sophisticated multispecific, logic-gated and regulatable CARs display the potential to overcome resistance and increase safety. Early signs of progress with stealth, virus-free and in vivo gene delivery platforms provide potential paths for reduced costs and increased access of cell therapies in the future. The continuing clinical success of CAR T cells in liquid cancers is driving the development of increasingly sophisticated immune cell therapies that are poised to translate to treatments for solid cancers and non-malignant diseases in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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40
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Zhao Z, Grégoire C, Oliveira B, Chung K, Melenhorst JJ. Challenges and opportunities of CAR T cell therapies for CLL. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:25-33. [PMID: 37080707 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies have transformed the treatment landscape of blood cancers. These engineered receptors which endow T cells with antibody-like target cell recognition combined with the typical T cell target cell lysis abilities. Introduced into the clinic in the 2010s, CAR T-cells have shown efficacy in chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but a majority of patients do not achieve sustained remission. Here we discuss the current treatment landscape in CLL using small molecules and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, the niche CAR T-cells filled in this context, and what we have learned from biomarker and mechanistic studies. Several product parameters and improvements are introduced as examples of how the bedside-to-bench is translated into improved CAR T-cells for CLL. We hope to convey to our readers the crucial role translational medicine plays in transforming the treatment outcomes for patients with CLL and how this line of research is an essential component of modern medicine.
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41
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Espie D, Donnadieu E. CAR T-cell behavior and function revealed by real-time imaging. Semin Immunopathol 2023; 45:229-239. [PMID: 36688965 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-023-00983-7] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T-cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) has shown remarkable clinical efficacy against advanced B-cell malignancies. Nonetheless, the field of CAR T-cells is currently facing several major challenges. In particular, the CAR T-cell strategy has not yet produced favorable clinical responses when targeting solid tumors. In this context, it is of paramount importance to understand the determinants that limit the efficacy of T-cell-based immunotherapy. Characterization of CAR T-cells is usually based on flow cytometry and whole-transcriptome profiling. These approaches have been very valuable to determine intrinsic elements that condition T-cell ability to proliferate and expand. However, they do not take into account spatial and kinetic aspects of T-cell responses. In particular, in order to control tumor growth, CAR T-cells need to enter into the tumor, migrate within a complex tumor environment, and form productive conjugates with their targets. Advanced imaging techniques combined with innovative preclinical models represent promising tools to uncover the dynamics of CAR T-cells. In this review, we will discuss recent results on the biology of engineered T-cells that have been obtained with real-time imaging microscopy. Important notions have emerged from these imaging-based studies, such as the multi-killing potential of CAR T-cells. Finally, we will highlight how imaging techniques combined with other tools can solve remaining unresolved questions in the field of engineered T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Espie
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, 22 rue Méchain, F-75014, Paris, France.,Invectys, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Donnadieu
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, 22 rue Méchain, F-75014, Paris, France.
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42
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Inefficient exploitation of accessory receptors reduces the sensitivity of chimeric antigen receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2216352120. [PMID: 36598945 PMCID: PMC9926289 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216352120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can redirect T cells to target abnormal cells, but their activity is limited by a profound defect in antigen sensitivity, the source of which remains unclear. Here, we show that CARs have a > 100-fold lower antigen sensitivity compared to the T cell receptor (TCR) when antigen is presented on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) but nearly identical sensitivity when antigen is presented as purified protein. We next systematically measured the impact of engaging important T cell accessory receptors (CD2, LFA-1, CD28, CD27, and 4-1BB) on antigen sensitivity by adding their purified ligands. Unexpectedly, we found that engaging CD2 or LFA-1 improved the antigen sensitivity of the TCR by 125- and 22-fold, respectively, but improved CAR sensitivity by only < 5-fold. This differential effect of CD2 and LFA-1 engagement on the TCR vs. CAR was confirmed using APCs. We found that sensitivity to antigen can be partially restored by fusing the CAR variable domains to the TCR CD3ε subunit (also known as a TRuC) and fully restored by exchanging the TCRαβ variable domains for those of the CAR (also known as STAR or HIT). Importantly, these improvements in TRuC and STAR/HIT sensitivity can be predicted by their enhanced ability to exploit CD2 and LFA-1. These findings demonstrate that the CAR sensitivity defect is a result of their inefficient exploitation of accessory receptors and suggest approaches to increase sensitivity.
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43
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Pathogen-specific T Cells: Targeting Old Enemies and New Invaders in Transplantation and Beyond. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e809. [PMID: 36698615 PMCID: PMC9831191 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy with virus-specific cytotoxic T cells (VSTs) has evolved over the last three decades as a strategy to rapidly restore virus-specific immunity to prevent or treat viral diseases after solid organ or allogeneic hematopoietic cell-transplantation (allo-HCT). Since the early proof-of-principle studies demonstrating that seropositive donor-derived T cells, specific for the commonest pathogens post transplantation, namely cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and generated by time- and labor-intensive protocols, could effectively control viral infections, major breakthroughs have then streamlined the manufacturing process of pathogen-specific T cells (pSTs), broadened the breadth of target recognition to even include novel emerging pathogens and enabled off-the-shelf administration or pathogen-naive donor pST production. We herein review the journey of evolution of adoptive immunotherapy with nonengineered, natural pSTs against infections and virus-associated malignancies in the transplant setting and briefly touch upon recent achievements using pSTs outside this context.
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44
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Beppler C, Eichorst J, Marchuk K, Cai E, Castellanos CA, Sriram V, Roybal KT, Krummel MF. Hyperstabilization of T cell microvilli contacts by chimeric antigen receptors. J Cell Biol 2022; 222:213760. [PMID: 36520493 PMCID: PMC9757849 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202205118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells typically recognize their ligands using a defined cell biology-the scanning of their membrane microvilli (MV) to palpate their environment-while that same membrane scaffolds T cell receptors (TCRs) that can signal upon ligand binding. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) present both a therapeutic promise and a tractable means to study the interplay between receptor affinity, MV dynamics and T cell function. CARs are often built using single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) with far greater affinity than that of natural TCRs. We used high-resolution lattice lightsheet (LLS) and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) imaging to visualize MV scanning in the context of variations in CAR design. This demonstrated that conventional CARs hyper-stabilized microvillar contacts relative to TCRs. Reducing receptor affinity, antigen density, and/or multiplicity of receptor binding sites normalized microvillar dynamics and synapse resolution, and effector functions improved with reduced affinity and/or antigen density, highlighting the importance of understanding the underlying cell biology when designing receptors for optimal antigen engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Beppler
- Department of Pathology and ImmunoX, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Eichorst
- Biological Imaging Development CoLab, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kyle Marchuk
- Biological Imaging Development CoLab, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - En Cai
- Department of Pathology and ImmunoX, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carlos A. Castellanos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Kole T. Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA,Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew F. Krummel
- Department of Pathology and ImmunoX, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Correspondence to Matthew F. Krummel:
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45
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Chow A, Perica K, Klebanoff CA, Wolchok JD. Clinical implications of T cell exhaustion for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:775-790. [PMID: 36216928 PMCID: PMC10984554 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00689-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 110.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been a remarkable clinical advancement in the treatment of cancer. T cells are pivotal to the efficacy of current cancer immunotherapies, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies. However, cancer is associated with T cell exhaustion, a hypofunctional state characterized by progressive loss of T cell effector functions and self-renewal capacity. The 'un-exhausting' of T cells in the tumour microenvironment is commonly regarded as a key mechanism of action for immune-checkpoint inhibitors, and T cell exhaustion is considered a pathway of resistance for cellular immunotherapies. Several elegant studies have provided important insights into the transcriptional and epigenetic programmes that govern T cell exhaustion. In this Review, we highlight recent discoveries related to the immunobiology of T cell exhaustion that offer a more nuanced perspective beyond this hypofunctional state being entirely undesirable. We review evidence that T cell exhaustion might be as much a reflection as it is the cause of poor tumour control. Furthermore, we hypothesize that, in certain contexts of chronic antigen stimulation, interruption of the exhaustion programme might impair T cell persistence. Therefore, the prioritization of interventions that mitigate the development of T cell exhaustion, including orthogonal cytoreduction therapies and novel cellular engineering strategies, might ultimately confer superior clinical outcomes and the greatest advances in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Chow
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Karlo Perica
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Cell Therapy Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher A Klebanoff
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Cell Therapy Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jedd D Wolchok
- Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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46
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Asmamaw Dejenie T, Tiruneh G/Medhin M, Dessie Terefe G, Tadele Admasu F, Wale Tesega W, Chekol Abebe E. Current updates on generations, approvals, and clinical trials of CAR T-cell therapy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2114254. [PMID: 36094837 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2114254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a novel, customized immunotherapy that is considered a 'living' and self-replicating drug to treat cancer, sometimes resulting in a complete cure. CAR T-cells are manufactured through genetic engineering of T-cells by equipping them with CARs to detect and target antigen-expressing cancer cells. CAR is designed to have an ectodomain extracellularly, a transmembrane domain spanning the cell membrane, and an endodomain intracellularly. Since its first discovery, the CAR structure has evolved greatly, from the first generation to the fifth generation, to offer new therapeutic alternatives for cancer patients. This treatment has achieved long-term and curative therapeutic efficacy in multiple blood malignancies that nowadays profoundly change the treatment landscape of lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. But CART-cell therapy is associated with several hurdles, such as limited therapeutic efficacy, little effect on solid tumors, adverse effects, expensive cost, and feasibility issues, hindering its broader implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Markeshaw Tiruneh G/Medhin
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gashaw Dessie Terefe
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Fitalew Tadele Admasu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Science Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
| | - Wondwossen Wale Tesega
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Endeshaw Chekol Abebe
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Science Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
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47
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Teppert K, Wang X, Anders K, Evaristo C, Lock D, Künkele A. Joining Forces for Cancer Treatment: From "TCR versus CAR" to "TCR and CAR". Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314563. [PMID: 36498890 PMCID: PMC9739809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapy has demonstrated great therapeutic potential in recent decades, on the one hand, by using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and, on the other hand, by engineering T cells to obtain anti-tumor specificities through the introduction of either engineered T cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Given the distinct design of both receptors and the type of antigen that is encountered, the requirements for proper antigen engagement and downstream signal transduction by TCRs and CARs differ. Synapse formation and signal transduction of CAR T cells, despite further refinement of CAR T cell designs, still do not fully recapitulate that of TCR T cells and might limit CAR T cell persistence and functionality. Thus, deep knowledge about the molecular differences in CAR and TCR T cell signaling would greatly advance the further optimization of CAR designs and elucidate under which circumstances a combination of both receptors would improve the functionality of T cells for cancer treatment. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review about similarities and differences by directly comparing the architecture, synapse formation and signaling of TCRs and CARs, highlighting the knowns and unknowns. In the second part of the review, we discuss the current status of combining CAR and TCR technologies, encouraging a change in perspective from "TCR versus CAR" to "TCR and CAR".
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Teppert
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Xueting Wang
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Kathleen Anders
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - César Evaristo
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Dominik Lock
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
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48
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Cassioli C, Patrussi L, Valitutti S, Baldari CT. Learning from TCR Signaling and Immunological Synapse Assembly to Build New Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14255. [PMID: 36430728 PMCID: PMC9694822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy is a revolutionary pillar in cancer treatment. Clinical experience has shown remarkable successes in the treatment of certain hematological malignancies but only limited efficacy against B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other cancer types, especially solid tumors. A wide range of engineering strategies have been employed to overcome the limitations of CAR T cell therapy. However, it has become increasingly clear that CARs have unique, unexpected features; hence, a deep understanding of how CARs signal and trigger the formation of a non-conventional immunological synapse (IS), the signaling platform required for T cell activation and execution of effector functions, would lead a shift from empirical testing to the rational design of new CAR constructs. Here, we review current knowledge of CARs, focusing on their structure, signaling and role in CAR T cell IS assembly. We, moreover, discuss the molecular features accounting for poor responses in CLL patients treated with anti-CD19 CAR T cells and propose CLL as a paradigm for diseases connected to IS dysfunctions that could significantly benefit from the development of novel CARs to generate a productive anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cassioli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Patrussi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Valitutti
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1037, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, 31037 Toulouse, France
- Department of Pathology, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Cosima T. Baldari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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49
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GU T, ZHU M, HUANG H, HU Y. Relapse after CAR-T cell therapy in B-cell malignancies: challenges and future approaches. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:793-811. [PMID: 36226535 PMCID: PMC9561408 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2200256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy, as a novel cellular immunotherapy, has dramatically reshaped the landscape of cancer treatment, especially in hematological malignancies. However, relapse is still one of the most troublesome obstacles to achieving broad clinical application. The intrinsic factors and superior adaptability of tumor cells mark a fundamental aspect of relapse. The unique biological function of CAR-T cells governed by their special CAR construction also affects treatment efficacy. Moreover, complex cross-interactions among CAR-T cells, tumor cells, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) profoundly influence clinical outcomes concerning CAR-T cell function and persistence. Therefore, in this review, based on the most recent discoveries, we focus on the challenges of relapse after CAR-T cell therapy in B-cell malignancies from the perspective of tumor cells, CAR-T cells, and the TME. We also discuss the corresponding basic and clinical approaches that may overcome the problem in the future. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding for scientists and physicians that will help improve research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianning GU
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310003, China,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou311121, China,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Meng ZHU
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310003, China,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou311121, China,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - He HUANG
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310003, China,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou311121, China,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou310058, China,He HUANG,
| | - Yongxian HU
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310003, China,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou311121, China,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou310058, China,Yongxian HU,
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50
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Kennedy JJ, Woodcock A, Ivey RG, Lin C, Corral G, Hooper E, Martin G, Longman G, Stancik B, Cromwell EA, Whiteaker JR, Zhao L, Lorentzen TD, Thielman S, Paulovich AG. Preserving the Phosphoproteome of Clinical Biopsies Using a Quick-Freeze Collection Device. Biopreserv Biobank 2022; 20:436-445. [PMID: 36301140 PMCID: PMC9603275 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2022.0068] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in proteomic analyses of tissue biopsies to reveal pathophysiology and identify biomarkers. The current gold standard for collecting tissue biopsies for preserving the proteome and post-translational modifications is flash freezing in liquid nitrogen (LN2). However, in many clinical settings, this is not an option due to unavailability of LN2 nor trained personnel for rapid biospecimen processing. To address this need, we developed a proof-of-concept quick-freeze prototype device to rapidly freeze biospecimens at the point-of-care to preserve the phosphoproteome without the need for LN2. Our objectives were to develop the device, demonstrate the ease of use, confirm the ability to ship through existing cold chain logistics, and evaluate the cooling performance (i.e., cool a tissue sample to <0°C in <60 seconds, below -8°C in <120 seconds, and maintain temperature <0°C for >60 minutes) in the context of preserving the proteome in a tissue biospecimen. To demonstrate feasibility, the performance of the prototype was benchmarked against flash freezing in LN2 using a murine melanoma patient-derived xenograft model subjected to total body irradiation to elicit phosphosignaling in the DNA damage response network. Tumors were harvested and quadrisected, with two parts of the tumor being snap frozen in LN2, and the remaining two parts being rapidly cooled in the prototype quick-freeze biospecimen containers. Phosphoproteins were profiled by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and quantified by targeted multiple reaction monitoring MS. Overall, the phosphoproteome was equivalent in biospecimens processed using the quick-freeze containers to those using the LN2 gold standard, although the measurements of a subset of phosphopeptides in the device-frozen specimens were more variable than LN2-frozen specimens. The prototype device forms the framework for development of a commercial device that will improve tissue biopsy preservation for measurement of important phosphosignaling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J. Kennedy
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Richard G. Ivey
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - ChenWei Lin
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Guy Corral
- Product Creation Studio, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eli Hooper
- Product Creation Studio, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Gina Longman
- Product Creation Studio, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A. Cromwell
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeffrey R. Whiteaker
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lei Zhao
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Travis D. Lorentzen
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Amanda G. Paulovich
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
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