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Zouali M. Engineered immune cells as therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:842-858. [PMID: 38368169 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Current treatment options for autoimmune disease (AID) are essentially immunosuppressive, inhibiting the inflammatory cascade, without curing the disease. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target B cells showed efficacy, emphasizing the importance of B lymphocytes in autoimmune pathogenesis. Treatments that eliminate more potently B cells would open a new therapeutic era for AID. Immune cells can now be bioengineered to express constructs that enable them to specifically eradicate pathogenic B lymphocytes. Engineered immune cells (EICs) have shown therapeutic promise in both experimental models and in clinical trials in AID. Next-generation platforms are under development to optimize their specificity and improve safety. The profound and durable B cell depletion achieved reinforces the view that this biotherapeutic option holds promise for treating AID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moncef Zouali
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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2
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Shu J, Xie W, Chen Z, Offringa R, Hu Y, Mei H. The enchanting canvas of CAR technology: Unveiling its wonders in non-neoplastic diseases. MED 2024; 5:495-529. [PMID: 38608709 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.03.016] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have made a groundbreaking advancement in personalized immunotherapy and achieved widespread success in hematological malignancies. As CAR technology continues to evolve, numerous studies have unveiled its potential far beyond the realm of oncology. This review focuses on the current applications of CAR-based cellular platforms in non-neoplastic indications, such as autoimmune, infectious, fibrotic, and cellular senescence-associated diseases. Furthermore, we delve into the utilization of CARs in non-T cell populations such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, highlighting their therapeutic potential in non-neoplastic conditions and offering the potential for targeted, personalized therapies to improve patient outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Shu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhaozhao Chen
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Rienk Offringa
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Heng Mei
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China.
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3
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Yano H, Koga K, Sato T, Shinohara T, Iriguchi S, Matsuda A, Nakazono K, Shioiri M, Miyake Y, Kassai Y, Kiyoi H, Kaneko S. Human iPSC-derived CD4 + Treg-like cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors control GvHD in a xenograft model. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:795-802.e6. [PMID: 38848686 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells induced from human iPSCs (iCD4+ T cells) offer a therapeutic opportunity for overcoming immune pathologies arising from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, most iCD4+ T cells are conventional helper T cells, which secrete inflammatory cytokines. We induced high-level expression of FOXP3, a master transcription factor of regulatory T cells, in iCD4+ T cells. Human iPSC-derived, FOXP3-induced CD4+ T (iCD4+ Treg-like) cells did not secrete inflammatory cytokines upon activation. Moreover, they showed demethylation of the Treg-specific demethylation region, suggesting successful conversion to immunosuppressive iCD4+ Treg-like cells. We further assessed these iCD4+ Treg-like cells for CAR-mediated immunosuppressive ability. HLA-A2 CAR-transduced iCD4+ Treg-like cells inhibited CD8+ cytotoxic T cell (CTL) division in a mixed lymphocyte reaction assay with A2+ allogeneic CTLs and suppressed xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in NSG mice treated with A2+ human PBMCs. In most cases, these cells suppressed the xenogeneic GvHD progression as much as natural CD25+CD127- Tregs did.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Yano
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, CiRA, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Haematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Keiko Koga
- Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takayuki Sato
- Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tokuyuki Shinohara
- Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shoichi Iriguchi
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, CiRA, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Matsuda
- Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nakazono
- Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Maki Shioiri
- Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Miyake
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, CiRA, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kassai
- Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan; T-CiRA Discovery, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kiyoi
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shin Kaneko
- Shin Kaneko Laboratory, CiRA, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Takeda-CiRA joint research program (T-CiRA), Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan.
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4
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Minina EP, Dianov DV, Sheetikov SA, Bogolyubova AV. CAR Cells beyond Classical CAR T Cells: Functional Properties and Prospects of Application. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:765-783. [PMID: 38880641 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924050018] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are genetically engineered receptors that recognize antigens and activate signaling cascades in a cell. Signal recognition and transmission are mediated by the CAR domains derived from different proteins. T cells carrying CARs against tumor-associated antigens have been used in the development of the CAR T cell therapy, a new approach to fighting malignant neoplasms. Despite its high efficacy in the treatment of oncohematological diseases, CAR T cell therapy has a number of disadvantages that could be avoided by using other types of leukocytes as effector cells. CARs can be expressed in a wide range of cells of adaptive and innate immunity with the emergence or improvement of cytotoxic properties. This review discusses the features of CAR function in different types of immune cells, with a particular focus on the results of preclinical and clinical efficacy studies and the safety of potential CAR cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizaveta P Minina
- National Medical Research Centre for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Dianov
- National Medical Research Centre for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Saveliy A Sheetikov
- National Medical Research Centre for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia
| | - Apollinariya V Bogolyubova
- National Medical Research Centre for Hematology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 125167, Russia.
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5
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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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6
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Tuomela K, Levings MK. Genetic engineering of regulatory T cells for treatment of autoimmune disorders including type 1 diabetes. Diabetologia 2024; 67:611-622. [PMID: 38236408 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-06076-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Suppression of pathogenic immune responses is a major goal in the prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes. Adoptive cell therapy using regulatory T cells (Tregs), a naturally suppressive immune subset that is often dysfunctional in type 1 diabetes, is a promising approach to achieving localised and specific immune suppression in the pancreas or site of islet transplant. However, clinical trials testing administration of polyclonal Tregs in recent-onset type 1 diabetes have observed limited efficacy despite an excellent safety profile. Several barriers to efficacy have been identified, including lack of antigen specificity, low cell persistence post-administration and difficulty in generating sufficient cell numbers. Fortunately, the emergence of advanced gene editing techniques has opened the door to new strategies to engineer Tregs with improved specificity and function. These strategies include the engineering of FOXP3 expression to produce a larger source of suppressive cells for infusion, expressing T cell receptors or chimeric antigen receptors to generate antigen-specific Tregs and improving Treg survival by targeting cytokine pathways. Although these approaches are being applied in a variety of autoimmune and transplant contexts, type 1 diabetes presents unique opportunities and challenges for the genetic engineering of Tregs for adoptive cell therapy. Here we discuss the role of Tregs in type 1 diabetes pathogenesis and the application of Treg engineering in the context of type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoliina Tuomela
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Abstract
Despite significant advances in the field of transplantation in the past two decades, current clinically available therapeutic options for immunomodulation remain fairly limited. The advent of calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression has led to significant success in improving short-term graft survival; however, improvements in long-term graft survival have stalled. Solid organ transplantation provides a unique opportunity for immunomodulation of both the donor organ prior to implantation and the recipient post transplantation. Furthermore, therapies beyond targeting the adaptive immune system have the potential to ameliorate ischemic injury to the allograft and halt its aging process, augment its repair, and promote recipient immune tolerance. Other recent advances include expanding the donor pool by reducing organ discard, and bioengineering and genetically modifying organs from other species to generate transplantable organs. Therapies discussed here will likely be most impactful if individualized on the basis of specific donor and recipient considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Husain
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Xunrong Luo
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
- Duke Transplant Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Santosh Nirmala S, Kayani K, Gliwiński M, Hu Y, Iwaszkiewicz-Grześ D, Piotrowska-Mieczkowska M, Sakowska J, Tomaszewicz M, Marín Morales JM, Lakshmi K, Marek-Trzonkowska NM, Trzonkowski P, Oo YH, Fuchs A. Beyond FOXP3: a 20-year journey unravelling human regulatory T-cell heterogeneity. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1321228. [PMID: 38283365 PMCID: PMC10811018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1321228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The initial idea of a distinct group of T-cells responsible for suppressing immune responses was first postulated half a century ago. However, it is only in the last three decades that we have identified what we now term regulatory T-cells (Tregs), and subsequently elucidated and crystallized our understanding of them. Human Tregs have emerged as essential to immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases and are typically contemporaneously characterized by their CD3+CD4+CD25high CD127lowFOXP3+ phenotype. It is important to note that FOXP3+ Tregs exhibit substantial diversity in their origin, phenotypic characteristics, and function. Identifying reliable markers is crucial to the accurate identification, quantification, and assessment of Tregs in health and disease, as well as the enrichment and expansion of viable cells for adoptive cell therapy. In our comprehensive review, we address the contributions of various markers identified in the last two decades since the master transcriptional factor FOXP3 was identified in establishing and enriching purity, lineage stability, tissue homing and suppressive proficiency in CD4+ Tregs. Additionally, our review delves into recent breakthroughs in innovative Treg-based therapies, underscoring the significance of distinct markers in their therapeutic utilization. Understanding Treg subsets holds the key to effectively harnessing human Tregs for immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayani Kayani
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Renal Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mateusz Gliwiński
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Yueyuan Hu
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Justyna Sakowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Martyna Tomaszewicz
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Kavitha Lakshmi
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Piotr Trzonkowski
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ye Htun Oo
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Advanced Cellular Therapy Facility, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network - Rare Liver Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anke Fuchs
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Di Ianni M, Liberatore C, Santoro N, Ranalli P, Guardalupi F, Corradi G, Villanova I, Di Francesco B, Lattanzio S, Passeri C, Lanuti P, Accorsi P. Cellular Strategies for Separating GvHD from GvL in Haploidentical Transplantation. Cells 2024; 13:134. [PMID: 38247827 PMCID: PMC10814899 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
GvHD still remains, despite the continuous improvement of transplantation platforms, a fearful complication of transplantation from allogeneic donors. Being able to separate GvHD from GvL represents the greatest challenge in the allogeneic transplant setting. This may be possible through continuous improvement of cell therapy techniques. In this review, current cell therapies are taken into consideration, which are based on the use of TCR alpha/beta depletion, CD45RA depletion, T regulatory cell enrichment, NK-cell-based immunotherapies, and suicide gene therapies in order to prevent GvHD and maximally amplify the GvL effect in the setting of haploidentical transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Di Ianni
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Carmine Liberatore
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Nicole Santoro
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Paola Ranalli
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Guardalupi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Corradi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ida Villanova
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
| | - Barbara Di Francesco
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
| | - Stefano Lattanzio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cecilia Passeri
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Accorsi
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
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10
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Eskandari SK, Daccache A, Azzi JR. Chimeric antigen receptor T reg therapy in transplantation. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:48-61. [PMID: 38123369 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In the quest for more precise and effective organ transplantation therapies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies represent a potential cutting-edge advance. This review comprehensively analyses CAR Tregs and how they may address important drawbacks of polyclonal Tregs and conventional immunosuppressants. We examine a growing body of preclinical findings of CAR Treg therapy in transplantation, discuss CAR Treg design specifics, and explore established and attractive new targets in transplantation. In addition, we explore present impediments where future studies will be necessary to determine the efficacy of CAR Tregs in reshaping alloimmune responses and transplant microenvironments to reduce reliance on chemical immunosuppressants. Overall, ongoing studies and trials are crucial for understanding the full scope of CAR Treg therapy in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siawosh K Eskandari
- Transplantation Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Andrea Daccache
- Transplantation Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Bioscience Education and Research (UFR Biosciences), Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Jamil R Azzi
- Transplantation Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Christofi P, Pantazi C, Psatha N, Sakellari I, Yannaki E, Papadopoulou A. Promises and Pitfalls of Next-Generation Treg Adoptive Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5877. [PMID: 38136421 PMCID: PMC10742252 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245877] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are fundamental to maintaining immune homeostasis by inhibiting immune responses to self-antigens and preventing the excessive activation of the immune system. Their functions extend beyond immune surveillance and subpopulations of tissue-resident Treg cells can also facilitate tissue repair and homeostasis. The unique ability to regulate aberrant immune responses has generated the concept of harnessing Tregs as a new cellular immunotherapy approach for reshaping undesired immune reactions in autoimmune diseases and allo-responses in transplantation to ultimately re-establish tolerance. However, a number of issues limit the broad clinical applicability of Treg adoptive immunotherapy, including the lack of antigen specificity, heterogeneity within the Treg population, poor persistence, functional Treg impairment in disease states, and in vivo plasticity that results in the loss of suppressive function. Although the early-phase clinical trials of Treg cell therapy have shown the feasibility and tolerability of the approach in several conditions, its efficacy has remained questionable. Leveraging the smart tools and platforms that have been successfully developed for primary T cell engineering in cancer, the field has now shifted towards "next-generation" adoptive Treg immunotherapy, where genetically modified Treg products with improved characteristics are being generated, as regards antigen specificity, function, persistence, and immunogenicity. Here, we review the state of the art on Treg adoptive immunotherapy and progress beyond it, while critically evaluating the hurdles and opportunities towards the materialization of Tregs as a living drug therapy for various inflammation states and the broad clinical translation of Treg therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiota Christofi
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.C.); (C.P.); (I.S.); (E.Y.)
- University General Hospital of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Pantazi
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.C.); (C.P.); (I.S.); (E.Y.)
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Institute of Applied Biosciences (INAB), Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikoleta Psatha
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ioanna Sakellari
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.C.); (C.P.); (I.S.); (E.Y.)
| | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.C.); (C.P.); (I.S.); (E.Y.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7710, USA
| | - Anastasia Papadopoulou
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.C.); (C.P.); (I.S.); (E.Y.)
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12
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Chen QD, Liu L, Zhao XH, Liang JB, Li SW. Challenges and opportunities in the islet transplantation microenvironment: a comprehensive summary of inflammatory cytokine, immune cells, and vascular endothelial cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1293762. [PMID: 38111575 PMCID: PMC10725940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1293762] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now understood that islet transplantation serves as a β-cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes. Many factors impact the survival of transplanted islets, especially those related to the microenvironment. This review explored microenvironmental components, including vascular endothelial cells, inflammatory cytokines, and immune cells, and their profound effects on post-islet transplantation survival rates. Furthermore, it revealed therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting these elements. Current evidence suggests that vascular endothelial cells are pivotal in facilitating vascularization and nutrient supply and establishing a new microcirculation network for transplanted islets. Consequently, preserving the functionality of vascular endothelial cells emerges as a crucial strategy to enhance the survival of islet transplantation. Release of cytokines will lead to activation of immune cells and production and release of further cytokines. While immune cells hold undeniable significance in regulating immune responses, their activation can result in rejection reactions. Thus, establishing immunological tolerance within the recipient's body is essential for sustaining graft functionality. Indeed, future research endeavors should be directed toward developing precise strategies for modulating the microenvironment to achieve higher survival rates and more sustained transplantation outcomes. While acknowledging certain limitations inherent to this review, it provides valuable insights that can guide further exploration in the field of islet transplantation. In conclusion, the microenvironment plays a paramount role in islet transplantation. Importantly, we discuss novel perspectives that could lead to broader clinical applications and improved patient outcomes in islet transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-dong Chen
- Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-hong Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University , Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-bo Liang
- Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shao-wei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, China
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13
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Perpiñán E, Sanchez-Fueyo A, Safinia N. Immunoregulation: the interplay between metabolism and redox homeostasis. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2023; 2:1283275. [PMID: 38993920 PMCID: PMC11235320 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2023.1283275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells are fundamental for the induction and maintenance of immune homeostasis, with their dysfunction resulting in uncontrolled immune responses and tissue destruction predisposing to autoimmunity, transplant rejection and several inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Recent discoveries have demonstrated that metabolic processes and mitochondrial function are critical for the appropriate functioning of these cells in health, with their metabolic adaptation, influenced by microenvironmental factors, seen in several pathological processes. Upon activation regulatory T cells rearrange their oxidation-reduction (redox) system, which in turn supports their metabolic reprogramming, adding a layer of complexity to our understanding of cellular metabolism. Here we review the literature surrounding redox homeostasis and metabolism of regulatory T cells to highlight new mechanistic insights of these interlinked pathways in immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - N. Safinia
- Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Institute of Liver Studies, James Black Centre, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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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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15
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Moorman CD, Yu S, Briseno CG, Phee H, Sahoo A, Ramrakhiani A, Chaudhry A. CAR-T cells and CAR-Tregs targeting conventional type-1 dendritic cell suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235222. [PMID: 37965348 PMCID: PMC10641730 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235222] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional type 1 dendritic cells (DC1) contribute to the development of pathogenic T helper type 1 (Th1) cells in part via the production of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-12. Thus, depletion of DC1 has the potential to dampen autoimmune responses. Here, we developed X-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (XCR1)-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and CAR-Tregs that specifically targeted DC1. XCR1 CAR-T cells were successfully generated as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, expressed XCR1 CAR efficiently, and induced XCR1-dependent activation, cytokine production and proliferation. XCR1 CAR-T cells selectively depleted DC1 when transferred into RAG2-/- mice with a compensatory increase in conventional type 2 DC (DC2) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC). XCR1 CAR-T cell-mediated depletion of DC1 modestly suppressed the onset of Th1-driven experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Diphtheria toxin-mediated DC1 depletion in XCR1-diphtheria toxin receptor mice also suppressed EAE, suggesting that DC1 depletion was responsible for EAE suppression. XCR1 CAR-Tregs were successfully generated and suppressed effector T cells in the presence of XCR1+ cells. Therapeutic treatment with XCR1 CAR-Tregs suppressed Th1-driven EAE. Therefore, we conclude that depletion of DC1 with XCR1 CAR-T cells or immune suppression with XCR1 CAR-Tregs can modestly suppress Th1-driven EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody D. Moorman
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
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16
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Requejo Cier CJ, Valentini N, Lamarche C. Unlocking the potential of Tregs: innovations in CAR technology. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1267762. [PMID: 37900916 PMCID: PMC10602912 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1267762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) adoptive immunotherapy is emerging as a viable treatment option for both autoimmune and alloimmune diseases. However, numerous challenges remain, including limitations related to cell number, availability of target-specific cells, stability, purity, homing ability, and safety concerns. To address these challenges, cell engineering strategies have emerged as promising solutions. Indeed, it has become feasible to increase Treg numbers or enhance their stability through Foxp3 overexpression, post-translational modifications, or demethylation of the Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR). Specificity can be engineered by the addition of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), with new techniques designed to fine-tune specificity (tandem chimeric antigen receptors, universal chimeric antigen receptors, synNotch chimeric antigen receptors). The introduction of B-cell targeting antibody receptor (BAR) Tregs has paved the way for effective regulation of B cells and plasma cells. In addition, other constructs have emerged to enhance Tregs activation and function, such as optimized chimeric antigen receptors constructs and the use of armour proteins. Chimeric antigen receptor expression can also be better regulated to limit tonic signaling. Furthermore, various opportunities exist for enhancing the homing capabilities of CAR-Tregs to improve therapy outcomes. Many of these genetic modifications have already been explored for conventional CAR-T therapy but need to be further considered for CAR-Tregs therapies. This review highlights innovative CAR-engineering strategies that have the potential to precisely and efficiently manage immune responses in autoimmune diseases and improve transplant outcomes. As these strategies are further explored and optimized, CAR-Treg therapies may emerge as powerful tools for immune intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Requejo Cier
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Valentini
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Lamarche
- Department of Medicine, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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17
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Rosado-Sánchez I, Haque M, Salim K, Speck M, Fung VC, Boardman DA, Mojibian M, Raimondi G, Levings MK. Tregs integrate native and CAR-mediated costimulatory signals for control of allograft rejection. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e167215. [PMID: 37669115 PMCID: PMC10619441 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.167215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tregs expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-Tregs) are a promising tool to promote transplant tolerance. The relationship between CAR structure and Treg function was studied in xenogeneic, immunodeficient mice, revealing advantages of CD28-encoding CARs. However, these models could underrepresent interactions between CAR-Tregs, antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and donor-specific Abs. We generated Tregs expressing HLA-A2-specific CARs with different costimulatory domains and compared their function in vitro and in vivo using an immunocompetent model of transplantation. In vitro, the CD28-encoding CAR had superior antigen-specific suppression, proliferation, and cytokine production. In contrast, in vivo, Tregs expressing CARs encoding CD28, ICOS, programmed cell death 1, and GITR, but not 4-1BB or OX40, all extended skin allograft survival. To reconcile in vitro and in vivo data, we analyzed effects of a CAR encoding CD3ζ but no costimulatory domain. These data revealed that exogenous costimulation from APCs can compensate for the lack of a CAR-encoded CD28 domain. Thus, Tregs expressing a CAR with or without CD28 are functionally equivalent in vivo, mediating similar extension of skin allograft survival and controlling the generation of anti-HLA-A2 alloantibodies. This study reveals a dimension of CAR-Treg biology and has important implications for the design of CARs for clinical use in Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Rosado-Sánchez
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering and
| | - Manjurul Haque
- 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
| | - Madeleine Speck
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Vivian C.W. Fung
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dominic A. Boardman
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Majid Mojibian
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Giorgio Raimondi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan K. Levings
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering and
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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18
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Gille I, Hagedoorn RS, van der Meer-Prins EMW, Heemskerk MHM, Heidt S. Chimeric HLA antibody receptor T cells to target HLA-specific B cells in solid organ transplantation. HLA 2023; 102:436-448. [PMID: 37370222 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
HLA-sensitized patients on the transplant waiting list harbor antibodies and memory B cells directed against allogeneic HLA molecules, which decreases the chance to receive a compatible donor organ. Current desensitization strategies non-specifically target circulating antibodies and B cells, warranting the development of therapies that specifically affect HLA-directed humoral immune responses. We developed Chimeric HLA Antibody Receptor (CHAR) constructs comprising the extracellular part of HLA-A2 or HLA-A3 coupled to CD28-CD3ζ domains. CHAR-transduced cells expressing reporter constructs encoding T-cell activation markers, and CHAR-transduced CD8+ T cells from healthy donors were stimulated with HLA-specific monoclonal antibody-coated microbeads, and HLA-specific B cell hybridomas. CHAR T cell activation was measured by upregulation of T cell activation markers and IFNγ secretion, whereas CHAR T cell killing of B cell hybridomas was assessed in chromium release assays and by IgG ELISpot. HLA-A2- and HLA-A3-CHAR expressing cells were specifically activated by HLA-A2- and HLA-A3-specific monoclonal antibodies, either soluble or coated on microbeads, as shown by CHAR-induced transcription factors. HLA-A2 and HLA-A3 CHAR T cells efficiently produced IFNγ with exquisite specificity and were capable of specifically lysing hybridoma cells expressing HLA-A2- or HLA-A3-specific B-cell receptors, respectively. Finally, we mutated the α3 domain of the CHAR molecules to minimize any alloreactive T-cell reactivity against CHAR T cells, while retaining CHAR activity. These data show proof of principle for CHAR T cells to serve as precision immunotherapy to specifically desensitize (highly) sensitized solid organ transplant candidates and to treat antibody-mediated rejection after solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Gille
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Sebastiaan Heidt
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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19
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Halvorson T, Tuomela K, Levings MK. Targeting regulatory T cell metabolism in disease: Novel therapeutic opportunities. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250002. [PMID: 36891988 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250002] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for immune homeostasis and suppression of pathological autoimmunity but can also play a detrimental role in cancer progression via inhibition of anti-tumor immunity. Thus, there is broad applicability for therapeutic Treg targeting, either to enhance function, for example, through adoptive cell therapy (ACT), or to inhibit function with small molecules or antibody-mediated blockade. For both of these strategies, the metabolic state of Tregs is an important consideration since cellular metabolism is intricately linked to function. Mounting evidence has shown that targeting metabolic pathways can selectively promote or inhibit Treg function. This review aims to synthesize the current understanding of Treg metabolism and discuss emerging metabolic targeting strategies in the contexts of transplantation, autoimmunity, and cancer. We discuss approaches to gene editing and cell culture to manipulate Treg metabolism during ex vivo expansion for ACT, as well as in vivo nutritional and pharmacological interventions to modulate Treg metabolism in disease states. Overall, the intricate connection between metabolism and phenotype presents a powerful opportunity to therapeutically tune Treg function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torin Halvorson
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karoliina Tuomela
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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20
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Ellis CE, Mojibian M, Ida S, Fung VCW, Skovsø S, McIver E, O'Dwyer S, Webber TD, Braam MJS, Saber N, Sasaki S, Lynn FC, Kieffer TJ, Levings MK. Human A2-CAR T Cells Reject HLA-A2 + Human Islets Transplanted Into Mice Without Inducing Graft-versus-host Disease. Transplantation 2023; 107:e222-e233. [PMID: 37528526 PMCID: PMC10527662 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by T-cell-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta-cells. Islet transplantation is an effective therapy, but its success is limited by islet quality and availability along with the need for immunosuppression. New approaches include the use of stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells and immunomodulatory therapies, but a limitation is the paucity of reproducible animal models in which interactions between human immune cells and insulin-producing cells can be studied without the complication of xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (xGVHD). METHODS We expressed an HLA-A2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (A2-CAR) in human CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and tested their ability to reject HLA-A2 + islets transplanted under the kidney capsule or anterior chamber of the eye of immunodeficient mice. T-cell engraftment, islet function, and xGVHD were assessed longitudinally. RESULTS The speed and consistency of A2-CAR T-cell-mediated islet rejection varied depending on the number of A2-CAR T cells and the absence/presence of coinjected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). When <3 million A2-CAR T cells were injected, coinjection of PBMCs accelerated islet rejection but also induced xGVHD. In the absence of PBMCs, injection of 3 million A2-CAR T cells caused synchronous rejection of A2 + human islets within 1 wk and without xGVHD for 12 wk. CONCLUSIONS Injection of A2-CAR T cells can be used to study rejection of human insulin-producing cells without the complication of xGVHD. The rapidity and synchrony of rejection will facilitate in vivo screening of new therapies designed to improve the success of islet-replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara E Ellis
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute and Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Majid Mojibian
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shogo Ida
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Vivian C W Fung
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Søs Skovsø
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emma McIver
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shannon O'Dwyer
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Travis D Webber
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mitchell J S Braam
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nelly Saber
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shugo Sasaki
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Francis C Lynn
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Timothy J Kieffer
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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21
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Strobl J, Haniffa M. Functional heterogeneity of human skin-resident memory T cells in health and disease. Immunol Rev 2023; 316:104-119. [PMID: 37144705 PMCID: PMC10952320 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The human skin is populated by a diverse pool of memory T cells, which can act rapidly in response to pathogens and cancer antigens. Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM ) have been implicated in range of allergic, autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases. Clonal expansion of cells with TRM properties is also known to contribute to cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Here, we review the heterogeneous phenotypes, transcriptional programs, and effector functions of skin TRM . We summarize recent studies on TRM formation, longevity, plasticity, and retrograde migration and contextualize the findings to skin TRM and their role in maintaining skin homeostasis and altered functions in skin disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Strobl
- Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular MedicineViennaAustria
| | - Muzlifah Haniffa
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteCambridgeUK
- Department of Dermatology and NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research CentreNewcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
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22
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Műzes G, Sipos F. CAR-Based Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases: A Novel Powerful Option. Cells 2023; 12:1534. [PMID: 37296654 PMCID: PMC10252902 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The pervasive application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based cellular therapies in the treatment of oncological diseases has long been recognized. However, CAR T cells can target and eliminate autoreactive cells in autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. By doing so, they can contribute to an effective and relatively long-lasting remission. In turn, CAR Treg interventions may have a highly effective and durable immunomodulatory effect via a direct or bystander effect, which may have a positive impact on the course and prognosis of autoimmune diseases. CAR-based cellular techniques have a complex theoretical foundation and are difficult to implement in practice, but they have a remarkable capacity to suppress the destructive functions of the immune system. This article provides an overview of the numerous CAR-based therapeutic options developed for the treatment of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases. We believe that well-designed, rigorously tested cellular therapies could provide a promising new personalized treatment strategy for a significant number of patients with immune-mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Györgyi Műzes
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary;
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23
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Bittner S, Hehlgans T, Feuerer M. Engineered Treg cells as putative therapeutics against inflammatory diseases and beyond. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:468-483. [PMID: 37100644 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells ensure tolerance against self-antigens, limit excessive inflammation, and support tissue repair processes. Therefore, Treg cells are currently attractive candidates for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, or transplant rejection. Early clinical trials have proved the safety and efficacy of certain Treg cell therapies in inflammatory diseases. We summarize recent advances in engineering Treg cells, including the concept of biosensors for inflammation. We assess Treg cell engineering possibilities for novel functional units, including Treg cell modifications influencing stability, migration, and tissue adaptation. Finally, we outline perspectives of engineered Treg cells going beyond inflammatory diseases by using custom-designed receptors and read-out systems, aiming to use Treg cells as in vivo diagnostic tools and drug delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Bittner
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division of Immunology, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hehlgans
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division of Immunology, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Feuerer
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Division of Immunology, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Chair for Immunology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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Abraham AR, Maghsoudlou P, Copland DA, Nicholson LB, Dick AD. CAR-Treg cell therapies and their future potential in treating ocular autoimmune conditions. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1184937. [PMID: 38983082 PMCID: PMC11182176 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1184937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Ophthalmic autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions cause significant visual morbidity and require complex medical treatment complicated by significant side effects and lack of specificity. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have key roles in immune homeostasis and in the resolution of immune responses. Polyclonal Treg therapy has shown efficacy in treating autoimmune disease. Genetic engineering approaches to produce antigen-specific Treg therapy has the potential for enhanced treatment responses and fewer systemic side effects. Cell therapy using chimeric antigen receptor modified T cell (CAR-T) therapy, has had significant success in treating haematological malignancies. By modifying Tregs specifically, a CAR-Treg approach has been efficacious in preclinical models of autoimmune conditions leading to current phase 1-2 clinical trials. This review summarises CAR structure and design, Treg cellular biology, developments in CAR-Treg therapies, and discusses future strategies to apply CAR-Treg therapy in the treatment of ophthalmic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R. Abraham
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Panayiotis Maghsoudlou
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Copland
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay B. Nicholson
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. Dick
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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McCallion O, Bilici M, Hester J, Issa F. Regulatory T-cell therapy approaches. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 211:96-107. [PMID: 35960852 PMCID: PMC10019137 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have enormous therapeutic potential to treat a variety of immunopathologies characterized by aberrant immune activation. Adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded autologous Tregs continues to progress through mid- to late-phase clinical trials in several disease spaces and has generated promising preliminary safety and efficacy signals to date. However, the practicalities of this strategy outside of the clinical trial setting remain challenging. Here, we review the current landscape of regulatory T-cell therapy, considering emergent approaches and technologies presenting novel ways to engage Tregs, and reflect on the progress necessary to deliver their therapeutic potential to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver McCallion
- Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Merve Bilici
- Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Hester
- Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fadi Issa
- Correspondence. Fadi Issa, Translational Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
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26
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Spanier JA, Fung V, Wardell CM, Alkhatib MH, Chen Y, Swanson LA, Dwyer AJ, Weno ME, Silva N, Mitchell JS, Orban PC, Mojibian M, Verchere CB, Fife BT, Levings MK. Insulin B peptide-MHC class II-specific chimeric antigen receptor-Tregs prevent autoimmune diabetes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529737. [PMID: 36865264 PMCID: PMC9980092 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy with Tregs is a promising approach for prevention or treatment of type 1 diabetes. Islet antigen-specific Tregs have more potent therapeutic effects than polyclonal cells, but their low frequency is a barrier for clinical application. To generate Tregs that recognize islet antigens, we engineered a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) derived from a monoclonal antibody with specificity for the insulin B-chain 10-23 peptide presented in the context of the IA g7 MHC class II allele present in NOD mice. Peptide specificity of the resulting InsB-g7 CAR was confirmed by tetramer staining and T cell proliferation in response to recombinant or islet-derived peptide. The InsB-g7 CAR re-directed NOD Treg specificity such that insulin B 10-23-peptide stimulation enhanced suppressive function, measured via reduction of proliferation and IL-2 production by BDC2.5 T cells and CD80 and CD86 expression on dendritic cells. Co-transfer of InsB-g7 CAR Tregs prevented adoptive transfer diabetes by BDC2.5 T cells in immunodeficient NOD mice. In wild type NOD mice, InsB-g7 CAR Tregs stably expressed Foxp3 and prevented spontaneous diabetes. These results show that engineering Treg specificity for islet antigens using a T cell receptor-like CAR is a promising new therapeutic approach for the prevention of autoimmune diabetes. Brief Summary Chimeric antigen receptor Tregs specific for an insulin B-chain peptide presented by MHC class II prevent autoimmune diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A. Spanier
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Autoimmune Disease Research, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Vivian Fung
- Dept of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christine M. Wardell
- Dept of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohannad H. Alkhatib
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yixin Chen
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Linnea A. Swanson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alexander J. Dwyer
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matthew E. Weno
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nubia Silva
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jason S. Mitchell
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Autoimmune Disease Research, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paul C. Orban
- Dept of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Majid Mojibian
- Dept of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - C. Bruce Verchere
- Dept of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brian T. Fife
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Autoimmune Disease Research, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Megan K. Levings
- Dept of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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27
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Ellis CE, Mojibian M, Ida S, Fung VCW, Skovsø S, McIver E, O'Dwyer S, Webber TD, Braam MJS, Saber N, Kieffer TJ, Levings MK. Human A2-CAR T cells reject HLA-A2+ human islets transplanted into mice without inducing graft versus host disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529741. [PMID: 36865123 PMCID: PMC9980131 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterised by T cell mediated destruction of pancreatic beta-cells. Islet transplantation is an effective therapy, but its success is limited by islet quality and availability along with the need for immunosuppression. New approaches include use of stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells and immunomodulatory therapies, but a limitation is the paucity of reproducible animal models in which interactions between human immune cells and insulin-producing cells can be studied without the complication of xenogeneic graft- versus -host disease (xGVHD). Methods We expressed an HLA-A2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (A2-CAR) in human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and tested their ability to reject HLA-A2+ islets transplanted under the kidney capsule or anterior chamber of the eye of immunodeficient mice. T cell engraftment, islet function and xGVHD were assessed longitudinally. Results The speed and consistency of A2-CAR T cells-mediated islet rejection varied depending on the number of A2-CAR T cells and the absence/presence of co-injected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). When <3 million A2-CAR T cells were injected, co-injection of PBMCs accelerated islet rejection but also induced xGVHD. In the absence of PBMCs, injection of 3 million A2-CAR T cells caused synchronous rejection of A2+ human islets within 1 week and without xGVHD for 12 weeks. Conclusions Injection of A2-CAR T cells can be used to study rejection of human insulin-producing cells without the complication of xGVHD. The rapidity and synchrony of rejection will facilitate in vivo screening of new therapies designed to improve the success of isletreplacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara E Ellis
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, and Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada
| | - Majid Mojibian
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Shogo Ida
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences
| | - Vivian C W Fung
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Søs Skovsø
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences
| | - Emma McIver
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Shannon O'Dwyer
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences
| | - Travis D Webber
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences
| | - Mitchell J S Braam
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences
| | - Nelly Saber
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences
| | - Timothy J Kieffer
- Life Sciences Institute, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
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28
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Kaljanac M, Abken H. Do Treg Speed Up with CARs? Chimeric Antigen Receptor Treg Engineered to Induce Transplant Tolerance. Transplantation 2023; 107:74-85. [PMID: 36226849 PMCID: PMC9746345 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Treg) can induce transplant tolerance in preclinical models by suppressing alloantigen-directed inflammatory responses; clinical translation was so far hampered by the low abundance of Treg with allo-specificity in the peripheral blood. In this situation, ex vivo engineering of Treg with a T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) provides a cell population with predefined specificity that can be amplified and administered to the patient. In contrast to TCR-engineered Treg, CAR Treg can be redirected toward a broad panel of targets in an HLA-unrestricted fashion' making these cells attractive to provide antigen-specific tolerance toward the transplanted organ. In preclinical models, CAR Treg accumulate and amplify at the targeted transplant, maintain their differentiated phenotype, and execute immune repression more vigorously than polyclonal Treg. With that, CAR Treg are providing hope in establishing allospecific, localized immune tolerance in the long term' and the first clinical trials administering CAR Treg for the treatment of transplant rejection are initiated. Here, we review the current platforms for developing and manufacturing alloantigen-specific CAR Treg and discuss the therapeutic potential and current hurdles in translating CAR Treg into clinical exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Kaljanac
- Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Division Genetic Immunotherapy, and Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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29
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Wan S, Xu W, Xie B, Guan C, Song X. The potential of regulatory T cell-based therapies for alopecia areata. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1111547. [PMID: 37205097 PMCID: PMC10186346 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1111547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte has been a concern for the etiopathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA), some recent evidence suggests that the regulatory T (Treg) cell deficiency is also a contributing factor. In the lesional scalp of AA, Treg cells residing in the follicles are impaired, leading to dysregulated local immunity and hair follicle (HF) regeneration disorders. New strategies are emerging to modulate Treg cells' number and function for autoimmune diseases. There is much interest to boost Treg cells in AA patients to suppress the abnormal autoimmunity of HF and stimulate hair regeneration. With few satisfactory therapeutic regimens available for AA, Treg cell-based therapies could be the way forward. Specifically, CAR-Treg cells and novel formulations of low-dose IL-2 are the alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wan
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Third Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Xu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yuhangtang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Xie
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Third Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cuiping Guan
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Third Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuzu Song, ; Cuiping Guan,
| | - Xiuzu Song
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Third Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuzu Song, ; Cuiping Guan,
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30
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Genoud V, Migliorini D. Novel pathophysiological insights into CAR-T cell associated neurotoxicity. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1108297. [PMID: 36970518 PMCID: PMC10031128 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1108297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy represents a scientific breakthrough in the treatment of advanced hematological malignancies. It relies on cell engineering to direct the powerful cytotoxic T-cell activity toward tumor cells. Nevertheless, these highly powerful cell therapies can trigger substantial toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune cell-associated neurological syndrome (ICANS). These potentially fatal side effects are now better understood and managed in the clinic but still require intensive patient follow-up and management. Some specific mechanisms seem associated with the development of ICANS, such as cytokine surge caused by activated CAR-T cells, off-tumor targeting of CD19, and vascular leak. Therapeutic tools are being developed aiming at obtaining better control of toxicity. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of ICANS, novel findings, and current gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis Genoud
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Haematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Denis Migliorini
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Translational Research in Onco-Haematology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Brain Tumor and Immune Cell Engineering Laboratory, AGORA Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Cancer Center Léman (SCCL), Lausanne and Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Denis Migliorini
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31
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Boardman DA, Wong MQ, Rees WD, Wu D, Himmel ME, Orban PC, Vent-Schmidt J, Zachos NC, Steiner TS, Levings MK. Flagellin-specific human CAR Tregs for immune regulation in IBD. J Autoimmun 2023; 134:102961. [PMID: 36470208 PMCID: PMC9908852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy is a promising strategy to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data from animal models has shown that Tregs specific for intestinal antigens are more potent than polyclonal Tregs at inhibiting colitis. Flagellins, the major structural proteins of bacterial flagella, are immunogenic antigens frequently targeted in IBD subjects, leading to the hypothesis that flagellin-specific Tregs could be an effective cell therapy for IBD. We developed a novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for flagellin derived from Escherichia coli H18 (FliC). We used this CAR to confer FliC-specificity to human Tregs and investigated their therapeutic potential. FliC-CAR Tregs were activated by recombinant FliC protein but not a control flagellin protein, demonstrating CAR specificity and functionality. In a humanized mouse model, expression of the FliC-CAR drove preferential migration to the colon and expression of the activation marker PD1. In the presence of recombinant FliC protein in vitro, FliC-CAR Tregs were significantly more suppressive than control Tregs and promoted the establishment of colon-derived epithelial cell monolayers. These results demonstrate the potential of FliC-CAR Tregs to treat IBD and more broadly show the therapeutic potential of CARs targeting microbial-derived antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic A Boardman
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - May Q Wong
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - William D Rees
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Megan E Himmel
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul C Orban
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jens Vent-Schmidt
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicholas C Zachos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Theodore S Steiner
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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32
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Doglio M, Crossland RE, Alho AC, Penack O, Dickinson AM, Stary G, Lacerda JF, Eissner G, Inngjerdingen M. Cell-based therapy in prophylaxis and treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1045168. [PMID: 36466922 PMCID: PMC9714556 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1045168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a curative option for patients with hematological malignancies. However, due to disparities in major and minor histocompatibility antigens between donor and recipient, severe inflammatory complications can occur, among which chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) can be life-threatening. A classical therapeutic approach to the prevention and treatment of cGVHD has been broad immunosuppression, but more recently adjuvant immunotherapies have been tested. This review summarizes and discusses immunomodulatory approaches with T cells, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and regulatory T cells, with natural killer (NK) cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), and finally with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and extracellular vesicles thereof. Clinical studies and pre-clinical research results are presented likewise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Doglio
- Experimental Haematology Unit, Division of Immunology Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Rachel E. Crossland
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ana C. Alho
- JLacerda Lab, Hematology and Transplantation Immunology, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Serviço de Hematologia e Transplantação de Medula, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Olaf Penack
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne M. Dickinson
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Alcyomics Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Georg Stary
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - João F. Lacerda
- JLacerda Lab, Hematology and Transplantation Immunology, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Serviço de Hematologia e Transplantação de Medula, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Günther Eissner
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marit Inngjerdingen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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33
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Skartsis N, Ferreira LMR, Tang Q. The dichotomous outcomes of TNFα signaling in CD4 + T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1042622. [PMID: 36466853 PMCID: PMC9708889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1042622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
TNFa blocking agents were the first-in-class biologic drugs used for the treatment of autoimmune disease. Paradoxically, however, exacerbation of autoimmunity was observed in some patients. TNFa is a pleiotropic cytokine that has both proinflammatory and regulatory effects on CD4+ T cells and can influence the adaptive immune response against autoantigens. Here, we critically appraise the literature and discuss the intricacies of TNFa signaling that may explain the controversial findings of previous studies. The pleiotropism of TNFa is based in part on the existence of two biologically active forms of TNFa, soluble and membrane-bound, with different affinities for two distinct TNF receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, leading to activation of diverse downstream molecular pathways involved in cell fate decisions and immune function. Distinct membrane expression patterns of TNF receptors by CD4+ T cell subsets and their preferential binding of distinct forms of TNFα produced by a diverse pool of cellular sources during different stages of an immune response are important determinants of the differential outcomes of TNFa-TNF receptor signaling. Targeted manipulation of TNFa-TNF receptor signaling on select CD4+ T cell subsets may offer specific therapeutic interventions to dampen inflammation while fortifying immune regulation for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Skartsis
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Mayo Clinic William J. von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Leonardo M. R. Ferreira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Qizhi Tang
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Gladstone University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Institute of Genome Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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34
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Goodman DB, Azimi CS, Kearns K, Talbot A, Garakani K, Garcia J, Patel N, Hwang B, Lee D, Park E, Vykunta VS, Shy BR, Ye CJ, Eyquem J, Marson A, Bluestone JA, Roybal KT. Pooled screening of CAR T cells identifies diverse immune signaling domains for next-generation immunotherapies. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabm1463. [PMID: 36350984 PMCID: PMC9939256 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abm1463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) repurpose natural signaling components to retarget T cells to refractory cancers but have shown limited efficacy in persistent, recurrent malignancies. Here, we introduce "CAR Pooling," a multiplexed approach to rapidly identify CAR designs with clinical potential. Forty CARs with signaling domains derived from a range of immune cell lineages were evaluated in pooled assays for their ability to stimulate critical T cell effector functions during repetitive stimulation that mimics long-term tumor antigen exposure. Several domains were identified from the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family that have been primarily associated with B cells. CD40 enhanced proliferation, whereas B cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) and transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI) promoted cytotoxicity. These functions were enhanced relative to clinical benchmarks after prolonged antigen stimulation, and CAR T cell signaling through these domains fell into distinct states of memory, cytotoxicity, and metabolism. BAFF-R CAR T cells were enriched for a highly cytotoxic transcriptional signature previously associated with positive clinical outcomes. We also observed that replacing the 4-1BB intracellular signaling domain with the BAFF-R signaling domain in a clinically validated B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-specific CAR resulted in enhanced activity in a xenotransplant model of multiple myeloma. Together, these results show that CAR Pooling is a general approach for rapid exploration of CAR architecture and activity to improve the efficacy of CAR T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Goodman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Gladstone UCSF Institute for Genetic Immunology; San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Camillia S. Azimi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Kendall Kearns
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Alexis Talbot
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Gladstone UCSF Institute for Genetic Immunology; San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- INSERM U976, Saint Louis Research Institute, Paris City University, Paris, France
| | - Kiavash Garakani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Julie Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Nisarg Patel
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA, USA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Byungjin Hwang
- Institute for Human Genetics (IHG), University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - David Lee
- Institute for Human Genetics (IHG), University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Emily Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Vivasvan S. Vykunta
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
- Gladstone UCSF Institute for Genetic Immunology; San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Brian R. Shy
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
- Gladstone UCSF Institute for Genetic Immunology; San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Chun Jimmie Ye
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub; San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics (IHG), University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Justin Eyquem
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Gladstone UCSF Institute for Genetic Immunology; San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
| | - Alexander Marson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub; San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
- Gladstone UCSF Institute for Genetic Immunology; San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics (IHG), University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Bluestone
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Sonoma Biotherapeutics; South San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Kole T. Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy; San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub; San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
- Gladstone UCSF Institute for Genetic Immunology; San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- UCSF Cell Design Institute; San Francisco, California, 94158, USA
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Sun Y, Yuan Y, Zhang B, Zhang X. CARs: a new approach for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 66:711-728. [PMID: 36346550 PMCID: PMC9641699 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2212-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based therapeutic interventions represented a breakthrough in cancer treatment. Following the success of the CAR-T-cell strategy, this novel therapeutic approach has been applied to other diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Using CAR-T cells to deplete pathological immune cells (i.e., B cells, autoreactive B or T cells, and accessory antigen-presenting cells (APCs)) has resulted in favorable outcomes in diseases characterized by excessive autoantibody levels or hyperactive lymphocyte cell numbers. The importance of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) in restoring immune tolerance has been well established, and CAR-Tregs have shown promising therapeutic potential in treating autoimmune diseases. Moreover, prior experience from the cancer field has provided sufficient paradigms for understanding how to optimize the structure and function of CARs to improve their function, persistence, stability and safety. In this review, we describe the potential application of CAR-T cells and CAR-Tregs in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and we summarize the currently available strategies of gene editing and synthetic biological tools that have improved the practical application of CAR-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeting Sun
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Yeshuang Yuan
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College; Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Bo Zhang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730 China
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36
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Targeting inflammation to improve regulatory T cell therapy for immunopathologies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2215271119. [PMID: 36264819 PMCID: PMC9636911 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215271119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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37
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Long M, Mims AS, Li Z. Factors Affecting the Cancer Immunotherapeutic Efficacy of T Cell Bispecific Antibodies and Strategies for Improvement. Immunol Invest 2022; 51:2176-2214. [PMID: 36259611 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2022.2131569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
T-cell bispecific antibodies (T-BsAbs) are a new class of cancer immunotherapy drugs that can simultaneously bind to tumor-associated antigens on target cells and to the CD3 subunit of the T-cell receptor (TCR) on T cells. In the last decade, numerous T-BsAbs have been developed for the treatment of both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Among them, blinatumomab has been successfully used to treat CD19 positive malignancies and has been approved by the FDA as standard care for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, in many clinical scenarios, the efficacy of T-BsAbs remains unsatisfactory. To further improve T-BsAb therapy, it will be crucial to better understand the factors affecting treatment efficacy and the nature of the T-BsAb-induced immune response. Herein, we first review the studies on the potential mechanisms by which T-BsAbs activate T-cells and how they elicit efficient target killing despite suboptimal costimulatory support. We focus on analyzing reports from clinical trials and preclinical studies, and summarize the factors that have been identified to impact the efficacy of T-BsAbs. Lastly, we review current and propose new approaches to improve the clinical efficacy of T-BsAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixiao Long
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alice S Mims
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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38
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Yang SJ, Singh AK, Drow T, Tappen T, Honaker Y, Barahmand-Pour-Whitman F, Linsley PS, Cerosaletti K, Mauk K, Xiang Y, Smith J, Mortensen E, Cook PJ, Sommer K, Khan I, Liggitt D, Rawlings DJ, Buckner JH. Pancreatic islet-specific engineered T regs exhibit robust antigen-specific and bystander immune suppression in type 1 diabetes models. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabn1716. [PMID: 36197963 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn1716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is therapeutic in type 1 diabetes (T1D) mouse models. Tregs that are specific for pancreatic islets are more potent than polyclonal Tregs in preventing disease. However, the frequency of antigen-specific natural Tregs is extremely low, and ex vivo expansion may destabilize Tregs, leading to an effector phenotype. Here, we generated durable, antigen-specific engineered Tregs (EngTregs) from primary human CD4+ T cells by combining FOXP3 homology-directed repair editing and lentiviral T cell receptor (TCR) delivery. Using TCRs derived from clonally expanded CD4+ T cells isolated from patients with T1D, we generated islet-specific EngTregs that suppressed effector T cell (Teff) proliferation and cytokine production. EngTregs suppressed Teffs recognizing the same islet antigen in addition to bystander Teffs recognizing other islet antigens through production of soluble mediators and both direct and indirect mechanisms. Adoptively transferred murine islet-specific EngTregs homed to the pancreas and blocked diabetes triggered by islet-specific Teffs or diabetogenic polyclonal Teffs in recipient mice. These data demonstrate the potential of antigen-specific EngTregs as a targeted therapy for preventing T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Jung Yang
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Akhilesh K Singh
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Travis Drow
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Tori Tappen
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Yuchi Honaker
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Fariba Barahmand-Pour-Whitman
- Center for Systems Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Peter S Linsley
- Center for Systems Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Karen Cerosaletti
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Kelsey Mauk
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Jessica Smith
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Emma Mortensen
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Peter J Cook
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Karen Sommer
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Iram Khan
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Denny Liggitt
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - David J Rawlings
- Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies and the Program for Cell and Gene Therapy, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Jane H Buckner
- Center for Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
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Biosensors for inflammation as a strategy to engineer regulatory T cells for cell therapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208436119. [PMID: 36161919 PMCID: PMC9546553 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208436119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered regulatory T cell (Treg cell) therapy is a promising strategy to treat patients suffering from inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity, and transplant rejection. However, in many cases, disease-related antigens that can be targeted by Treg cells are not available. In this study, we introduce a class of synthetic biosensors, named artificial immune receptors (AIRs), for murine and human Treg cells. AIRs consist of three domains: (a) extracellular binding domain of a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor superfamily member, (b) intracellular costimulatory signaling domain of CD28, and (c) T cell receptor signaling domain of CD3-ζ chain. These AIR receptors equip Treg cells with an inflammation-sensing machinery and translate this environmental information into a CD3-ζ chain-dependent TCR-activation program. Different AIRs were generated, recognizing the inflammatory ligands of the TNF-receptor superfamily, including LIGHT, TNFα, and TNF-like ligand 1A (TL1A), leading to activation, differentiation, and proliferation of AIR-Treg cells. In a graft-versus-host disease model, Treg cells expressing lymphotoxin β receptor-AIR, which can be activated by the ligand LIGHT, protect significantly better than control Treg cells. Expression and signaling of the corresponding human AIR in human Treg cells prove that this concept can be translated. Engineering Treg cells that target inflammatory ligands leading to TCR signaling and activation might be used as a Treg cell-based therapy approach for a broad range of inflammation-driven diseases.
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40
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Regulatory T cells in rheumatoid arthritis: functions, development, regulation, and therapeutic potential. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:533. [PMID: 36173485 PMCID: PMC9522664 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04563-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints but also leads to systemic inflammation. Auto-reactivity and dysregulation of self-tolerance are thought to play a vital role in disease onset. In the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, disturbed immunosuppressive properties of regulatory T cells contribute to the dysregulation of immune homeostasis. In RA patients, the functions of Treg cells and their frequency are reduced. Therefore, focusing on the re-establishment of self-tolerance by increasing Treg cell frequencies and preventing a loss of function is a promising strategy for the treatment of RA. This approach could be especially beneficial for those patients who do not respond well to current therapies. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge about the function, differentiation and regulation of Treg cells in RA patients and in animal models of autoimmune arthritis. In addition, we highlight the therapeutic potential as well as the challenges of Treg cell targeting treatment strategies.
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Bolivar-Wagers S, Loschi ML, Jin S, Thangavelu G, Larson JH, McDonald-Hyman CS, Aguilar EG, Saha A, Koehn BH, Hefazi M, Osborn MJ, Jensen MC, Wagner JE, Pennell CA, Blazar BR. Murine CAR19 Tregs suppress acute graft-versus-host disease and maintain graft-versus-tumor responses. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e160674. [PMID: 35917188 PMCID: PMC9536261 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) efficacy is complicated by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have shown efficacy in preventing GVHD. However, high Treg doses are often required, necessitating substantial ex vivo or in vivo expansion that may diminish suppressor function. To enhance in vivo suppressor function, murine Tregs were transduced to express an anti-human CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (hCAR19) and infused into lethally irradiated, hCD19-transgenic recipients for allo-HSCT. Compared with recipients receiving control transduced Tregs, those receiving hCAR19 Tregs had a marked decrease in acute GVHD lethality. Recipient hCD19 B cells and murine hCD19 TBL12-luciferase (TBL12luc) lymphoma cells were both cleared by allogeneic hCAR19 Tregs, which was indicative of graft-versus-tumor (GVT) maintenance and potentiation. Mechanistically, hCAR19 Tregs killed syngeneic hCD19+ but not hCD19- murine TBL12luc cells in vitro in a perforin-dependent, granzyme B-independent manner. Importantly, cyclophosphamide-treated, hCD19-transgenic mice given hCAR19 cytotoxic T lymphocytes without allo-HSCT experienced rapid lethality due to systemic toxicity that has been associated with proinflammatory cytokine release; in contrast, hCAR19 Treg suppressor function enabled avoidance of this severe complication. In conclusion, hCAR19 Tregs are a potentially novel and effective strategy to suppress GVHD without loss of GVT responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bolivar-Wagers
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
| | - Michael L. Loschi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
| | - Sujeong Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
| | - Govindarajan Thangavelu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
| | - Jemma H. Larson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
| | - Cameron S. McDonald-Hyman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ethan G. Aguilar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
| | - Asim Saha
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
| | - Brent H. Koehn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
| | - Mehrdad Hefazi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mark J. Osborn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
| | - Michael C. Jensen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John E. Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
| | - Christopher A. Pennell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, and
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MacDonald KN, Hall MG, Ivison S, Gandhi S, Klein Geltink RI, Piret JM, Levings MK. Consequences of adjusting cell density and feed frequency on serum-free expansion of thymic regulatory T cells. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:1121-1135. [PMID: 36008207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.06.006] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the promising results from phase 1/2 clinical trials of therapy involving regulatory T cells (Tregs), it is critical to develop Treg manufacturing methods that use well-defined reagents. METHODS Seeking to maximize expansion of human thymic Tregs activated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibody-coated beads and cultured in serum-free medium, the authors investigated the effect of adjusting process parameters including cell density and cell concentration, and feeding strategy on Treg yield and quality. RESULTS The authors found that levels of expansion and viability varied with cell density on the day of restimulation. Tregs restimulated at low cell densities (1 × 105 cells/cm2) initially had high growth rates, viability and FOXP3 expression, but these parameters decreased with time and were less stable than those observed in cultures of Tregs restimulated at high cell densities (5 × 105 cells/cm2), which had slower growth rates. High-density expansion was associated with expression of inhibitory molecules and lower intracellular oxygen and extracellular nutrient concentrations as well as extracellular lactate accumulation. Experiments to test the effect of low oxygen revealed that transient exposure to low oxygen levels had little impact on expansion, viability or phenotype. Similarly, blockade of inhibitory molecules had little effect. By contrast, replenishing nutrients by increasing the feeding frequency between 2 days and 4 days after restimulation increased FOXP3, viability and expansion in high-density cultures. CONCLUSION These data show the previously undescribed consequences of adjusting cell density on Treg expansion and establish a Good Manufacturing Practice-relevant protocol using non-cell-based activation reagents and serum-free media that supports sustained expansion without loss of viability or phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine N MacDonald
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael G Hall
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sabine Ivison
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sanjiv Gandhi
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ramon I Klein Geltink
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - James M Piret
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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43
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Riet T, Chmielewski M. Regulatory CAR-T cells in autoimmune diseases: Progress and current challenges. Front Immunol 2022; 13:934343. [PMID: 36032080 PMCID: PMC9399761 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.934343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell therapy has revolutionized the field of oncology in recent years. This innovative shift in cancer treatment also provides the opportunity to improve therapies for many patients suffering from various autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have confirmed the therapeutic suppressive potential of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to modulate immune response in autoimmune diseases. However, the polyclonal character of regulatory T cells and their unknown TCR specificity impaired their therapeutic potency in clinical implementation. Genetical engineering of these immune modulating cells to express antigen-specific receptors and using them therapeutically is a logical step on the way to overcome present limitations of the Treg strategy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Encouraging preclinical studies successfully demonstrated immune modulating properties of CAR Tregs in various mouse models. Still, there are many concerns about targeted Treg therapies relating to CAR target selectivity, suppressive functions, phenotype stability and safety aspects. Here, we summarize recent developments in CAR design, Treg biology and future strategies and perspectives in CAR Treg immunotherapy aiming at clinical translation.
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Preclinical assessment of antigen-specific chimeric antigen receptor regulatory T cells for use in solid organ transplantation. Gene Ther 2022; 30:309-322. [PMID: 35931871 PMCID: PMC10113151 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00358-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A primary goal in transplantation medicine is the induction of a tolerogenic environment for prevention of transplant rejection without the need for long-term pharmacological immunosuppression. Generation of alloantigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) by transduction with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a promising strategy to achieve this goal. This publication reports the preclinical characterization of Tregs (TR101) transduced with a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02 CAR lentiviral vector (TX200) designated to induce immunosuppression of allograft-specific effector T cells in HLA-A*02-negative recipients of HLA-A*02-positive transplants. In vitro results demonstrated specificity, immunosuppressive function, and safety of TX200-TR101. In NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice, TX200-TR101 prevented graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in a xenogeneic GvHD model and TX200-TR101 Tregs localized to human HLA-A*02-positive skin transplants in a transplant model. TX200-TR101 persisted over the entire duration of a 3-month study in humanized HLA-A*02 NSG mice and remained stable, without switching to a proinflammatory phenotype. Concomitant tacrolimus did not impair TX200-TR101 Treg survival or their ability to inhibit peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) engraftment. These data demonstrate that TX200-TR101 is specific, stable, efficacious, and safe in preclinical models, and provide the basis for a first-in-human study.
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Hippen KL, Hefazi M, Larson JH, Blazar BR. Emerging translational strategies and challenges for enhancing regulatory T cell therapy for graft-versus-host disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:926550. [PMID: 35967386 PMCID: PMC9366169 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.926550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative therapy for many types of cancer. Genetic disparities between donor and host can result in immune-mediated attack of host tissues, known as graft versus host disease (GVHD), a major cause of morbidity and mortality following HSCT. Regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs) are a rare cell type crucial for immune system homeostasis, limiting the activation and differentiation of effector T cells (Teff) that are self-reactive or stimulated by foreign antigen exposure. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with Treg has demonstrated, first in murine models and now in patients, that prophylactic Treg infusion can also suppress GVHD. While clinical trials have demonstrated Treg reduce severe GVHD occurrence, several impediments remain, including Treg variability and practical need for individualized Treg production for each patient. Additionally, there are challenges in the use of in vitro expansion techniques and in achieving in vivo Treg persistence in context of both immune suppressive drugs and in lymphoreplete patients being treated for GVHD. This review will focus on 3 main translational approaches taken to improve the efficacy of tTreg ACT in GVHD prophylaxis and development of treatment options, following HSCT: genetic modification, manipulating TCR and cytokine signaling, and Treg production protocols. In vitro expansion for Treg ACT presents a multitude of approaches for gene modification to improve efficacy, including: antigen specificity, tissue targeting, deletion of negative regulators/exhaustion markers, resistance to immunosuppressive drugs common in GVHD treatment. Such expansion is particularly important in patients without significant lymphopenia that can drive Treg expansion, enabling a favorable Treg:Teff ratio in vivo. Several potential therapeutics have also been identified that enhance tTreg stability or persistence/expansion following ACT that target specific pathways, including: DNA/histone methylation status, TCR/co-stimulation signaling, and IL-2/STAT5 signaling. Finally, this review will discuss improvements in Treg production related to tissue source, Treg subsets, therapeutic approaches to increase Treg suppression and stability during tTreg expansion, and potential for storing large numbers of Treg from a single production run to be used as an off-the-shelf infusion product capable of treating multiple recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli L. Hippen
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center and the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mehrdad Hefazi
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jemma H. Larson
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center and the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center and the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Lam AJ, Haque M, Ward-Hartstonge KA, Uday P, Wardell CM, Gillies JK, Speck M, Mojibian M, Klein Geltink RI, Levings MK. PTEN is required for human Treg suppression of costimulation in vitro. Eur J Immunol 2022; 52:1482-1497. [PMID: 35746855 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202249888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy is under clinical investigation for the treatment of transplant rejection, autoimmune disease, and graft-versus-host disease. With the advent of genome editing, attention has turned to reinforcing Treg function for therapeutic benefit. A hallmark of Tregs is dampened activation of PI3K-AKT signalling, of which PTEN is a major negative regulator. Loss-of-function studies of PTEN, however, have not conclusively shown a requirement for PTEN in upholding Treg function and stability. Using CRISPR-based genome editing in human Tregs, we show that PTEN ablation does not cause a global defect in Treg function and stability; rather, it selectively blocks their ability to suppress antigen-presenting cells. PTEN-KO Tregs exhibit elevated glycolytic activity, upregulate FOXP3, maintain a Treg phenotype, and have no discernable defects in lineage stability. Functionally, PTEN is dispensable for human Treg-mediated inhibition of T cell activity in vitro and in vivo, but is required for suppression of costimulatory molecule expression by antigen-presenting cells. These data are the first to define a role for a signalling pathway in controlling a subset of human Treg activity. Moreover, they point to the functional necessity of PTEN-regulated PI3K-AKT activity for optimal human Treg function. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery J Lam
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Manjurul Haque
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Kirsten A Ward-Hartstonge
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Prakruti Uday
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Christine M Wardell
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Jana K Gillies
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Madeleine Speck
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Majid Mojibian
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Ramon I Klein Geltink
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.,School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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47
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Gille I, Claas FHJ, Haasnoot GW, Heemskerk MHM, Heidt S. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Regulatory T-Cells in Solid Organ Transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:874157. [PMID: 35720402 PMCID: PMC9204347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.874157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation is the treatment of choice for various end-stage diseases, but requires the continuous need for immunosuppression to prevent allograft rejection. This comes with serious side effects including increased infection rates and development of malignancies. Thus, there is a clinical need to promote transplantation tolerance to prevent organ rejection with minimal or no immunosuppressive treatment. Polyclonal regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are a potential tool to induce transplantation tolerance, but lack specificity and therefore require administration of high doses. Redirecting Tregs towards mismatched donor HLA molecules by modifying these cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) would render Tregs far more effective at preventing allograft rejection. Several studies on HLA-A2 specific CAR Tregs have demonstrated that these cells are highly antigen-specific and show a superior homing capacity to HLA-A2+ allografts compared to polyclonal Tregs. HLA-A2 CAR Tregs have been shown to prolong survival of HLA-A2+ allografts in several pre-clinical humanized mouse models. Although promising, concerns about safety and stability need to be addressed. In this review the current research, obstacles of CAR Treg therapy, and its potential future in solid organ transplantation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Gille
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frans H J Claas
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Eurotransplant Reference Laboratory, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Geert W Haasnoot
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Eurotransplant Reference Laboratory, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Sebastiaan Heidt
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Eurotransplant Reference Laboratory, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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48
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Qu G, Chen J, Li Y, Yuan Y, Liang R, Li B. Current status and perspectives of regulatory T cell-based therapy. J Genet Genomics 2022; 49:599-611. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Bolivar-Wagers S, Larson JH, Jin S, Blazar BR. Cytolytic CD4 + and CD8 + Regulatory T-Cells and Implications for Developing Immunotherapies to Combat Graft-Versus-Host Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864748. [PMID: 35493508 PMCID: PMC9040077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T-cells (Treg) are critical for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and tolerance induction. While the immunosuppressive mechanisms of Treg have been extensively investigated for decades, the mechanisms responsible for Treg cytotoxicity and their therapeutic potential in regulating immune responses have been incompletely explored and exploited. Conventional cytotoxic T effector cells (Teffs) are known to be important for adaptive immune responses, particularly in the settings of viral infections and cancer. CD4+ and CD8+ Treg subsets may also share similar cytotoxic properties with conventional Teffs. Cytotoxic effector Treg (cyTreg) are a heterogeneous population in the periphery that retain the capacity to suppress T-cell proliferation and activation, induce cellular apoptosis, and migrate to tissues to ensure immune homeostasis. The latter can occur through several cytolytic mechanisms, including the Granzyme/Perforin and Fas/FasL signaling pathways. This review focuses on the current knowledge and recent advances in our understanding of cyTreg and their potential application in the treatment of human disease, particularly Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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50
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Hossian AKMN, Hackett CS, Brentjens RJ, Rafiq S. Multipurposing CARs: Same engine, different vehicles. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1381-1395. [PMID: 35151842 PMCID: PMC9077369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells genetically engineered to recognize and eliminate tumor cells through synthetic chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy against B cell leukemia over the past decade. This therapy is a form of highly personalized medicine that involves genetically modifying a patient's T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells. With the FDA approval of 5 CAR T cell products, this approach has been validated as a powerful new drug in the therapeutic armamentarium against cancer. Researchers are now studying how to expand this technology beyond its use in conventional polyclonal αβ T cells to address limitations to the current therapy in cancer and applications beyond it. Considering the specific characteristics of immune cell from diverse lineages, several preclinical and clinical studies are under way to assess the advantages of CAR-redirected function in these cells and apply the lessons learned from CAR T cell therapy in cancer to other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K M Nawshad Hossian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Christopher S Hackett
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Renier J Brentjens
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
| | - Sarwish Rafiq
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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