1
|
Chen J, Duan Y, Che J, Zhu J. Dysfunction of dendritic cells in tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024. [PMID: 39051512 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise diverse cell populations that play critical roles in antigen presentation and triggering immune responses in the body. However, several factors impair the immune function of DCs and may promote immune evasion in cancer. Understanding the mechanism of DC dysfunction and the diverse functions of heterogeneous DCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for designing effective strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Clinical applications targeting DCs summarized in this report aim to improve immune infiltration and enhance the biological function of DCs to modulate the TME to prevent cancer cells from evading the immune system. Herein, factors in the TME that induce DC dysfunction, such as cytokines, hypoxic environment, tumor exosomes and metabolites, and co-inhibitory molecules, have been described. Furthermore, several key signaling pathways involved in DC dysfunction and signal-relevant drugs evaluated in clinical trials were identified. Finally, this review provides an overview of current clinical immunotherapies targeting DCs, especially therapies with proven clinical outcomes, and explores future developments in DC immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Jecho Institute Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yuhang Duan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Beijing, P. R. China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Junye Che
- Jecho Institute Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Jecho Institute Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Beijing, P. R. China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bafaloukos D, Gazouli I, Koutserimpas C, Samonis G. Evolution and Progress of mRNA Vaccines in the Treatment of Melanoma: Future Prospects. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030636. [PMID: 36992220 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines encoding tumor antigens may be able to sensitize the immune system of the host against cancer cells, enhancing antigen presentation and immune response. Since the breakout of the COVID19 pandemic, interest in mRNA vaccines has been accelerating, as vaccination against the virus served as a measure to limit disease spread. Given that immunotherapy has been the cornerstone of melanoma treatment over the last several decades, further innate immunity enhancement by targeted mRNA vaccines could be the next pivotal achievement in melanoma treatment. Preclinical data coming from murine cancer models have already provided evidence of mRNA vaccines’ ability to induce host immune responses against cancer. Moreover, specific immune responses have been observed in melanoma patients receiving mRNA vaccines, while the recent KEYNOTE-942 trial may establish the incorporation of the mRNA-4157/V940 vaccine into the melanoma treatment algorithm, in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition. As the existing data are further tested and reviewed, investigators are already gaining enthusiasm about this novel, promising pathway in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Bafaloukos
- First Department of Medical Oncology, "Metropolitan" Hospital, Neon Faliron, 18547 Attica, Greece
| | - Ioanna Gazouli
- First Department of Medical Oncology, "Metropolitan" Hospital, Neon Faliron, 18547 Attica, Greece
| | - Christos Koutserimpas
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "251" Hellenic Air Force General Hospital of Athens, 11525 Athens, Greece
| | - George Samonis
- First Department of Medical Oncology, "Metropolitan" Hospital, Neon Faliron, 18547 Attica, Greece
- Department of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Immune Privilege of Cancer Stem Cells: A Key to Understanding Tumor Immune Escape and Therapy Failure. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092361. [PMID: 34572009 PMCID: PMC8469208 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are broadly considered immature, multipotent, tumorigenic cells within the tumor mass, endowed with the ability to self-renew and escape immune control. All these features contribute to place CSCs at the pinnacle of tumor aggressiveness and (immune) therapy resistance. The immune privileged status of CSCs is induced and preserved by various mechanisms that directly affect them (e.g., the downregulation of the major histocompatibility complex class I) and indirectly are induced in the host immune cells (e.g., activation of immune suppressive cells). Therefore, deeper insights into the immuno-biology of CSCs are essential in our pursuit to find new therapeutic opportunities that eradicate cancer (stem) cells. Here, we review and discuss the ability of CSCs to evade the innate and adaptive immune system, as we offer a view of the immunotherapeutic strategies adopted to potentiate and address specific subsets of (engineered) immune cells against CSCs.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang H, Wang Y, Wang QT, Sun SN, Li SY, Shang H, He YW. Enhanced Human T Lymphocyte Antigen Priming by Cytokine-Matured Dendritic Cells Overexpressing Bcl-2 and IL-12. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:205. [PMID: 32292785 PMCID: PMC7118208 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccination is a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer. However, clinical trials have shown only limited efficacy, suggesting the need to optimize protocols for human DC vaccine preparation. In this study, we systemically compared five different human DC vaccine maturation protocols used in clinical trials: (1) a four-cytokine cocktail (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and PGE2); (2) an α-DC-cytokine cocktail (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-α, IFN-γ, and poly I:C); (3) lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/IFN-γ; (4) TNF-α and PGE2; and (5) TriMix (mRNAs encoding CD40L, CD70, and constitutively active Toll-like receptor 4 electroporated into immature DCs). We found that the four-cytokine cocktail induced high levels of costimulatory and HLA molecules, as well as CCR7, in DCs. Mature DCs (mDCs) matured with the four-cytokine cocktail had higher viability than those obtained with the other protocols. Based on these features, we chose the four-cytokine cocktail protocol to further improve the immunizing capability of DCs by introducing exogenous genes. We showed that introducing exogenous Bcl-2 increased DC survival. Furthermore, introducing IL-12p70 rescued the inhibition of IL-12 secretion by PGE2 without impairing the DC phenotype. Introducing both Bcl-2 and IL-12p70 mRNAs into DCs induced enhanced cytomegalovirus pp65-specific CD8+ T cells secreting IFN-γ and TNF-α. Taken together, our data suggest that DC matured by the four-cytokine cocktail combined with exogenous Bcl-2 and IL-12p70 gene expression represents a promising approach for clinical applications in cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Life Science Institute, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | | | - Sheng-Nan Sun
- Beijing Tricision Biotherapeutics Inc., Beijing, China
| | - Shi-You Li
- Beijing Tricision Biotherapeutics Inc., Beijing, China
| | - Hong Shang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - You-Wen He
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ahmed R, Sayegh N, Graciotti M, Kandalaft LE. Electroporation as a method of choice to generate genetically modified dendritic cell cancer vaccines. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 65:142-155. [PMID: 32240923 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the last few decades, immunotherapy has emerged as an alternative therapeutic approach to treat cancer. Immunotherapy offers a plethora of different treatment possibilities. Among these, dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines constitute one of the most promising and valuable therapeutic options. DC-vaccines have been introduced into the clinics more than 15 years ago, and preclinical studies showed their general safety and low toxic effects on patients. However, their treatment efficacy is still rather limited, demanding for novel avenues to improve vaccine efficacy. One way to potentially achieve this is to focus on improving the DC-T cell interaction to further increase T cell priming and downstream activity. A successful DC-T cell interaction requires three different signals (Figure 1): (1) Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and antigen complex interaction with T cell receptor (TCR) (2) interaction between co-stimulatory molecules and their cognate ligands at the cell surface and (3) secretion of cytokines to polarize the immune response toward a Type 1 helper (Th1) phenotype. In recent years, many studies attempted to improve the DC-T cell interaction and overall cancer vaccine therapeutic outcomes by increasing the expression of mediators of signal 1, 2 and/or 3, through genetic modifications of DCs. Transfection of genes of interest can be achieved through many different methods such as passive pulsing, lipofection, viral transfection, or electroporation (EP). However, EP is currently emerging as the method of choice thanks to its safety, versatility, and relatively easy clinical translation. In this review we will highlight the potential benefits of EP over other transfection methods as well as giving an overview of the available studies employing EP to gene-modify DCs in cancer vaccines. Crucial aspects such as safety, feasibility, and gene(s) of choice will be also discussed, together with future perspectives and opportunities for DC genetic engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Ahmed
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Naya Sayegh
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Michele Graciotti
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Lana E Kandalaft
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Singh VK, Werner S, Schwalm S, Lennerz V, Ruf S, Stadler S, Hackstein H, Reiter A, Wölfel T, Damm-Welk C, Woessmann W. NPM-ALK-reactive T-cell responses in children and adolescents with NPM-ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:e1625688. [PMID: 31428523 PMCID: PMC6685518 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1625688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncoantigen nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (NPM-ALK) induces cellular and humoral immune responses in patients with NPM-ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). We characterize the NPM-ALK-specific T-cell responses in a cohort of pediatric and adolescent ALCL-patients in remission without Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA)-preselection. First, we assessed NPM-ALK-reactive T-cell responses and their HLA-class I restriction in patients by using dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with in vitro transcribed (IVT) NPM-ALK-RNA for CD8 (n = 20) or CD3 (n = 9) T-cell stimulation. NPM-ALK-specific T-cells were detected in twelve of 29 patients (nine of 20 with CD8-selected and three of nine with CD3-selected cells). Recognition of NPM-ALK was restricted by HLA-C alleles in six of eight, and by HLA-B alleles in four of eight analyzed patients. No NPM-ALK-reactivity was detected in 20 healthy individuals. Second, in order to define possible immunogenic NPM-ALK-epitope regions, DCs pulsed with pools of overlapping long NPM-ALK-peptides were used to stimulate T-cells in further 22 patients and ten controls. Responsive T-cells were detected in 15 patients and in five controls. A peptide pool located in the middle of the kinase domain induced ALK-reactive T-cells in 14 of 15 responsive patients. We could narrow to single peptides between p327-p370 of NPM-ALK in four patients. In conclusion, using IVT-RNA, 40% of NPM-ALK-positive ALCL-patients in remission had detectable NPM-ALK-specific T-cell responses which were mainly restricted by HLA-B and -C alleles. Peptide stimulation of T-cells revealed responses in almost 70% of patients and allowed describing an immunogenic region located in the ALK-kinase domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar Singh
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Werner
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Simone Schwalm
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Volker Lennerz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephanie Ruf
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Serena Stadler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Holger Hackstein
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Haemostaseology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alfred Reiter
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wölfel
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christine Damm-Welk
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Woessmann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Venken K, Favreau M, Gaublomme D, Menu E, Vanderkerken K, Elewaut D. Checkpoint inhibition in the treatment of multiple myeloma: A way to boost innate-like T cell anti-tumor function? Mol Immunol 2018; 101:521-526. [PMID: 30153633 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a progressive monoclonal B cell malignancy, for which survival and progression largely relies on the crosstalk of tumor cells with the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, inducing immune escape, angiogenesis, bone destruction and drug resistance. Despite great therapeutic advances, most of the MM patients still relapse and remain incurable. Over the past years, immunotherapy has emerged as a new field in cancer therapy. Here, the immune cells of the patients themselves are activated to target the tumor cells. In MM, several effector cells of the immune system are present in the BM microenvironment; unfortunately, they are mostly all functionally impaired. In this review, we focus on the role of innate-like T cells in MM, particularly CD1d- and MR1- restricted T cells such as respectively invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. These cells have the capacity upon activation to rapidly release copious amounts of cytokines affecting a wide range of innate and adaptive immune responses, and could therefore play a key protective role in anti-tumor immunity. We describe recent observations with regard to functional exhaustion of iNKT and MAIT cells in MM pathology and discuss the potential application of checkpoint inhibition as an attractive target for prolonged activation of these immunomodulatory T cells in the treatment of MM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koen Venken
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Mérédis Favreau
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Haematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Djoere Gaublomme
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eline Menu
- Department of Haematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Department of Haematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Elewaut
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aris M, Mordoh J, Barrio MM. Immunomodulatory Monoclonal Antibodies in Combined Immunotherapy Trials for Cutaneous Melanoma. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1024. [PMID: 28970830 PMCID: PMC5609554 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, there has been a twist in cancer treatment toward immunotherapy thanks to the impressive results seen in advanced patients from several tumor pathologies. Cutaneous melanoma is a highly mutated and immunogenic tumor that has been a test field for the development of immunotherapy. However, there is still a way on the road to achieving complete and long-lasting responses in most patients. It is desirable that immunotherapeutic strategies induce diverse immune reactivity specific to tumor antigens, including the so-called neoantigens, as well as the blockade of immunosuppressive mechanisms. In this review, we will go through the role of promising monoclonal antibodies in cancer immunotherapy with immunomodulatory function, especially blocking of the inhibitory immune checkpoints CTLA-4 and PD-1, in combination with different immunotherapeutic strategies such as vaccines. We will discuss the rational basis for these combinatorial approaches as well as different schemes currently under study for cutaneous melanoma in the clinical trials arena. In this way, the combination of "push and release" immunomodulatory therapies can contribute to achieving a more robust and durable antitumor immune response in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Aris
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas - Fundación Cáncer, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José Mordoh
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas - Fundación Cáncer, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto Médico Especializado Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Marcela Barrio
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas - Fundación Cáncer, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ramachandran M, Dimberg A, Essand M. The cancer-immunity cycle as rational design for synthetic cancer drugs: Novel DC vaccines and CAR T-cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 45:23-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
10
|
Constantino J, Gomes C, Falcão A, Neves BM, Cruz MT. Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy: a basic review and recent advances. Immunol Res 2017; 65:798-810. [DOI: 10.1007/s12026-017-8931-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
11
|
Sennikov SV, Khantakova JN, Kulikova EV, Obleukhova IA, Shevchenko JA. Modern strategies and capabilities for activation of the immune response against tumor cells. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317698380. [PMID: 28513301 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317698380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells and the most potent stimulators of various immune responses, such as antitumor responses. Modern studies have not shown an effective antitumor immune response development in patients with malignant tumors. The major cause is the decrease in functional activity of dendritic cells in cancer patients through irregularities in the maturation process to a functionally active form and in the antigen presentation process to naive T lymphocytes. This review describes the main stages of cellular antitumor immune response induction in vitro, aimed at resolving the problems that are blocking the full functioning of dendritic cells, and additional stimulation of antitumor immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Vital'evich Sennikov
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology," Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Julia Nikolaevna Khantakova
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology," Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Vladimirovna Kulikova
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology," Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Irina Alexandrovna Obleukhova
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology," Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Julia Alexandrovna Shevchenko
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology," Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Type I Interferons Interfere with the Capacity of mRNA Lipoplex Vaccines to Elicit Cytolytic T Cell Responses. Mol Ther 2016; 24:2012-2020. [PMID: 27506450 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Given their high potential to evoke cytolytic T cell responses, tumor antigen-encoding messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are now being intensively explored as therapeutic cancer vaccines. mRNA vaccines clearly benefit from wrapping the mRNA into nano-sized carriers such as lipoplexes that protect the mRNA from degradation and increase its uptake by dendritic cells in vivo. Nevertheless, the early innate host factors that regulate the induction of cytolytic T cells to mRNA lipoplex vaccines have remained unresolved. Here, we demonstrate that mRNA lipoplexes induce a potent type I interferon (IFN) response upon subcutaneous, intradermal and intranodal injection. Regardless of the route of immunization applied, these type I IFNs interfered with the generation of potent cytolytic T cell responses. Most importantly, blocking type I IFN signaling at the site of immunization through the use of an IFNAR blocking antibody greatly enhanced the prophylactic and therapeutic antitumor efficacy of mRNA lipoplexes in the highly aggressive B16 melanoma model. As type I IFN induction appears to be inherent to the mRNA itself rather than to unique properties of the mRNA lipoplex formulation, preventing type I IFN induction and/or IFNAR signaling at the site of immunization might constitute a widely applicable strategy to improve the potency of mRNA vaccination.
Collapse
|
13
|
Constantino J, Gomes C, Falcão A, Cruz MT, Neves BM. Antitumor dendritic cell-based vaccines: lessons from 20 years of clinical trials and future perspectives. Transl Res 2016; 168:74-95. [PMID: 26297944 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are versatile elements of the immune system and are best known for their unparalleled ability to initiate and modulate adaptive immune responses. During the past few decades, DCs have been the subject of numerous studies seeking new immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer. Despite the initial enthusiasm, disappointing results from early studies raised some doubts regarding the true clinical value of these approaches. However, our expanding knowledge of DC immunobiology and the definition of the optimal characteristics for antitumor immune responses have allowed a more rational development of DC-based immunotherapies in recent years. Here, after a brief overview of DC immunobiology, we sought to systematize the knowledge provided by 20 years of clinical trials, with a special emphasis on the diversity of approaches used to manipulate DCs and their consequent impact on vaccine effectiveness. We also address how new therapeutic concepts, namely the combination of DC vaccines with other anticancer therapies, are being implemented and are leveraging clinical outcomes. Finally, optimization strategies, new insights, and future perspectives on the field are also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Constantino
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia Gomes
- Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI) and Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria T Cruz
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bruno M Neves
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Centre, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Van der Jeught K, Joe PT, Bialkowski L, Heirman C, Daszkiewicz L, Liechtenstein T, Escors D, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. Intratumoral administration of mRNA encoding a fusokine consisting of IFN-β and the ectodomain of the TGF-β receptor II potentiates antitumor immunity. Oncotarget 2015; 5:10100-13. [PMID: 25338019 PMCID: PMC4259408 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that the success of immunotherapy depends on the presence of tumor-specific CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells and the modulation of the tumor environment. In this study, we validated mRNA encoding soluble factors as a tool to modulate the tumor microenvironment to potentiate infiltration of tumor-specific T cells. Intratumoral delivery of mRNA encoding a fusion protein consisting of interferon-β and the ectodomain of the transforming growth factor-β receptor II, referred to as Fβ², showed therapeutic potential. The treatment efficacy was dependent on CD8⁺ T cells and could be improved through blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 interactions. In vitro studies revealed that administration of Fβ² to tumor cells resulted in a reduced proliferation and increased expression of MHC I but also PD-L1. Importantly, Fβ² enhanced the antigen presenting capacity of dendritic cells, whilst reducing the suppressive activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In conclusion, these data suggest that intratumoral delivery of mRNA encoding soluble proteins, such as Fβ², can modulate the tumor microenvironment, leading to effective antitumor T cell responses, which can be further potentiated through combination therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Van der Jeught
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Tjok Joe
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lukasz Bialkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lidia Daszkiewicz
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - David Escors
- Rayne Institute, University College London, London, UK. Biomedical Research Centre NavarraBiomed-Fundacion Miguel Servet, National Health Service of Navarre, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vallazza B, Petri S, Poleganov MA, Eberle F, Kuhn AN, Sahin U. Recombinant messenger RNA technology and its application in cancer immunotherapy, transcript replacement therapies, pluripotent stem cell induction, and beyond. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2015; 6:471-99. [DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals GmbH; Mainz Germany
- TRON gGmbH; Mainz Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sayour EJ, Sanchez-Perez L, Flores C, Mitchell DA. Bridging infectious disease vaccines with cancer immunotherapy: a role for targeted RNA based immunotherapeutics. J Immunother Cancer 2015; 3:13. [PMID: 25901285 PMCID: PMC4404652 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-015-0058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-specific immunotherapy holds the promise of eradicating malignant tumors with exquisite precision without additional toxicity to standard treatments. Cancer immunotherapy has conventionally relied on cell-mediated immunity while successful infectious disease vaccines have been shown to induce humoral immunity. Efficacious cancer immunotherapeutics likely require both cellular and humoral responses, and RNA based cancer vaccines are especially suited to stimulate both arms of the immune system. RNA is inherently immunogenic, inducing innate immune responses to initiate cellular and humoral adaptive immunity, but has limited utility based on its poor in vivo stability. Early work utilized ‘naked’ RNA vaccines, whereas more recent efforts have attempted to encapsulate RNA thereby protecting it from degradation. However, feasibility has been limited by a lack of defined and safe targeting mechanisms for the in vivo delivery of stabilized RNA. As new cancer antigens come to the forefront with novel RNA encapsulation and targeting techniques, RNA vaccines may prove to be a vital, safe and robust method to initiate patient-specific anti-tumor efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elias J Sayour
- Department of Neurosurgery, UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fl USA ; Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC USA
| | - Luis Sanchez-Perez
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC USA
| | - Catherine Flores
- Department of Neurosurgery, UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fl USA
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- Department of Neurosurgery, UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fl USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wilgenhof S, Corthals J, Van Nuffel AMT, Benteyn D, Heirman C, Bonehill A, Thielemans K, Neyns B. Long-term clinical outcome of melanoma patients treated with messenger RNA-electroporated dendritic cell therapy following complete resection of metastases. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:381-8. [PMID: 25548092 PMCID: PMC11029539 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1642-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Melanoma patients with a high risk of recurrence may benefit from immunotherapy with mRNA-electroporated autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Further benefit may be found in combining DC-therapy with interferon alfa-2b. PATIENTS AND METHODS The long-term clinical outcome of AJCC stage III/IV melanoma patients who had no evidence of disease at the time of treatment with autologous mRNA-electroporated DCs in a single-center pilot clinical trial was analyzed. Antigen loading was accomplished by co-electroporation of mRNA encoding a fusion protein between MAGE-A1, -A3, -C2, Tyrosinase, MelanA/MART-1, or gp100, and an HLA class II-targeting sequence. DCs were administered by 4-6 bi-weekly intradermal injections. IFN-α-2b (5 MIU TIW) was initiated either at recurrence (cohort 1), concomitant with DCs (cohorts 2 and 3), or following the fourth DC administration (cohort 4). RESULTS Thirty melanoma patients were recruited between April 2006 and June 2009. DC-related adverse events included grade 2 local injection site reactions in all patients, grade 2 fever and flu-like symptoms in one patient, and skin depigmentation in seven patients. After a median follow-up of over 6 years, the median relapse-free survival is 22 months (95% CI 12-32 months). Twelve patients have died. The median overall survival has not been reached; the 2-year and 4-year survival rates are 93 and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Adjuvant therapy following the resection of melanoma metastases with autologous mRNA-electroporated DCs, combined with interferon alfa-2b, is tolerable and results in encouraging long-term overall survival rates justifying further evaluation in a randomized clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Wilgenhof
- Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Corthals
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - An M. T. Van Nuffel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Daphné Benteyn
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aude Bonehill
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy and Dendritic Cell-Bank, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Neyns
- Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Aris M, Barrio MM. Combining immunotherapy with oncogene-targeted therapy: a new road for melanoma treatment. Front Immunol 2015; 6:46. [PMID: 25709607 PMCID: PMC4321613 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma arises from the malignant transformation of skin melanocytes; its incidence and mortality have been increasing steadily over the last 50 years, now representing 3% of total tumors. Once melanoma metastasizes, prognosis is somber and therapeutic options are limited. However, the discovery of prevalent BRAF mutations in at least 50% of melanoma tumors led to development of BRAF-inhibitors, and other drugs targeting the MAPK pathway including MEK-inhibitors, are changing this reality. These recently approved treatments for metastatic melanoma have made a significant impact on patient survival; though the results are shadowed by the appearance of drug-resistance. Combination therapies provide a rational strategy to potentiate efficacy and potentially overcome resistance. Undoubtedly, the last decade has also born a renaissance of immunotherapy, and encouraging advances in metastatic melanoma treatment are illuminating the road. Immune checkpoint blockades, such as CTLA-4 antagonist-antibodies, and multiple cancer vaccines are now invaluable arms of anti-tumor therapy. Recent work has brought to light the delicate relationship between tumor biology and the immune system. Host immunity contributes to the anti-tumor activity of oncogene-targeted inhibitors within a complex network of cytokines and chemokines. Therefore, combining immunotherapy with oncogene-targeted drugs may be the key to melanoma control. Here, we review ongoing clinical studies of combination therapies using both oncogene inhibitors and immunotherapeutic strategies in melanoma patients. We will revisit the preclinical evidence that tested sequential and concurrent schemes in suitable animal models and formed the basis for the current trials. Finally, we will discuss potential future directions of the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Aris
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas-Fundación Cáncer , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - María Marcela Barrio
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas-Fundación Cáncer , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bloy N, Pol J, Aranda F, Eggermont A, Cremer I, Fridman WH, Fučíková J, Galon J, Tartour E, Spisek R, Dhodapkar MV, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Galluzzi L. Trial watch: Dendritic cell-based anticancer therapy. Oncoimmunology 2014; 3:e963424. [PMID: 25941593 DOI: 10.4161/21624011.2014.963424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of patient-derived dendritic cells (DCs) as a means to elicit therapeutically relevant immune responses in cancer patients has been extensively investigated throughout the past decade. In this context, DCs are generally expanded, exposed to autologous tumor cell lysates or loaded with specific tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), and then reintroduced into patients, often in combination with one or more immunostimulatory agents. As an alternative, TAAs are targeted to DCs in vivo by means of monoclonal antibodies, carbohydrate moieties or viral vectors specific for DC receptors. All these approaches have been shown to (re)activate tumor-specific immune responses in mice, often mediating robust therapeutic effects. In 2010, the first DC-based preparation (sipuleucel-T, also known as Provenge®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in humans. Reflecting the central position occupied by DCs in the regulation of immunological tolerance and adaptive immunity, the interest in harnessing them for the development of novel immunotherapeutic anticancer regimens remains high. Here, we summarize recent advances in the preclinical and clinical development of DC-based anticancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Key Words
- DC, dendritic cell
- DC-based vaccination
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- IFN, interferon
- MRC1, mannose receptor, C type 1
- MUC1, mucin 1
- TAA, tumor-associated antigen
- TLR, Toll-like receptor
- Toll-like receptor agonists
- Treg, regulatory T cell
- WT1, Wilms tumor 1
- antigen cross-presentation
- autophagy
- iDC, immature DC
- immunogenic cell death
- mDC, mature DC
- pDC, plasmacytoid DC
- regulatory T cells
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norma Bloy
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus ; Villejuif, France ; INSERM , U1138; Paris France ; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers ; Paris France ; Université Paris-Sud/Paris XI ; Orsay, France
| | - Jonathan Pol
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus ; Villejuif, France ; INSERM , U1138; Paris France ; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers ; Paris France
| | - Fernando Aranda
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus ; Villejuif, France ; INSERM , U1138; Paris France ; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers ; Paris France
| | | | - Isabelle Cremer
- INSERM , U1138; Paris France ; Equipe 13; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers ; Paris France ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI ; Paris France
| | - Wolf Hervé Fridman
- INSERM , U1138; Paris France ; Equipe 13; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers ; Paris France ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI ; Paris France
| | - Jitka Fučíková
- Department of Immunology; 2nd Medical School Charles University and University Hospital Motol ; Prague, Czech Republic ; Sotio a.s. ; Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jérôme Galon
- INSERM , U1138; Paris France ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI ; Paris France ; Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers ; Paris France ; Université Paris Descartes/Paris V; Sorbonne Paris Cité ; Paris France
| | - Eric Tartour
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V; Sorbonne Paris Cité ; Paris France ; INSERM , U970; Paris France ; Pôle de Biologie; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP ; Paris France
| | - Radek Spisek
- Department of Immunology; 2nd Medical School Charles University and University Hospital Motol ; Prague, Czech Republic ; Sotio a.s. ; Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Madhav V Dhodapkar
- Department of Medicine; Immunobiology and Yale Cancer Center; Yale University ; New Haven, CT USA
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus ; Villejuif, France ; INSERM, U1015, CICBT507 ; Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- INSERM , U1138; Paris France ; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers ; Paris France ; Université Paris Descartes/Paris V; Sorbonne Paris Cité ; Paris France ; Pôle de Biologie; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP ; Paris France ; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms; Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus ; Villejuif, France
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus ; Villejuif, France ; INSERM , U1138; Paris France ; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers ; Paris France ; Université Paris Descartes/Paris V; Sorbonne Paris Cité ; Paris France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ogi C, Aruga A. New concepts of biomarkers and clinical outcomes for therapeutic cancer vaccines in clinical trials. Immunotherapy 2014; 6:1025-36. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.14.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to derive meaningful parameters for immune monitoring during cancer vaccine development by analysis of the literature. Methods: This retrospective study was based on analysis of clinical trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and published data available on PubMed. Results: The most common sample evaluated in immune monitoring was peripheral blood. All trials employed ELISA for detecting a humoral immune response; however, cellular immune assays were not used across trials. Most cellular immune assays failed to correlate with clinical outcome, although results of other methods did. Conclusion: Standardization of the cellular immune assays across trials is important for predicting the effects of therapeutic cancer vaccines when considering the reliability and characteristics of the methods. Currently, assays mostly target detection of T-cell function, such as proliferation and cytokine release; however, T-cell phenotype analysis in peripheral blood and/or tumor sites may also be considered in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chizuru Ogi
- Cooperative Major in Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Joint Graduate School of Tokyo Women's Medical University & Waseda University; TWIns, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Atsushi Aruga
- Cooperative Major in Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Joint Graduate School of Tokyo Women's Medical University & Waseda University; TWIns, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sahin U, Karikó K, Türeci Ö. mRNA-based therapeutics--developing a new class of drugs. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2014; 13:759-80. [PMID: 25233993 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1346] [Impact Index Per Article: 134.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA has recently come into focus as a potential new drug class to deliver genetic information. Such synthetic mRNA can be engineered to transiently express proteins by structurally resembling natural mRNA. Advances in addressing the inherent challenges of this drug class, particularly related to controlling the translational efficacy and immunogenicity of the IVTmRNA, provide the basis for a broad range of potential applications. mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines have entered clinical development. Meanwhile, emerging novel approaches include in vivo delivery of IVT mRNA to replace or supplement proteins, IVT mRNA-based generation of pluripotent stem cells and genome engineering using IVT mRNA-encoded designer nucleases. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of mRNA-based drug technologies and their applications, and discusses the key challenges and opportunities in developing these into a new class of drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Sahin
- 1] TRON Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany. [2] BioNTech Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Katalin Karikó
- 1] BioNTech Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131 Mainz, Germany. [2] Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Özlem Türeci
- TRON Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Benteyn D, Heirman C, Bonehill A, Thielemans K, Breckpot K. mRNA-based dendritic cell vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 14:161-76. [PMID: 25196947 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2014.957684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been proposed as a powerful treatment modality. Active immunotherapy aspires to stimulate the patient's immune system, particularly T cells. These cells can recognize and kill cancer cells and can form an immunological memory. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the professional antigen-presenting cells of our immune system. They take up and process antigens to present them to T cells. Consequently, DCs have been investigated as a means to stimulate cancer-specific T-cell responses. An efficient strategy to program DCs is the use of mRNA, a well-defined and safe molecule that can be easily generated at high purity. Importantly, vaccines consisting of mRNA-modified DCs showed promising results in clinical trials. Therefore, we will introduce cancer immunotherapy and DCs and give a detailed overview on the application of mRNA to generate cancer-fighting DC vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Benteyn
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Jette, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hu Y, Petroni GR, Olson WC, Czarkowski A, Smolkin ME, Grosh WW, Chianese-Bullock KA, Slingluff CL. Immunologic hierarchy, class II MHC promiscuity, and epitope spreading of a melanoma helper peptide vaccine. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:779-86. [PMID: 24756419 PMCID: PMC4174310 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1551-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Immunization with a combination melanoma helper peptide (6MHP) vaccine has been shown to induce CD4(+) T cell responses, which are associated with patient survival. In the present study, we define the relative immunogenicity and HLA allele promiscuity of individual helper peptides and identify helper peptide-mediated augmentation of specific CD8(+) T cell responses. Thirty-seven participants with stage IIIB-IV melanoma were vaccinated with 6MHP in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. The 6MHP vaccine is comprised of 6 peptides representing melanocytic differentiation proteins gp100, tyrosinase, Melan-A/MART-1, and cancer testis antigens from the MAGE family. CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses were assessed in peripheral blood and in sentinel immunized nodes (SIN) by thymidine uptake after exposure to helper peptides and by direct interferon-γ ELIspot assay against 14 MHC class I-restricted peptides. Vaccine-induced CD4(+) T cell responses to individual epitopes were detected in the SIN of 63 % (22/35) and in the peripheral blood of 38 % (14/37) of participants for an overall response rate of 65 % (24/37). The most frequently immunogenic peptides were MAGE-A3281-295 (49 %) and tyrosinase386-406 (32 %). Responses were not limited to HLA restrictions originally described. Vaccine-associated CD8(+) T cell responses against class I-restricted peptides were observed in 45 % (5/11) of evaluable participants. The 6MHP vaccine induces both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses against melanoma antigens. CD4(+) T cell responses were detected beyond reported HLA-DR restrictions. Induction of CD8(+) T cell responses suggests epitope spreading and systemic activity mediated at the tumor site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinin Hu
- Department of Surgery/Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Virginia Health System, PO Box 800679, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0679, USA,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kallen KJ, Theß A. A development that may evolve into a revolution in medicine: mRNA as the basis for novel, nucleotide-based vaccines and drugs. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN VACCINES 2014; 2:10-31. [PMID: 24757523 DOI: 10.1177/2051013613508729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances strongly suggest that mRNA rather than DNA will be the nucleotide basis for a new class of vaccines and drugs. Therapeutic cancer vaccines against a variety of targets have been developed on this basis and initial clinical experience suggests that preclinical activity can be successfully translated to human application. Likewise, prophylactic vaccines against viral pathogens and allergens have demonstrated their activity in animal models. These successes could be extended preclinically to mRNA protein and gene replacement therapy as well as the induction of pluripotent stem cells by mRNA encoded transcription factors. The production of mRNA-based vaccines and drugs is highly flexible, scalable and cost competitive, and eliminates the requirement of a cold chain. mRNA-based drugs and vaccines offer all the advantages of a nucleotide-based approach at reduced costs and represent a truly disruptive technology that may start a revolution in medicine.
Collapse
|
25
|
Design of an Optimized Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) mRNA Construct for Enhanced WT1 Expression and Improved Immunogenicity In Vitro and In Vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e134. [PMID: 24253259 PMCID: PMC3889186 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor antigen-encoding mRNA for dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccination has gained increasing popularity in recent years. Within this context, two main strategies have entered the clinical trial stage: the use of mRNA for ex vivo antigen loading of DCs and the direct application of mRNA as a source of antigen for DCs in vivo. DCs transfected with mRNA-encoding Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) protein have shown promising clinical results. Using a stepwise approach, we re-engineered a WT1 cDNA-carrying transcription vector to improve the translational characteristics and immunogenicity of the transcribed mRNA. Different modifications were performed: (i) the WT1 sequence was flanked by the lysosomal targeting sequence of dendritic cell lysosomal-associated membrane protein to enhance cytoplasmic expression; (ii) the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of WT1 was deleted to promote shuttling from the nucleus to the cytoplasm; (iii) the WT1 DNA sequence was optimized in silico to improve translational efficiency; and (iv) this WT1 sequence was cloned into an optimized RNA transcription vector. DCs electroporated with this optimized mRNA showed an improved ability to stimulate WT1-specific T-cell immunity. Furthermore, in a murine model, we were able to show the safety, immunogenicity, and therapeutic activity of this optimized mRNA. This work is relevant for the future development of improved mRNA-based vaccine strategies K.Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids (2013) 2, e134; doi:10.1038/mtna.2013.54; published online 19 November 2013.
Collapse
|
26
|
Wilgenhof S, Van Nuffel A, Benteyn D, Corthals J, Aerts C, Heirman C, Van Riet I, Bonehill A, Thielemans K, Neyns B. A phase IB study on intravenous synthetic mRNA electroporated dendritic cell immunotherapy in pretreated advanced melanoma patients. Ann Oncol 2013; 24:2686-2693. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdt245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
|
27
|
Kerkhoff N, Bontkes HJ, Westers TM, de Gruijl TD, Kordasti S, van de Loosdrecht AA. Dendritic cells in myelodysplastic syndromes: from pathogenesis to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2013; 5:621-37. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal disorders of the hematopoietic stem cell characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis leading to peripheral cytopenias. Different processes are involved in its pathogenesis, such as (epi)genetic alterations and immunological dysfunctions. The nature of immune dysregulation is markedly different between various MDS risk groups. In low-risk MDS, the immune system is in a proinflammatory state, whereas in high-risk disease, immunosuppressive features facilitate expansion of the dysplastic clone and can eventually lead to disease progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Various cell types contribute to dysregulation of immune responses in MDS. Dendritic cells (DCs) are important regulators of immunity. However, the role of DCs in MDS has yet to be elucidated. It has been suggested that impaired DC function can hamper adequate immune responses. This review focuses on the involvement of DCs in immune dysregulation in low- and high-risk MDS and the implications for DC-targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Kerkhoff
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hetty J Bontkes
- Department of Pathology, Unit Medical Immunology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theresia M Westers
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shahram Kordasti
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King’s College Hospital London, Rayne Institute, 123 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Arjan A van de Loosdrecht
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|