1
|
Baumgärtner LAF, Ettich J, Balles H, Lapp DJ, Mossner S, Bassenge C, Ouzin M, Hanenberg H, Scheller J, Floss DM. Unpaired cysteine insertions favor transmembrane dimerization and induce ligand-independent constitutive cytokine receptor signaling. Biol Chem 2024; 405:531-544. [PMID: 38695485 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0344] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Naturally occurring gain-of-function (GOF) mutants have been identified in patients for a variety of cytokine receptors. Although this constitutive activation of cytokine receptors is strongly associated with malignant disorders, ligand-independent receptor activation is also a useful tool in synthetic biology e.g. to improve adoptive cellular therapies with genetically modified T-cells. Balanced Interleukin (IL-)7 signaling via a heterodimer of IL-7 receptor (IL-7Rα) and the common γ-chain (γc) controls T- and B-cell development and expansion, whereas uncontrolled IL-7 signaling can drive acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) development. The ALL-driver mutation PPCL in the transmembrane domain of IL-7Rα is a mutational insertion of the four amino acids proline-proline-cysteine-leucine and leads to ligand-independent receptor dimerization and constitutive activation. We showed here in the cytokine-dependent pre-B-cell line Ba/F3 that the PPCL-insertion in a synthetic version of the IL-7Rα induced γc-independent STAT5 and ERK phosphorylation and also proliferation of the cells and that booster-stimulation by arteficial ligands additionally generated non-canonical STAT3 phosphorylation via the synthetic IL-7Rα-PPCL-receptors. Transfer of the IL-7Rα transmembrane domain with the PPCL insertion into natural and synthetic cytokine receptor chains of the IL-6, IL-12 and Interferon families also resulted in constitutive receptor signaling. In conclusion, our data suggested that the insertion of the mutated PPCL IL-7Rα transmembrane domain is an universal approach to generate ligand-independent, constitutively active cytokine receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Affrica Felicitas Baumgärtner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Ettich
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helene Balles
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dorothee Johanna Lapp
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sofie Mossner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christin Bassenge
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Meryem Ouzin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helmut Hanenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Doreen Manuela Floss
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dias J, Garcia J, Agliardi G, Roddie C. CAR-T cell manufacturing landscape-Lessons from the past decade and considerations for early clinical development. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101250. [PMID: 38737799 PMCID: PMC11088187 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapies have consolidated their position over the last decade as an effective alternative to conventional chemotherapies for the treatment of a number of hematological malignancies. With an exponential increase in the number of commercial therapies and hundreds of phase 1 trials exploring CAR-T cell efficacy in different settings (including autoimmunity and solid tumors), demand for manufacturing capabilities in recent years has considerably increased. In this review, we explore the current landscape of CAR-T cell manufacturing and discuss some of the challenges limiting production capacity worldwide. We describe the latest technical developments in GMP production platform design to facilitate the delivery of a range of increasingly complex CAR-T cell products, and the challenges associated with translation of new scientific developments into clinical products for patients. We explore all aspects of the manufacturing process, namely early development, manufacturing technology, quality control, and the requirements for industrial scaling. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced as a small academic team, responsible for the delivery of a high number of innovative products to patients. We describe our experience in the setup of an effective bench-to-clinic pipeline, with a streamlined workflow, for implementation of a diverse portfolio of phase 1 trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Dias
- Centre for Cell, Gene and Tissue Therapeutics, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Research Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - John Garcia
- Centre for Cell, Gene and Tissue Therapeutics, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Research Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Giulia Agliardi
- Centre for Cell, Gene and Tissue Therapeutics, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Research Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Claire Roddie
- Research Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vasileiou M, Diamantoudis SC, Tsianava C, Nguyen NP. Immunotherapeutic Strategies Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:3040-3063. [PMID: 38920716 PMCID: PMC11203270 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31060232] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and is a leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Despite the implementation of multiple treatment options, including immunotherapy, breast cancer treatment remains a challenge. In this review, we aim to summarize present challenges in breast cancer immunotherapy and recent advancements in overcoming treatment resistance. We elaborate on the inhibition of signaling cascades, such as the Notch, Hedgehog, Hippo, and WNT signaling pathways, which regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of breast cancer stem cells and, consequently, disease progression and survival. Cancer stem cells represent a rare population of cancer cells, likely originating from non-malignant stem or progenitor cells, with the ability to evade immune surveillance and develop resistance to immunotherapeutic treatments. We also discuss the interactions between breast cancer stem cells and the immune system, including potential agents targeting breast cancer stem cell-associated signaling pathways, and provide an overview of the emerging approaches to breast cancer stem cell-targeted immunotherapy. Finally, we consider the development of breast cancer vaccines and adoptive cellular therapies, which train the immune system to recognize tumor-associated antigens, for eliciting T cell-mediated responses to target breast cancer stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vasileiou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Christina Tsianava
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Nam P. Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20060, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sakunrangsit N, Khuisangeam N, Inthanachai T, Yodsurang V, Taechawattananant P, Suppipat K, Tawinwung S. Incorporating IL7 receptor alpha signaling in the endodomain of B7H3-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells mediates antitumor activity in glioblastoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:98. [PMID: 38619641 PMCID: PMC11018726 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03685-7] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
CAR-T-cell therapy has shown promise in treating hematological malignancies but faces challenges in treating solid tumors due to impaired T-cell function in the tumor microenvironment. To provide optimal T-cell activation, we developed a B7 homolog 3 protein (B7H3)-targeting CAR construct consisting of three activation signals: CD3ζ (signal 1), 41BB (signal 2), and the interleukin 7 receptor alpha (IL7Rα) cytoplasmic domain (signal 3). We generated B7H3 CAR-T cells with different lengths of the IL7Rα cytoplasmic domain, including the full length (IL7R-L), intermediate length (IL7R-M), and short length (IL7R-S) domains, and evaluated their functionality in vitro and in vivo. All the B7H3-IL7Rα CAR-T cells exhibited a less differentiated phenotype and effectively eliminated B7H3-positive glioblastoma in vitro. Superiority was found in B7H3 CAR-T cells contained the short length of the IL7Rα cytoplasmic domain. Integration of the IL7R-S cytoplasmic domain maintained pSTAT5 activation and increased T-cell proliferation while reducing activation-induced cell death. Moreover, RNA-sequencing analysis of B7H3-IL7R-S CAR-T cells after coculture with a glioblastoma cell line revealed downregulation of proapoptotic genes and upregulation of genes associated with T-cell proliferation compared with those in 2nd generation B7H3 CAR-T cells. In animal models, compared with conventional CAR-T cells, B7H3-IL7R-S CAR-T cells suppressed tumor growth and prolonged overall survival. Our study demonstrated the therapeutic potential of IL7Rα-incorporating CAR-T cells for glioblastoma treatment, suggesting a promising strategy for augmenting the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nithidol Sakunrangsit
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Nattarika Khuisangeam
- Medical Microbiology, Interdisciplinary and International Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Thananya Inthanachai
- Medical Microbiology, Interdisciplinary and International Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Varalee Yodsurang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Pasrawin Taechawattananant
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Koramit Suppipat
- Department of Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Cellular Immunotherapy Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Thailand Hub of Talents in Cancer Immunotherapy (TTCI), Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Supannikar Tawinwung
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Cellular Immunotherapy Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Thailand Hub of Talents in Cancer Immunotherapy (TTCI), Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yu T, Lu Y, Fang J, Jiang X, Lu Y, Zheng J, Shang X, Shen H, Fu P. Chimeric antigen receptor-based immunotherapy in breast cancer: Recent progress in China. Cancer 2024; 130:1378-1391. [PMID: 37950749 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35096] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the fourth most prevalent cancer in China. Despite conventional treatment strategies, BC patients often have poor therapeutic outcomes, leading to significant global cancer mortality rates. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based immunotherapy is a promising and innovative approach for cancer treatment that redirects immune cells to attack tumor cells expressing selected tumor antigens (TAs). T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages, key components of the immune system, are used in CAR-based immunotherapies. Although remarkable progress has been made with CAR-T cells in hematologic malignancies, the application of CAR-based immunotherapy to BC has lagged. This is partly due to obstacles such as tumor heterogeneity, which is further associated with the TA and BC subtypes, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Several combinatorial approaches, including the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, and antitumor drugs, have been proposed to overcome these obstacles in BC treatment. Furthermore, several CAR-based immunotherapies for BC have been translated into clinical trials. This review provides an overview of the recent progress in CAR-based immunotherapy for BC treatment, including targeting of TAs, consideration of BC subtypes, assessment of the TME, and exploration of combinatorial therapies. The authors focused on preclinical studies and clinical trials of CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-macrophages especially conducted in China, followed by an internal comparison and discussion of current limits. In conclusion, this review elucidates China's contribution to CAR-based immunotherapies for BC and provides inspiration for further research. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Despite conventional treatment strategies, breast cancer (BC) patients in China often have poor therapeutic outcomes. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based immunotherapy, a promising approach, can redirect immune cells to kill tumor cells expressing selected tumor antigens (TAs). However, obstacles such as TA selection, BC subtypes, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment still exist. Therefore, various combinatorial approaches have been proposed. This article elucidates several Chinese CAR-based preclinical and clinical studies in BC treatment with comparisons of foreign research, and CAR-immune cells are analyzed, providing inspiration for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianze Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuexin Lu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianwen Fang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaocong Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Lu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Jingyan Zheng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Xi Shang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University, Taizhou, China
| | - Haixing Shen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Cixi People's Hospital, Cixi, China
| | - Peifen Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Niu Z, Wu J, Zhao Q, Zhang J, Zhang P, Yang Y. CAR-based immunotherapy for breast cancer: peculiarities, ongoing investigations, and future strategies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385571. [PMID: 38680498 PMCID: PMC11045891 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385571] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Surgery, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy have improved the overall survival and postoperative recurrence rates of Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2-positive breast cancers but treatment modalities for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with poor prognosis remain limited. The effective application of the rapidly developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in hematological tumors provides new ideas for the treatment of breast cancer. Choosing suitable and specific targets is crucial for applying CAR-T therapy for breast cancer treatment. In this paper, we summarize CAR-T therapy's effective targets and potential targets in different subtypes based on the existing research progress, especially for TNBC. CAR-based immunotherapy has resulted in advancements in the treatment of breast cancer. CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be more effective and safer for treating solid tumors, such as breast cancer. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast tumors and the side effects of CAR-T therapy pose challenges to CAR-based immunotherapy. CAR-T cells and CAR-NK cells-derived exosomes are advantageous in tumor therapy. Exosomes carrying CAR for breast cancer immunotherapy are of immense research value and may provide a treatment modality with good treatment effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the development and challenges of CAR-based immunotherapy in treating different subtypes of breast cancer and discuss the progress of CAR-expressing exosomes for breast cancer treatment. We elaborate on the development of CAR-T cells in TNBC therapy and the prospects of using CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-MSCs for treating breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhipu Niu
- Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyuan Wu
- Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiancheng Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengyu Zhang
- Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yiming Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fu C, Zhang X, Zhang X, Wang D, Han S, Ma Z. Advances in IL-7 Research on Tumour Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:415. [PMID: 38675377 PMCID: PMC11054630 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040415] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a versatile cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system's homeostasis. It is involved in the development, proliferation, and differentiation of B and T cells, as well as being essential for the differentiation and survival of naïve T cells and the production and maintenance of memory T cells. Given its potent biological functions, IL-7 is considered to have the potential to be widely used in the field of anti-tumour immunotherapy. Notably, IL-7 can improve the tumour microenvironment by promoting the development of Th17 cells, which can in turn promote the recruitment of effector T cells and NK cells. In addition, IL-7 can also down-regulate the expression of tumour growth factor-β and inhibit immunosuppression to promote anti-tumour efficacy, suggesting potential clinical applications for anti-tumour immunotherapy. This review aims to discuss the origin of IL-7 and its receptor IL-7R, its anti-tumour mechanism, and the recent advances in the application of IL-7 in tumour therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhenghai Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China; (C.F.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (D.W.); (S.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mistry T, Nath A, Pal R, Ghosh S, Mahata S, Kumar Sahoo P, Sarkar S, Choudhury T, Nath P, Alam N, Nasare VD. Emerging Futuristic Targeted Therapeutics: A Comprising Study Towards a New Era for the Management of TNBC. Am J Clin Oncol 2024; 47:132-148. [PMID: 38145412 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000001071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer is characterized by high lethality attributed to factors such as chemoresistance, transcriptomic, and genomic heterogeneity, leading to a poor prognosis and limiting available targeted treatment options. While the identification of molecular targets remains pivotal for therapy involving chemo drugs, the current challenge lies in the poor response rates, low survival rates, and frequent relapses. Despite various clinical investigations exploring molecular targeted therapies in conjunction with conventional chemo treatment, the outcomes have been less than optimal. The critical need for more effective therapies underscores the urgency to discover potent novel treatments, including molecular and immune targets, as well as emerging strategies. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of conventional treatment approaches and explores emerging molecular and immune-targeted therapeutics, elucidating their mechanisms to address the existing obstacles for a more effective management of triple-negative breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanuma Mistry
- Departments of Pathology and Cancer Screening
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
| | - Arijit Nath
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to be University, School of Biotechnology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ranita Pal
- Departments of Pathology and Cancer Screening
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Neyaz Alam
- Surgical Oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Repici A, Ardizzone A, De Luca F, Colarossi L, Prestifilippo A, Pizzino G, Paterniti I, Esposito E, Capra AP. Signaling Pathways of AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Contribute to the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Glioblastoma. Cells 2024; 13:361. [PMID: 38391974 PMCID: PMC10886920 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040361] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are a diverse collection of neoplasms affecting the brain with a high prevalence rate in people of all ages around the globe. In this pathological context, glioblastoma, a form of glioma that belongs to the IV-grade astrocytoma group, is the most common and most aggressive form of the primary brain tumors. Indeed, despite the best treatments available including surgery, radiotherapy or a pharmacological approach with Temozolomide, glioblastoma patients' mortality is still high, within a few months of diagnosis. Therefore, to increase the chances of these patients surviving, it is critical to keep finding novel treatment opportunities. In the past, efforts to treat glioblastoma have mostly concentrated on customized treatment plans that target specific mutations such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase (NTRK) fusions, or multiple receptors using multi-kinase inhibitors like Sunitinib and Regorafenib, with varying degrees of success. Here, we focused on the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL that has been identified as a mediator for tumor progression and therapy resistance in various cancer types, including squamous cell tumors, small cell lung cancer, and breast cancer. Activated AXL leads to a significant increase in tumor proliferation, tumor cell migration, and angiogenesis in different in vitro and in vivo models of cancer since this receptor regulates interplay with apoptotic, angiogenic and inflammatory pathways. Based on these premises, in this review we mainly focused on the role of AXL in the course of glioblastoma, considering its primary biological mechanisms and as a possible target for the application of the most recent treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Repici
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Alessio Ardizzone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Fabiola De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Angela Prestifilippo
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Anna Paola Capra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chamorro DF, Somes LK, Hoyos V. Engineered Adoptive T-Cell Therapies for Breast Cancer: Current Progress, Challenges, and Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:124. [PMID: 38201551 PMCID: PMC10778447 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010124] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, and novel treatment approaches are critically needed. This review presents an in-depth analysis of engineered adoptive T-cell therapies (E-ACTs), an innovative frontier in cancer immunotherapy, focusing on their application in breast cancer. We explore the evolving landscape of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapies, highlighting their potential and challenges in targeting breast cancer. The review addresses key obstacles such as target antigen selection, the complex breast cancer tumor microenvironment, and the persistence of engineered T-cells. We discuss the advances in overcoming these barriers, including strategies to enhance T-cell efficacy. Finally, our comprehensive analysis of the current clinical trials in this area provides insights into the future possibilities and directions of E-ACTs in breast cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego F. Chamorro
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
| | - Lauren K. Somes
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
| | - Valentina Hoyos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.F.C.); (L.K.S.)
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Majumder A. Evolving CAR-T-Cell Therapy for Cancer Treatment: From Scientific Discovery to Cures. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:39. [PMID: 38201467 PMCID: PMC10777914 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy has emerged as the most promising immunotherapy for cancer that typically uses patients' T cells and genetically engineered them to target cancer cells. Although recent improvements in CAR-T-cell therapy have shown remarkable success for treating hematological malignancies, the heterogeneity in tumor antigens and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) limits its efficacy in solid tumors. Despite the enormous efforts that have been made to make CAR-T-cell therapy more effective and have minimal side effects for treating hematological malignancies, more research needs to be conducted regarding its use in the clinic for treating various other types of cancer. The main concern for CAR-T-cell therapy is severe toxicities due to the cytokine release syndrome, whereas the other challenges are associated with complexity and immune-suppressing TME, tumor antigen heterogeneity, the difficulty of cell trafficking, CAR-T-cell exhaustion, and reduced cytotoxicity in the tumor site. This review discussed the latest discoveries in CAR-T-cell therapy strategies and combination therapies, as well as their effectiveness in different cancers. It also encompasses ongoing clinical trials; current challenges regarding the therapeutic use of CAR-T-cell therapy, especially for solid tumors; and evolving treatment strategies to improve the therapeutic application of CAR-T-cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kausar MA, Anwar S, El-Horany HES, Khan FH, Tyagi N, Najm MZ, Sadaf, Eisa AA, Dhara C, Gantayat S. Journey of CAR T‑cells: Emphasising the concepts and advancements in breast cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 63:130. [PMID: 37830150 PMCID: PMC10622179 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5578] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the primary and one of the most prominent causes of the rising global mortality rate, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths annually. Specific methods have been devised to cure cancerous tumours. Effective therapeutic approaches must be developed, both at the cellular and genetic level. Immunotherapy offers promising results by providing sustained remission to patients with refractory malignancies. Genetically modified T‑lymphocytic cells have emerged as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of solid tumours, haematological malignancies, and relapsed/refractory B‑lymphocyte malignancies as a result of recent clinical trial findings; the treatment is referred to as chimeric antigen receptor T‑cell therapy (CAR T‑cell therapy). Leukapheresis is used to remove T‑lymphocytes from the leukocytes, and CARs are created through genetic engineering. Without the aid of a major histocompatibility complex, these genetically modified receptors lyse malignant tissues by interacting directly with the carcinogen. Additionally, the outcomes of preclinical and clinical studies reveal that CAR T‑cell therapy has proven to be a potential therapeutic contender against metastatic breast cancer (BCa), triple‑negative, and HER 2+ve BCa. Nevertheless, unique toxicities, including (cytokine release syndrome, on/off‑target tumour recognition, neurotoxicities, anaphylaxis, antigen escape in BCa, and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment in solid tumours, negatively impact the mechanism of action of these receptors. In this review, the potential of CAR T‑cell immunotherapy and its method of destroying tumour cells is explored using data from preclinical and clinical trials, as well as providing an update on the approaches used to reduce toxicities, which may improve or broaden the effectiveness of the therapies used in BCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Adnan Kausar
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81411, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Ha'il, Hail 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sadaf Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81411, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Ha'il, Hail 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hemat El-Sayed El-Horany
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81411, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Ha'il, Hail 55473, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Farida Habib Khan
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Ha'il, Hail 55473, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neetu Tyagi
- Bone Biology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | | | - Sadaf
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, Okhla, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Alaa Abdulaziz Eisa
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Medina 30002, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chandrajeet Dhara
- School of Biosciences, Apeejay Stya University, Sohna, Gurugram 122003, Haryana
| | - Saumyatika Gantayat
- School of Biosciences, Apeejay Stya University, Sohna, Gurugram 122003, Haryana
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lacan C, Caron J, Tarantino N, Fouquet B, Cherai M, Parizot C, Morel V, Souchet L, Uzunov M, Gorochov G, Nguyen-Quoc S, Sourdeau E, Vieillard V, Miyara M, Vinit A, Solorzano S, Soussain C, Houillier C, Metz C, Autran B, Litvinova E, Le Garff-Tavernier M, Norol F, Roos-Weil D, Choquet S, Guihot A, Baron M. CAR T-cell therapy for central nervous system lymphomas: blood and cerebrospinal fluid biology, and outcomes. Haematologica 2023; 108:3485-3490. [PMID: 37345469 PMCID: PMC10690903 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.282875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Lacan
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS EMR 8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Department of Clinical Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France
| | - Jonathan Caron
- Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Cell Death and Drug Resistance in Lymphoproliferative Disorders Team, Sorbonne Université, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Paris
| | - Nadine Tarantino
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS EMR 8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris
| | - Baptiste Fouquet
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Immunology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris
| | - Mustapha Cherai
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Immunology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris
| | - Christophe Parizot
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Immunology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris
| | - Véronique Morel
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Clinical Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France
| | - Laetitia Souchet
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Clinical Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France
| | - Madalina Uzunov
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Clinical Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France
| | - Guy Gorochov
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Immunology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris
| | - Stéphanie Nguyen-Quoc
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS EMR 8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris, France.; Sorbonne Université, Department of Clinical Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France
| | - Elise Sourdeau
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Biological Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris
| | - Vincent Vieillard
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS EMR 8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris
| | - Makoto Miyara
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Immunology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris
| | - Angélique Vinit
- Sorbonne Université, UMS37-PASS, Plateforme de cytométrie CyPS, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris
| | - Silvia Solorzano
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Clinical Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France
| | - Carole Soussain
- Hematology Unit, Institut Curie, site de Saint-Cloud et Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris
| | - Caroline Houillier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Department of Neurology 2-Mazarin, AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris
| | - Carole Metz
- Sorbonne Université, Unité REQPHARM, Pharmacie à Usage Intérieur, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France
| | - Brigitte Autran
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS EMR 8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris
| | - Elena Litvinova
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Immunology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris
| | - Magali Le Garff-Tavernier
- Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Cell Death and Drug Resistance in Lymphoproliferative Disorders Team, Sorbonne Université, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Department of Biological Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris
| | - Françoise Norol
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Clinical Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France
| | - Damien Roos-Weil
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Clinical Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France
| | - Sylvan Choquet
- Sorbonne Université, Department of Clinical Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France
| | - Amélie Guihot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS EMR 8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris
| | - Marine Baron
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS EMR 8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris, France.; Sorbonne Université, Department of Clinical Haematology, AP-HP, Pitié- Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Keshavarz S, Wall JR, Keshavarz S, Vojoudi E, Jafari-Shakib R. Breast cancer immunotherapy: a comprehensive review. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4431-4447. [PMID: 37658246 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01177-z] [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: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains a major health problem despite numerous new medical interventions that have been introduced in recent years. One of the major choices for cancer therapy is so-called adoptive cell therapy (ACT). ACT can be performed using both innate immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and γδ T cells and acquired immune T cells. It has become possible to utilize these cells in both their native and modified states in clinical studies. Because of considerable success in cancer treatment, ACT now plays a role in advanced therapy protocols. Genetic engineering of autologous and allogeneic immune cells (T lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages, etc.) with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) is a powerful new tool to target specific antigens on cancer cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has approved certain CAR-T cells for hematologic malignancies and it is hoped that their use can be extended to incorporate a variety of cells, in particular NK cells. However, the ACT method has some limitations, such as the risk of rejection in allogeneic engrafts. Accordingly, numerous efforts are being made to eliminate or minimize this and other complications. In the present review, we have developed a guide to breast cancer (BC) therapy from conventional therapy, through to cell-based approaches, in particular novel technologies including CAR with emphasis on NK cells as a new and safer candidate in this field as well as the more recent aptamer technology, which can play a major role in BC immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Jack R Wall
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Somayeh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Elham Vojoudi
- Regenerative Medicine, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Multidisciplinary Center, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Reza Jafari-Shakib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sharma S, Sauer T, Omer BA, Shum T, Rollins LA, Rooney CM. Constitutive Interleukin-7 Cytokine Signaling Enhances the Persistence of Epstein-Barr Virus-Specific T-Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15806. [PMID: 37958791 PMCID: PMC10649234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115806] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of therapeutic T-cells is limited by a lack of positive signals and excess inhibitory signaling in tumor microenvironments. We previously showed that a constitutively active IL7 receptor (C7R) enhanced the persistence, expansion, and anti-tumor activity of T-cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), and C7R-modified GD2.CAR T-cells are currently undergoing clinical trials. To determine if the C7R could also enhance the activity of T-cells recognizing tumors via their native T-cell receptors (TCRs), we evaluated its effects in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific T-cells (EBVSTs) that have produced clinical benefits in patients with EBV-associated malignancies. EBVSTs were generated by stimulation of peripheral blood T-cells with overlapping peptide libraries spanning the EBV lymphoma antigens, LMP1, LMP2, and EBNA 1, followed by retroviral vector transduction to express the C7R. The C7R increased STAT5 signaling in EBVSTs and enhanced their expansion over 30 days of culture in the presence or absence of exogenous cytokines. C7R-EBVSTs maintained EBV antigen specificity but were dependent on TCR stimulation for continued expansion. C7R-EBVSTs produced more rapid lymphoma control in a murine xenograft model than unmodified EBVSTs and persisted for longer. The findings have led to a clinical trial, evaluating C7R-EBVSTs for the treatment of refractory or relapsed EBV-positive lymphoma (NCT04664179).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Sharma
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.S.)
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tim Sauer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bilal A. Omer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thomas Shum
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.S.)
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lisa A. Rollins
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cliona M. Rooney
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology-Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yang Z, Wang Y. Clinical development of chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy for hematological malignancies. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2285-2296. [PMID: 37358555 PMCID: PMC10538902 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002549] [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: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cellular therapies have revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies since their conception and rapid development. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is the most widely applied cellular therapy. Since the Food and Drug Administration approved two CD19-CAR-T products for clinical treatment of relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B cell lymphoma in 2017, five more CAR-T cell products were subsequently approved for treating multiple myeloma or B cell malignancies. Moreover, clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy for treating other hematological malignancies are ongoing. Both China and the United States have contributed significantly to the development of clinical trials. However, CAR-T cell therapy has many limitations such as a high relapse rate, adverse side effects, and restricted availability. Various methods are being implemented in clinical trials to address these issues, some of which have demonstrated promising breakthroughs. This review summarizes developments in CAR-T cell trials and advances in CAR-T cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy for Blood Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fan J, Yu Y, Yan L, Yuan Y, Sun B, Yang D, Liu N, Guo J, Zhang J, Zhao X. GAS6-based CAR-T cells exhibit potent antitumor activity against pancreatic cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:77. [PMID: 37475048 PMCID: PMC10357739 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01467-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor tyrosine kinases TAM family (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are highly expressed in multiple forms of cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages and promote the development of cancers including pancreatic tumor. Targeting TAM receptors could be a promising therapeutic option. METHODS We designed a novel CAR based on the extracellular domain of growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6), a natural ligand for all TAM members. The ability of CAR-T to kill pancreatic cancer cells is tested in vitro and in vivo, and the safety is evaluated in mice and nonhuman primate. RESULTS GAS6-CAR-T cells efficiently kill TAM-positive pancreatic cancer cell lines, gemcitabine-resistant cancer cells, and cancer stem-like cells in vitro. GAS6-CAR-T cells also significantly suppressed the growth of PANC1 xenografts and patient-derived xenografts in mice. Furthermore, these CAR-T cells did not induce obvious side effects in nonhuman primate or mice although the CAR was demonstrated to recognize mouse TAM. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that GAS6-CAR-T-cell therapy may be effective for pancreatic cancers with low toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Fan
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ye Yu
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lanzhen Yan
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuncang Yuan
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Core Facilities of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Geng P, Chi Y, Yuan Y, Yang M, Zhao X, Liu Z, Liu G, Liu Y, Zhu L, Wang S. Novel chimeric antigen receptor T cell-based immunotherapy: a perspective for triple-negative breast cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1158539. [PMID: 37457288 PMCID: PMC10339351 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1158539] [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: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive and does not express estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It has a poor prognosis, and traditional endocrine and anti-HER2 targeted therapies have low efficacy against it. In contrast, surgery, radiotherapy, and/or systemic chemotherapy are relatively effective at controlling TNBC. The resistance of TNBC to currently available clinical therapies has had a significantly negative impact on its treatment outcomes. Hence, new therapeutic options are urgently required. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is a type of immunotherapy that integrates the antigen specificity of antibodies and the tumor-killing effect of T cells. CAR-T therapy has demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy against hematological cancers. However, its efficacy against solid tumors such as TNBC is inadequate. The present review aimed to investigate various aspects of CAR-T administration as TNBC therapy. We summarized the potential therapeutic targets of CAR-T that were identified in preclinical studies and clinical trials on TNBC. We addressed the limitations of using CAR-T in the treatment of TNBC in particular and solid tumors in general and explored key strategies to overcome these impediments. Finally, we comprehensively examined the advancement of CAR-T immunotherapy as well as countermeasures that could improve its efficacy as a TNBC treatment and the prognosis of patients with this type of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peizhen Geng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yuhua Chi
- Department of General Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Maoquan Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Zhengchun Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Guangwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Therapy for Tumors in Weifang City, Department of Radiotherapy, School of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yihui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Therapy for Tumors in Weifang City, Department of Radiotherapy, School of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Therapy for Tumors in Weifang City, Department of Radiotherapy, School of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zannikou M, Duffy JT, Levine RN, Seblani M, Liu Q, Presser A, Arrieta VA, Chen CJ, Sonabend AM, Horbinski CM, Lee-Chang C, Miska J, Lesniak MS, Gottschalk S, Balyasnikova IV. IL15 modification enables CAR T cells to act as a dual targeting agent against tumor cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in GBM. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006239. [PMID: 36759014 PMCID: PMC9923337 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is a major barrier to the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) in glioblastoma (GBM). Transgenic expression of IL15 is one attractive strategy to modulate the TME. However, at present, it is unclear if IL15 could be used to directly target myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a major cellular component of the GBM TME. Here, we explored if MDSC express IL15Rα and the feasibility of exploiting its expression as an immunotherapeutic target. METHODS RNA-seq, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry were used to determine IL15Rα expression in paired peripheral and tumor-infiltrating immune cells of GBM patients and two syngeneic murine GBM models. We generated murine T cells expressing IL13Rα2-CARs and secretory IL15 (CAR.IL15s) or IL13Rα2-CARs in which IL15 was fused to the CAR to serve as an IL15Rα-targeting moiety (CAR.IL15f), and characterized their effector function in vitro and in syngeneic IL13Rα2+glioma models. RESULTS IL15Rα was preferentially expressed in myeloid, B, and dendritic cells in patients' and syngeneic GBMs. In vitro, CAR.IL15s and CAR.IL15f T cells depleted MDSC and decreased their secretion of immunosuppressive molecules with CAR.IL15f T cells being more efficacious. Similarly, CAR.IL15f T cells significantly improved the survival of mice in two GBM models. TME analysis showed that treatment with CAR.IL15f T cells resulted in higher frequencies of CD8+T cells, NK, and B cells, but a decrease in CD11b+cells in tumors compared with therapy with CAR T cells. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that MDSC of the glioma TME express IL15Ra and that these cells can be targeted with secretory IL15 or an IL15Rα-targeting moiety incorporated into the CAR. Thus, IL15-modified CAR T cells act as a dual targeting agent against tumor cells and MDSC in GBM, warranting their future evaluation in early-phase clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markella Zannikou
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joseph T Duffy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rebecca N Levine
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Maggie Seblani
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Qianli Liu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Aaron Presser
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Victor A Arrieta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher J Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Adam M Sonabend
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Craig M Horbinski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Catalina Lee-Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jason Miska
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Maciej S Lesniak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Irina V Balyasnikova
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Attalla S, Taifour T, Muller W. Tailoring therapies to counter the divergent immune landscapes of breast cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1111796. [PMID: 36910138 PMCID: PMC9992199 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1111796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant clinical concern affecting millions of women worldwide. Immunotherapy is a rapidly growing drug class that has revolutionized cancer treatment but remains marginally successful in breast cancer. The success of immunotherapy is dependent on the baseline immune responses as well as removing the brakes off pre-existing anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we summarize the different types of immune microenvironment observed in breast cancer as well as provide approaches to target these different immune subtypes. Such approaches have demonstrated pre-clinical success and are currently under clinical evaluation. The impact of combination of these approaches with already approved chemotherapies and immunotherapies may improve patient outcome and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Attalla
- Department Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Goodman Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tarek Taifour
- Goodman Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - William Muller
- Department Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Goodman Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen X, Li P, Tian B, Kang X. Serious adverse events and coping strategies of CAR-T cells in the treatment of malignant tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1079181. [PMID: 36569917 PMCID: PMC9772271 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1079181] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells technology has been successfully used in the treatment of B cell-derived hematological tumors and multiple myeloma. CAR-T cells are also being studied in a variety of solid tumors. Current clinical reports on CAR-T cells in the treatment of malignant tumors are abundant. The tumor-killing activity of CAR-T cells and the unique adverse effects of CAR-T cells have been confirmed by many studies. There is evidence that serious adverse events can be life-threatening. CAR-T cells therapy is increasingly used in clinical settings, so it is important to pay attention to its serious adverse events. In this review, we summarized the serious adverse events of CAR-T cells in the treatment of malignant tumors by reading literature and searching relevant clinical studies, and discussed the management and treatment of serious adverse events in an effort to provide theoretical support for clinicians who deal with such patients.
Collapse
|
22
|
Nasiri F, Kazemi M, Mirarefin SMJ, Mahboubi Kancha M, Ahmadi Najafabadi M, Salem F, Dashti Shokoohi S, Evazi Bakhshi S, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Safarzadeh Kozani P. CAR-T cell therapy in triple-negative breast cancer: Hunting the invisible devil. Front Immunol 2022; 13. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known as the most intricate and hard-to-treat subtype of breast cancer. TNBC cells do not express the well-known estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expressed by other breast cancer subtypes. This phenomenon leaves no room for novel treatment approaches including endocrine and HER2-specific antibody therapies. To date, surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy remain the principal therapy options for TNBC treatment. However, in numerous cases, these approaches either result in minimal clinical benefit or are nonfunctional, resulting in disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Nowadays, chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is becoming more established as an option for the treatment of various types of hematologic malignancies. CAR-Ts are genetically engineered T lymphocytes that employ the body’s immune system mechanisms to selectively recognize cancer cells expressing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) of interest and efficiently eliminate them. However, despite the clinical triumph of CAR-T therapy in hematologic neoplasms, CAR-T therapy of solid tumors, including TNBC, has been much more challenging. In this review, we will discuss the success of CAR-T therapy in hematological neoplasms and its caveats in solid tumors, and then we summarize the potential CAR-T targetable TAAs in TNBC studied in different investigational stages.
Collapse
|
23
|
Nasiri F, Kazemi M, Mirarefin SMJ, Mahboubi Kancha M, Ahmadi Najafabadi M, Salem F, Dashti Shokoohi S, Evazi Bakhshi S, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Safarzadeh Kozani P. CAR-T cell therapy in triple-negative breast cancer: Hunting the invisible devil. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018786. [PMID: 36483567 PMCID: PMC9722775 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known as the most intricate and hard-to-treat subtype of breast cancer. TNBC cells do not express the well-known estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expressed by other breast cancer subtypes. This phenomenon leaves no room for novel treatment approaches including endocrine and HER2-specific antibody therapies. To date, surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy remain the principal therapy options for TNBC treatment. However, in numerous cases, these approaches either result in minimal clinical benefit or are nonfunctional, resulting in disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Nowadays, chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is becoming more established as an option for the treatment of various types of hematologic malignancies. CAR-Ts are genetically engineered T lymphocytes that employ the body's immune system mechanisms to selectively recognize cancer cells expressing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) of interest and efficiently eliminate them. However, despite the clinical triumph of CAR-T therapy in hematologic neoplasms, CAR-T therapy of solid tumors, including TNBC, has been much more challenging. In this review, we will discuss the success of CAR-T therapy in hematological neoplasms and its caveats in solid tumors, and then we summarize the potential CAR-T targetable TAAs in TNBC studied in different investigational stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Nasiri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mehrasa Kazemi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Thalassemia Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Maral Mahboubi Kancha
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Milad Ahmadi Najafabadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faeze Salem
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Dashti Shokoohi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Evazi Bakhshi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Pouya Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Pooria Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Remodelling of tumour microenvironment by microwave ablation potentiates immunotherapy of AXL-specific CAR T cells against non-small cell lung cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6203. [PMID: 36261437 PMCID: PMC9581911 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33968-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) and lack of tumour-specific targets hinder the application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in the treatment of solid tumours. Combining local treatment with CAR T cell immunotherapy may regulate the TME and enhance the killing potency of CAR T cells in solid tumours. Here, we show that AXL, which is highly expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but not in normal tissues, might be a target for CAR T cell therapy. AXL-CAR T cells alone cause moderate tumour regression in subcutaneous and pulmonary metastatic lung cancer cell-derived xenograft models. Combination of microwave ablation (MWA) and AXL-CAR T cells have superior antitumour efficacy. MWA enhances the activation, infiltration, persistence and tumour suppressive properties of AXL-CAR T cells in AXL-positive NSCLC patient-derived xenograft tumours via TME remodelling. The combination therapy increases the mitochondrial oxidative metabolism of tumour-infiltrating CAR T cells. Combination treatment induces significant tumour suppression without observed toxicities in humanized immunocompetent mice. The synergistic therapeutic effect of MWA and AXL-CAR T cells may be valuable for NSCLC treatment.
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang C, Kong L, Kim S, Lee S, Oh S, Jo S, Jang I, Kim TD. The Role of IL-7 and IL-7R in Cancer Pathophysiology and Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810412. [PMID: 36142322 PMCID: PMC9499417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a multipotent cytokine that maintains the homeostasis of the immune system. IL-7 plays a vital role in T-cell development, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as in B cell maturation through the activation of the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R). IL-7 is closely associated with tumor development and has been used in cancer clinical research and therapy. In this review, we first summarize the roles of IL-7 and IL-7Rα and their downstream signaling pathways in immunity and cancer. Furthermore, we summarize and discuss the recent advances in the use of IL-7 and IL-7Rα as cancer immunotherapy tools and highlight their potential for therapeutic applications. This review will help in the development of cancer immunotherapy regimens based on IL-7 and IL-7Rα, and will also advance their exploitation as more effective and safe immunotherapy tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Wang
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Lingzu Kong
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Seokmin Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Sunyoung Lee
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Sechan Oh
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Seona Jo
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Inhwan Jang
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Tae-Don Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang H, Zhu S, Deng W, Li R, Zhou H, Xiong H. The landscape of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in breast cancer: Perspectives and outlook. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887471. [PMID: 35935930 PMCID: PMC9354605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887471] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy is a revolutionary adoptive cell therapy, which could modify and redirect T cells to specific tumor cells. Since CAR-T cell therapy was first approved for B cell-derived malignancies in 2017, it has yielded unprecedented progress in hematological tumors and has dramatically reshaped the landscape of cancer therapy in recent years. Currently, cumulative evidence has demonstrated that CAR-T cell therapy could be a viable therapeutic strategy for solid cancers. However, owing to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and heterogenous tumor antigens, the application of CAR-T cell therapy against solid cancers requires circumventing more challenging obstacles. Breast cancer is characterized by a high degree of invasiveness, malignancy, and poor prognosis. The review highlights the underlying targets of CAR-T cell therapy in breast cancer, summarizes the challenges associated with CAR-T cell therapy, and proposes the strategies to overcome these challenges, which provides a novel approach to breast cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
27
|
Luo C, Wang P, He S, Zhu J, Shi Y, Wang J. Progress and Prospect of Immunotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:919072. [PMID: 35795050 PMCID: PMC9251310 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.919072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer (estimated 2.3 million new cases in 2020) and the leading cause of cancer death (estimated 685,000 deaths in 2020) in women globally. Breast cancers have been categorized into four major molecular subtypes based on the immunohistochemistry (IHC) expression of classic hormone and growth factor receptors including the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), as well as a proliferation marker Ki-67 protein expression. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a breast cancer subtype lacking ER, PR, and HER2 expression, is associated with a high metastatic potential and poor prognosis. TNBC accounts for approximately only 15%–20% of new breast cancer diagnoses; it is responsible for most breast cancer–related deaths due to the lack of targeted treatment options for this patient population, and currently, systemic chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical excision remain the major treatment modalities for these patients with TNBC. Although breast cancer patients in general do not have a robust response to the immunotherapy, a subset of TNBC has been demonstrated to have high tumor mutation burden and high tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, resembling the features observed on melanoma or lung cancers, which can benefit from the treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, the immunogenic nature of this aggressive disease has presented an opportunity for the development of TNBC-targeting immunotherapies. The recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of atezolizumab in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent nab-paclitaxel for the treatment of PD-L1-positive unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic TNBC has led to a new era of immunotherapy in TNBC treatment. In addition, immunotherapy becomes an active research area, both in the cancer biology field and in the oncology field. In this review, we will extend our coverage on recent discoveries in preclinical research and early results in clinical trials from immune molecule-based therapy including cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, bi-specific or tri-specific antibodies, ICIs, and neoantigen cancer vaccines; oncolytic virus-based therapies and adoptive immune cell transfer–based therapies including TIL, chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T), CAR-NK, CAR-M, and T-cell receptor-T. In the end, we will list a series of the challenges and opportunities in immunotherapy prospectively and reveal novel technologies such as high-throughput single-cell sequencing and CRISPR gene editing-based screening to generate new knowledges of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyi Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peipei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Siqi He
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Shi, ; Jianxun Wang,
| | - Jianxun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Shi, ; Jianxun Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Engelsen AST, Lotsberg ML, Abou Khouzam R, Thiery JP, Lorens JB, Chouaib S, Terry S. Dissecting the Role of AXL in Cancer Immune Escape and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2022; 13:869676. [PMID: 35572601 PMCID: PMC9092944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.869676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) in clinical oncology have significantly improved the survival of a subset of cancer patients with metastatic disease previously considered uniformly lethal. However, the low response rates and the low number of patients with durable clinical responses remain major concerns and underscore the limited understanding of mechanisms regulating anti-tumor immunity and tumor immune resistance. There is an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of ICI in the clinic, and for predictive tools that can accurately predict ICI responders based on the composition of their tumor microenvironment. The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) AXL has been associated with poor prognosis in numerous malignancies and the emergence of therapy resistance. AXL is a member of the TYRO3-AXL-MERTK (TAM) kinase family. Upon binding to its ligand GAS6, AXL regulates cell signaling cascades and cellular communication between various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Converging evidence points to AXL as an attractive molecular target to overcome therapy resistance and immunosuppression, supported by the potential of AXL inhibitors to improve ICI efficacy. Here, we review the current literature on the prominent role of AXL in regulating cancer progression, with particular attention to its effects on anti-tumor immune response and resistance to ICI. We discuss future directions with the aim to understand better the complex role of AXL and TAM receptors in cancer and the potential value of this knowledge and targeted inhibition for the benefit of cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnete S. T. Engelsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria L. Lotsberg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean-Paul Thiery
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
| | - James B. Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphane Terry
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Research Department, Inovarion, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Andrea AE, Chiron A, Mallah S, Bessoles S, Sarrabayrouse G, Hacein-Bey-Abina S. Advances in CAR-T Cell Genetic Engineering Strategies to Overcome Hurdles in Solid Tumors Treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:830292. [PMID: 35211124 PMCID: PMC8861853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.830292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During this last decade, adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) emerged as a valuable therapeutic strategy in hematological cancers. However, this immunotherapy has demonstrated limited efficacy in solid tumors. The main obstacle encountered by CAR-T cells in solid malignancies is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME impedes tumor trafficking and penetration of T lymphocytes and installs an immunosuppressive milieu by producing suppressive soluble factors and by overexpressing negative immune checkpoints. In order to overcome these hurdles, new CAR-T cells engineering strategies were designed, to potentiate tumor recognition and infiltration and anti-cancer activity in the hostile TME. In this review, we provide an overview of the major mechanisms used by tumor cells to evade immune defenses and we critically expose the most optimistic engineering strategies to make CAR-T cell therapy a solid option for solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alain E. Andrea
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Thérapies Moléculaires, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Saint Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Andrada Chiron
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le-Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Sarah Mallah
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stéphanie Bessoles
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Sarrabayrouse
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
| | - Salima Hacein-Bey-Abina
- Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Paris, France
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris-Sud, Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le-Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase as a Promising Therapeutic Target Directing Multiple Aspects of Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030466. [PMID: 35158733 PMCID: PMC8833413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis is a complex process that requires the acquisition of certain traits by cancer cells as well as the cooperation of several non-neoplastic cells that populate the stroma. Cancer-related deaths are predominantly associated with complications arising from metastases. Limiting metastasis therefore represents an important clinical challenge. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is required at many steps of the metastatic cascade and contributes to tumor microenvironment deregulation. In this review, we describe how AXL contributes to metastatic progression by governing various biological processes in cancer cells and in stromal cells, highlighting the potential of its inhibition. Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is emerging as a key player in tumor progression and metastasis and its expression correlates with poor survival in a plethora of cancers. While studies have shown the benefits of AXL inhibition for the treatment of metastatic cancers, additional roles for AXL in cancer progression are still being explored. This review discusses recent advances in understanding AXL’s functions in different tumor compartments including cancer, vascular, and immune cells. AXL is required at multiple steps of the metastatic cascade where its activation in cancer cells leads to EMT, invasion, survival, proliferation and therapy resistance. AXL activation in cancer cells and various stromal cells also results in tumor microenvironment deregulation, leading to modulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis, immune response and hypoxia. A better understanding of AXL’s role in these processes could lead to new therapeutic approaches that would benefit patients suffering from metastatic diseases.
Collapse
|
31
|
Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress as Mechanism of Reducing Hyperuricemia of Gardenia jasminoides- Poria cocos with Network Pharmacology. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8031319. [PMID: 34917234 PMCID: PMC8670933 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8031319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disease, closely related to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, caused by reduced excretion or increased production of uric acid. However, the existing therapeutic drugs have many side effects. It is imperative to find a drug or an alternative medicine to effectively control HUA. It was reported that Gardenia jasminoides and Poria cocos could reduce the level of uric acid in hyperuricemic rats through the inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity. But there were few studies on its mechanism. Therefore, the effective ingredients in G. jasminoides and P. cocoa extracts (GPE), the active target sites, and the further potential mechanisms were studied by LC-/MS/MS, molecular docking, and network pharmacology, combined with the validation of animal experiments. These results proved that GPE could significantly improve HUA induced by potassium oxazine with the characteristics of multicomponent, multitarget, and multichannel overall regulation. In general, GPE could reduce the level of uric acid and alleviate liver and kidney injury caused by inflammatory response and oxidative stress. The mechanism might be related to the TNF-α and IL-7 signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
32
|
The Immune Landscape of Breast Cancer: Strategies for Overcoming Immunotherapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236012. [PMID: 34885122 PMCID: PMC8657247 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy is a rapidly advancing field in breast cancer treatment, however, it encounters many obstacles that leave open gateways for breast cancer cells to resist novel immunotherapies. It is believed that the tumor microenvironment consisting of cancer, stromal, and immune cells as well as a plethora of tumor-promoting soluble factors, is responsible for the failure of therapeutic strategies in cancer, including breast tumors. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of key barriers to effective immunotherapy, focusing the research efforts on harnessing the power of the immune system, and thus, developing new strategies to overcome the resistance may contribute significantly to increase breast cancer patient survival. In this review, we discuss the latest reports regarding the strategies rendering the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment more sensitive to immunotherapy in breast cancers, HER2-positive and triple-negative types of breast cancer, which are attractive from an immunotherapeutic point of view. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) has traditionally been considered to be not inherently immunogenic and insufficiently represented by immune cell infiltrates. Therefore, for a long time, it was thought that the immunotherapies targeting this type of cancer and its microenvironment were not justified and would not bring benefits for breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, to date, a considerable number of reports have indicated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a prognostic and clinically relevant biomarker in breast cancer. A high TILs expression has been demonstrated in primary tumors, of both, HER2-positive BC and triple-negative (TNBC), of patients before treatment, as well as after treatment with adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Another milestone was reached in advanced TNBC immunotherapy with the help of the immune checkpoint inhibitors directed against the PD-L1 molecule. Although those findings, together with the recent developments in chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, show immense promise for significant advancements in breast cancer treatments, there are still various obstacles to the optimal activity of immunotherapeutics in BC treatment. Of these, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment constitutes a key barrier that greatly hinders the success of immunotherapies in the most aggressive types of breast cancer, HER2-positive and TNBC. Therefore, the improvement of the current and the demand for the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies is strongly warranted.
Collapse
|
33
|
Therapeutic Targeting of the Gas6/Axl Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189953. [PMID: 34576116 PMCID: PMC8469858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many signaling pathways are dysregulated in cancer cells and the host tumor microenvironment. Aberrant receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways promote cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Hence, numerous therapeutic interventions targeting RTKs have been actively pursued. Axl is an RTK that belongs to the Tyro3, Axl, MerTK (TAM) subfamily. Axl binds to a high affinity ligand growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6) that belongs to the vitamin K-dependent family of proteins. The Gas6/Axl signaling pathway has been implicated to promote progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance in many cancer types. Therapeutic agents targeting Gas6 and Axl have been developed, and promising results have been observed in both preclinical and clinical settings when such agents are used alone or in combination therapy. This review examines the current state of therapeutics targeting the Gas6/Axl pathway in cancer and discusses Gas6- and Axl-targeting agents that have been evaluated preclinically and clinically.
Collapse
|
34
|
Zam W, Assaad A. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CARs) in cancer treatment. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:532-546. [PMID: 34382510 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210811150255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation were the main cancer treatment approaches for several years but due to their limited effectiveness, there was a constant search for new therapeutic approaches. Cancer immunotherapy that utilizes and enhances the normal capacity of the patient's immune system was used to fight against cancer. Genetically engineered T-cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) showed remarkable anti-tumor activity against hematologic malignancies and is now being investigated in a variety of solid tumors. The use of this therapy in the last few years has been successful, achieving a great success in improving the quality of life and prolonging the survival time of patients with a reduction in remission rates. However, many challenges still need to be resolved in order for this technology to gain widespread adoption. <P> Objective: This review summarizes various experimental approaches towards the use of CAR T-cells in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. <P> Conclusion: Finally, we address the challenges posed by CAR T-cells and discuss strategies for improving the performance of these T cells in fighting cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Zam
- Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Wadi International University, Homs. Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Amany Assaad
- 2. Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy,Tartous University, Tartous. Syrian Arab Republic
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhang Z, Miao L, Ren Z, Tang F, Li Y. Gene-Edited Interleukin CAR-T Cells Therapy in the Treatment of Malignancies: Present and Future. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718686. [PMID: 34386015 PMCID: PMC8353254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) have been faced with the problems of weak proliferation and poor persistence in the treatment of some malignancies. Researchers have been trying to perfect the function of CAR-T by genetically modifying its structure. In addition to the participation of T cell receptor (TCR) and costimulatory signals, immune cytokines also exert a decisive role in the activation and proliferation of T cells. Therefore, genetic engineering strategies were used to generate cytokines to enhance tumor killing function of CAR-T cells. When CAR-T cells are in contact with target tumor tissue, the proliferation ability and persistence of T cells can be improved by structurally or inductively releasing immunoregulatory molecules to the tumor region. There are a large number of CAR-T cells studies on gene-edited cytokines, and the most common cytokines involved are interleukins (IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, IL-21, IL-23). Methods for the construction of gene-edited interleukin CAR-T cells include co-expression of single interleukin, two interleukin, interleukin combined with other cytokines, interleukin receptors, interleukin subunits, and fusion inverted cytokine receptors (ICR). Preclinical and clinical trials have yielded positive results, and many more are under way. By reading a large number of literatures, we summarized the functional characteristics of some members of the interleukin family related to tumor immunotherapy, and described the research status of gene-edited interleukin CAR-T cells in the treatment of malignant tumors. The objective is to explore the optimized strategy of gene edited interleukin-CAR-T cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lele Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Cyclin B2 (CCNB2) Stimulates the Proliferation of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:5511041. [PMID: 34354775 PMCID: PMC8331305 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5511041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of breast cancer. Currently, targeting therapy makes great advances for the treatment of TNBC, whereas more effective therapeutic targets are urgently needed. Cyclin B2 (CCNB2), which belongs to B-type cyclins, is known as a cell cycle regulator. CCNB2 is synthesized at G1 phase in cancer cells and downregulated at anaphase. The defects of CCNB2 led to the abnormal cell cycle and tumorigenesis. Though there are wide effects of CCNB2 on multiple types of tumors, the potential role of CCNB2 in TNBC progression is still unclear. Herein, we found that CCNB2 was highly expressed in human TNBC tissues and correlated with the prognosis and clinical pathological features including tumor size (p = 0.022∗) and pTNM stage (p = 0.021∗) of patients with TNBC. CCNB2 could promote the proliferation of TNBC cells in vitro and in mice. Our findings therefore confirmed the involvement of CCNB2 in TNBC progression and provided the evidence that CCNB2 could serve as a promising molecular target of TNBC.
Collapse
|
37
|
Park CH. Making Potent CAR T Cells Using Genetic Engineering and Synergistic Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133236. [PMID: 34209505 PMCID: PMC8269169 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are emerging as powerful weapons for the treatment of malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells have shown dramatic clinical results in patients with hematological malignancies. However, it is still challenging for CAR T cell therapy to be successful in several types of blood cancer and most solid tumors. Many attempts have been made to enhance the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy by modifying the CAR construct using combination agents, such as compounds, antibodies, or radiation. At present, technology to improve CAR T cell therapy is rapidly developing. In this review, we particularly emphasize the most recent studies utilizing genetic engineering and synergistic agents to improve CAR T cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Hoon Park
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34114, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-42-860-7416; Fax: +82-42-861-4246
- Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bell M, Gottschalk S. Engineered Cytokine Signaling to Improve CAR T Cell Effector Function. Front Immunol 2021; 12:684642. [PMID: 34177932 PMCID: PMC8220823 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.684642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy with T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a promising approach to improve outcomes for cancer patients. While CAR T cell therapy is effective for hematological malignancies, there is a need to improve the efficacy of this therapeutic approach for patients with solid tumors and brain tumors. At present, several approaches are being pursued to improve the antitumor activity of CAR T cells including i) targeting multiple antigens, ii) improving T cell expansion/persistence, iii) enhancing homing to tumor sites, and iv) rendering CAR T cells resistant to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Augmenting signal 3 of T cell activation by transgenic expression of cytokines or engineered cytokine receptors has emerged as a promising strategy since it not only improves CAR T cell expansion/persistence but also their ability to function in the immunosuppressive TME. In this review, we will provide an overview of cytokine biology and highlight genetic approaches that are actively being pursued to augment cytokine signaling in CAR T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Bell
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Glover M, Avraamides S, Maher J. How Can We Engineer CAR T Cells to Overcome Resistance? Biologics 2021; 15:175-198. [PMID: 34040345 PMCID: PMC8141613 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s252568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved unrivalled success in the treatment of B cell and plasma cell malignancies, with five CAR T cell products now approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, CAR T cell therapies for solid tumours have not been nearly as successful, owing to several additional challenges. Here, we discuss mechanisms of tumour resistance in CAR T cell therapy and the emerging strategies that are under development to engineer CAR T cells to overcome resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Glover
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Stephanie Avraamides
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - John Maher
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.,King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE5 9RS, UK.,Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2UD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sivaganesh V, Promi N, Maher S, Peethambaran B. Emerging Immunotherapies against Novel Molecular Targets in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2433. [PMID: 33670942 PMCID: PMC7957700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a highly emerging form of breast cancer therapy that enables clinicians to target cancers with specific receptor expression profiles. Two popular immunotherapeutic approaches involve chimeric antigen receptor-T cells (CAR-T) and bispecific antibodies (BsAb). Briefly mentioned in this review as well is the mRNA vaccine technology recently popularized by the COVID-19 vaccine. These forms of immunotherapy can highly select for the tumor target of interest to generate specific tumor lysis. Along with improvements in CAR-T, bispecific antibody engineering, and therapeutic administration, much research has been done on novel molecular targets that can especially be useful for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) immunotherapy. Combining emerging immunotherapeutics with tumor marker discovery sets the stage for highly targeted immunotherapy to be the future of cancer treatments. This review highlights the principles of CAR-T and BsAb therapy, improvements in CAR and BsAb engineering, and recently identified human breast cancer markers in the context of in vitro or in vivo CAR-T or BsAb treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Sivaganesh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 S 43rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (V.S.); (N.P.); (S.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4170 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA
| | - Nazifa Promi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 S 43rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (V.S.); (N.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Salma Maher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 S 43rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (V.S.); (N.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Bela Peethambaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Sciences, 600 S 43rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (V.S.); (N.P.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Jin J, Cheng J, Huang M, Luo H, Zhou J. Fueling chimeric antigen receptor T cells with cytokines. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:4038-4055. [PMID: 33414984 PMCID: PMC7783740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy started a new era of tumor treatment, especially for hematological malignancies. However, many challenges remain, including low-level proliferation and short-term persistence, insufficient CAR T-cell trafficking, suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), frequent adverse events and the unaffordable manufacturing process. Cytokines are pleiotropic hormones involved in multiple processes of immunity, including activation, expansion, differentiation, and migration of immune cells. Both pre-clinical models and clinical trials showed that armoring CAR-T cells with cytokines strengthened the anti-tumor responses of CAR T cells. This review looked into the key role of cytokines as a promoter of anti-tumor activities of CAR-T cells and consequently a facilitator of clinical translation, mainly, from cytokines of the common γ-chains family, chemokines and chemokine receptors, immunosuppressive molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jin
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
- Immunotherapy Research Center for Hematologic Diseases of Hubei ProvinceWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiali Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
- Immunotherapy Research Center for Hematologic Diseases of Hubei ProvinceWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meijuan Huang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
- Immunotherapy Research Center for Hematologic Diseases of Hubei ProvinceWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
- Immunotherapy Research Center for Hematologic Diseases of Hubei ProvinceWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan, Hubei, China
- Immunotherapy Research Center for Hematologic Diseases of Hubei ProvinceWuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
AXL Receptor in Breast Cancer: Molecular Involvement and Therapeutic Limitations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228419. [PMID: 33182542 PMCID: PMC7696061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer was one of the first malignancies to benefit from targeted therapy, i.e., treatments directed against specific markers. Inhibitors against HER2 are a significant example and they improved the life expectancy of a large cohort of patients. Research on new biomarkers, therefore, is always current and important. AXL, a member of the TYRO-3, AXL and MER (TAM) subfamily, is, today, considered a predictive and prognostic biomarker in many tumor contexts, primarily breast cancer. Its oncogenic implications make it an ideal target for the development of new pharmacological agents; moreover, its recent role as immune-modulator makes AXL particularly attractive to researchers involved in the study of interactions between cancer and the tumor microenvironment (TME). All these peculiarities characterize AXL as compared to other members of the TAM family. In this review, we will illustrate the biological role played by AXL in breast tumor cells, highlighting its molecular and biological features, its involvement in tumor progression and its implication as a target in ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
|
43
|
Jo Y, Ali LA, Shim JA, Lee BH, Hong C. Innovative CAR-T Cell Therapy for Solid Tumor; Current Duel between CAR-T Spear and Tumor Shield. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082087. [PMID: 32731404 PMCID: PMC7464778 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel engineered T cells containing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T cells) that combine the benefits of antigen recognition and T cell response have been developed, and their effect in the anti-tumor immunotherapy of patients with relapsed/refractory leukemia has been dramatic. Thus, CAR-T cell immunotherapy is rapidly emerging as a new therapy. However, it has limitations that prevent consistency in therapeutic effects in solid tumors, which accounts for over 90% of all cancer patients. Here, we review the literature regarding various obstacles to CAR-T cell immunotherapy for solid tumors, including those that cause CAR-T cell dysfunction in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, such as reactive oxygen species, pH, O2, immunosuppressive cells, cytokines, and metabolites, as well as those that impair cell trafficking into the tumor microenvironment. Next-generation CAR-T cell therapy is currently undergoing clinical trials to overcome these challenges. Therefore, novel approaches to address the challenges faced by CAR-T cell immunotherapy in solid tumors are also discussed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuna Jo
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Korea; (Y.J.); (L.A.A.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Laraib Amir Ali
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Korea; (Y.J.); (L.A.A.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Ju A Shim
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Korea; (Y.J.); (L.A.A.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Byung Ha Lee
- NeoImmuneTech, Inc., 2400 Research Blvd., Suite 250, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
| | - Changwan Hong
- Department of Anatomy, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Korea; (Y.J.); (L.A.A.); (J.A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-51-510-8041
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tian Y, Li Y, Shao Y, Zhang Y. Gene modification strategies for next-generation CAR T cells against solid cancers. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:54. [PMID: 32423475 PMCID: PMC7236186 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00890-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have become the backbone of cancer treatment. Among them, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated great success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, CAR T therapy against solid tumors is less effective. Antigen targeting; an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME); and the infiltration, proliferation, and persistence of CAR T cells are the predominant barriers preventing the extension of CAR T therapy to solid tumors. To circumvent these obstacles, the next-generation CAR T cells will require more potent antitumor properties, which can be achieved by gene-editing technology. In this review, we summarize innovative strategies to enhance CAR T cell function by improving target identification, persistence, trafficking, and overcoming the suppressive TME. The construction of multi-target CAR T cells improves antigen recognition and reduces immune escape. Enhancing CAR T cell proliferation and persistence can be achieved by optimizing costimulatory signals and overexpressing cytokines. CAR T cells equipped with chemokines or chemokine receptors help overcome their poor homing to tumor sites. Strategies like knocking out immune checkpoint molecules, incorporating dominant negative receptors, and chimeric switch receptors can favor the depletion or reversal of negative T cell regulators in the TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonggui Tian
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yilu Li
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yupei Shao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China. .,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| |
Collapse
|