1
|
Phoon YP, Lopes JE, Pfannenstiel LW, Marcela Diaz-Montero C, Tian YF, Ernstoff MS, Funchain P, Ko JS, Winquist R, Losey HC, Melenhorst JJ, Gastman BR. Autologous human preclinical modeling of melanoma interpatient clinical responses to immunotherapeutics. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008066. [PMID: 38604813 PMCID: PMC11015209 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008066] [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] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent advances in immunotherapy, a substantial population of late-stage melanoma patients still fail to achieve sustained clinical benefit. Lack of translational preclinical models continues to be a major challenge in the field of immunotherapy; thus, more optimized translational models could strongly influence clinical trial development. To address this unmet need, we designed a preclinical model reflecting the heterogeneity in melanoma patients' clinical responses that can be used to evaluate novel immunotherapies and synergistic combinatorial treatment strategies. Using our all-autologous humanized melanoma mouse model, we examined the efficacy of a novel engineered interleukin 2 (IL-2)-based cytokine variant immunotherapy. METHODS To study immune responses and antitumor efficacy for human melanoma tumors, we developed an all-autologous humanized melanoma mouse model using clinically annotated, matched patient tumor cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). After inoculating immunodeficient NSG mice with patient tumors and an adoptive cell transfer of autologous PBMCs, mice were treated with anti-PD-1, a novel investigational engineered IL-2-based cytokine (nemvaleukin), or recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2). The pharmacodynamic effects and antitumor efficacy of these treatments were then evaluated. We used tumor cells and autologous PBMCs from patients with varying immunotherapy responses to both model the diversity of immunotherapy efficacy observed in the clinical setting and to recapitulate the heterogeneous nature of melanoma. RESULTS Our model exhibited long-term survival of engrafted human PBMCs without developing graft-versus-host disease. Administration of an anti-PD-1 or nemvaleukin elicited antitumor responses in our model that were patient-specific and were found to parallel clinical responsiveness to checkpoint inhibitors. An evaluation of nemvaleukin-treated mice demonstrated increased tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, preferential expansion of non-regulatory T cell subsets in the spleen, and significant delays in tumor growth compared with vehicle-treated controls or mice treated with rhIL-2. CONCLUSIONS Our model reproduces differential effects of immunotherapy in melanoma patients, capturing the inherent heterogeneity in clinical responses. Taken together, these data demonstrate our model's translatability for novel immunotherapies in melanoma patients. The data are also supportive for the continued clinical investigation of nemvaleukin as a novel immunotherapeutic for the treatment of melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yee Peng Phoon
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Claudia Marcela Diaz-Montero
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ye F Tian
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Pauline Funchain
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jan Joseph Melenhorst
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian R Gastman
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Generation of colon cancer-derived tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs) for adoptive cell therapy. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:537-547. [PMID: 36775787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.01.009] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using specific immune cells and stem cells has emerged as a promising treatment option that could complement traditional cancer therapies in the future. In particular, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been shown to be effective against solid tumors in various clinical trials. Despite the enormous disease burden and large number of premature deaths caused by colorectal cancer (CRC), studies on TILs isolated from tumor tissue of patients with CRC are still rare. To date, studies on ACT often lack controlled and comparable expansion processes as well as selected ACT-relevant T-cell populations. We describe a procedure for generating patient-specific TILs, which are prerequisites for clinical trials of ACT in CRC. The manufacturing and characteristics of these TILs differ in important modalities from TILs commonly used for this therapeutic approach. Tumor tissue samples were obtained from 12 patients undergoing surgery for primary CRC, predominantly with low microsatellite instability (pMMR-MSI-L). Tumors in the resected specimens were examined pathologically, and an approved volume of tumor tissue was transferred to a disposable perfusion bioreactor. Tissue samples were subjected to an automatically controlled and highly reproducible cultivation process in a GMP-conform, closed perfusion bioreactor system using starting medium containing interleukin-2 and interleukin-12. Outgrowth of TIL from tissue samples was initiated by short-term supplementation with a specific activation cocktail. During subsequent expansion, TILs were grown in interleukin-2-enriched medium. Expansion of TILs in a low-scaled, two-phase process in the Zellwerk ZRP bioreactor under hyperoxic conditions resulted in a number of approximately 2 × 109 cells. The expanded TILs consisted mainly (73%) of the ACT-relevant CD3+/CD8+ effector memory phenotype (CD45RO+/CCR7-). TILs harvested under these conditions exhibited high functional potential, which was confirmed upon nonspecific stimulation (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α cytokine assay).
Collapse
|
3
|
Hall MS, Mullinax JE, Cox CA, Hall AM, Beatty MS, Blauvelt J, Innamarato P, Nagle L, Branthoover H, Wiener D, Schachner B, Martinez AJ, Richards AD, Rich CJ, Colón Colón M, Schell MJ, Teer JK, Khushalani NI, Weber JS, Mulé JJ, Sondak VK, Pilon-Thomas S, Sarnaik AA. Combination Nivolumab, CD137 Agonism, and Adoptive Cell Therapy with Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes for Patients with Metastatic Melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:5317-5329. [PMID: 36215121 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metastatic melanoma is a tumor amenable to immunotherapy in part due to the presence of antigen-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). These T cells can be activated and expanded for adoptive cell transfer (ACT), which has resulted in relatively high rates of clinical responses. Similarly, immune checkpoint inhibitors, specifically programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blocking antibodies, augment antitumor immunity and increase the influx of T cells into tumors. Thus, we hypothesized that addition of PD-1 inhibition may improve the outcomes for patients undergoing ACT with TILs. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with stage III/IV metastatic melanoma with unresectable disease who were anti-PD-1 treatment-naïve were enrolled. TILs were generated in the presence of anti-4-1BB antibody in vitro and expanded for ACT. Patients in cohort 1 received TIL infusion followed by nivolumab. Patients in cohort 2 also received nivolumab prior to surgical harvest and during TIL production. RESULTS A total of 11 patients were enrolled, all of whom were evaluated for response, and nine completed ACT. Predominantly CD8+ TILs were successfully expanded from all ACT-treated patients and were tumor reactive in vitro. The trial met its safety endpoint, as there were no protocol-defined dose-limiting toxicity events. The objective response rate was 36%, and median progression-free survival was 5 months. Two nonresponders who developed new metastatic lesions were analyzed to determine potential mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, which included clonal divergence and intrinsic TIL dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy with TILs and nivolumab was safe and feasible for patients with metastatic melanoma and provides important insights for future therapeutic developments in ACT with TILs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- MacLean S Hall
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.,Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - John E Mullinax
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.,Sarcoma Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Cheryl A Cox
- Cell Therapies Core Facility, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Amy M Hall
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Matthew S Beatty
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jamie Blauvelt
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Patrick Innamarato
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Luz Nagle
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Holly Branthoover
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Doris Wiener
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Benjamin Schachner
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Alberto J Martinez
- Cell Therapies Core Facility, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Allison D Richards
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Carolyn J Rich
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Marjorie Colón Colón
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Michael J Schell
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jamie K Teer
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Nikhil I Khushalani
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jeffrey S Weber
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - James J Mulé
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Vernon K Sondak
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Shari Pilon-Thomas
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Amod A Sarnaik
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang H, Nie C, Liu XF, Song B, Yue JH, Xu J, He J, Li K, Feng YL, Wan T, Zheng M, Zhang Y, Ye WJ, Li JD, Li YF, Li JY, Cao XP, Liu ZM, Zhang XS, Liu Q, Zhang X, Liu JH, Li J. Phase I study of adjuvant immunotherapy with autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in locally advanced cervical cancer. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:157726. [PMID: 35727633 PMCID: PMC9337833 DOI: 10.1172/jci157726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has achieved remarkable clinical efficacy in metastatic cancers such as melanoma and cervical cancer (CC). Here we explored the safety, feasibility and preliminary tumor response and performed translational investigations of adjuvant immunotherapy using infusion of autogenous (auto)-TILs following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in CC patients with locally advanced disease. METHODS Twenty-seven CC patients with stage III to IV disease were recruited in this single-center, phase I study. TILs were isolated from lesions in the uterine cervix and generated under good manufacturing practices (GMP) conditions and then infused after CCRT plus intramuscular interleukin (IL)-2 injections. RESTULTS From 27 patients, TILs were successfully expanded from 20 patients, with a feasibility of 74.1%. Twelve patients received TILs following CCRT. Adverse events (AEs) were primarily attributable to CCRT. Only 1 (8.3%) patient experienced severe toxicity with a grade 3 hypersensitivity reaction after TIL infusion. No autoimmune AEs, such as pneumonitis, hepatitis, or myocarditis, occurred, and there was no treatment-related mortality. Nine of 12 patients (75.0%) attained complete response, with a disease control duration of 9 to 22 months. Translational investigation showed that the transcriptomic characteristics of the infused TIL products and some immune biomarkers in the tumor microenvironment and serum of CC patients at baseline were correlated with the clinical response. CONCULSION TIL-based ACT following CCRT was safe in an academic center setting, with potential effective responses in locally advanced CC patients. 'Hot' inflammatory immune environments are beneficial to the clinical efficacy of TIL-based ACT as adjuvant therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICALTRIALS gov NCT04443296. FUNDING Natinoal Key R&D Program: Sci-Tech Key Program of the Guangzhou City Science Foundation; the Guangdong Provinve Sci-Tech International Key Program; the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Huang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiping Nie
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Feng Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Song
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Hui Yue
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jingxiao Xu
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia He
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Ling Feng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Wan
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zheng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanna Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Jun Ye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Dong Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Fang Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Yun Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Ping Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Min Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Shi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- BGI-Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Ther, BGI-Shenzhen, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Hong Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fang X, Guo Z, Liang J, Wen J, Liu Y, Guan X, Li H. Neoantigens and their potential applications in tumor immunotherapy. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:88. [PMID: 35126730 PMCID: PMC8805178 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of malignant tumors is increasing, the majority of which are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. The traditional treatment method for malignant tumors is surgery, coupled with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, these therapeutic strategies are frequently accompanied with adverse side effects. Over recent decades, tumor immunotherapy shown promise in demonstrating notable efficacy for the treatment of cancer. With the development of sequencing technology and bioinformatics algorithms, neoantigens have become compelling targets for cancer immunotherapy due to high levels of immunogenicity. In addition, neoantigen-based vaccines have demonstrated potential for cancer therapy, primarily by augmenting T-cell responses. Neoantigens have also been shown to be effective in immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Therefore, neoantigens may serve to be predictive biomarkers and synergistic treatment targets in cancer immunotherapy. The aim of the present review was to provide an overview of the recent progress in the classification, screening and clinical application of neoantigens for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhu Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Zhiliang Guo
- Department of Orthopedic, The 80th Group Army Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Weifang, Shandong 261021, P.R. China
| | - Jinqing Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Wen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Xiumei Guan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shklovskaya E, Rizos H. MHC Class I Deficiency in Solid Tumors and Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome It. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136741. [PMID: 34201655 PMCID: PMC8268865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well accepted that the immune system can control cancer growth. However, tumors escape immune-mediated control through multiple mechanisms and the downregulation or loss of major histocompatibility class (MHC)-I molecules is a common immune escape mechanism in many cancers. MHC-I molecules present antigenic peptides to cytotoxic T cells, and MHC-I loss can render tumor cells invisible to the immune system. In this review, we examine the dysregulation of MHC-I expression in cancer, explore the nature of MHC-I-bound antigenic peptides recognized by immune cells, and discuss therapeutic strategies that can be used to overcome MHC-I deficiency in solid tumors, with a focus on the role of natural killer (NK) cells and CD4 T cells.
Collapse
|
7
|
Morotti M, Albukhari A, Alsaadi A, Artibani M, Brenton JD, Curbishley SM, Dong T, Dustin ML, Hu Z, McGranahan N, Miller ML, Santana-Gonzalez L, Seymour LW, Shi T, Van Loo P, Yau C, White H, Wietek N, Church DN, Wedge DC, Ahmed AA. Promises and challenges of adoptive T-cell therapies for solid tumours. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:1759-1776. [PMID: 33782566 PMCID: PMC8144577 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01353-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and, despite new targeted therapies and immunotherapies, many patients with advanced-stage- or high-risk cancers still die, owing to metastatic disease. Adoptive T-cell therapy, involving the autologous or allogeneic transplant of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes or genetically modified T cells expressing novel T-cell receptors or chimeric antigen receptors, has shown promise in the treatment of cancer patients, leading to durable responses and, in some cases, cure. Technological advances in genomics, computational biology, immunology and cell manufacturing have brought the aspiration of individualised therapies for cancer patients closer to reality. This new era of cell-based individualised therapeutics challenges the traditional standards of therapeutic interventions and provides opportunities for a paradigm shift in our approach to cancer therapy. Invited speakers at a 2020 symposium discussed three areas-cancer genomics, cancer immunology and cell-therapy manufacturing-that are essential to the effective translation of T-cell therapies in the treatment of solid malignancies. Key advances have been made in understanding genetic intratumour heterogeneity, and strategies to accurately identify neoantigens, overcome T-cell exhaustion and circumvent tumour immunosuppression after cell-therapy infusion are being developed. Advances are being made in cell-manufacturing approaches that have the potential to establish cell-therapies as credible therapeutic options. T-cell therapies face many challenges but hold great promise for improving clinical outcomes for patients with solid tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Morotti
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ashwag Albukhari
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkhaliq Alsaadi
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mara Artibani
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James D Brenton
- Functional Genomics of Ovarian Cancer Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stuart M Curbishley
- Advanced Therapies Facility and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tao Dong
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael L Dustin
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas McGranahan
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Martin L Miller
- Cancer System Biology Group, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Santana-Gonzalez
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Leonard W Seymour
- Gene Therapy Group, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tingyan Shi
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peter Van Loo
- Cancer Genomics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Christopher Yau
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | - Helen White
- Patient Representative, Endometrial Cancer Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership (GeCIP) Domain, London, UK
| | - Nina Wietek
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David N Church
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.
| | - David C Wedge
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Ahmed A Ahmed
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aydin AM, Bunch BL, Beatty M, Hajiran A, Dhillon J, Sarnaik AA, Pilon-Thomas S, Poch MA. The Factors Affecting Expansion of Reactive Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) From Bladder Cancer and Potential Therapeutic Applications. Front Immunol 2021; 12:628063. [PMID: 33717150 PMCID: PMC7949015 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.628063] [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: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapy was shown to provide durable objective response in patients with metastatic melanoma. As a fundamental first step to bring TIL therapy to clinical use, identification of patients whose tumors yield optimal numbers of reactive TIL is indispensable. We have previously shown that expansion of tumor reactive TIL from primary bladder tumors and lymph node metastases is feasible. Here, we performed TIL harvesting from additional surgical specimens (additional 31 primary tumors and 10 lymph nodes) to generate a heterogenous cohort of 53 patients with bladder cancer (BC) to evaluate the tumor characteristics that lead to tumor-reactive TIL expansion. Among a total of 53 patients, overall TIL growth from tumor samples were 37/53 (69.8%) and overall anti-tumor reactive TIL were 26/35 (74.3%). Mixed urothelial carcinoma is associated with higher anti-tumor reactivity of expanded TIL than pure urothelial carcinoma (89.5% vs. 56.3%, p=0.049). The anti-tumor reactivity of expanded TIL from primary tumors previously treated with BCG immunotherapy were lower (33.3% vs. 82.6%, p=0.027) although T-cell phenotype (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD56+) was similar regardless prior of BCG therapy. Addition of agonistic 4-1BB antibody in culture media with IL-2 improved the number of expanded TIL from primary tumors previously treated with BCG immunotherapy. There was no significant difference between basal and luminal subtype tumors in terms of viable and reactive TIL growth. Our study demonstrates that TIL expansion is feasible across all BC patients and BC subtypes, and we suggest that TIL therapy can be a reasonable treatment strategy for various manifestations of BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Murat Aydin
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Brittany L Bunch
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Matthew Beatty
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Ali Hajiran
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jasreman Dhillon
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Amod A Sarnaik
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Shari Pilon-Thomas
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Michael A Poch
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Donia M, Fagone P, Nicoletti F, Andersen RS, Høgdall E, Straten PT, Andersen MH, Svane IM. BRAF inhibition improves tumor recognition by the immune system: Potential implications for combinatorial therapies against melanoma involving adoptive T-cell transfer. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:1476-1483. [PMID: 23264894 PMCID: PMC3525603 DOI: 10.4161/onci.21940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of the fact that they occur at high rates, the clinical responses of BRAFV600 mutant metastatic melanoma to BRAF inhibitors are usually short-lasting, with most cases progressing within less than 8 mo. Immunomodulatory strategies initiated after progression have recently been reported to be poorly efficient. By characterizing the immunological interactions between T cells and cancer cells in clinical material as well as the influence of the FDA-approved BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib on the immune system, we aimed at unraveling new strategies to expand the efficacy of adoptive T-cell transfer, which represents one of the most promising approaches currently in clinical development for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Here we show that blocking the BRAF-MAPK pathway in BRAF signaling-addicted melanoma cells significantly increases the ability of T cells contained in clinical grade tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to recognize autologous BRAFV600 mutant melanoma cell lines in vitro. Antitumor reactivity was improved regardless of the class of antigen recognized by tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. Microarray data suggests that improved tumor recognition is associated with modified expression of MHC Class I-associated proteins as well as of heat-shock proteins. In conclusion, our preclinical data suggest that an appropriately timed sequential treatment of BRAFV600 mutant melanoma with vemurafenib and adoptive T-cell transfer might result in synergistic antineoplastic effects owing to an increased immunogenicity of cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Donia
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy; Department of Haematology; Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev; Herlev, Denmark ; Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Catania; Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abraham E, Ahmadian BB, Holderness K, Levinson Y, McAfee E. Platforms for Manufacturing Allogeneic, Autologous and iPSC Cell Therapy Products: An Industry Perspective. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 165:323-350. [PMID: 28534167 DOI: 10.1007/10_2017_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
As cell therapy processes mature from benchtop research protocols to industrial processes capable of manufacturing market-relevant numbers of doses, new cell manufacturing platforms are required. Here we give an overview of the platforms and technologies currently available to manufacture allogeneic cell products, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and technologies for mass production of autologous cell therapies via scale-out. These technologies include bioreactors, microcarriers, cell separation and cryopreservation equipment, molecular biology tools for iPSC generation, and single-use controlled-environment systems for autologous cell production. These platforms address the challenges of manufacturing cell products in greater numbers while maintaining process robustness and product quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eytan Abraham
- Research and Technology, Lonza, Walkersville, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Erika McAfee
- Research and Technology, Lonza, Walkersville, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang WC, Zhang ZQ, Li PP, Ma JY, Chen L, Qian HH, Shi LH, Yin ZF, Sun B, Zhang XF. Anti-tumor activity and mechanism of oligoclonal hepatocellular carcinoma tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in vivo and in vitro. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:1187-1194. [PMID: 31018748 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1599663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore a method for culturing hepatocellular carcinoma and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (HCC-TIL) and investigate the mechanism of TIL in killing tumors. Methods: The distribution of regulatory T cells (Treg) in HCC was detected by immunohistochemistry. Conventional TIL and oligoclonal TIL were isolated by the traditional method of enzyme digestion combined with mechanical treatment for whole HCC and micro HCC tissue block culturing method. MTT was used to compare the killing activity of TIL. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportion of CD8+ T cells and Treg cells in TIL. Tumor-bearing mice were established, and TIL adoptive immunotherapy was performed. Results: Treg cells were mainly distributed in the stroma of HCC. In vitro experiments showed oligoclonal TIL had higher cytotoxicity to tumor cells which negatively correlated with the proportion of Treg cells. In vivo experiments showed oligoclonal TIL had a higher anti-tumor effect. IFN-γ in peripheral blood and the positive rate of intratumoral lymphocytic infiltration in oligoclonal TIL group were both higher. TGF-β and IL-10 in peripheral blood and the positive rate of intratumoral FoxP3 and IL-17 were both lower than those in conventional TIL group. Conclusion: The oligoclonal TIL culture method could obtain TIL with higher purity, and cytotoxicity to tumor cells was associated with Treg cells. The oligoclonal TIL had cytotoxicity to autologous HCC cells and significant inhibitory effect on the growth of transplanted tumors. The mechanism might be associated with the inhibition of Treg cells proliferation, increase of IFN-γ secretion, and decrease of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-17 secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chao Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Zong-Qin Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China.,Department of Urology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Peng-Peng Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Jun-Yong Ma
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Lei Chen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Hai-Hua Qian
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Le-Hua Shi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Zheng-Feng Yin
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Bin Sun
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Xiao-Feng Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Adoptive cell transfer using autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in gynecologic malignancies. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 150:361-369. [PMID: 29803316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, the field of cancer immunotherapy has been entirely transformed by the development of new and more effective treatment modalities with impressive response rates and the prospect of long survival. One of the major breakthroughs is adoptive cell transfer (ACT) based on autologous T cells derived from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). TIL-based ACT is a highly personalized cancer treatment. T cells are harvested from autologous fresh tumor tissues, and after ex vivo activation and extensive expansion, are reinfused to patients. TIL-based therapies have only been offered in small phase I/II studies in a few centers given the highly specialized care required, the complexity of TIL production and the very intensive nature of the three-step treatment protocol. The treatment includes high-dose lymphodepleting chemotherapy, the infusion of the expanded and activated T cells and interleukin-2 (IL-2) injections to increase survival of the T cells. Despite the limited data on ACT, the small published studies consistently confirm an impressive clinical response rate of up to 50% in metastatic melanoma patients, including a significant proportion of patients with durable complete response. These remarkable results justify the need for larger clinical trials in other solid tumors, including gynecologic malignancies. In this review we provide an overview of the current clinical results, future applications of TIL-based ACT in gynecologic malignancies, and on risks and challenges associated with modern T cell therapy.
Collapse
|
13
|
Niyongere S, Saltos A, Gray JE. Immunotherapy combination strategies (non-chemotherapy) in non-small cell lung cancer. J Thorac Dis 2018; 10:S433-S450. [PMID: 29593889 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2017.12.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors enhance the activation and antitumor activity of the immune system, resulting in durable response rates in a select group of patients. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) inhibitors target the inhibitory interaction between CTLA4 and CD80 or CD86. Programmed death 1 (PD1) inhibitors target the interaction between PD1 receptors on T-cells and PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and PD-ligand 2, blocking the inhibitory signaling and resulting in activation of T-cell effector function. These therapeutic drugs were originally evaluated in patients with metastatic melanoma before expansion to all tumor types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with promising results. The PD1 inhibitors such as pembrolizumab have now received FDA approval in the first-line setting for patients with positive PD-L1 expression tumor types; however, only a portion of patients have shown objective and sustainable responses. To expand the number of patients with observed response to immunotherapeutic agents including patients with negative PD-L1 expression tumors, clinical trials are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of combination immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination immune checkpoint inhibitors with targeted therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been found to be a promising therapeutic drug class with sustainable response rates and a tolerable safety profile, and efforts continue to improve these drugs in patients with NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Niyongere
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL; University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Andreas Saltos
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL; University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jhanelle E Gray
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Song G, Chen M, Zhang Y, Cui L, Qu H, Zheng X, Wintermark M, Liu Z, Rao J. Janus Iron Oxides @ Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticle Tracer for Cell Tracking by Magnetic Particle Imaging. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:182-189. [PMID: 29232142 PMCID: PMC5995329 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b03829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Iron oxides nanoparticles tailored for magnetic particle imaging (MPI) have been synthesized, and their MPI signal intensity is three-times that of commercial MPI contrast (Ferucarbotran, also called Vivotrax) and seven-times that of MRI contrast (Feraheme) at the same Fe concentration. MPI tailored iron oxide nanoparticles were encapsulated with semiconducting polymers to produce Janus nanoparticles that possessed optical and magnetic properties for MPI and fluorescence imaging. Janus particles were applied to cancer cell labeling and in vivo tracking, and as few as 250 cells were imaged by MPI after implantation, corresponding to an amount of 7.8 ng of Fe. Comparison with MRI and fluorescence imaging further demonstrated the advantages of our Janus particles for MPI-super sensitivity, unlimited tissue penetration, and linear quantitativity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guosheng Song
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford, California, 94305-5484, USA
| | - Min Chen
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford, California, 94305-5484, USA
| | - Yanrong Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Neuroimaging and Neurointervention Division Stanford University Hospital 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Liyang Cui
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford, California, 94305-5484, USA
| | - Haibo Qu
- Department of Radiology, Neuroimaging and Neurointervention Division Stanford University Hospital 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xianchuang Zheng
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford, California, 94305-5484, USA
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Radiology, Neuroimaging and Neurointervention Division Stanford University Hospital 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zhuang Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Jianghong Rao
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford, California, 94305-5484, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Miller JS, Morishima C, McNeel DG, Patel MR, Kohrt HEK, Thompson JA, Sondel PM, Wakelee HA, Disis ML, Kaiser JC, Cheever MA, Streicher H, Creekmore SP, Waldmann TA, Conlon KC. A First-in-Human Phase I Study of Subcutaneous Outpatient Recombinant Human IL15 (rhIL15) in Adults with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 24:1525-1535. [PMID: 29203590 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Preclinical data established IL15 as a homeostatic factor and powerful stimulator of NK and CD8+ T-cell function, the basis for clinical testing.Experimental Design: A first-in-human outpatient phase I dose escalation trial of subcutaneous (SC) rhIL15 was conducted in refractory solid tumor cancer patients. Therapy consisted of daily (Monday-Friday) subcutaneous injections of rhIL15 for two consecutive weeks (10 total doses/cycle). Clinical response was assessed by RECIST. Pharmacokinetics of rhIL15 and immune biomarkers were evaluated.Results: Nineteen patients were treated with rhIL15 at dose levels of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mcg/kg/day. Fourteen patients completed ≥ 2 cycles of therapy that was well tolerated. One serious adverse event (SAE), grade 2 pancreatitis, required overnight hospitalization. Enrollment was halted after a patient receiving 3 mcg/kg/day developed a dose-limiting SAE of grade 3 cardiac chest pain associated with hypotension and increased troponin. No objective responses were observed; however, several patients had disease stabilization including a renal cell carcinoma patient who continued protocol treatment for 2 years. The treatment induced profound expansion of circulating NK cells, especially among the CD56bright subset. A proportional but less dramatic increase was found among circulating CD8+ T cells with maximal 3-fold expansion for the 2 and 3 mcg/kg patients.Conclusions: SC rhIL15 treatment was well tolerated, producing substantial increases in circulating NK and CD8+ T cells. This protocol establishes a safe outpatient SC rhIL15 regimen of 2 mcg/kg/day dosing amenable to self-injection and with potential as a combination immunotherapeutic agent. Clin Cancer Res; 24(7); 1525-35. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - John A Thompson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,National Cancer Institute/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Howard Streicher
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,National Cancer Institute/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Steven P Creekmore
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,National Cancer Institute/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,National Cancer Institute/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kevin C Conlon
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,National Cancer Institute/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Adoptive cell therapy with CD4 + T helper 1 cells and CD8 + cytotoxic T cells enhances complete rejection of an established tumour, leading to generation of endogenous memory responses to non-targeted tumour epitopes. Clin Transl Immunology 2017; 6:e160. [PMID: 29114389 PMCID: PMC5671987 DOI: 10.1038/cti.2017.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The results of adoptive T-cell therapies (ACTs) are very encouraging and show clinical evidence that ACT can provide a cure for patients with metastatic disease. However, various response rates and long-term cancer remission have been observed in different ACT trials. The types of T cells, prior treatment with chemotherapy and co-administration of other immune-target therapies have been found to influence the efficacy of ACT. In this study, we investigate the ability of ACT using CD4+ T helper 1 (Th1) cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to reject the growth of established B16-ovalbumin (OVA) melanoma. CD8+ CTLs were found to be the main effector T cells that mediated tumour regression. However, low tumour-free survival rates were observed in ACT with CD8+ CTLs only. Co-transferring CD4+ Th1 cells and CD8+ CTLs has been observed to induce a synergistic antitumour response, resulting in complete regression in 80% of the tumour-bearing mice. We also examined a prior Dacarbazine (DTIC) and after virus-like particle (VLP)-OVA vaccine treatment to enhance ACT, but no therapeutic benefit was observed during primary B16-OVA tumour growth. Nevertheless, the ACT-mediated antitumour response was able to generate memory responses to both B16-OVA and B16-gp33 tumours. VLP-OVA vaccination following ACT enhances the memory responses to tumours that express a heterogenic population of both B16-OVA and B16-gp33 cells; however, it abolished the memory response to tumours consisting of only gp33-expressing cells. These findings provide important information for designing therapeutic treatments for patients with metastatic disease and cancer relapse to achieve durable cancer remission.
Collapse
|
17
|
Ben-Ami E, Schachter J. Adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for melanoma: new players, old game. Immunotherapy 2016; 7:477-9. [PMID: 26065473 DOI: 10.2217/imt.15.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eytan Ben-Ami
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Melanoma, Division of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Jacob Schachter
- Ella Lemelbaum Institute for Melanoma, Division of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Caruso JP, Cohen-Inbar O, Bilsky MH, Gerszten PC, Sheehan JP. Stereotactic radiosurgery and immunotherapy for metastatic spinal melanoma. Neurosurg Focus 2015; 38:E6. [PMID: 25727228 DOI: 10.3171/2014.11.focus14716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The management of metastatic spinal melanoma involves maximizing local control, preventing recurrence, and minimizing treatment-associated toxicity and spinal cord damage. Additionally, therapeutic measures should promote mechanical stability, facilitate rehabilitation, and promote quality of life. These objectives prove difficult to achieve given melanoma's elusive nature, radioresistant and chemoresistant histology, vascular character, and tendency for rapid and early metastasis. Different therapeutic modalities exist for metastatic spinal melanoma treatment, including resection (definitive, debulking, or stabilization procedures), stereotactic radiosurgery, and immunotherapeutic techniques, but no single treatment modality has proven fully effective. The authors present a conceptual overview and critique of these techniques, assessing their effectiveness, separately and combined, in the treatment of metastatic spinal melanoma. They provide an up-to-date guide for multidisciplinary treatment strategies. Protocols that incorporate specific, goal-defined surgery, immunotherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery would be beneficial in efforts to maximize local control and minimize toxicity.
Collapse
|
19
|
Metastatic melanoma treatment: Combining old and new therapies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2015; 98:242-53. [PMID: 26616525 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive form of cancer characterised by poor prognosis and a complex etiology. Until 2010, the treatment options for metastatic melanoma were very limited. Largely ineffective dacarbazine, temozolamide or fotemustine were the only agents in use for 35 years. In recent years, the development of molecularly targeted inhibitors in parallel with the development of checkpoint inhibition immunotherapies has rapidly improved the outcomes for metastatic melanoma patients. Despite these new therapies showing initial promise; resistance and poor duration of response have limited their effectiveness as monotherapies. Here we provide an overview of the history of melanoma treatment, as well as the current treatments in development. We also discuss the future of melanoma treatment as we go beyond monotherapies to a combinatorial approach. Combining older therapies with the new molecular and immunotherapies will be the most promising way forward for treatment of metastatic melanoma.
Collapse
|
20
|
Donia M, Junker N, Ellebaek E, Andersen MH, Straten PT, Svane IM. Characterization and comparison of 'standard' and 'young' tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes for adoptive cell therapy at a Danish translational research institution. Scand J Immunol 2015; 75:157-67. [PMID: 21955245 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2011.02640.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with ex vivo expanded tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in combination with IL-2 is an effective treatment for metastatic melanoma. Modified protocols of cell expansion may allow the treatment of most enrolled patients and improve the efficacy of adoptively transferred cells. The aims of this study were to establish and validate the novel 'Young TIL' method at our institution and perform a head-to-head comparison of clinical-grade products generated with this protocol opposed to the conventional 'Standard TIL', which we are currently using in a pilot ACT trial for patients with melanoma. Our results confirm that 'Young TILs' display an earlier differentiation state, with higher CD27 and lower CD56 expression. In addition, CD8(+) TILs expressing CD27 had longer telomeres compared with the CD27(-). A recently described subset of NK cells, endowed with a high expression of CD56 (CD56(bright)), was detected for the first time in both types of cultures but at a higher frequency on Young TILs. Young and Standard TILs' reactivity against autologous tumours was similar, with significant expression of TNF-α/IFN-γ/CD107a by CD8(+) TILs detected in all cultures analysed. However, either slow expansion with high-dose IL-2 only or large numerical expansion with a rapid expansion protocol, which is required for current therapeutic protocols, significantly modified TIL phenotype by reducing the frequency of less differentiated, cancer-specific TILs. These studies further support the adoption of the Young TIL method in our current ACT trial and highlight the importance of continuous quality control of expansion protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Donia
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Haematology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, DenmarkDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - N Junker
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Haematology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, DenmarkDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - E Ellebaek
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Haematology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, DenmarkDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - M H Andersen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Haematology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, DenmarkDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - P T Straten
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Haematology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, DenmarkDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - I M Svane
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Haematology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, DenmarkDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Meir R, Shamalov K, Betzer O, Motiei M, Horovitz-Fried M, Yehuda R, Popovtzer A, Popovtzer R, Cohen CJ. Nanomedicine for Cancer Immunotherapy: Tracking Cancer-Specific T-Cells in Vivo with Gold Nanoparticles and CT Imaging. ACS NANO 2015; 9:6363-72. [PMID: 26039633 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b01939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Application of immune cell-based therapy in routine clinical practice is challenging due to the poorly understood mechanisms underlying success or failure of treatment. Development of accurate and quantitative imaging techniques for noninvasive cell tracking can provide essential knowledge for elucidating these mechanisms. We designed a novel method for longitudinal and quantitative in vivo cell tracking, based on the superior visualization abilities of classical X-ray computed tomography (CT), combined with state-of-the-art nanotechnology. Herein, T-cells were transduced to express a melanoma-specific T-cell receptor and then labeled with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as a CT contrast agent. The GNP-labeled T-cells were injected intravenously to mice bearing human melanoma xenografts, and whole-body CT imaging allowed examination of the distribution, migration, and kinetics of T-cells. Using CT, we found that transduced T-cells accumulated at the tumor site, as opposed to nontransduced cells. Labeling with gold nanoparticles did not affect T-cell function, as demonstrated both in vitro, by cytokine release and proliferation assays, and in vivo, as tumor regression was observed. Moreover, to validate the accuracy and reliability of the proposed cell tracking technique, T-cells were labeled both with green fluorescent protein for fluorescence imaging, and with GNPs for CT imaging. A remarkable correlation in signal intensity at the tumor site was observed between the two imaging modalities, at all time points examined, providing evidence for the accuracy of our CT cell tracking abilities. This new method for cell tracking with CT offers a valuable tool for research, and more importantly for clinical applications, to study the fate of immune cells in cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rinat Meir
- †Faculty of Engineering and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Katerina Shamalov
- ‡Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Oshra Betzer
- †Faculty of Engineering and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Menachem Motiei
- †Faculty of Engineering and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Miryam Horovitz-Fried
- ‡Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Ronen Yehuda
- §The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Aron Popovtzer
- ∥Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqwa 49100, Israel
| | - Rachela Popovtzer
- †Faculty of Engineering and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Cyrille J Cohen
- ‡Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sharpe M, Mount N. Genetically modified T cells in cancer therapy: opportunities and challenges. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:337-50. [PMID: 26035842 PMCID: PMC4381333 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours use many strategies to evade the host immune response, including downregulation or weak immunogenicity of target antigens and creation of an immune-suppressive tumour environment. T cells play a key role in cell-mediated immunity and, recently, strategies to genetically modify T cells either through altering the specificity of the T cell receptor (TCR) or through introducing antibody-like recognition in chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have made substantial advances. The potential of these approaches has been demonstrated in particular by the successful use of genetically modified T cells to treat B cell haematological malignancies in clinical trials. This clinical success is reflected in the growing number of strategic partnerships in this area that have attracted a high level of investment and involve large pharmaceutical organisations. Although our understanding of the factors that influence the safety and efficacy of these therapies has increased, challenges for bringing genetically modified T-cell immunotherapy to many patients with different tumour types remain. These challenges range from the selection of antigen targets and dealing with regulatory and safety issues to successfully navigating the routes to commercial development. However, the encouraging clinical data, the progress in the scientific understanding of tumour immunology and the improvements in the manufacture of cell products are all advancing the clinical translation of these important cellular immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Sharpe
- Cell Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Natalie Mount
- Cell Therapy Catapult, 12th Floor Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Li J, Chen QY, He J, Li ZL, Tang XF, Chen SP, Xie CM, Li YQ, Huang LX, Ye SB, Ke ML, Tang LQ, Liu H, Zhang L, Guo SS, Xia JC, Zhang XS, Zheng LM, Guo X, Qian CN, Mai HQ, Zeng YX. Phase I trial of adoptively transferred tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte immunotherapy following concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e976507. [PMID: 25949875 DOI: 10.4161/23723556.2014.976507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) for cancers using autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can induce immune responses and antitumor activity in metastatic melanoma patients. Here, we aimed to assess the safety and antitumor activity of ACT using expanded TILs following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Twenty-three newly diagnosed, locoregionally advanced NPC patients were enrolled, of whom 20 received a single-dose of TIL infusion following CCRT. All treated patients were assessed for toxicity, survival and clinical and immunologic responses. Correlations between immunological responses and treatment effectiveness were further studied. Only mild adverse events (AEs), including Grade 3 neutropenia (1/23, 5%) consistent with immune-related causes, were observed. Nineteen of 20 patients exhibited an objective antitumor response, and 18 patients displayed disease-free survival longer than 12 mo after ACT. A measurable plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) load was detected in 14 patients at diagnosis, but a measurable EBV load was not found in patients after one week of ACT, and the plasma EBV load remained undetectable in 17 patients at 6 mo after ACT. Expansion and persistence of T cells specific for EBV antigens in peripheral blood following TIL therapy were observed in 13 patients. The apparent positive correlation between tumor regression and the expansion of T cells specific for EBV was further investigated in four patients. This study shows that NPC patients can tolerate ACT with TILs following CCRT and that this treatment results in sustained antitumor activity and anti-EBV immune responses. A larger phase II trial is in progress.
Collapse
Key Words
- ACT, adoptive cell therapy
- CCRT, concurrent chemoradiotherapy
- CR, complete response
- DFS, disease-free survival, EBNA1
- EBV, Epstein–Barr virus
- EBV-CTLs, EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells
- ELISPOT, enzyme-linked immunospot
- Epstein–Barr virus nuclear antigen 1
- FACS, fluorescence-activated cell sorting
- GMP, good manufacturing practices
- LMP1, latent membrane protein-1
- LMP2, latent membrane protein-2
- NPC, nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- PBMCs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- PD, progressive disease
- PR, partial response
- REP, rapid expansion protocol
- SFCs, spot-forming cells
- TILs, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
- adoptive cell therapy
- nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiu-Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
| | - Jia He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Ze-Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Miao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Imaging Diagnostic and Interventional Center; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Xi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Bio Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao-La Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin-Quan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
| | - Huai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
| | - Shan-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
| | - Jian-Chuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Shi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Min Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Biotherapy; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
| | - Chao-Nan Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
| | - Hai-Qiang Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
| | - Yi-Xin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China ; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center ; Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Laky K, Evans S, Perez-Diez A, Fowlkes BJ. Notch signaling regulates antigen sensitivity of naive CD4+ T cells by tuning co-stimulation. Immunity 2015; 42:80-94. [PMID: 25607460 PMCID: PMC4314725 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2014.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive immune responses begin when naive CD4(+) T cells engage peptide+major histocompatibility complex class II and co-stimulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Notch signaling can influence effector functions in differentiated CD4(+) T helper and T regulatory cells. Whether and how ligand-induced Notch signaling influences the initial priming of CD4(+) T cells has not been addressed. We have found that Delta Like Ligand 4 (DLL4)-induced Notch signaling potentiates phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K)-dependent signaling downstream of the T cell receptor+CD28, allowing naive CD4(+) T cells to respond to lower doses of antigen. In vitro, DLL4-deficient APCs were less efficient stimulators of CD4(+) T cell activation, metabolism, proliferation, and cytokine secretion. With deletion of DLL4 from CD11c(+) APCs in vivo, these deficits translated to an impaired ability to mount an effective CD4(+)-dependent anti-tumor response. These data implicate Notch signaling as an important regulator of adaptive immune responses.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- CD28 Antigens/metabolism
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Carcinoma/immunology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Female
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/genetics
- Male
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Peptide Fragments/metabolism
- Receptor Cross-Talk
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Notch/genetics
- Receptors, Notch/immunology
- Receptors, Notch/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Tumor Burden/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Laky
- T Cell Development Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sharron Evans
- T Cell Development Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ainhoa Perez-Diez
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - B J Fowlkes
- T Cell Development Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rotte A, Bhandaru M, Zhou Y, McElwee KJ. Immunotherapy of melanoma: Present options and future promises. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2015; 34:115-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s10555-014-9542-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
26
|
Svane IM, Verdegaal EM. Achievements and challenges of adoptive T cell therapy with tumor-infiltrating or blood-derived lymphocytes for metastatic melanoma: what is needed to achieve standard of care? Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:1081-91. [PMID: 25099366 PMCID: PMC11028895 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1580-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) based on autologous T cell derived either from tumor as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or from peripheral blood is developing as a key area of future personalized cancer therapy. TIL-based ACT is defined as the infusion of T cells harvested from autologous fresh tumor tissues after ex vivo activation and extensive expansion. TIL-based ACT has so far only been tested in smaller phase I/II studies, but these studies consistently confirm an impressive clinical response rate of up to 50 % in metastatic melanoma including a significant proportion of patients with durable complete tumor eradication. These remarkable results justify the need for a definitive phase III trial documenting the efficacy of this type of T cell-based Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product in order to pave the way for regulatory approval and implementation of TIL therapy as a new treatment standard in oncology practice. TIL-based ACT can, however, only be offered to a limited group of patients based on the need for accessible tumor tissue, the complexity of TIL production procedures, and the very intensive nature of this three-step treatment including both high-dose chemotherapy and interleukin-2 in addition to T cell infusion. To this end, adoptive T cell therapy using peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived T cells could be a welcome alternative to circumvent these limitations and broaden up the applicability of ACT. Here, we discuss current initiatives in this focused research review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inge Marie Svane
- Department of Haematology and Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT), University of Copenhagen, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730, Herlev, Denmark,
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yoshikawa T, Takahara M, Tomiyama M, Nieda M, Maekawa R, Nakatsura T. Large-scale expansion of γδ T cells and peptide-specific cytotoxic T cells using zoledronate for adoptive immunotherapy. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:1847-56. [PMID: 25189159 PMCID: PMC4203331 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific cellular immunotherapy for cancer requires efficient generation and expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that recognize tumor-associated antigens. However, it is difficult to isolate and expand functionally active T-cells ex vivo. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a new method to induce expansion of antigen-specific CTLs for adoptive immunotherapy. We used tumor-associated antigen glypican-3 (GPC3)-derived peptide and cytomegalovirus (CMV)-derived peptide as antigens. Treatment of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with zoledronate is a method that enables large-scale γδ T-cell expansion. To induce expansion of γδ T cells and antigen-specific CTLs, the PBMCs of healthy volunteers or patients vaccinated with GPC3 peptide were cultured with both peptide and zoledronate for 14 days. The expansion of γδ T cells and peptide-specific CTLs from a few PBMCs using zoledronate yields cell numbers sufficient for adoptive transfer. The rate of increase of GPC3-specific CTLs was approximately 24- to 170,000-fold. These CD8+ cells, including CTLs, showed GPC3-specific cytotoxicity against SK-Hep-1/hGPC3 and T2 pulsed with GPC3 peptide, but not against SK-Hep-1/vec and T2 pulsed with human immunodeficiency virus peptide. On the other hand, CD8− cells, including γδ T cells, showed cytotoxicity against SK-Hep-1/hGPC3 and SK-Hep-1/vec, but did not show GPC3 specificity. Furthermore, adoptive cell transfer of CD8+ cells, CD8− cells, and total cells after expansion significantly inhibited tumor growth in an NOD/SCID mouse model. This study indicates that simultaneous expansion of γδ T cells and peptide-specific CTLs using zoledronate is useful for adoptive immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Yoshikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan
| | | | - Mai Tomiyama
- Medinet Medical Institute, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0096, Japan
| | - Mie Nieda
- Medinet Medical Institute, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0096, Japan
| | - Ryuji Maekawa
- Medinet Medical Institute, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0096, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nakatsura
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
|
29
|
Chicaybam L, Bonamino MH. Moving Receptor Redirected Adoptive Cell Therapy Toward Fine Tuning of Antitumor Responses. Int Rev Immunol 2014; 33:402-16. [DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2014.917412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
30
|
Giese C, Marx U. Human immunity in vitro - solving immunogenicity and more. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 69-70:103-22. [PMID: 24447895 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It has been widely recognised that the phylogenetic distance between laboratory animals and humans limits the former's predictive value for immunogenicity testing of biopharmaceuticals and nanostructure-based drug delivery and adjuvant systems. 2D in vitro assays have been established in conventional culture plates with little success so far. Here, we detail the status of various 3D approaches to emulate innate immunity in non-lymphoid organs and adaptive immune response in human professional lymphoid immune organs in vitro. We stress the tight relationship between the necessarily changing architecture of professional lymphoid organs at rest and when activated by pathogens, and match it with the immunity identified in vitro. Recommendations for further improvements of lymphoid tissue architecture relevant to the development of a sustainable adaptive immune response in vitro are summarized. In the end, we sketch a forecast of translational innovations in the field to model systemic innate and adaptive immunity in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Uwe Marx
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Biotechnology, Department Medical Biotechnology, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Shah DJ, Dronca RS. Latest advances in chemotherapeutic, targeted, and immune approaches in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Mayo Clin Proc 2014; 89:504-19. [PMID: 24684873 PMCID: PMC4034544 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer owing to its metastatic potential and is an important public health concern. The melanoma incidence has been increasing worldwide. Although potentially curable when diagnosed early, metastatic melanoma carries a poor prognosis. Until recently, systemic therapy for metastatic melanoma was ineffective, but the recent successes in the development of new therapies for metastatic melanoma, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitors, anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway blocking antibodies, as well as combination strategies of cytotoxic chemotherapy and inhibitors of angiogenesis, have all yielded promising results, changing the continually evolving landscape of therapeutic options for patients with this disease. The aim of this review was to summarize the evolution of and recent advances in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive PubMed search between January 1, 1960, and February 1, 2014, using the search term melanoma or metastatic melanoma combined with terms such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, adoptive T cell, targeted therapy, MAPK, molecular biology, and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darshil J Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, MI.
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Rooke R. Can calcium signaling be harnessed for cancer immunotherapy? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2014; 1843:2334-40. [PMID: 24524821 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2014.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Experimental evidence shows the importance of the immune system in controlling tumor appearance and growth. Immunotherapy is defined as the treatment of a disease by inducing, enhancing or suppressing an immune response. In the context of cancer treatment, it involves breaking tolerance to a cancer-specific self-antigen and/or enhancing the existing anti-tumor immune response, be it specific or not. Part of the complexity in developing such treatment is that cancers are selected to escape adaptive or innate immune responses. These escape mechanisms are numerous and they may cumulate in one cancer. Moreover, different cancers of a same type may present different combinations of escape mechanisms. The limited success of immunotherapeutics in the clinic as stand-alone products may in part be explained by the fact that most of them only activate one facet of the immune response. It is important to identify novel methods to broaden the efficacy of immunotherapeutics. Calcium signaling is central to numerous cellular processes, leading to immune responses, cancer growth and apoptosis induced by cancer treatments. Calcium signaling in cancer therapy and control will be integrated to current cancer immunotherapy approaches. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Calcium Signaling in Health and Disease. Guest Editors: Geert Bultynck, Jacques Haiech, Claus W. Heizmann, Joachim Krebs, and Marc Moreau.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Rooke
- Transgene SA, 400Bd Gonthier d'Andernach, Parc d'Innovation, CS80166, 67405 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kalinski P, Muthuswamy R, Urban J. Dendritic cells in cancer immunotherapy: vaccines and combination immunotherapies. Expert Rev Vaccines 2013; 12:285-95. [PMID: 23496668 DOI: 10.1586/erv.13.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized immunostimulatory cells involved in the induction and regulation of immune responses. The feasibility of large-scale ex vivo generation of DCs from patients' monocytes allows for therapeutic application of ex vivo-cultured DCs to bypass the dysfunction of endogenous DCs, restore immune surveillance, induce cancer regression or stabilization or delay or prevent its recurrence. While the most common paradigm of the therapeutic application of DCs reflects their use as cancer 'vaccines', additional and potentially more effective possibilities include the use of patients' autologous DCs as parts of more comprehensive therapies involving in vivo or ex vivo induction of tumor-reactive T cells and the measures to counteract systemic and local immunosuppression in tumor-bearing hosts. Ex vivo-cultured DCs can be instructed to acquire distinct functions relevant for the induction of effective cancer immunity (DC polarization), such as the induction of different effector functions or different homing properties of tumor-specific T cells (delivery of 'signal 3' and 'signal 4'). These considerations highlight the importance of the application of optimized conditions for the ex vivo culture of DCs and the potential combination of DC therapies with additional immune interventions to facilitate the entry of DC-induced T cells to tumor tissues and their local antitumor functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Kalinski
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Turcotte S, Gros A, Hogan K, Tran E, Hinrichs CS, Wunderlich JR, Dudley ME, Rosenberg SA. Phenotype and function of T cells infiltrating visceral metastases from gastrointestinal cancers and melanoma: implications for adoptive cell transfer therapy. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:2217-25. [PMID: 23904171 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can mediate cancer regression in patients with metastatic melanoma, but whether this approach can be applied to common epithelial malignancies remains unclear. In this study, we compared the phenotype and function of TILs derived from liver and lung metastases from patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers (n = 14) or melanoma (n = 42). Fewer CD3(+) T cells were found to infiltrate GI compared with melanoma metastases, but the proportions of CD8(+) cells, T cell differentiation stage, and expression of costimulatory molecules were similar for both tumor types. Clinical-scale expansion up to ~50 × 10(9) T cells on average was obtained for all patients with GI cancer and melanoma. From GI tumors, however, TIL outgrowth in high-dose IL-2 yielded 22 ± 1.4% CD3(+)CD8(+) cells compared with 63 ± 2.4% from melanoma (p < 0.001). IFN-γ ELISA demonstrated MHC class I-mediated reactivity of TIL against autologous tumor in 5 of 7 GI cancer patients tested (9% of 188 distinct TIL cultures) and in 9 of 10 melanoma patients (43% of 246 distinct TIL cultures). In these assays, MHC class I-mediated up-regulation of CD137 (4-1BB) expression on CD8(+) cells suggested that 0-3% of TILs expanded from GI cancer metastases were tumor-reactive. This study implies that the main challenge to the development of TIL adoptive cell transfer for metastatic GI cancers may not be the in vitro expansion of bulk TILs, but the ability to select and enrich for tumor-reactive T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Turcotte
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Better understanding of the underlying principles of tumor biology and immunology, enhanced by recent insights into the mechanisms of immune recognition, regulation, and tumor escape has provided new approaches for cancer immunotherapy. This article reviews the current status and future directions of cancer immunotherapy, with a focus on the recent encouraging results from immune-modulating antibodies and adoptive cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumito Ito
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, 3410 Cancer Center/5932, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5932, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Extranodal induction of therapeutic immunity in the tumor microenvironment after intratumoral delivery of Tbet gene-modified dendritic cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2013; 20:469-77. [PMID: 23846252 PMCID: PMC3775601 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2013.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Murine dendritic cells (DC) transduced to express the Type-1 transactivator T-bet (i.e. mDC.Tbet) and delivered intratumorally as a therapy are superior to control wild-type DC in slowing the growth of established subcutaneous MCA205 sarcomas in vivo. Optimal antitumor efficacy of mDC.Tbet-based gene therapy was dependent on host natural killer (NK) cells and CD8(+) T cells, and required mDC.Tbet expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, but was independent of the capacity of the injected mDC.Tbet to produce proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-12 family members or interferon-γ) or to migrate to tumor-draining lymph nodes based on CCR7 ligand chemokine recruitment. Conditional (CD11c-DTR) or genetic (BATF3(-/-)) deficiency in host antigen-crosspresenting DC did not diminish the therapeutic action of intratumorally delivered wild-type mDC.Tbet. Interestingly, we observed that intratumoral delivery of mDC.Tbet (versus control mDC.Null) promoted the acute infiltration of NK cells and naive CD45RB(+) T cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME) in association with elevated expression of NK- and T-cell-recruiting chemokines by mDC.Tbet. When taken together, our data support a paradigm for extranodal (cross)priming of therapeutic Type-1 immunity in the TME after intratumoral delivery of mDC.Tbet-based gene therapy.
Collapse
|
37
|
Cintolo JA, Gimotty P, Blair A, Guerry D, Elder DE, Hammond R, Elenitsas R, Xu X, Fraker D, Schuchter LM, Czerniecki BJ, Karakousis G. Local immune response predicts survival in patients with thick (t4) melanomas. Ann Surg Oncol 2013; 20:3610-7. [PMID: 23838911 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-3086-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and histological regression in primary melanoma are generally considered indicators of the local immune response but their roles as prognostic factors have been variably reported. We examined the prognostic role of these variables in patients with high risk (T4) primary melanomas in a large series of patients with long-term follow-up. METHODS From a prospectively maintained cohort of patients diagnosed between 1971 and 2004, 161 patients were retrospectively identified with primary thick melanomas (>4 mm), no clinical evidence of regional nodal disease (RND) at diagnosis and complete histopathologic data. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were performed to identify clinical and histopathologic predictors of disease-specific survival (DSS) and to identify subgroups with differential survival. RESULTS Factors significantly associated with decreased DSS by univariate analysis included male gender, age ≥ 60 years, axial anatomic location, presence of ulceration, RND, absence of TIL, and presence of regression. In the final multivariate model, TIL and regression, as interacting variables, and RND status remained significantly associated with DSS. In the presence of TIL, concomitant regression was associated with significantly worse survival (p ≤ 0.0001). In the absence of TIL, there was no effect of regression on survival (p = 0.324). CONCLUSIONS Primary TIL and regression status and RND status are independently associated with melanoma-specific survival in patients with T4 melanomas; presence of TIL in the primary melanoma with concomitant radial growth phase regression is associated with a poor prognosis and may reflect an ineffective local regional immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Cintolo
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Turksma AW, Bontkes HJ, Ruizendaal JJ, Scholten KBJ, Akershoek J, Rampersad S, Moesbergen LM, Cillessen SAGM, Santegoets SJAM, de Gruijl TD, Leemans CR, Meijer CJLM, Hooijberg E. Exploring dendritic cell based vaccines targeting survivin for the treatment of head and neck cancer patients. J Transl Med 2013; 11:152. [PMID: 23787039 PMCID: PMC3695847 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-11-152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background New treatment modalities are needed for the treatment of cancers of the head and neck region (HNSCC). Survivin is important for the survival and proliferation of tumor cells and may therefore provide a target for immunotherapy. Here we focused on the ex vivo presence and in vitro induction of survivin specific T cells. Methods Tetramer staining and ELIspot assays were used to document the presence of survivin specific T cells in patient derived material, and to monitor the presence and persistence of survivin specific T cells after repeated in vitro stimulation with autologous dendritic cells. Results Ex vivo analysis showed the presence of survivin-specific T cells in the peripheral blood (by tetramer analysis) and in the draining lymph node (by ELIspot analysis) in a HNSCC and a locally advanced breast cancer patient respectively. However, we were unable to maintain isolated survivin specific T cells for prolonged periods of time. For the in vitro generation of survivin specific T cells, monocyte derived DC were electroporated with mRNA encoding full length survivin or a survivin mini-gene together with either IL21 or IL12 mRNA. Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining of dendritic cell cytospin preparations confirmed translation of the full length survivin protein. After repeated stimulation we observed an increase, followed by a decrease, of the number of survivin specific T cells. FACS sorted or limiting dilution cloned survivin specific T cells could not be maintained on feeder mix for prolonged periods of time. Protein expression analysis subsequently showed that activated, but not resting T cells contain survivin protein. Conclusions Here we have shown that survivin specific T cells can be detected ex vivo in patient derived material. Furthermore, survivin specific T cells can be induced in vitro using autologous dendritic cells with enforced expression of survivin and cytokines. However, we were unable to maintain enriched or cloned survivin specific T cells for prolonged periods of time. Endogenous expression of survivin in activated T cells and subsequent fratricide killing might explain our in vitro observations. We therefore conclude that survivin, although it is a universal tumor antigen, might not be the ideal target for immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer of the head and neck.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies W Turksma
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hombach AA, Abken H. Young T Cells Age During a Redirected Anti-Tumor Attack: Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Provided Dual Costimulation is Half the Battle. Front Immunol 2013; 4:135. [PMID: 23761793 PMCID: PMC3672777 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T cells showed spectacular efficacy in the treatment of leukemia in recent early phase trials. Patient’s T cells were ex vivo genetically engineered with a CAR, amplified and re-administered to the patient. While T cells mediating the primary response were predominantly of young effector and central memory phenotype, repetitive antigen engagement irreversible triggers T cell maturation leaving late memory cells with the KLRG1+ CD57+ CD7− CCR7− phenotype in the long-term. These cells preferentially accumulate in the periphery, are hypo-responsive upon TCR engagement and prone to activation-induced cell death. A recent report indicates that those T cells can be rescued by CAR provided CD28 and OX40 (CD134) stimulation. We discuss the strategy with respect to prolong the anti-tumor response and to improve the over-all efficacy of adoptive cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany ; Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Tang X, Liu T, Zang X, Liu H, Wang D, Chen H, Zhang B. Adoptive cellular immunotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62847. [PMID: 23667530 PMCID: PMC3647060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), as one of the most immunogenic tumors has been the focus of adoptive cellular immunotherapy (ACI), but the effects of ACI on objective response and survival in patients with mRCC are still controversial. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to address this issue. Methods A search was conducted in the PubMed database for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with ACI in mRCC. All included articles in this study were assessed according to the selection criteria and were divided into two groups: ACI versus no ACI. Outcomes were toxicity, objective response, 1-, 3- and 5-year survival. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was measured by value of I2 or P. Results 4 studies (469 patients) were included. Most of ACI-related adverse reactions were grade 1 or 2 and reversible. ACI provided significant benefit in terms of objective response (RR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.38; P = 0.007, I2 = 49%), 1-year survival (RR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.52; P = 0.0008, I2 = 0%), 3-year survival (RR = 2.76; 95% CI, 1.85 to 4.14; P<0.00001, I2 = 46%) and 5-year survival (RR = 2.42; 95% CI, 1.21 to 4.83; P = 0.01, I2 = 28%). Conclusions ACI may be a safe and effective treatment for improving objective response, 1-, 3- and 5-year survival in patients with mRCC. Besides, five obstacles for ACI, including high degree of personalization, unsuitable WHO/RECIST response criteria, inadequate identification of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), lack of effective combination treatments and less attention paid to the quality of ACI products, should be overcome during the successful development of more potent ACI for cancer in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Tang
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefeng Zang
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Military Postgraduate Medical College, General Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Danhong Wang
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Chen
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (HC); (BZ)
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (HC); (BZ)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
T-cell receptor affinity and avidity defines antitumor response and autoimmunity in T-cell immunotherapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:6973-8. [PMID: 23576742 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1221609110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells expressing antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) can mediate effective tumor regression, but they often also are accompanied by autoimmune responses. To determine the TCR affinity threshold defining the optimal balance between effective antitumor activity and autoimmunity in vivo, we used a unique self-antigen system comprising seven human melanoma gp100(209-217)-specific TCRs spanning physiological affinities (1-100 μM). We found that in vitro and in vivo T-cell responses are determined by TCR affinity, except in one case that was compensated by substantial CD8 involvement. Strikingly, we found that T-cell antitumor activity and autoimmunity are closely coupled but plateau at a defined TCR affinity of 10 µM, likely due to diminished contribution of TCR affinity to avidity above the threshold. Together, these results suggest that a relatively low-affinity threshold is necessary for the immune system to avoid self-damage, given the close relationship between antitumor activity and autoimmunity. The low threshold, in turn, indicates that adoptive T-cell therapy treatment strategies using in vitro-generated high-affinity TCRs do not necessarily improve efficacy.
Collapse
|
42
|
Hombach AA, Chmielewski M, Rappl G, Abken H. Adoptive Immunotherapy with Redirected T Cells Produces CCR7− Cells That Are Trapped in the Periphery and Benefit from Combined CD28-OX40 Costimulation. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 24:259-69. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas A. Hombach
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Chmielewski
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Gunter Rappl
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and Department I Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) is arguably the most effective treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma. With higher response rates than ipilimumab or IL-2, and longer durations of response than vemurafenib, TIL therapy carries the potential to transform current outcomes in melanoma, while also defining the way cell-based immunotherapy gets incorporated into mainstream cancer treatment. This paper will review the current state of TIL therapy in melanoma, the strategies to improve its efficacy, the current obstacles, and future directions to expand the availability of TIL to the general patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Bridle BW, Chen L, Lemay CG, Diallo JS, Pol J, Nguyen A, Capretta A, He R, Bramson JL, Bell JC, Lichty BD, Wan Y. HDAC inhibition suppresses primary immune responses, enhances secondary immune responses, and abrogates autoimmunity during tumor immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2013; 21:887-94. [PMID: 23295947 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) can modulate innate antiviral responses and render tumors more susceptible to oncolytic viruses (OVs); however, their effects on adaptive immunity in this context are largely unknown. Our present study reveals an unexpected property of the HDACi MS-275 that enhances viral vector-induced lymphopenia leading to selective depletion of bystander lymphocytes and regulatory T cells while allowing expansion of antigen-specific secondary responses. Coadministration of vaccine plus drug during the boosting phase focuses the immune response on the tumor by suppressing the primary immune response against the vaccine vector and enhancing the secondary response against the tumor antigen. Furthermore, improvement of T cell functionality was evident suggesting that MS-275 can orchestrate a complex array of effects that synergize immunotherapy and viral oncolysis. Surprisingly, while MS-275 dramatically enhanced efficacy, it suppressed autoimmune pathology, profoundly improving the therapeutic index.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byram W Bridle
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Morse MA, Osada T, Hobeika A, Patel S, Lyerly HK. Biomarkers and correlative endpoints for immunotherapy trials. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2013:0011300287. [PMID: 23714525 DOI: 10.14694/edbook_am.2013.33.e287] [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: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies for lung cancer are reaching phase III clinical trial, but the ultimate success likely will depend on developing biomarkers to guide development and choosing patient populations most likely to benefit. Because the immune response to cancer involves multiple cell types and cytokines, some spatially and temporally separated, it is likely that multiple biomarkers will be required to fully characterize efficacy of the vaccine and predict eventual benefit. Peripheral blood markers of response, such as the ELISPOT assay and cytokine flow cytometry analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells following immunotherapy, remain the standard approach, but it is increasingly important to obtain tissue to study the immune response at the site of the tumor. Earlier clinical endpoints such as response rate and progression-free survival do not correlate with overall survival demonstrated for some immunotherapies, suggesting the need to develop other intermediary clinical endpoints. Insofar as all these biomarkers and surrogate endpoints are relevant in multiple malignancies, it may be possible to extrapolate findings to immunotherapy of lung cancer.
Collapse
|
46
|
Shapira-Frommer R, Schachter J. Adoptive immunotherapy of advanced melanoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2012; 13:340-53. [PMID: 22864561 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-012-0203-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has emerged as an effective therapy for patients with metastatic melanoma. Since the first introduction of the protocol in 1988 [1], major improvements have been achieved with response rates of 40%-72% among patients who were resistant to previous treatment lines. Both cell product and conditioning regimen are major determinants of treatment efficacy; therefore, developing ACT protocols explore diverse ways to establish autologous intra-tumoral lymphocyte cultures or peripheral effector cells as well as different lymphodepleting regimens. While a proof of feasibility and a proof of concept had been established with previous published results, ACT will need to move beyond single-center experiences, to confirmatory, multi-center studies. If ACT is to move into widespread practice, it will be necessary to develop reproducible high quality cell production methods and accepted lymphodepleting regimen. Two new drugs, ipilimumab (Yervoy, Bristol-Myers Squibb) and vemurafenib (Zelboraf, Roche), were approved in 2011 for the treatment of metastatic melanoma based on positive phase III trials. Both drugs show a clear overall survival benefit, so the timing of when to use ACT will need to be carefully thought out. In contrast to these 2 new, commercially available outpatient treatments, ACT is a personally-specified product and labor-intensive therapy that demands both acquisition of high standard laboratory procedures and close clinical inpatient monitoring during treatment. It is unique among other anti-melanoma treatments, providing the potential for a durable response following a single, self-limited treatment. This perspective drives the efforts to make this protocol accessible for more patients and to explore modifications that may optimize treatment results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Shapira-Frommer
- Ella Institute for the Treatment and Research of Melanoma, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Cellular therapies for cancer are showing increasing efficacy but their introduction as a 'standard of care' for these disorders is hampered by technical, regulatory and financial concerns. This review identifies some of the major problems and suggests potential solutions.
Collapse
|
48
|
Ramakrishnan R, Huang C, Cho HI, Lloyd M, Johnson J, Ren X, Altiok S, Sullivan D, Weber J, Celis E, Gabrilovich DI. Autophagy induced by conventional chemotherapy mediates tumor cell sensitivity to immunotherapy. Cancer Res 2012; 72:5483-93. [PMID: 22942258 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-2236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy attenuates the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy but its effects on immunotherapy have been little studied. Here, we report that chemotherapy renders tumor cells more susceptible to lysis by CTL in vivo. Moreover, bystander tumor cells that did not express antigen were killed by CTL. This effect was mediated by transient but dramatic upregulation of the mannose-6-phosphate receptor (MPR) on the tumor cell surface. Antitumor effects of combined treatment related to the kinetics of MPR upregulation and abrogation of this event abolished the combined effect of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. MPR accumulation on the tumor cell surface during chemotherapy was observed in different mouse tumor models and in patients with multiple myeloma. Notably, this effect was the result of redistribution of the receptor caused by chemotherapy-inducible autophagy. Together, our findings reveal one molecular mechanism through which the antitumor effects of conventional cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy are realized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rupal Ramakrishnan
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kaluza KM, Kottke T, Diaz RM, Rommelfanger D, Thompson J, Vile R. Adoptive transfer of cytotoxic T lymphocytes targeting two different antigens limits antigen loss and tumor escape. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:1054-64. [PMID: 22734672 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An antitumor T-cell response can lead to tumor control without clearing all tumor cells. As long as residual tumor cells remain, there is a constant risk of escape from that T-cell response. We previously showed that adoptive transfer of anti-ova OT-I T cells into B16ova-bearing mice led to tumor regression followed by escape of tumors that had lost the ova gene, rendering the OT-I T cells ineffective. In this study, we hypothesized that simultaneous transfer of cytotoxic T lymphocytes targeted against two independent antigens would reduce selection for single-antigen-loss cells, thereby limiting tumor escape. Using OT-I and Pmel T cells to treat B16ova tumors, we found that early cotransfer could prevent tumor emergence in most mice, whereas neither T-cell specificity alone was able to do so. When combined with total body irradiation for the treatment of larger 7-day tumors, cotransfer was also better at limiting tumor recurrence, and the tumors that did escape combination therapy continued to express both target antigens. As adoptively transferred T cells also persisted in vivo, even in mice with recurrent tumors, we hypothesized that restimulation of these antitumor T cells would prolong survival of mice with recurrent tumors. Consistent with this hypothesis, administration of a low-dose regimen of cyclophosphamide following tumor escape slowed tumor growth in mice that had previously received T-cell therapy, but not in control-treated mice, an effect that was associated with increased activation of T cells in vitro by low- but not high-dose cyclophosphamide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Kaluza
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Adoptive T-cell therapy using autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for metastatic melanoma: current status and future outlook. Cancer J 2012; 18:160-75. [PMID: 22453018 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0b013e31824d4465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy using autologous T cells has emerged to be a powerful treatment option for patients with metastatic melanoma. These include the adoptive transfer of autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), T cells transduced with high-affinity T cell receptors against major tumor antigens, and T cells transduced with chimeric antigen receptors composed of hybrid immunoglobulin light chains with endodomains of T-cell signaling molecules. Among these and other options for T-cell therapy, TILs together with high-dose interleukin 2 have had the longest clinical history with multiple clinical trials in centers across the world consistently demonstrating durable clinical response rates near 50% or more. A distinct advantage of TIL therapy making it still the T-cell therapy of choice is the broad nature of the T-cell recognition against both defined and undefined tumors antigens against all possible major histocompatibility complex, rather than the single specificity and limited major histocompatibility complex coverage of the newer T cell receptors and chimeric antigen receptor transduction technologies. In the past decade, significant inroads have been made in defining the phenotypes of T cells in TIL-mediating tumor regression. CD8+ T cells are emerging to be critical, although the exact subset of CD8+ T cells exhibiting the highest clinical activity in terms of memory and effector markers is still controversial. We present a model in which both effector-memory and more differentiated effector T cells ultimately may need to cooperate to mediate long-term tumor control in responding patients. Although TIL therapy has shown great potential to treat metastatic melanoma, a number of issues have emerged that need to be addressed to bring it more into the mainstream of melanoma care. First, we have a reached the point where a pivotal phase II or phase III trial is needed in an attempt to gain regulatory approval of TILs as standard of care. Second, improvements in how we expand TILs for therapy are needed that minimize the time the T cells are in culture and improve the memory and effector characteristics of the T cells for longer persistence and enhanced anti-tumor activity in vivo. Third, there is a critical need to identify surrogate and predictive biomarkers to better select suitable patients for TIL therapy to improve response rate and duration. Overall, the outlook for TIL therapy for melanoma is very bright. We predict that TILs will indeed emerge to become an approved treatment in the upcoming years through pivotal clinical trials. Moreover, new approaches combining TILs with targeted signaling pathway drugs, such as mutant B-RAF inhibitors, and synergistic immunomodulatory interventions enhancing T-cell costimulation and preventing negative regulation should further increase therapeutic efficacy and durable complete response rates.
Collapse
|