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Walseng E, Wang B, Yang C, Patel P, Zhao C, Zhang H, Zhao P, Mazor Y. Conformation-selective rather than avidity-based binding to tumor associated antigen derived peptide-MHC enables targeting of WT1-pMHC low expressing cancer cells by anti-WT1-pMHC/CD3 T cell engagers. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275304. [PMID: 38022650 PMCID: PMC10667733 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell engagers, a category of T cell-retargeting immunotherapy, are rapidly transforming clinical cancer care. However, the lack of tumor-specific targets poses a significant roadblock for broad adaptation of this therapeutic modality in many indications, often resulting in systemic on-target off-tumor toxicity. Though various tumor-derived intracellular mutations provide a massive pool of potential tumor-specific antigens, targeting them is extremely challenging, partly due to the low copy number of tumor associated antigen (TAA)-derived pMHC on tumor cell surface. Further, the interplay of binding geometry and format valency in relation to the capacity of a T cell engager to efficiently target low density cell-surface pMHC is not well understood. Using the Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) oncoprotein as a proof-of-principle TAA, combined with an array of IgG-like T cell engager modalities that differ in their anti-TAA valency and binding geometry, we show that the ability to induce an immunological synapse formation, resulting in potent killing of WT1 positive cancer cell lines is primarily dependent on the distinct geometrical conformations between the Fab arms of anti-WT1-HLA-A*02:01 and anti-CD3. The augmented avidity conferred by the binding of two anti-WT1-HLA-A*02:01 Fab arms has only minimal influence on cell killing potency. These findings demonstrate the need for careful examination of key design parameters for the development of next-generation T cell engagers targeting low density TAA-pMHCs on tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yariv Mazor
- Biologics Engineering, Biopharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
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2
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Kroll KT, Mata MM, Homan KA, Micallef V, Carpy A, Hiratsuka K, Morizane R, Moisan A, Gubler M, Walz AC, Marrer-Berger E, Lewis JA. Immune-infiltrated kidney organoid-on-chip model for assessing T cell bispecific antibodies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305322120. [PMID: 37603766 PMCID: PMC10467620 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305322120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell bispecific antibodies (TCBs) are the focus of intense development for cancer immunotherapy. Recently, peptide-MHC (major histocompatibility complex)-targeted TCBs have emerged as a new class of biotherapeutics with improved specificity. These TCBs simultaneously bind to target peptides presented by the polymorphic, species-specific MHC encoded by the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele present on target cells and to the CD3 coreceptor expressed by human T lymphocytes. Unfortunately, traditional models for assessing their effects on human tissues often lack predictive capability, particularly for "on-target, off-tumor" interactions. Here, we report an immune-infiltrated, kidney organoid-on-chip model in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) along with nontargeting (control) or targeting TCB-based tool compounds are circulated under flow. The target consists of the RMF peptide derived from the intracellular tumor antigen Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) presented on HLA-A2 via a bivalent T cell receptor-like binding domain. Using our model, we measured TCB-mediated CD8+ T cell activation and killing of RMF-HLA-A2-presenting cells in the presence of PBMCs and multiple tool compounds. DP47, a non-pMHC-targeting TCB that only binds to CD3 (negative control), does not promote T cell activation and killing. Conversely, the nonspecific ESK1-like TCB (positive control) promotes CD8+ T cell expansion accompanied by dose-dependent T cell-mediated killing of multiple cell types, while WT1-TCB* recognizing the RMF-HLA-A2 complex with high specificity, leads solely to selective killing of WT1-expressing cells within kidney organoids under flow. Our 3D kidney organoid model offers a platform for preclinical testing of cancer immunotherapies and investigating tissue-immune system interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina T. Kroll
- Harvard University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA02138
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA02115
| | - Mariana M. Mata
- Harvard University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA02138
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA02115
| | - Kimberly A. Homan
- Harvard University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA02138
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA02115
- Complex in vitro Systems, Safety Assessment, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA94080
| | - Virginie Micallef
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, BaselCH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Alejandro Carpy
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, MunichDE-82377, Germany
| | - Ken Hiratsuka
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Ryuji Morizane
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Annie Moisan
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, BaselCH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Gubler
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, BaselCH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Antje-Christine Walz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, BaselCH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Estelle Marrer-Berger
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, BaselCH-4070, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer A. Lewis
- Harvard University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA02138
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA02115
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3
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Chen C, Liu X, Chang CY, Wang HY, Wang RF. The Interplay between T Cells and Cancer: The Basis of Immunotherapy. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051008. [PMID: 37239368 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising approaches to cancer treatment. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has resulted in impressive and durable clinical responses in the treatment of various cancers. Additionally, immunotherapy utilizing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells has produced robust responses in blood cancers, and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells are showing promising results in the treatment of solid cancers. Despite these noteworthy advancements in cancer immunotherapy, numerous challenges remain. Some patient populations are unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and CAR T cell therapy has yet to show efficacy against solid cancers. In this review, we first discuss the significant role that T cells play in the body's defense against cancer. We then delve into the mechanisms behind the current challenges facing immunotherapy, starting with T cell exhaustion due to immune checkpoint upregulation and changes in the transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes of dysfunctional T cells. We then discuss cancer-cell-intrinsic characteristics, including molecular alterations in cancer cells and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which collectively facilitate tumor cell proliferation, survival, metastasis, and immune evasion. Finally, we examine recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy, with a specific emphasis on T-cell-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Chen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Che-Yu Chang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Helen Y Wang
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Rong-Fu Wang
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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4
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Facile repurposing of peptide-MHC-restricted antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Biotechnol 2023:10.1038/s41587-022-01567-w. [PMID: 36593402 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01567-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (Abs) that recognize major histocompatability complex (MHC)-presented tumor antigens in a manner similar to T cell receptors (TCRs) have great potential as cancer immunotherapeutics. However, isolation of 'TCR-mimic' (TCRm) Abs is laborious because Abs have not evolved the structurally nuanced peptide-MHC restriction of αβ-TCRs. Here, we present a strategy for rapid isolation of highly peptide-specific and 'MHC-restricted' Abs by re-engineering preselected Abs that engage peptide-MHC in a manner structurally similar to that of conventional αβ-TCRs. We created structure-based libraries focused on the peptide-interacting residues of TCRm Ab complementarity-determining region (CDR) loops, and rapidly generated MHC-restricted Abs to both mouse and human tumor antigens that specifically killed target cells when formatted as IgG, bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) and chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T). Crystallographic analysis of one selected pMHC-restricted Ab revealed highly peptide-specific recognition, validating the engineering strategy. This approach can yield tumor antigen-specific antibodies in several weeks, potentially enabling rapid clinical translation.
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5
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Gerber HP, Presta LG. TCR mimic compounds for pHLA targeting with high potency modalities in oncology. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1027548. [PMID: 36338746 PMCID: PMC9635445 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1027548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
pHLA complexes represent the largest class of cell surface markers on cancer cells, making them attractive for targeted cancer therapies. Adoptive cell therapies expressing TCRs that recognize tumor specific pHLAs take advantage of the unique selectivity and avidity of TCR: pHLA interactions. More recently, additional protein binding domains binding to pHLAs, known as TCR mimics (TCRm), were developed for tumor targeting of high potency therapeutic modalities, including bispecifics, ADCs, CAR T and -NK cells. TCRm compounds take advantage of the exquisite tumor specificity of certain pHLA targets, including cell lineage commitment markers and cancer testis antigens (CTAs). To achieve meaningful anti-tumor responses, it is critical that TCRm compounds integrate both, high target binding affinities and a high degree of target specificity. In this review, we describe the most advanced approaches to achieve both criteria, including affinity- and specificity engineering of TCRs, antibodies and alternative protein scaffolds. We also discuss the status of current TCRm based therapeutics developed in the clinic, key challenges, and emerging trends to improve treatment options for cancer patients treated with TCRm based therapeutics in Oncology.
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6
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Liu C, Liu H, Dasgupta M, Hellman LM, Zhang X, Qu K, Xue H, Wang Y, Fan F, Chang Q, Yu D, Ge L, Zhang Y, Cui Z, Zhang P, Heller B, Zhang H, Shi B, Baker BM, Liu C. Validation and promise of a TCR mimic antibody for cancer immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12068. [PMID: 35840635 PMCID: PMC9287321 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies are at the vanguard of the most promising cancer treatments. Whereas traditional therapeutic antibodies have been limited to extracellular antigens, T cell receptor mimic (TCRm) antibodies can target intracellular antigens presented by cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. TCRm antibodies can therefore target a repertoire of otherwise undruggable cancer antigens. However, the consequences of off-target peptide/MHC recognition with engineered T cell therapies are severe, and thus there are significant safety concerns with TCRm antibodies. Here we explored the specificity and safety profile of a new TCRm-based T cell therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a solid tumor for which no effective treatment exists. We targeted an alpha-fetoprotein peptide presented by HLA-A*02 with a highly specific TCRm, which crystallographic structural analysis showed binds directly over the HLA protein and interfaces with the full length of the peptide. We fused the TCRm to the γ and δ subunits of a TCR, producing a signaling AbTCR construct. This was combined with an scFv/CD28 co-stimulatory molecule targeting glypican-3 for increased efficacy towards tumor cells. This AbTCR + co-stimulatory T cell therapy showed potent activity against AFP-positive cancer cell lines in vitro and an in an in vivo model and undetectable activity against AFP-negative cells. In an in-human safety assessment, no significant adverse events or cytokine release syndrome were observed and evidence of efficacy was seen. Remarkably, one patient with metastatic HCC achieved a complete remission after nine months and ultimately qualified for a liver transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Moumita Dasgupta
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Lance M Hellman
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Xiaogang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Kai Qu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui Xue
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yun Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fenling Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qi Chang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Duo Yu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Linhu Ge
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Ziyou Cui
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Pengbo Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Bradley Heller
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Bingyin Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA.
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7
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Rettko NJ, Campisi J, Wells JA. Engineering Antibodies Targeting p16 MHC-Peptide Complexes. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:545-555. [PMID: 35212540 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Senescent cells undergo a permanent cell cycle arrest and drive a host of age-related pathologies. Recent transgenic mouse models indicate that removing cells expressing the senescence marker p16Ink4a (p16) can increase median lifespan and delay the onset of many aging phenotypes. However, identifying and eliminating native human cells expressing p16 has remained a challenge. We hypothesize that senescent cells display peptides derived from p16 in major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide complexes on the cell surface that could serve as targetable antigens for antibody-based biologics. Using Fab-phage display technology, we generated antibodies that bind to a p16 MHC-peptide complex from the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele HLA-B*35:01. When converted to single-chain Fab chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs, these antibodies can recognize naturally presented p16 MHC-peptide complexes on the surface of cells and activate Jurkat cells. Furthermore, we developed antibodies against predicted p16 MHC-peptide complexes for HLA-A*02:01 that specifically recognize their respective antigen on the surface of cells. These tools establish a platform to survey the surface of senescent cells and provide a potential novel senolytic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Rettko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Judith Campisi
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California 94945, United States
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - James A. Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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8
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Jin S, Sun Y, Liang X, Gu X, Ning J, Xu Y, Chen S, Pan L. Emerging new therapeutic antibody derivatives for cancer treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:39. [PMID: 35132063 PMCID: PMC8821599 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00868-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies constitute a promising class of targeted anticancer agents that enhance natural immune system functions to suppress cancer cell activity and eliminate cancer cells. The successful application of IgG monoclonal antibodies has inspired the development of various types of therapeutic antibodies, such as antibody fragments, bispecific antibodies, and antibody derivatives (e.g., antibody–drug conjugates and immunocytokines). The miniaturization and multifunctionalization of antibodies are flexible and viable strategies for diagnosing or treating malignant tumors in a complex tumor environment. In this review, we summarize antibodies of various molecular types, antibody applications in cancer therapy, and details of clinical study advances. We also discuss the rationale and mechanism of action of various antibody formats, including antibody–drug conjugates, antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates, bispecific/multispecific antibodies, immunocytokines, antibody fragments, and scaffold proteins. With advances in modern biotechnology, well-designed novel antibodies are finally paving the way for successful treatments of various cancers, including precise tumor immunotherapy, in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Jin
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanping Sun
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiangtao Ning
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuqing Chen
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China. .,Department of Precision Medicine on Tumor Therapeutics, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, 311200, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Liqiang Pan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China. .,The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, 310003, Hangzhou, China.
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9
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Kyi C, Doubrovina E, Zhou Q, Kravetz S, Iasonos A, Aghajanian C, Sabbatini P, Spriggs D, O'Reilly RJ, O'Cearbhaill RE. Phase I dose escalation safety and feasibility study of autologous WT1-sensitized T cells for the treatment of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002752. [PMID: 34433633 PMCID: PMC8388302 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This phase I dose escalation trial evaluated the feasibility of production, safety, maximum tolerated dose, and preliminary efficacy of autologous T cells sensitized with peptides encoding Wilms’ tumor protein 1 (WT1) administered alone or following lymphodepleting chemotherapy, in the treatment of patients with recurrent WT1+ ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinomas. Methods A 3+3 dose escalation design was used to determine dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). In cohort I, patients received WT1-sensitized T cells dosed at 5×106/m2 (level I) without cyclophosphamide lymphodepletion. In cohorts II–IV, patients received lymphodepleting chemotherapy (a single intravenous dose of cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2), 2 days prior to the first intravenous infusion of WT1-sensitized T cells administered at escalating doses (2×107/m2 (level II), 5×107/m2 (level III), and 1×108/m2 (level IV)). Results Twelve patients aged 23–72 years, with a median of 7 prior therapies (range 4–14), were treated on the study. No DLT was observed, even at the highest dose level of 1×108/m2 WT1-sensitized T cells tested. Common adverse events reported were grade 1–2 fatigue, fever, nausea, and headache. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 1.8 months (95% CI, 0.8 to 2.6); 1 year PFS rate 8.3% (95% CI, 0.5 to 31.1). Median overall survival (OS) was 11.0 months (95% CI, 1.1 to 22.6); OS at 1 year was 41.7% (95% CI, 15.2% to 66.5%). Best response was stable disease in one patient (n=1) and progressive disease in the others (n=11). We observed a transient increase in the frequencies of WT1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors (CTLp) in the peripheral blood of 9 of the 12 patients following WT1-sensitized T-cell infusion. Conclusion We demonstrated the safety of administration of WT1-sensitized T cells and the short-term increase in the WT1 CTLp. However, at the low doses evaluated we did not observe therapeutic activity in recurrent ovarian cancer. In this heavily pretreated population, we encountered challenges in generating sufficient numbers of WT1-reactive cytotoxic T cells. Future studies employing WT1-specific T cells generated from lymphocytes are warranted but should be done earlier in the disease course and prior to intensive myelosuppressive therapy. Trial registration number NCT00562640. One-sentence summary The authors describe the first human application of autologous WT1-sensitized T cells in the treatment of patients with recurrent ovarian, primary peritoneal, and fallopian tube carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrisann Kyi
- Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Qin Zhou
- Epidemiology-Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sara Kravetz
- Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexia Iasonos
- Epidemiology-Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carol Aghajanian
- Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul Sabbatini
- Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Roisin E O'Cearbhaill
- Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA .,Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.,National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
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10
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Targeting intracellular WT1 in AML with a novel RMF-peptide-MHC specific T-cell bispecific antibody. Blood 2021; 138:2655-2669. [PMID: 34280257 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020010477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based immunotherapy is a promising strategy for targeting chemo-resistant leukemic cells. However, classical antibody-based approaches are restricted to targeting lineage-specific cell-surface antigens. By targeting intracellular antigens, a large number of other leukemia-associated targets would become accessible. In this study, we evaluated a novel T-cell bispecific (TCB) antibody, generated using CrossMab and knob-into-holes technology, containing a bivalent T-cell receptor-like binding domain that recognizes the RMFPNAPYL peptide derived from the intracellular tumor antigen Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) in the context of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) A*02. Binding to CD3ε recruits T cells irrespective of their T-cell receptor specificity. WT1-TCB elicited antibody-mediated T-cell cytotoxicity against AML cell lines in a WT1- and HLA-restricted manner. Specific lysis of primary AML cells was mediated in ex vivo long-term co-cultures utilizing allogenic (mean specific lysis: 67±6% after 13-14 days; ±SEM; n=18) or autologous, patient-derived T cells (mean specific lysis: 54±12% after 11-14 days; ±SEM; n=8). WT1-TCB-treated T cells exhibited higher cytotoxicity against primary AML cells than an HLA-A*02 RMF-specific T-cell clone. Combining WT1-TCB with the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide further enhanced antibody-mediated T-cell cytotoxicity against primary AML cells (mean specific lysis on day 3-4: 45.4±9.0% vs 70.8±8.3%; p=0.015; ±SEM; n=9-10). In vivo, WT1-TCB-treated humanized mice bearing SKM-1 tumors showed a significant and dose-dependent reduction in tumor growth. In summary, we show that WT1-TCB facilitates potent in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo killing of AML cell lines and primary AML cells; these results led to the initiation of a phase I trial in patients with r/r AML (NCT04580121).
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11
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Duan Z, Ho M. T-Cell Receptor Mimic Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1533-1541. [PMID: 34172530 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-based immunotherapies show clinical effectiveness in various cancer types. However, the target repertoire is limited to surface or soluble antigens, which are a relatively small percentage of the cancer proteome. Most proteins of the human proteome are intracellular. Short peptides from intracellular targets can be presented by MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules on cell surface, making them potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. Antibodies can be developed to target these peptide/MHC complexes, similar to the recognition of such complexes by the T-cell receptor (TCR). These antibodies are referred to as T-cell receptor mimic (TCRm) or TCR-like antibodies. Ongoing preclinical and clinical studies will help us understand their mechanisms of action and selection of target epitopes for immunotherapy. The present review will summarize and discuss the selection of intracellular antigens, production of the peptide/MHC complexes, isolation of TCRm antibodies for therapeutic applications, limitations of TCRm antibodies, and possible ways to advance TCRm antibody-based approaches into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Duan
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Engineering Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland. .,Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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12
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Lin CY, Chen SH, Tsai CL, Tang YH, Wu KY, Chao A. Intracellular targeting of STIP1 inhibits human cancer cell line growth. Transl Cancer Res 2021; 10:1313-1323. [PMID: 35116457 PMCID: PMC8799303 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-3333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular and cell-surface molecules remain the most common druggable cancer targets. However, intracellular therapeutic modalities are gaining momentum. The overexpression of stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), an adaptor protein that coordinates the functions of different chaperones in protein folding, has been reported in several solid malignancies. Here, we investigated the effects of intracellular STIP1 inhibition, attained either through the HEPES-mediated cytosolic delivery of anti-STIP1 antibodies or the use of a cell-penetrating signal-tagged peptide 520, in different human cancer cell lines and luciferase-expressing murine ovarian cancer cells (MOSEC/Luc) tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice. METHODS The effects of STIP1 in different human cell lines were determined by cell viability, cell cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis assays. Immunoblotting was used to assess the relevant proteins found in this study and tumor xenograft mice models were also employed. RESULTS Intracellular targeting of STIP1 inhibited cancer cell line growth and promoted caspase 3-dependent apoptotic cell death. Moreover, the intracellular delivery of anti-STIP1 antibodies facilitated the degradation of STIP1 and two of its client proteins, lysine-specific demethylase 1 and Janus kinase 2. In vivo studies demonstrated that survival of mice bearing experimental tumors was improved by administration of anti-STIP1 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the cytosolic inhibition of STIP1 in tumor cells is feasible and provides a solid basis for further investigation of STIP1 as an intracellular cancer target. Our findings demonstrate that cytosolic inhibition of STIP1 in tumor cells is feasible and provide a solid basis for further exploration of STIP1 as an intracellular cancer target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiao-Yun Lin
- Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan
| | - Shun-Hua Chen
- Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan.,Fooyin University School of Nursing, Kaohsiung
| | - Chia-Lung Tsai
- Genomic Medicine Research Core Laboratory, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan
| | - Yun-Hsin Tang
- Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan
| | - Kai-Yun Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan
| | - Angel Chao
- Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan
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13
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Jones HF, Molvi Z, Klatt MG, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Empirical and Rational Design of T Cell Receptor-Based Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2021; 11:585385. [PMID: 33569049 PMCID: PMC7868419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.585385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of T cells reactive with intracellular tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens has been a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapies in the past three decades, but the approach has been constrained by a limited understanding of the T cell receptor's (TCR) complex functions and specificities. Newer TCR and T cell-based approaches are in development, including engineered adoptive T cells with enhanced TCR affinities, TCR mimic antibodies, and T cell-redirecting bispecific agents. These new therapeutic modalities are exciting opportunities by which TCR recognition can be further exploited for therapeutic benefit. In this review we summarize the development of TCR-based therapeutic strategies and focus on balancing efficacy and potency versus specificity, and hence, possible toxicity, of these powerful therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather F. Jones
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Martin G. Klatt
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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14
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Abstract
In spite of the recent approval of new promising targeted therapies, the clinical outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains suboptimal, prompting the search for additional and synergistic therapeutic rationales. It is increasingly evident that the bone marrow immune environment of AML patients is profoundly altered, contributing to the severity of the disease but also providing several windows of opportunity to prompt or rewire a proficient antitumor immune surveillance. In this Review, we present current evidence on immune defects in AML, discuss the challenges with selective targeting of AML cells, and summarize the clinical results and immunologic insights from studies that are testing the latest immunotherapy approaches to specifically target AML cells (antibodies, cellular therapies) or more broadly reactivate antileukemia immunity (vaccines, checkpoint blockade). Given the complex interactions between AML cells and the many components of their environment, it is reasonable to surmise that the future of immunotherapy in AML lies in the rational combination of complementary immunotherapeutic strategies with chemotherapeutics or other oncogenic pathway inhibitors. Identifying reliable biomarkers of response to improve patient selection and avoid toxicities will be critical in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Vago
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, and
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Ivana Gojo
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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15
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Oh CY, Klatt MG, Bourne C, Dao T, Dacek MM, Brea EJ, Mun SS, Chang AY, Korontsvit T, Scheinberg DA. ALK and RET Inhibitors Promote HLA Class I Antigen Presentation and Unmask New Antigens within the Tumor Immunopeptidome. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1984-1997. [PMID: 31540894 PMCID: PMC6891198 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
T-cell immunotherapies are often thwarted by the limited presentation of tumor-specific antigens abetted by the downregulation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA). We showed that drugs inhibiting ALK and RET produced dose-related increases in cell-surface HLA in tumor cells bearing these mutated kinases in vitro and in vivo, as well as elevated transcript and protein expression of HLA and other antigen-processing machinery. Subsequent analysis of HLA-presented peptides after ALK and RET inhibitor treatment identified large changes in the immunopeptidome with the appearance of hundreds of new antigens, including T-cell epitopes associated with impaired peptide processing (TEIPP) peptides. ALK inhibition additionally decreased PD-L1 levels by 75%. Therefore, these oncogenes may enhance cancer formation by allowing tumors to evade the immune system by downregulating HLA expression. Altogether, RET and ALK inhibitors could enhance T-cell-based immunotherapies by upregulating HLA, decreasing checkpoint blockade ligands, and revealing new, immunogenic, cancer-associated antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Y Oh
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Martin G Klatt
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Christopher Bourne
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Megan M Dacek
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Elliott J Brea
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Sung Soo Mun
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Aaron Y Chang
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Tatyana Korontsvit
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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16
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Yang X, Xie S, Yang X, Cueva JC, Hou X, Tang Z, Yao H, Mo F, Yin S, Liu A, Lu X. Opportunities and Challenges for Antibodies against Intracellular Antigens. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:7792-7806. [PMID: 31695801 PMCID: PMC6831482 DOI: 10.7150/thno.35486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies are one most significant advances in immunotherapy, the development of antibodies against disease-associated MHC-peptide complexes led to the introduction of TCR-like antibodies. TCR-like antibodies combine the recognition of intracellular proteins with the therapeutic potency and versatility of monoclonal antibodies (mAb), offering an unparalleled opportunity to expand the repertoire of therapeutic antibodies available to treat diseases like cancer. This review details the current state of TCR-like antibodies and describes their production, mechanisms as well as their applications. In addition, it presents an insight on the challenges that they must overcome in order to become commercially and clinically validated.
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17
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Shen Y, Li YM, Zhou JJ, Zhou Z, Xu YC, Zhao WB, Chen SQ. The Antitumor Activity of TCR-Mimic Antibody-Drug Conjugates (TCRm-ADCs) Targeting the Intracellular Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1) Oncoprotein. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20163912. [PMID: 31408937 PMCID: PMC6720711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) oncoprotein is an intracellular oncogenic transcription factor which is barely expressed in normal adult tissues but over expressed in a variety of leukemias and solid cancers. WT1-derived HLA-A*02:01 T cell epitope, RMFPNAPYL (RMF), is a validated target for T cell-based immunotherapy. We generated two T cell receptor mimic antibody-drug conjugates (TCRm-ADCs), ESK-MMAE, and Q2L-MMAE, against WT1 RMF/HLA-A*02:01 complex with distinct affinities, which mediate specific antitumor activity. Although ESK-MMAE showed higher tumor growth inhibition ratio in vivo, the efficacy of them was not so promising, which might be due to low expression of peptide/HLA targets. Therefore, we explored a bispecific TCRm-ADC that exerted more potent tumor cytotoxicity compared with TCRm-ADCs. Hence, our findings validate the feasibility of the presenting intracellular peptides as the targets of ADCs, which broadens the antigen selection range of antibody-based drugs and provides new strategies for precision medicine in tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shen
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Biopharmaceutics & Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi-Ming Li
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Biopharmaceutics & Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhou
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Biopharmaceutics & Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhan Zhou
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Biopharmaceutics & Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ying-Chun Xu
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Biopharmaceutics & Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhao
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Biopharmaceutics & Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Shu-Qing Chen
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Biopharmaceutics & Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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18
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Targeting the MHC Ligandome by Use of TCR-Like Antibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:antib8020032. [PMID: 31544838 PMCID: PMC6640717 DOI: 10.3390/antib8020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are valuable as research reagents, in diagnosis and in therapy. Their high specificity, the ease in production, favorable biophysical properties and the opportunity to engineer different properties make mAbs a versatile class of biologics. mAbs targeting peptide–major histocompatibility molecule (pMHC) complexes are often referred to as “TCR-like” mAbs, as pMHC complexes are generally recognized by T-cell receptors (TCRs). Presentation of self- and non-self-derived peptide fragments on MHC molecules and subsequent activation of T cells dictate immune responses in health and disease. This includes responses to infectious agents or cancer but also aberrant responses against harmless self-peptides in autoimmune diseases. The ability of TCR-like mAbs to target specific peptides presented on MHC allows for their use to study peptide presentation or for diagnosis and therapy. This extends the scope of conventional mAbs, which are generally limited to cell-surface or soluble antigens. Herein, we review the strategies used to generate TCR-like mAbs and provide a structural comparison with the analogous TCR in pMHC binding. We further discuss their applications as research tools and therapeutic reagents in preclinical models as well as challenges and limitations associated with their use.
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19
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Dao T, Mun SS, Scott AC, Jarvis CA, Korontsvit T, Yang Z, Liu L, Klatt MG, Guerreiro M, Selvakumar A, Brea EJ, Oh C, Liu C, Scheinberg DA. Depleting T regulatory cells by targeting intracellular Foxp3 with a TCR mimic antibody. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:1570778. [PMID: 31143508 PMCID: PMC6527296 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1570778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Depletion of T regulatory cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment is a promising cancer immunotherapy strategy. Current approaches for depleting Tregs are limited by lack of specificity and concurrent depletion of anti-tumor effector T cells. The transcription factor forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) plays a central role in the development and function of Tregs and is an ideal target in Tregs, but Foxp3 is an intracellular, undruggable protein to date. We have generated a T cell receptor mimic antibody, "Foxp3-#32," recognizing a Foxp3-derived epitope in the context of HLA-A*02:01. The mAb Foxp3-#32 selectively recognizes CD4 + CD25 + CD127low and Foxp3 + Tregs also expressing HLA-A*02:01 and depletes these cells via antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity. Foxp3-#32 mAb depleted Tregs in xenografts of PBMCs from a healthy donor and ascites fluid from a cancer patient. A TCRm mAb targeting intracellular Foxp3 epitope represents an approach to deplete Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sung Soo Mun
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew C. Scott
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Casey A. Jarvis
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tatyana Korontsvit
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Martin G. Klatt
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manuel Guerreiro
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Annamalai Selvakumar
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elliott J. Brea
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claire Oh
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Xu Y, Salazar GT, Zhang N, An Z. T-cell receptor mimic (TCRm) antibody therapeutics against intracellular proteins. Antib Ther 2019; 2:22-32. [PMID: 33928218 PMCID: PMC7990144 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbz001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell receptor mimic (TCRm) antibodies combine the capacity of a T cell to target intracellular antigens with other capacities unique to antibodies. Neoantigens are abnormal proteins that arise as a consequence of somatic mutations. Technological advances promote the development of neoantigen-targeting therapies including TCRm antibody therapies. This review summarizes key characteristics of TCRm antibodies, in particular those targeting neoantigens, and further introduces discussion of obstacles that must be overcome to advance TCRm therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Xu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Georgina To'a Salazar
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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21
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Lowe DB, Bivens CK, Mobley AS, Herrera CE, McCormick AL, Wichner T, Sabnani MK, Wood LM, Weidanz JA. TCR-like antibody drug conjugates mediate killing of tumor cells with low peptide/HLA targets. MAbs 2018; 9:603-614. [PMID: 28273004 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2017.1302630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The currently marketed antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) destabilize microtubule assembly in cancer cells and initiate apoptosis in patients. However, few tumor antigens (TA) are expressed at high densities on cancer lesions, potentially minimizing the therapeutic index of current ADC regimens. The peptide/human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex can be specifically targeted by therapeutic antibodies (designated T cell receptor [TCR]-like antibodies) and adequately distinguish malignant cells, but has not been the focus of ADC development. We analyzed the killing potential of TCR-like ADCs when cross-linked to the DNA alkylating compound duocarmycin. Our data comprise proof-of-principle results that TCR-like ADCs mediate potent tumor cytotoxicity, particularly under common scenarios of low TA/HLA density, and support their continued development alongside agents that disrupt DNA replication. Additionally, TCR-like antibody ligand binding appears to play an important role in ADC functionality and should be addressed during therapy development to avoid binding patterns that negate ADC killing efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin B Lowe
- a Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology , School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Abilene , TX , USA
| | - Camille K Bivens
- a Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology , School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Abilene , TX , USA
| | - Alexis S Mobley
- a Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology , School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Abilene , TX , USA
| | - Christian E Herrera
- a Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology , School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Abilene , TX , USA
| | - Amanda L McCormick
- a Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology , School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Abilene , TX , USA
| | - Timea Wichner
- a Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology , School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Abilene , TX , USA
| | - Manoj K Sabnani
- b Department of Biology , College of Science, University of Texas at Arlington , Arlington , TX , USA
| | - Laurence M Wood
- a Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology , School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Abilene , TX , USA
| | - Jon A Weidanz
- b Department of Biology , College of Science, University of Texas at Arlington , Arlington , TX , USA
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22
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Harris DT, Hager MV, Smith SN, Cai Q, Stone JD, Kruger P, Lever M, Dushek O, Schmitt TM, Greenberg PD, Kranz DM. Comparison of T Cell Activities Mediated by Human TCRs and CARs That Use the Same Recognition Domains. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 200:1088-1100. [PMID: 29288199 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapies have achieved significant clinical responses, especially in hematopoietic cancers. Two types of receptor systems have been used to redirect the activity of T cells, normal heterodimeric TCRs or synthetic chimeric Ag receptors (CARs). TCRs recognize peptide-HLA complexes whereas CARs typically use an Ab-derived single-chain fragments variable that recognizes cancer-associated cell-surface Ags. Although both receptors mediate diverse effector functions, a quantitative comparison of the sensitivity and signaling capacity of TCRs and CARs has been limited due to their differences in affinities and ligands. In this study we describe their direct comparison by using TCRs that could be formatted either as conventional αβ heterodimers, or as single-chain fragments variable constructs linked to CD3ζ and CD28 signaling domains or to CD3ζ alone. Two high-affinity TCRs (KD values of ∼50 and 250 nM) against MART1/HLA-A2 or WT1/HLA-A2 were used, allowing MART1 or WT1 peptide titrations to easily assess the impact of Ag density. Although CARs were expressed at higher surface levels than TCRs, they were 10-100-fold less sensitive, even in the absence of the CD8 coreceptor. Mathematical modeling demonstrated that lower CAR sensitivity could be attributed to less efficient signaling kinetics. Furthermore, reduced cytokine secretion observed at high Ag density for both TCRs and CARs suggested a role for negative regulators in both systems. Interestingly, at high Ag density, CARs also mediated greater maximal release of some cytokines, such as IL-2 and IL-6. These results have implications for the next-generation design of receptors used in adoptive T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Marlies V Hager
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Sheena N Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Qi Cai
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Jennifer D Stone
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Philipp Kruger
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Lever
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Omer Dushek
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M Schmitt
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109; and
| | - Philip D Greenberg
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109; and.,Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - David M Kranz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801;
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23
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Schubert ML, Hoffmann JM, Dreger P, Müller-Tidow C, Schmitt M. Chimeric antigen receptor transduced T cells: Tuning up for the next generation. Int J Cancer 2017; 142:1738-1747. [PMID: 29119551 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has recently achieved impressive clinical outcome in patients with CD19-positive hematologic malignancies. Extrapolation of CAR T cell treatment to solid tumors, however, has not yet yielded similar results. This might be due to intrinsic causes, e.g. insufficient CAR T cell activation or CAR toxicity as well as extrinsic factors displaying an unfavorable tumor environment for CAR T cells by raising physical and chemical barriers. In this review, we discuss the advantages as well as major obstacles of CAR T cell therapy, particularly in the context of solid tumors, and focus on efforts and novel strategies in CAR T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Luisa Schubert
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jean-Marc Hoffmann
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Dreger
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)/National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)/National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schmitt
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)/National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
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24
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Goswami M, Hourigan CS. Novel Antigen Targets for Immunotherapy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Curr Drug Targets 2017; 18:296-303. [PMID: 25706110 DOI: 10.2174/1389450116666150223120005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was the first malignancy for which immunotherapy, in the form of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), was integrated into the standard of care. Allo-HSCT however is an imperfect therapy associated with significant morbidity and mortality while offering only incomplete prevention of AML clinical relapse. These limitations have motivated the search for AML-related antigens that might be used as more specific and effective targets of immunotherapy. While historically such investigations have focused on protein targets expressed uniquely in AML or at significantly higher levels than in normal tissues, this article will review recent discoveries which have identified a novel selection of potential antigen targets for AML immunotherapy, such as non-protein targets including lipids and carbohydrates, neo-antigens created from genetic somatic mutations or altered splicing and post-translational modification of protein targets, together with innovative ways to target overexpressed protein targets presented by cell surface peptide-MHC complexes. These novel antigens represent promising candidates for further development as targets of AML immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Goswami
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Room 6C-104, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1583, United States
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25
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Trenevska I, Li D, Banham AH. Therapeutic Antibodies against Intracellular Tumor Antigens. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1001. [PMID: 28868054 PMCID: PMC5563323 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies are among the most clinically effective drugs used to treat cancer. However, their target repertoire is limited as there are relatively few tumor-specific or tumor-associated cell surface or soluble antigens. Intracellular molecules represent nearly half of the human proteome and provide an untapped reservoir of potential therapeutic targets. Antibodies have been developed to target externalized antigens, have also been engineered to enter into cells or may be expressed intracellularly with the aim of binding intracellular antigens. Furthermore, intracellular proteins can be degraded by the proteasome into short, commonly 8-10 amino acid long, peptides that are presented on the cell surface in the context of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules. These tumor-associated peptide-MHC-I complexes can then be targeted by antibodies known as T-cell receptor mimic (TCRm) or T-cell receptor (TCR)-like antibodies, which recognize epitopes comprising both the peptide and the MHC-I molecule, similar to the recognition of such complexes by the TCR on T cells. Advances in the production of TCRm antibodies have enabled the generation of multiple TCRm antibodies, which have been tested in vitro and in vivo, expanding our understanding of their mechanisms of action and the importance of target epitope selection and expression. This review will summarize multiple approaches to targeting intracellular antigens with therapeutic antibodies, in particular describing the production and characterization of TCRm antibodies, the factors influencing their target identification, their advantages and disadvantages in the context of TCR therapies, and the potential to advance TCRm-based therapies into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Trenevska
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Demin Li
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alison H Banham
- Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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26
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Rafiq S, Purdon TJ, Daniyan AF, Koneru M, Dao T, Liu C, Scheinberg DA, Brentjens RJ. Optimized T-cell receptor-mimic chimeric antigen receptor T cells directed toward the intracellular Wilms Tumor 1 antigen. Leukemia 2017; 31:1788-1797. [PMID: 27924074 PMCID: PMC5495623 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are clinically effective in a limited set of leukemia patients. However, CAR T-cell therapy thus far has been largely restricted to targeting extracellular tumor-associated antigens (TAA). Herein, we report a T-cell receptor-mimic (TCRm) CAR, termed WT1-28z, that is reactive to a peptide portion of the intracellular onco-protein Wilms Tumor 1(WT1), as it is expressed on the surface of the tumor cell in the context of HLA-A*02:01. T cells modified to express WT1-28z specifically targeted and lysed HLA-A*02:01+ WT1+ tumors and enhanced survival of mice engrafted with HLA-A*02:01+, WT1+ leukemia or ovarian tumors. This in vivo functional validation of TCRm CAR T cells provides the proof-of-concept necessary to expand the range of TAA that can be effectively targeted for immunotherapy to include attractive intracellular targets, and may hold great potential to expand on the success of CAR T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rafiq
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - TJ Purdon
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - AF Daniyan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Koneru
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - T Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - DA Scheinberg
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - RJ Brentjens
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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27
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Mathias MD, Sockolosky JT, Chang AY, Tan KS, Liu C, Garcia KC, Scheinberg DA. CD47 blockade enhances therapeutic activity of TCR mimic antibodies to ultra-low density cancer epitopes. Leukemia 2017; 31:2254-2257. [PMID: 28745331 PMCID: PMC5628131 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M D Mathias
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - J T Sockolosky
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - A Y Chang
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - K S Tan
- Department of Statistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - K C Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - D A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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28
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Chang AY, Dao T, Gejman RS, Jarvis CA, Scott A, Dubrovsky L, Mathias MD, Korontsvit T, Zakhaleva V, Curcio M, Hendrickson RC, Liu C, Scheinberg DA. A therapeutic T cell receptor mimic antibody targets tumor-associated PRAME peptide/HLA-I antigens. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:2705-2718. [PMID: 28628042 PMCID: PMC5490756 DOI: 10.1172/jci92335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer-testis antigen that is expressed in many cancers and leukemias. In healthy tissue, PRAME expression is limited to the testes and ovaries, making it a highly attractive cancer target. PRAME is an intracellular protein that cannot currently be drugged. After proteasomal processing, the PRAME300-309 peptide ALYVDSLFFL (ALY) is presented in the context of human leukocyte antigen HLA-A*02:01 molecules for recognition by the T cell receptor (TCR) of cytotoxic T cells. Here, we have described Pr20, a TCR mimic (TCRm) human IgG1 antibody that recognizes the cell-surface ALY peptide/HLA-A2 complex. Pr20 is an immunological tool and potential therapeutic agent. Pr20 bound to PRAME+HLA-A2+ cancers. An afucosylated Fc form (Pr20M) directed antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against PRAME+HLA-A2+ leukemia cells and was therapeutically effective against mouse xenograft models of human leukemia. In some tumors, Pr20 binding markedly increased upon IFN-γ treatment, mediated by induction of the immunoproteasome catalytic subunit β5i. The immunoproteasome reduced internal destructive cleavages within the ALY epitope compared with the constitutive proteasome. The data provide rationale for developing TCRm antibodies as therapeutic agents for cancer, offer mechanistic insight on proteasomal regulation of tumor-associated peptide/HLA antigen complexes, and yield possible therapeutic solutions to target antigens with ultra-low surface presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Y. Chang
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
- Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology Program
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Ron S. Gejman
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
- Pharmacology Program, and
| | - Casey A. Jarvis
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Scott
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Leonid Dubrovsky
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Melissa D. Mathias
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Tatyana Korontsvit
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Victoriya Zakhaleva
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael Curcio
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Ronald C. Hendrickson
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
- Pharmacology Program, and
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Dao T, Korontsvit T, Zakhaleva V, Jarvis C, Mondello P, Oh C, Scheinberg DA. An immunogenic WT1-derived peptide that induces T cell response in the context of HLA-A*02:01 and HLA-A*24:02 molecules. Oncoimmunology 2016; 6:e1252895. [PMID: 28344864 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1252895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wilms' tumor oncogene protein (WT1) is a highly validated tumor antigen for immunotherapy. WT1-targeted immunotherapy has been extensively explored in multiple human trials in various cancers. However, clinical investigations using WT1 epitopes have generally focused on two peptides, HLA-restricted to HLA-A*02:01 or HLA-A*24:02. The goal of this study was to identify new epitopes derived from WT1, to expand the potential use of WT1 as a target of immunotherapy. Using computer-based MHC-binding algorithms and in vitro validation of the T cell responses specific for the identified peptides, we found that a recently identified HLA-A*24:02-binding epitope (239-247), NQMNLGATL (NQM), was also a strong CD8+ T cell epitope for HLA-A*02:01 molecule. A peptide second position Q240L substitution (NLM) or Q240Y substitution (NYM), further enhanced the T cell responses in both HLA-A*02:01 positive and HLA-A*24:02 positive healthy donors. Importantly, T cells stimulated with the new analog peptides displayed heteroclitic cross-reactivity with the native NQM sequence and were able to kill HLA-matched WT1-positive tumor cell lines and primary leukemia blasts. In addition, longer native and heteroclitic HLA-DR.B1-binding peptides, comprising the nine amino acid NQM or NLM sequences, could induce T cell response that recognized the CD8+ epitope NQM, suggesting the processing and the presentation by HLA-A*02:01 molecules of the CD8+ T cell epitope embedded within it. Our studies suggest that the analog peptides NLM and NYM could be potential candidates for future immunotherapy targeting WT1 positive cancers in the context of HLA-A*02:01 and A*24:02 positive populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute , New York, NY, USA
| | - Tatyana Korontsvit
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute , New York, NY, USA
| | - Victoria Zakhaleva
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute , New York, NY, USA
| | - Casey Jarvis
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute , New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrizia Mondello
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, NY, USA
| | - Claire Oh
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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30
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Brea EJ, Oh CY, Manchado E, Budhu S, Gejman RS, Mo G, Mondello P, Han JE, Jarvis CA, Ulmert D, Xiang Q, Chang AY, Garippa RJ, Merghoub T, Wolchok JD, Rosen N, Lowe SW, Scheinberg DA. Kinase Regulation of Human MHC Class I Molecule Expression on Cancer Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2016; 4:936-947. [PMID: 27680026 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-16-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-1) presents antigenic peptides to tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. The regulation of MHC-I by kinases is largely unstudied, even though many patients with cancer are receiving therapeutic kinase inhibitors. Regulators of cell-surface HLA amounts were discovered using a pooled human kinome shRNA interference-based approach. Hits scoring highly were subsequently validated by additional RNAi and pharmacologic inhibitors. MAP2K1 (MEK), EGFR, and RET were validated as negative regulators of MHC-I expression and antigen presentation machinery in multiple cancer types, acting through an ERK output-dependent mechanism; the pathways responsible for increased MHC-I upon kinase inhibition were mapped. Activated MAPK signaling in mouse tumors in vivo suppressed components of MHC-I and the antigen presentation machinery. Pharmacologic inhibition of MAPK signaling also led to improved peptide/MHC target recognition and killing by T cells and TCR-mimic antibodies. Druggable kinases may thus serve as immediately applicable targets for modulating immunotherapy for many diseases. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(11); 936-47. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott J Brea
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Claire Y Oh
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Eusebio Manchado
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
| | - Sadna Budhu
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
| | - Ron S Gejman
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - George Mo
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
| | - Patrizia Mondello
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
| | - James E Han
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Casey A Jarvis
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
| | - David Ulmert
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
| | - Qing Xiang
- RNAi Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
| | - Aaron Y Chang
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Ralph J Garippa
- RNAi Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
| | - Taha Merghoub
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
| | - Jedd D Wolchok
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.,Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York
| | - Neal Rosen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Scott W Lowe
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.,Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, New York
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, New York. .,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Abstract
Adoptive T-cell therapies have shown exceptional promise in the treatment of cancer, especially B-cell malignancies. Two distinct strategies have been used to redirect the activity of ex vivo engineered T cells. In one case, the well-known ability of the T-cell receptor (TCR) to recognize a specific peptide bound to a major histocompatibility complex molecule has been exploited by introducing a TCR against a cancer-associated peptide/human leukocyte antigen complex. In the other strategy, synthetic constructs called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that contain antibody variable domains (single-chain fragments variable) and signaling domains have been introduced into T cells. Whereas many reviews have described these two approaches, this review focuses on a few recent advances of significant interest. The early success of CARs has been followed by questions about optimal configurations of these synthetic constructs, especially for efficacy against solid tumors. Among the many features that are important, the dimensions and stoichiometries of CAR/antigen complexes at the synapse have recently begun to be appreciated. In TCR-mediated approaches, recent evidence that mutated peptides (neoantigens) serve as targets for endogenous T-cell responses suggests that these neoantigens may also provide new opportunities for adoptive T-cell therapies with TCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - David M Kranz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
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Abstract
The immune system evolved to distinguish non-self from self to protect the organism. As cancer is derived from our own cells, immune responses to dysregulated cell growth present a unique challenge. This is compounded by mechanisms of immune evasion and immunosuppression that develop in the tumour microenvironment. The modern genetic toolbox enables the adoptive transfer of engineered T cells to create enhanced anticancer immune functions where natural cancer-specific immune responses have failed. Genetically engineered T cells, so-called 'living drugs', represent a new paradigm in anticancer therapy. Recent clinical trials using T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or engineered T cell receptors (TCRs) have produced stunning results in patients with relapsed or refractory haematological malignancies. In this Review we describe some of the most recent and promising advances in engineered T cell therapy with a particular emphasis on what the next generation of T cell therapy is likely to entail.
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MESH Headings
- Antigen Presentation
- Antigens, CD19/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Costimulatory and Inhibitory T-Cell Receptors/genetics
- Costimulatory and Inhibitory T-Cell Receptors/immunology
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Forecasting
- Gene Editing
- Gene Transfer Techniques
- Genetic Engineering
- HLA Antigens/immunology
- Hematologic Neoplasms/immunology
- Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/trends
- Models, Immunological
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Syndrome
- T-Cell Antigen Receptor Specificity
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/transplantation
- Tumor Escape
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Fesnak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-5156, USA
| | - Carl H June
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-5156, USA
| | - Bruce L Levine
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-5156, USA
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Dubrovsky L, Brea EJ, Pankov D, Casey E, Dao T, Liu C, Scheinberg DA. Mechanisms of leukemia resistance to antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1211221. [PMID: 27757306 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1211221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific immunotherapy for acute leukemia remains a great unmet need. Native unmodified monoclonal antibody therapies, while promising, are inadequately effective for these malignancies, and multiple mechanisms for failure have been described. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or phagocytosis is the primary modality of mAb-mediated cell killing in vivo, but ultimately leads to relapse of the leukemias, in model systems and in humans. By use of a T-cell receptor mimic mAb ESKM, derived against a WT1 peptide expressed in complex with HLA-A*02:01, whose only mechanism of therapeutic action is ADCC, we evaluated the mechanisms of leukemic relapse from its potent therapeutic action in mouse xenograft models of human leukemia. Leukemia escape was not associated with loss of the antigenic target, downregulation of cell surface HLA, antibody pharmacokinetic or biodistribution issues, or development of leukemia cell-intrinsic resistance to ADCC. Interestingly, the rapidity of leukemic growth determined whether leukemia was able to evade cytotoxicity independent of the presence of sufficient effector cells. By engineering leukemia cells with upregulated p27Kip1 and slower cell cycling times, we show that relapse was inversely correlated with growth rates resulting in the eventual inadequacy of effector to target ratio. Moreover, lack of migration of effector cells into lymphomatous pockets of ALL also allowed local escape. Successful leukemia therapy with mAb might therefore be improved in similar situations by combination with measures to reduce burden and slow leukemia cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Dubrovsky
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elliott Joseph Brea
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dmitry Pankov
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA; Immunology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily Casey
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute , New York, NY, USA
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute , New York, NY, USA
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics , Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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Chang AY, Gejman RS, Brea EJ, Oh CY, Mathias MD, Pankov D, Casey E, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Opportunities and challenges for TCR mimic antibodies in cancer therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 16:979-87. [PMID: 27094818 PMCID: PMC4936943 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2016.1176138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are potent cancer therapeutic agents, but exclusively recognize cell-surface targets whereas most cancer-associated proteins are found intracellularly. Hence, potential cancer therapy targets such as over expressed self-proteins, activated oncogenes, mutated tumor suppressors, and translocated gene products are not accessible to traditional mAb therapy. An emerging approach to target these epitopes is the use of TCR mimic mAbs (TCRm) that recognize epitopes similar to those of T cell receptors (TCR). AREAS COVERED TCRm antigens are composed of a linear peptide sequence derived from degraded proteins and presented in the context of cell-surface MHC molecules. We discuss how the nature of the TCRm epitopes provides both advantages (absolute tumor specificity and access to a new universe of important targets) and disadvantages (low density, MHC restriction, MHC down-regulation, and cross-reactive linear epitopes) to conventional mAb therapy. We will also discuss potential solutions to these obstacles. EXPERT OPINION TCRm combine the specificity of TCR recognition with the potency, pharmacologic properties, and versatility of mAbs. The structure and presentation of a TCRm epitope has important consequences related to the choice of targets, mAb design, available peptides and MHC subtype restrictions, possible cross-reactivity, and therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Y. Chang
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, 10065
| | - Ron S. Gejman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, 10065
| | - Elliott J. Brea
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, 10065
| | - Claire Y. Oh
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, 10065
| | | | - Dmitry Pankov
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065
| | - Emily Casey
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065
| | - Tao Dao
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 10065
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, 10065
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35
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Xu H, Guo H, Cheung IY, Cheung NKV. Antitumor Efficacy of Anti-GD2 IgG1 Is Enhanced by Fc Glyco-Engineering. Cancer Immunol Res 2016; 4:631-8. [PMID: 27197064 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-15-0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The affinity of therapeutic antibodies for Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) strongly influences their antitumor potency. To generate antibodies with optimal binding and immunologic efficacy, we compared the affinities of different versions of an IgG1 Fc region that had an altered peptide backbone, altered glycans, or both. To produce IgG1 with glycans that lacked α1,6-fucose, we used CHO cells that were deficient in the enzyme UDP-N-acetylglucosamine: α-3-d-mannoside-β-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnT1), encoded by the MGAT1 gene. Mature N-linked glycans require this enzyme, and without it, CHO cells synthesize antibodies carrying only Man5-GlcNAc2, which were more effective in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Our engineered IgG1, hu3F8-IgG1, is specific for GD2, a neuroendocrine tumor ganglioside. Its peptide mutant is IgG1-DEL (S239D/I332E/A330L), both produced in wild-type CHO cells. When produced in GnT1-deficient CHO cells, we refer to them as IgG1n and IgG1n-DEL, respectively. Affinities for human FcγRs were measured using Biacore T-100 (on CD16 and CD32 polymorphic alleles), their immunologic properties compared for ADCC and complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) in vitro, and pharmacokinetics and antitumor effects were compared in vivo in humanized mice. IgG1n and IgG1n-DEL contained only mannose and acetylglucosamine and had preferential affinity for activating CD16s, over inhibitory CD32B, receptors. In vivo, the antitumor effects of IgG1, IgG1-DEL, and IgG1n-DEL were similar but modest, whereas IgG1n was significantly more effective (P < 0.05). Thus, IgG1n antibodies produced in GnT1-deficient CHO cells may have potential as improved anticancer therapeutics. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(7); 631-8. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Hongfen Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Irene Y Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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Zhang H, Ye ZL, Yuan ZG, Luo ZQ, Jin HJ, Qian QJ. New Strategies for the Treatment of Solid Tumors with CAR-T Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2016; 12:718-29. [PMID: 27194949 PMCID: PMC4870715 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.14405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent years, we have witnessed significant progresses in both basic and clinical studies regarding novel therapeutic strategies with genetically engineered T cells. Modification with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) endows T cells with tumor specific cytotoxicity and thus induce anti-tumor immunity against malignancies. However, targeting solid tumors is more challenging than targeting B-cell malignancies with CAR-T cells because of the histopathological structure features, specific antigens shortage and strong immunosuppressive environment of solid tumors. Meanwhile, the on-target/off-tumor toxicity caused by relative expression of target on normal tissues is another issue that should be reckoned. Optimization of the design of CAR vectors, exploration of new targets, addition of safe switches and combination with other treatments bring new vitality to the CAR-T cell based immunotherapy against solid tumors. In this review, we focus on the major obstacles limiting the application of CAR-T cell therapy toward solid tumors and summarize the measures to refine this new cancer therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- 1. Laboratory of Viral and Gene Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zhen-Long Ye
- 1. Laboratory of Viral and Gene Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zhen-Gang Yuan
- 1. Laboratory of Viral and Gene Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zheng-Qiang Luo
- 2. Xinyuan Institute of Medicine and Biotechnology College of Life Science, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Hua-Jun Jin
- 1. Laboratory of Viral and Gene Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qi-Jun Qian
- 1. Laboratory of Viral and Gene Therapy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China;; 2. Xinyuan Institute of Medicine and Biotechnology College of Life Science, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China;; 3. Ningbo NO.5 Hospital (Ningbo Cancer Hospital), Ningbo 315201, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Salter
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.,University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.,University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Ishii K, Barrett AJ. Novel immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of acute leukemia (myeloid and lymphoblastic). Ther Adv Hematol 2016; 7:17-39. [PMID: 26834952 PMCID: PMC4713888 DOI: 10.1177/2040620715616544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been major advances in our understanding of the multiple interactions between malignant cells and the innate and adaptive immune system. While the attention of immunologists has hitherto focused on solid tumors, the specific immunobiology of acute leukemias is now becoming defined. These discoveries have pointed the way to immune interventions building on the established graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect from hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT) and extending immunotherapy beyond HSCT to individuals with acute leukemia with a diversity of immune manipulations early in the course of the leukemia. At present, clinical results are in their infancy. In the coming years larger studies will better define the place of immunotherapy in the management of acute leukemias and lead to treatment approaches that combine conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy and HSCT to achieve durable cures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazusa Ishii
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Austin J. Barrett
- Stem Cell Allotransplantation Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Ataie N, Xiang J, Cheng N, Brea EJ, Lu W, Scheinberg DA, Liu C, Ng HL. Structure of a TCR-Mimic Antibody with Target Predicts Pharmacogenetics. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:194-205. [PMID: 26688548 PMCID: PMC4738012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Antibody therapies currently target only extracellular antigens. A strategy to recognize intracellular antigens is to target peptides presented by immune HLA receptors. ESK1 is a human, T-cell receptor (TCR)-mimic antibody that binds with subnanomolar affinity to the RMF peptide from the intracellular Wilms tumor oncoprotein WT1 in complex with HLA-A*02:01. ESK1 is therapeutically effective in mouse models of WT1(+) human cancers. TCR-based therapies have been presumed to be restricted to one HLA subtype. The mechanism for the specificity and high affinity of ESK1 is unknown. We show in a crystal structure that ESK1 Fab binds to RMF/HLA-A*02:01 in a mode different from that of TCRs. From the structure, we predict and then experimentally confirm high-affinity binding with multiple other HLA-A*02 subtypes, broadening the potential patient pool for ESK1 therapy. Using the crystal structure, we also predict potential off-target binding that we experimentally confirm. Our results demonstrate how protein structure information can contribute to personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Ataie
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Chemistry, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA
| | - Jingyi Xiang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Neal Cheng
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Elliott J Brea
- Sloan Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Wenjie Lu
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Chemistry, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Sloan Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Ho Leung Ng
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Chemistry, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA; University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA.
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Abstract
In this chapter, the role of WT1 in childhood cancer is discussed, using the key examples Wilms' tumor, desmoplastic small round cell of childhood, and leukemia. The role of WT1 in each disease is described and mirrored to the role of WT1 in normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Charlton
- UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
- Hugh and Catherine Stevenson Professor of Paediatric Oncology, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Therapeutic bispecific T-cell engager antibody targeting the intracellular oncoprotein WT1. Nat Biotechnol 2015; 33:1079-86. [PMID: 26389576 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular tumor antigens presented on the cell surface in the context of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules have been targeted by T cell-based therapies, but there has been little progress in developing small-molecule drugs or antibodies directed to these antigens. Here we describe a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) antibody derived from a T-cell receptor (TCR)-mimic monoclonal antibody (mAb) ESK1, which binds a peptide derived from the intracellular oncoprotein WT1 presented on HLA-A*02:01. Despite the very low density of the complexes at the cell surface, ESK1-BiTE selectively activated and induced proliferation of cytolytic human T cells that killed cells from multiple leukemias and solid tumors in vitro and in mice. We also discovered that in an autologous in vitro setting, ESK1-BiTE induced a robust secondary CD8 T-cell response specific for tumor-associated antigens other than WT1. Our study provides an approach that targets tumor-specific intracellular antigens without using cell therapy and suggests that epitope spreading could contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of this BiTE.
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Dubrovsky L, Dao T, Gejman RS, Brea EJ, Chang AY, Oh CY, Casey E, Pankov D, Scheinberg DA. T cell receptor mimic antibodies for cancer therapy. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1049803. [PMID: 26942058 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1049803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The major hurdle to the creation of cancer-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) exhibiting limited cross-reactivity with healthy human cells is the paucity of known tumor-specific or mutated protein epitopes expressed on the cancer cell surface. Mutated and overexpressed oncoproteins are typically cytoplasmic or nuclear. Cells can present peptides from these distinguishing proteins on their cell surface in the context of human leukocyte antigen (HLA). T cell receptor mimic (TCRm) mAb can be discovered that react specifically to these complexes, allowing for selective targeting of cancer cells. The state-of-the-art for TCRm and the challenges and opportunities are discussed. Several such TCRm are moving toward clinical trials now.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tao Dao
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Ron S Gejman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Elliott J Brea
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Aaron Y Chang
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Claire Y Oh
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Emily Casey
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
| | - Dmitry Pankov
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ; New York, NY USA
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The density of microvessels positive for Wilms' tumour-1 protein (WT-1) is an independent predictor of recurrence risk in meningiomas. Brain Tumor Pathol 2015; 32:202-9. [PMID: 25773860 DOI: 10.1007/s10014-015-0217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Wilms' tumour-1 (WT-1) protein m-RNA was recently demonstrated in meningiomas, suggesting the potential application of WT-1 immunotherapy in these tumours. The aim of the present study was to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of WT-1 protein, its correlation with the clinico-pathological variables and association with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, in a series of 60 meningiomas of different histotype and histological grade. None of the cases expressed WT-1 in the neoplastic cells, while endothelial expression was evidenced in a variable number of tumour vessels in all the meningiomas. The density of microvessels positive for WT-1 (WT-1 MVD) was significantly higher in meningiomas showing higher histological grade (P = 0.0191), growth fraction (P = 0.0201), expression of VEGF (P = 0.0288) and recurrence risk (P = 0.022). In addition, high WT-1 MVD was a significant independent predictive factor for a shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with completely resected meningiomas (P = 0.0028). In conclusion, this study shows that WT-1 MVD is correlated with the biological aggressiveness of meningiomas. Although no staining for WT-1 was evidenced in the neoplastic cells of these tumours, WT-1 endothelial expression in the tumour vessels might represent a target for WT-1 immunotherapy in the aim of reducing their blood supply and growth.
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