1
|
Santiago-Sánchez GS, Fabian KP, Hodge JW. A landscape of checkpoint blockade resistance in cancer: underlying mechanisms and current strategies to overcome resistance. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2308097. [PMID: 38306161 PMCID: PMC10841019 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2308097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints and the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have achieved a durable response in advanced-stage cancer patients. However, there is still a high proportion of patients who do not benefit from ICI therapy due to a lack of response when first treated (primary resistance) or detection of disease progression months after objective response is observed (acquired resistance). Here, we review the current FDA-approved ICI for the treatment of certain solid malignancies, evaluate the contrasting responses to checkpoint blockade in different cancer types, explore the known mechanisms associated with checkpoint blockade resistance (CBR), and assess current strategies in the field that seek to overcome these mechanisms. In order to improve current therapies and develop new ones, the immunotherapy field still has an unmet need in identifying other molecules that act as immune checkpoints, and uncovering other mechanisms that promote CBR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ginette S. Santiago-Sánchez
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kellsye P. Fabian
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W. Hodge
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ali M, Eid M, Saliby RM, Choi S, McKay RR, Siva S, Braun DA, Chen YW. Emerging Novel Functional Imaging and Immunotherapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma and Current Treatment Sequencing Strategies After Immunotherapy. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e438658. [PMID: 38875505 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_438658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has advanced significantly in the past two decades. Many promising functional imaging modalities such as radiolabeled tracer targeting carbonic anhydrase IX and prostate-specific membrane antigen are under development to detect primary kidney tumors, stage systemic disease, and assess treatment response in RCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 and cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte-4 have changed the treatment paradigm in advanced RCC. Trials investigating novel mechanisms such as LAG-3 immune checkpoint inhibition, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, and T-cell engagers targeting RCC-associated antigens are currently ongoing. With the rapidly changing treatment landscape of RCC, the treatment sequence strategies will continue to evolve. Familiarity with the toxicities associated with the therapeutic agents and how to manage them are essential to achieve optimal patient outcomes. This review summarizes the recent developments of functional imaging and immunotherapy strategies in RCC, and the evidence supports treatment sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marc Eid
- Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Renee Maria Saliby
- Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Sharon Choi
- Division of Hematology Oncology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Rana R McKay
- Division of Hematology Oncology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Shankar Siva
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David A Braun
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Yu-Wei Chen
- Division of Hematology Oncology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Raguz J, Pinto C, Pölzlbauer T, Habbeddine M, Rosskopf S, Strauß J, Just V, Schmidt S, Bidet Huang K, Stemeseder F, Schippers T, Stewart E, Jez J, Berraondo P, Orlinger KK, Lauterbach H. Preclinical evaluation of two phylogenetically distant arenavirus vectors for the development of novel immunotherapeutic combination strategies for cancer treatment. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008286. [PMID: 38631709 PMCID: PMC11029282 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engineered arenavirus vectors have recently been developed to leverage the body's immune system in the fight against chronic viral infections and cancer. Vectors based on Pichinde virus (artPICV) and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (artLCMV) encoding a non-oncogenic fusion protein of human papillomavirus (HPV)16 E6 and E7 are currently being tested in patients with HPV16+ cancer, showing a favorable safety and tolerability profile and unprecedented expansion of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. Although the strong antigen-specific immune response elicited by artLCMV vectors has been demonstrated in several preclinical models, PICV-based vectors are much less characterized. METHODS To advance our understanding of the immunobiology of these two vectors, we analyzed and compared their individual properties in preclinical in vivo and in vitro systems. Immunogenicity and antitumor effect of intratumoral or intravenous administration of both vectors, as well as combination with NKG2A blockade, were evaluated in naïve or TC-1 mouse tumor models. Flow cytometry, Nanostring, and histology analysis were performed to characterize the tumor microenvironment (TME) and T-cell infiltrate following treatment. RESULTS Despite being phylogenetically distant, both vectors shared many properties, including preferential infection and activation of professional antigen-presenting cells, and induction of potent tumor-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. Systemic as well as localized treatment induced a proinflammatory shift in the TME, promoting the infiltration of inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS)+CD8+ T cells capable of mediating tumor regression and prolonging survival in a TC-1 mouse tumor model. Still, there was evidence of immunosuppression built-up over time, and increased expression of H2-T23 (ligand for NKG2A T cell inhibitory receptor) following treatment was identified as a potential contributing factor. NKG2A blockade improved the antitumor efficacy of artARENA vectors, suggesting a promising new combination approach. This demonstrates how detailed characterization of arenavirus vector-induced immune responses and TME modulation can inform novel combination therapies. CONCLUSIONS The artARENA platform represents a strong therapeutic vaccine approach for the treatment of cancer. The induced antitumor immune response builds the backbone for novel combination therapies, which warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ethan Stewart
- Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities GmbH (VBCF), Vienna, Austria
| | - Jakub Jez
- Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities GmbH (VBCF), Vienna, Austria
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shi Y, Bashian EE, Hou Y, Wu P. Chemical immunology: Recent advances in tool development and applications. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:S2451-9456(24)00080-1. [PMID: 38508196 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Immunology was one of the first biological fields to embrace chemical approaches. The development of new chemical approaches and techniques has provided immunologists with an impressive arsenal of tools to address challenges once considered insurmountable. This review focuses on advances at the interface of chemistry and immunobiology over the past two decades that have not only opened new avenues in basic immunological research, but also revolutionized drug development for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. These include chemical approaches to understand and manipulate antigen presentation and the T cell priming process, to facilitate immune cell trafficking and regulate immune cell functions, and therapeutic applications of chemical approaches to disease control and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Shi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Eleanor E Bashian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yingqin Hou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Estapé Senti M, García Del Valle L, Schiffelers RM. mRNA delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy: Lipid nanoparticles and beyond. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 206:115190. [PMID: 38307296 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
mRNA-based vaccines are emerging as a promising alternative to standard cancer treatments and the conventional vaccines. Moreover, the FDA-approval of three nucleic acid based therapeutics (Onpattro, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) has further increased the interest and trust on this type of therapeutics. In order to achieve a significant therapeutic efficacy, the mRNA needs from a drug delivery system. In the last years, several delivery platforms have been explored, being the lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) the most well characterized and studied. A better understanding on how mRNA-based therapeutics operate (both the mRNA itself and the drug delivery system) will help to further improve their efficacy and safety. In this review, we will provide an overview of what mRNA cancer vaccines are and their mode of action and we will highlight the advantages and challenges of the different delivery platforms that are under investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariona Estapé Senti
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lucía García Del Valle
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Raymond M Schiffelers
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang K, Wuri Q, Cai Z, Qu X, Zhang S, Wu H, Wu J, Wang C, Yu X, Kong W, Zhang H. The XCL1-Mediated DNA Vaccine Targeting Type 1 Conventional Dendritic Cells Combined with Gemcitabine and Anti-PD1 Antibody Induces Potent Antitumor Immunity in a Mouse Lung Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1880. [PMID: 38339158 PMCID: PMC10855623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advent of cancer immunotherapy, there is a growing interest in vaccine development as a means to activate the cellular immune system against cancer. Despite the promise of DNA vaccines in this regard, their effectiveness is hindered by poor immunogenicity, leading to modest therapeutic outcomes across various cancers. The role of Type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1), capable of cross-presenting vaccine antigens to activate CD8+T cells, emerges as crucial for the antitumor function of DNA vaccines. To address the limitations of DNA vaccines, a promising approach involves targeting antigens to cDC1 through the fusion of XCL1, a ligand specific to the receptor XCR1 on the surface of cDC1. Here, female C57BL/6 mice were selected for tumor inoculation and immunotherapy. Additionally, recognizing the complexity of cancer, this study explored the use of combination therapies, particularly the combination of cDC1-targeted DNA vaccine with the chemotherapy drug Gemcitabine (Gem) and the anti-PD1 antibody in a mouse lung cancer model. The study's findings indicate that fusion antigens with XCL1 effectively enhance both the immunogenicity and antitumor effects of DNA vaccines. Moreover, the combination of the cDC1-targeted DNA vaccine with Gemcitabine and anti-PD1 antibody in the mouse lung cancer model demonstrates an improved antitumor effect, leading to the prolonged survival of mice. In conclusion, this research provides important support for the clinical investigation of cDC1-targeting DNA vaccines in combination with other therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Qimuge Wuri
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Zongyu Cai
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Xueli Qu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Hui Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Chu Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Xianghui Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Wei Kong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Haihong Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xu P, Ma J, Zhou Y, Gu Y, Cheng X, Wang Y, Wang Y, Gao M. Radiotherapy-Triggered In Situ Tumor Vaccination Boosts Checkpoint Blockaded Immune Response via Antigen-Capturing Nanoadjuvants. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1022-1040. [PMID: 38131289 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In situ vaccination (ISV) formed with the aid of intratumorally injected adjuvants has shed bright light on enhancing the abscopal therapeutic effects of radiotherapy. However, the limited availability of antigens resulting from the radiotherapy-induced immunogenic cell death largely hampers the clinical outcome of ISV. To maximally utilize the radiotherapy-induced antigen, we herein developed a strategy by capturing the radiotherapy-induced antigen in situ with a nanoadjuvant comprised of CpG-loaded Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The highly efficient click reaction between the maleimide residue on the nanoadjuvant and sulfhydryl group on the antigen maximized the bioavailability of autoantigens and CpG adjuvant in vivo. Importantly, combined immune checkpoint blockade can reverse T cell exhaustion after treatment with radiotherapy-induced ISV, thereby largely suppressing the treated and distant tumor. Mechanistically, metabolomics reveals the intratumorally injected nanoadjuvants disrupt redox homeostasis in the tumor microenvironment, further inducing tumor ferroptosis after radiotherapy. Overall, the current study highlights the immense potential of the innovative antigen-capturing nanoadjuvants for synergistically enhancing the antitumor effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Xu
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, The Affiliated Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, The Affiliated Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Yuan Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiaju Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yangyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Mingyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bhoopathi P, Kumar A, Pradhan AK, Maji S, Mannangatti P, Windle JJ, Subler MA, Zhang D, Vudatha V, Trevino JG, Madan E, Atfi A, Sarkar D, Gogna R, Das SK, Emdad L, Fisher PB. Cytoplasmic-delivery of polyinosine-polycytidylic acid inhibits pancreatic cancer progression increasing survival by activating Stat1-CCL2-mediated immunity. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007624. [PMID: 37935566 PMCID: PMC10649894 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer without effective therapies and with poor prognosis, causing 7% of all cancer-related fatalities in the USA. Considering the lack of effective therapies for this aggressive cancer, there is an urgent need to define newer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (pIC) is a synthetic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) which directly activates dendritic cells and natural killer cells inhibiting tumor growth. When pIC is delivered into the cytoplasm using polyethyleneimine (PEI), pIC-PEI, programmed-cell death is induced in PDAC. Transfection of [pIC]PEI into PDAC cells inhibits growth, promotes toxic autophagy and also induces apoptosis in vitro and in vivo in animal models. METHODS The KPC transgenic mouse model that recapitulates PDAC development in patients was used to interrogate the role of an intact immune system in vivo in PDAC in response to [pIC]PEI. Antitumor efficacy and survival were monitored endpoints. Comprehensive analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune cells, cytokines and chemokines in the spleen, and macrophage polarization were analyzed. RESULTS Cytosolic delivery of [pIC]PEI induces apoptosis and provokes strong antitumor immunity in vivo in immune competent mice with PDAC. The mechanism underlying the immune stimulatory properties of [pIC]PEI involves Stat1 activation resulting in CCL2 and MMP13 stimulation thereby provoking macrophage polarization. [pIC]PEI induces apoptosis via the AKT-XIAP pathway, as well as macrophage differentiation and T-cell activation via the IFNγ-Stat1-CCL2 signaling pathways in PDAC. In transgenic tumor mouse models, [pIC]PEI promotes robust and profound antitumor activity implying that stimulating the immune system contributes to biological activity. The [pIC]PEI anti-PDAC effects are enhanced when used in combination with a standard of care (SOC) treatment, that is, gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS In summary, [pIC]PEI treatment is non-toxic toward normal pancreatic cells while displaying strong cytotoxic and potent immune activating activities in PDAC, making it an attractive therapeutic when used alone or in conjunction with SOC therapeutic agents, potentially providing a safe and effective treatment protocol with translational potential for the effective therapy of PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Amit Kumar
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Anjan K Pradhan
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Santanu Maji
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jolene J Windle
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark A Subler
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Dongyu Zhang
- Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Vignesh Vudatha
- Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jose G Trevino
- VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Esha Madan
- VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Azeddine Atfi
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Rajan Gogna
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Luni Emdad
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guo Y, Gao F, Ahmed A, Rafiq M, Yu B, Cong H, Shen Y. Immunotherapy: cancer immunotherapy and its combination with nanomaterials and other therapies. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8586-8604. [PMID: 37614168 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01358h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a new type of tumor treatment after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and can be used to manage and destroy tumor cells through activating or strengthening the immune response. Immunotherapy has the benefits of a low recurrence rate and high specificity compared to traditional treatment methods. Immunotherapy has developed rapidly in recent years and has become a research hotspot. Currently, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors are the most effective tumor immunotherapies in clinical practice. While tumor immunotherapy brings hope to patients, it also faces some challenges and still requires continuous research and progress. Combination therapy is the future direction of anti-tumor treatment. In this review, the main focus is on an overview of the research progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors, cellular therapies, tumor vaccines, small molecule inhibitors and oncolytic virotherapy in tumor treatment, as well as the combination of immunotherapy with other treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Guo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Fengyuan Gao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Muhammad Rafiq
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Bing Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hailin Cong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Youqing Shen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Center for Bionanoengineering, and Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sooreshjani M, Tripathi S, Dussold C, Najem H, de Groot J, Lukas RV, Heimberger AB. The Use of Targeted Cytokines as Cancer Therapeutics in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3739. [PMID: 37509400 PMCID: PMC10378451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines play an important role in regulating the immune response. Although there is great interest in exploiting cytokines for cancer immunotherapy, their clinical potential is limited by their pleiotropic properties and instability. A variety of cancer cell-intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics pose a barrier to effective treatments including cytokines. Recent studies using gene and cell therapy offer new opportunities for targeting cytokines or their receptors, demonstrating that they are actionable targets. Current efforts such as virotherapy, systemic cytokine therapy, and cellular and gene therapy have provided novel strategies that incorporate cytokines as potential therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma. Ongoing research on characterizing the tumor microenvironment will be informative for prioritization and combinatorial strategies of cytokines for future clinical trials. Unique therapeutic opportunities exist at the convergence of cytokines that play a dual role in tumorigenesis and immune modulation. Here, we discuss the underlying strategies in pre- and clinical trials aiming to enhance treatment outcomes in glioblastoma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moloud Sooreshjani
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shashwat Tripathi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Corey Dussold
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Hinda Najem
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - John de Groot
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Rimas V. Lukas
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Amy B. Heimberger
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611, USA
- Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center, 303 E. Superior Street, 6-516, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Majumder B, Budhu S, Ganusov VV. Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Control Growth of B16 Tumor Cells in Collagen-Fibrin Gels by Cytolytic and Non-Lytic Mechanisms. Viruses 2023; 15:1454. [PMID: 37515143 PMCID: PMC10384826 DOI: 10.3390/v15071454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are important in controlling some viral infections, and therapies involving the transfer of large numbers of cancer-specific CTLs have been successfully used to treat several types of cancers in humans. While the molecular mechanisms of how CTLs kill their targets are relatively well understood, we still lack a solid quantitative understanding of the kinetics and efficiency by which CTLs kill their targets in vivo. Collagen-fibrin-gel-based assays provide a tissue-like environment for the migration of CTLs, making them an attractive system to study T cell cytotoxicity in in vivo-like conditions. Budhu.et al. systematically varied the number of peptide (SIINFEKL)-pulsed B16 melanoma cells and SIINFEKL-specific CTLs (OT-1) and measured the remaining targets at different times after target and CTL co-inoculation into collagen-fibrin gels. The authors proposed that their data were consistent with a simple model in which tumors grow exponentially and are killed by CTLs at a per capita rate proportional to the CTL density in the gel. By fitting several alternative mathematical models to these data, we found that this simple "exponential-growth-mass-action-killing" model did not precisely describe the data. However, determining the best-fit model proved difficult because the best-performing model was dependent on the specific dataset chosen for the analysis. When considering all data that include biologically realistic CTL concentrations (E≤107cell/mL), the model in which tumors grow exponentially and CTLs suppress tumor's growth non-lytically and kill tumors according to the mass-action law (SiGMA model) fit the data with the best quality. A novel power analysis suggested that longer experiments (∼3-4 days) with four measurements of B16 tumor cell concentrations for a range of CTL concentrations would best allow discriminating between alternative models. Taken together, our results suggested that the interactions between tumors and CTLs in collagen-fibrin gels are more complex than a simple exponential-growth-mass-action killing model and provide support for the hypothesis that CTLs' impact on tumors may go beyond direct cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barun Majumder
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sadna Budhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Vitaly V. Ganusov
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Oreper D, Klaeger S, Jhunjhunwala S, Delamarre L. The peptide woods are lovely, dark and deep: Hunting for novel cancer antigens. Semin Immunol 2023; 67:101758. [PMID: 37027981 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Harnessing the patient's immune system to control a tumor is a proven avenue for cancer therapy. T cell therapies as well as therapeutic vaccines, which target specific antigens of interest, are being explored as treatments in conjunction with immune checkpoint blockade. For these therapies, selecting the best suited antigens is crucial. Most of the focus has thus far been on neoantigens that arise from tumor-specific somatic mutations. Although there is clear evidence that T-cell responses against mutated neoantigens are protective, the large majority of these mutations are not immunogenic. In addition, most somatic mutations are unique to each individual patient and their targeting requires the development of individualized approaches. Therefore, novel antigen types are needed to broaden the scope of such treatments. We review high throughput approaches for discovering novel tumor antigens and some of the key challenges associated with their detection, and discuss considerations when selecting tumor antigens to target in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oreper
- Genentech, 1 DNA way, South San Francisco, 94080 CA, USA.
| | - Susan Klaeger
- Genentech, 1 DNA way, South San Francisco, 94080 CA, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Majumder B, Budhu S, Ganusov VV. Mathematical modeling suggests cytotoxic T lymphocytes control growth of B16 tumor cells in collagin-fibrin gels by cytolytic and non-lytic mechanisms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.28.534600. [PMID: 37034693 PMCID: PMC10081166 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.28.534600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are important in controlling some viral infections, and therapies involving transfer of large numbers of cancer-specific CTLs have been successfully used to treat several types of cancers in humans. While molecular mechanisms of how CTLs kill their targets are relatively well understood we still lack solid quantitative understanding of the kinetics and efficiency at which CTLs kill their targets in different conditions. Collagen-fibrin gel-based assays provide a tissue-like environment for the migration of CTLs, making them an attractive system to study the cytotoxicity in vitro. Budhu et al. [1] systematically varied the number of peptide (SIINFEKL)- pulsed B16 melanoma cells and SIINFEKL-specific CTLs (OT-1) and measured remaining targets at different times after target and CTL co-inoculation into collagen-fibrin gels. The authors proposed that their data were consistent with a simple model in which tumors grow exponentially and are killed by CTLs at a per capita rate proportional to the CTL density in the gel. By fitting several alternative mathematical models to these data we found that this simple "exponential-growth-mass-action-killing" model does not precisely fit the data. However, determining the best fit model proved difficult because the best performing model was dependent on the specific dataset chosen for the analysis. When considering all data that include biologically realistic CTL concentrations ( E ≤ 10 7 cell/ml) the model in which tumors grow exponentially and CTLs suppress tumor's growth non-lytically and kill tumors according to the mass-action law (SiGMA model) fitted the data with best quality. Results of power analysis suggested that longer experiments (∼ 3 - 4 days) with 4 measurements of B16 tumor cell concentrations for a range of CTL concentrations would best allow to discriminate between alternative models. Taken together, our results suggest that interactions between tumors and CTLs in collagen-fibrin gels are more complex than a simple exponential-growth- mass-action killing model and provide support for the hypothesis that CTLs impact on tumors may go beyond direct cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barun Majumder
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sadna Budhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Vitaly V. Ganusov
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Schachner LF, Phung W, Han G, Darwish M, Bell A, Mellors JS, Srzentic K, Huguet R, Blanchette C, Sandoval W. High-Throughput, Quantitative Analysis of Peptide-Exchanged MHCI Complexes by Native Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2022; 94:14593-14602. [PMID: 36179215 PMCID: PMC9607865 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Immune monitoring in cancer immunotherapy involves screening CD8+ T-cell responses against neoantigens, the tumor-specific peptides presented by Major histocompatibility complex Class I (MHCI) on the cell surface. High-throughput immune monitoring requires methods to produce and characterize small quantities of thousands of MHCI-peptide complexes that may be tested for a patient's T-cell response. MHCI synthesis has been achieved using a photocleavable peptide that is exchanged by the neoantigen; however, assays that measure peptide exchange currently disassemble the complex prior to analysis─precluding direct molecular characterization. Here, we use native mass spectrometry (MS) to profile intact recombinant MHCI complexes and directly measure peptide exchange. Coupled with size-exclusion chromatography or capillary-zone electrophoresis, the assay identified all tested human leukocyte antigen (HLA)/peptide combinations in the nanomole to picomole range with minimal run time, reconciling the synthetic and analytical requirements of MHCI-peptide screening with the downstream T-cell assays. We further show that the assay can be "multiplexed" by measuring exchange of multiple peptides simultaneously and also enables calculation of Vc50, a measure of gas-phase stability. Additionally, MHCI complexes were fragmented by top-down sequencing, demonstrating that the intact complex, peptide sequence, and their binding affinity can be determined in a single analysis. This screening tool for MHCI-neoantigen complexes represents a step toward the application of state-of-the-art MS technology in translational settings. Not only is this assay already informing on the viability of immunotherapy in practice, the platform also holds promise to inspire novel MS readouts for increasingly complex biomolecules used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis F. Schachner
- Department
of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech Inc., South
San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Wilson Phung
- Department
of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech Inc., South
San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Guanghui Han
- BGI
Americas, San Jose, California 95134, United States
| | - Martine Darwish
- Department
of Protein Chemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ashley Bell
- 908
Devices, Carrboro, North Carolina 27510, United States
| | | | | | - Romain Huguet
- Thermo
Fisher Scientific, San Jose, California 95134, United States
| | - Craig Blanchette
- Department
of Protein Chemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Wendy Sandoval
- Department
of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech Inc., South
San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang J, Liu X, Ji J, Luo J, Zhao Y, Zhou X, Zheng J, Guo M, Liu Y. Orthotopic and Heterotopic Murine Models of Pancreatic Cancer Exhibit Different Immunological Microenvironments and Different Responses to Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:863346. [PMID: 35874730 PMCID: PMC9302770 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.863346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, tumor-bearing murine models established using tumor cell lines have been the most commonly used models to study human cancers. Even though there are several studies reported that implant sites caused disparities in tumor behaviors, few of them illuminated the positional effect on immunotherapy. Herein, we describe surgical techniques for a novel orthotopic implantation of syngeneic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissue slices. This method has a high success modeling rate and stable growth kinetics, which makes it useful for testing novel therapeutics. Pathological examination indicated that the orthotopic tumor displayed poor vascularization, desmoplastic stromal reaction, and a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This unique microenvironment resulted in limited response to PD1/CTLA4 blockade therapy and anti-MUC1 (αMUC1) CAR-T transfer treatment. To reverse the suppressive tumor microenvironment, we developed gene modified T-cells bearing a chimeric receptor in which activating receptor NKG2D fused to intracellular domains of 4-1BB and CD3ζ (NKG2D CAR). The NKG2D CAR-T cells target myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which overexpress Rae1 (NKG2D ligands) within the TME. Results indicated that NKG2D CAR-T cells eliminated MDSCs and improved antitumor activity of subsequently infused CAR-T cells. Moreover, we generated a bicistronic CAR-T, including αMUC1 CAR and NKG2D CAR separated by a P2A element. Treatment with the dual targeted bicistronic CAR-T cells also resulted in prolonged survival of orthotopic model mice. In summary, this study describes construction of a novel orthotopic PDAC model through implantation of tissue slices and discusses resistance to immunotherapy from the perspective of a PDAC microenvironment. Based on the obtained results, it is evident that elimination MDSCs by NKG2D CAR could rescue the impaired CAR-T cell activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- Department of pathology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingchen Liu
- Department of pathology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junsong Ji
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Luo
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyu Zhao
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Zheng
- Department of pathology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yanfang Liu, ; Meng Guo, ; Jianming Zheng,
| | - Meng Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yanfang Liu, ; Meng Guo, ; Jianming Zheng,
| | - Yanfang Liu
- Department of pathology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yanfang Liu, ; Meng Guo, ; Jianming Zheng,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lipid A analog CRX-527 conjugated to synthetic peptides enhances vaccination efficacy and tumor control. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:64. [PMID: 35739113 PMCID: PMC9226002 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00484-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Adjuvants play a determinant role in cancer vaccination by optimally activating APCs and shaping the T cell response. Bacterial-derived lipid A is one of the most potent immune-stimulators known, and is recognized via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In this study, we explore the use of the synthetic, non-toxic, lipid A analog CRX-527 as an adjuvant for peptide cancer vaccines. This well-defined adjuvant was covalently conjugated to antigenic peptides as a strategy to improve vaccine efficacy. We show that coupling of this TLR4 agonist to peptide antigens improves vaccine uptake by dendritic cells (DCs), maturation of DCs and T cell activation in vitro, and stimulates DC migration and functional T cell priming in vivo. This translates into enhanced tumor protection upon prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination via intradermal injection against B16-OVA melanoma and HPV-related TC1 tumors. These results highlight the potential of CRX-527 as an adjuvant for molecularly defined cancer vaccines, and support the design of adjuvant-peptide conjugates as a strategy to optimize vaccine formulation.
Collapse
|
17
|
Le I, Dhandayuthapani S, Chacon J, Eiring AM, Gadad SS. Harnessing the Immune System with Cancer Vaccines: From Prevention to Therapeutics. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:816. [PMID: 35632572 PMCID: PMC9146235 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prophylactic vaccination against infectious diseases is one of the most successful public health measures of our lifetime. More recently, therapeutic vaccination against established diseases such as cancer has proven to be more challenging. In the host, cancer cells evade immunologic regulation by multiple means, including altering the antigens expressed on their cell surface or recruiting inflammatory cells that repress immune surveillance. Nevertheless, recent clinical data suggest that two classes of antigens show efficacy for the development of anticancer vaccines: tumor-associated antigens and neoantigens. In addition, many different vaccines derived from antigens based on cellular, peptide/protein, and genomic components are in development to establish their efficacy in cancer therapy. Some vaccines have shown promising results, which may lead to favorable outcomes when combined with standard therapeutic approaches. This review provides an overview of the innate and adaptive immune systems, their interactions with cancer cells, and the development of various different vaccines for use in anticancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilene Le
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Subramanian Dhandayuthapani
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Jessica Chacon
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Anna M. Eiring
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Shrikanth S. Gadad
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Carson CS, Becker KW, Garland KM, Pagendarm HM, Stone PT, Arora K, Wang-Bishop L, Baljon JJ, Cruz LD, Joyce S, Wilson JT. A nanovaccine for enhancing cellular immunity via cytosolic co-delivery of antigen and polyIC RNA. J Control Release 2022; 345:354-370. [PMID: 35301055 PMCID: PMC9133199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Traditional approaches to cancer vaccines elicit weak CD8+ T cell responses and have largely failed to meet clinical expectations. This is in part due to inefficient antigen cross-presentation, inappropriate selection of adjuvant and its formulation, poor vaccine pharmacokinetics, and/or suboptimal coordination of antigen and adjuvant delivery. Here, we describe a nanoparticle vaccine platform for facile co-loading and dual-delivery of antigens and nucleic acid adjuvants that elicits robust antigen-specific cellular immune responses. The nanovaccine design is based on diblock copolymers comprising a poly(ethylene glycol)-rich first block that is functionalized with reactive moieties for covalent conjugation of antigen via disulfide linkages, and a pH-responsive second block for electrostatic packaging of nucleic acids that also facilitates endosomal escape of associated vaccine cargo to the cytosol. Using polyIC, a clinically-advanced nucleic acid adjuvant, we demonstrated that endosomolytic nanoparticles promoted the cytosolic co-delivery of polyIC and protein antigen, which acted synergistically to enhance antigen cross-presentation, co-stimulatory molecule expression, and cytokine production by dendritic cells. We also found that the vaccine platform increased the accumulation of antigen and polyIC in the local draining lymph nodes. Consequently, dual-delivery of antigen and polyIC with endsomolytic nanoparticles significantly enhanced the magnitude and functionality of CD8+ T cell responses relative to a mixture of antigen and polyIC, resulting in inhibition of tumor growth in a mouse tumor model. Collectively, this work provides a proof-of-principle for a new cancer vaccine platform that strongly augments anti-tumor cellular immunity via cytosolic co-delivery of antigen and nucleic acid adjuvant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carcia S Carson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Kyle W Becker
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Kyle M Garland
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Hayden M Pagendarm
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Payton T Stone
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Karan Arora
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Lihong Wang-Bishop
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Jessalyn J Baljon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Lorena D Cruz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Sebastian Joyce
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - John T Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jiang X, Wang J, Zheng X, Liu Z, Zhang X, Li Y, Wilhelm J, Cao J, Huang G, Zhang J, Sumer B, Lea J, Lu Z, Gao J, Luo M. Intratumoral administration of STING-activating nanovaccine enhances T cell immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003960. [PMID: 35623658 PMCID: PMC9150169 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer vaccines are able to achieve tumor-specific immune editing in early-phase clinical trials. However, the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells into immune-deserted tumors is still a major limiting factor. An optimized vaccine approach to induce antigen-specific T cells that can perform robust tumor infiltration is important to accelerate their clinical translation. We previously developed a STING-activating PC7A nanovaccine that produces a strong anti-tumor T cell response on subcutaneous injection. This study systematically investigated the impact of administration methods on the performance of nanovaccines. METHODS Tumor growth inhibition by intratumoral delivery and subcutaneous delivery of nanovaccine was investigated in TC-1 human papillomavirus-induced cancer model and B16-OVA melanoma model. Nanovaccine distribution in vivo was detected by clinical camera imaging, systemic T cell activation and tumor infiltration were tested by in vivo cytotoxicity killing assay and flow cytometry. For mechanism analysis, T cell recruitment was investigated by in vivo migration blocking assay, multiplex chemokine array, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, chemotaxis assay and gene knockout mice. RESULTS Nanovaccine administration was found to alter T cell production and infiltration in tumors. Intratumoral delivery of nanovaccines displayed superior antitumor effects in multiple tumor models compared with subcutaneous delivery. Mechanistic investigation revealed that intratumoral administration of the nanovaccine significantly increased the infiltration of antigen-specific T cells in TC-1 tumors, despite the lower systemic levels of T cells compared with subcutaneous injection. The inhibition of tumor growth by nanovaccines is primarily dependent on CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Nanovaccine accumulation in tumors upregulates CXCL9 expression in myeloid cells in a STING dependent manner, leading to increased recruitment of IFNγ-expressing CD8+ T cells from the periphery, and IFNγ reciprocally stimulates CXCL9 expression in myeloid cells, resulting in positive feedback between myeloid-CXCL9 and T cell-IFNγ to promote T cell recruitment. However, the STING agonist alone could not sustain this effect in the presence of a systemic deficiency in antigen-specific T cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that intratumoral administration of PC7A nanovaccine achieved stronger antitumor immunity and efficacy over subcutaneous injection. These data suggest intratumoral administration should be included in the therapeutic design in the clinical use of nanovaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Jiang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xichen Zheng
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhida Liu
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwei Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jonathan Wilhelm
- Department of Pharmacology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jun Cao
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jinlan Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baran Sumer
- Department of Otolaryngology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jayanthi Lea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Zhigang Lu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinming Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA .,Department of Otolaryngology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Min Luo
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Recent Advances and Next Breakthrough in Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:8052212. [PMID: 35340585 PMCID: PMC8956433 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8052212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
With the huge therapeutic potential, cancer immunotherapy is expected to become the mainstream of cancer treatment. In the current field of cancer immunotherapy, there are mainly five types. Immune checkpoint blockade therapy is one of the most promising directions. Adoptive cell therapy is an important component of cancer immunotherapy. The therapy with the cancer vaccine is promising cancer immunotherapy capable of cancer prevention. Cytokine therapy is one of the pillars of cancer immunotherapy. Oncolytic immunotherapy is a promising novel component of cancer immunotherapy, which with significantly lower incidence of serious adverse reactions. The recent positive results of many clinical trials with cancer immunotherapy may herald good clinical prospects. But there are still many challenges in the broad implementation of immunotherapy. Such as the immunotherapy cannot act on all tumors, and it has serious adverse effects including but not limited to nonspecific and autoimmunity inflammation. Here, we center on recent progress made within the last 5 years in cancer immunotherapy. And we discuss the theoretical background, as well as the opportunities and challenges of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
21
|
Sha H, Liu Q, Xie L, Shao J, Yu L, Cen L, Li L, Liu F, Qian H, Wei J, Liu B. Case Report: Pathological Complete Response in a Lung Metastasis of Phyllodes Tumor Patient Following Treatment Containing Peptide Neoantigen Nano-Vaccine. Front Oncol 2022; 12:800484. [PMID: 35211402 PMCID: PMC8861377 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.800484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Some of the mutant peptides produced by gene mutation transcription and translation have the ability to induce specific T cells, which are called new antigens. Neoantigen-based peptide, DNA, RNA, and dendritic cell vaccines have been used in the clinic. In this paper, we describe a lung metastasis of a phyllodes tumor patient demonstrating pathological complete response following treatment containing personalized multi-epitope peptide neoantigen nano-vaccine. Based on whole-exome sequencing (WES), RNA sequencing, and new antigen prediction, several mutated peptide fragments were predicted to bind to the patient’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allotypes, including ten peptides with high predicted binding affinity for six genes. The pulmonary metastases remained stable after the four cycles of anti-PD1 and anlotinib. After the addition of the multi-epitope peptide neoantigen nano-vaccine, the tumor began to collapse and contracture developed, accompanied by a decrease of tumor markers to normal, and complete pathological remission was achieved. With the use of the vaccination, recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) was used every time, and low-dose cyclophosphamide was injected every 3 weeks to improve efficacy. Peripheral blood immune monitoring demonstrated immune reactivity against a series of peptides, with the most robust post-vaccine T-cell response detected against the HLA-DRB1*0901-restricted SLC44A5 V54F peptide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huizi Sha
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Xie
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Shao
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixia Yu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lanqi Cen
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pathology of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangcen Liu
- Department of Pathology of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanqing Qian
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Choueiri TK, Albiges L, Atkins MB, Bakouny Z, Bratslavsky G, Braun DA, Haas NB, Haanen JB, Hakimi AA, Jewett MA, Jonasch E, Kaelin WG, Kapur P, Labaki C, Lewis B, McDermott DF, Pal SK, Pels K, Poteat S, Powles T, Rathmell WK, Rini BI, Signoretti S, Tannir NM, Uzzo RG, Hammers HJ. From Basic Science to Clinical Translation in Kidney Cancer: A Report from the Second Kidney Cancer Research Summit. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 28:831-839. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
23
|
Goulart MR, Stasinos K, Fincham REA, Delvecchio FR, Kocher HM. T cells in pancreatic cancer stroma. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7956-7968. [PMID: 35046623 PMCID: PMC8678814 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i46.7956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly devastating disease with a dismal 5-year survival rate. PDAC has a complex tumour microenvironment; characterised by a robust desmoplastic stroma, extensive infiltration of immunesuppressive cells such as immature myeloid cells, tumour-associated macrophages, neutrophils and regulatory T cells, and the presence of exhausted and senescent T cells. The cross-talk between cells in this fibrotic tumour establishes an immune-privileged microenvironment that supports tumour cell escape from immune-surveillance, disease progression and spread to distant organs. PDAC tumours, considered to be non-immunogenic or cold, express low mutation burden, low infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes that are localised along the invasive margin of the tumour border in the surrounding fibrotic tissue, and often display an exhausted phenotype. Here, we review the role of T cells in pancreatic cancer, examine the complex interactions of these crucial effector units within pancreatic cancer stroma and shed light on the increasingly attractive use of T cells as therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Goulart
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute-A CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos Stasinos
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute-A CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
- Barts and the London HPB Centre, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Elizabeth Ann Fincham
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute-A CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca R Delvecchio
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute-A CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Hemant M Kocher
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute-A CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
- Barts and the London HPB Centre, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Antimetastatic defense by CD8 + T cells. Trends Cancer 2021; 8:145-157. [PMID: 34815204 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is an intricate process whereby tumor cells migrate from the primary tumor, survive in the circulation, seed distal organs, and proliferate to create metastatic foci. CD8+ T cells can detect and eliminate tumor cells. Research on CD8+ T cell-dependent antitumor immunity has classically focused on its role in the primary tumor. There is increasing evidence, however, that CD8+ T cells have unique antimetastatic functions in various steps of the metastatic cascade. Here, we review the mechanisms whereby CD8+ T cells control metastatic lesions. We discuss their role in each step of metastasis, metastatic dormancy, and metastatic clonal evolution as well as the consequent clinical repercussions.
Collapse
|
25
|
Biavati L, Huff CA, Ferguson A, Sidorski A, Stevens MA, Rudraraju L, Zucchinetti C, Ali SA, Imus P, Gocke CB, Gittelman RM, Johnson S, Sanders C, Vignali M, Gandhi A, Ye X, Noonan KA, Borrello I. An Allogeneic Multiple Myeloma GM-CSF-Secreting Vaccine with Lenalidomide Induces Long-term Immunity and Durable Clinical Responses in Patients in Near Complete Remission. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6696-6708. [PMID: 34667029 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This proof-of-principle clinical trial evaluated whether an allogeneic multiple myeloma GM-CSF-secreting vaccine (MM-GVAX) in combination with lenalidomide could deepen the clinical response in patients with multiple myeloma in sustained near complete remission (nCR). PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifteen patients on lenalidomide were treated with MM-GVAX and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV; Prevnar) at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS Eight patients (53.3%) achieved a true CR. With a median follow-up of 5 years, the median progression-free survival had not been reached, and the median overall survival was 7.8 years from enrollment. MM-GVAX induced clonal T-cell expansion and measurable cytokine responses that persisted up to 7 years in all patients. At baseline, a higher minimal residual disease was predictive of early relapse. After vaccination, a lack of both CD27-DNAM1-CD8+ T cells and antigen-presenting cells was associated with disease progression. CONCLUSIONS MM-GVAX, along with lenalidomide, effectively primed durable immunity and resulted in long-term disease control, as suggested by the reappearance of a detectable, fluctuating M-spike without meeting the criteria for clinical relapse. For patients in a nCR, MM-GVAX administration was safe and resulted in prolonged clinical responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Biavati
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carol Ann Huff
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anna Ferguson
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Amy Sidorski
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - M Amanda Stevens
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lakshmi Rudraraju
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Cristina Zucchinetti
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Syed Abbas Ali
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Philip Imus
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christian B Gocke
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaobu Ye
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kimberly A Noonan
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ivan Borrello
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Braun DA, Bakouny Z, Hirsch L, Flippot R, Van Allen EM, Wu CJ, Choueiri TK. Beyond conventional immune-checkpoint inhibition - novel immunotherapies for renal cell carcinoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2021; 18:199-214. [PMID: 33437048 PMCID: PMC8317018 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-020-00455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The management of advanced-stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been transformed by the development of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Nonetheless, most patients do not derive durable clinical benefit from these agents. Importantly, unlike other immunotherapy-responsive solid tumours, most RCCs have only a moderate mutational burden, and paradoxically, high levels of tumour CD8+ T cell infiltration are associated with a worse prognosis in patients with this disease. Building on the successes of antibodies targeting the PD-1 and CTLA4 immune checkpoints, multiple innovative immunotherapies are now in clinical development for the treatment of patients with RCC, including ICIs with novel targets, co-stimulatory pathway agonists, modified cytokines, metabolic pathway modulators, cell therapies and therapeutic vaccines. However, the successful development of such novel immune-based treatments and of immunotherapy-based combinations will require a disease-specific framework that incorporates a deep understanding of RCC immunobiology. In this Review, using the structure provided by the well-described cancer-immunity cycle, we outline the key steps required for a successful antitumour immune response in the context of RCC, and describe the development of promising new immunotherapies within the context of this framework. With this approach, we summarize and analyse the most encouraging targets of novel immune-based therapies within the RCC microenvironment, and review the landscape of emerging antigen-directed therapies for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Braun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ziad Bakouny
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laure Hirsch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Ronan Flippot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Eliezer M Van Allen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Toni K Choueiri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
There are strong biologic and preclinical rationales for the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines; however, the clinical translation of this treatment strategy has been challenging. It is now understood that many previous clinical trials of cancer vaccines used target antigens or vaccine designs that inherently lacked sufficient immunogenicity to induce clinical responses. Despite the historical track record, breakthrough advances in cancer immunobiology and vaccine technologies have supported continued interest in therapeutic cancer vaccinations, with the hope that next-generation vaccine strategies will enable patients with cancer to develop long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. There has been substantial progress identifying antigens and vaccine vectors that lead to strong and broad T cell responses, tailoring vaccine designs to achieve optimal antigen presentation, and finding combination partners employing complementary mechanisms of action (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors) to overcome the diverse methods cancer cells use to evade and suppress the immune system. Results from randomized, phase 3 studies testing therapeutic cancer vaccines based on these advances are eagerly awaited. Here, we summarize the successes and failures in the clinical development of cancer vaccines, address how this historical experience and advances in science and technology have shaped efforts to improve vaccines, and offer a clinical perspective on the future role of vaccine therapies for cancer.
Collapse
|
28
|
Hao X, Falo Iii LD, Chen G, Zhang J, Carey CD, Storkus WJ, Falo LD, You Z. Skin immunization for effective treatment of multifocal melanoma refractory to PD1 blockade and Braf inhibitors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001179. [PMID: 33408093 PMCID: PMC7789470 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the remarkable benefits associated with the interventional treatment of melanomas (and other solid cancers) with immune checkpoint and Braf inhibitors (Brafi), most patients ultimately progress on therapy. The presence of multifocal/disseminated disease in patients increases their mortality risk. Hence, the development of novel strategies to effectively treat patients with melanomas that are resistant to anti-PD1 mAb (αPD1) and/or Brafi, particularly those with multifocal/disseminated disease remains a major unmet clinical need. Methods Mice developing induced/spontaneous BrafV600E/Pten−/− melanomas were treated by cutaneous immunization with a DNA vaccine encoding the melanoma-associated antigen TRP2, with Brafi or αPD1 alone, or with a combination of these treatments. Tumor progression, tumor-infiltration by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and the development of TRP2-specific CD8+ T cells were then monitored over time. Results Vaccination led to durable antitumor immunity against PD1/Brafi-resistant melanomas in both single lesion and multifocal disease models, and it sensitized PD1-resistant melanomas to salvage therapy with αPD1. The therapeutic efficacy of the vaccine was associated with host skin-resident cells, the induction of a systemic, broadly reactive IFNγ+CD8+ T cell repertoire, increased frequencies of CD8+ TIL and reduced levels of PD1hi/intCD8+ T cells. Extended survival was associated with improved TIL functionality, exemplified by the presence of enhanced levels of IFNγ+CD8+ TIL and IL2+CD4+ TIL. Conclusions These data support the use of a novel genetic vaccine for the effective treatment of localized or multifocal melanoma refractory to conventional αPD1-based and/or Brafi-based (immune)therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Hao
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Louis D Falo Iii
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jiying Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cara D Carey
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Walter J Storkus
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Louis D Falo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,The University of Pittsburgh Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,The University of Pittsburgh McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zhaoyang You
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA .,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Jin K, Ren C, Liu Y, Lan H, Wang Z. An update on colorectal cancer microenvironment, epigenetic and immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 89:107041. [PMID: 33045561 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered as the second most common cancer worldwide. For the past few years, the role of immunotherapy has been extensively studied and it has been demonstrated that its related approaches, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors, are promising. In addition to identifying molecular characteristics of tumor cells, recent studies are mainly focused on the profiling of tumor microenvironment. Dissecting immune status of a tumor is interesting, since development of a tumor is associated with deficiencies relate to immune defense, immune surveillance and immune hemostasis. In this review, we discuss main obstacles of immunotherapy including immunosuppressive niche and low immunogenicity of CRC as well as reviewing current achievements in immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, China
| | - Chengcheng Ren
- Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yuyao Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Punta M, Jennings VA, Melcher AA, Lise S. The Immunogenic Potential of Recurrent Cancer Drug Resistance Mutations: An In Silico Study. Front Immunol 2020; 11:524968. [PMID: 33133066 PMCID: PMC7578429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.524968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer somatic mutations have been identified as a source of antigens that can be targeted by cancer immunotherapy. In this work, expanding on previous studies, we analyze the HLA-presentation properties of mutations that are known to drive resistance to cancer targeted-therapies. We survey a large dataset of mutations that confer resistance to different drugs and occur in numerous genes and tumor types. We show that a significant number of them are predicted in silico to be potentially immunogenic across a large proportion of the human population. Further, by analyzing a cohort of patients carrying a small subset of these resistance mutations, we provide evidence that what is observed in the general population may be indicative of the mutations' immunogenic potential in resistant patients. Two of the mutations in our dataset had previously been experimentally validated by others and it was confirmed that some of their associated neopeptides elicit T-cell responses in vitro. The identification of potent cancer-specific antigens can be instrumental for developing more effective immunotherapies. In this work, we propose a novel list of drug-resistance mutations, several of which are recurrent, that could be of particular interest in the context of off-the-shelf precision immunotherapies such as therapeutic cancer vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Punta
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria A. Jennings
- Department of Immunity and Infection, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan A. Melcher
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Lise
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chemo-immunotherapy with doxorubicin prodrug and erythrocyte membrane-enveloped polymer nano-vaccine enhances antitumor activity. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110377. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
|
32
|
Shae D, Baljon JJ, Wehbe M, Christov PP, Becker KW, Kumar A, Suryadevara N, Carson CS, Palmer CR, Knight FC, Joyce S, Wilson JT. Co-delivery of Peptide Neoantigens and Stimulator of Interferon Genes Agonists Enhances Response to Cancer Vaccines. ACS NANO 2020; 14:9904-9916. [PMID: 32701257 PMCID: PMC7775800 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c02765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines targeting patient-specific neoantigens have emerged as a promising strategy for improving responses to immune checkpoint blockade. However, neoantigenic peptides are poorly immunogenic and inept at stimulating CD8+ T cell responses, motivating a need for new vaccine technologies that enhance their immunogenicity. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is an endogenous mechanism by which the innate immune system generates an immunological context for priming and mobilizing neoantigen-specific T cells. Owing to this critical role in tumor immune surveillance, a synthetic cancer nanovaccine platform (nanoSTING-vax) was developed that mimics immunogenic cancer cells in its capacity to efficiently promote co-delivery of peptide antigens and the STING agonist, cGAMP. The co-loading of cGAMP and peptides into pH-responsive, endosomolytic polymersomes promoted the coordinated delivery of both cGAMP and peptide antigens to the cytosol, thereby eliciting inflammatory cytokine production, co-stimulatory marker expression, and antigen cross-presentation. Consequently, nanoSTING-vax significantly enhanced CD8+ T cell responses to a range of peptide antigens. Therapeutic immunization with nanoSTING-vax, in combination with immune checkpoint blockade, inhibited tumor growth in multiple murine tumor models, even leading to complete tumor rejection and generation of durable antitumor immune memory. Collectively, this work establishes nanoSTING-vax as a versatile platform for enhancing immune responses to neoantigen-targeted cancer vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Shae
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Jessalyn J. Baljon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Mohamed Wehbe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Plamen P. Christov
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232
| | - Kyle W. Becker
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Amrendra Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Naveenchandra Suryadevara
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Carcia S. Carson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Christian R. Palmer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Frances C. Knight
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Sebastian Joyce
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - John T. Wilson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Corresponding Author:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Li TJ, Wang WQ, Yu XJ, Liu L. Killing the "BAD": Challenges for immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188384. [PMID: 32531324 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer regression often fails after systemic immune activation, especially for solid tumors due to their local immunosuppressive microenvironments. Among these, the pancreatic cancer microenvironment is unique and an important reason for resistance to anti-cancer treatments that include immunotherapy. In this review, the three main "BAD" characteristics that create and maintain this immunosuppressive microenvironment are discussed for effector T cells: Barriers to overcome, Attraction problems, and their Disabilities. These inhibit both effector T-cell activation and infiltration, reducing immunotherapy effectiveness. Combination approaches for killing the "BAD" aim to normalize the tumor microenvironment and are recommended to enhance anti-cancer immune-system efficacy in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Jiao Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Quan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian-Jun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Shi R, Tang Y, Miao H. Metabolism in tumor microenvironment: Implications for cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2020; 1:47-68. [PMID: 34766109 PMCID: PMC8489668 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment is a special environment for tumor survival, which is characterized by hypoxia, acidity, nutrient deficiency, and immunosuppression. The environment consists of the vasculature, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and proteins or metabolic molecules. A large number of recent studies have shown that not only tumor cells but also the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment have undergone metabolic reprogramming, which is closely related to tumor drug resistance and malignant progression. Tumor immunotherapy based on T cells gives patients new hope, but faces the dilemma of low response rate. New strategies sensitizing cancer immunotherapy are urgently needed. Metabolic reprogramming can directly affect the biological activity of tumor cells and also regulate the differentiation and activation of immune cells. The authors aim to review the characteristics of tumor microenvironment, the metabolic changes of tumor‐associated immune cells, and the regulatory role of metabolic reprogramming in cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongchen Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThird Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing People's Republic of China
| | - Yi‐Quan Tang
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridge Biomedical Campus Cambridge UK
| | - Hongming Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThird Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Peterson M, Murphy SN, Lainson J, Zhang J, Shen L, Diehnelt CW, Johnston SA. Comparison of personal and shared frameshift neoantigen vaccines in a mouse mammary cancer model. BMC Immunol 2020; 21:25. [PMID: 32370785 PMCID: PMC7201681 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-020-00350-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is widely hoped that personal cancer vaccines will extend the number of patients benefiting from checkpoint and other immunotherapies. However, it is clear creating such vaccines will be challenging. It requires obtaining and sequencing tumor DNA/RNA, predicting potentially immunogenic neoepitopes and manufacturing a one-use vaccine. This process takes time and considerable cost. Importantly, most mutations will not produce an immunogenic peptide and many patient’s tumors do not contain enough DNA mutations to make a vaccine. We have discovered that frameshift peptides (FSP) created from errors in the production of RNA rather than from DNA mutations are potentially a rich source of neoantigens for cancer vaccines. These errors are predictable, enabling the production of a FSP microarray. Previously we found that these microarrays can identify both personal and shared neoantigens. Here, we compared the performance of personal cancer vaccines (PCVs) with that of a shared antigen vaccine, termed Frameshift Antigen Shared Therapeutic (FAST) vaccine, using the 4 T1 breast cancer model. Sera from 4 T1-tumor bearing mice were assayed on the peptide microarray containing 200 Fs neoantigens, for the PCV, the top 10 candidates were select and personal vaccines constructed and administrated to the respective mice. For the FAST, we selected the top 10 candidates with higher prevalence among all the mice challenged. Seven to 12 days challenged mice were immunized, combined or not with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) (αPD-L1 and αCTLA-4). Primary and secondary tumor clearance and growth were evaluated as well as cellular and humoral immune response against the vaccine targets by IFN-γ ELISPOT and ELISA. Lastly, we analyzed the immune response of the FAST-vaccinated mice by flow cytometry in comparison to the control group. Results We found that PCVs and FAST vaccines both reduced primary tumor incidence and growth as well as lung metastases when delivered as monotherapies or in combination with ICI. Additionally, the FAST vaccine induces a robust and effective T-cell response. Conclusions These results suggest that FSPs produced from RNA-based errors are potent neoantigens that could enable production of off-the-shelf shared antigen vaccines for solid tumors with efficacy comparable to that of PCVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milene Peterson
- Center for Innovations in Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
| | - Sierra Nicole Murphy
- Center for Innovations in Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - John Lainson
- Center for Innovations in Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Jian Zhang
- Center for Innovations in Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Luhui Shen
- Center for Innovations in Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Chris W Diehnelt
- Center for Innovations in Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Stephen Albert Johnston
- Center for Innovations in Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.,Calviri, Inc, Tempe, AZ, 85284, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
The fully synthetic glycopeptide MAG-Tn3 therapeutic vaccine induces tumor-specific cytotoxic antibodies in breast cancer patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:703-716. [DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02503-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
37
|
Microfluidic-prepared DOTAP nanoparticles induce strong T-cell responses in mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227891. [PMID: 31978077 PMCID: PMC6980563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
For the induction of antigen-specific T-cell responses by vaccination, an appropriate immune adjuvant is required. Vaccine adjuvants generally provide two functions, namely, immune potentiator and delivery, and many adjuvants that can efficiently induce T-cell responses are known to have the combination of these two functions. In this study, we explored a cationic lipid DOTAP-based adjuvant. We found that the microfluidic preparation of DOTAP nanoparticles induced stronger CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses than liposomal DOTAP. The further addition of Type-A CpG D35 in DOTAP nanoparticles increased the induction of T-cell responses, particularly in CD4+ T cells. Further investigations revealed that the size of DOTAP nanoparticles, prepared buffer conditions, and physicochemical interaction with vaccine antigen are important factors for the efficient induction of T-cell responses with a relatively small antigen dose. These results suggested that microfluidic-prepared DOTAP nanoparticles plus D35 are a promising adjuvant for a vaccine that induces therapeutic T-cell responses for treating cancer and infectious diseases.
Collapse
|
38
|
Depil S, Bonaventura P, Alcazer V. Cancer vaccines: what's next? Oncotarget 2019; 10:3985-3987. [PMID: 31258838 PMCID: PMC6592285 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Depil
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Inserm U1052/CNRS 5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Paola Bonaventura
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Inserm U1052/CNRS 5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Alcazer
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Inserm U1052/CNRS 5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|