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Lv Y, Qi J, Babon JJ, Cao L, Fan G, Lang J, Zhang J, Mi P, Kobe B, Wang F. The JAK-STAT pathway: from structural biology to cytokine engineering. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:221. [PMID: 39169031 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01934-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway serves as a paradigm for signal transduction from the extracellular environment to the nucleus. It plays a pivotal role in physiological functions, such as hematopoiesis, immune balance, tissue homeostasis, and surveillance against tumors. Dysregulation of this pathway may lead to various disease conditions such as immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, hematologic disorders, and cancer. Due to its critical role in maintaining human health and involvement in disease, extensive studies have been conducted on this pathway, ranging from basic research to medical applications. Advances in the structural biology of this pathway have enabled us to gain insights into how the signaling cascade operates at the molecular level, laying the groundwork for therapeutic development targeting this pathway. Various strategies have been developed to restore its normal function, with promising therapeutic potential. Enhanced comprehension of these molecular mechanisms, combined with advances in protein engineering methodologies, has allowed us to engineer cytokines with tailored properties for targeted therapeutic applications, thereby enhancing their efficiency and safety. In this review, we outline the structural basis that governs key nodes in this pathway, offering a comprehensive overview of the signal transduction process. Furthermore, we explore recent advances in cytokine engineering for therapeutic development in this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Lv
- Center for Molecular Biosciences and Non-communicable Diseases Research, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, China
- Xi'an Amazinggene Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710026, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Jeffrey J Babon
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Longxing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Guohuang Fan
- Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd, No. 10 Lv Zhou Huan Road, Shanghai, 201112, China
| | - Jiajia Lang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Xi'an Amazinggene Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710026, China
| | - Pengbing Mi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Bostjan Kobe
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
| | - Faming Wang
- Center for Molecular Biosciences and Non-communicable Diseases Research, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, China.
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2
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Herrero Alvarez N, Molvi Z, Lupo K, Urraca J, Balderes P, Nyakatura EK, Khan AG, Viray T, Lewis JS, O'Reilly RJ. 89Zr-immunoPET-guided selection of a CD33xIL15 fusion protein optimized for antitumor immune cell activation and in vivo tumour retention in acute myeloid leukaemia. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024:10.1007/s00259-024-06814-7. [PMID: 38987489 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06814-7] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune cells are capable of eliminating leukemic cells, as evidenced by outcomes in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, patients who fail induction therapy will not benefit from HCT due to their minimal residual disease (MRD) status. Thus, we aimed to develop an immunomodulatory agent to reduce MRD by activating immune effector cells in the presence of leukaemia cells via a novel fusion protein that chimerises two clinically tolerated biologics: a CD33 antibody and the IL15Ra/IL15 complex (CD33xIL15). METHODS We generated a set of CD33xIL15 fusion protein constructs with varying configurations and identified those with the best in vitro AML-binding, T cell activation, and NK cell potentiation. Using 89Zr-immunoPET imaging we then evaluated the biodistribution and in vivo tumour retention of the most favourable CD33xIL15 constructs in an AML xenograft model. Ex vivo biodistribution studies were used to confirm the pharmacokinetics of the constructs. RESULTS Two of the generated fusion proteins, CD33xIL15 (N72D) and CD33xIL15wt, demonstrated optimal in vitro behaviour and were further evaluated in vivo. These studies revealed that the CD33xIL15wt candidate was capable of being retained in the tumour for as long as its parental CD33 antibody, Lintuzumab (13.9 ± 3.1%ID/g vs 18.6 ± 1.1%ID/g at 120 h). CONCLUSION This work demonstrates that CD33xIL15 fusion proteins are capable of targeting leukemic cells and stimulating local T cells in vitro and of concentrating in the tumour in AML xenografts. It also highlights the importance of 89Zr-immunoPET to guide the development and selection of tumour-targeted antibody-cytokine fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Herrero Alvarez
- Department of Radiology and Program in Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kyle Lupo
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jessica Urraca
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Paul Balderes
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Elisabeth K Nyakatura
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Abdul G Khan
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Tara Viray
- Department of Radiology and Program in Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Department of Radiology and Program in Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Departments of Pharmacology and Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Richard J O'Reilly
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Zeng S, Xing S, Zhang Y, Wang H, Liu Q. Nano-Bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapies for improved bladder cancer treatment. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024; 25:557-567. [PMID: 39011676 PMCID: PMC11254686 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300392] [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: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has rapidly become the fourth mainstream treatment alternative after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, with some promising results. It aims to kill tumor cells by mobilizing or stimulating cytotoxic immune cells. However, the clinical applications of tumor immunotherapies are limited owing to a lack of adequate delivery pathways and high toxicity. Recently, nanomaterials and genetic engineering have shown great potential in overcoming these limitations by protecting the delivery of antigens, activating targeted T cells, modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and improving the treatment efficacy. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis, which was first reported to have antitumor activity in 1927. BCG therapy can activate the immune system by inducing various cytokines and chemokines, and its specific immune and inflammatory responses exert antitumor effects. BCG was first used during the 1970s as an intravesical treatment agent for bladder cancer, which effectively improved immune antitumor activity and prevented tumor recurrence. More recently, nano-BCG and genetically engineered BCG have been proposed as treatment alternatives for bladder cancer due to their ability to induce stronger and more stable immune responses. In this study, we outline the development of nano-BCG and genetically engineered BCG for bladder cancer immunotherapy and review their potential and associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zeng
- Department of Urology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Shaoqiang Xing
- Department of Urology, First Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Central Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China.
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China.
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4
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Liu D, Yu L, Rong H, Liu L, Yin J. Engineering Microorganisms for Cancer Immunotherapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304649. [PMID: 38598792 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304649] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy presents a promising approach to fight against cancer by utilizing the immune system. Recently, engineered microorganisms have emerged as a potential strategy in cancer immunotherapy. These microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, can be designed and modified using synthetic biology and genetic engineering techniques to target cancer cells and modulate the immune system. This review delves into various microorganism-based therapies for cancer immunotherapy, encompassing strategies for enhancing efficacy while ensuring safety and ethical considerations. The development of these therapies holds immense potential in offering innovative personalized treatments for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lichao Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Haibo Rong
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lubin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 120 Longshan Road, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
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5
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Yadav R, Schubbert S, Holder PG, Chiang EY, Kiabi N, Bogaert L, Leung I, Rashid R, Avery KN, Bonzon C, Desjarlais JR, Sanjabi S, Sharma A, Lepherd M, Shelton A, Chan P, Liu Y, Joslyn L, Hosseini I, Stefanich EG, Kamath AV, Bernett MJ, Shivva V. Translational PK/PD and the first-in-human dose selection of a PD1/IL15: an engineered recombinant targeted cytokine for cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1380000. [PMID: 38887559 PMCID: PMC11181026 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1380000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a potential anticancer agent and numerous engineered IL-15 agonists are currently under clinical investigation. Selective targeting of IL-15 to specific lymphocytes may enhance therapeutic effects while helping to minimize toxicities. Methods We designed and built a heterodimeric targeted cytokine (TaCk) that consists of an anti-programmed cell death 1 receptor antibody (anti-PD-1) and an engineered IL-15. This "PD1/IL15" selectively delivers IL-15 signaling to lymphocytes expressing PD-1. We then investigated the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of PD1/IL15 TaCk on immune cell subsets in cynomolgus monkeys after single and repeat intravenous dose administrations. We used these results to determine the first-in-human (FIH) dose and dosing frequency for early clinical trials. Results The PD1/IL15 TaCk exhibited a nonlinear multiphasic PK profile, while the untargeted isotype control TaCk, containing an anti-respiratory syncytial virus antibody (RSV/IL15), showed linear and dose proportional PK. The PD1/IL15 TaCk also displayed a considerably prolonged PK (half-life range ∼1.0-4.1 days) compared to wild-type IL-15 (half-life ∼1.1 h), which led to an enhanced cell expansion PD response. The PD was dose-dependent, durable, and selective for PD-1+ lymphocytes. Notably, the dose- and time-dependent PK was attributed to dynamic TMDD resulting from test article-induced lymphocyte expansion upon repeat administration. The recommended first-in-human (FIH) dose of PD1/IL15 TaCk is 0.003 mg/kg, determined based on a minimum anticipated biological effect level (MABEL) approach utilizing a combination of in vitro and preclinical in vivo data. Conclusion This work provides insight into the complex PK/PD relationship of PD1/IL15 TaCk in monkeys and informs the recommended starting dose and dosing frequency selection to support clinical evaluation of this novel targeted cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amy Sharma
- Genentech, Inc., South SanFrancisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Amy Shelton
- Genentech, Inc., South SanFrancisco, CA, United States
| | - Pam Chan
- Genentech, Inc., South SanFrancisco, CA, United States
| | - Yanqiu Liu
- Genentech, Inc., South SanFrancisco, CA, United States
| | - Louis Joslyn
- Genentech, Inc., South SanFrancisco, CA, United States
| | - Iraj Hosseini
- Genentech, Inc., South SanFrancisco, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Vittal Shivva
- Genentech, Inc., South SanFrancisco, CA, United States
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Hellenbrand DJ, Quinn CM, Piper ZJ, Elder RT, Mishra RR, Marti TL, Omuro PM, Roddick RM, Lee JS, Murphy WL, Hanna AS. The secondary injury cascade after spinal cord injury: an analysis of local cytokine/chemokine regulation. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1308-1317. [PMID: 37905880 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00035/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff
After spinal cord injury, there is an extensive infiltration of immune cells, which exacerbates the injury and leads to further neural degeneration. Therefore, a major aim of current research involves targeting the immune response as a treatment for spinal cord injury. Although much research has been performed analyzing the complex inflammatory process following spinal cord injury, there remain major discrepancies within previous literature regarding the timeline of local cytokine regulation. The objectives of this study were to establish an overview of the timeline of cytokine regulation for 2 weeks after spinal cord injury, identify sexual dimorphisms in terms of cytokine levels, and determine local cytokines that significantly change based on the severity of spinal cord injury. Rats were inflicted with either a mild contusion, moderate contusion, severe contusion, or complete transection, 7 mm of spinal cord centered on the injury was harvested at varying times post-injury, and tissue homogenates were analyzed with a Cytokine/Chemokine 27-Plex assay. Results demonstrated pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were all upregulated after spinal cord injury, but returned to uninjured levels within approximately 24 hours post-injury, while chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 remained upregulated for days post-injury. In contrast, several anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors including interleukin-10 and vascular endothelial growth factor were downregulated by 7 days post-injury. After spinal cord injury, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, which specifically affects astrocytes involved in glial scar development, increased more than all other cytokines tested, reaching 26.9-fold higher than uninjured rats. After a mild injury, 11 cytokines demonstrated sexual dimorphisms; however, after a severe contusion only leptin levels were different between female and male rats. In conclusion, pro-inflammatory cytokines initiate the inflammatory process and return to baseline within hours post-injury, chemokines continue to recruit immune cells for days post-injury, while anti-inflammatory cytokines are downregulated by a week post-injury, and sexual dimorphisms observed after mild injury subsided with more severe injuries. Results from this work define critical chemokines that influence immune cell infiltration and important cytokines involved in glial scar development after spinal cord injury, which are essential for researchers developing treatments targeting secondary damage after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hellenbrand
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Charles M Quinn
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zachariah J Piper
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ryan T Elder
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raveena R Mishra
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Taylor L Marti
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Phoebe M Omuro
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rylie M Roddick
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jae Sung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William L Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Forward BIO Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amgad S Hanna
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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7
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Vahidi S, Zabeti Touchaei A, Samadani AA. IL-15 as a key regulator in NK cell-mediated immunotherapy for cancer: From bench to bedside. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112156. [PMID: 38669950 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112156] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin 15 (IL-15) has emerged as a crucial factor in the relationship between natural killer (NK) cells and immunotherapy for cancer. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of IL-15 in NK cell-mediated immunotherapy. First, the key role of IL-15 signaling in NK cell immunity is discussed, highlighting its regulation of NK cell functions and antitumor properties. Furthermore, the use of IL-15 or its analogs in clinical trials as a therapeutic strategy for various cancers, including the genetic modification of NK cells to produce IL-15, has been explored. The potential of IL-15-based therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T and NK cell infusion along with IL-15 in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and other treatments, has been examined. This review also addresses the challenges and advantages of incorporating IL-15 in cell-based immunotherapy. Additionally, unresolved questions regarding the detection and biological significance of the soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complex, as well as the potential role of IL-15/IL-15Rα in human cancer and the immunological consequences of prolonged exposure to soluble IL-15 for NK cells, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sogand Vahidi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Akbar Samadani
- Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Chiu YJ, Li CY, Wang TH, Ma H, Chou TY. Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals differences in gene expression and regulatory pathways between nonacral and acral melanoma in Asian individuals. J Dermatol 2024; 51:659-670. [PMID: 38469735 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17187] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma predominantly occurs in White individuals, which is associated with factors such as exposure to UV radiation and skin pigmentation. Despite its low incidence, melanoma is the primary cause of skin cancer-related death in Asia, typically in areas with low sun exposure. In our previous whole-exome sequencing study, we identified mutational signature 12 as the most prevalent variant in Asian patients, differing from the common UV-associated mutational signature 7 observed in White individuals. We also observed major differences between acral melanoma (AM) and nonacral melanoma (NAM) in terms of signatures 7, 21, and 22. Notably, few studies have investigated the genomic differences between AM and NAM in Asian individuals. Therefore, in this study, we conducted transcriptomic sequencing to examine the disparities in RNA expression between AM and NAM. Ribosomal RNA depletion was performed to enhance the detection of functionally relevant coding and noncoding transcripts. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed significant differences in gene expression and regulatory pathways between AM and NAM. The results also indicate that the genes involved in cell cycle signaling or immune modulation and programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 signaling were differentially expressed in NAM and AM. In addition, high CDK4 expression and cell cycle variability were observed in AM, with high immunogenicity in NAM. Overall, these findings provide further insights into the pathogenesis of melanoma and serve as a reference for future research on this major malignant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Chiu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Li
- Department of Dermatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Hsiang Wang
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsu Ma
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Teh-Ying Chou
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology and Precision Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Reyna J, Fetter K, Ignacio R, Marandi CCA, Rao N, Jiang Z, Figueroa DS, Bhattacharyya S, Ay F. Loop Catalog: a comprehensive HiChIP database of human and mouse samples. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.26.591349. [PMID: 38746164 PMCID: PMC11092438 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.26.591349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
HiChIP enables cost-effective and high-resolution profiling of regulatory and structural loops. To leverage the increasing number of publicly available HiChIP datasets from diverse cell lines and primary cells, we developed the Loop Catalog (https://loopcatalog.lji.org), a web-based database featuring HiChIP loop calls for 1319 samples across 133 studies and 44 high-resolution Hi-C loop calls. We demonstrate its utility in interpreting fine-mapped GWAS variants (SNP-to-gene linking), in identifying enriched sequence motifs and motif pairs at loop anchors, and in network-level analysis of loops connecting regulatory elements (community detection). Our comprehensive catalog, spanning over 4M unique 5kb loops, along with the accompanying analysis modalities constitutes an important resource for studies in gene regulation and genome organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin Reyna
- Centers for Cancer Immunotherapy and Autoimmunity, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Kyra Fetter
- Centers for Cancer Immunotherapy and Autoimmunity, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Romeo Ignacio
- Centers for Cancer Immunotherapy and Autoimmunity, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Cemil Can Ali Marandi
- Centers for Cancer Immunotherapy and Autoimmunity, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Nikhil Rao
- Centers for Cancer Immunotherapy and Autoimmunity, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Zichen Jiang
- Centers for Cancer Immunotherapy and Autoimmunity, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Daniela Salgado Figueroa
- Centers for Cancer Immunotherapy and Autoimmunity, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Sourya Bhattacharyya
- Centers for Cancer Immunotherapy and Autoimmunity, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Ferhat Ay
- Centers for Cancer Immunotherapy and Autoimmunity, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
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10
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Kim N, Yi E, Lee E, Park HJ, Kim HS. Interleukin-2 is required for NKp30-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity by preferentially regulating NKp30 expression. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1388018. [PMID: 38698855 PMCID: PMC11063289 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1388018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are key effectors in cancer immunosurveillance, eliminating a broad spectrum of cancer cells without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) specificity and graft-versus-host diseases (GvHD) risk. The use of allogeneic NK cell therapies from healthy donors has demonstrated favorable clinical efficacies in treating diverse cancers, particularly hematologic malignancies, but it requires cytokines such as IL-2 to primarily support NK cell persistence and expansion. However, the role of IL-2 in the regulation of activating receptors and the function of NK cells expanded for clinical trials is poorly understood and needs clarification for the full engagement of NK cells in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrated that IL-2 deprivation significantly impaired the cytotoxicity of primary expanded NK cells by preferentially downregulating NKp30 but not NKp46 despite their common adaptor requirement for expression and function. Using NK92 and IL-2-producing NK92MI cells, we observed that NKp30-mediated cytotoxicity against myeloid leukemia cells such as K562 and THP-1 cells expressing B7-H6, a ligand for NKp30, was severely impaired by IL-2 deprivation. Furthermore, IL-2 deficiency-mediated NK cell dysfunction was overcome by the ectopic overexpression of an immunostimulatory NKp30 isoform such as NKp30a or NKp30b. In particular, NKp30a overexpression in NK92 cells improved the clearance of THP-1 cells in vivo without IL-2 supplementation. Collectively, our results highlight the distinct role of IL-2 in the regulation of NKp30 compared to that of NKp46 and suggest NKp30 upregulation, as shown here by ectopic overexpression, as a viable modality to harness NK cells in cancer immunotherapy, possibly in combination with IL-2 immunocytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayoung Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbi Yi
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbi Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Park
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Sik Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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11
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Ahmadi N, Zareinejad M, Ameri M, Mahmoudi Maymand E, Nooreddin Faraji S, Ghaderi A, Ramezani A. Enhancing cancer immunotherapy with Anti-NKG2D/IL-15(N72D)/Sushi fusion protein: Targeting cytotoxic immune cells and boosting IL-15 efficacy. Cytokine 2024; 176:156505. [PMID: 38301357 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156505] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are a number of distinct challenges and complexities associated with administering IL-15 for cancer immunotherapy that must be taken into consideration. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to design a fusion protein for targeting cytotoxic immune cells and enhance IL-15 efficiency. METHODS A fusokine that contains IL-15(N72D), a Sushi domain, and anti-NKG2D scFv was designed. The fusion protein was in-silico modeled using the Swiss model server, followed by docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The in-vitro purified fusokine was evaluated using dot blot and Western blot. Then, flow cytometry was employed to evaluate biological properties such as proliferation, cytotoxicity, and degranulation. RESULTS Fusokine and IL-15(N72D)/Sushi, which had molecular weights of about 52 kDa and 26 kDa, respectively, were expressed in CHO-K1 cells. The fusokine binds 69.6 % of the CHO-NKG2D+ cells that express 83.1 % NKG2D. Both the fusokine and the IL-15(N72D)/Sushi significantly stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes. After 14 days of growth, the vitality of untreated cells decreased to about 17.5 %, but 82.2 % and 56.6 % of cells were still alive when fusokine and IL-15(N72D)/Sushi were present. Furthermore, administration of fusokine was associated with the highest rates of target tumor cell cytotoxicity. Additionally, although it was not statistically significant, fusokine increased the expression of CD107a and granzyme B by 1.25 times and 2.4 times, respectively. CONCLUSION The fusokine possesses the capability to stimulate the survival and multiplication of lymphocytes, as well as their ability to eliminate tumors. These characteristics have led to its consideration as a potential treatment for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammadrasul Zareinejad
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Ameri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Mahmoudi Maymand
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Nooreddin Faraji
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Ghaderi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amin Ramezani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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12
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Liao Y, Yan J, Beri NR, Giulino-Roth L, Cesarman E, Gewurz BE. Germinal center cytokine driven epigenetic control of Epstein-Barr virus latency gene expression. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011939. [PMID: 38683861 PMCID: PMC11081508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) persistently infects 95% of adults worldwide and is associated with multiple human lymphomas that express characteristic EBV latency programs used by the virus to navigate the B-cell compartment. Upon primary infection, the EBV latency III program, comprised of six Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigens (EBNA) and two Latent Membrane Protein (LMP) antigens, drives infected B-cells into germinal center (GC). By incompletely understood mechanisms, GC microenvironmental cues trigger the EBV genome to switch to the latency II program, comprised of EBNA1, LMP1 and LMP2A and observed in GC-derived Hodgkin lymphoma. To gain insights into pathways and epigenetic mechanisms that control EBV latency reprogramming as EBV-infected B-cells encounter microenvironmental cues, we characterized GC cytokine effects on EBV latency protein expression and on the EBV epigenome. We confirmed and extended prior studies highlighting GC cytokine effects in support of the latency II transition. The T-follicular helper cytokine interleukin 21 (IL-21), which is a major regulator of GC responses, and to a lesser extent IL-4 and IL-10, hyper-induced LMP1 expression, while repressing EBNA expression. However, follicular dendritic cell cytokines including IL-15 and IL-27 downmodulate EBNA but not LMP1 expression. CRISPR editing highlighted that STAT3 and STAT5 were necessary for cytokine mediated EBNA silencing via epigenetic effects at the EBV genomic C promoter. By contrast, STAT3 was instead necessary for LMP1 promoter epigenetic remodeling, including gain of activating histone chromatin marks and loss of repressive polycomb repressive complex silencing marks. Thus, EBV has evolved to coopt STAT signaling to oppositely regulate the epigenetic status of key viral genomic promoters in response to GC cytokine cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Liao
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jinjie Yan
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nina R. Beri
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lisa Giulino-Roth
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ethel Cesarman
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Benjamin E. Gewurz
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Program in Virology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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13
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Hardtke-Wolenski M, Landwehr-Kenzel S. Tipping the balance in autoimmunity: are regulatory t cells the cause, the cure, or both? Mol Cell Pediatr 2024; 11:3. [PMID: 38507159 PMCID: PMC10954601 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-024-00176-8] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subgroup of T-cell lymphocytes that is crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing excessive immune responses. Depending on their differentiation route, Tregs can be subdivided into thymically derived Tregs (tTregs) and peripherally induced Tregs (pTregs), which originate from conventional T cells after extrathymic differentiation at peripheral sites. Although the regulatory attributes of tTregs and pTregs partially overlap, their modes of action, protein expression profiles, and functional stability exhibit specific characteristics unique to each subset. Over the last few years, our knowledge of Treg differentiation, maturation, plasticity, and correlations between their phenotypes and functions has increased. Genetic and functional studies in patients with numeric and functional Treg deficiencies have contributed to our mechanistic understanding of immune dysregulation and autoimmune pathologies. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge of Treg biology, discusses monogenetic Treg pathologies and explores the role of Tregs in various other autoimmune disorders. Additionally, we discuss novel approaches that explore Tregs as targets or agents of innovative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany
- University Hospital Essen, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, Essen, 45122, Germany
| | - Sybille Landwehr-Kenzel
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany.
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany.
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14
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Stenger TD, Miller JS. Therapeutic approaches to enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356666. [PMID: 38545115 PMCID: PMC10966407 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancing the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells has emerged as a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy, due to their pivotal role in immune surveillance and tumor clearance. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of therapeutic approaches designed to augment NK cell cytotoxicity. We analyze a wide range of strategies, including cytokine-based treatment, monoclonal antibodies, and NK cell engagers, and discuss criteria that must be considered when selecting an NK cell product to combine with these strategies. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and limitations associated with each therapeutic strategy, as well as the potential for combination therapies to maximize NK cell cytotoxicity while minimizing adverse effects. By exploring the wealth of research on this topic, this literature review aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians seeking to develop and implement novel therapeutic strategies that harness the full potential of NK cells in the fight against cancer. Enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity holds great promise in the evolving landscape of immunotherapy, and this review serves as a roadmap for understanding the current state of the field and the future directions in NK cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terran D. Stenger
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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15
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Zekri L, Hagelstein I, Märklin M, Klimovich B, Christie M, Lindner C, Kämereit S, Prakash N, Müller S, Stotz S, Maurer A, Greve C, Schmied B, Atar D, Rammensee HG, Jung G, Salih HR. Immunocytokines with target cell-restricted IL-15 activity for treatment of B cell malignancies. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadh1988. [PMID: 38446900 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh1988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Despite the advances in cancer treatment achieved, for example, by the CD20 antibody rituximab, an urgent medical need remains to optimize the capacity of such antibodies to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) that determines therapeutic efficacy. The cytokine IL-15 stimulates proliferation, activation, and cytolytic capacity of NK cells, but broad clinical use is prevented by short half-life, poor accumulation at the tumor site, and severe toxicity due to unspecific immune activation. We here report modified immunocytokines consisting of Fc-optimized CD19 and CD20 antibodies fused to an IL-15 moiety comprising an L45E-E46K double mutation (MIC+ format). The E46K mutation abrogated binding to IL-15Rα, thereby enabling substitution of physiological trans-presentation by target binding and thus conditional IL-15Rβγ stimulation, whereas the L45E mutation optimized IL-15Rβγ agonism and producibility. In vitro analysis of NK activation, anti-leukemia reactivity, and toxicity using autologous and allogeneic B cells confirmed target-dependent function of MIC+ constructs. Compared with Fc-optimized CD19 and CD20 antibodies, MIC+ constructs mediated superior target cell killing and NK cell proliferation. Mouse models using luciferase-expressing human NALM-6 lymphoma cells, patient acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells, and murine EL-4 lymphoma cells transduced with human CD19/CD20 as targets and human and murine NK cells as effectors, respectively, confirmed superior and target-dependent anti-leukemic activity. In summary, MIC+ constructs combine the benefits of Fc-optimized antibodies and IL-15 cytokine activity and mediate superior NK cell immunity with potentially reduced side effects. They thus constitute a promising new immunotherapeutic approach shown here for B cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Zekri
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany
- DKFZ Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ilona Hagelstein
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Märklin
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Boris Klimovich
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mary Christie
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, 2050 NSW, Australia
| | - Cornelia Lindner
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany
- DKFZ Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sofie Kämereit
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany
- DKFZ Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nisha Prakash
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany
- DKFZ Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Müller
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sophie Stotz
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carsten Greve
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany
- DKFZ Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bastian Schmied
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Atar
- Childrens University Hospital, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Rammensee
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany
- DKFZ Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gundram Jung
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany
- DKFZ Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helmut R Salih
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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16
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Bar J, Leibowitz R, Reinmuth N, Ammendola A, Jacob E, Moskovitz M, Levy-Barda A, Lotem M, Katsenelson R, Agbarya A, Abu-Amna M, Gottfried M, Harkovsky T, Wolf I, Tepper E, Loewenthal G, Yellin B, Brody Y, Dahan N, Yanko M, Lahav C, Harel M, Raveh Shoval S, Elon Y, Sela I, Dicker AP, Shaked Y. Biological insights from plasma proteomics of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1364473. [PMID: 38487531 PMCID: PMC10937428 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1364473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors have made a paradigm shift in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, clinical response varies widely and robust predictive biomarkers for patient stratification are lacking. Here, we characterize early on-treatment proteomic changes in blood plasma to gain a better understanding of treatment response and resistance. Methods Pre-treatment (T0) and on-treatment (T1) plasma samples were collected from 225 NSCLC patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-based regimens. Plasma was profiled using aptamer-based technology to quantify approximately 7000 plasma proteins per sample. Proteins displaying significant fold changes (T1:T0) were analyzed further to identify associations with clinical outcomes using clinical benefit and overall survival as endpoints. Bioinformatic analyses of upregulated proteins were performed to determine potential cell origins and enriched biological processes. Results The levels of 142 proteins were significantly increased in the plasma of NSCLC patients following ICI-based treatments. Soluble PD-1 exhibited the highest increase, with a positive correlation to tumor PD-L1 status, and, in the ICI monotherapy dataset, an association with improved overall survival. Bioinformatic analysis of the ICI monotherapy dataset revealed a set of 30 upregulated proteins that formed a single, highly interconnected network, including CD8A connected to ten other proteins, suggestive of T cell activation during ICI treatment. Notably, the T cell-related network was detected regardless of clinical benefit. Lastly, circulating proteins of alveolar origin were identified as potential biomarkers of limited clinical benefit, possibly due to a link with cellular stress and lung damage. Conclusions Our study provides insights into the biological processes activated during ICI-based therapy, highlighting the potential of plasma proteomics to identify mechanisms of therapy resistance and biomarkers for outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jair Bar
- Institute of Oncology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Raya Leibowitz
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Shamir Medical Center, Oncology Institute, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Niels Reinmuth
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich-Gauting, Germany
- Biobank of lung disease, Asklepios Klinik Gauting GmbH, Gauting, Germany
| | - Astrid Ammendola
- Biobank of lung disease, Asklepios Klinik Gauting GmbH, Gauting, Germany
| | | | - Mor Moskovitz
- Thoracic oncology service, Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Adva Levy-Barda
- Biobank, Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Michal Lotem
- Center for Melanoma and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Sharett Institute of Oncology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Abed Agbarya
- Institute of Oncology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mahmoud Abu-Amna
- Oncology & Hematology Division, Cancer Center, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel
| | - Maya Gottfried
- Department of Oncology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Israel
| | - Tatiana Harkovsky
- Barzilai Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Ido Wolf
- Division of Oncology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ella Tepper
- Department of Oncology, Assuta Hospital, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adam P. Dicker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yuval Shaked
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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17
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Ji C, Kuang B, Buetow BS, Vitsky A, Xu Y, Huang TH, Chaparro-Riggers J, Kraynov E, Matsumoto D. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity of a PD-1-targeted IL-15 in cynomolgus monkeys. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298240. [PMID: 38315680 PMCID: PMC10843171 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PF-07209960 is a novel bispecific fusion protein composed of an anti-PD-1 antibody and engineered IL-15 cytokine mutein with reduced binding affinity to its receptors. The pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and toxicity of PF-07209960 were evaluated following once every other week subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) administration to cynomolgus monkeys in a repeat-dose PKPD (0.01-0.3 mg/kg/dose) and GLP toxicity study (0.1-3 mg/kg/dose). PF-07209960 showed dose dependent pharmacokinetics with a terminal T1/2 of 8 and 13 hours following IV administration at 0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. The clearance is faster than a typical IgG1 antibody. Slightly faster clearance was also observed following the second dose, likely due to increased target pool and formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). Despite a high incidence rate of ADA (92%) observed in GLP toxicity study, PD-1 receptor occupancy, IL-15 signaling (STAT5 phosphorylation) and T cell expansion were comparable following the first and second doses. Activation and proliferation of T cells were observed with largest increase in cell numbers found in gamma delta T cells, followed by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and then NK cells. Release of cytokines IL-6, IFNγ, and IL-10 were detected, which peaked at 72 hours postdose. There was PF-07209960-related mortality at ≥1 mg/kg. At scheduled necropsy, microscopic findings were generalized mononuclear infiltration in various tissues. Both the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) and the highest non severely toxic dose (HNSTD) were determined to be 0.3 mg/kg/dose, which corresponded to mean Cmax and AUC48 values of 1.15 μg/mL and 37.9 μg*h/mL, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhua Ji
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Bing Kuang
- Biomedical Design, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Bernard S. Buetow
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Allison Vitsky
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Yuanming Xu
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Huang
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | | | - Eugenia Kraynov
- Biomedical Design, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Diane Matsumoto
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, United States of America
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18
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Skariah N, James OJ, Swamy M. Signalling mechanisms driving homeostatic and inflammatory effects of interleukin-15 on tissue lymphocytes. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 3:kyae002. [PMID: 38405398 PMCID: PMC10883678 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
There is an intriguing dichotomy in the function of cytokine interleukin-15-at low levels, it is required for the homeostasis of the immune system, yet when it is upregulated in response to pathogenic infections or in autoimmunity, IL-15 drives inflammation. IL-15 associates with the IL-15Rα within both myeloid and non-haematopoietic cells, where IL-15Rα trans-presents IL-15 in a membrane-bound form to neighboring cells. Alongside homeostatic maintenance of select lymphocyte populations such as NK cells and tissue-resident T cells, when upregulated, IL-15 also promotes inflammatory outcomes by driving effector function and cytotoxicity in NK cells and T cells. As chronic over-expression of IL-15 can lead to autoimmunity, IL-15 expression is tightly regulated. Thus, blocking dysregulated IL-15 and its downstream signalling pathways are avenues for immunotherapy. In this review we discuss the molecular pathways involved in IL-15 signalling and how these pathways contribute to both homeostatic and inflammatory functions in IL-15-dependent mature lymphoid populations, focusing on innate, and innate-like lymphocytes in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Skariah
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Olivia J James
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Mahima Swamy
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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19
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Gellert J, Jäkel A, Danielczyk A, Goletz C, Lischke T, Flechner A, Dix L, Günzl A, Kehler P. GT-00AxIL15, a Novel Tumor-Targeted IL-15-Based Immunocytokine for the Treatment of TA-MUC1-Positive Solid Tumors: Preclinical In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacodynamics and Biodistribution Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1406. [PMID: 38338686 PMCID: PMC10855649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031406] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
GT-00AxIL15 is a novel interleukin-15-based immunocytokine targeting a tumor-specific, glycosylated epitope of MUC1 (TA-MUC1). We characterized mode of action, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties and investigated the relevance of TA-MUC1 binding for the concept of delivering IL-15 to solid tumors. In vitro pharmacology was analyzed in binding and cell-based assays. The in vivo PK profile and IL-15-mediated PD effects of GT-00AxIL15 were investigated in tumor-free mice. Tumor accumulation, immune infiltration and anti-tumor activity were assessed in TA-MUC1+ syngeneic and xenogeneic murine tumor models. GT-00AxIL15 was shown to specifically bind TA-MUC1 on tumor cells via its mAb moiety, to IL-15 receptors on immune cells via its IL-15 fusion modules and to FcγRs via its functional Fc-part. In vitro, NK, NKT and CD8+ T cells were activated and proliferated, leading to anti-tumor cytotoxicity and synergism with antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-mediating mAbs. In vivo, GT-00AxIL15 exhibited favorable PK characteristics with a serum half-life of 13 days and specifically accumulated in TA-MUC1+ tumors. In the tumor microenvironment, GT-00AxIL15 induced robust immune activation and expansion and mediated anti-metastatic and anti-tumor effects in syngeneic and xenograft tumor models. These results support the rationale to improve PK and anti-tumor efficacy of IL-15 by increasing local concentrations at the tumor site via conjugation to a TA-MUC1 binding mAb. The tumor-selective expression pattern of TA-MUC1, powerful immune activation and anti-tumor cytotoxicity, long serum half-life and tumor targeting properties, render GT-00AxIL15 a promising candidate for treatment of solid tumors with high medical need, e.g., ovarian, lung and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Gellert
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Anika Jäkel
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Antje Danielczyk
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Christoph Goletz
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Timo Lischke
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Anke Flechner
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | - Laura Dix
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
| | | | - Patrik Kehler
- Glycotope GmbH, Robert-Roessle-Str.10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (A.D.); (T.L.); (P.K.)
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20
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Crimini E, Boscolo Bielo L, Berton Giachetti PPM, Pellizzari G, Antonarelli G, Taurelli Salimbeni B, Repetto M, Belli C, Curigliano G. Beyond PD(L)-1 Blockade in Microsatellite-Instable Cancers: Current Landscape of Immune Co-Inhibitory Receptor Targeting. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:281. [PMID: 38254772 PMCID: PMC10813411 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
High microsatellite instability (MSI-H) derives from genomic hypermutability due to deficient mismatch repair function. Colorectal (CRC) and endometrial cancers (EC) are the tumor types that more often present MSI-H. Anti-PD(L)-1 antibodies have been demonstrated to be agnostically effective in patients with MSI-H cancer, but 50-60% of them do not respond to single-agent treatment, highlighting the necessity of expanding their treatment opportunities. Ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4) is the only immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) non-targeting PD(L)-1 that has been approved so far by the FDA for MSI-H cancer, namely, CRC in combination with nivolumab. Anti-TIM3 antibody LY3321367 showed interesting clinical activity in combination with anti-PDL-1 antibody in patients with MSI-H cancer not previously treated with anti-PD(L)-1. In contrast, no clinical evidence is available for anti-LAG3, anti-TIGIT, anti-BTLA, anti-ICOS and anti-IDO1 antibodies in MSI-H cancers, but clinical trials are ongoing. Other immunotherapeutic strategies under study for MSI-H cancers include vaccines, systemic immunomodulators, STING agonists, PKM2 activators, T-cell immunotherapy, LAIR-1 immunosuppression reversal, IL5 superagonists, oncolytic viruses and IL12 partial agonists. In conclusion, several combination therapies of ICIs and novel strategies are emerging and may revolutionize the treatment paradigm of MSI-H patients in the future. A huge effort will be necessary to find reliable immune biomarkers to personalize therapeutical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Crimini
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (G.P.); (G.A.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Boscolo Bielo
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (G.P.); (G.A.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Maria Berton Giachetti
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (G.P.); (G.A.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Pellizzari
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (G.P.); (G.A.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Antonarelli
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (G.P.); (G.A.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Taurelli Salimbeni
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (G.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Matteo Repetto
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Carmen Belli
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (G.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (G.P.); (G.A.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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21
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Yifei L, Jinjie Y, Beri NR, Roth LG, Ethel C, Benjamin E. G. Germinal Center Cytokines Driven Epigenetic Control of Epstein-Barr Virus Latency Gene Expression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.02.573986. [PMID: 38260430 PMCID: PMC10802360 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.02.573986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) persistently infects 95% of adults worldwide and is associated with multiple human lymphomas that express characteristic EBV latency programs used by the virus to navigate the B-cell compartment. Upon primary infection, the EBV latency III program, comprised of six Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigens (EBNA) and two Latent Membrane Protein (LMP) antigens, drives infected B-cells into germinal center (GC). By incompletely understood mechanisms, GC microenvironmental cues trigger the EBV genome to switch to the latency II program, comprised of EBNA1, LMP1 and LMP2A and observed in GC-derived Hodgkin lymphoma. To gain insights into pathways and epigenetic mechanisms that control EBV latency reprogramming as EBV-infected B-cells encounter microenvironmental cues, we characterized GC cytokine effects on EBV latency protein expression and on the EBV epigenome. We confirmed and extended prior studies highlighting GC cytokine effects in support of the latency II transition. The T-follicular helper cytokine interleukin 21 (IL-21), which is a major regulator of GC responses, and to a lesser extent IL-4 and IL-10, hyper-induced LMP1 expression, while repressing EBNA expression. However, follicular dendritic cell cytokines including IL-15 and IL-27 downmodulate EBNA but not LMP1 expression. CRISPR editing highlighted that STAT3 and STAT5 were necessary for cytokine mediated EBNA silencing via epigenetic effects at the EBV genomic C promoter. By contrast, STAT3 was instead necessary for LMP1 promoter epigenetic remodeling, including gain of activating histone chromatin marks and loss of repressive polycomb repressive complex silencing marks. Thus, EBV has evolved to coopt STAT signaling to oppositely regulate the epigenetic status of key viral genomic promoters in response to GC cytokine cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liao Yifei
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yan Jinjie
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Nina R. Beri
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Lisa G. Roth
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
| | | | - Gewurz Benjamin E.
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Integrated Solutions to Infectious Diseases, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Program in Virology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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22
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Murer P, Brannetti B, Rondeau JM, Petersen L, Egli N, Popp S, Regnier C, Richter K, Katopodis A, Huber C. Discovery and development of ANV419, an IL-2/anti-IL-2 antibody fusion protein with potent CD8+ T and natural killer cell-stimulating capacity for cancer immunotherapy. MAbs 2024; 16:2381891. [PMID: 39041287 PMCID: PMC11268257 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2381891] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel engineered IL-2 agonists strive to increase the therapeutic window of aldesleukin (human IL-2) by increasing selectivity toward effector over regulatory T cells and reducing dose-limiting toxicities. Here we describe ANV419, an IL-2/anti-IL2 antibody fusion protein designed for selective IL-2 receptor βγ (IL-2 Rβγ) activation by sterically hindering IL-2 from binding to IL-2 Rα. The fusion protein has an IL-2 connected to the light chain complementarity-determining region (CDR) domain of a humanized antibody that binds to IL-2 at the same epitope as IL-2 Rα. Optimization of the selectivity and pharmacological properties led to the selection of ANV419. ANV419 preferentially expands CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells over Tregs and can be safely administered at doses that elicit strong pharmacodynamic effects and efficacy in mouse tumor models. Its anti-tumor efficacy was enhanced when combined with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) checkpoint inhibitors. ANV419 also enhances the NK cell killing capacity and increases tumor growth inhibition when used alongside trastuzumab in a Her-2+ xenograft mouse model. In cynomolgus monkeys, the estimated half-life of ANV419 is 24 h, and doses that induced sustained expansion of effector cells were well tolerated without the severe toxicities typically observed with high-dose IL-2. These data support the clinical development of ANV419 in solid tumors and hematological malignancies as monotherapy and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors or agents that induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. ANV419 is currently in Phase 1/2 clinical development and may provide cancer patients with a wider therapeutic window than aldesleukin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Simone Popp
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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23
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Rocha Martins P, Luciano Pereira Morais K, de Lima Galdino NA, Jacauna A, Paula SOC, Magalhães WCS, Zuccherato LW, Campos LS, Salles PGO, Gollob KJ. Linking tumor immune infiltrate and systemic immune mediators to treatment response and prognosis in advanced cervical cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22634. [PMID: 38114557 PMCID: PMC10730812 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49441-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) poses a significant burden on individuals in developing regions, exhibiting heterogeneous responses to standard chemoradiation therapy, and contributing to substantial mortality rates. Unraveling host immune dynamics holds promise for innovative therapies and discovery of clinically relevant biomarkers. We studied prospectively locally advanced CC patients pre-treatment, stratifying them as responders (R) or non-responders (NR). R patients had increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), while NR patients showed elevated PD-1 scores, CD8+ and PD-L2+ TILs, and PD-L1 immune reactivity. NR patients exhibited higher systemic soluble mediators correlating with TIL immune markers. R patients demonstrated functional polarization of CD4 T cells (Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg), while CD8+ T cells and CD68+ macrophages predominated in the NR group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified potential CC response predictors, including PD-L1-immunoreactive (IR) area, PD-L2, CD8, FGF-basic, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12p40, IL-15, and TNF-alpha. Dysfunctional TILs and imbalanced immune mediators contribute to therapeutic insufficiency, shedding light on local and systemic immune interplay. Our study informs immunological signatures for treatment prediction and CC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Rocha Martins
- Pathology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Instituto Mário Penna, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Kátia Luciano Pereira Morais
- Translational Immuno-Oncology Lab, Education and Research Institute, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Center for Research in Immuno-Oncology (CRIO), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nayane Alves de Lima Galdino
- Translational Immuno-Oncology Lab, Education and Research Institute, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Center for Research in Immuno-Oncology (CRIO), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Jacauna
- Pathology Department, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Wagner C S Magalhães
- Instituto Mário Penna, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- CCATES - Centro Colaborador do SUS: Avaliação de Tecnologias e Excelencia em Saude, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luciana W Zuccherato
- Instituto Mário Penna, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Kenneth J Gollob
- Instituto Mário Penna, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
- Translational Immuno-Oncology Lab, Education and Research Institute, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- Center for Research in Immuno-Oncology (CRIO), Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- Center for Research in Immuno-Oncology (CRIO), Translational Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Av. Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, 62705652-900, Brazil.
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24
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Wu WC, Shiu C, Tong TK, Leung SO, Hui CW. Suppression of NK Cell Activation by JAK3 Inhibition: Implication in the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:8924603. [PMID: 38106519 PMCID: PMC10723930 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8924603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell is an essential cytotoxic lymphocyte in our innate immunity. Activation of NK cells is of paramount importance in defending against pathogens, suppressing autoantibody production and regulating other immune cells. Common gamma chain (γc) cytokines, including IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21, are defined as essential regulators for NK cell homeostasis and development. However, it is inconclusive whether γc cytokine-driven NK cell activation plays a protective or pathogenic role in the development of autoimmunity. In this study, we investigate and correlate the differential effects of γc cytokines in NK cell expansion and activation. IL-2 and IL-15 are mainly responsible for NK cell activation, while IL-21 preferentially stimulates NK cell proliferation. Blockade of Janus tyrosine kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway by either JAK inhibitors or antibodies targeting γc receptor subunits reverses the γc cytokine-induced NK cell activation, leading to suppression of its autoimmunity-like phenotype in vitro. These results underline the mechanisms of how γc cytokines trigger autoimmune phenotype in NK cells as a potential target to autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Chung Wu
- SinoMab BioScience Limited, Units 303 and 305 to 307, No. 15 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Carol Shiu
- SinoMab BioScience Limited, Units 303 and 305 to 307, No. 15 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Tak Keung Tong
- SinoMab BioScience Limited, Units 303 and 305 to 307, No. 15 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Shui On Leung
- SinoMab BioScience Limited, Units 303 and 305 to 307, No. 15 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Chin Wai Hui
- SinoMab BioScience Limited, Units 303 and 305 to 307, No. 15 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong
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25
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Luo M, Gong W, Zhang Y, Li H, Ma D, Wu K, Gao Q, Fang Y. New insights into the stemness of adoptively transferred T cells by γc family cytokines. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:347. [PMID: 38049832 PMCID: PMC10694921 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has exhibited excellent antitumoral efficacy exemplified by the clinical breakthrough of chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T) in hematologic malignancies. It relies on the pool of functional T cells to retain the developmental potential to serially kill targeted cells. However, failure in the continuous supply and persistence of functional T cells has been recognized as a critical barrier to sustainable responses. Conferring stemness on infused T cells, yielding stem cell-like memory T cells (TSCM) characterized by constant self-renewal and multilineage differentiation similar to pluripotent stem cells, is indeed necessary and promising for enhancing T cell function and sustaining antitumor immunity. Therefore, it is crucial to identify TSCM cell induction regulators and acquire more TSCM cells as resource cells during production and after infusion to improve antitumoral efficacy. Recently, four common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc) family cytokines, encompassing interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21, have been widely used in the development of long-lived adoptively transferred TSCM in vitro. However, challenges, including their non-specific toxicities and off-target effects, have led to substantial efforts for the development of engineered versions to unleash their full potential in the induction and maintenance of T cell stemness in ACT. In this review, we summarize the roles of the four γc family cytokines in the orchestration of adoptively transferred T cell stemness, introduce their engineered versions that modulate TSCM cell formation and demonstrate the potential of their various combinations. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Luo
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjian Gong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuewen Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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26
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Eskeland S, Bø-Granquist EG, Stuen S, Lybeck K, Wilhelmsson P, Lindgren PE, Makvandi-Nejad S. Temporal patterns of gene expression in response to inoculation with a virulent Anaplasma phagocytophilum strain in sheep. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20399. [PMID: 37989861 PMCID: PMC10663591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47801-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize the gene expression of host immune- and cellular responses to a Norwegian virulent strain of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the cause of tick-borne fever in sheep. Ten sheep were intravenously inoculated with a live virulent strain of A. phagocytophilum. Clinical-, observational-, hematological data as well as bacterial load, flow cytometric cell count data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and host's gene expression post infection was analysed. The transcriptomic data were assessed for pre-set time points over the course of 22 days following the inoculation. Briefly, all inoculated sheep responded with clinical signs of infection 3 days post inoculation and onwards with maximum bacterial load observed on day 6, consistent with tick-borne fever. On days, 3-8, the innate immune responses and effector processes such as IFN1 signaling pathways and cytokine mediated signaling pathways were observed. Several pathways associated with the adaptive immune responses, namely T-cell activation, humoral immune responses, B-cell activation, and T- and B-cell differentiation dominated on the days of 8, 10 and 14. Flow-cytometric analysis of the PBMCs showed a reduction in CD4+CD25+ cells on day 10 and 14 post-inoculation and a skewed CD4:CD8 ratio indicating a reduced activation and proliferation of CD4-T-cells. The genes of important co-stimulatory molecules such as CD28 and CD40LG, important in T- and B-cell activation and proliferation, did not significantly change or experienced downregulation throughout the study. The absence of upregulation of several co-stimulatory molecules might be one possible explanation for the low activation and proliferation of CD4-T-cells during A. phagocytophilum infection, indicating a suboptimal CD4-T-cell response. The upregulation of T-BET, EOMES and IFN-γ on days 8-14 post inoculation, indicates a favoured CD4 Th1- and CD8-response. The dynamics and interaction between CD4+CD25+ and co-stimulatory molecules such as CD28, CD80, CD40 and CD40LG during infection with A. phagocytophilum in sheep needs further investigation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sveinung Eskeland
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Elizabeth Stephansens Vei 15, 1433, Ås, Norway.
| | - Erik G Bø-Granquist
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Elizabeth Stephansens Vei 15, 1433, Ås, Norway
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, 4325, Sandnes, Norway
| | - Kari Lybeck
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Elizabeth Stephansens Vei 1, 1433, Ås, Norway
| | - Peter Wilhelmsson
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Laboratory for Borrelia and Other Tick-Borne Bacteria, Region Jönköping County, 553 05, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
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Leidner R, Conlon K, McNeel DG, Wang-Gillam A, Gupta S, Wesolowski R, Chaudhari M, Hassounah N, Lee JB, Ho Lee L, O'Keeffe JA, Lewis N, Pavlakis GN, Thompson JA. First-in-human phase I/Ib study of NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimer of IL-15 and IL-15Rα, as a single agent and in combination with spartalizumab in patients with advanced and metastatic solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007725. [PMID: 37907221 PMCID: PMC10619015 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007725] [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: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinically, interleukin-15 (IL-15) monotherapy promotes antitumor immune responses, which are enhanced when IL-15 is used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This first-in-human study investigated NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimer comprising physiologically active IL-15 and IL-15 receptor α, as monotherapy and in combination with spartalizumab, an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS This phase I/Ib study had two dose-escalation arms: single-agent NIZ985 administered subcutaneously thrice weekly (TIW, 2 weeks on/2 weeks off) or once weekly (QW, 3 weeks on/1 week off), and NIZ985 TIW or QW administered subcutaneously plus spartalizumab (400 mg intravenously every 4 weeks (Q4W)). The dose-expansion phase investigated NIZ985 1 µg/kg TIW/spartalizumab 400 mg Q4W in patients with anti-PD-1-sensitive or anti-PD-1-resistant tumor types stratified according to approved indications. The primary objectives were the safety, tolerability, and the maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) and/or recommended dose for expansion (RDE) of NIZ985 for the dose-expansion phase. RESULTS As of February 17, 2020, 83 patients (median age: 63 years; range: 28-85) were treated in dose escalation (N=47; single-agent NIZ985: n=27; NIZ985/spartalizumab n=20) and dose expansion (N=36). No dose-limiting toxicities occurred nor was the MTD identified. The most common treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) was injection site reaction (primarily grades 1-2; single-agent NIZ985: 85% (23/27)); NIZ985/spartalizumab: 89% [50/56]). The most common grade 3-4 TRAE was decreased lymphocyte count (single-agent NIZ985: 7% [2/27]; NIZ985/spartalizumab: 5% [3/56]). The best overall response was stable disease in the single-agent arm (30% (8/27)) and partial response in the NIZ985/spartalizumab arm (5% [3/56]; melanoma, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer). In dose expansion, the disease control rate was 45% (5/11) in the anti-PD-1-sensitive and 20% (5/25) in the anti-PD-1-resistant tumor type cohorts. Pharmacokinetic parameters were similar across arms. The transient increase in CD8+ T cell and natural killer cell proliferation and induction of several cytokines occurred in response to the single-agent and combination treatments. CONCLUSIONS NIZ985 was well tolerated in the single-agent and NIZ985/spartalizumab regimens. The RDE was established at 1 µg/kg TIW. Antitumor activity of the combination was observed against tumor types known to have a poor response to ICIs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02452268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rom Leidner
- EACRI, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kevin Conlon
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Douglas G McNeel
- Department of Medicine, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sumati Gupta
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Robert Wesolowski
- Division of Medical Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Nadia Hassounah
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jong Bong Lee
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lang Ho Lee
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica A O'Keeffe
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nancy Lewis
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Bodden M, Häcker A, Röder J, Kiefer A, Zhang C, Bhatti A, Pfeifer Serrahima J, Ullrich E, Kühnel I, Wels WS. Co-Expression of an IL-15 Superagonist Facilitates Self-Enrichment of GD 2-Targeted CAR-NK Cells and Mediates Potent Cell Killing in the Absence of IL-2. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4310. [PMID: 37686586 PMCID: PMC10486391 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells do not require prior sensitization but are rapidly activated upon encountering virally infected or neoplastic cells. In addition, NK cells can be safely applied in an allogeneic setting, making them important effector cells for the development of off-the-shelf therapeutics for adoptive cancer immunotherapy. To further enhance their therapeutic potential, here, we engineered continuously expanding NK-92 cells as a clinically relevant model to express a humanized second-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) with a composite CD28-CD3ζ signaling domain (hu14.18.28.z) that targets the disialoganglioside GD2, which is expressed at high levels by neuroblastoma cells and other tumors of neuroectodermal origin. In a separate approach, we fused an IL-15 superagonist (RD-IL15) to the GD2-CAR via a P2A processing site. Lentivirally transduced NK-92/hu14.18.28.z and NK-92/hu14.18.28.z_RD-IL15 cells both displayed high and stable CAR surface expression and specific cytotoxicity toward GD2-positive tumor cells. GD2-CAR NK cells carrying the RD-IL15 construct in addition expressed the IL-15 superagonist, resulting in self-enrichment and targeted cell killing in the absence of exogenous IL-2. Furthermore, co-culture with RD-IL15-secreting GD2-CAR NK cells markedly enhanced proliferation and cytotoxicity of bystander immune cells in a paracrine manner. Our results demonstrate that GD2-CAR NK cells co-expressing the IL-15 superagonist mediate potent direct and indirect antitumor effects, suggesting this strategy as a promising approach for the further development of functionally enhanced cellular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Bodden
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Aline Häcker
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jasmin Röder
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anne Kiefer
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Congcong Zhang
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anita Bhatti
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jordi Pfeifer Serrahima
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Experimental Immunology and Cell Therapy, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ines Kühnel
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Winfried S. Wels
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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29
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Kalyakulina A, Yusipov I, Kondakova E, Bacalini MG, Franceschi C, Vedunova M, Ivanchenko M. Small immunological clocks identified by deep learning and gradient boosting. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1177611. [PMID: 37691946 PMCID: PMC10485620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1177611] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aging process affects all systems of the human body, and the observed increase in inflammatory components affecting the immune system in old age can lead to the development of age-associated diseases and systemic inflammation. Results We propose a small clock model SImAge based on a limited number of immunological biomarkers. To regress the chronological age from cytokine data, we first use a baseline Elastic Net model, gradient-boosted decision trees models, and several deep neural network architectures. For the full dataset of 46 immunological parameters, DANet, SAINT, FT-Transformer and TabNet models showed the best results for the test dataset. Dimensionality reduction of these models with SHAP values revealed the 10 most age-associated immunological parameters, taken to construct the SImAge small immunological clock. The best result of the SImAge model shown by the FT-Transformer deep neural network model has mean absolute error of 6.94 years and Pearson ρ = 0.939 on the independent test dataset. Explainable artificial intelligence methods allow for explaining the model solution for each individual participant. Conclusions We developed an approach to construct a model of immunological age based on just 10 immunological parameters, coined SImAge, for which the FT-Transformer deep neural network model had proved to be the best choice. The model shows competitive results compared to the published studies on immunological profiles, and takes a smaller number of features as an input. Neural network architectures outperformed gradient-boosted decision trees, and can be recommended in the further analysis of immunological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Kalyakulina
- Research Center for Trusted Artificial Intelligence, Ivannikov Institute for System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Igor Yusipov
- Research Center for Trusted Artificial Intelligence, Ivannikov Institute for System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Elena Kondakova
- Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | | | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maria Vedunova
- Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Mikhail Ivanchenko
- Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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30
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Dickerson LK, Carter JA, Kohli K, Pillarisetty VG. Emerging interleukin targets in the tumour microenvironment: implications for the treatment of gastrointestinal tumours. Gut 2023; 72:1592-1606. [PMID: 37258094 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of antitumour immunity is dependent on intricate cytokine networks. Interleukins (ILs) are important mediators of complex interactions within the tumour microenvironment, including regulation of tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, migration and activation. Our evolving and increasingly nuanced understanding of the cell type-specific and heterogeneous effects of IL signalling has presented unique opportunities to fine-tune elaborate IL networks and engineer new targeted immunotherapeutics. In this review, we provide a primer for clinicians on the challenges and potential of IL-based treatment. We specifically detail the roles of IL-2, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-15 in shaping the tumour-immune landscape of gastrointestinal malignancies, paying particular attention to promising preclinical findings, early-stage clinical research and innovative therapeutic approaches that may properly place ILs to the forefront of immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason A Carter
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Karan Kohli
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Flatiron Bio, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Venu G Pillarisetty
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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31
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Muhammad S, Fan T, Hai Y, Gao Y, He J. Reigniting hope in cancer treatment: the promise and pitfalls of IL-2 and IL-2R targeting strategies. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:121. [PMID: 37516849 PMCID: PMC10385932 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01826-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and its receptor (IL-2R) are essential in orchestrating immune responses. Their function and expression in the tumor microenvironment make them attractive targets for immunotherapy, leading to the development of IL-2/IL-2R-targeted therapeutic strategies. However, the dynamic interplay between IL-2/IL-2R and various immune cells and their dual roles in promoting immune activation and tolerance presents a complex landscape for clinical exploitation. This review discusses the pivotal roles of IL-2 and IL-2R in tumorigenesis, shedding light on their potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers and their therapeutic manipulation in cancer. It underlines the necessity to balance the anti-tumor activity with regulatory T-cell expansion and evaluates strategies such as dose optimization and selective targeting for enhanced therapeutic effectiveness. The article explores recent advancements in the field, including developing genetically engineered IL-2 variants, combining IL-2/IL-2R-targeted therapies with other cancer treatments, and the potential benefits of a multidimensional approach integrating molecular profiling, immunological analyses, and clinical data. The review concludes that a deeper understanding of IL-2/IL-2R interactions within the tumor microenvironment is crucial for realizing the full potential of IL-2-based therapies, heralding the promise of improved outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Muhammad
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yang Hai
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China.
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32
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Lui G, Minnar CM, Soon-Shiong P, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Exploiting an Interleukin-15 Heterodimeric Agonist (N803) for Effective Immunotherapy of Solid Malignancies. Cells 2023; 12:1611. [PMID: 37371081 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying effective immunotherapies for solid tumors remains challenging despite the significant clinical responses observed in subsets of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a promising cytokine for the treatment of cancer as it stimulates NK and CD8+ lymphocytes. However, unfavorable pharmacokinetics and safety concerns render recombinant IL-15 (rIL-15) a less attractive modality. These shortcomings were addressed by the clinical development of heterodimeric IL-15 agonists, including N803. In preclinical tumor models, N803 elicited significant Th1 immune activation and tumor suppressive effects, primarily mediated by NK and CD8+ T lymphocytes. In addition, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated N803 to be safe for the treatment of cancer patients. The combination of N803 with the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab demonstrated encouraging clinical responses in nivolumab-naïve and nivolumab-refractory patients with non-small cell lung cancer. In a recent Phase II/III clinical study, most Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-refractory bladder cancer patients treated with N803 plus BCG experienced durable complete responses. Currently, N803 is being evaluated preclinically and clinically in combination with various agents, including chemotherapeutics, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and other immuno-oncology agents. This report will review the mechanism(s) of action of N803 and how it relates to the preclinical and clinical studies of N803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Lui
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine M Minnar
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Shakiba Y, Vorobyev PO, Mahmoud M, Hamad A, Kochetkov DV, Yusubalieva GM, Baklaushev VP, Chumakov PM, Lipatova AV. Recombinant Strains of Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus for Cancer Immunotherapy. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:823-841. [PMID: 37748878 DOI: 10.1134/s000629792306010x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer virotherapy is an alternative therapeutic approach based on the viruses that selectively infect and kill tumor cells. Vaccinia virus (VV) is a member of the Poxviridae, a family of enveloped viruses with a large linear double-stranded DNA genome. The proven safety of the VV strains as well as considerable transgene capacity of the viral genome, make VV an excellent platform for creating recombinant oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy. Furthermore, various genetic modifications can increase tumor selectivity and therapeutic efficacy of VV by arming it with the immune-modulatory genes or proapoptotic molecules, boosting the host immune system, and increasing cross-priming recognition of the tumor cells by T-cells or NK cells. In this review, we summarized the data on bioengineering approaches to develop recombinant VV strains for enhanced cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Shakiba
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Pavel O Vorobyev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Marah Mahmoud
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Azzam Hamad
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Dmitriy V Kochetkov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Gaukhar M Yusubalieva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Federal Research Clinical Center for Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA), Moscow, 115682, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies of the FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Vladimir P Baklaushev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Federal Research Clinical Center for Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA), Moscow, 115682, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies of the FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Peter M Chumakov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Anastasia V Lipatova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Araujo IL, Piraine REA, Fischer G, Leite FPL. Recombinant BoHV-5 glycoprotein (rgD5) elicits long-lasting protective immunity in cattle. Virology 2023; 584:44-52. [PMID: 37244054 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BoHV-5 is a worldwide distributed pathogen usually associated with a lethal neurological disease in dairy and beef cattle resulting in important economic losses due to the cattle industry. Using recombinant gD5, we evaluated the long-duration humoral immunity of the recombinant vaccines in a cattle model. Here we report that two doses of intramuscular immunization, particularly with the rgD5ISA vaccine, induce long-lasting antibody responses. Recombinant gD5 antigen elicited tightly mRNA transcription of the Bcl6 and the chemokine receptor CXCR5 which mediate memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells in germinal centers. In addition, using an in-house indirect ELISA we observed higher and earlier responses of rgD5-specific IgG antibody and the upregulation of mRNA transcription of IL2, IL4, IL10, IL15, and IFN-γ in rgD5 vaccinated cattle, indicating a mixed immune response. We further show that rgD5 immunization protects against both BoHV -1 and -5. Our findings indicate that the rgD5-based vaccine represents an effective vaccine strategy to induce an efficient control of herpesviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itauá L Araujo
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
| | - Renan E A Piraine
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
| | - Geferson Fischer
- Laboratory of Virology and Immunology, Federal University of Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fábio P L Leite
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Laboratory of Virology and Immunology, Federal University of Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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Cai M, Huang X, Huang X, Ju D, Zhu YZ, Ye L. Research progress of interleukin-15 in cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1184703. [PMID: 37251333 PMCID: PMC10213988 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1184703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a cytokine that belongs to the interleukin-2 (IL-2) family and is essential for the development, proliferation, and activation of immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, T cells and B cells. Recent studies have revealed that interleukin-15 also plays a critical role in cancer immunotherapy. Interleukin-15 agonist molecules have shown that interleukin-15 agonists are effective in inhibiting tumor growth and preventing metastasis, and some are undergoing clinical trials. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress in interleukin-15 research over the past 5 years, highlighting its potential applications in cancer immunotherapy and the progress of interleukin-15 agonist development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Cai
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- Minhang Hospital and Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiting Huang
- Minhang Hospital and Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Minhang Hospital and Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Li Ye
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Minhang Hospital and Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Piper M, Hoen M, Darragh LB, Knitz MW, Nguyen D, Gadwa J, Durini G, Karakoc I, Grier A, Neupert B, Van Court B, Abdelazeem KNM, Yu J, Olimpo NA, Corbo S, Ross RB, Pham TT, Joshi M, Kedl RM, Saviola AJ, Amann M, Umaña P, Codarri Deak L, Klein C, D'Alessandro A, Karam SD. Simultaneous targeting of PD-1 and IL-2Rβγ with radiation therapy inhibits pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:950-969.e6. [PMID: 37116489 PMCID: PMC10246400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, we show that response to radiation therapy (RT) is characterized by increased IL-2Rβ and IL-2Rγ along with decreased IL-2Rα expression. The bispecific PD1-IL2v is a PD-1-targeted IL-2 variant (IL-2v) immunocytokine with engineered IL-2 cis targeted to PD-1 and abolished IL-2Rα binding, which enhances tumor-antigen-specific T cell activation while reducing regulatory T cell (Treg) suppression. Using PD1-IL2v in orthotopic PDAC KPC-driven tumor models, we show marked improvement in local and metastatic survival, along with a profound increase in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell subsets with a transcriptionally and metabolically active phenotype and preferential activation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. In combination with single-dose RT, PD1-IL2v treatment results in a robust, durable expansion of polyfunctional CD8+ T cells, T cell stemness, tumor-specific memory immune response, natural killer (NK) cell activation, and decreased Tregs. These data show that PD1-IL2v leads to profound local and distant response in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Piper
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Maureen Hoen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Laurel B Darragh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael W Knitz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Diemmy Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jacob Gadwa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Greta Durini
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Idil Karakoc
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Abby Grier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Brooke Neupert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Benjamin Van Court
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Khalid N M Abdelazeem
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Justin Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Nicholas A Olimpo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sophia Corbo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Richard Blake Ross
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Tiffany T Pham
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Molishree Joshi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ross M Kedl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anthony J Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Maria Amann
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Umaña
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Laura Codarri Deak
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Liu J, Zhang Y, Guo R, Zhao Y, Sun R, Guo S, Lu W, Zhao M. Targeted CD7 CAR T-cells for treatment of T-Lymphocyte leukemia and lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemia: recent advances. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1170968. [PMID: 37215124 PMCID: PMC10196106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1170968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The high expression of CD7 targets in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-lymphoma has attracted considerable attention from researchers. However, because CD7 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells undergo fratricide, CD7 CAR T-cells develop an exhaustion phenotype that impairs the effect of CAR T-cells. There have been significant breakthroughs in CD7-targeted CAR T-cell therapy in the past few years. The advent of gene editing, protein blockers, and other approaches has effectively overcome the adverse effects of conventional methods of CD7 CAR T-cells. This review, in conjunction with recent advances in the 64th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), provides a summary of the meaningful achievements in CD7 CAR T-cell generations and clinical trials over the last few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jile Liu
- Department of Hematology, First Center Clinic College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Hematology, First Center Clinic College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruiting Guo
- Department of Hematology, First Center Clinic College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- Department of Hematology, First Center Clinic College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of Hematology, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shujing Guo
- Department of Hematology, First Center Clinic College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyi Lu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingfeng Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Ruixin S, Yifan L, Chuanlong W, Min Z, Hong L, Guoxiu D, Zhengyang L, Yansha S, Yiwei D, Jingwen S, Mingliang F, Bizhi S, Hua J, Zonghai L. Expressing IL-15/IL-18 and CXCR2 improve infiltration and survival of EGFRvIII-targeting CAR-T cells in breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115536. [PMID: 37028461 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we have generated EGFRvIII-targeting CAR-T cells and brought hope for treating advanced breast cancer. However, EGFRvIII-targeting CAR-T cells were defined limited anti-tumor efficacy, which might be due to reduced accumulation, persistence of therapeutic T cells in tumor site of breast cancer. CXCLs were highly expressed in tumor environment of breast cancer and CXCR2 is the main receptor for CXCLs. Here, CXCR2 could significantly improve the trafficking and tumor specific accumulation of CAR-T cells both in vivo and in vitro. However, the anti-tumor effect of CXCR2 CAR-T cells were weaken which might be results of the apoptosis of T cells. Cytokines could stimulate Tcell proliferation, such as interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-18. Then, we generated CXCR2 CAR with synthetic IL-15 or IL-18 production. Co-expressing IL-15 or IL-18 could significantly suppress the exhaustion and apoptosis of T cells and enhanced the anti-tumor activity of CXCR2 CAR-T cells in vivo. Further, coexpression IL-15 or IL-18 in CXCR2 CAR-T cells did not cause toxicity. These findings provide a potential therapy strategy of co-expression IL-15 or IL-18 in CXCR2 CAR-T cells for the treatment of advancing breast cancer in the future.
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Gryciuk A, Rogalska M, Baran J, Kuryk L, Staniszewska M. Oncolytic Adenoviruses Armed with Co-Stimulatory Molecules for Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071947. [PMID: 37046608 PMCID: PMC10093006 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In clinical trials, adenovirus vectors (AdVs) are commonly used platforms for human gene delivery therapy. High genome capacity and flexibility in gene organization make HAdVs suitable for cloning. Recent advancements in molecular techniques have influenced the development of genetically engineered adenovirus vectors showing therapeutic potential. Increased molecular understanding of the benefits and limitations of HAdVs in preclinical research and clinical studies is a crucial point in the engineering of refined oncolytic vectors. This review presents HAdV species (A-G) used in oncotherapy. We describe the adenovirus genome organizations and modifications, the possibilities oncolytic viruses offer, and their current limitations. Ongoing and ended clinical trials based on oncolytic adenoviruses are presented. This review provides a broad overview of the current knowledge of oncolytic therapy. HAdV-based strategies targeting tumors by employing variable immune modifiers or delivering immune stimulatory factors are of great promise in the field of immune oncologyy This approach can change the face of the fight against cancer, supplying the medical tools to defeat tumors more selectively and safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Gryciuk
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Advanced Materials and Technology CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Rogalska
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Advanced Materials and Technology CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Baran
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Advanced Materials and Technology CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Kuryk
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health NIH-NRI, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
- Valo Therapeutics, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Monika Staniszewska
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Advanced Materials and Technology CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland
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Fousek K, Horn LA, Qin H, Dahut M, Iida M, Yacubovich D, Hamilton DH, Thomas A, Schlom J, Palena C. An Interleukin-15 Superagonist Enables Antitumor Efficacy of Natural Killer Cells Against All Molecular Variants of SCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2023; 18:350-368. [PMID: 36410696 PMCID: PMC9974560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SCLC is a highly aggressive tumor with a 5-year survival rate of less than 6%. A heterogeneous disease, SCLC is classified into four subtypes that include tumors with neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine features. Immune checkpoint blockade has been recently added for the frontline treatment of SCLC; however, this therapy has only led to modest clinical improvements. The lack of clinical benefit in a cancer type known to have a high tumor mutational burden has been attributed to poor T-cell infiltration and low expression of MHC-class I in most SCLC tumors. In an attempt to devise a more effective immunotherapeutic regimen, this study investigated an alternate approach on the basis of the use of the clinical-stage interleukin-15 superagonist, N-803. METHODS Preclinical models of SCLC spanning all molecular subtypes were used to evaluate the susceptibility of SCLC to natural killer (NK)-mediated lysis in vitro, including NK cells activated by N-803. Antitumor activity of N-803 was evaluated in vivo with a xenograft model of SCLC. RESULTS In vitro and in vivo data revealed differences in susceptibility of SCLC subtypes to lysis by NK cells and that NK cells activated by N-803 effectively lyse SCLC tumor cells across all variant subtypes, regardless of their expression of MHC-class I. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the potential of a novel immune-based intervention using a cytokine-based therapeutic option for the treatment of SCLC. We hypothesize that N-803 may provide benefit to most patients with SCLC, including those with immunologically cold tumors lacking MHC expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Fousek
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lucas A. Horn
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Madeline Dahut
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Masafumi Iida
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dan Yacubovich
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Duane H. Hamilton
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Claudia Palena
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Development of a TGFβ-IL-2/15 Switch Receptor for Use in Adoptive Cell Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020459. [PMID: 36830995 PMCID: PMC9953633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy employing T cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is effective in hematological malignancies but not yet in solid cancers. CAR T cell activity in solid tumors is limited by immunosuppressive factors, including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Here, we describe the development of a switch receptor (SwR), in which the extracellular domains of the TGFβ receptor are fused to the intracellular domains from the IL-2/15 receptor. We evaluated the SwR in tandem with two variants of a CAR that we have developed against STEAP1, a protein highly expressed in prostate cancer. The SwR-CAR T cell activity was assessed against a panel of STEAP1+/- prostate cancer cell lines with or without over-expression of TGFβ, or with added TGFβ, by use of flow cytometry cytokine and killing assays, Luminex cytokine profiling, cell counts, and flow cytometry phenotyping. The results showed that the SwR-CAR constructs improved the functionality of CAR T cells in TGFβ-rich environments, as measured by T cell proliferation and survival, cytokine response, and cytotoxicity. In assays with four repeated target-cell stimulations, the SwR-CAR T cells developed an activated effector memory phenotype with retained STEAP1-specific activity. In conclusion, the SwR confers CAR T cells with potent and durable in vitro functionality in TGFβ-rich environments. The SwR may be used as an add-on construct for CAR T cells or other forms of adoptive cell therapy.
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Wang S, Chen K, Jiang Y, Zhao G, Wang C, Fang H, Tang Q, Sun C, Zhang L, Wu H, Zhang LF, Li N. Breaking boundaries: Current progress of anticancer NK cell-based drug development. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103436. [PMID: 36370993 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell therapy is emerging as a cancer treatment. NK cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes that act as first-line responders to kill target cells without prior encounters. NK cells recognize cancer cells, virus-infected cells, and other types of stressed cell through a reservoir of germline-encoded receptors. NK cells are safe for allogeneic applications. Therefore, they are the ideal off-the-shelf cell, which overcome the low efficiency issue caused by the patient-by-patient nature of autologous cell therapy. Unlike T cells, NK cells cannot form a strong immune memory; therefore, they suffer from short in vivo persistence. However, different from T cells, NK cells have a reservoir of innate immune receptors targeting a variety of malignant cells. In addition, they can utilize antibody guidance in target recognition. With suitable engineering, NK cells can function as universal anticancer drugs that are not restricted to HLA and cancer types, which will benefit the large cohort of patients with rare cancer types and patients with no convenient drug targets for precision and personalized medicine. Here, we summarize and discuss the designs of current anticancer NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhang Wang
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Yale Jiang
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Guo Zhao
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Caie Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Hong Fang
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Qiyu Tang
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | | | - Haiyang Wu
- TCRCure Biological Technology Co Ltd, Guangdong, China
| | - Li-Feng Zhang
- TCRCure Biological Technology Co Ltd, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ning Li
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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Improving NK cell function in multiple myeloma with NKTR-255, a novel polymer-conjugated human IL-15. Blood Adv 2023; 7:9-19. [PMID: 35882498 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by an immunosuppressive microenvironment that enables tumor development. One of the mechanisms of immune evasion used by MM cells is the inhibition of natural killer (NK) cell effector functions; thus, the restoration of NK cell antitumor activity represents a key goal to increase tumor cell recognition, avoid tumor escape and potentially enhancing the effect of other drugs. In this study, we evaluated the ability of the investigational medicine NKTR-255, an IL-15 receptor agonist, to engage the IL-15 pathway and stimulate NK cells against MM cells. We observed that incubation with NKTR-255 was able to tilt the balance toward an activated phenotype in NK cells isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with MM, with increased expression of activating receptors on the surface of treated NK cells. This resulted in an enhanced degranulation, cytokine release, and anti-tumor cytotoxicity when the NK cells were exposed to both MM cell lines and primary MM cells. We further evaluated the in vivo effect of NKTR-255 in fully humanized immunocompetent mice subcutaneously engrafted with H929 MM cells. Compared with placebo, weekly injection of the mice with NKTR-255 increased the number of circulating NK cells in peripheral blood and delayed tumor growth. Finally, we observed that combination of NKTR-255 with the anti-CD38 antibody, daratumumab, was effective against MM cells in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our data suggest a significant impact of NKTR-255 in inducing NK cell function against MM cells with important translational implications.
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Ahmadi Ghezeldasht S, Blackbourn DJ, Mosavat A, Rezaee SA. Pathogenicity and virulence of human T lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) in oncogenesis: adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2023; 60:189-211. [PMID: 36593730 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2022.2157791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive malignancy of CD4+ T lymphocytes caused by human T lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) infection. HTLV-1 was brought to the World Health Organization (WHO) and researchers to address its impact on global public health, oncogenicity, and deterioration of the host immune system toward autoimmunity. In a minority of the infected population (3-5%), it can induce inflammatory networks toward HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), or hijacking the infected CD4+ T lymphocytes into T regulatory subpopulation, stimulating anti-inflammatory signaling networks, and prompting ATLL development. This review critically discusses the complex signaling networks in ATLL pathogenesis during virus-host interactions for better interpretation of oncogenicity and introduces the main candidates in the pathogenesis of ATLL. At least two viral factors, HTLV-1 trans-activator protein (TAX) and HTLV-1 basic leucine zipper factor (HBZ), are implicated in ATLL manifestation, interacting with host responses and deregulating cell signaling in favor of infected cell survival and virus dissemination. Such molecules can be used as potential novel biomarkers for ATLL prognosis or targets for therapy. Moreover, the challenging aspects of HTLV-1 oncogenesis introduced in this review could open new venues for further studies on acute leukemia pathogenesis. These features can aid in the discovery of effective immunotherapies when reversing the gene expression profile toward appropriate immune responses gradually becomes attainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Ahmadi Ghezeldasht
- Blood Borne Infections Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Razavi Khorasan, Mashhad, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Arman Mosavat
- Blood Borne Infections Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Razavi Khorasan, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdolrahim Rezaee
- Immunology Research Center, Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Deckers J, Anbergen T, Hokke AM, de Dreu A, Schrijver DP, de Bruin K, Toner YC, Beldman TJ, Spangler JB, de Greef TFA, Grisoni F, van der Meel R, Joosten LAB, Merkx M, Netea MG, Mulder WJM. Engineering cytokine therapeutics. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:286-303. [PMID: 37064653 PMCID: PMC9933837 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00030-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have pivotal roles in immunity, making them attractive as therapeutics for a variety of immune-related disorders. However, the widespread clinical use of cytokines has been limited by their short blood half-lives and severe side effects caused by low specificity and unfavourable biodistribution. Innovations in bioengineering have aided in advancing our knowledge of cytokine biology and yielded new technologies for cytokine engineering. In this Review, we discuss how the development of bioanalytical methods, such as sequencing and high-resolution imaging combined with genetic techniques, have facilitated a better understanding of cytokine biology. We then present an overview of therapeutics arising from cytokine re-engineering, targeting and delivery, mRNA therapeutics and cell therapy. We also highlight the application of these strategies to adjust the immunological imbalance in different immune-mediated disorders, including cancer, infection and autoimmune diseases. Finally, we look ahead to the hurdles that must be overcome before cytokine therapeutics can live up to their full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Deckers
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tom Anbergen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ayla M. Hokke
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Anne de Dreu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - David P. Schrijver
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Koen de Bruin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Yohana C. Toner
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Thijs J. Beldman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jamie B. Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Alliance Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht (EWUU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Francesca Grisoni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Alliance Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht (EWUU), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roy van der Meel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Leo A. B. Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Genetics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department for Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Willem J. M. Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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Uchendu I, Zhilenkova A, Pirogova Y, Basova M, Bagmet L, Kohanovskaia I, Ngaha Y, Ikebunwa O, Sekacheva M. Cytokines as Potential Therapeutic Targets and their Role in the Diagnosis and Prediction of Cancers. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2552-2567. [PMID: 37916493 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128268111231024054240] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The death rate from cancer is declining as a result of earlier identification and more advanced treatments. Nevertheless, a number of unfavourable adverse effects, including prolonged, long-lasting inflammation and reduced immune function, usually coexist with anti-cancer therapies and lead to a general decline in quality of life. Improvements in standardized comprehensive therapy and early identification of a variety of aggressive tumors remain the main objectives of cancer research. Tumor markers in those with cancer are tumor- associated proteins that are clinically significant. Even while several tumor markers are routinely used, they don't always provide reliable diagnostic information. Serum cytokines are promising markers of tumor stage, prognosis, and responsiveness to therapy. In fact, several cytokines are currently proposed as potential biomarkers in a variety of cancers. It has actually been proposed that the study of circulatory cytokines together with biomarkers that are particular to cancer can enhance and accelerate cancer diagnosis and prediction, particularly via blood samples that require minimal to the absence of invasion. The purpose of this review was to critically examine relevant primary research literature in order to elucidate the role and importance of a few identified serum cytokines as prospective therapeutic targets in oncological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikenna Uchendu
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Angelina Zhilenkova
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuliya Pirogova
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Basova
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Leonid Bagmet
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Iana Kohanovskaia
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Yvan Ngaha
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Obinna Ikebunwa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
- Department of Biotechnology, First Moscow State Medical University of The Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Sekacheva
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Kowalczyk JT, Fabian KP, Padget MR, Lopez DC, Hoke ATK, Allen CT, Hermsen M, London, NR, Hodge JW. Exploiting the immunogenic potential of standard of care radiation or cisplatin therapy in preclinical models of HPV-associated malignancies. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005752. [PMID: 36564129 PMCID: PMC9791467 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005752] [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] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While radiation and chemotherapy are primarily purposed for their cytotoxic effects, a growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrates an immunogenic potential for these standard therapies. Accordingly, we sought to characterize the immunogenic potential of radiation and cisplatin in human tumor models of HPV-associated malignancies. These studies may inform rational combination immuno-oncology (IO) strategies to be employed in the clinic on the backbone of standard of care, and in so doing exploit the immunogenic potential of standard of care to improve durable responses in HPV-associated malignancies. METHODS Retroviral transduction with HPV16 E7 established a novel HPV-associated sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) cell line. Three established HPV16-positive cell lines were also studied (cervical carcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma). Following determination of sensitivities to standard therapies using MTT assays, flow cytometry was used to characterize induction of immunogenic cell stress following sublethal exposure to radiation or cisplatin, and the functional consequence of this induction was determined using impedance-based real time cell analysis cytotoxicity assays employing HPV16 E7-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) with or without N803 (IL-15/IL-15-Rα superagonist) or exogenous death receptor ligands. In vitro observations were translated using an in vivo xenograft NSG mouse model of human cervical carcinoma evaluating cisplatin in combination with CTL adoptive cell transfer. RESULTS We showed that subpopulations surviving clinically relevant doses of radiation or cisplatin therapy were more susceptible to CTL-mediated lysis in four of four tumor models of HPV-associated malignancies, serving as a model for HPV therapeutic vaccine or T-cell receptor adoptive cell transfer. This increased killing was further amplified by IL-15 agonism employing N803. We further characterized that radiation or cisplatin induced immunogenic cell stress in three of three cell lines, and consequently demonstrated that upregulated surface expression of Fas and TRAIL-R2 death receptors at least in part mediated enhanced CTL-mediated lysis. In vivo, cisplatin-induced immunogenic cell stress synergistically potentiated CTL-mediated tumor control in a human model of HPV-associated malignancy. CONCLUSION Standard of care radiation or cisplatin therapy induced immunogenic cell stress in preclinical models of HPV-associated malignancies, presenting an opportunity poised for exploitation by employing IO strategies in combination with standard of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Kowalczyk
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kellsye P Fabian
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michelle R Padget
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Diana C Lopez
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Austin TK Hoke
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Clint T Allen
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mario Hermsen
- Department Head and Neck Cancer, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nyall R London,
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA,Sinonasal and Skull Base Tumor Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - James W Hodge
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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48
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Mooslechner AA, Schuller M, Artinger K, Kirsch AH, Schabhüttl C, Eller P, Rosenkranz AR, Eller K. Low-Dose rIL-15 Protects from Nephrotoxic Serum Nephritis via CD8 + T Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223656. [PMID: 36429085 PMCID: PMC9688325 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid progressive glomerulonephritis (GN) often leads to end-stage kidney disease, driving the need for renal replacement therapy and posing a global health burden. Low-dose cytokine-based immunotherapies provide a new strategy to treat GN. IL-15 is a strong candidate for the therapy of immune-mediated kidney disease since it has proven to be tubular-protective before. Therefore, we set out to test the potential of low-dose rIL-15 treatment in a mouse model of nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTS), mimicking immune complex-driven GN in humans. A single low-dose treatment with rIL-15 ameliorated NTS, reflected by reduced albuminuria, less tissue scarring, fewer myeloid cells in the kidney, and improved tubular epithelial cell survival. In addition, CD8+ T cells, a primary target of IL-15, showed altered gene expression and function corresponding with less cytotoxicity mediated by rIL-15. With the use of transgenic knock-out mice, antibody depletion, and adoptive cell transfer studies, we here show that the beneficial effects of rIL-15 treatment in NTS depended on CD8+ T cells, suggesting a pivotal role for them in the underlying mechanism. Our findings add to existing evidence of the association of IL-15 with kidney health and imply a potential for low-dose rIL-15 immunotherapies in GN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes A. Mooslechner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Max Schuller
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Artinger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Alexander H. Kirsch
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Corinna Schabhüttl
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Philipp Eller
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Alexander R. Rosenkranz
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Kathrin Eller
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- Correspondence:
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49
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Zhao Y, Wei K, Chi H, Xia Z, Li X. IL-7: A promising adjuvant ensuring effective T cell responses and memory in combination with cancer vaccines? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1022808. [PMID: 36389666 PMCID: PMC9650235 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1022808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines exhibit specificity, effectiveness, and safety as an alternative immunotherapeutic strategy to struggle against malignant diseases, especially with the rapid development of mRNA cancer vaccines in recent years. However, how to maintain long-term immune memory after vaccination, especially T cells memory, to fulfill lasting surveillance against cancers, is still a challenging issue for researchers all over the world. IL-7 is critical for the development, maintenance, and proliferation of T lymphocytes, highlighting its potential role as an adjuvant in the development of cancer vaccines. Here, we summarized the IL-7/IL-7 receptor signaling in the development of T lymphocytes, the biological function of IL-7 in the maintenance and survival of T lymphocytes, the performance of IL-7 in pre-clinical and clinical trials of cancer vaccines, and the rationale to apply IL-7 as an adjuvant in cancer vaccine-based therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kongyuan Wei
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical Collage, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhijia Xia
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Zhijia Xia, ; Xiaosong Li,
| | - Xiaosong Li
- Clinical Molecular Medicine Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhijia Xia, ; Xiaosong Li,
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50
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Antosova Z, Podzimkova N, Tomala J, Augustynkova K, Sajnerova K, Nedvedova E, Sirova M, de Martynoff G, Bechard D, Moebius U, Kovar M, Spisek R, Adkins I. SOT101 induces NK cell cytotoxicity and potentiates antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity and anti-tumor activity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:989895. [PMID: 36300122 PMCID: PMC9590108 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.989895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SOT101 is a superagonist fusion protein of interleukin (IL)-15 and the IL-15 receptor α (IL-15Rα) sushi+ domain, representing a promising clinical candidate for the treatment of cancer. SOT101 among other immune cells specifically stimulates natural killer (NK) cells and memory CD8+ T cells with no significant expansion or activation of the regulatory T cell compartment. In this study, we showed that SOT101 induced expression of cytotoxic receptors NKp30, DNAM-1 and NKG2D on human NK cells. SOT101 stimulated dose-dependent proliferation and the relative expansion of both major subsets of human NK cells, CD56brightCD16- and CD56dimCD16+, and these displayed an enhanced cytotoxicity in vitro. Using human PBMCs and isolated NK cells, we showed that SOT101 added concomitantly or used for immune cell pre-stimulation potentiated clinically approved monoclonal antibodies Cetuximab, Daratumumab and Obinutuzumab in killing of tumor cells in vitro. The anti-tumor efficacy of SOT101 in combination with Daratumumab was assessed in a solid multiple myeloma xenograft in CB17 SCID mouse model testing several combination schedules of administration in the early and late therapeutic setting of established tumors in vivo. SOT101 and Daratumumab monotherapies decreased with various efficacy tumor growth in vivo in dependence on the advancement of the tumor development. The combination of both drugs showed the strongest anti-tumor efficacy. Specifically, the sequencing of both drugs did not matter in the early therapeutic setting where a complete tumor regression was observed in all animals. In the late therapeutic treatment of established tumors Daratumumab followed by SOT101 administration or a concomitant administration of both drugs showed a significant anti-tumor efficacy over the respective monotherapies. These results suggest that SOT101 might significantly augment the anti-tumor activity of therapeutic antibodies by increasing NK cell-mediated activity in patients. These results support the evaluation of SOT101 in combination with Daratumumab in clinical studies and present a rationale for an optimal clinical dosing schedule selection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nada Podzimkova
- Preclinical Department, SOTIO Biotech a.s, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jakub Tomala
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | | | | | - Eva Nedvedova
- Preclinical Department, SOTIO Biotech a.s, Prague, Czechia
| | - Milada Sirova
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | | | | | - Ulrich Moebius
- Preclinical Department, SOTIO Biotech a.s, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radek Spisek
- Preclinical Department, SOTIO Biotech a.s, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Irena Adkins
- Preclinical Department, SOTIO Biotech a.s, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Irena Adkins,
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