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Sim MJW, Hanada KI, Stotz Z, Yu Z, Lu J, Brennan P, Quastel M, Gillespie GM, Long EO, Yang JC, Sun PD. Identification and structural characterization of a mutant KRAS-G12V specific TCR restricted by HLA-A3. Eur J Immunol 2024:e2451079. [PMID: 39030753 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202451079] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in KRAS are some of the most common across multiple cancer types and are thus attractive targets for therapy. Recent studies demonstrated that mutant KRAS generates immunogenic neoantigens that are targetable by adoptive T-cell therapy in metastatic diseases. To expand mutant KRAS-specific immunotherapies, it is critical to identify additional HLA-I allotypes that can present KRAS neoantigens and their cognate T-cell receptors (TCR). Here, we identified a murine TCR specific to a KRAS-G12V neoantigen (7VVVGAVGVGK16) using a vaccination approach with transgenic mice expressing HLA-A*03:01 (HLA-A3). This TCR demonstrated exquisite specificity for mutant G12V and not WT KRAS peptides. To investigate the molecular basis for neoantigen recognition by this TCR, we determined its structure in complex with HLA-A3(G12V). G12V-TCR CDR3β and CDR1β formed a hydrophobic pocket to interact with p6 Val of the G12V but not the WT KRAS peptide. To improve the tumor sensitivity of this TCR, we designed rational substitutions to improve TCR:HLA-A3 contacts. Two substitutions exhibited modest improvements in TCR binding avidity to HLA-A3 (G12V) but did not sufficiently improve T-cell sensitivity for further clinical development. Our study provides mechanistic insight into how TCRs detect neoantigens and reveals the challenges in targeting KRAS-G12V mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm J W Sim
- Division of Intramural Research (DIR), Laboratory of Immunogenetics, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | | | - Zachary Stotz
- Division of Intramural Research (DIR), Laboratory of Immunogenetics, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhiya Yu
- Surgery Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jinghua Lu
- Division of Intramural Research (DIR), Laboratory of Immunogenetics, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul Brennan
- Division of Intramural Research (DIR), Laboratory of Immunogenetics, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Max Quastel
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Geraldine M Gillespie
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Eric O Long
- Division of Intramural Research (DIR), Laboratory of Immunogenetics, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James C Yang
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Peter D Sun
- Division of Intramural Research (DIR), Laboratory of Immunogenetics, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Linette GP, Bear AS, Carreno BM. Facts and Hopes in Immunotherapy Strategies Targeting Antigens Derived from KRAS Mutations. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2017-2024. [PMID: 38266167 PMCID: PMC11094419 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1212] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
In this commentary, we advance the notion that mutant KRAS (mKRAS) is an ideal tumor neoantigen that is amenable for targeting by the adaptive immune system. Recent progress highlights key advances on various fronts that validate mKRAS as a molecular target and support further pursuit as an immunological target. Because mKRAS is an intracellular membrane localized protein and not normally expressed on the cell surface, we surmise that proteasome degradation will generate short peptides that bind to HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum for transport through the Golgi for display on the cell surface. T-cell receptors (TCR)αβ and antibodies have been isolated that specifically recognize mKRAS encoded epitope(s) or haptenated-mKRAS peptides in the context of HLA-I on tumor cells. Case reports using adoptive T-cell therapy provide proof of principle that KRAS G12D can be successfully targeted by the immune system in patients with cancer. Among the challenges facing investigators is the requirement of precision medicine to identify and match patients to available mKRAS peptide/HLA therapeutics and to increase the population coverage by targeting additional mKRAS epitopes. Ultimately, we envision mKRAS-directed immunotherapy as an effective treatment option for selected patients that will complement and perhaps synergize with small-molecule mKRAS inhibitors and targeted mKRAS degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald P. Linette
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adham S. Bear
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Beatriz M. Carreno
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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3
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Chen M, Zhang X, Ming Z, Lingyu, Feng X, Han Z, An HX. Characterizing and forecasting neoantigens-resulting from MUC mutations in COAD. J Transl Med 2024; 22:315. [PMID: 38539235 PMCID: PMC10967086 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05103-z] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment for colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) faces challenges in terms of immunotherapy effectiveness due to multiple factors. Because of the high tumor specificity and immunogenicity, neoantigen has been considered a pivotal target for cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, this study aims to identify and predict the potential tumor antigens of MUC somatic mutations (MUCmut) in COAD. METHODS Three databases of TCGA, TIMER2.0, and cBioPortal were used for a detailed evaluation of the association between MUCmut and multi-factors like tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), prognosis, and the tumor microenvironment within the context of total 2242 COAD patients. Next, TSNAdb and the differential agretopicity index (DAI) were utilized to predict high-confidence neopeptides for MUCmut based on 531 COAD patients' genomic information. DAI was calculated by subtraction of its predicted HLA binding affinity of the MUCmut peptide from the corresponding wild-type peptide. RESULTS The top six mutation frequencies (14 to 2.9%) were from MUC16, MUC17, MUC5B, MUC2, MUC4 and MUC6. COAD patients with MUC16 and MUC4 mutations had longer DFS and PFS. However, patients with MUC13 and MUC20 mutations had shorter OS. Patients with the mutation of MUC16, MUC5B, MUC2, MUC4, and MUC6 exhibited higher TMB and MSI. Moreover, these mutations from the MUC family were associated with the infiltration of diverse lymphocyte cells and the expression of immune checkpoint genes. Through TSNAdb 1.0/NetMHCpan v2.8, 452 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) of MUCmut peptides were identified. Moreover, through TSNAdb2.0/NetMHCpan v4.0, 57 SNVs, 1 Q-frame shift (TS), and 157 short insertions/deletions (INDELs) of MUCmut were identified. Finally, 10 high-confidence neopeptides of MUCmut were predicted by DAI. CONCLUSIONS Together, our findings establish the immunogenicity and therapeutic potential of mutant MUC family-derived neoantigens. Through combining the tools of TSNAdb and DAI, a group of novel MUCmut neoantigens were identified as potential targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Clinical Central Research Core, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- The Center Laboratory, Shanghai Medical College, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen Affiliated) of Fudan University, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zihe Ming
- Cancer Center and Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, School of Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lingyu
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaorong Feng
- Department of Chemistry and Key Laboratory for Preparation and Application of Ordered Structural Materials of Guangdong Province, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou University, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenguo Han
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Han-Xiang An
- Clinical Central Research Core, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
- The Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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Katsikis PD, Ishii KJ, Schliehe C. Challenges in developing personalized neoantigen cancer vaccines. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:213-227. [PMID: 37783860 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00937-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The recent success of cancer immunotherapies has highlighted the benefit of harnessing the immune system for cancer treatment. Vaccines have a long history of promoting immunity to pathogens and, consequently, vaccines targeting cancer neoantigens have been championed as a tool to direct and amplify immune responses against tumours while sparing healthy tissue. In recent years, extensive preclinical research and more than one hundred clinical trials have tested different strategies of neoantigen discovery and vaccine formulations. However, despite the enthusiasm for neoantigen vaccines, proof of unequivocal efficacy has remained beyond reach for the majority of clinical trials. In this Review, we focus on the key obstacles pertaining to vaccine design and tumour environment that remain to be overcome in order to unleash the true potential of neoantigen vaccines in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Katsikis
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Ken J Ishii
- Division of Vaccine Science, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo (IMSUT), Tokyo, Japan
- International Vaccine Design Center (vDesC), The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo (IMSUT), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Christopher Schliehe
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Chhichholiya Y, Singh HV, Vashistha R, Singh S, Munshi A. Deciphering the role of KRAS gene in oncogenesis: Focus on signaling pathways, genetic alterations in 3'UTR, KRAS specific miRNAs and therapeutic interventions. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 194:104250. [PMID: 38143047 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104250] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a significant cause of death after cardiovascular disease. The genomic, epigenetic and environmental factors have been found to be the risk factor for the disease. The most important genes that develop cancer are oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Among oncogenes, KRAS has emerged as a significant player in the development of many cancers. Dysregulation of the RAS signaling pathway either on account of mutation in significant genes involved in the pathway or aberrant expression of different miRNAs targeting these genes including KRAS. The focus is also on the alterations in 3'UTR of the KRAS gene sequence as well as the changes in the miRNA encoding genes especially the one targeting the KRAS gene. Efforts are also being put in to target the dysregulated KRAS gene as a therapeutic approach to treat different cancers. However, there are some challenges like resistance to KRAS inhibitors that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Chhichholiya
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Harsh Vikram Singh
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | | | - Sandeep Singh
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anjana Munshi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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Pant S, Wainberg ZA, Weekes CD, Furqan M, Kasi PM, Devoe CE, Leal AD, Chung V, Basturk O, VanWyk H, Tavares AM, Seenappa LM, Perry JR, Kheoh T, McNeil LK, Welkowsky E, DeMuth PC, Haqq CM, O'Reilly EM. Lymph-node-targeted, mKRAS-specific amphiphile vaccine in pancreatic and colorectal cancer: the phase 1 AMPLIFY-201 trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:531-542. [PMID: 38195752 PMCID: PMC10878978 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02760-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic and colorectal cancers are often KRAS mutated and are incurable when tumor DNA or protein persists or recurs after curative intent therapy. Cancer vaccine ELI-002 2P enhances lymph node delivery and immune response using amphiphile (Amph) modification of G12D and G12R mutant KRAS (mKRAS) peptides (Amph-Peptides-2P) together with CpG oligonucleotide adjuvant (Amph-CpG-7909). We treated 25 patients (20 pancreatic and five colorectal) who were positive for minimal residual mKRAS disease (ctDNA and/or serum tumor antigen) after locoregional treatment in a phase 1 study of fixed-dose Amph-Peptides-2P and ascending-dose Amph-CpG-7909; study enrollment is complete with patient follow-up ongoing. Primary endpoints included safety and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). The secondary endpoint was tumor biomarker response (longitudinal ctDNA or tumor antigen), with exploratory endpoints including immunogenicity and relapse-free survival (RFS). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and the RP2D was 10.0 mg of Amph-CpG-7909. Direct ex vivo mKRAS-specific T cell responses were observed in 21 of 25 patients (84%; 59% both CD4+ and CD8+); tumor biomarker responses were observed in 21 of 25 patients (84%); biomarker clearance was observed in six of 25 patients (24%; three pancreatic and three colorectal); and the median RFS was 16.33 months. Efficacy correlated with T cell responses above or below the median fold increase over baseline (12.75-fold): median tumor biomarker reduction was -76.0% versus -10.2% (P < 0.0014), and the median RFS was not reached versus 4.01 months (hazard ratio = 0.14; P = 0.0167). ELI-002 2P was safe and induced considerable T cell responses in patients with immunotherapy-recalcitrant KRAS-mutated tumors. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04853017 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Pant
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Zev A Wainberg
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexis D Leal
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Olca Basturk
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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7
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Goddard ET, Linde MH, Srivastava S, Klug G, Shabaneh TB, Iannone S, Grzelak CA, Marsh S, Riggio AI, Shor RE, Linde IL, Guerrero M, Veatch JR, Snyder AG, Welm AL, Riddell SR, Ghajar CM. Immune evasion of dormant disseminated tumor cells is due to their scarcity and can be overcome by T cell immunotherapies. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:119-134.e12. [PMID: 38194912 PMCID: PMC10864018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.12.011] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The period between "successful" treatment of localized breast cancer and the onset of distant metastasis can last many years, representing an unexploited window to eradicate disseminated disease and prevent metastases. We find that the source of recurrence-disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) -evade endogenous immunity directed against tumor neoantigens. Although DTCs downregulate major histocompatibility complex I, this does not preclude recognition by conventional T cells. Instead, the scarcity of interactions between two relatively rare populations-DTCs and endogenous antigen-specific T cells-underlies DTC persistence. This scarcity is overcome by any one of three immunotherapies that increase the number of tumor-specific T cells: T cell-based vaccination, or adoptive transfer of T cell receptor or chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Each approach achieves robust DTC elimination, motivating discovery of MHC-restricted and -unrestricted DTC antigens that can be targeted with T cell-based immunotherapies to eliminate the reservoir of metastasis-initiating cells in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica T Goddard
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Miles H Linde
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Metastasis Research eXcellence (MET-X), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Shivani Srivastava
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Metastasis Research eXcellence (MET-X), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Grant Klug
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tamer B Shabaneh
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Santino Iannone
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Metastasis Research eXcellence (MET-X), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Candice A Grzelak
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Metastasis Research eXcellence (MET-X), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sydney Marsh
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Metastasis Research eXcellence (MET-X), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Alessandra I Riggio
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Ryann E Shor
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ian L Linde
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Metastasis Research eXcellence (MET-X), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Marissa Guerrero
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Joshua R Veatch
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Annelise G Snyder
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Metastasis Research eXcellence (MET-X), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Alana L Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Metastasis Research eXcellence (MET-X), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Cyrus M Ghajar
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Metastasis Research eXcellence (MET-X), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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Su S, Chen F, Xu M, Liu B, Wang L. Recent advances in neoantigen vaccines for treating non-small cell lung cancer. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:3361-3368. [PMID: 37905603 PMCID: PMC10693939 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15126] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The breakthrough of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade therapy has changed the clinical treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the past few years. The success of PD-1 blockade therapy has been attributed to high tumor mutation burden and high immunogenicity of lung cancer cells. To further improve the efficacy of NSCLC immunotherapy and overcome the resistance of lung cancer cells to immune checkpoint blockade, new approaches that enhance the active immune response, such as neoantigen vaccines and cellular-based therapies, are urgently required. Neoantigens are considered ideal targets for cancer immunotherapy because of their high immunogenicity and specificity. In this mini review, we first discuss the current advances in neoantigen vaccines for treating cancers and then review the results of preclinical studies and early-phase human clinical trials of neoantigen-based therapies for NSCLC. Finally, we focus on the identification of neoantigens in patients with NSCLC and review the candidate mutations reported by recent studies and our investigations. The review concludes that, in addition to immune checkpoint blockade, approaches targeting neoantigens are promising for improving the efficacy of NSCLC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Su
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Fungjun Chen
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Mingyuan Xu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lifeng Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
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Paudel S, Mishra N, Agarwal R. Phytochemicals as Immunomodulatory Molecules in Cancer Therapeutics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1652. [PMID: 38139779 PMCID: PMC10746110 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121652] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytochemicals are natural plant-derived products that provide significant nutrition, essential biomolecules, and flavor as part of our diet. They have long been known to confer protection against several diseases via their anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, anti-microbial, and several other properties. Deciphering the role of phytochemicals in the prevention, inhibition, and treatment of cancer-unrestrained cell proliferation due to the loss of tight regulation on cell growth and replication-has been the focus of recent research. Particularly, the immunomodulatory role of phytochemicals, which is pivotal in unchecked cell proliferation and metastasis, has recently been studied extensively. The immune system is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment, and it plays essential roles in both preventing and promoting oncogenesis. Immunomodulation includes stimulation, amplification, or inactivation of some stage(s) of the immune response. Phytochemicals and their products have demonstrated immune regulation, such as macrophage migration, nitric oxide synthase inhibition, lymphocyte, T-cell, and cytokine stimulation, natural killer cell augmentation, and NFκB, TNF, and apoptosis regulation. There is a dearth of extensive accounts of the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals in cancer; thus, we have compiled these effects with mechanistic aspects of dietary phytochemicals in cancer, highlighting promising candidates and ongoing clinical trials on immunotherapeutic strategies to mitigate oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.P.); (N.M.)
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10
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Imbimbo M, Wetterwald L, Friedlaender A, Parikh K, Addeo A. Cellular Therapy in NSCLC: Between Myth and Reality. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:1161-1174. [PMID: 37646900 PMCID: PMC10556121 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01443-z] [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] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this paper, we review the current state and modalities of adoptive cell therapies (ACT) in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We also discuss the challenges hampering the use of ACT and the approaches to overcome these barriers. RECENT FINDINGS Several trials are ongoing investigating the three main modalities of T cell-based ACT: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), genetically engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. The latter, in particular, has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, the efficacy against solid tumor is still sparse. Major limitations include the following: severe toxicities, restricted infiltration and activation within the tumors, antigen escape and heterogeneity, and manufacturing issues. ACT is a promising tool to improve the outcome of metastatic NSCLC, but significant translational and clinical research is needed to improve its application and expand the use in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Imbimbo
- Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Laureline Wetterwald
- Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alex Friedlaender
- Oncology Department, University Hospital Geneva (HUG), 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
- Oncology Department, Clinique Générale Beaulieu, 1206, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kaushal Parikh
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alfredo Addeo
- Oncology Department, University Hospital Geneva (HUG), 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
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11
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Xie X, Yu T, Li X, Zhang N, Foster LJ, Peng C, Huang W, He G. Recent advances in targeting the "undruggable" proteins: from drug discovery to clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:335. [PMID: 37669923 PMCID: PMC10480221 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Undruggable proteins are a class of proteins that are often characterized by large, complex structures or functions that are difficult to interfere with using conventional drug design strategies. Targeting such undruggable targets has been considered also a great opportunity for treatment of human diseases and has attracted substantial efforts in the field of medicine. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the recent development of drug discovery targeting "undruggable" proteins and their application in clinic. To make this review well organized, we discuss the design strategies targeting the undruggable proteins, including covalent regulation, allosteric inhibition, protein-protein/DNA interaction inhibition, targeted proteins regulation, nucleic acid-based approach, immunotherapy and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tingting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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12
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Brightman SE, Becker A, Thota RR, Naradikian MS, Chihab L, Zavala KS, Ramamoorthy Premlal AL, Griswold RQ, Dolina JS, Cohen EEW, Miller AM, Peters B, Schoenberger SP. Neoantigen-specific stem cell memory-like CD4 + T cells mediate CD8 + T cell-dependent immunotherapy of MHC class II-negative solid tumors. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1345-1357. [PMID: 37400675 PMCID: PMC10382322 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01543-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells play key roles in a range of immune responses, either as direct effectors or through accessory cells, including CD8+ T lymphocytes. In cancer, neoantigen (NeoAg)-specific CD8+ T cells capable of direct tumor recognition have been extensively studied, whereas the role of NeoAg-specific CD4+ T cells is less well understood. We have characterized the murine CD4+ T cell response against a validated NeoAg (CLTCH129>Q) expressed by the MHC-II-deficient squamous cell carcinoma tumor model (SCC VII) at the level of single T cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes and in the setting of adoptive immunotherapy. We find that the natural CLTCH129>Q-specific repertoire is diverse and contains TCRs with distinct avidities as measured by tetramer-binding assays and CD4 dependence. Despite these differences, CD4+ T cells expressing high or moderate avidity TCRs undergo comparable in vivo proliferation to cross-presented antigen from growing tumors and drive similar levels of therapeutic immunity that is dependent on CD8+ T cells and CD40L signaling. Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) with NeoAg-specific CD4+ T cells is most effective when TCR-engineered cells are differentiated ex vivo with IL-7 and IL-15 rather than IL-2 and this was associated with both increased expansion as well as the acquisition and stable maintenance of a T stem cell memory (TSCM)-like phenotype in tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLNs). ACT with TSCM-like CD4+ T cells results in lower PD-1 expression by CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment and an increased frequency of PD-1+CD8+ T cells in tdLNs. These findings illuminate the role of NeoAg-specific CD4+ T cells in mediating antitumor immunity via providing help to CD8+ T cells and highlight their therapeutic potential in ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer E Brightman
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Angelica Becker
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rukman R Thota
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Martin S Naradikian
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Leila Chihab
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karla Soria Zavala
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Ryan Q Griswold
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joseph S Dolina
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Aaron M Miller
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bjoern Peters
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Stephen P Schoenberger
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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13
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Zhuang J, Qu Z, Chu J, Wang J, Wu Y, Fan Z, Song Y, Han S, Ru L, Zhao H. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals T population heterogeneity and functions in tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer metastases. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17119. [PMID: 37539320 PMCID: PMC10394913 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell mediated immune escape, a microenvironment factor, induces tumorigenesis and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to display the characteristics of T cell populations in immune microenvironments for colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. Unsupervised cluster analysis was conducted to identify functionally distinct T cell clusters from 3,003 cells in peripheral blood and 4,656 cells in tissues. Subsequently, a total of 8 and 4 distinct T cell population clusters were identified from tumor tissue and peripheral blood, respectively. High levels of CD8+TEX, CD4+TRM, TH1-like T cells, CD8+TEM, tumor-Treg from tissues, and CD4+TN from peripheral blood are essential components of immune microenvironment for the prediction of CRC metastasis. Moreover, exhausted T cells are characterized by higher expression of multiple inhibitory receptors, including PDCD1 and LAG3. Some genes such as PFKFB3, GNLY, circDCUN1D4, TXNIP and NR4A2 in T cells of cluster were statistically different between CRC metastasis and non-metastasis. The ligand-receptor interactions identified between different cluster cells and metastases-related DEGs identified from each cluster revealed that the communications of cells, alterations of functions, and numbers of T subsets may contribute to the metastasis of CRC. The mutation frequency of KiAA1551, ATP8B4 and LNPEP in T cells from tissues and SOR1 from peripheral blood were higher in metastatic CRC than that in non-metastatic CRC. In conclusion, the discovery of differential genes in T cells may provide potential targets for immunotherapy of CRC metastasis and relevant insights into the clinical prediction and prognosis of CRC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhuang
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, China
- Fifth Affiliated Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou Central Hospital, China
- Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research and Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou, China
| | - Zhanbo Qu
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, China
- Fifth Affiliated Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou Central Hospital, China
- Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research and Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou, China
| | - Jian Chu
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, China
- Fifth Affiliated Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou Central Hospital, China
- Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research and Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, China
| | - Yinhang Wu
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, China
- Fifth Affiliated Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou Central Hospital, China
- Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research and Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou, China
| | - Zhiqing Fan
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, China
| | - Yifei Song
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, China
| | - Shuwen Han
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, China
- Fifth Affiliated Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou Central Hospital, China
- Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research and Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou, China
| | - Lixin Ru
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, China
- Fifth Affiliated Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou Central Hospital, China
- Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research and Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, China
- Fifth Affiliated Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou Central Hospital, China
- Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research and Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of Huzhou, China
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Shields NJ, Peyroux EM, Ferguson AL, Steain M, Neumann S, Young SL. Late-stage MC38 tumours recapitulate features of human colorectal cancer - implications for appropriate timepoint selection in preclinical studies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152035. [PMID: 37153625 PMCID: PMC10160415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152035] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-tumour T cell responses play a crucial role in controlling the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), making this disease a promising candidate for immunotherapy. However, responses to immune-targeted therapies are currently limited to subpopulations of patients and specific types of cancer. Clinical studies have therefore focussed on identifying biomarkers that predict immunotherapy responses and elucidating the immunological landscapes of different cancers. Meanwhile, our understanding of how preclinical tumour models resemble human disease has fallen behind, despite their crucial role in immune-targeted drug development. A deeper understanding of these models is therefore needed to improve the development of immunotherapies and the translation of findings made in these systems. MC38 colon adenocarcinoma is a widely used preclinical model, yet how it recapitulates human colorectal cancer remains poorly defined. This study investigated the tumour-T cell immune landscape of MC38 tumours using histology, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. We demonstrate that early-stage tumours exhibit a nascent TME, lacking important immune-resistance mechanisms of clinical interest, while late-stage tumours exhibit a mature TME resembling human tumours, with desmoplasia, T cell exhaustion, and T cell exclusion. Consequently, these findings clarify appropriate timepoint selection in the MC38 model when investigating both immunotherapies and mechanisms that contribute to immunotherapy resistance. Overall, this study provides a valuable resource that will enable appropriate application of the MC38 model and expedite the development and clinical translation of new immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Shields
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Pathology, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Estelle M. Peyroux
- Department of Pathology, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Angela L. Ferguson
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Megan Steain
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Silke Neumann
- Department of Pathology, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sarah L. Young
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Science, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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15
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Tu L, Wang Z, Yang L, Sun X, Yao Y, Zhang P, Zhang X, Wang L, Yu Y, Yang M. Incorporation of a TGF-β2-inhibiting oligodeoxynucleotide molecular adjuvant into a tumor cell lysate vaccine to enhance antiglioma immunity in mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1013342. [PMID: 36776837 PMCID: PMC9914600 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1013342] [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: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2), also known as glioma-derived T-cell suppressor factor, is associated with the impairment of tumor immune surveillance. Therefore, blocking TGF-β2 signaling probably be a feasible strategy to develop a novel type of adjuvant for glioma vaccines to enhance antitumor immunity. Methods A TGF-β2 inhibitory oligodeoxynucleotide, TIO3, was designed with sequences complementary to the 3' untranslated region of TGF-β2 mRNA. The expression of TGF-β2 and MHC-I was detected by qPCR, western and flow cytometry in vitro. All the percentage and activation of immune cells were detected by flow cytometry. Subsequently, TIO3 was formulated with Glioma cell lysate (TCL) and investigated for its antitumor effects in GL261 murine glioma prophylactic and therapeutic models. Results TIO3 could efficiently downregulate the expression of TGF-β2 while increase the MHC-I's expression in GL261 and U251 glioma cells in vitro. Meanwhile, TIO3 was detected in mice CD4+ T, CD8+ T, B and Ly6G+ cells from lymph nodes after 24 hours incubation. Moreover, TCL+TIO3 vaccination significantly prolonged the survival of primary glioma-bearing mice and protected these mice from glioma re-challenge in vivo. Mechanistically, TCL+TIO3 formulation strongly evoke the antitumor immune responses. 1) TCL+TIO3 significantly increased the composition of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from draining lymph nodes while promoted their IFN-γ production and reduced the expression of TGF-β2 and PD1. 2) TCL+TIO3 activated the NK cells with the elevation of CD69 or NKG2D expression and PD1 reduction. 3) TCL+TIO3 increased the glioma-specific lysis CTLs from spleen. 4) TCL+TIO3 downregulated PD-L1 expression in glioma tissues and in Ly6G+ cells among glioma-infiltrating immune cells. Conclusion TIO3 is a promising adjuvant for enhancing TCL-based vaccines to produce a more vigorous and long-lasting antitumor response by interfering with TGF-β2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Tu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaomeng Sun
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yunpeng Yao
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Liying Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yongli Yu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China,*Correspondence: Yongli Yu, ; Ming Yang,
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China,*Correspondence: Yongli Yu, ; Ming Yang,
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16
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Martinov T, Greenberg PD. Targeting Driver Oncogenes and Other Public Neoantigens Using T Cell Receptor-Based Cellular Therapy. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2023; 7:331-351. [PMID: 37655310 PMCID: PMC10470615 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-061521-082114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
T cell reactivity to tumor-specific neoantigens can drive endogenous and therapeutically induced antitumor immunity. However, most tumor-specific neoantigens are unique to each patient (private) and targeting them requires personalized therapy. A smaller subset of neoantigens includes epitopes that span recurrent mutation hotspots, translocations, or gene fusions in oncogenic drivers and tumor suppressors, as well as epitopes that arise from viral oncogenic proteins. Such antigens are likely to be shared across patients (public), uniformly expressed within a tumor, and required for cancer cell survival and fitness. Although a limited number of these public neoantigens are naturally immunogenic, recent studies affirm their clinical utility. In this review, we highlight efforts to target mutant KRAS, mutant p53, and epitopes derived from oncogenic viruses using T cells engineered with off-the-shelf T cell receptors. We also discuss the challenges and strategies to achieving more effective T cell therapies, particularly in the context of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Martinov
- Program in Immunology and Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Philip D Greenberg
- Program in Immunology and Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Immunology Department, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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17
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Brightman SE, Naradikian MS, Thota RR, Becker A, Montero L, Bahmanof M, Premlal ALR, Greenbaum JA, Peters B, Cohen EE, Miller AM, Schoenberger SP. Tumor cells fail to present MHC-II-restricted epitopes derived from oncogenes to CD4+ T cells. JCI Insight 2023; 8:165570. [PMID: 36512410 PMCID: PMC9977289 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.165570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells play a critical role in antitumor immunity via recognition of peptide antigens presented on MHC class II (MHC-II). Although some solid cancers can be induced to express MHC-II, the extent to which this enables direct recognition by tumor-specific CD4+ T cells is unclear. We isolated and characterized T cell antigen receptors (TCRs) from naturally primed CD4+ T cells specific for 2 oncoproteins, HPV-16 E6 and the activating KRASG12V mutation, from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, respectively, and determined their ability to recognize autologous or human leukocyte antigen-matched antigen-expressing tumor cells. We found in both cases that the TCRs were capable of recognizing peptide-loaded target cells expressing the relevant MHC-II or B cell antigen-presenting cells (APCs) when the antigens were endogenously expressed and directed to the endosomal pathway but failed to recognize tumor cells expressing the source protein even after induction of surface MHC-II expression by IFN-γ or transduction with CIITA. These results suggest that priming and functional recognition of both a nuclear (E6) and a membrane-associated (KRAS) oncoprotein are predominantly confined to crosspresenting APCs rather than via direct recognition of tumor cells induced to express MHC-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer E. Brightman
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Martin S. Naradikian
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA.,Novartis, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Rukman R. Thota
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Angelica Becker
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,IconOVir Bio, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Leslie Montero
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Milad Bahmanof
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | | - Bjoern Peters
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ezra E.W. Cohen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Aaron M. Miller
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stephen P. Schoenberger
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
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18
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Yang H, Zhou X, Fu D, Le C, Wang J, Zhou Q, Liu X, Yuan Y, Ding K, Xiao Q. Targeting RAS mutants in malignancies: successes, failures, and reasons for hope. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:42-74. [PMID: 36316602 PMCID: PMC9859734 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS genes are the most frequently mutated oncogenes and play critical roles in the development and progression of malignancies. The mutation, isoform (KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS), position, and type of substitution vary depending on the tissue types. Despite decades of developing RAS-targeted therapies, only small subsets of these inhibitors are clinically effective, such as the allele-specific inhibitors against KRASG12C . Targeting the remaining RAS mutants would require further experimental elucidation of RAS signal transduction, RAS-altered metabolism, and the associated immune microenvironment. This study reviews the mechanisms and efficacy of novel targeted therapies for different RAS mutants, including KRAS allele-specific inhibitors, combination therapies, immunotherapies, and metabolism-associated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Dongliang Fu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Chenqin Le
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Kefeng Ding
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
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19
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Neoantigens and their clinical applications in human gastrointestinal cancers. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:321. [PMID: 36171610 PMCID: PMC9520945 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02776-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor-specific neoantigens are ideal targets for cancer immunotherapy. As research findings have proved, neoantigen-specific T cell activity is immunotherapy’s most important determinant. Main text There is sufficient evidence showing the role of neoantigens in clinically successful immunotherapy, providing a justification for targeting. Because of the significance of the pre-existing anti-tumor immune response for the immune checkpoint inhibitor, it is believed that personalized neoantigen-based therapy may be an imperative approach for cancer therapy. Thus, intensive attention is given to strategies targeting neoantigens for the significant impact with other immunotherapies, such as the immune checkpoint inhibitor. Today, several algorithms are designed and optimized based on Next-Generation Sequencing and public databases, including dbPepNeo, TANTIGEN 2.0, Cancer Antigenic Peptide Database, NEPdb, and CEDAR databases for predicting neoantigens in silico that stimulates the development of T cell therapies, cancer vaccine, and other ongoing immunotherapy approaches. Conclusions In this review, we deliberated the current developments in understanding and recognition of the immunogenicity of newly found gastrointestinal neoantigens as well as their functions in immunotherapies and cancer detection. We also described how neoantigens are being developed and how they might be used in the treatment of GI malignancies.
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20
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Awad MM, Govindan R, Balogh KN, Spigel DR, Garon EB, Bushway ME, Poran A, Sheen JH, Kohler V, Esaulova E, Srouji J, Ramesh S, Vyasamneni R, Karki B, Sciuto TE, Sethi H, Dong JZ, Moles MA, Manson K, Rooney MS, Khondker ZS, DeMario M, Gaynor RB, Srinivasan L. Personalized neoantigen vaccine NEO-PV-01 with chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 as first-line treatment for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:1010-1026.e11. [PMID: 36027916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neoantigens arising from mutations in tumor DNA provide targets for immune-based therapy. Here, we report the clinical and immune data from a Phase Ib clinical trial of a personalized neoantigen-vaccine NEO-PV-01 in combination with pemetrexed, carboplatin, and pembrolizumab as first-line therapy for advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This analysis of 38 patients treated with the regimen demonstrated no treatment-related serious adverse events. Multiple parameters including baseline tumor immune infiltration and on-treatment circulating tumor DNA levels were highly correlated with clinical response. De novo neoantigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were observed post-vaccination. Epitope spread to non-vaccinating neoantigens, including responses to KRAS G12C and G12V mutations, were detected post-vaccination. Neoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells generated post-vaccination revealed effector and cytotoxic phenotypes with increased CD4+ T cell infiltration in the post-vaccine tumor biopsy. Collectively, these data support the safety and immunogenicity of this regimen in advanced non-squamous NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark M Awad
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Edward B Garon
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Binisha Karki
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Castenmiller S, de Groot R, Guislain A, Monkhorst K, Hartemink K, Veenhof A, Smit E, Haanen J, Wolkers M. Effective generation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte products from metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lesions irrespective of location and previous treatments. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 15:100090. [PMID: 35965844 PMCID: PMC9372740 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2022.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Because current treatment regimens show limited success rates, alternative therapeutic approaches are needed. We recently showed that treatment-naïve, stage I/II primary NSCLC tumors contain a high percentage of tumor-reactive T cells, and that these tumor-reactive T cells can be effectively expanded and used for the generation of autologous tumor-infiltrating T cell (TIL) therapy. Whether these promising findings also hold true for metastatic lesions is unknown yet critical for translation into the clinic. Materials and methods We studied the lymphocyte composition using flow cytometry from 27 metastatic NSCLC lesions obtained from different locations and from patients with different histories of treatment regimens. We determined the expansion capacity of TILs with the clinically approved protocol, and measured their capacity to produce the key pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 2 and to express CD137 upon co-culture of expanded TILs with the autologous tumor digest. Results The overall number and composition of lymphocyte infiltrates from the various metastatic lesions was by and large comparable to that of early-stage primary NSCLC tumors. We effectively expanded TILs from all metastatic NSCLC lesions to numbers that were compatible with TIL transfusion, irrespective of the location of the metastasis and of the previous treatment. Importantly, 16 of 21 (76%) tested TIL products displayed antitumoral activity, and several contained polyfunctional T cells. Conclusions Metastatic NSCLC lesions constitute a viable source for the generation of tumor-reactive TIL products for therapeutic purposes irrespective of their location and the pre-treatment regimens. T cells can be efficiently isolated and expanded from late-stage NSCLC lesions. TIL products from metastatic NSCLC lesions are polyfunctional. Metastatic location or pre-treatment regimen does not affect T cells. Adoptive TIL therapy is a therapeutic option for late-stage NSCLC patients.
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22
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Xu R, Du S, Zhu J, Meng F, Liu B. Neoantigen-targeted TCR-T cell therapy for solid tumors: How far from clinical application. Cancer Lett 2022; 546:215840. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
ABSTRACT The holy grail of cancer therapeutics is the destruction of cancer cells while avoiding harm to normal cells. Cancer is unique from normal tissues because of the presence of somatic mutations that accumulate during tumorigenesis. Some nonsynonymous mutations can give rise to mutated peptide antigens (hereafter referred to as neoantigens) that can be specifically recognized by T cells. Thus, the immunological targeting of neoantigens represents a safe and promising strategy to treat patients with cancer. This article reviews the clinical application of adoptive cell therapy targeting neoantigens in patients with epithelial cancers.
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24
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Wei F, Cheng XX, Xue JZ, Xue SA. Emerging Strategies in TCR-Engineered T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850358. [PMID: 35432319 PMCID: PMC9006933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer has made tremendous progress in recent years, as demonstrated by the remarkable clinical responses obtained from adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of patient-derived tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells (CAR-T) and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells (TCR-T). TCR-T uses specific TCRS optimized for tumor engagement and can recognize epitopes derived from both cell-surface and intracellular targets, including tumor-associated antigens, cancer germline antigens, viral oncoproteins, and tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) that are largely sequestered in the cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells. Moreover, as TCRS are naturally developed for sensitive antigen detection, they are able to recognize epitopes at far lower concentrations than required for CAR-T activation. Therefore, TCR-T holds great promise for the treatment of human cancers. In this focused review, we summarize basic, translational, and clinical insights into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-T. We review emerging strategies used in current ACT, point out limitations, and propose possible solutions. We highlight the importance of targeting tumor-specific neoAgs and outline a strategy of combining neoAg vaccines, checkpoint blockade therapy, and adoptive transfer of neoAg-specific TCR-T to produce a truly tumor-specific therapy, which is able to penetrate into solid tumors and resist the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We believe such a combination approach should lead to a significant improvement in cancer immunotherapies, especially for solid tumors, and may provide a general strategy for the eradication of multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wei
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Cheng
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - John Zhao Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Shao-An Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
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25
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Veatch JR, Lee SM, Shasha C, Singhi N, Szeto JL, Moshiri AS, Kim TS, Smythe K, Kong P, Fitzgibbon M, Jesernig B, Bhatia S, Tykodi SS, Hall ET, Byrd DR, Thompson JA, Pillarisetty VG, Duhen T, McGarry Houghton A, Newell E, Gottardo R, Riddell SR. Neoantigen-specific CD4 + T cells in human melanoma have diverse differentiation states and correlate with CD8 + T cell, macrophage, and B cell function. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:393-409.e9. [PMID: 35413271 PMCID: PMC9011147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells that recognize tumor antigens are required for immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in murine models, but their contributions in human cancer are unclear. We used single-cell RNA sequencing and T cell receptor sequences to identify signatures and functional correlates of tumor-specific CD4+ T cells infiltrating human melanoma. Conventional CD4+ T cells that recognize tumor neoantigens express CXCL13 and are subdivided into clusters expressing memory and T follicular helper markers, and those expressing cytolytic markers, inhibitory receptors, and IFN-γ. The frequency of CXCL13+ CD4+ T cells in the tumor correlated with the transcriptional states of CD8+ T cells and macrophages, maturation of B cells, and patient survival. Similar correlations were observed in a breast cancer cohort. These results identify phenotypes and functional correlates of tumor-specific CD4+ T cells in melanoma and suggest the possibility of using such cells to modify the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Veatch
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Sylvia M Lee
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carolyn Shasha
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Naina Singhi
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julia L Szeto
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ata S Moshiri
- Department of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Teresa S Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kimberly Smythe
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul Kong
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew Fitzgibbon
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brenda Jesernig
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shailender Bhatia
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Scott S Tykodi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan T Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David R Byrd
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John A Thompson
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Thomas Duhen
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - A McGarry Houghton
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan Newell
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Raphael Gottardo
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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26
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Genetic Modification of T Cells for the Immunotherapy of Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10030457. [PMID: 35335089 PMCID: PMC8949949 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10030457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a beneficial treatment approach for multiple cancers, however, current therapies are effective only in a small subset of patients. Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a facet of immunotherapy where T cells targeting the tumor cells are transferred to the patient with several primary forms, utilizing unmodified or modified T cells: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), genetically modified T cell receptor transduced T cells, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transduced T cells. Many clinical trials are underway investigating the efficacy and safety of these different subsets of ACT, as well as trials that combine one of these subsets with another type of immunotherapy. The main challenges existing with ACT are improving clinical responses and decreasing adverse events. Current research focuses on identifying novel tumor targeting T cell receptors, improving safety and efficacy, and investigating ACT in combination with other immunotherapies.
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27
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McCann K, von Witzleben A, Thomas J, Wang C, Wood O, Singh D, Boukas K, Bendjama K, Silvestre N, Nielsen FC, Thomas G, Sanchez-Elsner T, Greenbaum J, Schoenberger S, Peters B, Vijayanand P, Savelyeva N, Ottensmeier C. Targeting the tumor mutanome for personalized vaccination in a TMB low non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e003821. [PMID: 35361728 PMCID: PMC8971766 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is characterized by an accumulation of somatic mutations, of which a significant subset can generate cancer-specific neoepitopes that are recognized by autologous T cells. Such neoepitopes are emerging as important targets for cancer immunotherapy, including personalized cancer vaccination strategies. METHODS We used whole-exome and RNA sequencing analysis to identify potential neoantigens for a patient with non-small cell lung cancer. Thereafter, we assessed the autologous T-cell reactivity to the candidate neoantigens using a long peptide approach in a cultured interferon gamma ELISpot and tracked the neoantigen-specific T-cells in the tumor by T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing. In parallel, identified gene variants were incorporated into a Modified Vaccinia Ankara-based vaccine, which was evaluated in the human leucocyte antigen A*0201 transgenic mouse model (HHD). RESULTS Sequencing revealed a tumor with a low mutational burden: 2219 sequence variants were identified from the primary tumor, of which 23 were expressed in the transcriptome, involving 18 gene products. We could demonstrate spontaneous T-cell responses to 5/18 (28%) mutated gene variants, and further analysis of the TCR repertoire of neoantigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells revealed TCR clonotypes that were expanded in both blood and tumor tissue. Following vaccination of HHD mice, de novo T-cell responses were generated to 4/18 (22%) mutated gene variants; T cells reactive against two variants were also evident in the autologous setting. Subsequently, we determined the major histocompatibility complex restriction of the T-cell responses and used in silico prediction tools to determine the likely neoepitopes. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the feasibility of efficiently identifying tumor-specific neoantigens that can be targeted by vaccination in tumors with a low mutational burden, promising successful clinical exploitation, with trials currently underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy McCann
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Adrian von Witzleben
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jaya Thomas
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Chuan Wang
- Head and Neck Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Oliver Wood
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Divya Singh
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Konstantinos Boukas
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Kaidre Bendjama
- Research and Development Department, Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Nathalie Silvestre
- Research and Development Department, Transgene, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | | | - Gareth Thomas
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Tilman Sanchez-Elsner
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Jason Greenbaum
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stephen Schoenberger
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Bjoern Peters
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Natalia Savelyeva
- Head and Neck Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christian Ottensmeier
- Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Head and Neck Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
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28
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Okada M, Shimizu K, Fujii SI. Identification of Neoantigens in Cancer Cells as Targets for Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052594. [PMID: 35269735 PMCID: PMC8910406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical benefits of immune checkpoint blockage (ICB) therapy have been widely reported. In patients with cancer, researchers have demonstrated the clinical potential of antitumor cytotoxic T cells that can be reinvigorated or enhanced by ICB. Compared to self-antigens, neoantigens derived from tumor somatic mutations are believed to be ideal immune targets in tumors. Candidate tumor neoantigens can be identified through immunogenomic or immunopeptidomic approaches. Identification of neoantigens has revealed several points of the clinical relevance. For instance, tumor mutation burden (TMB) may be an indicator of immunotherapy. In various cancers, mutation rates accompanying neoantigen loads may be indicative of immunotherapy. Furthermore, mismatch repair-deficient tumors can be eradicated by T cells in ICB treatment. Hence, immunotherapies using vaccines or adoptive T-cell transfer targeting neoantigens are potential innovative strategies. However, significant efforts are required to identify the optimal epitopes. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the identification of neoantigens and discussed preclinical and clinical studies based on neoantigens. We also discuss the issues remaining to be addressed before clinical applications of these new therapeutic strategies can be materialized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Okada
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; (M.O.); (K.S.)
| | - Kanako Shimizu
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; (M.O.); (K.S.)
| | - Shin-ichiro Fujii
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; (M.O.); (K.S.)
- Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, RIKEN, 1-7-22, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-45-503-7062
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Neoantigen Cancer Vaccines: Generation, Optimization, and Therapeutic Targeting Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020196. [PMID: 35214655 PMCID: PMC8877108 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternatives to conventional cancer treatments are highly sought after for high-risk malignancies that have a poor response to established treatment modalities. With research advancing rapidly in the past decade, neoantigen-based immunotherapeutic approaches represent an effective and highly tolerable therapeutic option. Neoantigens are tumor-specific antigens that are not expressed in normal cells and possess significant immunogenic potential. Several recent studies have described the conceptual framework and methodologies to generate neoantigen-based vaccines as well as the formulation of appropriate clinical trials to advance this approach for patient care. This review aims to describe some of the key studies in the recent literature in this rapidly evolving field and summarize the current advances in neoantigen identification and selection, vaccine generation and delivery, and the optimization of neoantigen-based therapeutic strategies, including the early data from pivotal clinical studies.
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30
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Roesler AS, Anderson KS. Beyond Sequencing: Prioritizing and Delivering Neoantigens for Cancer Vaccines. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2410:649-670. [PMID: 34914074 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1884-4_35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neoantigens are tumor-specific proteins and peptides that can be highly immunogenic. Immune-mediated tumor rejection is strongly associated with cytotoxic responses to neoantigen-derived peptides in noncovalent association with self-HLA molecules. Neoantigen-based therapies, such as adoptive T cell transfer, have shown the potential to induce remission of treatment-resistant metastatic disease in select patients. Cancer vaccines are similarly designed to elicit or amplify antigen-specific T cell populations and stimulate directed antitumor immunity, but the selection and prioritization of the neoantigens remains a challenge. Bioinformatic algorithms can predict tumor neoantigens from somatic mutations, insertion-deletions, and other aberrant peptide products, but this often leads to hundreds of potential neoepitopes, all unique for that tumor. Selecting neoantigens for cancer vaccines is complicated by the technical challenges of neoepitope discovery, the diversity of HLA molecules, and intratumoral heterogeneity of passenger mutations leading to immune escape. Despite strong preclinical evidence, few neoantigen cancer vaccines tested in vivo have generated epitope-specific T cell populations, suggesting suboptimal immune system activation. In this chapter, we review factors affecting the prioritization and delivery of candidate neoantigens in the design of therapeutic and preventive cancer vaccines and consider synergism with standard chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Roesler
- School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Karen S Anderson
- Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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31
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Friedman CF, Spencer C, Cabanski CR, Panageas KS, Wells DK, Ribas A, Tawbi H, Tsai K, Postow M, Shoushtari A, Chapman P, Karakunnel J, Bucktrout S, Gherardini P, Hollmann TJ, Chen RO, Callahan M, LaVallee T, Ibrahim R, Wolchok J. Ipilimumab alone or in combination with nivolumab in patients with advanced melanoma who have progressed or relapsed on PD-1 blockade: clinical outcomes and translational biomarker analyses. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e003853. [PMID: 35074903 PMCID: PMC8788323 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no validated biomarkers that can aid clinicians in selecting who would best benefit from anticytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 monotherapy versus combination checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced melanoma who have progressive disease after programmed death 1 (PD-1) blockade. METHODS We conducted a randomized multicenter phase II trial in patients with advanced melanoma. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1 mg/kg of nivolumab plus 3 mg/kg of ipilimumab or 3 mg/kg of ipilimumab every 3 weeks for up to four doses. Patients were stratified by histological subtype and prior response to PD-1 therapy. The primary clinical objective was overall response rate by week 18. Translational biomarker analyses were conducted in patients with blood and tissue samples. RESULTS Objective responses were seen in 5 of 9 patients in the ipilimumab arm and 2 of 10 patients in the ipilimumab+nivolumab arm; disease control rates (DCRs) (66.7% vs 60.0%) and rates of grade 3-4 adverse events (56% vs 50%) were comparable between arms. In a pooled analysis, patients with clinical benefit (CB), defined as Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors response or progression-free for 6 months, showed increased circulating CD4+ T cells with higher polyfunctionality and interferon gamma production following treatment. Tumor profiling revealed enrichment of NRAS mutations and activation of transcriptional programs associated with innate and adaptive immunity in patients with CB. CONCLUSIONS In patients with advanced melanoma that previously progressed on PD-1 blockade, objective responses were seen in both arms, with comparable DCRs. Findings from biomarker analyses provided hypothesis-generating signals for validation in future studies of larger patient cohorts. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02731729.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire F Friedman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christine Spencer
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Katherine S Panageas
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel K Wells
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hussein Tawbi
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Katy Tsai
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Postow
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexander Shoushtari
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul Chapman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joyson Karakunnel
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Samantha Bucktrout
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Pier Gherardini
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Travis J Hollmann
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Margaret Callahan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Theresa LaVallee
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ramy Ibrahim
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jedd Wolchok
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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32
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Role of oncogenic KRAS in the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:143. [PMID: 34742312 PMCID: PMC8571891 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease at the cellular and molecular levels. Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) is a commonly mutated oncogene in CRC, with mutations in approximately 40% of all CRC cases; its mutations result in constitutive activation of the KRAS protein, which acts as a molecular switch to persistently stimulate downstream signaling pathways, including cell proliferation and survival, thereby leading to tumorigenesis. Patients whose CRC harbors KRAS mutations have a dismal prognosis. Currently, KRAS mutation testing is a routine clinical practice before treating metastatic cases, and the approaches developed to detect KRAS mutations have exhibited favorable sensitivity and accuracy. Due to the presence of KRAS mutations, this group of CRC patients requires more precise therapies. However, KRAS was historically thought to be an undruggable target until the development of KRASG12C allele-specific inhibitors. These promising inhibitors may provide novel strategies to treat KRAS-mutant CRC. Here, we provide an overview of the role of KRAS in the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
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Flatmark K, Torgunrud A, Fleten KG, Davidson B, Juul HV, Mensali N, Lund-Andersen C, Inderberg EM. Peptide vaccine targeting mutated GNAS: a potential novel treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003109. [PMID: 34711663 PMCID: PMC8557294 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare, slow-growing abdominal cancer with no efficacious treatment options in non-resectable and recurrent cases. Otherwise, rare activating mutations in the GNAS oncogene are remarkably frequent in PMP and the mutated gene product, guanine nucleotide-binding protein α subunit (Gsα), is a potential tumor neoantigen, presenting an opportunity for targeting by a therapeutic cancer vaccine. Methods Tumor and blood samples were collected from 25 patients undergoing surgery for PMP (NCT02073500). GNAS mutation analysis was performed by next-generation targeted sequencing or digital droplet PCR. Responses to stimulation with Gsα mutated (point mutations R201H and R201C) 30 mer peptides were analyzed in peripheral blood T cells derived from patients with PMP and healthy donors. Fresh PMP tumor samples were analyzed by mass cytometry using a panel of 35 extracellular markers, and cellular subpopulations were clustered and visualized using the visual stochastic network embedding analysis tool. Results GNAS mutations were detected in 22/25 tumor samples (88%; R201H and R201C mutations detected in 16 and 6 cases, respectively). Strong T cell proliferation against Gsα mutated peptides was observed in 18/24 patients with PMP. Mass cytometry analysis of tumor revealed infiltration of CD3 +T cells in most samples, with variable CD4+:CD8 + ratios. A large proportion of T cells expressed immune checkpoint molecules, in particular programmed death receptor-1 and T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM, indicating that these T cells were antigen experienced. Conclusion These findings point to the existence of a pre-existing immunity in patients with PMP towards mutated Gsα, which has been insufficient to control tumor growth, possibly because of inhibition of antitumor T cells by upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules. The results form a rationale for exploring peptide vaccination with Gsα peptides in combination with immune checkpoint inhibiton as a possible curative treatment for PMP and other GNAS mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti Flatmark
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Tumor Biology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annette Torgunrud
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Tumor Biology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karianne G Fleten
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Tumor Biology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ben Davidson
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hedvig V Juul
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nadia Mensali
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christin Lund-Andersen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Tumor Biology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else Marit Inderberg
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Highlights on the Role of KRAS Mutations in Reshaping the Microenvironment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910219. [PMID: 34638560 PMCID: PMC8508406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequent mutated oncogene family in the history of human cancer is the RAS gene family, including NRAS, HRAS, and, most importantly, KRAS. A hallmark of pancreatic cancer, recalcitrant cancer with a very low survival rate, is the prevalence of oncogenic mutations in the KRAS gene. Due to this fact, studying the function of KRAS and the impact of its mutations on the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a priority for understanding pancreatic cancer progression and designing novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of the dismal disease. Despite some recent enlightening studies, there is still a wide gap in our knowledge regarding the impact of KRAS mutations on different components of the pancreatic TME. In this review, we will present an updated summary of mutant KRAS role in the initiation, progression, and modulation of the TME of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This review will highlight the intriguing link between diabetes mellitus and PDAC, as well as vitamin D as an adjuvant effective therapy via TME modulation of PDAC. We will also discuss different ongoing clinical trials that use KRAS oncogene signaling network as therapeutic targets.
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Joalland N, Ducoin K, Cadiou G, Rabu C, Guillonneau C. 24th "Nantes Actualités en Transplantation" and 4th "LabEx Immunotherapy-Graft-Oncology" NAT and IGO Joint Meeting "New Horizons in Immunotherapy". Front Immunol 2021; 12:738312. [PMID: 34539674 PMCID: PMC8446638 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.738312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The 24th edition of the annual NAT conference (Nantes Actualités Transplantation) and the 4th edition of the biennial LabEx IGO meeting (Immunotherapy Graft Oncology) were held jointly around a common theme: "New horizons in immunotherapy", on May 31st and June 1st 2021 to highlight new findings in the fields of transplantation, autoimmunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Joalland
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | - Carole Guillonneau
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
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Lin C, Liu X, Zheng B, Ke R, Tzeng CM. Liquid Biopsy, ctDNA Diagnosis through NGS. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090890. [PMID: 34575039 PMCID: PMC8468354 DOI: 10.3390/life11090890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy with circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling by next-generation sequencing holds great promise to revolutionize clinical oncology. It relies on the basis that ctDNA represents the real-time status of the tumor genome which contains information of genetic alterations. Compared to tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy possesses great advantages such as a less demanding procedure, minimal invasion, ease of frequent sampling, and less sampling bias. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods have come to a point that both the cost and performance are suitable for clinical diagnosis. Thus, profiling ctDNA by NGS technologies is becoming more and more popular since it can be applied in the whole process of cancer diagnosis and management. Further developments of liquid biopsy ctDNA testing will be beneficial for cancer patients, paving the way for precision medicine. In conclusion, profiling ctDNA with NGS for cancer diagnosis is both biologically sound and technically convenient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lin
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou 362021, China; (C.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Xuzhu Liu
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou 362021, China; (C.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Bingyi Zheng
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cancer Cell Theranostics and Clinical Translation, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Rongqin Ke
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou 362021, China; (C.L.); (X.L.)
- Correspondence: (R.K.); (C.-M.T.)
| | - Chi-Meng Tzeng
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cancer Cell Theranostics and Clinical Translation, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (R.K.); (C.-M.T.)
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Verdon DJ, Jenkins MR. Identification and Targeting of Mutant Peptide Neoantigens in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4245. [PMID: 34439399 PMCID: PMC8391927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, adoptive cell transfer and checkpoint blockade therapies have revolutionized immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment. Advances in whole exome/genome sequencing and bioinformatic detection of tumour-specific genetic variations and the amino acid sequence alterations they induce have revealed that T cell mediated anti-tumour immunity is substantially directed at mutated peptide sequences, and the identification and therapeutic targeting of patient-specific mutated peptide antigens now represents an exciting and rapidly progressing frontier of personalized medicine in the treatment of cancer. This review outlines the historical identification and validation of mutated peptide neoantigens as a target of the immune system, and the technical development of bioinformatic and experimental strategies for detecting, confirming and prioritizing both patient-specific or "private" and frequently occurring, shared "public" neoantigenic targets. Further, we examine the range of therapeutic modalities that have demonstrated preclinical and clinical anti-tumour efficacy through specifically targeting neoantigens, including adoptive T cell transfer, checkpoint blockade and neoantigen vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Verdon
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Misty R. Jenkins
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
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Veatch JR, Singhi N, Srivastava S, Szeto JL, Jesernig B, Stull SM, Fitzgibbon M, Sarvothama M, Yechan-Gunja S, James SE, Riddell SR. A therapeutic cancer vaccine delivers antigens and adjuvants to lymphoid tissues using genetically modified T cells. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e144195. [PMID: 34396986 PMCID: PMC8363286 DOI: 10.1172/jci144195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccines that augment T cell responses to tumor antigens have been limited by poor potency in clinical trials. In contrast, the transfer of T cells modified with foreign transgenes frequently induces potent endogenous T cell responses to epitopes in the transgene product, and these responses are undesirable, because they lead to rejection of the transferred T cells. We sought to harness gene-modified T cells as a vaccine platform and developed cancer vaccines composed of autologous T cells modified with tumor antigens and additional adjuvant signals (Tvax). T cells expressing model antigens and a broad range of tumor neoantigens induced robust and durable T cell responses through cross-presentation of antigens by host DCs. Providing Tvax with signals such as CD80, CD137L, IFN-β, IL-12, GM-CSF, and FLT3L enhanced T cell priming. Coexpression of IL-12 and GM-CSF induced the strongest CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses through complimentary effects on the recruitment and activation of DCs, mediated by autocrine IL-12 receptor signaling in the Tvax. Therapeutic vaccination with Tvax and adjuvants showed antitumor activity in subcutaneous and metastatic preclinical mouse models. Human T cells modified with neoantigens readily activated specific T cells derived from patients, providing a path for clinical translation of this therapeutic platform in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Veatch
- Clinical Research Division and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Naina Singhi
- Clinical Research Division and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shivani Srivastava
- Clinical Research Division and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Julia L Szeto
- Clinical Research Division and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brenda Jesernig
- Clinical Research Division and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sylvia M Stull
- Clinical Research Division and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Megha Sarvothama
- Clinical Research Division and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sushma Yechan-Gunja
- Clinical Research Division and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Scott E James
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Clinical Research Division and Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Qi YA, Maity TK, Cultraro CM, Misra V, Zhang X, Ade C, Gao S, Milewski D, Nguyen KD, Ebrahimabadi MH, Hanada KI, Khan J, Sahinalp C, Yang JC, Guha U. Proteogenomic Analysis Unveils the HLA Class I-Presented Immunopeptidome in Melanoma and EGFR-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100136. [PMID: 34391887 PMCID: PMC8724932 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive lymphocyte transfer–based therapies have shown great therapeutic potential in cancers with high tumor mutational burden (TMB), such as melanoma, but not in cancers with low TMB, such as mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–driven lung adenocarcinoma. Precision immunotherapy is an unmet need for most cancers, particularly for cancers that respond inadequately to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we employed large-scale MS-based proteogenomic profiling to identify potential immunogenic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-presented peptides in melanoma and EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. Similar numbers of peptides were identified from both tumor types. Cell line and patient-specific databases (DBs) were constructed using variants identified from whole-exome sequencing. A de novo search algorithm was used to interrogate the HLA class I immunopeptidome MS data. We identified 12 variant peptides and several classes of tumor-associated antigen-derived peptides. We constructed a cancer germ line (CG) antigen DB with 285 antigens. This allowed us to identify 40 class I-presented CG antigen–derived peptides. The class I immunopeptidome comprised more than 1000 post-translationally modified (PTM) peptides representing 58 different PTMs, underscoring the critical role PTMs may play in HLA binding. Finally, leveraging de novo search algorithm and an annotated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DB, we developed a novel lncRNA-encoded peptide discovery pipeline to identify 44 lncRNA-derived peptides that are presented by class I. We validated tandem MS spectra of select variant, CG antigen, and lncRNA-derived peptides using synthetic peptides and performed HLA class I-binding assays to demonstrate binding to class I proteins. In summary, we provide direct evidence of HLA class I presentation of a large number of variant and tumor-associated peptides in both low and high TMB cancer. These results can potentially be useful for precision immunotherapies, such as vaccine or adoptive cell therapies in melanoma and EGFR-mutant lung cancers. Proteogenomics identified ∼35,000 class I-presented peptides. CG antigen and PTM peptides identified in melanoma and lung cancer. De novo search identified variant and lncRNA-derived peptides. A new strategy to identify class I-presented lncRNA-derived peptides developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue A Qi
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Tapan K Maity
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Constance M Cultraro
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vikram Misra
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xu Zhang
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Catherine Ade
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shaojian Gao
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David Milewski
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Khoa D Nguyen
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mohammad H Ebrahimabadi
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Department of Computer Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Ken-Ichi Hanada
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Javed Khan
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cenk Sahinalp
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James C Yang
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Udayan Guha
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA.
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Wang C, Shi M, Zhang L, Ji J, Xie R, Wu C, Guo X, Yang Y, Zhou W, Peng C, Zhang H, Yuan F, Zhang J. Identification of KRAS G12V associated clonal neoantigens and immune microenvironment in long-term survival of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:491-504. [PMID: 34255132 PMCID: PMC8783870 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the molecular characteristics in tumor immune microenvironment that affect long-term survival of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Methods The tumor related genetic features of a female PAAD patient (over 13-year survival) who suffered from multiple recurrences and metastases, and six operations over one decade were investigated deeply. Genomic features and immune microenvironment signatures of her primary lesion as well as six metastatic tumors at different time-points were characterized. Results High-frequency clonal neoantigenic mutations identified in these specimens revealed the significant associations between clonal neoantigens with her prognosis after each surgery. Meanwhile, the TCGA and ICGC databases were employed to analyse the function of KRAS G12V in pancreatic cancer. Conclusions The genomic analysis of clonal neoantigens combined with tumor immune microenvironment could promote the understandings of personalized prognostic evaluation and the stratification of resected PAAD individuals with better outcome. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00262-021-03012-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Min Shi
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi City, 214104, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Ji
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ruyan Xie
- VIP Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chao Wu
- VIP Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xianchao Guo
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi City, 214104, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi City, 214104, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi City, 214104, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenhong Peng
- Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Henghui Zhang
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi City, 214104, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Liu M, Yang J, Wan L, Zhao R. Elevated Pretreatment Fibrinogen-to-Lymphocyte Percentage Ratio Predict Tumor Staging and Poor Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy or Surgery Combined with Chemotherapy. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:4921-4933. [PMID: 34188545 PMCID: PMC8232845 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s308659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The objective of our study was to assess the association between lymphocyte percentage (LY%), fibrinogen (FIB), fibrinogen-to-lymphocyte percentage ratio (FLR) and the tumor staging and the clinical outcome role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chemotherapy or surgery combined with chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Between August 2013 and October 2020, 375 patients initially diagnosed with NSCLC and 201 healthy subjects were enrolled in the retrospective study. The concentrations of LY%, FIB, and FLR were compared between the case group and the control group by using the Mann–Whitney U-test or Kruskal–Wallis test, and then these biomarkers were compared in terms of the tumor category and PTNM stage of the test group, etc. The cutoffs of LY%, FIB, and FLR were determined using X-tile software. The prognostic roles of LY%, FIB, and FLR were identified by the Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression model. The biological markers on overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results The study showed that the concentration levels of LY%, FIB, and FLR in the stage III–IV group were significant difference from those in the stage I–II group (P<0.001), indicating that three biomarkers (LY%, FIB, and FLR) were significantly correlated with tumor staging. Pretreatment high FIB and FLR and low LY% indicated an increased risk of death in NSCLC patients. Also, it was found that the clinical outcome of low FLR patients with chemotherapy or chemotherapy combined with surgery was superior to high FLR patients. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that FLR could be used to predict NSCLC staging and was an independent prognosis factor within NSCLC patients receiving chemotherapy or chemotherapy combined with surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meifang Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Lagen Wan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
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Dillard P, Casey N, Pollmann S, Vernhoff P, Gaudernack G, Kvalheim G, Wälchli S, Inderberg EM. Targeting KRAS mutations with HLA class II-restricted TCRs for the treatment of solid tumors. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1936757. [PMID: 34235003 PMCID: PMC8216182 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1936757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell receptor (TCR) redirected T cells are considered as the next generation of care for the treatment of numerous solid tumors. KRAS mutations are driver neoantigens that are expressed in over 25% of all cancers and are thus regarded as ideal targets for Adoptive Cell Therapy (ACT). We have isolated four KRAS-specific TCRs from a long-term surviving pancreatic cancer patient vaccinated with a mix of mutated KRAS peptides. The sequence of these TCRs could be identified and expressed in primary cells. We demonstrated stable expression of all TCRs as well as target-specific functionality when expressing T cells were co-incubated with target cells presenting KRAS peptides. In addition, these TCRs were all partially co-receptor independent since they were functional in both CD4 and CD8 T cells, thus indicating high affinity. Interestingly, we observed that certain TCRs were able to recognize several KRAS mutations in complex with their cognate Human leukocyte antigen (HLA), suggesting that, here, the point mutations were less important for the HLA binding and TCR recognition, whereas others were single-mutation restricted. Finally, we demonstrated that these peptides were indeed processed and presented, since HLA-matched antigen presenting cells exogenously loaded with KRAS proteins were recognized by TCR-transduced T cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that KRAS mutations are immunogenic for CD4 T cells and are interesting targets for TCR-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Dillard
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicholas Casey
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sylvie Pollmann
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Patrik Vernhoff
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gustav Gaudernack
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Kvalheim
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sébastien Wälchli
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else Marit Inderberg
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Tumor Purity Coexpressed Genes Related to Immune Microenvironment and Clinical Outcomes of Lung Adenocarcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:9548648. [PMID: 34234827 PMCID: PMC8216812 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9548648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Lung cancer tissue includes tumor tissue, stromal cells, immune cells, and epithelial cells. These nontumor cells dilute the tumor purity in lung cancer tissues. Tumor purity plays an essential role in the immune response to lung cancer. At present, the biological processes related to the purity of lung cancer tumors remains unclear. Methods We measured tumor purity in 486 lung carcinoma tissues from TCGA-LUAD FPKM by using the "estimate" R package. Lung carcinoma tumor mutation burden was calculated by analyzing TCGA single nucleotide polymorphism data. The immune cell proportion was also evacuated via the CIBERSORT method. Lung carcinoma samples with P < 0.05 were considered significant. Based on the tumor purity and lung carcinoma gene matrix, we performed weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), and the tumor purity-related module was identified. Then, we analyzed the functions of the factors involved in the module. We screened the coexpressed factors related to clinical outcome and immunophenotype. Finally, expression levels of these factors were measured at tissue and single-cell levels. Results A lung cancer tumor purity correlated coexpression network was determined. Five coexpressed genes (CD4, CD53, EVI2B, PLEK, and SASH3) were identified as tumor purity coexpressed genes that negatively correlated with tumor purity. Because the factors in the coexpression network often participate in similar biological processes, we found that CD4, CD53, EVI2B, PLEK, and SASH3 were most related to positive regulation of cytokine production and interleukin-2 production through functional enrichment. In a clinical phenotype analysis, we found that these five factors can be used as independent prognostic risk factors. We found that these factors were significantly negatively correlated with tumor purity and positively correlated with the immune score in the immunophenotyping analysis. Using GSEA analysis, we found that the antigen processing and presentation pathway were related to the five tumor coexpressed genes mentioned above. SASH3 and CD53 were used to conduct a prognostic model based on the interaction analysis of the Support Vector Machine and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator. SASH3 was verified to be related to CD8A using a single-cell analysis. Conclusion Tumor purity-related coexpression factors in the tumor microenvironment have essential clinical, genomic, and biological significance in lung cancer. These coexpression factors (SASH3 and CD53) can be used to classify tumor purity phenotypes and to predict clinical outcomes.
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Molina-Arcas M, Samani A, Downward J. Drugging the Undruggable: Advances on RAS Targeting in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:899. [PMID: 34200676 PMCID: PMC8228461 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Around 20% of all malignancies harbour activating mutations in RAS isoforms. Despite this, there is a deficiency of RAS-targeting agents licensed for therapeutic use. The picomolar affinity of RAS for GTP, and the lack of suitable pockets for high-affinity small-molecule binding, precluded effective therapies despite decades of research. Recently, characterisation of the biochemical properties of KRAS-G12C along with discovery of its 'switch-II pocket' have allowed development of effective mutant-specific inhibitors. Currently seven KRAS-G12C inhibitors are in clinical trials and sotorasib has become the first one to be granted FDA approval. Here, we discuss historical efforts to target RAS directly and approaches to target RAS effector signalling, including combinations that overcome limitations of single-agent targeting. We also review pre-clinical and clinical evidence for the efficacy of KRAS-G12C inhibitor monotherapy followed by an illustration of combination therapies designed to overcome primary resistance and extend durability of response. Finally, we briefly discuss novel approaches to targeting non-G12C mutant isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Samani
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Julian Downward
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK;
- Lung Cancer Group, Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
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Basu A, Ramamoorthi G, Albert G, Gallen C, Beyer A, Snyder C, Koski G, Disis ML, Czerniecki BJ, Kodumudi K. Differentiation and Regulation of T H Cells: A Balancing Act for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:669474. [PMID: 34012451 PMCID: PMC8126720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.669474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Current success of immunotherapy in cancer has drawn attention to the subsets of TH cells in the tumor which are critical for activation of anti-tumor response either directly by themselves or by stimulating cytotoxic T cell activity. However, presence of immunosuppressive pro-tumorigenic TH subsets in the tumor milieu further contributes to the complexity of regulation of TH cell-mediated immune response. In this review, we present an overview of the multifaceted positive and negative effects of TH cells, with an emphasis on regulation of different TH cell subtypes by various immune cells, and how a delicate balance of contradictory signals can influence overall success of cancer immunotherapy. We focus on the regulatory network that encompasses dendritic cell-induced activation of CD4+ TH1 cells and subsequent priming of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, along with intersecting anti-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic TH2 cell activity. We further discuss how other tumor infiltrating immune cells such as immunostimulatory TH9 and Tfh cells, immunosuppressive Treg cells, and the duality of TH17 function contribute to tip the balance of anti- vs pro-tumorigenic TH responses in the tumor. We highlight the developing knowledge of CD4+ TH1 immune response against neoantigens/oncodrivers, impact of current immunotherapy strategies on CD4+ TH1 immunity, and how opposing action of TH cell subtypes can be explored further to amplify immunotherapy success in patients. Understanding the nuances of CD4+ TH cells regulation and the molecular framework undergirding the balancing act between anti- vs pro-tumorigenic TH subtypes is critical for rational designing of immunotherapies that can bypass therapeutic escape to maximize the potential of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Basu
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | - Gabriella Albert
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Corey Gallen
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Amber Beyer
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Colin Snyder
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Gary Koski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Mary L Disis
- UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brian J Czerniecki
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Breast Cancer Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Krithika Kodumudi
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
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Pearlman AH, Hwang MS, Konig MF, Hsiue EHC, Douglass J, DiNapoli SR, Mog BJ, Bettegowda C, Pardoll DM, Gabelli SB, Papadopoulos N, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B, Zhou S. Targeting public neoantigens for cancer immunotherapy. NATURE CANCER 2021; 2:487-497. [PMID: 34676374 PMCID: PMC8525885 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several current immunotherapy approaches target private neoantigens derived from mutations that are unique to individual patients' tumors. However, immunotherapeutic agents can also be developed against public neoantigens derived from recurrent mutations in cancer driver genes. The latter approaches target proteins that are indispensable for tumor growth, and each therapeutic agent can be applied to numerous patients. Here we review the opportunities and challenges involved in the identification of suitable public neoantigen targets and the development of therapeutic agents targeting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H Pearlman
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Michael S Hwang
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily Han-Chung Hsiue
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Jacqueline Douglass
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Sarah R DiNapoli
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Brian J Mog
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth W Kinzler
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shibin Zhou
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Supabphol S, Li L, Goedegebuure SP, Gillanders WE. Neoantigen vaccine platforms in clinical development: understanding the future of personalized immunotherapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:529-541. [PMID: 33641576 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1896702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Derived from genetic alterations, cancer neoantigens are proteins with novel amino acid sequences that can be recognized by the immune system. Recent evidence demonstrates that cancer neoantigens represent important targets of cancer immunotherapy. The goal of cancer neoantigen vaccines is to induce neoantigen-specific immune responses and antitumor immunity, while minimizing the potential for autoimmune toxicity. Advances in sequencing technologies, neoantigen prediction ?algorithms,? and other technologies have dramatically improved the ability to identify and prioritize cancer neoantigens. These advances have generated considerable enthusiasm for ?the ?development of neoantigen vaccines. Several neoantigen vaccine platforms are currently being evaluated in early phase clinical trials including the synthetic long peptide (SLP), RNA, dendritic cell (DC), and DNA vaccine platforms. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe, evaluate the mechanism(s) of action, compare the advantages and disadvantages, and summarize early clinical experience with each vaccine platform. We provide perspectives on the future directions of the neoantigen vaccine field. All data are derived from PubMed and ClinicalTrials search updated in October 2020. EXPERT OPINION Although the initial clinical experience is promising, significant challenges to the success of neoantigen vaccines include limitations in neoantigen identification and the need to successfully target the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suangson Supabphol
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.,The Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lijin Li
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - S Peter Goedegebuure
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.,The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - William E Gillanders
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.,The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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48
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Ye L, Creaney J, Redwood A, Robinson B. The Current Lung Cancer Neoantigen Landscape and Implications for Therapy. J Thorac Oncol 2021; 16:922-932. [PMID: 33581342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.01.1624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
All tumors harbor unique mutant peptides, some of which are able to elicit T-cell-mediated immune responses. These are known as neoantigens. Lung cancers bear a heavy mutational burden and hence many potential neoantigens. Neoantigens are increasingly recognized as key mediators of tumor-specific immune activation and have been identified as potential targets for personalized cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss the current data on neoantigens in lung cancer and provide an overview of the recent advances in neoantigen-based immunotherapy. Furthermore, we look ahead to highlight the major opportunities and challenges for the clinical application of neoantigen-based treatment strategies for thoracic and other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ye
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Australia.
| | - Jenette Creaney
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia; Institute of Respiratory Health, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Alec Redwood
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia; Institute of Respiratory Health, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Bruce Robinson
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
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Okafor C, Hogan J, Raygada M, Thomas BJ, Akshintala S, Glod JW, Del Rivero J. Update on Targeted Therapy in Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:708949. [PMID: 34489865 PMCID: PMC8416904 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.708949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that accounts for 2-4% of all thyroid cancers. All inherited MTC and approximately 50% of sporadic cases are driven by mutations in the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. The recent expansion of the armamentarium of RET-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has provided effective options for systemic therapy for patients with metastatic and progressive disease. However, patients that develop resistant disease as well as those with other molecular drivers such as RAS have limited options. An improved understanding of mechanisms of resistance to TKIs as well as identification of novel therapeutic targets is needed to improve outcomes for patients with MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Okafor
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Julie Hogan
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Margarita Raygada
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Barbara J. Thomas
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Srivandana Akshintala
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John W. Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Jaydira Del Rivero,
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50
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Zhao WJ, Ou GY, Lin WW. Integrative Analysis of Neuregulin Family Members-Related Tumor Microenvironment for Predicting the Prognosis in Gliomas. Front Immunol 2021; 12:682415. [PMID: 34054873 PMCID: PMC8155525 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas, including brain lower grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are the most common primary brain tumors in the central nervous system. Neuregulin (NRG) family proteins belong to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of extracellular ligands and they play an essential role in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, roles of NRGs in gliomas, especially their effects on prognosis, still remain to be elucidated. In this study, we obtained raw counts of RNA-sequencing data and corresponding clinical information from 510 LGG and 153 GBM samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We analyzed the association of NRG1-4 expression levels with tumor immune microenvironment in LGG and GBM. GSVA (Gene Set Variation Analysis) was performed to determine the prognostic difference of NRGs gene set between LGG and GBM. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve and the nomogram model were constructed to estimate the prognostic value of NRGs in LGG and GBM. The results demonstrated that NRG1-4 were differentially expressed in LGG and GBM in comparison to normal tissue. Immune score analysis revealed that NRG1-4 were significantly related to the tumor immune microenvironment and remarkably correlated with immune cell infiltration. The investigation of roles of m6A (N6-methyladenosine, m6A)-related genes in gliomas revealed that NRGs were prominently involved in m6A RNA modification. GSVA score showed that NRG family members are more associated with prognosis in LGG compared with GBM. Prognostic analysis showed that NRG3 and NRG1 can serve as potential independent biomarkers in LGG and GBM, respectively. Moreover, GDSC drug sensitivity analysis revealed that NRG1 was more correlated with drug response compared with other NRG subtypes. Based on these public databases, we preliminarily identified the relationship between NRG family members and tumor immune microenvironment, and the prognostic value of NRGs in gliomas. In conclusion, our study provides comprehensive roles of NRG family members in gliomas, supporting modulation of NRG signaling in the management of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-jiang Zhao
- Cell Biology Department, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei-jiang Zhao, ; Guan-yong Ou,
| | - Guan-yong Ou
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei-jiang Zhao, ; Guan-yong Ou,
| | - Wen-wen Lin
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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