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Li X, Liu Y, Gui J, Gan L, Xue J. Cell Identity and Spatial Distribution of PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade Responders. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400702. [PMID: 39248327 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis inhibits T cell activity, impairing anti-tumor immunity. Blocking this axis with therapeutic antibodies is one of the most promising anti-tumor immunotherapies. It has long been recognized that PD-1/PD-L1 blockade reinvigorates exhausted T (TEX) cells already present in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, recent advancements in high-throughput gene sequencing and bioinformatic tools have provided researchers with a more granular and dynamic insight into PD-1/PD-L1 blockade-responding cells, extending beyond the TME and TEX populations. This review provides an update on the cell identity, spatial distribution, and treatment-induced spatiotemporal dynamics of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade responders. It also provides a synopsis of preliminary reports of potential PD-1/PD-L1 blockade responders other than T cells to depict a panoramic picture. Important questions to answer in further studies and the translational and clinical potential of the evolving understandings are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuanxin Liu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jun Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lu Gan
- Research Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Dvorakova T, Finisguerra V, Formenti M, Loriot A, Boudhan L, Zhu J, Van den Eynde BJ. Enhanced tumor response to adoptive T cell therapy with PHD2/3-deficient CD8 T cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7789. [PMID: 39242595 PMCID: PMC11379939 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51782-z] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
While adoptive cell therapy has shown success in hematological malignancies, its potential against solid tumors is hindered by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In recent years, members of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) family have gained recognition as important regulators of T-cell metabolism and function. The role of HIF signalling in activated CD8 T cell function in the context of adoptive cell transfer, however, has not been explored in full depth. Here we utilize CRISPR-Cas9 technology to delete prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing enzymes (PHD) 2 and 3, thereby stabilizing HIF-1 signalling, in CD8 T cells that have already undergone differentiation and activation, modelling the T cell phenotype utilized in clinical settings. We observe a significant boost in T-cell activation and effector functions following PHD2/3 deletion, which is dependent on HIF-1α, and is accompanied by an increased glycolytic flux. This improvement in CD8 T cell performance translates into an enhancement in tumor response to adoptive T cell therapy in mice, across various tumor models, even including those reported to be extremely resistant to immunotherapeutic interventions. These findings hold promise for advancing CD8 T-cell based therapies and overcoming the immune suppression barriers within challenging tumor microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Dvorakova
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
- WEL Research Institute, Wavre, 1300, Belgium
| | - Veronica Finisguerra
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
- WEL Research Institute, Wavre, 1300, Belgium
| | - Matteo Formenti
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
- WEL Research Institute, Wavre, 1300, Belgium
| | - Axelle Loriot
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
| | - Loubna Boudhan
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
- WEL Research Institute, Wavre, 1300, Belgium
| | - Jingjing Zhu
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium.
- WEL Research Institute, Wavre, 1300, Belgium.
| | - Benoit J Van den Eynde
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium.
- WEL Research Institute, Wavre, 1300, Belgium.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.
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Heremans J, Maximilian Awad R, Bridoux J, Ertveldt T, Caveliers V, Madder A, Hoogenboom R, Devoogdt N, Ballet S, Hernot S, Breckpot K, Martin C. Sustained release of a human PD-L1 single-domain antibody using peptide-based hydrogels. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 196:114183. [PMID: 38246566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114183] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the immune checkpoint axis, which contains the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, revolutionized the field of oncology. Unfortunately, the large size of mAbs and the presence of an Fc fraction limit their tumor penetrative capacities and support off-target effects, potentially resulting in unresponsive patients and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) respectively. Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) are ten times smaller than conventional mAbs and represent an emerging antibody subclass that has been proposed as next generation immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapeutics. They demonstrate favorable characteristics, such as an excellent stability, high antigen-binding affinity and an enhanced tumor penetration. Because sdAbs have a short half-life, methods to prolong their presence in the circulation and at the target site might be necessary in some cases to unfold their full therapeutic potential. In this study, we investigated a peptide-based hydrogel as an injectable biomaterial depot formulation for the sustained release of the human PD-L1 sdAb K2. We showed that a hydrogel composed of the amphipathic hexapeptide hydrogelator H-FQFQFK-NH2 prolonged the in vivo release of K2 after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection, up to at least 72 h, as monitored by SPECT/CT and fluorescence imaging. Additionally, after encapsulation in the hydrogel and s.c. administration, a significantly extended systemic presence and tumor uptake of K2 was observed in mice bearing a melanoma tumor expressing human PD-L1. Altogether, this study describes how peptide hydrogels can be exploited to provide the sustained release of sdAbs, thereby potentially enhancing its clinical and therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Heremans
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jessica Bridoux
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vicky Caveliers
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Hernot
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Cong Y, Devoogdt N, Lambin P, Dubois LJ, Yaromina A. Promising Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches Based on VHHs for Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:371. [PMID: 38254860 PMCID: PMC10814765 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020371] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the distinctive structure of heavy chain-only antibodies in species belonging to the Camelidae family has elicited significant interest in their variable antigen binding domain (VHH) and gained attention for various applications, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. This article presents an overview of the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of VHHs as compared to conventional antibodies, and their usage in diverse applications. The singular properties of VHHs are explained, and several strategies that can augment their utility are outlined. The preclinical studies illustrating the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of distinct VHHs in diverse formats against solid cancers are summarized, and an overview of the clinical trials assessing VHH-based agents in oncology is provided. These investigations demonstrate the enormous potential of VHHs for medical research and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cong
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Group (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J. Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (P.L.)
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Awad RM, Breckpot K. Novel technologies for applying immune checkpoint blockers. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 382:1-101. [PMID: 38225100 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells develop several ways to subdue the immune system among others via upregulation of inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) proteins. These ICPs paralyze immune effector cells and thereby enable unfettered tumor growth. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block ICPs can prevent immune exhaustion. Due to their outstanding effects, mAbs revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy. However, current ICP therapy regimens suffer from issues related to systemic administration of mAbs, including the onset of immune related adverse events, poor pharmacokinetics, limited tumor accessibility and immunogenicity. These drawbacks and new insights on spatiality prompted the exploration of novel administration routes for mAbs for instance peritumoral delivery. Moreover, novel ICP drug classes that are adept to novel delivery technologies were developed to circumvent the drawbacks of mAbs. We therefore review the state-of-the-art and novel delivery strategies of ICP drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Kang-Pettinger T, Walker K, Brown R, Cowan R, Wright H, Baravalle R, Waters LC, Muskett FW, Bowler MW, Sawmynaden K, Coombs PJ, Carr MD, Hall G. Identification, binding, and structural characterization of single domain anti-PD-L1 antibodies inhibitory of immune regulatory proteins PD-1 and CD80. J Biol Chem 2022; 299:102769. [PMID: 36470427 PMCID: PMC9811221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a key immune regulatory protein that interacts with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), leading to T-cell suppression. Whilst this interaction is key in self-tolerance, cancer cells evade the immune system by overexpressing PD-L1. Inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway with standard monoclonal antibodies has proven a highly effective cancer treatment; however, single domain antibodies (VHH) may offer numerous potential benefits. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a diverse panel of 16 novel VHHs specific to PD-L1. The panel of VHHs demonstrate affinities of 0.7 nM to 5.1 μM and were able to completely inhibit PD-1 binding to PD-L1. The binding site for each VHH on PD-L1 was determined using NMR chemical shift perturbation mapping and revealed a common binding surface encompassing the PD-1-binding site. Additionally, we solved crystal structures of two representative VHHs in complex with PD-L1, which revealed unique binding modes. Similar NMR experiments were used to identify the binding site of CD80 on PD-L1, which is another immune response regulatory element and interacts with PD-L1 localized on the same cell surface. CD80 and PD-1 were revealed to share a highly overlapping binding site on PD-L1, with the panel of VHHs identified expected to inhibit CD80 binding. Comparison of the CD80 and PD-1 binding sites on PD-L1 enabled the identification of a potential antibody binding region able to confer specificity for the inhibition of PD-1 binding only, which may offer therapeutic benefits to counteract cancer cell evasion of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Kang-Pettinger
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kayleigh Walker
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Richard Brown
- LifeArc, Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, UK
| | - Richard Cowan
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Helena Wright
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Roberta Baravalle
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Lorna C. Waters
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Frederick W. Muskett
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Kovilen Sawmynaden
- LifeArc, Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, UK
| | - Peter J. Coombs
- LifeArc, Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, UK
| | - Mark D. Carr
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK,For correspondence: Gareth Hall; Mark D. Carr
| | - Gareth Hall
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK,For correspondence: Gareth Hall; Mark D. Carr
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