1
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Perzolli A, Koedijk JB, Zwaan CM, Heidenreich O. Targeting the innate immune system in pediatric and adult AML. Leukemia 2024; 38:1191-1201. [PMID: 38459166 PMCID: PMC11147779 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02217-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
While the introduction of T cell-based immunotherapies has improved outcomes in many cancer types, the development of immunotherapies for both adult and pediatric AML has been relatively slow and limited. In addition to the need to identify suitable target antigens, a better understanding of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is necessary for the design of novel immunotherapy approaches. To date, most immune characterization studies in AML have focused on T cells, while innate immune lineages such as monocytes, granulocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, received less attention. In solid cancers, studies have shown that innate immune cells, such as macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and neutrophils are highly plastic and may differentiate into immunosuppressive cells depending on signals received in their microenvironment, while NK cells appear to be functionally impaired. Hence, an in-depth characterization of the innate immune compartment in the TME is urgently needed to guide the development of immunotherapeutic interventions for AML. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the innate immune compartment in AML, and we discuss how targeting its components may enhance T cell-based- and other immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Perzolli
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost B Koedijk
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
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2
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Lutskovich D, Meleshko A, Katsin M. State of the art and perspectives of chimeric antigen receptor T cells cell therapy for neuroblastoma. Cytotherapy 2024:S1465-3249(24)00718-7. [PMID: 38852096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a solid, neuroendocrine pediatric solid tumor with divergent clinical behavior. Patients with high-risk diseases have poor prognoses despite complex multimodal therapy, which requires the search for new therapeutic approaches. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) have led to dramatic improvements in the survival of cancer patients, most notably those with hematologic malignancies. Early-phase clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy for NB have proven safe and feasible, but limited clinical efficacy. At the same time, multiple experimental and preclinical studies have shown that the most common in clinical trials single 2nd or 3rd generation CAR structure is not sufficient for a complete response in solid tumors. Here, we review the recent advances and future perspectives associated with engineered receptors, including several antigens binding, armored CAR-T of 4th and 5th generation and CAR-T cell combination strategies with other immunotherapy. We also summarize the results and shortcomings of ongoing clinical trials of CAR-T therapy for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzmitry Lutskovich
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk, Belarus.
| | - Alexander Meleshko
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Mikalai Katsin
- Vitebsk Regional Clinical Cancer Centre, Vitebsk, Belarus
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3
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Alhobeira HA, Sharma A, Sharma A, Khan M, Lohani M, Khan S, Fahmy EK, Esmaeel SE, Agarwal A. Short-term, nonsurgical periodontal therapy boosts interleukin-12 levels and reduces oral cancer risk. Ir J Med Sci 2024:10.1007/s11845-024-03695-5. [PMID: 38698250 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-024-03695-5] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytokines, including interleukin-12 (IL-12), are proteins that regulate cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and function. IL-12 is a heterodimeric proinflammatory cytokine. It possesses tumoricidal properties and promotes M1 macrophage polarization and IFN-γ production by T helper (Th1) cells, which in turn stimulates the antitumor cytotoxic cluster of eight positive (CD8+) and natural killer cells, therefore activating an effector immune response against tumor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Herein, the IL-2 levels of 60 patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) were assessed. Plaque index, gingival index, pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing percentage (BOP %), and clinical attachment loss were the clinical indicators reported. RESULTS Patients with GCP in the pretreatment group had substantially lower mean IL-12 levels than those in the post-treatment group. Short-term, nonsurgical treatment (NST) considerably improved periodontal indices and increased IL-12 levels, thereby reducing oral cancer risk. CONCLUSION NST is a cost-effective and accessible cancer prevention procedure for general dentists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazza A Alhobeira
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anamika Sharma
- Department of Dentistry, LLRM Medical College, CCS University Meerut, Meerut, 250002, UP, India.
| | - Ananya Sharma
- Department of Dentistry, LLRM Medical College, CCS University Meerut, Meerut, 250002, UP, India
| | - Mahvish Khan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohtashim Lohani
- Medical Research Centre, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saif Khan
- Department of Basic Dental and Medical Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eslam K Fahmy
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safya E Esmaeel
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anshoo Agarwal
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Liu F, Huang H, Yang X, Jiang S, Xu A, Yu Z, Li J, Yu M, Wang Y, Wang B. Ag85B-ENO1 46-82 therapeutic vaccines enhance anti-tumor immunity by inducing CD8 + T cells and remodeling tumor microenvironment. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111707. [PMID: 38387194 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111707] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in China. However, the effect of traditional cancer treatment is limited. Herein, we designed a therapeutic cancer vaccine based on the tumor-associated antigen mENO1, which can prevent lung cancer growth in vivo, and explored the underlying mechanism of Ag85B-ENO146-82 therapy. Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumor-bearing immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice that received Ag85B-ENO146-82 treatment showed antitumor effect. Further, we detected CD8+ T, CD4+ T in LLC-bearing C57BL/6 mice to understand the impact of Ag85B-ENO146-82 therapy on antitumor capacity. The Ag85B-ENO146-82 therapy induced intensive infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumors, increased tumor-specific IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion by CD8+ T cells and promoted macrophage polarization toward M1 phenotype. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that CD8+ T effector memory (TEM) cells and central memory (TCM) cells were upregulated. qPCR and ELISA analysis showed that the expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α were upregulated, whereas of IL1β, IL6 and IL10 were downregulated. This study demonstrated that Ag85B-ENO146-82 vaccine augmented antitumor efficacy, which was CD8+ T cells dependent. Our findings paved the way for therapeutic tumor-associated antigen peptide vaccines to enhance anti-tumor immunotherapy for treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjun Liu
- Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Huan Huang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Shasha Jiang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Aotian Xu
- Qingdao Sino-cell Biomedicine Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongjie Yu
- Qingdao Sino-cell Biomedicine Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Meng Yu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yunyang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China; Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China; Qingdao Sino-cell Biomedicine Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266000, Shandong, China.
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5
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Wang Z, Chen Y, Wu H, Wang M, Mao L, Guo X, Zhu J, Ye Z, Luo X, Yang X, Liu X, Yang J, Sheng Z, Lee J, Guo Z, Liu Y. Intravenous administration of IL-12 encoding self-replicating RNA-lipid nanoparticle complex leads to safe and effective antitumor responses. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7366. [PMID: 38548896 PMCID: PMC10978917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57997-w] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a potent immunostimulatory cytokine mainly produced by antigen-presenting cells (e.g., dendritic cells, macrophages) and plays an important role in innate and adaptive immunity against cancers. Therapies that can synergistically modulate innate immunity and stimulate adaptive anti-tumor responses are of great interest for cancer immunotherapy. Here we investigated the lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated self-replicating RNA (srRNA) encoding IL-12 (referred to as JCXH-211) for the treatment of cancers. Both local (intratumoral) and systemic (intravenous) administration of JCXH-211 in tumor-bearing mice induced a high-level expression of IL-12 in tumor tissues, leading to modulation of tumor microenvironment and systemic activation of antitumor immunity. Particularly, JCXH-211 can inhibit the tumor-infiltration of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs). When combined with anti-PD1 antibody, it was able to enhance the recruitment of T cells and NK cells into tumors. In multiple mouse solid tumor models, intravenous injection of JCXH-211 not only eradicated large preestablished tumors, but also induced protective immune memory that prevented the growth of rechallenged tumors. Finally, intravenous injection of JCXH-211 did not cause noticeable systemic toxicity in tumor-bearing mice and non-human primates. Thus, our study demonstrated the feasibility of intravenous administration of JCXH-211 for the treatment of advanced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Wang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yanni Chen
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Hongyue Wu
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Wang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Mao
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Xingdong Guo
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Jianbo Zhu
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zilan Ye
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Luo
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiurong Yang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueke Liu
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junhao Yang
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaolang Sheng
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Jaewoo Lee
- Immorna Biotherapeutics, Inc., Morrisville, NC, 27560, USA
| | - Zhijun Guo
- Immorna (Hangzhou) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanqing Liu
- Immorna (Shanghai) Biotechnology, Co. Ltd., Shanghai, 201199, China
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Hu J, Ascierto P, Cesano A, Herrmann V, Marincola FM. Shifting the paradigm: engaging multicellular networks for cancer therapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:270. [PMID: 38475820 PMCID: PMC10936124 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05043-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Most anti-cancer modalities are designed to directly kill cancer cells deploying mechanisms of action (MOAs) centered on the presence of a precise target on cancer cells. The efficacy of these approaches is limited because the rapidly evolving genetics of neoplasia swiftly circumvents the MOA generating therapy-resistant cancer cell clones. Other modalities engage endogenous anti-cancer mechanisms by activating the multi-cellular network (MCN) surrounding neoplastic cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). These modalities hold a better chance of success because they activate numerous types of immune effector cells that deploy distinct cytotoxic MOAs. This in turn decreases the chance of developing treatment-resistance. Engagement of the MCN can be attained through activation of immune effector cells that in turn kill cancer cells or when direct cancer killing is complemented by the production of proinflammatory factors that secondarily recruit and activate immune effector cells. For instance, adoptive cell therapy (ACT) supplements cancer cell killing with the release of homeostatic and pro-inflammatory cytokines by the immune cells and damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by dying cancer cells. The latter phenomenon, referred to as immunogenic cell death (ICD), results in an exponential escalation of anti-cancer MOAs at the tumor site. Other approaches can also induce exponential cancer killing by engaging the MCN of the TME through the release of DAMPs and additional pro-inflammatory factors by dying cancer cells. In this commentary, we will review the basic principles that support emerging paradigms likely to significantly improve the efficacy of anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Hu
- Sonata Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA.
| | - Paolo Ascierto
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy, National Tumor Institute, Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
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Blanco E, Silva-Pilipich N, Bocanegra A, Chocarro L, Procopio A, Ausín K, Fernandez-Irigoyen J, Fernández L, Razquin N, Igea A, Garnica M, Echaide M, Arasanz H, Vera R, Escors D, Smerdou C, Kochan G. Oleuropein-driven reprogramming of the myeloid cell compartment to sensitise tumours to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade strategies. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:869-879. [PMID: 38195888 PMCID: PMC10912768 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02561-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that functional systemic immunity is required for the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapies in cancer. Hence, systemic reprogramming of immunosuppressive dysfunctional myeloid cells could overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy. METHODS Reprogramming of tumour-associated myeloid cells with oleuropein was studied by quantitative differential proteomics, phenotypic and functional assays in mice and lung cancer patients. Combinations of oleuropein and two different delivery methods of anti-PD-1 antibodies were tested in colorectal cancer tumour models and in immunotherapy-resistant lung cancer models. RESULTS Oleuropein treatment reprogrammed monocytic and granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and tumour-associated macrophages towards differentiation of immunostimulatory subsets. Oleuropein regulated major differentiation programmes associated to immune modulation in myeloid cells, which potentiated T cell responses and PD-1 blockade. PD-1 antibodies were delivered by two different strategies, either systemically or expressed within tumours using a self-amplifying RNA vector. Combination anti-PD-1 therapies with oleuropein increased tumour infiltration by immunostimulatory dendritic cells in draining lymph nodes, leading to systemic antitumour T cell responses. Potent therapeutic activities were achieved in colon cancer and lung cancer models resistant to immunotherapies, even leading to complete tumour regression. DISCUSSION Oleuropein significantly improves the outcome of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy strategies by reprogramming myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Blanco
- Oncoimmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed, Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Cancer Center Clínica Universidad Navarra (CCUN), and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noelia Silva-Pilipich
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Cancer Center Clínica Universidad Navarra (CCUN), and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- Oncoimmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed, Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luisa Chocarro
- Oncoimmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed, Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Antonio Procopio
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Karina Ausín
- Proteored-ISCIII, Proteomics Platform, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Fernandez-Irigoyen
- Proteored-ISCIII, Proteomics Platform, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leticia Fernández
- Oncoimmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed, Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nerea Razquin
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Igea
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Cancer Center Clínica Universidad Navarra (CCUN), and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maider Garnica
- Oncoimmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed, Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miriam Echaide
- Oncoimmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed, Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Hugo Arasanz
- Oncoimmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed, Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ruth Vera
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Escors
- Oncoimmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed, Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Cancer Center Clínica Universidad Navarra (CCUN), and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Oncoimmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed, Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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8
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Klobuch S, Seijkens TTP, Schumacher TN, Haanen JBAG. Tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy for patients with advanced-stage melanoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:173-184. [PMID: 38191921 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00848-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma over the past decade. Despite these breakthroughs, the 5-year survival rate of patients with advanced-stage melanoma is at most 50%, emphasizing the need for additional therapeutic strategies. Adoptive cell therapy with tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a therapeutic modality that has, in the past few years, demonstrated long-term clinical benefit in phase II/III trials involving patients with advanced-stage melanoma, including those with disease progression on ICIs and/or BRAF/MEK inhibitors. In this Review, we summarize the current status of TIL therapies for patients with advanced-stage melanoma, including potential upcoming marketing authorization, the characteristics of TIL therapy products, as well as future strategies that are expected to increase the efficacy of this promising cellular immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Klobuch
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ton N Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - John B A G Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
- Melanoma Clinic, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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9
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Kagoya Y. Cytokine signaling in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Int Immunol 2024; 36:49-56. [PMID: 37591521 PMCID: PMC10872714 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy using chimeric antigen-receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells can induce robust antitumor responses against hematologic malignancies. However, its efficacy is not durable in the majority of the patients, warranting further improvement of T-cell functions. Cytokine signaling is one of the key cascades regulating T-cell survival and effector functions. In addition to cytokines that use the common γ chain as a receptor subunit, multiple cytokines regulate T-cell functions directly or indirectly. Modulating cytokine signaling in CAR-T cells by genetic engineering is one promising strategy to augment their therapeutic efficacy. These strategies include ectopic expression of cytokines, cytokine receptors, and synthetic molecules that mimic endogenous cytokine signaling. Alternatively, autocrine IL-2 signaling can be augmented through reprogramming of CAR-T cell properties through transcriptional and epigenetic modification. On the other hand, cytokine production by CAR-T cells triggers systemic inflammatory responses, which mainly manifest as adverse events such as cytokine-release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. In addition to inhibiting direct inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and IL-1 released from activated macrophages, suppression of T-cell-derived cytokines associated with the priming of macrophages can be accomplished through genetic modification of CAR-T cells. In this review, I will outline recently developed synthetic biology approaches to exploit cytokine signaling to enhance CAR-T cell functions. I will also discuss therapeutic target molecules to prevent or alleviate CAR-T cell-related toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kagoya
- Division of Tumor Immunology, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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10
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Chen J, Madina BR, Ahmadi E, Yarovinsky TO, Krady MM, Meehan EV, Wang IC, Ye X, Pitmon E, Ma XY, Almassian B, Nakaar V, Wang K. Cancer immunotherapy with enveloped self-amplifying mRNA CARG-2020 that modulates IL-12, IL-17 and PD-L1 pathways to prevent tumor recurrence. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:335-349. [PMID: 38261838 PMCID: PMC10792965 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting multiple immune mechanisms may overcome therapy resistance and further improve cancer immunotherapy for humans. Here, we describe the application of virus-like vesicles (VLV) for delivery of three immunomodulators alone and in combination, as a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy. VLV vectors were designed to deliver single chain interleukin (IL)-12, short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and a dominant-negative form of IL-17 receptor A (dn-IL17RA) as a single payload or as a combination payload. Intralesional delivery of the VLV vector expressing IL-12 alone, as well as the trivalent vector (designated CARG-2020) eradicated large established tumors. However, only CARG-2020 prevented tumor recurrence and provided long-term survival benefit to the tumor-bearing mice, indicating a benefit of the combined immunomodulation. The abscopal effects of CARG-2020 on the non-injected contralateral tumors, as well as protection from the tumor cell re-challenge, suggest immune-mediated mechanism of protection and establishment of immunological memory. Mechanistically, CARG-2020 potently activates Th1 immune mechanisms and inhibits expression of genes related to T cell exhaustion and cancer-promoting inflammation. The ability of CARG-2020 to prevent tumor recurrence and to provide survival benefit makes it a promising candidate for its development for human cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan 528000, China
| | | | - Elham Ahmadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- CaroGen Corporation, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | | | | | - Eileen Victoria Meehan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Isabella China Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- The Loomis Chaffee School, Windsor, CT 06095, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Ye
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Elise Pitmon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kepeng Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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11
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Fredrich I, Halabi EA, Kohler RH, Ge X, Garris CS, Weissleder R. Highly Active Myeloid Therapy for Cancer. ACS NANO 2023; 17:20666-20679. [PMID: 37824733 PMCID: PMC10941024 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) interact with cancer and stromal cells and are integral to sustaining many cancer-promoting features. Therapeutic manipulation of TAM could therefore improve clinical outcomes and synergize with immunotherapy and other cancer therapies. While different nanocarriers have been used to target TAM, a knowledge gap exists on which TAM pathways to target and what payloads to deliver for optimal antitumor effects. We hypothesized that a multipart combination involving the Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK), noncanonical nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways could lead to a highly active myeloid therapy (HAMT). Thus, we devised a screen to determine drug combinations that yield maximum IL-12 production from myeloid cells to treat the otherwise highly immunosuppressive myeloid environments in tumors. Here we show the extraordinary efficacy of a triple small-molecule combination in a TAM-targeted nanoparticle for eradicating murine tumors, jumpstarting a highly efficient antitumor response by adopting a distinctive antitumor TAM phenotype and synergizing with other immunotherapies. The HAMT therapy represents a recently developed approach in immunotherapy and leads to durable responses in murine cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Fredrich
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Elias A. Halabi
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Rainer H. Kohler
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Xinying Ge
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Christopher S. Garris
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, United States
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, United States
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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12
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Zhou W, Miao J, Cheng Z, Wang Z, Wang J, Guo H, Wang P, Lu S, Si L, Zhang Z, Dunmall LC, Liu Y, Lemoine NR, Wang Y. Hypoxia-regulated secretion of IL-12 enhances antitumor activity and safety of CD19 CAR-T cells in the treatment of DLBCL. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 30:216-226. [PMID: 37663131 PMCID: PMC10471514 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CD19 CAR-T) cell therapy has been demonstrated as one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for treating B cell malignancies. However, it has shown limited treatment efficacy for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This is, in part, due to the tumor heterogeneity and the hostile tumor microenvironment. Human interleukin-12 (IL-12), as a potent antitumor cytokine, has delivered encouraging outcomes in preclinical studies of DLBCL. However, potentially lethal toxicity associated with systemic administration precludes its clinical application. Here, an armed CD19 CAR expressing hypoxia-regulated IL-12 was developed (CAR19/hIL12ODD). In this vector, IL-12 secretion was restricted to hypoxic microenvironments within the tumor site by fusion of IL-12 with the oxygen degradation domain (ODD) of HIF1α. In vitro, CAR19/hIL12ODD-T cells could only secrete bioactive IL-12 under hypoxic conditions, accompanied by enhanced proliferation, robust IFN-γ secretion, increased abundance of CD4+, and central memory T cell phenotype. In vivo, adoptive transfer of CAR19/hIL12ODD-T cells significantly enhanced regression of large, established DLBCL xenografts in a novel immunodeficient Syrian hamster model. Notably, this targeted and controlled IL-12 treatment was without toxicity in this model. Taken together, our results suggest that armed CD19 CARs with hypoxia-controlled IL-12 (CAR19/hIL12ODD) might be a promising and safer approach for treating DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Zhou
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Jinxin Miao
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 45006, China
| | - Zhenguo Cheng
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jianyao Wang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Haoran Guo
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Pengju Wang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Shuangshuang Lu
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Lingling Si
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhongxian Zhang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Louisa Chard Dunmall
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Nicholas R. Lemoine
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - Yaohe Wang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
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13
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Di Trani CA, Cirella A, Arrizabalaga L, Alvarez M, Bella Á, Fernandez-Sendin M, Russo-Cabrera JS, Gomar C, Ardaiz N, Teijeira A, Bolaños E, González-Gomariz J, Otano I, Aranda F, Palencia B, Segués A, Huang S, van Duijnhoven SM, van Elsas A, Melero I, Berraondo P. Intratumoral injection of IL-12-encoding mRNA targeted to CSFR1 and PD-L1 exerts potent anti-tumor effects without substantial systemic exposure. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:599-616. [PMID: 37637207 PMCID: PMC10450355 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
IL-12 is a potent cytokine for cancer immunotherapy. However, its systemic delivery as a recombinant protein has shown unacceptable toxicity in the clinic. Currently, the intratumoral injection of IL-12-encoding mRNA or DNA to avoid such side effects is being evaluated in clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to improve this strategy by further favoring IL-12 tethering to the tumor. We generated in vitro transcribed mRNAs encoding murine single-chain IL-12 fused to diabodies binding to CSF1R and/or PD-L1. These targeted molecules are expressed in the tumor microenvironment, especially on myeloid cells. The binding capacity of chimeric constructs and the bioactivity of IL-12 were demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Doses as low as 0.5 μg IL-12-encoding mRNA achieved potent antitumor effects in subcutaneously injected B16-OVA and MC38 tumors. Treatment delivery was associated with increases in IL-12p70 and IFN-γ levels in circulation. Fusion of IL-12 to the diabodies exerted comparable efficacy against bilateral tumor models. However, it achieved tethering to myeloid cells infiltrating the tumor, resulting in nearly undetectable systemic levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ. Overall, tethering IL-12 to intratumoral myeloid cells in the mRNA-transferred tumors achieves similar efficacy while reducing the dangerous systemic bioavailability of IL-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Arrizabalaga
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángela Bella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joan Salvador Russo-Cabrera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Celia Gomar
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nuria Ardaiz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elixabet Bolaños
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - José González-Gomariz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Itziar Otano
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Aranda
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Belén Palencia
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aina Segués
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FL Edinburgh, UK
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shuyu Huang
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FL Edinburgh, UK
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
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14
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Liu J, Pan D, Huang X, Wang S, Chen H, Zhu YZ, Ye L. Targeting collagen in tumor extracellular matrix as a novel targeted strategy in cancer immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1225483. [PMID: 37692860 PMCID: PMC10484796 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1225483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammal, is widely expressed in tissues and organs, as well as tumor extracellular matrix. Tumor collagen mainly accumulates in tumor stroma or beneath tumor blood vessel endothelium, and is exposed due to the fragmentary structure of tumor blood vessels. Through the blood vessels with enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, collagen-binding macromolecules could easily bind to tumor collagen and accumulate within tumor, supporting tumor collagen to be a potential tumor-specific target. Recently, numerous studies have verified that targeting collagen within tumor extracellular matrix (TEM) would enhance the accumulation and retention of immunotherapy drugs at tumor, significantly improving their anti-tumor efficacy, as well as avoiding severe adverse effects. In this review, we would summarize the known collagen-binding domains (CBD) or proteins (CBP), their mechanism and application in tumor-targeting immunotherapy, and look forward to future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayang Liu
- Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Danjie Pan
- Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Songna Wang
- Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Huaning Chen
- Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Li Ye
- Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
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15
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Lee EHJ, Murad JP, Christian L, Gibson J, Yamaguchi Y, Cullen C, Gumber D, Park AK, Young C, Monroy I, Yang J, Stern LA, Adkins LN, Dhapola G, Gittins B, Chang WC, Martinez C, Woo Y, Cristea M, Rodriguez-Rodriguez L, Ishihara J, Lee JK, Forman SJ, Wang LD, Priceman SJ. Antigen-dependent IL-12 signaling in CAR T cells promotes regional to systemic disease targeting. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4737. [PMID: 37550294 PMCID: PMC10406808 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40115-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapeutic responses are hampered by limited T cell trafficking, persistence, and durable anti-tumor activity in solid tumors. However, these challenges can be largely overcome by relatively unconstrained synthetic engineering strategies. Here, we describe CAR T cells targeting tumor-associated glycoprotein-72 (TAG72), utilizing the CD28 transmembrane domain upstream of the 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain as a driver of potent anti-tumor activity and IFNγ secretion. CAR T cell-mediated IFNγ production facilitated by IL-12 signaling is required for tumor cell killing, which is recapitulated by engineering an optimized membrane-bound IL-12 (mbIL12) molecule in CAR T cells. These T cells show improved antigen-dependent T cell proliferation and recursive tumor cell killing in vitro, with robust in vivo efficacy in human ovarian cancer xenograft models. Locoregional administration of mbIL12-engineered CAR T cells promotes durable anti-tumor responses against both regional and systemic disease in mice. Safety and efficacy of mbIL12-engineered CAR T cells is demonstrated using an immunocompetent mouse model, with beneficial effects on the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Collectively, our study features a clinically-applicable strategy to improve the efficacy of locoregionally-delivered CAR T cells engineered with antigen-dependent immune-modulating cytokines in targeting regional and systemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Hee Jun Lee
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - John P Murad
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lea Christian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jackson Gibson
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yukiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Cody Cullen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Diana Gumber
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Anthony K Park
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Cari Young
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Isabel Monroy
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jason Yang
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lawrence A Stern
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lauren N Adkins
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Gaurav Dhapola
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Brenna Gittins
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Wen-Chung Chang
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Catalina Martinez
- Department of Clinical and Translational Project Development, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yanghee Woo
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Mihaela Cristea
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | | | - Jun Ishihara
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London, W120BZ, UK
| | - John K Lee
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98019, USA
| | - Stephen J Forman
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Leo D Wang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Saul J Priceman
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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16
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Yang Y, Yang H, Alcaina Y, Puc J, Birt A, Vedvyas Y, Gallagher M, Alla S, Riascos MC, McCloskey JE, Du K, Gonzalez-Valdivieso J, Min IM, de Stanchina E, Britz M, von Hofe E, Jin MM. Inducible expression of interleukin-12 augments the efficacy of affinity-tuned chimeric antigen receptors in murine solid tumor models. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2068. [PMID: 37045815 PMCID: PMC10097865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37646-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The limited number of targetable tumor-specific antigens and the immunosuppressive nature of the microenvironment within solid malignancies represent major barriers to the success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies. Here, using epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as a model antigen, we used alanine scanning of the complementarity-determining region to fine-tune CAR affinity. This allowed us to identify CARs that could spare primary epithelial cells while still effectively targeting EpCAMhigh tumors. Although affinity-tuned CARs showed suboptimal antitumor activity in vivo, we found that inducible secretion of interleukin-12 (IL-12), under the control of the NFAT promoter, can restore CAR activity to levels close to that of the parental CAR. This strategy was further validated with another affinity-tuned CAR specific for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Only in affinity-tuned CAR-T cells was NFAT activity stringently controlled and restricted to tumors expressing the antigen of interest at high levels. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of specifically gearing CAR-T cells towards recognition of solid tumors by combining inducible IL-12 expression and affinity-tuned CAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Yang
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Huan Yang
- AffyImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - Yago Alcaina
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Janusz Puc
- AffyImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - Alyssa Birt
- AffyImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - Yogindra Vedvyas
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | | | - Srinija Alla
- AffyImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - Maria Cristina Riascos
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jaclyn E McCloskey
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Karrie Du
- AffyImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - Juan Gonzalez-Valdivieso
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Irene M Min
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Matt Britz
- AffyImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - Eric von Hofe
- AffyImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - Moonsoo M Jin
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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17
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Seclì L, Infante L, Nocchi L, De Lucia M, Cotugno G, Leoni G, Micarelli E, Garzia I, Avalle L, Sdruscia G, Troise F, Allocca S, Romano G, Scarselli E, D'Alise AM. Vector Aided Microenvironment programming (VAMP): reprogramming the TME with MVA virus expressing IL-12 for effective antitumor activity. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2023-006718. [PMID: 37117006 PMCID: PMC10151998 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a critical hurdle in cancer immunotherapy, given its ability to suppress antitumor immunity. Several efforts are made to overcome this hostile TME with the development of new therapeutic strategies modifying TME to boost antitumor immunity. Among these, cytokine-based approaches have been pursued for their known immunomodulatory effects on different cell populations within the TME. IL-12 is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that demonstrates striking immune activation and tumor control but causes severe adverse effects when systemically administered. Thus, local administration is considered a potential strategy to achieve high cytokine concentrations at the tumor site while sparing systemic adverse effects. METHODS Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector is a potent inducer of pro-inflammatory response. Here, we cloned IL-12 into the genome of MVA for intratumoral immunotherapy, combining the immunomodulatory properties of both the vector and the cargo. The antitumor activity of MVA-IL-12 and its effect on TME reprogramming were investigated in preclinical tumor models. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis was performed to assess changes in the TME in treated and distal tumors and the effect on the intratumoral T-cell receptor repertoire. RESULTS Intratumoral injection of MVA-IL-12 resulted in strong antitumor activity with the complete remission of established tumors in multiple murine models, including those resistant to checkpoint inhibitors. The therapeutic activity of MVA-IL-12 was associated with very low levels of circulating cytokine. Effective TME reprogramming was demonstrated on treatment, with the reduction of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages while increasing pro-inflammatory M1, and recruitment of dendritic cells. TME switch from immunosuppressive into immunostimulatory environment allowed for CD8 T cells priming and expansion leading to tumor attack. CONCLUSIONS Intratumoral administration of MVA-IL-12 turns immunologically 'cold' tumors 'hot' and overcomes resistance to programmed cell death protein-1 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigia Infante
- NousCom, Rome, Italy
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lidia Avalle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, University of Turin, Torino, Piemonte, Italy
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18
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Chen P, Yang W, Nagaoka K, Huang GL, Miyazaki T, Hong T, Li S, Igarashi K, Takeda K, Kakimi K, Kataoka K, Cabral H. An IL-12-Based Nanocytokine Safely Potentiates Anticancer Immunity through Spatiotemporal Control of Inflammation to Eradicate Advanced Cold Tumors. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205139. [PMID: 36739605 PMCID: PMC10074049 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of immunologically cold tumors is a major challenge for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Interleukin 12 (IL-12) can invigorate ICIs against cold tumors by establishing a robust antitumor immunity. However, its toxicity and systemic induction of counteracting immunosuppressive signals have hindered translation. Here, IL-12 activity is spatiotemporally controlled for safely boosting efficacy without the stimulation of interfering immune responses by generating a nanocytokine that remains inactive at physiological pH, but unleashes its full activity at acidic tumor pH. The IL-12-based nanocytokine (Nano-IL-12) accumulate and release IL-12 in tumor tissues, eliciting localized antitumoral inflammation, while preventing systemic immune response, counteractive immune reactions, and adverse toxicities even after repeated intravenous administration. The Nano-IL-12-mediated spatiotemporal control of inflammation prompt superior anticancer efficacy, and synergize with ICIs to profoundly inflame the tumor microenvironment and completely eradicate ICI-resistant primary and metastatic tumors. The strategy could be a promising approach toward safer and more effective immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengwen Chen
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Wenqian Yang
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Koji Nagaoka
- Department of ImmunotherapeuticsThe University of Tokyo Hospital7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8655Japan
| | - George Lo Huang
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Takuya Miyazaki
- Red Arrow Therapeutics, Inc.7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐0003Japan
- Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology705‐1ShimoimaizumiEbina CityKanagawa243‐0435Japan
| | - Taehun Hong
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Shangwei Li
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
| | - Kazunori Igarashi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck SurgeryGraduate School of Medicine and Faculty of MedicineThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐0033Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Takeda
- Department of Biofunctional MicrobiotaGraduate School of MedicineJuntendo University2‐1‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8421Japan
- Laboratory of Cell BiologyResearch Support CenterGraduate School of MedicineJuntendo University2‐1‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8421Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kakimi
- Department of ImmunotherapeuticsThe University of Tokyo Hospital7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8655Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM)Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion3‐25‐14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki‐kuKawasaki210‐0821Japan
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of BioengineeringGraduate School of EngineeringThe University of Tokyo7‐3‐1 HongoBunkyo‐kuTokyo113‐8656Japan
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19
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Chen Y, Zhu Y, Kramer A, Fang Y, Wilson M, Li YR, Yang L. Genetic engineering strategies to enhance antitumor reactivity and reduce alloreactivity for allogeneic cell-based cancer therapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1135468. [PMID: 37064017 PMCID: PMC10090359 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1135468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The realm of cell-based immunotherapy holds untapped potential for the development of next-generation cancer treatment through genetic engineering of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cell therapies for targeted eradication of cancerous malignancies. Such allogeneic "off-the-shelf" cell products can be advantageously manufactured in large quantities, stored for extended periods, and easily distributed to treat an exponential number of cancer patients. At current, patient risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and host-versus-graft (HvG) allorejection severely restrict the development of allogeneic CAR-T cell products. To address these limitations, a variety of genetic engineering strategies have been implemented to enhance antitumor efficacy, reduce GvHD and HvG onset, and improve the overall safety profile of T-cell based immunotherapies. In this review, we summarize these genetic engineering strategies and discuss the challenges and prospects these approaches provide to expedite progression of translational and clinical studies for adoption of a universal cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Adam Kramer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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20
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Olivera I, Bolaños E, Gonzalez-Gomariz J, Hervas-Stubbs S, Mariño KV, Luri-Rey C, Etxeberria I, Cirella A, Egea J, Glez-Vaz J, Garasa S, Alvarez M, Eguren-Santamaria I, Guedan S, Sanmamed MF, Berraondo P, Rabinovich GA, Teijeira A, Melero I. mRNAs encoding IL-12 and a decoy-resistant variant of IL-18 synergize to engineer T cells for efficacious intratumoral adoptive immunotherapy. Cell Rep Med 2023:100978. [PMID: 36933554 PMCID: PMC10040457 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.100978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene transfer enhances the therapeutic potency of adoptive T cell therapies. We previously reported that transient engineering of tumor-specific CD8 T cells with IL-12 mRNA enhanced their systemic therapeutic efficacy when delivered intratumorally. Here, we mix T cells engineered with mRNAs to express either single-chain IL-12 (scIL-12) or an IL-18 decoy-resistant variant (DRIL18) that is not functionally hampered by IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP). These mRNA-engineered T cell mixtures are repeatedly injected into mouse tumors. Pmel-1 T cell receptor (TCR)-transgenic T cells electroporated with scIL-12 or DRIL18 mRNAs exert powerful therapeutic effects in local and distant melanoma lesions. These effects are associated with T cell metabolic fitness, enhanced miR-155 control on immunosuppressive target genes, enhanced expression of various cytokines, and changes in the glycosylation profile of surface proteins, enabling adhesiveness to E-selectin. Efficacy of this intratumoral immunotherapeutic strategy is recapitulated in cultures of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells on IL-12 and DRIL18 mRNA electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elixabet Bolaños
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose Gonzalez-Gomariz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervas-Stubbs
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karina V Mariño
- Laboratorio de Glicómica Funcional y Molecular, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina
| | - Carlos Luri-Rey
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Etxeberria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Josune Egea
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Saray Garasa
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñaki Eguren-Santamaria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sonia Guedan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel A Rabinovich
- Laboratorio de Glicomedicina, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina
| | - Alvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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21
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Zhang XW, Wu YS, Xu TM, Cui MH. CAR-T Cells in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: A Promising Cell Therapy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030465. [PMID: 36979400 PMCID: PMC10046142 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is among the most common gynecologic malignancies with a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage (stage III or IV), with 5-year survival rates ranging from 25% to 47% worldwide. Surgical resection and first-line chemotherapy are the main treatment modalities for OC. However, patients usually relapse within a few years of initial treatment due to resistance to chemotherapy. Cell-based therapies, particularly adoptive T-cell therapy and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, represent an alternative immunotherapy approach with great potential for hematologic malignancies. However, the use of CAR-T-cell therapy for the treatment of OC is still associated with several difficulties. In this review, we comprehensively discuss recent innovations in CAR-T-cell engineering to improve clinical efficacy, as well as strategies to overcome the limitations of CAR-T-cell therapy in OC.
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22
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Toney NJ, Gatti-Mays ME, Tschernia NP, Strauss J, Gulley JL, Schlom J, Donahue RN. Immune correlates with response in patients with metastatic solid tumors treated with a tumor targeting immunocytokine NHS-IL12. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109736. [PMID: 37234190 PMCID: PMC10208359 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The immunocytokine NHS-IL12 delivers IL-12 to the tumor microenvironment by targeting DNA/histones in necrotic areas. The first-in-human clinical trial administered NHS-IL12 subcutaneously in 59 patients treated every four weeks (Q4W), with a maximum tolerated dose of 16.8 mcg/kg. The phase I study was expanded to include a high-exposure cohort that received bi-weekly treatment (Q2W) with two dose levels of NHS-IL12: 12.0 mcg/kg and 16.8 mcg/kg. Here, patients given NHS-IL12 were analyzed both prior to and early after treatment for effects on 10 serum soluble analytes, complete blood counts, and 158 peripheral immune subsets. Higher levels of immune activation were seen with a dose of 16.8 mcg/kg versus 12.0 mcg/kg in patients in the high-exposure cohort, as evidenced by greater increases in serum IFNγ, TNFα, and soluble PD-1, and greater increases in frequencies of peripheral ki67+ mature natural killer (NK), CD8+T, and NKT cells. Greater immune activation was also seen in the Q2W versus Q4W cohort, as demonstrated by greater increases in pro-inflammatory serum analytes, ki67+ CD8+ T, NK, and NKT cells, intermediate monocytes, and a greater decrease in CD73+ T cells. Specific immune analytes at baseline including lower levels of monocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and early changes after treatment such as an increase in refined NK cell subsets and total CD8+ T cells, associated with better clinical response. These findings may help to guide future schedule and dosing regimens of clinical studies of NHS-IL12 as monotherapy and in combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Toney
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Margaret E Gatti-Mays
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, USA
| | - Nicholas P Tschernia
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julius Strauss
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James L Gulley
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Renee N Donahue
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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23
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Yang Z, Pietrobon V, Bobbin M, Stefanson O, Yang J, Goswami A, Alphson B, Choi H, Magallanes K, Cai Q, Barrett D, Wang B, Qi LS, Marincola FM. Nanoscale, antigen encounter-dependent, IL-12 delivery by CAR T cells plus PD-L1 blockade for cancer treatment. J Transl Med 2023; 21:158. [PMID: 36855120 PMCID: PMC9976446 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04014-9] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies for the treatment of hematological malignancies experienced tremendous progress in the last decade. However, essential limitations need to be addressed to further improve efficacy and reduce toxicity to assure CAR-T cell persistence, trafficking to the tumor site, resistance to an hostile tumor microenvironment (TME), and containment of toxicity restricting production of powerful but potentially toxic bioproducts to the TME; the last could be achieved through contextual release upon tumor antigen encounter of factors capable of converting an immune suppressive TME into one conducive to immune rejection. METHODS We created an HER2-targeting CAR-T (RB-312) using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) activation (CRISPRa) system, which induces the expression of the IL-12 heterodimer via conditional transcription of its two endogenous subunits p35 and p40. This circuit includes two lentiviral constructs. The first one (HER2-TEV) expresses an anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) CAR single chain variable fragment (scFv), with CD28 and CD3z co-stimulatory domains linked to the tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease and two single guide RNAs (sgRNA) targeting the interleukin (IL)-12A and IL12B transcription start site (TSS), respectively. The second construct (LdCV) encodes linker for activation of T cells (LAT) fused to nuclease-deactivated Streptococcus Pyogenes Cas9 (dCas9)-VP64-p65-Rta (VPR) via a TEV-cleavable sequence (TCS). Activation of the CAR brings HER2-TEV in close proximity to LdCV releasing dCas9 for nuclear localization. This conditional circuit leads to conditional and reversible induction of the IL-12/p70 heterodimer. RB-312 was compared in vitro to controls (cRB-312), lacking the IL-12 sgRNAs and conventional HER2 CAR (convCAR). RESULTS The inducible CRISPRa system activated endogenous IL-12 expression resulting in enhanced secondary interferon (FN)-γ production, cytotoxicity, and CAR-T proliferation in vitro, prolonged in vivo persistence and greater suppression of HER2+ FaDu oropharyngeal cancer cell growth compared to the conventional CAR-T cell product. No systemic IL-12 was detected in the peripheral circulation. Moreover, the combination with programmed death ligand (PD-L1) blockade demonstrated robust synergistic effects. CONCLUSIONS RB-312, the first clinically relevant product incorporating a CRISPRa system with non-gene editing and reversible upregulation of endogenous gene expression that promotes CAR-T cells persistence and effectiveness against HER2-expressing tumors. The autocrine effects of reversible, nanoscale IL-12 production limits the risk of off-tumor leakage and systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifen Yang
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
| | | | - Maggie Bobbin
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | | | - Jin Yang
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | | | | | - Hana Choi
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | | | - Qi Cai
- Kite Pharma Inc., Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA
| | | | - Bing Wang
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, ChEM-H, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Holvoet P. Noncoding RNAs Controlling Oxidative Stress in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041155. [PMID: 36831498 PMCID: PMC9954372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria in cancer cells tend to overproduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing a vicious cycle between mitochondria, ROS, genomic instability, and cancer development. The first part of this review deals with the role of noncoding RNAs in regulating mitochondrial ROS production and the expression of antioxidants in cancer cells, preventing the increase of ROS in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, cytotoxic T and natural killer cells release high levels of ROS, inducing cell death, while anti-immune regulatory T cells, tumor-associated M2 macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, at least at the initial stage of tumor growth, release low levels of ROS supporting tumor growth. Therefore, this review's second part deals with noncoding RNAs' role in regulating the metabolic reprogramming of immune cells about ROS release. Furthermore, the enrichment of noncoding RNAs in microvesicles allows communication between cell types in a tumor and between a tumor and tumor-adjacent tissues. Therefore, the third part illustrates how noncoding RNA-containing microvesicles secreted by mesenchymal stem cells and primary tumor cells may primarily aid the shift of immune cells to a pro-oncogenic phenotype. Conversely, microvesicles released by tumor-adjacent tissues may have the opposite effect. Our review reveals that a specific noncoding RNA may affect oxidative stress by several mechanisms, which may have opposite effects on tumor growth. Furthermore, they may be involved in mechanisms other than regulating oxidative stress, which may level out their effects on oxidative stress and tumor growth. In addition, several noncoding RNAs might share a specific function, making it very unlikely that intervening with only one of these noncoding RNAs will block this particular mechanism. Overall, further validation of the interaction between noncoding RNAs about cancer types and stages of tumor development is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Holvoet
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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25
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Thomas S, Abken H. CAR T cell therapy becomes CHIC: "cytokine help intensified CAR" T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1090959. [PMID: 36700225 PMCID: PMC9869021 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1090959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) in the canonical "second generation" format provide two signals for inducing T cell effector functions; the primary "signal-1" is provided through the TCR CD3ζ chain and the "signal-2" through a linked costimulatory domain to augment activation. While therapy with second generation CAR T cells can induce remissions of leukemia/lymphoma in a spectacular fashion, CAR T cell persistence is frequently limited which is thought to be due to timely limited activation. Following the "three-signal" dogma for inducing a sustained T cell response, cytokines were supplemented to provide "signal-3" to CAR T cells. Recent progress in the understanding of structural biology and receptor signaling has allowed to engineer cytokines for more selective, fine-tuned stimulation of CAR T cells including an artificial autocrine loop of a transgenic cytokine, a cytokine anchored to the CAR T cell membrane or inserted into the extracellular CAR domain, and a cytokine receptor signaling moiety co-expressed with the CAR or inserted into the CAR endodomain. Here we discuss the recent strategies and options for engineering such "cytokine help intensified CAR" (CHIC) T cells for use in adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Thomas
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany,Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany,Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Hinrich Abken,
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26
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Kim S, Park CI, Lee S, Choi HR, Kim CH. Reprogramming of IL-12 secretion in the PDCD1 locus improves the anti-tumor activity of NY-ESO-1 TCR-T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1062365. [PMID: 36793716 PMCID: PMC9923015 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1062365] [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: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although the engineering of T cells to co-express immunostimulatory cytokines has been shown to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy, the uncontrolled systemic release of potent cytokines can lead to severe adverse effects. To address this, we site-specifically inserted the interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene into the PDCD1 locus in T cells using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-based genome editing to achieve T-cell activation-dependent expression of IL-12 while ablating the expression of inhibitory PD-1. Methods New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1(NY-ESO-1)-specific TCR-T cells was investigated as a model system. We generated ΔPD-1-IL-12 -edited NY-ESO-1 TCR-T cells by sequential lentiviral transduction and CRISPR knock-in into activated human primary T cells. Results We showed that the endogenous PDCD1 regulatory elements can tightly control the secretion of recombinant IL-12 in a target cell-dependent manner, at an expression level that is more moderate than that obtained using a synthetic NFAT-responsive promoter. The inducible expression of IL-12 from the PDCD1 locus was sufficient to enhance the effector function of NY-ESO-1 TCR-T cells, as determined by upregulation of effector molecules, increased cytotoxic activity, and enhanced expansion upon repeated antigen stimulation in vitro. Mouse xenograft studies also revealed that PD-1-edited IL-12-secreting NY-ESO-1 TCR-T cells could eliminate established tumors and showed significantly greater in vivo expansion capacity than control TCR-T cells. Discussion Our approach may provide a way to safely harness the therapeutic potential of potent immunostimulatory cytokines for the development of effective adoptive T cell therapies against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Segi Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Cho I Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunhwa Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Ryeol Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hyuk Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Di Trani CA, Cirella A, Arrizabalaga L, Bella Á, Fernandez-Sendin M, Russo-Cabrera JS, Gomar C, Olivera I, Bolaños E, González-Gomariz J, Álvarez M, Etxeberria I, Palencia B, Teijeira Á, Melero I, Berraondo P, Aranda F. Intracavitary adoptive transfer of IL-12 mRNA-engineered tumor-specific CD8 + T cells eradicates peritoneal metastases in mouse models. Oncoimmunology 2022; 12:2147317. [PMID: 36531687 PMCID: PMC9757485 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2147317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that local delivery of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes engineered to transiently express single-chain IL-12 mRNA is highly efficacious. Peritoneal dissemination of cancer is a frequent and often fatal patient condition usually diagnosed when the tumor burden is too large and hence uncontrollable with current treatment options. In this study, we have modeled intracavitary adoptive T cell therapy with OVA-specific OT-I T cells electroporated with IL-12 mRNA to treat B16-OVA and PANC02-OVA tumor spread in the peritoneal cavity. Tumor localization in the omentum and the effects of local T-cell encounter with the tumor antigens were monitored, the gene expression profile evaluated, and the phenotypic reprogramming of several immune subsets was characterized. Intraperitoneal administration of T cells promoted homing to the omentum more effectively than intravenous administration. Transient IL-12 expression was responsible for a favorable reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment, longer persistence of transferred T lymphocytes in vivo, and the development of immunity to endogenous antigens following primary tumor eradication. The efficacy of the strategy was at least in part recapitulated with the adoptive transfer of lower affinity transgenic TCR-bearing PMEL-1 T lymphocytes to treat the aggressive intraperitoneally disseminated B16-F10 tumor. Locoregional adoptive transfer of transiently IL-12-armored T cells appears to offer promising therapeutic advantages in terms of anti-tumor efficacy to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Arrizabalaga
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ángela Bella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joan Salvador Russo-Cabrera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Celia Gomar
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elizabeth Bolaños
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - José González-Gomariz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Álvarez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain,Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñaki Etxeberria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Belen Palencia
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain,Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain,Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain,Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,CONTACT Fernando Aranda Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain,Spanish Center for Biomedical Research Network in Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Aranda
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
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Advances of Electroporation-Related Therapies and the Synergy with Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111942. [PMID: 36423037 PMCID: PMC9692484 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is the process of instantaneously increasing the permeability of a cell membrane under a pulsed electric field. Depending on the parameters of the electric pulses and the target cell electrophysiological characteristics, electroporation can be either reversible or irreversible. Reversible electroporation facilitates the delivery of functional genetic materials or drugs to target cells, inducing cell death by apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, or pseudoapoptosis; irreversible electroporation is an ablative technology which directly ablates a large amount of tissue without causing harmful thermal effects; electrotherapy using an electric field can induce cell apoptosis without any aggressive invasion. Reversible and irreversible electroporation can also activate systemic antitumor immune response and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent progress related to electroporation, and summarize its latest applications. Further, we discuss the synergistic effects of electroporation-related therapies and immunotherapy. We also propose perspectives for further investigating electroporation and immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
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29
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Ragoonanan D, Sheikh IN, Gupta S, Khazal SJ, Tewari P, Petropoulos D, Li S, Mahadeo KM. The Evolution of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092286. [PMID: 36140387 PMCID: PMC9496125 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy is a revolutionary treatment for pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients (AYA) with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. While the landscape of immunotherapy continues to rapidly evolve, widespread use of CAR T therapy is limited and many questions remain regarding the durability of CAR T therapy, methods to avoid CAR T therapy resistance and the role of consolidative stem cell transplant. Modified strategies to develop effective and persistent CAR T cells at lower costs and decreased toxicities are warranted. In this review we present current indications, limitations and future directions of CAR T therapy for ALL in the pediatric and AYA population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dristhi Ragoonanan
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (D.R.); (I.N.S.)
| | - Irtiza N. Sheikh
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (D.R.); (I.N.S.)
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sajad J. Khazal
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Priti Tewari
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Demetrios Petropoulos
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shulin Li
- Department of Pediatrics Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kris M. Mahadeo
- Department of Pediatrics, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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30
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Adoptive cell therapies in thoracic malignancies. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2077-2098. [PMID: 35129636 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03142-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has gained great interest in thoracic malignancies in the last decade, first in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but also more recently in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). However, while 15-20% of patients will greatly benefit from immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs), a vast majority will rapidly exhibit resistance. Reasons for this are multiple: non-immunogenic tumors, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment or defects in immune cells trafficking to the tumor sites being some of the most frequent. Current progress in adoptive cell therapies could offer a way to overcome these hurdles and bring effective immune cells to the tumor site. In this review, we discuss advantages, limits and future perspectives of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) in thoracic malignancies from lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK), cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK), natural killer cells (NK), dendritic cells (DC) vaccines and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to TCR engineering and CARs. Trials are still in their early phases, and while there may still be many limitations to overcome, a combination of these different approaches with ICBs, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy could vastly improve the way we treat thoracic cancers.
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31
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Wang Y, Johnson KCC, Gatti-Mays ME, Li Z. Emerging strategies in targeting tumor-resident myeloid cells for cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:118. [PMID: 36031601 PMCID: PMC9420297 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01335-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death protein 1, programmed death-ligand 1, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 provide deep and durable treatment responses which have revolutionized oncology. However, despite over 40% of cancer patients being eligible to receive immunotherapy, only 12% of patients gain benefit. A key to understanding what differentiates treatment response from non-response is better defining the role of the innate immune system in anti-tumor immunity and immune tolerance. Teleologically, myeloid cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, monocytes, and neutrophils, initiate a response to invading pathogens and tissue repair after pathogen clearance is successfully accomplished. However, in the tumor microenvironment (TME), these innate cells are hijacked by the tumor cells and are imprinted to furthering tumor propagation and dissemination. Major advancements have been made in the field, especially related to the heterogeneity of myeloid cells and their function in the TME at the single cell level, a topic that has been highlighted by several recent international meetings including the 2021 China Cancer Immunotherapy workshop in Beijing. Here, we provide an up-to-date summary of the mechanisms by which major myeloid cells in the TME facilitate immunosuppression, enable tumor growth, foster tumor plasticity, and confer therapeutic resistance. We discuss ongoing strategies targeting the myeloid compartment in the preclinical and clinical settings which include: (1) altering myeloid cell composition within the TME; (2) functional blockade of immune-suppressive myeloid cells; (3) reprogramming myeloid cells to acquire pro-inflammatory properties; (4) modulating myeloid cells via cytokines; (5) myeloid cell therapies; and (6) emerging targets such as Siglec-15, TREM2, MARCO, LILRB2, and CLEVER-1. There is a significant promise that myeloid cell-based immunotherapy will help advance immuno-oncology in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Margaret E Gatti-Mays
- Division of Medical Oncology, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Zihai Li
- Division of Medical Oncology, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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32
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Sanmamed MF, Berraondo P, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Melero I. Charting roadmaps towards novel and safe synergistic immunotherapy combinations. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:665-680. [PMID: 35764745 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00401-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor-based cancer immunotherapy is often combined in the clinic with other immunotherapy strategies, targeted therapies, chemotherapy or standard-of-care treatments to achieve superior therapeutic efficacy. The large number of immunotherapy combinations that are currently undergoing clinical testing necessitate the establishment of faithful criteria to prioritize optimal combinations with evidence of synergy, to determine their safety and optimal sequence of administration and to identify biomarkers of therapy resistance and response. In this review, we focus on recent developments in immunotherapy combinations and reflect on how combinations should be optimized to maximize the impact of immunotherapy in clinical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Oncology and Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria E Rodriguez-Ruiz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Oncology and Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Departments of Oncology and Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.
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Yin X, Tian M, Zhang J, Tang W, Feng L, Li Z, Zheng C, Liu C, Yan L, Yu X, Li B. MiR-26b-5p in small extracellular vesicles derived from dying tumor cells after irradiation enhances the metastasis promoting microenvironment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2022; 541:215746. [PMID: 35594995 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Radiation therapy is effective in achieving local control in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; however, changes in the tumor microenvironment induced by radiation can also promote metastasis. Dying tumor cells play vital roles in promoting the survival of living tumor cells; however, few studies have investigated the effects of dying tumor cells on the tumor microenvironment. Since myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and macrophages constitute the pre-metastatic niche (PMN), we used a 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide induced in situ tumor model to investigate the effects of irradiation on MDSCs and macrophages in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). When primary tumor sites were irradiated, we observed an increase in MDSCs in the spleen and the deposition of PMN components in lung and liver. Enhanced MDSC accumulation and function were induced by small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) isolated from irradiated tumor-bearing mice. The MDSC induction function of sEVs after irradiation was reaffirmed using sEVs derived from ESCC cell lines. The irradiation-induced upregulation of miR-26b-5p in sEVs enhanced MDSC expansion and activation by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog. Our results first elucidated a mechanism by which dying tumor cells enhanced the deposition of PMN components and potentiated MDSCs in ESCC after irradiation. sEVs played a vital role in mediating signals between the primary tumor and the microenvironment to form a metastasis-promoting microenvironment after irradiation. Furthermore, miR-26b-5p or PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitors should be evaluated in clinical trials in combination with radiotherapy as a strategy to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Yin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Meng Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210003, China.
| | - Junpeng Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Wenjie Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Lei Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Chunyan Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Conghe Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Ling Yan
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Xinshuang Yu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Baosheng Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.
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Jones DS, Nardozzi JD, Sackton KL, Ahmad G, Christensen E, Ringgaard L, Chang DK, Jaehger DE, Konakondla JV, Wiinberg M, Stokes KL, Pratama A, Sauer K, Andresen TL. Cell surface-tethered IL-12 repolarizes the tumor immune microenvironment to enhance the efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabi8075. [PMID: 35476449 PMCID: PMC9045725 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi8075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Immune-activating cytokines such as interleukin-12 (IL-12) hold strong potential for cancer immunotherapy but have been limited by high systemic toxicities. We describe here an approach to safely harness cytokine biology for adoptive cell therapy through uniform and dose-controlled tethering onto the surface of the adoptively transferred cells. Tumor-specific T cells tethered with IL-12 showed superior antitumor efficacy across multiple cell therapy models compared to conventional systemic IL-12 coadministration. Mechanistically, the IL-12-tethered T cells supported a strong safety profile by driving interferon-γ production and adoptively transferred T cell activity preferentially in the tumor. Immune profiling revealed that the tethered IL-12 reshaped the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment, including triggering a pronounced repolarization of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells into activated, inflammatory effector cells that further supported antitumor activity. This tethering approach thus holds strong promise for harnessing and directing potent immunomodulatory cytokines for cell therapies while limiting systemic toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Thomas L. Andresen
- Repertoire Immune Medicines, Cambridge MA, USA
- Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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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Hossian AKMN, Hackett CS, Brentjens RJ, Rafiq S. Multipurposing CARs: Same engine, different vehicles. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1381-1395. [PMID: 35151842 PMCID: PMC9077369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells genetically engineered to recognize and eliminate tumor cells through synthetic chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy against B cell leukemia over the past decade. This therapy is a form of highly personalized medicine that involves genetically modifying a patient's T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells. With the FDA approval of 5 CAR T cell products, this approach has been validated as a powerful new drug in the therapeutic armamentarium against cancer. Researchers are now studying how to expand this technology beyond its use in conventional polyclonal αβ T cells to address limitations to the current therapy in cancer and applications beyond it. Considering the specific characteristics of immune cell from diverse lineages, several preclinical and clinical studies are under way to assess the advantages of CAR-redirected function in these cells and apply the lessons learned from CAR T cell therapy in cancer to other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K M Nawshad Hossian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Christopher S Hackett
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Renier J Brentjens
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
| | - Sarwish Rafiq
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Raftopoulou S, Valadez-Cosmes P, Mihalic ZN, Schicho R, Kargl J. Tumor-Mediated Neutrophil Polarization and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063218. [PMID: 35328639 PMCID: PMC8951452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are immune cells with reported phenotypic and functional plasticity. Tumor-associated neutrophils display many roles during cancer progression. Several tumor microenvironment (TME)-derived factors orchestrate neutrophil release from the bone marrow, recruitment and functional polarization, while simultaneously neutrophils are active stimulators of the TME by secreting factors that affect immune interactions and subsequently tumor progression. Successful immunotherapies for many cancer types and stages depend on the targeting of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Neutrophils impact the success of immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint blockade therapies, by displaying lymphocyte suppressive properties. The identification and characterization of distinct neutrophil subpopulations or polarization states with pro- and antitumor phenotypes and the identification of the major TME-derived factors of neutrophil polarization would allow us to harness the full potential of neutrophils as complementary targets in anticancer precision therapies.
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A compact and simple method of achieving differential transgene expression by exploiting translational readthrough. Biotechniques 2022; 72:143-154. [PMID: 35234525 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2021-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of multicistronic vectors enabling differential transgene expression is a goal of gene therapy and poses a significant engineering challenge. Current approaches rely on the insertion of long regulatory sequences that occupy valuable space in vectors, which have a finite and limited packaging capacity. Here we describe a simple method of achieving differential transgene expression by inserting stop codons and translational readthrough motifs (TRMs) to suppress stop codon termination. TRMs reduced downstream transgene expression ∼sixfold to ∼140-fold, depending on the combination of stop codon and TRM used. We show that a TRM can facilitate the controlled secretion of the highly potent cytokine IL-12 at therapeutically beneficial levels in an aggressive immunocompetent mouse melanoma model to prevent tumor growth. Given their compact size (6 bp) and ease of introduction, we envisage that TRMs will be widely adopted in recombinant DNA engineering to facilitate differential transgene expression.
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Holder PG, Lim SA, Huang CS, Sharma P, Dagdas YS, Bulutoglu B, Sockolosky JT. Engineering interferons and interleukins for cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114112. [PMID: 35085624 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a class of potent immunoregulatory proteins that are secreted in response to various stimuli and act locally to regulate many aspects of human physiology and disease. Cytokines play important roles in cancer initiation, progression, and elimination, and thus, there is a long clinical history associated with the use of recombinant cytokines to treat cancer. However, the use of cytokines as therapeutics has been limited by cytokine pleiotropy, complex biology, poor drug-like properties, and severe dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, cytokines are crucial mediators of innate and adaptive antitumor immunity and have the potential to enhance immunotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer. Development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination immunotherapies has reinvigorated interest in cytokines as therapeutics, and a variety of engineering approaches are emerging to improve the safety and effectiveness of cytokine immunotherapy. In this review we highlight recent advances in cytokine biology and engineering for cancer immunotherapy.
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Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Panic A, Dodd DJ, Salazar-Puerta A, Moore JT, Lawrence WR, Nairon K, Francis C, Zachariah N, McCoy W, Turaga R, Skardal A, Carson WE, Higuita-Castro N, Gallego-Perez D. In Situ Deployment of Engineered Extracellular Vesicles into the Tumor Niche via Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101619. [PMID: 34662497 PMCID: PMC8891033 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising carrier system for the delivery of therapeutic payloads in multiple disease models, including cancer. However, effective targeting of EVs to cancerous tissue remains a challenge. Here, it is shown that nonviral transfection of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) can be leveraged to drive targeted release of engineered EVs that can modulate transfer and overexpression of therapeutic anticancer genes in tumor cells and tissue. MDSCs are immature immune cells that exhibit enhanced tropism toward tumor tissue and play a role in modulating tumor progression. Current MDSC research has been mostly focused on mitigating immunosuppression in the tumor niche; however, the tumor homing abilities of these cells present untapped potential to deliver EV therapeutics directly to cancerous tissue. In vivo and ex vivo studies with murine models of breast cancer show that nonviral transfection of MDSCs does not hinder their ability to home to cancerous tissue. Moreover, transfected MDSCs can release engineered EVs and mediate antitumoral responses via paracrine signaling, including decreased invasion/metastatic activity and increased apoptosis/necrosis. Altogether, these findings indicate that MDSCs can be a powerful tool for the deployment of EV-based therapeutics to tumor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Panic
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Daniel J. Dodd
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210,The Ohio State University, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Ana Salazar-Puerta
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Jordan T. Moore
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - William R. Lawrence
- The Ohio State University, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Kylie Nairon
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Carlie Francis
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Natalie Zachariah
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - William McCoy
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Rithvik Turaga
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - William E. Carson
- The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Natalia Higuita-Castro
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210,The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Columbus, OH 43210,The Ohio State University, Biophysics Program, OH 43210,To whom correspondence should be addressed: ,
| | - Daniel Gallego-Perez
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210,The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Columbus, OH 43210,To whom correspondence should be addressed: ,
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Agarwal Y, Milling LE, Chang JY, Santollani L, Sheen A, Lutz EA, Tabet A, Stinson J, Ni K, Rodrigues KA, Moyer TJ, Melo MB, Irvine DJ, Wittrup KD. Intratumourally injected alum-tethered cytokines elicit potent and safer local and systemic anticancer immunity. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:129-143. [PMID: 35013574 PMCID: PMC9681025 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00831-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anti-tumour inflammatory cytokines are highly toxic when administered systemically. Here, in multiple syngeneic mouse models, we show that the intratumoural injection of recombinantly expressed cytokines bound tightly to the common vaccine adjuvant aluminium hydroxide (alum) (via ligand exchange between hydroxyls on the surface of alum and phosphoserine residues tagged to the cytokine by an alum-binding peptide) leads to weeks-long retention of the cytokines in the tumours, with minimal side effects. Specifically, a single dose of alum-tethered interleukin-12 induced substantial interferon-γ-mediated T-cell and natural-killer-cell activities in murine melanoma tumours, increased tumour antigen accumulation in draining lymph nodes and elicited robust tumour-specific T-cell priming. Moreover, intratumoural injection of alum-anchored cytokines enhanced responses to checkpoint blockade, promoting cures in distinct poorly immunogenic syngeneic tumour models and eliciting control over metastases and distant untreated lesions. Intratumoural treatment with alum-anchored cytokines represents a safer and tumour-agnostic strategy to improving local and systemic anticancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Agarwal
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139
| | - Lauren E. Milling
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139
| | - Jason Y.H. Chang
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, USA 02139
| | - Luciano Santollani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139
| | - Allison Sheen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139
| | - Emi A. Lutz
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139
| | - Anthony Tabet
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139
| | - Jordan Stinson
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139
| | - Kaiyuan Ni
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139
| | - Kristen A. Rodrigues
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, USA 02139,Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program, Institute of Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA 92037
| | - Tyson J. Moyer
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, USA 02139
| | - Mariane B. Melo
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, USA 02139
| | - Darrell J. Irvine
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, USA 02139,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA 20815,Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA 92037,Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to K.D.W. or D.J.I. ;
| | - K. Dane Wittrup
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA 02139,Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to K.D.W. or D.J.I. ;
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TRIM37 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression through Modulation of Cell Growth, Migration, Invasion, and Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031176. [PMID: 35163097 PMCID: PMC8835669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031176] [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: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
TRIM37 dysregulation has been observed in several cancer types, implicating its possible role in tumorigenesis. However, the role of TRIM37 in pancreatic cancer progression remains unclear. In the present study, we observed that TRIM37 knockdown resulted in reduced proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, and invasion ability of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, an in vivo study using an orthotopic syngeneic animal model further confirmed that reduced expression of TRIM37 in cancer cells suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, in mice bearing TRIM37 knockdown pancreatic cancer cells, the proportion of CD11b+F4/80+MHCIIlow immunosuppressive macrophages was significantly reduced in tumor milieu, which might be due to the regulatory role of TRIM37 in cytokine production by pancreatic cancer cells. Collectively, these findings suggest a key role of TRIM37 in promoting pancreatic cancer progression.
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Hu J, Yang Q, Zhang W, Du H, Chen Y, Zhao Q, Dao L, Xia X, Natalie Wall F, Zhang Z, Mahadeo K, Gorlick R, Kopetz S, Dotti G, Li S. Cell membrane-anchored and tumor-targeted IL-12 (attIL12)-T cell therapy for eliminating large and heterogeneous solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003633. [PMID: 35027427 PMCID: PMC8762133 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive T-cell transfer has become an attractive therapeutic approach for hematological malignancies but shows poor activity against large and heterogeneous solid tumors. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) exhibits potent antitumor efficacy against solid tumors, but its clinical application has been stalled because of toxicity. Here, we aimed to develop a safe approach to IL-12 T-cell therapy for eliminating large solid tumors. METHODS We generated a cell membrane-anchored IL-12 (aIL12), a tumor-targeted IL-12 (ttIL12), and a cell membrane-anchored and ttIL-12 (attIL12) and a cell membrane-anchored and tumor-targeted ttIL-12 (attIL12) armed T cells, chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, and T cell receptor-T (TCR-T) cells with each. We compared the safety and efficacy of these armed T cells in treating osteosarcoma patient-derived xenograft tumors and mouse melanoma tumors after intravenous infusions of the armed T cells. RESULTS attIL12-T cell infusion showed remarkable antitumor efficacy in human and mouse large solid tumor models. Mechanistically, attIL12-T cells targeted tumor cells expressing cell-surface vimentin, enriching effector T cell and interferon γ production in tumors, which in turn stimulates dendritic cell maturation for activating secondary T-cell responses and tumor antigen spreading. Both attIL12- and aIL12-T-cell transfer eliminated peripheral cytokine release and the associated toxic effects. CONCLUSIONS This novel approach sheds light on the safe application of IL-12-based T-cell therapy for large and heterogeneous solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiemiao Hu
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qing Yang
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wendong Zhang
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hongwei Du
- Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yuhui Chen
- Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Qingnan Zhao
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Long Dao
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xueqing Xia
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fowlkes Natalie Wall
- Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zhongting Zhang
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kris Mahadeo
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard Gorlick
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - S Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shulin Li
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Karime C, Wang J, Woodhead G, Mody K, Hennemeyer CT, Borad MJ, Mahadevan D, Chandana SR, Babiker H. Tilsotolimod: an investigational synthetic toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist for the treatment of refractory solid tumors and melanoma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 31:1-13. [PMID: 34913781 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2019706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer immunotherapy has seen tremendous strides in the past 15 years, with the introduction of several novel immunotherapeutic agents. Nevertheless, as clinical practice has shown, significant challenges remain with a considerable number of patients responding sub-optimally to available therapeutic options. Research has demonstrated the important immunoregulatory role of the tumor microenvironment (TME), with the potential to either hinder or promote an effective anti-tumor immune response. As such, scientific efforts have focused on investigating novel candidate immunomodulatory agents with the potential to alter the TME toward a more immunopotentiating composition. AREAS COVERED Herein, we discuss the novel investigational toll-like receptor 9 agonist tilsotolimod currently undergoing phase II and III clinical trials for advanced refractory cancer, highlighting its mode of action, efficacy, tolerability, and potential future applications in the treatment of cancer. To this effect, we conducted an exhaustive Web of Science and PubMed search to evaluate available research on tilsotolimod as of August 2021. EXPERT OPINION With encouraging early clinical results demonstrating extensive TME immunomodulation and abscopal effects on distant tumor lesions, tilsotolimod has emerged as a potential candidate immunomodulatory agent with the possibility to augment currently available immunotherapy and provide novel avenues of treatment for patients with advanced refectory cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Gregory Woodhead
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona Collage of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kabir Mody
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Charles T Hennemeyer
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona Collage of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mitesh J Borad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Daruka Mahadevan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sreenivasa R Chandana
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Phase I Program, Start Midwest, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Hani Babiker
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Zhang ZZ, Wang T, Wang XF, Zhang YQ, Song SX, Ma CQ. Improving the ability of CAR-T cells to hit solid tumors: Challenges and strategies. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:106036. [PMID: 34920118 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is a late-model of immune cell therapy that has been shown to be effective in refractory/recurrent B-cell leukemia and lymphoma. Compared with the traditional anti-tumor methods, CAR-T cell therapy has the advantages of higher specificity, stronger lethality and longer-lasting efficacy. Although CAR-T cells have made significant progress in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, diverse difficulties remain in the treatment of solid tumors, including immune escape due to tumor antigen heterogeneity, preventing entry or limiting the persistence of CAR-T cells by physical or cytokine barriers and along with other immunosuppressive molecule and cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Otherwise, the intracellular signaling of CAR also impact on CAR-T cells persistence. Appropriate modification of intracellular costimulatory molecular signal in the structure of CAR or coexpression of CAR and cytokines can provide a way to enhance CAR-T cells activity. Additionally, CAR-T cells dysfunction due to T cell exhaustion is associated with multi-factors, especially transcription factors, such as c-Jun, NR4A. Engineering CAR-T cells to coexpress or knockout transcription factors in favor of TCM memory CAR-T cells differentiation was proved to prolonged the survival of CAR-T cells. Finally, combination of CAR-T cells with oncolytic viruses, nanoparticles or immune checkpoint inhibitors provides an effective measure to improve CAR-T cells function. Here, we discuss all of these advances and challenges and review promising strategies for treating solid tumors. In particular, we also highlight that CAR-T cells have enormous potential to be used in combination with other immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Zheng Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention for Serious Diseases in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, Heibei, China
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention for Serious Diseases in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, Heibei, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Wang
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention for Serious Diseases in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, Heibei, China
| | - Yu-Qing Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention for Serious Diseases in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, Heibei, China
| | - Shu-Xia Song
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention for Serious Diseases in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, Heibei, China.
| | - Cui-Qing Ma
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention for Serious Diseases in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, Heibei, China.
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Leleux JA, Albershardt TC, Reeves R, James R, Krull J, Parsons AJ, ter Meulen J, Berglund P. Intratumoral expression of IL-12 from lentiviral or RNA vectors acts synergistically with TLR4 agonist (GLA) to generate anti-tumor immunological memory. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259301. [PMID: 34855754 PMCID: PMC8638928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic interleukin-12 (IL12) anti-tumor therapy is highly potent but has had limited utility in the clinic due to severe toxicity. Here, we present two IL12-expressing vector platforms, both of which can overcome the deficiencies of previous systemic IL12 therapies: 1) an integrating lentiviral vector, and 2) a self-replicating messenger RNA formulated with polyethyleneimine. Intratumoral administration of either IL12 vector platform resulted in recruitment of immune cells, including effector T cells and dendritic cells, and the complete remission of established tumors in multiple murine models. Furthermore, concurrent intratumoral administration of the synthetic TLR4 agonist glucopyranosyl lipid A formulated in a stable emulsion (GLA-SE) induced systemic memory T cell responses that mediated complete protection against tumor rechallenge in all survivor mice (8/8 rechallenged mice), whereas only 2/6 total rechallenged mice treated with intratrumoral IL12 monotherapy rejected the rechallenge. Taken together, expression of vectorized IL12 in combination with a TLR4 agonist represents a varied approach to broaden the applicability of intratumoral immune therapies of solid tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Genetic Vectors/administration & dosage
- Genetic Vectors/pharmacology
- Glucosides/pharmacology
- Immunity, Innate/drug effects
- Immunity, Innate/genetics
- Immunologic Memory/drug effects
- Immunologic Memory/genetics
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Interferon-gamma/blood
- Interleukin-12/blood
- Interleukin-12/genetics
- Interleukin-12/immunology
- Lentivirus/genetics
- Lipid A/pharmacology
- Melanoma, Experimental/genetics
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/therapy
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Toll-Like Receptor 4/agonists
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Jardin A. Leleux
- Immune Design Corp., Seattle, WA, A wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States of America
| | - Tina C. Albershardt
- Immune Design Corp., Seattle, WA, A wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Reeves
- Immune Design Corp., Seattle, WA, A wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States of America
| | - Reice James
- Immune Design Corp., Seattle, WA, A wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jordan Krull
- Immune Design Corp., Seattle, WA, A wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States of America
| | - Andrea J. Parsons
- Immune Design Corp., Seattle, WA, A wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jan ter Meulen
- Immune Design Corp., Seattle, WA, A wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States of America
| | - Peter Berglund
- Immune Design Corp., Seattle, WA, A wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States of America
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Beyond immune checkpoint blockade: emerging immunological strategies. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:899-919. [PMID: 33686237 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00155-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The success of checkpoint inhibitors has accelerated the clinical implementation of a vast mosaic of single agents and combination immunotherapies. However, the lack of clinical translation for a number of immunotherapies as monotherapies or in combination with checkpoint inhibitors has clarified that new strategies must be employed to advance the field. The next chapter of immunotherapy should examine the immuno-oncology therapeutic failures, and consider the complexity of immune cell-cancer cell interactions to better design more effective anticancer drugs. Herein, we briefly review the history of immunotherapy and checkpoint blockade, highlighting important clinical failures. We discuss the critical aspects - beyond T cell co-receptors - of immune processes within the tumour microenvironment (TME) that may serve as avenues along which new therapeutic strategies in immuno-oncology can be forged. Emerging insights into tumour biology suggest that successful future therapeutics will focus on two key factors: rescuing T cell homing and dysfunction in the TME, and reappropriating mononuclear phagocyte function for TME inflammatory remodelling. New drugs will need to consider the complex cell networks that exist within tumours and among cancer types.
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Liang Z, Dong J, Yang N, Li SD, Yang ZY, Huang R, Li FJ, Wang WT, Ren JK, Lei J, Xu C, Wang D, Wang YZ, Liang ZQ. Tandem CAR-T cells targeting FOLR1 and MSLN enhance the antitumor effects in ovarian cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:4365-4376. [PMID: 34803504 PMCID: PMC8579462 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.63181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the heterogeneity of solid tumors, single-target CAR-T cell therapy often leads to recurrence, especially in ovarian cancer (OV). Here, we constructed a Tandem-CAR targeting two antigens with secretory activity (IL-12) to improve the effects of CAR-T cell therapy. Twenty coexpressed upregulated genes were identified from the GEO database, and we found FOLR1 (folate receptor 1) and MSLN (mesothelin) were specifically and highly expressed in cancer tissues and only 11.25% of samples were negative for both antigens. We observed an increased proliferation rate for these three CAR-T cells, and Tandem CAR-T cells could efficiently lyse antigen-positive OV cells in vitro and secrete higher levels of cytokines than single-target CAR-T cells. More importantly, in vivo experiments indicated that Tandem CAR-T cells markedly decreased tumor volume, exhibited enhanced antitumor activity, and prolonged mouse survival. Furthermore, the infiltration and persistence of T cells in the Tandem-CAR group were higher than those in the MSLN-CAR and Control-T groups but comparable to those in the FOLR1-CAR group. Collectively, this study demonstrated that Tandem CAR-T cells secreting IL-12 could enhance immunotherapeutic effects by reducing tumor antigen escape and increasing T cell functionality, which could be a promising therapeutic strategy for OV and other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangyuan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangyuan, China
| | - Neng Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Si-Di Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ze-Yu Yang
- Breast and Thyroid Surgical Department, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Feng-Jie Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Ting Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jia-Kui Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Lei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hui Long-Ba Town Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Zhou Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-Qing Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Zhu WJ, Hu ZF, Yuan Z. Progress in research of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in pancreatic cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2021; 29:1207-1214. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v29.i21.1207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer is less than 5%, and the only available treatments, surgery, chemotherapy, and chemoradiation, have shown limited effectiveness. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies are urgently needed. In recent years, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy has shown promising successes in the treatment of some types of solid tumors because of its diverse TCR clonality, superior tumor-homing ability, and low off-target toxicity. The significant association between a high TIL density in pancreatic cancer tissue and a good clinical outcome and success of pancreatic cancer-specific TIL expansion ex vivo potentiates the rationality of the TIL therapy in pancreatic cancer. However, there are still many challenges ahead, such as neoantigen screening, rapid cell expansion, and low cytotoxicity. This article reviews the recent advances and limitations of TIL therapy in pancreatic cancer and discusses its future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Zhu
- CAR-T (Shanghai) Cell Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhan-Fei Hu
- CAR-T (Shanghai) Cell Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhou Yuan
- The Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200233, China
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From Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation to Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy: Advances, Limitations and Future Perspectives. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112845. [PMID: 34831068 PMCID: PMC8616322 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy was envisioned as a mechanism to re-direct effector T-cells to eliminate tumor cells. CARs are composed of the variable region of an antibody that binds a native cancer antigen coupled to the signaling domain of a TCR and co-stimulatory molecules. Its success and approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of B-cell malignancies revolutionized the immunotherapy field, leading to extensive research on its possible application for other cancer types. In this review, we will focus on the evolution of CAR-T cell therapy outlining current technologies as well as major obstacles for its wide application. We will highlight achievements, the efforts to increase efficacy and to evolve into an off-the-shelf treatment, and as a possible future treatment for non-cancer related diseases.
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