1
|
Panch SR, Srivastava SK, Elavia N, McManus A, Liu S, Jin P, Highfill SL, Li X, Dagur P, Kochenderfer JN, Fry TJ, Mackall CL, Lee D, Shah NN, Stroncek DF. Effect of Cryopreservation on Autologous Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Characteristics. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1275-1285. [PMID: 31178392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As clinical applications for chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CART) therapy extend beyond early phase trials, commercial manufacture incorporating cryopreservation steps becomes a logistical necessity. The effect of cryopreservation on CART characteristics is unclear. We retrospectively evaluated the effect of cryopreservation on product release criteria and in vivo characteristics in 158 autologous CART products from 6 single-center clinical trials. Further, from 3 healthy donor manufacturing runs, we prospectively identified differentially expressed cell surface markers and gene signatures among fresh versus cryopreserved CARTs. Within 2 days of culture initiation, cell viability of the starting fraction (peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMNCs]) decreased significantly in the cryo-thawed arm compared to the fresh arm. Despite this, PBMNC cryopreservation did not affect final CART fold expansion, transduction efficiency, CD3%, or CD4:CD8 ratios. In vivo CART persistence and clinical responses did not differ among fresh and cryopreserved final products. In healthy donors, compared to fresh CARTs, early apoptotic cell-surface markers were significantly elevated in cryo-thawed CARTs. Cryo-thawed CARTs also demonstrated significantly elevated expression of mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis signaling, and cell cycle damage pathways. Cryopreservation during CART manufacture is a viable strategy, based on standard product release parameters. The clinical impact of cryopreservation-related subtle micro-cellular damage needs further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya R Panch
- Center for Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Nasha Elavia
- Center for Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew McManus
- Center for Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shutong Liu
- Center for Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ping Jin
- Center for Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steven L Highfill
- Center for Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xiaobai Li
- Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology Service, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pradeep Dagur
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Terry J Fry
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Lee
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Nirali N Shah
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David F Stroncek
- Center for Cellular Engineering, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen LN, Collins-Johnson N, Sapp N, Pickett A, West K, Stroncek DF, Panch SR. How do I structure logistic processes in preparation for outsourcing of cellular therapy manufacturing? Transfusion 2019; 59:2506-2518. [PMID: 31135995 DOI: 10.1111/trf.15349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As cell and gene therapies (CGT) assume center stage in early-phase clinical trials for several acute and chronic diseases, there is heightened interest in the standardization and automation of manufacturing processes in preparation for commercialization. Toward this goal, a hybrid and oftentimes geographically separated model comprising regional cell procurement and infusion facilities and a centralized cell manufacturing unit is gaining traction in the field. Although CGT processing facilities in academic institutions are not involved directly in the manufacturing of these therapies, they must be prepared to collaborate with commercial or contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and be ready to address several supply-chain challenges that have emerged for autologous and allogeneic CGT. Academic center cell-processing facilities must handle many events up- and downstream of manufacturing such as donor screening, cell collection, product labeling, cryopreservation, transportation, and thaw infusion. These events merit closer evaluation in the context of multifacility manufacturing since standard procedures have yet to be established. Based on our institutional experience, we summarize logistical challenges encountered in the handling and distribution of CGT products in early phase studies, specifically those involving CMO (outsourced) manufacturing. We also make recommendations to standardize processes unique to the CGT supply chain, emphasizing the need to maintain needle-to-needle traceability from product collection to infusion. These guidelines will inform the development of more complex supply-chain models for larger-scale cell and gene therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard N Chen
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Naoza Collins-Johnson
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nasheda Sapp
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Angela Pickett
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kamille West
- Blood Services Section, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David F Stroncek
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sandhya R Panch
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pollock K, Sumstad D, Kadidlo D, McKenna DH, Hubel A. Clinical mesenchymal stromal cell products undergo functional changes in response to freezing. Cytotherapy 2014; 17:38-45. [PMID: 25457275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Current methods of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) cryopreservation result in variable post-thaw recovery and phenotypic changes caused by freezing. The objective of this investigation was to determine the influence of ex vivo cell expansion on phenotype of MSCs and the response of resulting phenotypes to freezing and thawing. METHODS Human bone marrow aspirate was used. MSCs were isolated and cells were assessed for total count, viability, apoptosis and senescence over 6 passages (8-10 doublings/passage) in ex vivo culture. One half of cells harvested at each passage were re-plated for continued culture and the other half were frozen at 1°C/min in a controlled-rate freezer. Frozen samples were stored in liquid nitrogen, thawed and reassessed for total cell count, viability and senescence immediately and 48 h after thaw. RESULTS Viability did not differ significantly between samples before freeze or after thaw. Senescence increased over time in pre-freeze culture and was significantly higher in one sample that had growth arrest both before freeze and after thaw. Freezing resulted in similar initial post-thaw recovery in all samples, but 48-h post-thaw growth arrest was observed in the sample with high senescence only. CONCLUSIONS High pre-freeze senescence appears to correlate with poor post-thaw function in MSC samples, but additional studies are necessary to obtain a sample sizes large enough to quantify results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Pollock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Darin Sumstad
- Molecular and Cellular Therapy Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Diane Kadidlo
- Molecular and Cellular Therapy Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David H McKenna
- Molecular and Cellular Therapy Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Allison Hubel
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fleming KK, Hubel A. Cryopreservation of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic stem cells. Transfus Apher Sci 2006; 34:309-15. [PMID: 16829201 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2005.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2005] [Accepted: 11/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies illustrate the potential for improving the cryopreservation of stem cells. Reduced DMSO concentrations in the cryopreservation medium, post thaw washing of cells and increased cell concentration have been actively studied. Standardization of cell processing has led to the study of liquid storage prior to cryopreservation, validation of mechanical (uncontrolled rate freezing) freezing, and cryopreservation bag failure. Finally, the need for the systematic study and optimization of preservation processes has not been fulfilled. As the sources and applications of stem cells (hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic) continue to be developed, the need for effective preservation methods will only grow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K K Fleming
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1100 Mechanical Engineering, 111 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|