1
|
Avila-Bonilla RG, Martínez-Montero JP. Crosstalk between vault RNAs and innate immunity. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:387. [PMID: 38443657 PMCID: PMC10914904 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09305-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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vault (vt) RNAs are noncoding (nc) RNAs transcribed by RNA polymerase III (RNA Pol III) with 5'-triphosphate (5'-PPP) termini that play significant roles and are recognized by innate immune sensors, including retinoic acid-inducible protein 1 (RIG-I). In addition, vtRNAs adopt secondary structures that can be targets of interferon-inducible protein kinase R (PKR) and the oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS)/RNase L system, both of which are important for activating antiviral defenses. However, changes in the expression of vtRNAs have been associated with pathological processes that activate proinflammatory pathways, which influence cellular events such as differentiation, aging, autophagy, apoptosis, and drug resistance in cancer cells. RESULTS In this review, we summarized the biology of vtRNAs and focused on their interactions with the innate immune system. These findings provide insights into the diverse roles of vtRNAs and their correlation with various cellular processes to improve our understanding of their biological functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Gamaliel Avila-Bonilla
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Av. IPN 2508, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Elwakeel A, Bridgewater HE, Bennett J. Unlocking Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccine Efficacy through Genetic Modulation-How Soon Is Now? Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2118. [PMID: 38136940 PMCID: PMC10743214 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The dendritic cell (DC) vaccine anti-cancer strategy involves tumour-associated antigen loading and maturation of autologous ex vivo cultured DCs, followed by infusion into the cancer patient. This strategy stemmed from the idea that to induce a robust anti-tumour immune response, it was necessary to bypass the fundamental immunosuppressive mechanisms of the tumour microenvironment that dampen down endogenous innate immune cell activation and enable tumours to evade immune attack. Even though the feasibility and safety of DC vaccines have long been confirmed, clinical response rates remain disappointing. Hence, the full potential of DC vaccines has yet to be reached. Whether this cellular-based vaccination approach will fully realise its position in the immunotherapy arsenal is yet to be determined. Attempts to increase DC vaccine immunogenicity will depend on increasing our understanding of DC biology and the signalling pathways involved in antigen uptake, maturation, migration, and T lymphocyte priming to identify amenable molecular targets to improve DC vaccine performance. This review evaluates various genetic engineering strategies that have been employed to optimise and boost the efficacy of DC vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elwakeel
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK; (A.E.); (H.E.B.)
| | - Hannah E. Bridgewater
- Centre for Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK; (A.E.); (H.E.B.)
| | - Jason Bennett
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abascal J, Oh MS, Liclican EL, Dubinett SM, Salehi-Rad R, Liu B. Dendritic Cell Vaccination in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Remodeling the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Cells 2023; 12:2404. [PMID: 37830618 PMCID: PMC10571973 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192404] [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] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. While NSCLCs possess antigens that can potentially elicit T cell responses, defective tumor antigen presentation and T cell activation hinder host anti-tumor immune responses. The NSCLC tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of cellular and soluble mediators that can promote or combat tumor growth. The composition of the TME plays a critical role in promoting tumorigenesis and dictating anti-tumor immune responses to immunotherapy. Dendritic cells (DCs) are critical immune cells that activate anti-tumor T cell responses and sustain effector responses. DC vaccination is a promising cellular immunotherapy that has the potential to facilitate anti-tumor immune responses and transform the composition of the NSCLC TME via tumor antigen presentation and cell-cell communication. Here, we will review the features of the NSCLC TME with an emphasis on the immune cell phenotypes that directly interact with DCs. Additionally, we will summarize the major preclinical and clinical approaches for DC vaccine generation and examine how effective DC vaccination can transform the NSCLC TME toward a state of sustained anti-tumor immune signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jensen Abascal
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1690, USA; (J.A.); (M.S.O.); (E.L.L.); (S.M.D.)
| | - Michael S. Oh
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1690, USA; (J.A.); (M.S.O.); (E.L.L.); (S.M.D.)
| | - Elvira L. Liclican
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1690, USA; (J.A.); (M.S.O.); (E.L.L.); (S.M.D.)
| | - Steven M. Dubinett
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1690, USA; (J.A.); (M.S.O.); (E.L.L.); (S.M.D.)
- Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1690, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1690, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1690, USA
| | - Ramin Salehi-Rad
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1690, USA; (J.A.); (M.S.O.); (E.L.L.); (S.M.D.)
- Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1690, USA; (J.A.); (M.S.O.); (E.L.L.); (S.M.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gerard C, Shum B, Nathan P, Turajlic S. Immuno-oncology approaches in uveal melanoma: tebentafusp and beyond. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 2023; 19:100386. [PMID: 37483658 PMCID: PMC10362360 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2023.100386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common ocular malignancy in adults, associated with the poorest prognosis, with metastatic disease occurring in up to 50% of patients. In contrast to metastatic cutaneous melanoma, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is associated with poor outcomes in metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM). Tebentafusp, a bispecific molecule, has recently become the first treatment in decades to improve overall survival for mUM. This review summarises the existing and emerging immuno-oncology approaches for the treatment of mUM, and biomarkers of response and resistance to the same. Finally, we propose future research directions that could maximise treatment benefit to a wider pool of patients with UM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Gerard
- Cancer Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Precision Oncology Center, Oncology Department, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - B. Shum
- Cancer Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Skin and Renal Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London
| | - P. Nathan
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Herts NHS Trust, Northwood, UK
| | - S. Turajlic
- Cancer Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Skin and Renal Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sokolov D, Gorshkova A, Markova K, Milyutina Y, Pyatygina K, Zementova M, Korenevsky A, Mikhailova V, Selkov S. Natural Killer Cell Derived Microvesicles Affect the Function of Trophoblast Cells. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:213. [PMID: 36837716 PMCID: PMC9963951 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13020213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of natural killer (NK) and trophoblast cells underlies the formation of immune tolerance in the mother-fetus system and the maintenance of the physiological course of pregnancy. In addition, NK cells affect the function of trophoblast cells, interacting with them via the receptor apparatus and through the production of cytokines. Microvesicles (MVs) derived from NK cells are able to change the function of target cells. However, in the overall pattern of interactions between NK cells and trophoblasts, the possibility that both can transmit signals to each other via MVs has not been taken into account. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of NK cell-derived MVs on the phenotype, proliferation, and migration of trophoblast cells and their expression of intracellular messengers. We carried out assays for the detection of content transferred from MV to trophoblasts. We found that NK cell-derived MVs did not affect the expression of CD54, CD105, CD126, CD130, CD181, CD119, and CD120a receptors in trophoblast cells or lead to the appearance of CD45 and CD56 receptors in the trophoblast membrane. Further, the MVs reduced the proliferation but increased the migration of trophoblasts with no changes to their viability. Incubation of trophoblast cells in the presence of MVs resulted in the activation of STAT3 via pSTAT3(Ser727) but not via pSTAT3(Tyr705). The treatment of trophoblasts with MVs did not result in the phosphorylation of STAT1 and ERK1/2. The obtained data indicate that NK cell-derived MVs influence the function of trophoblast cells, which is accompanied by the activation of STAT3 signaling.
Collapse
|
6
|
Vera J, Lai X, Baur A, Erdmann M, Gupta S, Guttà C, Heinzerling L, Heppt MV, Kazmierczak PM, Kunz M, Lischer C, Pützer BM, Rehm M, Ostalecki C, Retzlaff J, Witt S, Wolkenhauer O, Berking C. Melanoma 2.0. Skin cancer as a paradigm for emerging diagnostic technologies, computational modelling and artificial intelligence. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6761961. [PMID: 36252807 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We live in an unprecedented time in oncology. We have accumulated samples and cases in cohorts larger and more complex than ever before. New technologies are available for quantifying solid or liquid samples at the molecular level. At the same time, we are now equipped with the computational power necessary to handle this enormous amount of quantitative data. Computational models are widely used helping us to substantiate and interpret data. Under the label of systems and precision medicine, we are putting all these developments together to improve and personalize the therapy of cancer. In this review, we use melanoma as a paradigm to present the successful application of these technologies but also to discuss possible future developments in patient care linked to them. Melanoma is a paradigmatic case for disruptive improvements in therapies, with a considerable number of metastatic melanoma patients benefiting from novel therapies. Nevertheless, a large proportion of patients does not respond to therapy or suffers from adverse events. Melanoma is an ideal case study to deploy advanced technologies not only due to the medical need but also to some intrinsic features of melanoma as a disease and the skin as an organ. From the perspective of data acquisition, the skin is the ideal organ due to its accessibility and suitability for many kinds of advanced imaging techniques. We put special emphasis on the necessity of computational strategies to integrate multiple sources of quantitative data describing the tumour at different scales and levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julio Vera
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xin Lai
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Baur
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Erdmann
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Shailendra Gupta
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Computer Science, University of Rostock, Rostock 18051, Germany
| | - Cristiano Guttà
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lucie Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus V Heppt
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Manfred Kunz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christopher Lischer
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Brigitte M Pützer
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Markus Rehm
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christian Ostalecki
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jimmy Retzlaff
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Olaf Wolkenhauer
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Computer Science, University of Rostock, Rostock 18051, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Luo Y, Mo D, Guo H, Ye C, Chen B, Zhu H, Deng C, Deng Q, Guo C, Qiu L. NF-κB inactivation attenuates the M1 macrophage polarization in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis by glutaredoxin-1 deficiency. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1886-1899. [PMID: 35870170 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11861] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is severe inflammatory injury in preterm infants, which resulted from macrophage polarization. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is implicated to be involved in macrophage polarization. We here evaluated the essential role of NF-κB in macrophage polarization in NEC in human samples from neonates with NEC and the mouse experimental NEC model. Enhanced intestinal macrophage (IM) infiltration was presented in human neonates with NEC, the majority of which were M1 macrophages. Meanwhile, NF-κB was activated in the IMs in human NEC samples. NF-κB inhibition by BAY promoted the M1 to M2 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, glutaredoxin-1 (Grx1) deficiency promoted M2 polarization via NF-κB inactivation from the lipopolysaccharide-induced proinflammatory macrophages. The IMs isolated from Grx1- / - mice presented with decreases in total numbers and less macrophage differentiation. Grx1- / - derived IM were effective in the increased survival in experimental NEC through inflammation blocking. Our study provides evidence that NF-κB inactivation by Grx1 depletion contributed to the alleviation of NEC via inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization. The modulation to alternative macrophages in the intestines may provide a promising benefits for NEC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Luo
- Department of General and Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of General and Neonatal Surgery, Women's and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of gastrointestinal diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Mo
- Division of gastrointestinal diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjie Guo
- Department of General and Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of gastrointestinal diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cuilian Ye
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Bailin Chen
- Department of General and Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of gastrointestinal diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hai Zhu
- Department of General and Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of gastrointestinal diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chun Deng
- Division of gastrointestinal diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Deng
- Department of General and Neonatal Surgery, Women's and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of gastrointestinal diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunbao Guo
- Department of General and Neonatal Surgery, Women's and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of gastrointestinal diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Qiu
- Department of General and Neonatal Surgery, Women's and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Division of gastrointestinal diseases, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Burn, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Koch EAT, Schaft N, Kummer M, Berking C, Schuler G, Hasumi K, Dörrie J, Schuler-Thurner B. A One-Armed Phase I Dose Escalation Trial Design: Personalized Vaccination with IKKβ-Matured, RNA-Loaded Dendritic Cells for Metastatic Uveal Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:785231. [PMID: 35185883 PMCID: PMC8854646 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.785231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is an orphan disease with a mortality of 80% within one year upon the development of metastatic disease. UM does hardly respond to chemotherapy and kinase inhibitors and is largely resistant to checkpoint inhibition. Hence, further therapy approaches are urgently needed. To improve clinical outcome, we designed a trial employing the 3rd generation personalized IKKβ-matured RNA-transfected dendritic cell (DC) vaccine which primes T cells and in addition activates NK cells. This ongoing phase I trial [NCT04335890 (www.clinicaltrials.gov), Eudract: 2018-004390-28 (www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu)] investigates patients with treatment-naive metastatic UM. Monocytes are isolated by leukapheresis, differentiated to immature DCs, matured with a cytokine cocktail, and activated via the NF-κB pathway by electroporation with RNA encoding a constitutively active mutant of IKKβ. Three types of antigen-RNA are co-electroporated: i) amplified mRNA of the tumor representing the whole transcriptome, ii) RNA encoding driver mutations identified by exome sequencing, and iii) overexpressed non-mutated tumor antigens detected by transcriptome sequencing. This highly personalized DC vaccine is applied by 9 intravenous infusions in a staggered schedule over one year. Parallel to the vaccination, standard therapy, usually an immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) as mono (anti-PD-1) or combined (anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1) regimen is initiated. The coordinated vaccine-induced immune response encompassing tumor-specific T cells and innate NK cells should synergize with ICB, perhaps resulting in measurable clinical responses in this resistant tumor entity. Primary outcome measures of this trial are safety, tolerability and toxicity; secondary outcome measures comprise overall survival and induction of antigen-specific T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elias A. T. Koch
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Niels Schaft,
| | - Mirko Kummer
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Beatrice Schuler-Thurner
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Strack A, Deinzer A, Thirion C, Schrödel S, Dörrie J, Sauerer T, Steinkasserer A, Knippertz I. Breaking Entry-and Species Barriers: LentiBOOST ® Plus Polybrene Enhances Transduction Efficacy of Dendritic Cells and Monocytes by Adenovirus 5. Viruses 2022; 14:v14010092. [PMID: 35062296 PMCID: PMC8781300 DOI: 10.3390/v14010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their ability to trigger strong immune responses, adenoviruses (HAdVs) in general and the serotype5 (HAdV-5) in particular are amongst the most popular viral vectors in research and clinical application. However, efficient transduction using HAdV-5 is predominantly achieved in coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR)-positive cells. In the present study, we used the transduction enhancer LentiBOOST® comprising the polycationic Polybrene to overcome these limitations. Using LentiBOOST®/Polybrene, we yielded transduction rates higher than 50% in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), while maintaining their cytokine expression profile and their capability to induce T-cell proliferation. In human dendritic cells (DCs), we increased the transduction rate from 22% in immature (i)DCs or 43% in mature (m)DCs to more than 80%, without inducing cytotoxicity. While expression of specific maturation markers was slightly upregulated using LentiBOOST®/Polybrene on iDCs, no effect on mDC phenotype or function was observed. Moreover, we achieved efficient HAdV5 transduction also in human monocytes and were able to subsequently differentiate them into proper iDCs and functional mDCs. In summary, we introduce LentiBOOST® comprising Polybrene as a highly potent adenoviral transduction agent for new in-vitro applications in a set of different immune cells in both mice and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Strack
- Department of Immune Modulation, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (A.D.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (I.K.)
| | - Andrea Deinzer
- Department of Immune Modulation, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (A.D.); (A.S.)
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Wasserturmstraße 3/5, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Thirion
- SIRION Biotech GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; (C.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Silke Schrödel
- SIRION Biotech GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; (C.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (J.D.); (T.S.)
| | - Tatjana Sauerer
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (J.D.); (T.S.)
| | - Alexander Steinkasserer
- Department of Immune Modulation, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (A.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Ilka Knippertz
- Department of Immune Modulation, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (A.D.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (I.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bosch NC, Martin LM, Voskens CJ, Berking C, Seliger B, Schuler G, Schaft N, Dörrie J. A Chimeric IL-15/IL-15Rα Molecule Expressed on NFκB-Activated Dendritic Cells Supports Their Capability to Activate Natural Killer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910227. [PMID: 34638566 PMCID: PMC8508776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, members of the innate immune system, play an important role in the rejection of HLA class I negative tumor cells. Hence, a therapeutic vaccine, which can activate NK cells in addition to cells of the adaptive immune system might induce a more comprehensive cellular response, which could lead to increased tumor elimination. Dendritic cells (DCs) are capable of activating and expanding NK cells, especially when the NFκB pathway is activated in the DCs thereby leading to the secretion of the cytokine IL-12. Another prominent NK cell activator is IL-15, which can be bound by the IL-15 receptor alpha-chain (IL-15Rα) to be transpresented to the NK cells. However, monocyte-derived DCs do neither secrete IL-15, nor express the IL-15Rα. Hence, we designed a chimeric protein consisting of IL-15 and the IL-15Rα. Upon mRNA electroporation, the fusion protein was detectable on the surface of the DCs, and increased the potential of NFκB-activated, IL-12-producing DC to activate NK cells in an autologous cell culture system with ex vivo-generated cells from healthy donors. These data show that a chimeric IL-15/IL-15Rα molecule can be expressed by monocyte-derived DCs, is trafficked to the cell surface, and is functional regarding the activation of NK cells. These data represent an initial proof-of-concept for an additional possibility of further improving cellular DC-based immunotherapies of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C. Bosch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (N.C.B.); (B.S.)
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–EMN, NCT WERA, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lena-Marie Martin
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Caroline J. Voskens
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–EMN, NCT WERA, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–EMN, NCT WERA, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (N.C.B.); (B.S.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8531127
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jacobs B, Gebel V, Heger L, Grèze V, Schild H, Dudziak D, Ullrich E. Characterization and Manipulation of the Crosstalk Between Dendritic and Natural Killer Cells Within the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:670540. [PMID: 34054844 PMCID: PMC8160470 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.670540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular therapy has entered the daily clinical life with the approval of CAR T cell therapeutics and dendritic cell (DCs) vaccines in the US and the EU. In addition, numerous other adoptive cellular products, including natural killer (NK) cells, are currently evaluated in early phase I/ II clinical trials for the treatment of cancer patients. Despite these promising accomplishments, various challenges remain to be mastered in order to ensure sustained therapeutic success. These include the identification of strategies by which tumor cells escape the immune system or establish an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). As part of the innate immune system, DCs and NK cells are both present within the TME of various tumor entities. While NK cells are well known for their intrinsic anti-tumor activity by their cytotoxicity capacities and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the role of DCs within the TME is a double-edged sword as different DC subsets have been described with either tumor-promoting or -inhibiting characteristics. In this review, we will discuss recent findings on the interaction of DCs and NK cells under physiological conditions and within the TME. One focus is the crosstalk of various DC subsets with NK cells and their impact on the progression or inhibition of tumor growth. In addition, we will provide suggestions to overcome the immunosuppressive outcome of the interaction of DCs and NK cells within the TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Jacobs
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Veronika Gebel
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lukas Heger
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Victoria Grèze
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Schild
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Research Centre for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Diana Dudziak
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shi GN, Hu M, Chen C, Fu J, Shao S, Zhou Y, Wu L, Zhang T. Methotrexate enhances antigen presentation and maturation of tumour antigen-loaded dendritic cells through NLRP3 inflammasome activation: a strategy for dendritic cell-based cancer vaccine. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:1758835920987056. [PMID: 33613696 PMCID: PMC7841859 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920987056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that play a pivotal role in adaptive cell-mediated immunity by priming and activating T cells against specific tumour and pathogenic antigens. Methotrexate (MTX), a folate derivative, functions as an immunoregulatory agent. However, the possible effect of MTX on tumour antigen-loaded DCs has not yet been investigated. Methods: We analysed the effect of MTX on the maturation and function of DCs along with tumour cell lysates (TCLs). Using bone marrow-derived DCs, we investigated the effect of MTX combined TCL-loaded DCs on T cells priming and proliferation. We also tested the anti-tumour immune effect on DCs when treated with MTX and/or TCL in vivo. Results: MTX combined with TCL not only enhanced DC maturation and stimulated cytokine release but also promoted CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation. The latter was associated with increased tumour antigen uptake and cross-presentation to T cells. Mechanistically, DC maturation and antigen presentation were partly modulated by NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, immunisation of mice with MTX and TCL-pulsed DCs before a tumour challenge significantly delayed tumour onset and retarded its growth. This protective effect was due to priming of IFN-γ releasing CD8+ T cells and enhanced killing of tumour cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes isolated from these immunised mice. Conclusion: MTX can function as a potent adjuvant in DC vaccines by increasing antigen presentation and T cell priming. Our findings provide a new strategy for the application of DC-based anti-tumour immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gao-Na Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chengjuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Junmin Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tiantai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Room 216, Beijing, 100050, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lai X, Dreyer FS, Cantone M, Eberhardt M, Gerer KF, Jaitly T, Uebe S, Lischer C, Ekici A, Wittmann J, Jäck HM, Schaft N, Dörrie J, Vera J. Network- and systems-based re-engineering of dendritic cells with non-coding RNAs for cancer immunotherapy. Theranostics 2021; 11:1412-1428. [PMID: 33391542 PMCID: PMC7738891 DOI: 10.7150/thno.53092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that induce and regulate adaptive immunity by presenting antigens to T cells. Due to their coordinative role in adaptive immune responses, DCs have been used as cell-based therapeutic vaccination against cancer. The capacity of DCs to induce a therapeutic immune response can be enhanced by re-wiring of cellular signalling pathways with microRNAs (miRNAs). Methods: Since the activation and maturation of DCs is controlled by an interconnected signalling network, we deploy an approach that combines RNA sequencing data and systems biology methods to delineate miRNA-based strategies that enhance DC-elicited immune responses. Results: Through RNA sequencing of IKKβ-matured DCs that are currently being tested in a clinical trial on therapeutic anti-cancer vaccination, we identified 44 differentially expressed miRNAs. According to a network analysis, most of these miRNAs regulate targets that are linked to immune pathways, such as cytokine and interleukin signalling. We employed a network topology-oriented scoring model to rank the miRNAs, analysed their impact on immunogenic potency of DCs, and identified dozens of promising miRNA candidates, with miR-15a and miR-16 as the top ones. The results of our analysis are presented in a database that constitutes a tool to identify DC-relevant miRNA-gene interactions with therapeutic potential (https://www.synmirapy.net/dc-optimization). Conclusions: Our approach enables the systematic analysis and identification of functional miRNA-gene interactions that can be experimentally tested for improving DC immunogenic potency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lai
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian S. Dreyer
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martina Cantone
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Eberhardt
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kerstin F. Gerer
- RNA Group, Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tanushree Jaitly
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steffen Uebe
- Department of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christopher Lischer
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arif Ekici
- Department of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Wittmann
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Medicine 3, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Jäck
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Medicine 3, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- RNA Group, Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- RNA Group, Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julio Vera
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hager S, Fittler FJ, Wagner E, Bros M. Nucleic Acid-Based Approaches for Tumor Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E2061. [PMID: 32917034 PMCID: PMC7564019 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the last decade, the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors proposed to boost the patients' anti-tumor immune response has proven the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches for tumor therapy. Furthermore, especially in the context of the development of biocompatible, cell type targeting nano-carriers, nucleic acid-based drugs aimed to initiate and to enhance anti-tumor responses have come of age. This review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the therapeutic use of nucleic acids for cancer treatment on various levels, comprising (i) mRNA and DNA-based vaccines to be expressed by antigen presenting cells evoking sustained anti-tumor T cell responses, (ii) molecular adjuvants, (iii) strategies to inhibit/reprogram tumor-induced regulatory immune cells e.g., by RNA interference (RNAi), (iv) genetically tailored T cells and natural killer cells to directly recognize tumor antigens, and (v) killing of tumor cells, and reprograming of constituents of the tumor microenvironment by gene transfer and RNAi. Aside from further improvements of individual nucleic acid-based drugs, the major perspective for successful cancer therapy will be combination treatments employing conventional regimens as well as immunotherapeutics like checkpoint inhibitors and nucleic acid-based drugs, each acting on several levels to adequately counter-act tumor immune evasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hager
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | | | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Harnessing the Complete Repertoire of Conventional Dendritic Cell Functions for Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12070663. [PMID: 32674488 PMCID: PMC7408110 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset of checkpoint inhibition revolutionized the treatment of cancer. However, studies from the last decade suggested that the sole enhancement of T cell functionality might not suffice to fight malignancies in all individuals. Dendritic cells (DCs) are not only part of the innate immune system, but also generals of adaptive immunity and they orchestrate the de novo induction of tolerogenic and immunogenic T cell responses. Thus, combinatorial approaches addressing DCs and T cells in parallel represent an attractive strategy to achieve higher response rates across patients. However, this requires profound knowledge about the dynamic interplay of DCs, T cells, other immune and tumor cells. Here, we summarize the DC subsets present in mice and men and highlight conserved and divergent characteristics between different subsets and species. Thereby, we supply a resource of the molecular players involved in key functional features of DCs ranging from their sentinel function, the translation of the sensed environment at the DC:T cell interface to the resulting specialized T cell effector modules, as well as the influence of the tumor microenvironment on the DC function. As of today, mostly monocyte derived dendritic cells (moDCs) are used in autologous cell therapies after tumor antigen loading. While showing encouraging results in a fraction of patients, the overall clinical response rate is still not optimal. By disentangling the general aspects of DC biology, we provide rationales for the design of next generation DC vaccines enabling to exploit and manipulate the described pathways for the purpose of cancer immunotherapy in vivo. Finally, we discuss how DC-based vaccines might synergize with checkpoint inhibition in the treatment of malignant diseases.
Collapse
|
16
|
Therapeutic Cancer Vaccination with Ex Vivo RNA-Transfected Dendritic Cells-An Update. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12020092. [PMID: 31979205 PMCID: PMC7076681 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, dendritic cell (DC) vaccination has been studied extensively as active immunotherapy in cancer treatment and has been proven safe in all clinical trials both with respect to short and long-term side effects. For antigen-loading of dendritic cells (DCs) one method is to introduce mRNA coding for the desired antigens. To target the whole antigenic repertoire of a tumor, even the total tumor mRNA of a macrodissected biopsy sample can be used. To date, reports have been published on a total of 781 patients suffering from different tumor entities and HIV-infection, who have been treated with DCs loaded with mRNA. The majority of those were melanoma patients, followed by HIV-infected patients, but leukemias, brain tumors, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinomas, pancreatic cancers and several others have also been treated. Next to antigen-loading, mRNA-electroporation allows a purposeful manipulation of the DCs’ phenotype and function to enhance their immunogenicity. In this review, we intend to give a comprehensive summary of what has been published regarding clinical testing of ex vivo generated mRNA-transfected DCs, with respect to safety and risk/benefit evaluations, choice of tumor antigens and RNA-source, and the design of better DCs for vaccination by transfection of mRNA-encoded functional proteins.
Collapse
|