1
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Alieva M, Barrera Román M, de Blank S, Petcu D, Zeeman AL, Dautzenberg NMM, Cornel AM, van de Ven C, Pieters R, den Boer ML, Nierkens S, Calkoen FGJ, Clevers H, Kuball J, Sebestyén Z, Wehrens EJ, Dekkers JF, Rios AC. BEHAV3D: a 3D live imaging platform for comprehensive analysis of engineered T cell behavior and tumor response. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:2052-2084. [PMID: 38504137 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00972-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Modeling immuno-oncology by using patient-derived material and immune cell co-cultures can advance our understanding of immune cell tumor targeting in a patient-specific manner, offering leads to improve cellular immunotherapy. However, fully exploiting these living cultures requires analysis of the dynamic cellular features modeled, for which protocols are currently limited. Here, we describe the application of BEHAV3D, a platform that implements multi-color live 3D imaging and computational tools for: (i) analyzing tumor death dynamics at both single-organoid or cell and population levels, (ii) classifying T cell behavior and (iii) producing data-informed 3D images and videos for visual inspection and further insight into obtained results. Together, this enables a refined assessment of how solid and liquid tumors respond to cellular immunotherapy, critically capturing both inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity in treatment response. In addition, BEHAV3D uncovers T cell behavior involved in tumor targeting, offering insight into their mode of action. Our pipeline thereby has strong implications for comparing, prioritizing and improving immunotherapy products by highlighting the behavioral differences between individual tumor donors, distinct T cell therapy concepts or subpopulations. The protocol describes critical wet lab steps, including co-culture preparations and fast 3D imaging with live cell dyes, a segmentation-based image processing tool to track individual organoids, tumor and immune cells and an analytical pipeline for behavioral profiling. This 1-week protocol, accessible to users with basic cell culture, imaging and programming expertise, can easily be adapted to any type of co-culture to visualize and exploit cell behavior, having far-reaching implications for the immuno-oncology field and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alieva
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mario Barrera Román
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sam de Blank
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Diana Petcu
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amber L Zeeman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Annelisa M Cornel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cesca van de Ven
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Pieters
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Monique L den Boer
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Friso G J Calkoen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Pharma, Research and Early Development (pRED), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyén
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen J Wehrens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna F Dekkers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anne C Rios
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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2
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Simon S, Bugos G, Prins R, Rajan A, Palani A, Heyer K, Stevens A, Zeng L, Thompson K, Price JP, Kluesner MK, Jaeger-Ruckstuhl C, Shabaneh TB, Olson JM, Su X, Riddell SR. Sensitive bispecific chimeric T cell receptors for cancer therapy. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4253777. [PMID: 38746248 PMCID: PMC11092799 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4253777/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The expression of a synthetic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to redirect antigen specificity of T cells is transforming the treatment of hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases [1-7]. In cancer, durable efficacy is frequently limited by the escape of tumors that express low levels or lack the target antigen [8-12]. These clinical results emphasize the need for immune receptors that combine high sensitivity and multispecificity to improve outcomes. Current mono- and bispecific CARs do not faithfully recapitulate T cell receptor (TCR) function and require high antigen levels on tumor cells for recognition [13-17]. Here, we describe a novel synthetic chimeric TCR (ChTCR) that exhibits superior antigen sensitivity and is readily adapted for bispecific targeting. Bispecific ChTCRs mimic TCR structure, form classical immune synapses, and exhibit TCR-like proximal signaling. T cells expressing Bi-ChTCRs more effectively eliminated tumors with heterogeneous antigen expression in vivo compared to T cells expressing optimized bispecific CARs. The Bi-ChTCR architecture is resilient and can be designed to target multiple B cell lineage and multiple myeloma antigens. Our findings identify a broadly applicable approach for engineering T cells to target hematologic malignancies with heterogeneous antigen expression, thereby overcoming the most frequent mechanism of relapse after current CAR T therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Simon
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Grace Bugos
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rachel Prins
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Anusha Rajan
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Arulmozhi Palani
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kersten Heyer
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Andrew Stevens
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Longhui Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kirsten Thompson
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jason P Price
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Ben Towne Center For Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Mitchell K Kluesner
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Carla Jaeger-Ruckstuhl
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tamer B Shabaneh
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - James M Olson
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Ben Towne Center For Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Xiaolei Su
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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3
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Lo Presti V, Meringa A, Dunnebach E, van Velzen A, Moreira AV, Stam RW, Kotecha RS, Krippner-Heidenreich A, Heidenreich OT, Plantinga M, Cornel A, Sebestyen Z, Kuball J, van Til NP, Nierkens S. Combining CRISPR-Cas9 and TCR exchange to generate a safe and efficient cord blood-derived T cell product for pediatric relapsed AML. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008174. [PMID: 38580329 PMCID: PMC11002379 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008174] [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] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an effective treatment for pediatric patients with high-risk, refractory, or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, a large proportion of transplanted patients eventually die due to relapse. To improve overall survival, we propose a combined strategy based on cord blood (CB)-HCT with the application of AML-specific T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cell therapy derived from the same CB graft. METHODS We produced CB-CD8+ T cells expressing a recombinant TCR (rTCR) against Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) while lacking endogenous TCR (eTCR) expression to avoid mispairing and competition. CRISPR-Cas9 multiplexing was used to target the constant region of the endogenous TCRα (TRAC) and TCRβ (TRBC) chains. Next, an optimized method for lentiviral transduction was used to introduce recombinant WT1-TCR. The cytotoxic and migration capacity of the product was evaluated in coculture assays for both cell lines and primary pediatric AML blasts. RESULTS The gene editing and transduction procedures achieved high efficiency, with up to 95% of cells lacking eTCR and over 70% of T cells expressing rWT1-TCR. WT1-TCR-engineered T cells lacking the expression of their eTCR (eTCR-/- WT1-TCR) showed increased cell surface expression of the rTCR and production of cytotoxic cytokines, such as granzyme A and B, perforin, interferon-γ (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), on antigen recognition when compared with WT1-TCR-engineered T cells still expressing their eTCR (eTCR+/+ WT1-TCR). CRISPR-Cas9 editing did not affect immunophenotypic characteristics or T cell activation and did not induce increased expression of inhibitory molecules. eTCR-/- WT1-TCR CD8+ CB-T cells showed effective migratory and killing capacity in cocultures with neoplastic cell lines and primary AML blasts, but did not show toxicity toward healthy cells. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we show the feasibility of developing a potent CB-derived CD8+ T cell product targeting WT1, providing an option for post-transplant allogeneic immune cell therapy or as an off-the-shelf product, to prevent relapse and improve the clinical outcome of children with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Lo Presti
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Angelo Meringa
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ester Dunnebach
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alice van Velzen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ronald W Stam
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rishi S Kotecha
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | | | - Maud Plantinga
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annelisa Cornel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niek P van Til
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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4
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Shao W, Yao Y, Yang L, Li X, Ge T, Zheng Y, Zhu Q, Ge S, Gu X, Jia R, Song X, Zhuang A. Novel insights into TCR-T cell therapy in solid neoplasms: optimizing adoptive immunotherapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:37. [PMID: 38570883 PMCID: PMC10988985 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00504-8] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy in the T cell landscape exhibits efficacy in cancer treatment. Over the past few decades, genetically modified T cells, particularly chimeric antigen receptor T cells, have enabled remarkable strides in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Besides, extensive exploration of multiple antigens for the treatment of solid tumors has led to clinical interest in the potential of T cells expressing the engineered T cell receptor (TCR). TCR-T cells possess the capacity to recognize intracellular antigen families and maintain the intrinsic properties of TCRs in terms of affinity to target epitopes and signal transduction. Recent research has provided critical insight into their capability and therapeutic targets for multiple refractory solid tumors, but also exposes some challenges for durable efficacy. In this review, we describe the screening and identification of available tumor antigens, and the acquisition and optimization of TCRs for TCR-T cell therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the complete flow from laboratory to clinical applications of TCR-T cells. Last, we emerge future prospects for improving therapeutic efficacy in cancer world with combination therapies or TCR-T derived products. In conclusion, this review depicts our current understanding of TCR-T cell therapy in solid neoplasms, and provides new perspectives for expanding its clinical applications and improving therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihuan Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiran Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ludi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoran Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongxin Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuyi Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Finnigan JP, Newman JH, Patskovsky Y, Patskovska L, Ishizuka AS, Lynn GM, Seder RA, Krogsgaard M, Bhardwaj N. Structural basis for self-discrimination by neoantigen-specific TCRs. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2140. [PMID: 38459027 PMCID: PMC10924104 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46367-9] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell receptors (TCR) are pivotal in mediating tumour cell cytolysis via recognition of mutation-derived tumour neoantigens (neoAgs) presented by major histocompatibility class-I (MHC-I). Understanding the factors governing the emergence of neoAg from somatic mutations is a major focus of current research. However, the structural and cellular determinants controlling TCR recognition of neoAgs remain poorly understood. This study describes the multi-level analysis of a model neoAg from the B16F10 murine melanoma, H2-Db/Hsf2 p.K72N68-76, as well as its cognate TCR 47BE7. Through cellular, molecular and structural studies we demonstrate that the p.K72N mutation enhances H2-Db binding, thereby improving cell surface presentation and stabilizing the TCR 47BE7 epitope. Furthermore, TCR 47BE7 exhibited high functional avidity and selectivity, attributable to a broad, stringent, binding interface enabling recognition of native B16F10 despite low antigen density. Our findings provide insight into the generation of anchor-residue modified neoAg, and emphasize the value of molecular and structural investigations of neoAg in diverse MHC-I contexts for advancing the understanding of neoAg immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Finnigan
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Pl., New York, NY, USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Ave., New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jenna H Newman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Pl., New York, NY, USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Ave., New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yury Patskovsky
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Larysa Patskovska
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew S Ishizuka
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Barinthus Biotherapeutics, Germantown, MD, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Lynn
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Barinthus Biotherapeutics, Germantown, MD, USA
| | - Robert A Seder
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michelle Krogsgaard
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Nina Bhardwaj
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Pl., New York, NY, USA.
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Ave., New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Francisco, CA, USA.
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6
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Shafer P, Leung WK, Woods M, Choi JM, Rodriguez-Plata CM, Maknojia A, Mosquera A, Somes LK, Joubert J, Manliguez A, Ranjan R, Burt B, Lee HS, Zhang B, Fuqua S, Rooney C, Leen AM, Hoyos V. Incongruity between T cell receptor recognition of breast cancer hotspot mutations ESR1 Y537S and D538G following exogenous peptide loading versus endogenous antigen processing. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:266-275. [PMID: 38231165 PMCID: PMC10922969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.12.002] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
T cell receptor engineered T cell (TCR T) therapies have shown recent efficacy against certain types of solid metastatic cancers. However, to extend TCR T therapies to treat more patients across additional cancer types, new TCRs recognizing cancer-specific antigen targets are needed. Driver mutations in AKT1, ESR1, PIK3CA, and TP53 are common in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and if immunogenic could serve as ideal tumor-specific targets for TCR T therapy to treat this disease. Through IFN-γ ELISpot screening of in vitro expanded neopeptide-stimulated T cell lines from healthy donors and MBC patients, we identified reactivity towards 11 of 13 of the mutations. To identify neopeptide-specific TCRs, we then performed single-cell RNA sequencing of one of the T cell lines following neopeptide stimulation. Here, we identified an ESR1 Y537S specific T cell clone, clonotype 16, and an ESR1 Y537S/D538G dual-specific T cell clone, clonotype 21, which were HLA-B*40:02 and HLA-C*01:02 restricted, respectively. TCR Ts expressing these TCRs recognized and killed target cells pulsed with ESR1 neopeptides with minimal activity against ESR1 WT peptide. However, these TCRs failed to recognize target cells expressing endogenous mutant ESR1. To investigate the basis of this lack of recognition we performed immunopeptidomics analysis of a mutant-overexpressing lymphoblastoid cell line and found that the ESR1 Y537S neopeptide was not endogenously processed, despite binding to HLA-B*40:02 when exogenously pulsed onto the target cell. These results indicate that stimulation of T cells that likely derive from the naïve repertoire with pulsed minimal peptides may lead to the expansion of clones that recognize non-processed peptides, and highlights the importance of using methods that selectively expand T cells with specificity for antigens that are efficiently processed and presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Shafer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wingchi K Leung
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mae Woods
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jong Min Choi
- Systems Onco-Immunology Laboratory, David J. Sugarbaker Division of Thoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carlos M Rodriguez-Plata
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Arushana Maknojia
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andres Mosquera
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lauren K Somes
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jarrett Joubert
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony Manliguez
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rashi Ranjan
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bryan Burt
- Systems Onco-Immunology Laboratory, David J. Sugarbaker Division of Thoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hyun-Sung Lee
- Systems Onco-Immunology Laboratory, David J. Sugarbaker Division of Thoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Suzanne Fuqua
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cliona Rooney
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ann M Leen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Valentina Hoyos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.
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7
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Ishina IA, Kurbatskaia IN, Mamedov AE, Shramova EI, Deyev SM, Nurbaeva KS, Rubtsov YP, Belogurov AA, Gabibov AG, Zakharova MY. Genetically engineered CD80-pMHC-harboring extracellular vesicles for antigen-specific CD4 + T-cell engagement. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1341685. [PMID: 38304104 PMCID: PMC10833362 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1341685] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The identification of low-frequency antigen-specific CD4+ T cells is crucial for effective immunomonitoring across various diseases. However, this task still encounters experimental challenges necessitating the implementation of enrichment procedures. While existing antigen-specific expansion technologies predominantly concentrate on the enrichment of CD8+ T cells, advancements in methods targeting CD4+ T cells have been limited. In this study, we report a technique that harnesses antigen-presenting extracellular vesicles (EVs) for stimulation and expansion of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells. EVs are derived from a genetically modified HeLa cell line designed to emulate professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by expressing key costimulatory molecules CD80 and specific peptide-MHC-II complexes (pMHCs). Our results demonstrate the beneficial potent stimulatory capacity of EVs in activating both immortalized and isolated human CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Our technique successfully expands low-frequency influenza-specific CD4+ T cells from healthy individuals. In summary, the elaborated methodology represents a streamlined and efficient approach for the detection and expansion of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells, presenting a valuable alternative to existing antigen-specific T-cell expansion protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A. Ishina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Inna N. Kurbatskaia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Azad E. Mamedov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena I. Shramova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey M. Deyev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Biomarker Research Laboratory, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Yury P. Rubtsov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- N. N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (NN Blokhin NMRCO), Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Belogurov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander G. Gabibov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Life Sciences, Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Y. Zakharova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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8
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Yang D, Duan Z, Yuan P, Ding C, Dai X, Chen G, Wu D. How does TCR-T cell therapy exhibit a superior anti-tumor efficacy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 687:149209. [PMID: 37944471 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149209] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
TCR-engineered T cells have achieved great progress in solid tumor therapy, some of which have been applicated in clinical trials. Deep knowledge about the current progress of TCR-T in tumor therapy would be beneficial to understand the direction. Here, we classify tumor antigens into tumor-associated antigens, tumor-specific antigens, tumor antigens expressed by oncogenic viruses, and tumor antigens caused by abnormal protein modification; Then we detail the TCR-T cell therapy effects targeting those tumor antigens in clinical or preclinical trials, and propose that neoantigen specific TCR-T cell therapy is expected to be a promising approach for solid tumors; Furthermore, we summarize the optimization strategies, such as tumor microenvironment, TCR pairing and affinity, to improve the therapeutic effect of TCR-T. Overall, this review provides inspiration for the antigen selection and therapy strategies of TCR-T in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Yang
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Zhihui Duan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Chengming Ding
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Xiaoming Dai
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Guodong Chen
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Daichao Wu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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9
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Klebanoff CA, Chandran SS, Baker BM, Quezada SA, Ribas A. T cell receptor therapeutics: immunological targeting of the intracellular cancer proteome. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:996-1017. [PMID: 37891435 PMCID: PMC10947610 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) complex is a naturally occurring antigen sensor that detects, amplifies and coordinates cellular immune responses to epitopes derived from cell surface and intracellular proteins. Thus, TCRs enable the targeting of proteins selectively expressed by cancer cells, including neoantigens, cancer germline antigens and viral oncoproteins. As such, TCRs have provided the basis for an emerging class of oncology therapeutics. Herein, we review the current cancer treatment landscape using TCRs and TCR-like molecules. This includes adoptive cell transfer of T cells expressing endogenous or engineered TCRs, TCR bispecific engagers and antibodies specific for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-bound peptides (TCR mimics). We discuss the unique complexities associated with the clinical development of these therapeutics, such as HLA restriction, TCR retrieval, potency assessment and the potential for cross-reactivity. In addition, we highlight emerging clinical data that establish the antitumour potential of TCR-based therapies, including tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, for the treatment of diverse human malignancies. Finally, we explore the future of TCR therapeutics, including emerging genome editing methods to safely enhance potency and strategies to streamline patient identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Klebanoff
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Smita S Chandran
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, New York, NY, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, ID, USA
- The Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, ID, USA
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Achilles Therapeutics, London, UK
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
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10
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Giordano Attianese GMP, Ash S, Irving M. Coengineering specificity, safety, and function into T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:166-198. [PMID: 37548063 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13252] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) therapies, including of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and T cells gene-modified to express either a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), have demonstrated clinical efficacy for a proportion of patients and cancer-types. The field of ACT has been driven forward by the clinical success of CD19-CAR therapy against various advanced B-cell malignancies, including curative responses for some leukemia patients. However, relapse remains problematic, in particular for lymphoma. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, relative limited efficacy has been demonstrated for ACT of non-hematological solid tumors. Indeed, in addition to pre-infusion challenges including lymphocyte collection and manufacturing, ACT failure can be attributed to several biological processes post-transfer including, (i) inefficient tumor trafficking, infiltration, expansion and retention, (ii) chronic antigen exposure coupled with insufficient costimulation resulting in T-cell exhaustion, (iii) a range of barriers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mediated by both tumor cells and suppressive immune infiltrate, (iv) tumor antigen heterogeneity and loss, or down-regulation of antigen presentation machinery, (v) gain of tumor intrinsic mechanisms of resistance such as to apoptosis, and (vi) various forms of toxicity and other adverse events in patients. Affinity-optimized TCRs can improve T-cell function and innovative CAR designs as well as gene-modification strategies can be used to coengineer specificity, safety, and function into T cells. Coengineering strategies can be designed not only to directly support the transferred T cells, but also to block suppressive barriers in the TME and harness endogenous innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we review a selection of the remarkable T-cell coengineering strategies, including of tools, receptors, and gene-cargo, that have been developed in recent years to augment tumor control by ACT, more and more of which are advancing to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Maria Paola Giordano Attianese
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Ash
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Potenza A, Balestrieri C, Spiga M, Albarello L, Pedica F, Manfredi F, Cianciotti BC, De Lalla C, Botrugno OA, Faccani C, Stasi L, Tassi E, Bonfiglio S, Scotti GM, Redegalli M, Biancolini D, Camisa B, Tiziano E, Sirini C, Casucci M, Iozzi C, Abbati D, Simeoni F, Lazarevic D, Elmore U, Fiorentini G, Di Lullo G, Casorati G, Doglioni C, Tonon G, Dellabona P, Rosati R, Aldrighetti L, Ruggiero E, Bonini C. Revealing and harnessing CD39 for the treatment of colorectal cancer and liver metastases by engineered T cells. Gut 2023; 72:1887-1903. [PMID: 37399271 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-328042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Colorectal tumours are often densely infiltrated by immune cells that have a role in surveillance and modulation of tumour progression but are burdened by immunosuppressive signals, which might vary from primary to metastatic stages. Here, we deployed a multidimensional approach to unravel the T-cell functional landscape in primary colorectal cancers (CRC) and liver metastases, and genome editing tools to develop CRC-specific engineered T cells. DESIGN We paired high-dimensional flow cytometry, RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry to describe the functional phenotype of T cells from healthy and neoplastic tissue of patients with primary and metastatic CRC and we applied lentiviral vectors (LV) and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technologies to develop CRC-specific cellular products. RESULTS We found that T cells are mainly localised at the front edge and that tumor-infiltrating T cells co-express multiple inhibitory receptors, which largely differ from primary to metastatic sites. Our data highlighted CD39 as the major driver of exhaustion in both primary and metastatic colorectal tumours. We thus simultaneously redirected T-cell specificity employing a novel T-cell receptor targeting HER-2 and disrupted the endogenous TCR genes (TCR editing (TCRED)) and the CD39 encoding gene (ENTPD1), thus generating TCREDENTPD1KOHER-2-redirected lymphocytes. We showed that the absence of CD39 confers to HER-2-specific T cells a functional advantage in eliminating HER-2+ patient-derived organoids in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION HER-2-specific CD39 disrupted engineered T cells are promising advanced medicinal products for primary and metastatic CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Potenza
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Balestrieri
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Spiga
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Albarello
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Pedica
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfredi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Claudia De Lalla
- Experimental Immunology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Oronza A Botrugno
- Functional Genomics of Cancer Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Faccani
- Experimental Immunology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorena Stasi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tassi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonfiglio
- Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Maria Scotti
- Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Miriam Redegalli
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Biancolini
- Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Camisa
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tiziano
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Sirini
- Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Casucci
- Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Iozzi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Danilo Abbati
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Simeoni
- Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Dejan Lazarevic
- Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Elmore
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Fiorentini
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Lullo
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Casorati
- Experimental Immunology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tonon
- Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Functional Genomics of Cancer Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Dellabona
- Experimental Immunology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rosati
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Aldrighetti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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12
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Li J, Xiao Z, Wang D, Jia L, Nie S, Zeng X, Hu W. The screening, identification, design and clinical application of tumor-specific neoantigens for TCR-T cells. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:141. [PMID: 37649123 PMCID: PMC10466891 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in neoantigen research have accelerated the development of tumor immunotherapies, including adoptive cell therapies (ACTs), cancer vaccines and antibody-based therapies, particularly for solid tumors. With the development of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics technology, the rapid identification and prediction of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) has become possible. Compared with tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), highly immunogenic TSAs provide new targets for personalized tumor immunotherapy and can be used as prospective indicators for predicting tumor patient survival, prognosis, and immune checkpoint blockade response. Here, the identification and characterization of neoantigens and the clinical application of neoantigen-based TCR-T immunotherapy strategies are summarized, and the current status, inherent challenges, and clinical translational potential of these strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangping Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiwen Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghui Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Jia
- International Health Medicine Innovation Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shihong Nie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Cancer Center, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingda Zeng
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, People's Republic of China
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13
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Muhowski EM, Rogers LM. Dual TCR-Expressing T Cells in Cancer: How Single-Cell Technologies Enable New Investigation. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:299-306. [PMID: 37129560 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2200062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
TCR diversity measures are often used to understand the immune response in cancer. Traditional measures of diversity rely on bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq) of the β-chain variable regions. However, the full αβ TCR repertoire is a combination of both the α- and β-chains, which are encoded by separate genes. In contrast with bulk RNAseq, single-cell RNAseq (scRNAseq) allows paired chain analyses, yielding a more accurate measure of the repertoire. Interestingly, ∼30% of mature peripheral T cells express multiple TCR alleles (e.g., two α-chains) and may exhibit dual Ag specificity. scRNAseq has become increasingly common, and data from both human and animal studies are publicly available. However, routine workflows discard secondary TCR alleles and focus on a single TCR clone per cell. This perspectives piece emphasizes why this may not be good practice and highlights unanswered questions in the field of T cell dual specificity.
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14
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Finnigan JP, Newman JH, Patskovsky Y, Patskovska L, Ishizuka AS, Lynn GM, Seder RA, Krogsgaard M, Bhardwaj N. Structural Basis for Self-Discrimination by Neoantigen-Specific TCRs. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2531184. [PMID: 36778273 PMCID: PMC9915759 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2531184/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Physical interactions between T cell receptors (TCRs) and mutation-derived tumour neoantigens (neoAg) presented by major histocompatibility class-I (MHC-I) enable sensitive and specific cytolysis of tumour cells. Adoptive transfer of neoAg-reactive T cells in patients is correlated with response to immunotherapy; however, the structural and cellular mechanisms of neoAg recognition remain poorly understood. We have identified multiple cognate neoAg:TCRs from B16F10, a common murine implantable tumour model of melanoma. We identified a high affinity TCR targeting H2-Db-restricted Hsf2K72N that conferred specific recognition of B16F10 in vitro and in vivo. Structural characterization of the peptide-MHC (pMHC) binary and pMHC:TCR ternary complexes yielded high-resolution crystal structures, revealing the formation of a solvent-exposed hydrophobic arch in H2-Db that enables multiple intermolecular contacts between pMHC and the TCR. These features of structural stability strikingly mimic that of a previously published influenza peptide-H2-Db complex and its corresponding TCR, suggesting that there are shared structural motifs between neoantigens and viral peptides that explain their shared immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Finnigan
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; One Gustave L. Levy Pl., New York, NY
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; 1470 Madison Ave., New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery; 75 Francis St., Boston, MA
| | - Jenna H. Newman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; One Gustave L. Levy Pl., New York, NY
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; 1470 Madison Ave., New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital
| | - Yury Patskovsky
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health
| | - Larysa Patskovska
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health
| | - Andrew S. Ishizuka
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Vaccitech North America, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Geoffrey M. Lynn
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Vaccitech North America, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert A. Seder
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michelle Krogsgaard
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health
| | - Nina Bhardwaj
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; One Gustave L. Levy Pl., New York, NY
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; 1470 Madison Ave., New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
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15
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Degirmencay A, Thomas S, Mohammed F, Willcox BE, Stauss HJ. Modifications outside CDR1, 2 and 3 of the TCR variable β domain increase TCR expression and antigen-specific function. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148890. [PMID: 37122739 PMCID: PMC10134071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148890] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR) gene modified T cells are a promising form of adoptive cellular therapy against human malignancies and viral infections. Since the first human clinical trial was carried out in 2006, several strategies have been developed to improve the efficacy and safety of TCR engineered T cells by enhancing the surface expression of the introduced therapeutic TCRs whilst reducing the mis-pairing with endogenous TCR chains. In this study, we explored how modifications of framework residues in the TCR variable domains affect TCR expression and function. We used bioinformatic and protein structural analyses to identify candidate amino acid residues in the framework of the variable β domain predicted to drive high TCR surface expression. Changes of these residues in poorly expressed TCRs resulted in improved surface expression and boosted target cell specific killing by engineered T cells expressing the modified TCRs. Overall, these results indicate that small changes in the framework of the TCR variable domains can result in improved expression and functionality, while at the same time reducing the risk of toxicity associated with TCR mis-pairing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Degirmencay
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharyn Thomas
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiyaz Mohammed
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin E. Willcox
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hans J. Stauss
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Hans J. Stauss,
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16
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Dekkers JF, Alieva M, Cleven A, Keramati F, Wezenaar AKL, van Vliet EJ, Puschhof J, Brazda P, Johanna I, Meringa AD, Rebel HG, Buchholz MB, Barrera Román M, Zeeman AL, de Blank S, Fasci D, Geurts MH, Cornel AM, Driehuis E, Millen R, Straetemans T, Nicolasen MJT, Aarts-Riemens T, Ariese HCR, Johnson HR, van Ineveld RL, Karaiskaki F, Kopper O, Bar-Ephraim YE, Kretzschmar K, Eggermont AMM, Nierkens S, Wehrens EJ, Stunnenberg HG, Clevers H, Kuball J, Sebestyen Z, Rios AC. Uncovering the mode of action of engineered T cells in patient cancer organoids. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:60-69. [PMID: 35879361 PMCID: PMC9849137 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01397-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Extending the success of cellular immunotherapies against blood cancers to the realm of solid tumors will require improved in vitro models that reveal therapeutic modes of action at the molecular level. Here we describe a system, called BEHAV3D, developed to study the dynamic interactions of immune cells and patient cancer organoids by means of imaging and transcriptomics. We apply BEHAV3D to live-track >150,000 engineered T cells cultured with patient-derived, solid-tumor organoids, identifying a 'super engager' behavioral cluster comprising T cells with potent serial killing capacity. Among other T cell concepts we also study cancer metabolome-sensing engineered T cells (TEGs) and detect behavior-specific gene signatures that include a group of 27 genes with no previously described T cell function that are expressed by super engager killer TEGs. We further show that type I interferon can prime resistant organoids for TEG-mediated killing. BEHAV3D is a promising tool for the characterization of behavioral-phenotypic heterogeneity of cellular immunotherapies and may support the optimization of personalized solid-tumor-targeting cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna F Dekkers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Alieva
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Cleven
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Farid Keramati
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amber K L Wezenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Esmée J van Vliet
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jens Puschhof
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Microbiome and Cancer Division, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Brazda
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Inez Johanna
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Angelo D Meringa
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Heggert G Rebel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maj-Britt Buchholz
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Barrera Román
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amber L Zeeman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sam de Blank
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Domenico Fasci
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten H Geurts
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelisa M Cornel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Else Driehuis
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rosemary Millen
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mara J T Nicolasen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tineke Aarts-Riemens
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrikus C R Ariese
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hannah R Johnson
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ravian L van Ineveld
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Froso Karaiskaki
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Oded Kopper
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Yotam E Bar-Ephraim
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kai Kretzschmar
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center for Cancer Research Würzburg, University Hospital Würzburg, MSNZ/IZKF, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander M M Eggermont
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Comprehensive Cancer Center München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen J Wehrens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Pharma, Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Sebestyen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anne C Rios
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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17
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Giannotta C, Autino F, Massaia M. Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell immunotherapy in blood cancers: ready for prime time? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1167443. [PMID: 37143664 PMCID: PMC10153673 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1167443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a promising target for therapeutic interventions in cancer. Cancer cells are highly dependent on the TME to growth and evade the immune system. Three major cell subpopulations are facing each other in the TME: cancer cells, immune suppressor cells, and immune effector cells. These interactions are influenced by the tumor stroma which is composed of extracellular matrix, bystander cells, cytokines, and soluble factors. The TME can be very different depending on the tissue where cancer arises as in solid tumors vs blood cancers. Several studies have shown correlations between the clinical outcome and specific patterns of TME immune cell infiltration. In the recent years, a growing body of evidence suggests that unconventional T cells like natural killer T (NKT) cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and γδ T cells are key players in the protumor or antitumor TME commitment in solid tumors and blood cancers. In this review, we will focus on γδ T cells, especially Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, to discuss their peculiarities, pros, and cons as potential targets of therapeutic interventions in blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Giannotta
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue (LITS), Centro Interdipartimentale di Biotecnologie Molecolari “Guido Tarone”, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Molecolari e Scienze per la Salute, Università Degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Autino
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue (LITS), Centro Interdipartimentale di Biotecnologie Molecolari “Guido Tarone”, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Molecolari e Scienze per la Salute, Università Degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Massimo Massaia
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue (LITS), Centro Interdipartimentale di Biotecnologie Molecolari “Guido Tarone”, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Molecolari e Scienze per la Salute, Università Degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
- Struttura Complessa (SC) Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera (AO) S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Massimo Massaia,
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18
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Huisman W, de Gier M, Hageman L, Shomuradova AS, Leboux DA, Amsen D, Falkenburg JF, Jedema I. Amino acids at position 5 in the peptide/MHC binding region of a public virus-specific TCR are completely inter-changeable without loss of function. Eur J Immunol 2022; 52:1819-1828. [PMID: 36189878 PMCID: PMC9828479 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202249975] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Anti-viral T-cell responses are usually directed against a limited set of antigens, but often contain many T cells expressing different T-cell receptors (TCRs). Identical TCRs found within virus-specific T-cell populations in different individuals are known as public TCRs, but also TCRs highly-similar to these public TCRs, with only minor variations in amino acids on specific positions in the Complementary Determining Regions (CDRs), are frequently found. However, the degree of freedom at these positions was not clear. In this study, we used the HLA-A*02:01-restricted EBV-LMP2FLY -specific public TCR as model and modified the highly-variable position 5 of the CDR3β sequence with all 20 amino acids. Our results demonstrate that amino acids at this particular position in the CDR3β region of this TCR are completely inter-changeable, without loss of TCR function. We show that the inability to find certain variants in individuals is explained by their lower recombination probability rather than by steric hindrance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley Huisman
- Department of HematologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands,Department of HematopoiesisSanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory for Blood Cell ResearchAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Melanie de Gier
- Department of HematologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | - Lois Hageman
- Department of HematologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | - Alina S. Shomuradova
- Laboratory for Transplantation ImmunologyNational Research Center for HematologyMoscowRussia
| | | | - Derk Amsen
- Department of HematopoiesisSanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory for Blood Cell ResearchAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Inge Jedema
- Department of HematologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
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19
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Awad MM, Govindan R, Balogh KN, Spigel DR, Garon EB, Bushway ME, Poran A, Sheen JH, Kohler V, Esaulova E, Srouji J, Ramesh S, Vyasamneni R, Karki B, Sciuto TE, Sethi H, Dong JZ, Moles MA, Manson K, Rooney MS, Khondker ZS, DeMario M, Gaynor RB, Srinivasan L. Personalized neoantigen vaccine NEO-PV-01 with chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 as first-line treatment for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:1010-1026.e11. [PMID: 36027916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neoantigens arising from mutations in tumor DNA provide targets for immune-based therapy. Here, we report the clinical and immune data from a Phase Ib clinical trial of a personalized neoantigen-vaccine NEO-PV-01 in combination with pemetrexed, carboplatin, and pembrolizumab as first-line therapy for advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This analysis of 38 patients treated with the regimen demonstrated no treatment-related serious adverse events. Multiple parameters including baseline tumor immune infiltration and on-treatment circulating tumor DNA levels were highly correlated with clinical response. De novo neoantigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were observed post-vaccination. Epitope spread to non-vaccinating neoantigens, including responses to KRAS G12C and G12V mutations, were detected post-vaccination. Neoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells generated post-vaccination revealed effector and cytotoxic phenotypes with increased CD4+ T cell infiltration in the post-vaccine tumor biopsy. Collectively, these data support the safety and immunogenicity of this regimen in advanced non-squamous NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark M Awad
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Edward B Garon
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Binisha Karki
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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20
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Rohaan M, Gomez-Eerland R, van den Berg J, Geukes Foppen M, van Zon M, Raud B, Jedema I, Scheij S, de Boer R, Bakker N, van den Broek D, Pronk L, Grijpink-Ongering L, Sari A, Kessels R, van den Haak M, Mallo H, Karger M, van de Wiel B, Zuur C, Duinkerken C, Lalezari F, van Thienen J, Wilgenhof S, Blank C, Beijnen J, Nuijen B, Schumacher T, Haanen J. MART-1 TCR gene-modified peripheral blood T cells for the treatment of metastatic melanoma: a phase I/IIa clinical trial. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 15:100089. [PMID: 35865122 PMCID: PMC9293760 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2022.100089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M.W. Rohaan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R. Gomez-Eerland
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J.H. van den Berg
- Biotherapeutics Unit, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M.H. Geukes Foppen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. van Zon
- Biotherapeutics Unit, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B. Raud
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I. Jedema
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S. Scheij
- Biotherapeutics Unit, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R. de Boer
- Biotherapeutics Unit, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N.A.M. Bakker
- Biotherapeutics Unit, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D. van den Broek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L.M. Pronk
- Department of Biometrics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - A. Sari
- Department of Biometrics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R. Kessels
- Department of Biometrics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. van den Haak
- Department of Biometrics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H.A. Mallo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. Karger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B.A. van de Wiel
- Department of Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C.L. Zuur
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C.W. Duinkerken
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F. Lalezari
- Department of Radiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J.V. van Thienen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S. Wilgenhof
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C.U. Blank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J.H. Beijnen
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B. Nuijen
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T.N. Schumacher
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J.B.A.G. Haanen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence to: Prof. John B. A. G. Haanen, Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: 0031-205126979; Fax: 0031-205122572
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21
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Birtel M, Voss RH, Reinhard K, Rengstl B, Ouchan Y, Michel K, Hayduk N, Tillmann B, Becker R, Suchan M, Theobald M, Oehm P, Türeci Ö, Sahin U. A TCR-like CAR Promotes Sensitive Antigen Recognition and Controlled T-cell Expansion Upon mRNA Vaccination. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:827-841. [PMID: 36923303 PMCID: PMC10010320 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are efficacious in patients with B-cell malignancies, while their activity is limited in patients with solid tumors. We developed a novel heterodimeric TCR-like CAR (TCAR) designed to achieve optimal chain pairing and integration into the T-cell CD3 signaling complex. The TCAR mediated high antigen sensitivity and potent antigen-specific T-cell effector functions in short-term in vitro assays. Both persistence and functionality of TCAR T cells were augmented by provision of costimulatory signals, which improved proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Combination with a nanoparticulate RNA vaccine, developed for in vivo expansion of CAR T cells, promoted tightly controlled expansion, survival, and antitumor efficacy of TCAR T cells in vivo. Significance A novel TCAR is tightly controlled by RNA vaccine-mediated costimulation and may provide an alternative to second-generation CARs for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Birtel
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ralf-Holger Voss
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
- Department of Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Reinhard
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rengstl
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yasmina Ouchan
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kristina Michel
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nina Hayduk
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Bodo Tillmann
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
| | - René Becker
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Suchan
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Theobald
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Pneumology, University Cancer Center (UCT), University Medical Center (UMC) of Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Petra Oehm
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH (non-profit), Mainz, Germany
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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22
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Vaccination Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Where Do We Stand? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122994. [PMID: 35740657 PMCID: PMC9221207 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy is changing the therapeutic landscape of many hematologic diseases. Nevertheless, in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) the anti CD33 antibody-drug conjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin is the only approved drug. In this review, we aimed at reporting biological mechanisms and their clinical impact of vaccines in AML. The principal vaccination strategies have been analyzed and commented, highlighting advantages in terms of toxicity and possibility to apply in elderly patients. Nevertheless, the clinical results of this strategy in AML are still far from satisfactory. It is necessary to evaluate the best scenario for this approach, whether in a therapeutic, prophylactic, or preemptive setting, considering the poorer results in active or high-burden disease. Finally, we underlined the necessity in AML of further research to optimize immunotherapy-based strategies, among which vaccines might represent relevant actors to contribute to long-term disease control. Abstract Immunotherapy is changing the therapeutic landscape of many hematologic diseases, with immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T therapies being its greatest expression. Unfortunately, immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has given less brilliant results up to now, and the only approved drug is the antiCD33 antibody-drug conjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin. A promising field of research in AML therapy relies on anti-leukemic vaccination to induce remission or prevent disease relapse. In this review, we analyze recent evidence on AML vaccines and their biological mechanisms. The principal proteins that have been exploited for vaccination strategies and have reached clinical experimental phases are Wilm’s tumor 1, proteinase 3, and RHAMM. the majority of data deals with WT1-base vaccines, given also the high expression and mutation rates of WT1 in AML cells. Stimulators of immune responses such as TLR7 agonist and interleukin-2 have also proven anti-leukemic activity both in vivo and in vitro. Lastly, cellular vaccines mainly based on autologous or allogeneic off-the-shelf dendritic cell-based vaccines showed positive results in terms of T-cell response and safety, also in elderly patients. Compared to other immunotherapeutic strategies, anti-AML vaccines have the advantage of being a less toxic and a more manageable approach, applicable also to elderly patients with poorer performance status, and may be used in combination with currently available therapies. As for the best scenario in which to use vaccination, whether in a therapeutic, prophylactic, or preemptive setting, further studies are needed, but available evidence points to poorer results in the presence of active or high-burden disease. Given the poor prognosis of relapsed/refractory or high-risk AML, further research is urgently needed to better understand the biological pathways that sustain its pathogenesis. In this setting, research on novel frontiers of immunotherapy-based agents, among which vaccines represent important actors, is warranted to develop new and efficacious strategies to obtain long-term disease control by immune patrolling.
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23
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Development of Cancer Immunotherapies. Cancer Treat Res 2022; 183:1-48. [PMID: 35551655 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-96376-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, or the utilization of components of the immune system to target and eliminate cancer, has become a highly active area of research in the past several decades and a common treatment strategy for several cancer types. The concept of harnessing the immune system for this purpose originated over 100 years ago when a physician by the name of William Coley successfully treated several of his cancer patients with a combination of live and attenuated bacteria, later known as "Coley's Toxins", after observing a subset of prior patients enter remission following their diagnosis with the common bacterial infection, erysipelas. However, it was not until late in the twentieth century that cancer immunotherapies were developed for widespread use, thereby transforming the treatment landscape of numerous cancer types. Pivotal studies elucidating molecular and cellular functions of immune cells, such as the discovery of IL-2 and production of monoclonal antibodies, fostered the development of novel techniques for studying the immune system and ultimately the development and approval of several cancer immunotherapies by the United States Food and Drug Association in the 1980s and 1990s, including the tuberculosis vaccine-Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, IL-2, and the CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody. Approval of the first therapeutic cancer vaccine, Sipuleucel-T, for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and the groundbreaking success and approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in the last decade, have driven an explosion of interest in and pursuit of novel cancer immunotherapy strategies. A broad range of modalities ranging from antibodies to adoptive T cell therapies is under investigation for the generalized treatment of a broad spectrum of cancers as well as personalized medicine. This chapter will focus on the recent advances, current strategies, and future outlook of immunotherapy development for the treatment of cancer.
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24
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Shafer P, Kelly LM, Hoyos V. Cancer Therapy With TCR-Engineered T Cells: Current Strategies, Challenges, and Prospects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:835762. [PMID: 35309357 PMCID: PMC8928448 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.835762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To redirect T cells against tumor cells, T cells can be engineered ex vivo to express cancer-antigen specific T cell receptors (TCRs), generating products known as TCR-engineered T cells (TCR T). Unlike chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), TCRs recognize HLA-presented peptides derived from proteins of all cellular compartments. The use of TCR T cells for adoptive cellular therapies (ACT) has gained increased attention, especially as efforts to treat solid cancers with ACTs have intensified. In this review, we describe the differing mechanisms of T cell antigen recognition and signal transduction mediated through CARs and TCRs. We describe the classes of cancer antigens recognized by current TCR T therapies and discuss both classical and emerging pre-clinical strategies for antigen-specific TCR discovery, enhancement, and validation. Finally, we review the current landscape of clinical trials for TCR T therapy and discuss what these current results indicate for the development of future engineered TCR approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Shafer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Program in Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lauren M Kelly
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Program in Cancer & Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Valentina Hoyos
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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25
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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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26
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Veatch JR, Lee SM, Shasha C, Singhi N, Szeto JL, Moshiri AS, Kim TS, Smythe K, Kong P, Fitzgibbon M, Jesernig B, Bhatia S, Tykodi SS, Hall ET, Byrd DR, Thompson JA, Pillarisetty VG, Duhen T, McGarry Houghton A, Newell E, Gottardo R, Riddell SR. Neoantigen-specific CD4 + T cells in human melanoma have diverse differentiation states and correlate with CD8 + T cell, macrophage, and B cell function. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:393-409.e9. [PMID: 35413271 PMCID: PMC9011147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells that recognize tumor antigens are required for immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in murine models, but their contributions in human cancer are unclear. We used single-cell RNA sequencing and T cell receptor sequences to identify signatures and functional correlates of tumor-specific CD4+ T cells infiltrating human melanoma. Conventional CD4+ T cells that recognize tumor neoantigens express CXCL13 and are subdivided into clusters expressing memory and T follicular helper markers, and those expressing cytolytic markers, inhibitory receptors, and IFN-γ. The frequency of CXCL13+ CD4+ T cells in the tumor correlated with the transcriptional states of CD8+ T cells and macrophages, maturation of B cells, and patient survival. Similar correlations were observed in a breast cancer cohort. These results identify phenotypes and functional correlates of tumor-specific CD4+ T cells in melanoma and suggest the possibility of using such cells to modify the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Veatch
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Sylvia M Lee
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carolyn Shasha
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Naina Singhi
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julia L Szeto
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ata S Moshiri
- Department of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Teresa S Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kimberly Smythe
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul Kong
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew Fitzgibbon
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brenda Jesernig
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shailender Bhatia
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Scott S Tykodi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan T Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David R Byrd
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John A Thompson
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Thomas Duhen
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - A McGarry Houghton
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan Newell
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Raphael Gottardo
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Department of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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27
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Ruggiero E, Carnevale E, Prodeus A, Magnani ZI, Camisa B, Merelli I, Politano C, Stasi L, Potenza A, Cianciotti BC, Manfredi F, Di Bono M, Vago L, Tassara M, Mastaglio S, Ponzoni M, Sanvito F, Liu D, Balwani I, Galli R, Genua M, Ostuni R, Doglio M, O'Connell D, Dutta I, Yazinski SA, McKee M, Arredouani MS, Schultes B, Ciceri F, Bonini C. CRISPR-based gene disruption and integration of high-avidity, WT1-specific T cell receptors improve antitumor T cell function. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabg8027. [PMID: 35138911 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abg8027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR)-based therapy has the potential to induce durable clinical responses in patients with cancer by targeting intracellular tumor antigens with high sensitivity and by promoting T cell survival. However, the need for TCRs specific for shared oncogenic antigens and the need for manufacturing protocols able to redirect T cell specificity while preserving T cell fitness remain limiting factors. By longitudinal monitoring of T cell functionality and dynamics in 15 healthy donors, we isolated 19 TCRs specific for Wilms' tumor antigen 1 (WT1), which is overexpressed by several tumor types. TCRs recognized several peptides restricted by common human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and displayed a wide range of functional avidities. We selected five high-avidity HLA-A*02:01-restricted TCRs, three that were specific to the less explored immunodominant WT137-45 and two that were specific to the noncanonical WT1-78-64 epitopes, both naturally processed by primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts. With CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tools, we combined TCR-targeted integration into the TCR α constant (TRAC) locus with TCR β constant (TRBC) knockout, thus avoiding TCRαβ mispairing and maximizing TCR expression and function. The engineered lymphocytes were enriched in memory stem T cells. A unique WT137-45-specific TCR showed antigen-specific responses and efficiently killed AML blasts, acute lymphoblastic leukemia blasts, and glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo in the absence of off-tumor toxicity. T cells engineered to express this receptor are being advanced into clinical development for AML immunotherapy and represent a candidate therapy for other WT1-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Erica Carnevale
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Zulma Irene Magnani
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Camisa
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,National Research Council, Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate, Italy
| | - Claudia Politano
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorena Stasi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Potenza
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Claudia Cianciotti
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfredi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Di Bono
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Vago
- Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Tassara
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine Unit, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mastaglio
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maurilio Ponzoni
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Pathology Unit, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Sanvito
- Pathology Unit, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Dai Liu
- Intellia Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Rossella Galli
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neurosciences, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Genua
- Genomics of the Innate Immune System Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Ostuni
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Genomics of the Innate Immune System Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Doglio
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ivy Dutta
- Intellia Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Mark McKee
- Intellia Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
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28
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Liu Y, Yan X, Zhang F, Zhang X, Tang F, Han Z, Li Y. TCR-T Immunotherapy: The Challenges and Solutions. Front Oncol 2022; 11:794183. [PMID: 35145905 PMCID: PMC8822241 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.794183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor-engineered T cell (TCR-T) therapy is free from the limit of surface antigen expression of the target cells, which is a potential cellular immunotherapy for cancer treatment. Significant advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies with cellular immunotherapy have aroused the interest of researchers in the treatment of solid tumors. Nevertheless, the overall efficacy of TCR-T cell immunotherapy in solid tumors was not significantly high when compared with hematological malignancies. In this article, we pay attention to the barriers of TCR-T cell immunotherapy for solid tumors, as well as the strategies affecting the efficacy of TCR-T cell immunotherapy. To provide some reference for researchers to better overcome the impact of TCR-T cell efficiency in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Liu
- Department of Oncology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Han
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yumin Li,
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29
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Zur RT, Adler G, Shamalov K, Tal Y, Ankri C, Cohen CJ. Adoptive T-cell Immunotherapy: Perfecting Self-Defenses. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:253-294. [PMID: 35165867 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As an important part of the immune system, T lymphocytes exhibit undoubtedly an important role in targeting and eradicating cancer. However, despite these characteristics, their natural antitumor response may be insufficient. Numerous clinical trials in terminally ill cancer patients testing the design of novel and efficient immunotherapeutic approaches based on the adoptive transfer of autologous tumor-specific T lymphocytes have shown encouraging results. Moreover, this also led to the approval of engineered T-cell therapies in patients. Herein, we will expand on the development and the use of such strategies using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or genetically engineered T-cells. We will also comment on the requirements and potential hurdles encountered when elaborating and implementing such treatments as well as the exciting prospects for this kind of emerging personalized medicine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Toledano Zur
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Galit Adler
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Katerina Shamalov
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yair Tal
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Chen Ankri
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Cyrille J Cohen
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
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30
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Raskin S, Van Pelt S, Toner K, Balakrishnan PB, Dave H, Bollard CM, Yvon E. Novel TCR-like CAR-T cells targeting an HLA∗0201-restricted SSX2 epitope display strong activity against acute myeloid leukemia. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:296-306. [PMID: 34729377 PMCID: PMC8526777 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The synovial sarcoma X breakpoint 2 (SSX2) belongs to a multigene family of cancer-testis antigens and can be found overexpressed in multiple malignancies. Its restricted expression in immune-privileged normal tissues suggest that SSX2 may be a relevant target antigen for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy. We have developed a T cell receptor (TCR)-like antibody (Fab/3) that binds SSX2 peptide 41-49 (KASEKIFYV) in the context of HLA-A∗-0201. The sequence of Fab/3 was utilized to engineer a CAR with the CD3 zeta intra-cellular domain along with either a CD28 or 4-1BB costimulatory endodomain. Human T cells from HLA-A2+ donors were transduced to mediate anti-tumor activity against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tumor cells. Upon challenge with HLA-A2+/SSX2+ AML tumor cells, CAR-expressing T cells released interferon-γ and eliminated the tumor cells in a long-term co-culture assay. Using the HLA-A2+ T2 cell line, we demonstrated a strong specificity of the single-chain variable fragment (scFv) for SSX2 p41-49 and the closely related SSX3 p41-49, with no response against the others SSX-homologous peptides or unrelated homologous peptides. Since SSX3 has not been observed in tumor cells and expression cannot be induced by pharmacological intervention, SSX241-49 represents an attractive target for CAR-based cellular therapy to treat multiple types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Raskin
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Stacey Van Pelt
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Keri Toner
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | | | - Hema Dave
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Eric Yvon
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA.,Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
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31
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Characterization and modulation of anti-αβTCR antibodies and their respective binding sites at the βTCR chain to enrich engineered T cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 22:388-400. [PMID: 34514030 PMCID: PMC8411211 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
T cell engineering strategies offer cures to patients and have entered clinical practice with chimeric antibody-based receptors; αβT cell receptor (αβTCR)-based strategies are, however, lagging behind. To allow a more rapid and successful translation to successful concepts also using αβTCRs for engineering, incorporating a method for the purification of genetically modified T cells, as well as engineered T cell deletion after transfer into patients, could be beneficial. This would allow increased efficacy, reduced potential side effects, and improved safety of newly to-be-tested lead structures. By characterizing the antigen-binding interface of a good manufacturing process (GMP)-grade anti-αβTCR antibody, usually used for depletion of αβT cells from stem cell transplantation products, we developed a strategy that allows for the purification of untouched αβTCR-engineered immune cells by changing 2 amino acids only in the TCRβ chain constant domain of introduced TCR chains. Alternatively, we engineered an antibody that targets an extended mutated interface of 9 amino acids in the TCRβ chain constant domain and provides the opportunity to further develop depletion strategies of engineered immune cells.
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32
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Sun Y, Li F, Sonnemann H, Jackson KR, Talukder AH, Katailiha AS, Lizee G. Evolution of CD8 + T Cell Receptor (TCR) Engineered Therapies for the Treatment of Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092379. [PMID: 34572028 PMCID: PMC8469972 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092379] [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: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered T cell receptor T (TCR-T) cell therapy has facilitated the generation of increasingly reliable tumor antigen-specific adaptable cellular products for the treatment of human cancer. TCR-T cell therapies were initially focused on targeting shared tumor-associated peptide targets, including melanoma differentiation and cancer-testis antigens. With recent technological developments, it has become feasible to target neoantigens derived from tumor somatic mutations, which represents a highly personalized therapy, since most neoantigens are patient-specific and are rarely shared between patients. TCR-T therapies have been tested for clinical efficacy in treating solid tumors in many preclinical studies and clinical trials all over the world. However, the efficacy of TCR-T therapy for the treatment of solid tumors has been limited by a number of factors, including low TCR avidity, off-target toxicities, and target antigen loss leading to tumor escape. In this review, we discuss the process of deriving tumor antigen-specific TCRs, including the identification of appropriate tumor antigen targets, expansion of antigen-specific T cells, and TCR cloning and validation, including techniques and tools for TCR-T cell vector construction and expression. We highlight the achievements of recent clinical trials of engineered TCR-T cell therapies and discuss the current challenges and potential solutions for improving their safety and efficacy, insights that may help guide future TCR-T studies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimo Sun
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Fenge Li
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Heather Sonnemann
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Kyle R. Jackson
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Amjad H. Talukder
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Arjun S. Katailiha
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Gregory Lizee
- Department of Melanoma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.S.); (F.L.); (H.S.); (K.R.J.); (A.H.T.); (A.S.K.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence:
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Müller TR, Jarosch S, Hammel M, Leube J, Grassmann S, Bernard B, Effenberger M, Andrä I, Chaudhry MZ, Käuferle T, Malo A, Cicin-Sain L, Steinberger P, Feuchtinger T, Protzer U, Schumann K, Neuenhahn M, Schober K, Busch DH. Targeted T cell receptor gene editing provides predictable T cell product function for immunotherapy. Cell Rep Med 2021; 2:100374. [PMID: 34467251 PMCID: PMC8385324 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells expressing a transgenic T cell receptor (TCR) has the potential to revolutionize immunotherapy of infectious diseases and cancer. However, the generation of defined TCR-transgenic T cell medicinal products with predictable in vivo function still poses a major challenge and limits broader and more successful application of this "living drug." Here, by studying 51 different TCRs, we show that conventional genetic engineering by viral transduction leads to variable TCR expression and functionality as a result of variable transgene copy numbers and untargeted transgene integration. In contrast, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TCR replacement enables defined, targeted TCR transgene insertion into the TCR gene locus. Thereby, T cell products display more homogeneous TCR expression similar to physiological T cells. Importantly, increased T cell product homogeneity after targeted TCR gene editing correlates with predictable in vivo T cell responses, which represents a crucial aspect for clinical application in adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R. Müller
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Jarosch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Hammel
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Justin Leube
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Grassmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Bettina Bernard
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Manuel Effenberger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Immanuel Andrä
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - M. Zeeshan Chaudhry
- Department of Viral Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Theresa Käuferle
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Antje Malo
- Institute of Virology, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Luka Cicin-Sain
- Department of Viral Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Feuchtinger
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schumann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Neuenhahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kilian Schober
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk H. Busch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, TUM, Munich, Germany
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Kent A, Longino NV, Christians A, Davila E. Naturally Occurring Genetic Alterations in Proximal TCR Signaling and Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:658611. [PMID: 34012443 PMCID: PMC8126620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.658611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapies including genetically engineered T cells, adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and immune checkpoint blockade highlight the impressive anti-tumor effects of T cells. These successes have provided new hope to many cancer patients with otherwise poor prognoses. However, only a fraction of patients demonstrates durable responses to these forms of therapies and many develop significant immune-mediated toxicity. These heterogeneous clinical responses suggest that underlying nuances in T cell genetics, phenotypes, and activation states likely modulate the therapeutic impact of these approaches. To better characterize known genetic variations that may impact T cell function, we 1) review the function of early T cell receptor-specific signaling mediators, 2) offer a synopsis of known mutations and genetic alterations within the associated molecules, 3) discuss the link between these mutations and human disease and 4) review therapeutic strategies under development or in clinical testing that target each of these molecules for enhancing anti-tumor T cell activity. Finally, we discuss novel engineering approaches that could be designed based on our understanding of the function of these molecules in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kent
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Natalie V. Longino
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Allison Christians
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Eduardo Davila
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the landscape of cancer treatment and has significantly improved the outcome of several cancer types including breast, lung, colorectal and prostate. Neoantigen recognition and immune checkpoint inhibitors are nowadays the milestones of different immunotherapeutic regimes; however, high cost, primary and acquired resistance and the high variability of responses make their extensive use difficult. The development of better predictive biomarkers that represent tumour diversity shows promise because there is a significant body of clinical data showing a spectrum of immunotherapeutic responses that might be related back to their specific characteristics. This article makes a conceptual and historical review to summarise the main advances in our understanding of the role of the immune system in cancer, while describing the methodological details that have been successfully implemented on cancer treatments and that may hold the key to improved therapeutic approaches.
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36
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Lo Presti V, Cornel AM, Plantinga M, Dünnebach E, Kuball J, Boelens JJ, Nierkens S, van Til NP. Efficient lentiviral transduction method to gene modify cord blood CD8 + T cells for cancer therapy applications. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:357-368. [PMID: 33898633 PMCID: PMC8056177 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy utilizing tumor-specific autologous T cells has shown promising results for cancer treatment. However, the limited numbers of autologous tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-specific T cells and the functional aberrancies, due to disease progression or treatment, remain factors that may significantly limit the success of the therapy. The use of allogeneic T cells, such as umbilical cord blood (CB) derived, overcomes these issues but requires gene modification to induce a robust and specific anti-tumor effect. CB T cells are readily available in CB banks and show low toxicity, high proliferation rates, and increased anti-leukemic effect upon transfer. However, the combination of anti-tumor gene modification and preservation of advantageous immunological traits of CB T cells represent major challenges for the harmonized production of T cell therapy products. In this manuscript, we optimized a protocol for expansion and lentiviral vector (LV) transduction of CB CD8+ T cells, achieving a transduction efficiency up to 83%. Timing of LV treatment, selection of culture media, and the use of different promoters were optimized in the transduction protocol. LentiBOOST was confirmed as a non-toxic transduction enhancer of CB CD8+ T cells, with minor effects on the proliferation capacity and cell viability of the T cells. Positively, the use of LentiBOOST does not affect the functionality of the cells, in the context of tumor cell recognition. Finally, CB CD8+ T cells were more amenable to LV transduction than peripheral blood (PB) CD8+ T cells and maintained a more naive phenotype. In conclusion, we show an efficient method to genetically modify CB CD8+ T cells using LV, which is especially useful for off-the-shelf adoptive cell therapy products for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Lo Presti
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelisa M Cornel
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maud Plantinga
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ester Dünnebach
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap Jan Boelens
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapies, MSK Kids, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niek P van Til
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,AVROBIO, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA.,Child Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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37
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Stone JD, Aggen DH, Schietinger A, Schreiber H, Kranz DM. A sensitivity scale for targeting T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTEs). Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:863-873. [PMID: 23162754 PMCID: PMC3489742 DOI: 10.4161/onci.20592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although T cells can mediate potent antitumor responses, immune tolerance mechanisms often result in the deletion or inactivation of T cells that express T-cell receptors (TCRs) against potentially effective target epitopes. Various approaches have been devised to circumvent this problem. In one approach, the gene encoding an antibody against a cancer-associated antigen is linked, in the form of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), to genes that encode transmembrane and signaling domains. This chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is then introduced into T cells for adoptive T-cell therapy. In another approach, the anti-cancer scFv is fused to a scFv that binds to the CD3ε subunit of the TCR/CD3 complex. This fusion protein serves as a soluble, injectable product that has recently been termed bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE). Both strategies have now been tested in clinical trials with promising results, but the comparative efficacies are not known. Here, we performed a direct comparison of the in vitro sensitivity of each strategy, using the same anti-cancer scFv fragments, directed against a tumor-specific glycopeptide epitope on the sialomucin-like transmembrane glycoprotein OTS8, which results form a cancer-specific mutation of Cosmc. While both approaches showed specific responses to the epitope as revealed by T cell-mediated cytokine release and target cell lysis, CAR-targeted T cells were more sensitive than BiTE-targeted T cells to low numbers of antigens per cell. The sensitivity scale described here provides a guide to the potential use of these two different approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Stone
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana, IL USA
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38
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Lee MN, Meyerson M. Antigen identification for HLA class I- and HLA class II-restricted T cell receptors using cytokine-capturing antigen-presenting cells. Sci Immunol 2021; 6:6/55/eabf4001. [PMID: 33483338 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abf4001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A major limitation to understanding the associations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and CD8+ and CD4+ T cell receptor (TCR) genes with disease pathophysiology is the technological barrier of identifying which HLA molecules, epitopes, and TCRs form functional complexes. Here, we present a high-throughput epitope identification system that combines capture of T cell-secreted cytokines by barcoded antigen-presenting cells (APCs), cell sorting, and next-generation sequencing to identify class I- and class II-restricted epitopes starting from highly complex peptide-encoding oligonucleotide pools. We engineered APCs to express anti-cytokine antibodies, a library of DNA-encoded peptides, and multiple HLA class I or II molecules. We demonstrate that these engineered APCs link T cell activation-dependent cytokines with the DNA that encodes the presented peptide. We validated this technology by showing that we could select known targets of viral epitope-, neoepitope-, and autoimmune epitope-specific TCRs, starting from mixtures of peptide-encoding oligonucleotides. Then, starting from 10 TCRβ sequences that are found commonly in humans but lack known targets, we identified seven CD8+ or CD4+ TCR-targeted epitopes encoded by the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) genome. These included known epitopes, as well as a class I and a class II CMV epitope that have not been previously described. Thus, our cytokine capture-based assay makes use of a signal secreted by both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and allows pooled screening of thousands of encoded peptides to enable epitope discovery for orphan TCRs. Our technology may enable identification of HLA-epitope-TCR complexes relevant to disease control, etiology, or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark N Lee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA. .,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Matthew Meyerson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA. .,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Departments of Genetics and Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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39
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Preece R, Pavesi A, Gkazi SA, Stegmann KA, Georgiadis C, Tan ZM, Aw JYJ, Maini MK, Bertoletti A, Qasim W. CRISPR-Mediated Base Conversion Allows Discriminatory Depletion of Endogenous T Cell Receptors for Enhanced Synthetic Immunity. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 19:149-161. [PMID: 33102612 PMCID: PMC7549055 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Emerging base editing technology exploits CRISPR RNA-guided DNA modification effects for highly specific C > T conversion, which has been used to efficiently disrupt gene expression. These tools can enhance synthetic T cell immunity by restricting specificity, addressing histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) barriers, and promoting persistence. We report lentiviral delivery of a hepatitis B-virus (HBV)-specific recombinant T cell receptor (rTCR) and a linked CRISPR single-guide RNA for simultaneous disruption of endogenous TCRs (eTCRs) when combined with transient cytosine deamination. Discriminatory depletion of eTCR and coupled expression of rTCR resulted in enrichment of HBV-specific populations from 55% (SEM, ±2.4%) to 95% (SEM, ±0.5%). Intensity of rTCR expression increased 1.8- to 2.9-fold compared to that in cells retaining their competing eTCR, and increased cytokine production and killing of HBV antigen-expressing hepatoma cells in a 3D microfluidic model were exhibited. Molecular signatures confirmed that seamless conversion of C > T (G > A) had created a premature stop codon in TCR beta constant 1/2 loci, with no notable activity at predicted off-target sites. Thus, targeted disruption of eTCR by cytosine deamination and discriminatory enrichment of antigen-specific T cells offers the prospect of enhanced, more specific T cell therapies against HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as other viral and tumor antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Preece
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR) 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Soragia Athina Gkazi
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Kerstin A. Stegmann
- UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, The Rayne Building, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6EJ, UK
| | - Christos Georgiadis
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Zhi Ming Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR) 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Jia Ying Joey Aw
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR) 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Mala K. Maini
- UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, The Rayne Building, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6EJ, UK
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Program Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Immunology Network (SigN), Agency of Science Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Waseem Qasim
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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40
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Gene Augmentation and Editing to Improve TCR Engineered T Cell Therapy against Solid Tumors. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040733. [PMID: 33287413 PMCID: PMC7761868 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in gene engineering technologies have drastically improved the therapeutic treatment options for cancer patients. The use of effective chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells and recombinant T cell receptor engineered T (rTCR-T) cells has entered the clinic for treatment of hematological malignancies with promising results. However, further fine-tuning, to improve functionality and safety, is necessary to apply these strategies for the treatment of solid tumors. The immunosuppressive microenvironment, the surrounding stroma, and the tumor heterogeneity often results in poor T cell reactivity, functionality, and a diminished infiltration rates, hampering the efficacy of the treatment. The focus of this review is on recent advances in rTCR-T cell therapy, to improve both functionality and safety, for potential treatment of solid tumors and provides an overview of ongoing clinical trials. Besides selection of the appropriate tumor associated antigen, efficient delivery of an optimized recombinant TCR transgene into the T cells, in combination with gene editing techniques eliminating the endogenous TCR expression and disrupting specific inhibitory pathways could improve adoptively transferred T cells. Armoring the rTCR-T cells with specific cytokines and/or chemokines and their receptors, or targeting the tumor stroma, can increase the infiltration rate of the immune cells within the solid tumors. On the other hand, clinical “off-tumor/on-target” toxicities are still a major potential risk and can lead to severe adverse events. Incorporation of safety switches in rTCR-T cells can guarantee additional safety. Recent clinical trials provide encouraging data and emphasize the relevance of gene therapy and gene editing tools for potential treatment of solid tumors.
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41
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Müller TR, Schuler C, Hammel M, Köhler A, Jutz S, Leitner J, Schober K, Busch DH, Steinberger P. A T-cell reporter platform for high-throughput and reliable investigation of TCR function and biology. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e1216. [PMID: 33251011 PMCID: PMC7681835 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Transgenic re‐expression enables unbiased investigation of T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐intrinsic characteristics detached from its original cellular context. Recent advancements in TCR repertoire sequencing and development of protocols for direct cloning of full TCRαβ constructs now facilitate large‐scale transgenic TCR re‐expression. Together, this offers unprecedented opportunities for the screening of TCRs for basic research as well as clinical use. However, the functional characterisation of re‐expressed TCRs is still a complicated and laborious matter. Here, we propose a Jurkat‐based triple parameter TCR signalling reporter endogenous TCR knockout cellular platform (TPRKO) that offers an unbiased, easy read‐out of TCR functionality and facilitates high‐throughput screening approaches. Methods As a proof‐of‐concept, we transgenically re‐expressed 59 human cytomegalovirus‐specific TCRs and systematically investigated and compared TCR function in TPRKO cells versus primary human T cells. Results We demonstrate that the TPRKO cell line facilitates antigen‐HLA specificity screening via sensitive peptide‐MHC‐multimer staining, which was highly comparable to primary T cells. Also, TCR functional avidity in TPRKO cells was strongly correlating to primary T cells, especially in the absence of CD8αβ co‐receptor. Conclusion Overall, our data show that the TPRKO cell lines can serve as a surrogate of primary human T cells for standardised and high‐throughput investigation of TCR biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Müller
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene Technical University of Munich (TUM) Munich Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Munich Germany
| | - Corinna Schuler
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene Technical University of Munich (TUM) Munich Germany
| | - Monika Hammel
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene Technical University of Munich (TUM) Munich Germany
| | - Amelie Köhler
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene Technical University of Munich (TUM) Munich Germany
| | - Sabrina Jutz
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology Institute of Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology Institute of Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Kilian Schober
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene Technical University of Munich (TUM) Munich Germany
| | - Dirk H Busch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene Technical University of Munich (TUM) Munich Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Munich Germany.,Focus Group 'Clinical Cell Processing and Purification' Institute for Advanced Study TUM Munich Germany
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology Institute of Immunology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
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42
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Rollins MR, Spartz EJ, Stromnes IM. T Cell Receptor Engineered Lymphocytes for Cancer Therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 129:e97. [PMID: 32432843 DOI: 10.1002/cpim.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
T lymphocytes are capable of specific recognition and elimination of target cells. Physiological antigen recognition is mediated by the T cell receptor (TCR), which is an alpha beta heterodimer comprising the products of randomly rearranged V, D, and J genes. The exquisite specificity and functionality of T cells can be leveraged for cancer therapy: specifically, the adoptive transfer of T cells that express tumor-reactive TCRs can induce regression of solid tumors in patients with advanced cancer. However, the isolation and expression of a tumor antigen-specific TCRs is a highly involved process that requires identifying an immunogenic epitope, ensuring human cells are of the correct haplotype, performing a laborious T cell expansion process, and carrying out downstream TCR sequencing and cloning. Recent advances in single-cell sequencing have begun to streamline this process. This protocol synthesizes and expands upon methodologies to generate, isolate, and engineer human T cells with tumor-reactive TCRs for adoptive cell therapy. Though this process is perhaps more arduous than the alternative strategy of using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for engineering, the ability to target intracellular proteins using TCRs substantially increases the types of antigens that can be safely targeted. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Generation of human autologous dendritic cells from monocytes Basic Protocol 2: In vitro priming and expansion of human antigen-specific T cells Basic Protocol 3: Cloning of antigen-specific T cell receptors based on single-cell VDJ sequencing data Basic Protocol 4: Validation of T cell receptor expression and functionality in vitro Basic Protocol 5: Rapid expansion of T cell receptor-transduced T cells and human T cell clones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan R Rollins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Ellen J Spartz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Ingunn M Stromnes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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43
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Poran A, Scherer J, Bushway ME, Besada R, Balogh KN, Wanamaker A, Williams RG, Prabhakara J, Ott PA, Hu-Lieskovan S, Khondker ZS, Gaynor RB, Rooney MS, Srinivasan L. Combined TCR Repertoire Profiles and Blood Cell Phenotypes Predict Melanoma Patient Response to Personalized Neoantigen Therapy plus Anti-PD-1. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2020; 1:100141. [PMID: 33294862 PMCID: PMC7691446 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
T cells use highly diverse receptors (TCRs) to identify tumor cells presenting neoantigens arising from genetic mutations and establish anti-tumor activity. Immunotherapy harnessing neoantigen-specific T cells to target tumors has emerged as a promising clinical approach. To assess whether a comprehensive peripheral mononuclear blood cell analysis predicts responses to a personalized neoantigen cancer vaccine combined with anti-PD-1 therapy, we characterize the TCR repertoires and T and B cell frequencies in 21 patients with metastatic melanoma who received this regimen. TCR-α/β-chain sequencing reveals that prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) is strongly associated with increased clonal baseline TCR repertoires and longitudinal repertoire stability. Furthermore, the frequencies of antigen-experienced T and B cells in the peripheral blood correlate with repertoire characteristics. Analysis of these baseline immune features enables prediction of PFS following treatment. This method offers a pragmatic clinical approach to assess patients’ immune state and to direct therapeutic decision making. Pre-treatment blood-based factors predict response to immunotherapy TCR repertoire clonality and stability associate with improved clinical outcomes Baseline T and B cell memory phenotypes associate with improved clinical outcomes Combined baseline TCR repertoire and PBMC phenotypes predict immunotherapy response
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaf Poran
- Neon Therapeutics/BioNTech US, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Corresponding author
| | | | | | - Rana Besada
- Neon Therapeutics/BioNTech US, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Patrick A. Ott
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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44
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Dillard P, Köksal H, Maggadottir SM, Winge-Main A, Pollmann S, Menard M, Myhre MR, Mælandsmo GM, Flørenes VA, Gaudernack G, Kvalheim G, Wälchli S, Inderberg EM. Targeting Telomerase with an HLA Class II-Restricted TCR for Cancer Immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2020; 29:1199-1213. [PMID: 33212301 PMCID: PMC7934585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cell therapy is a promising cancer treatment approach. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is overexpressed in the majority of tumors and a potential target for adoptive cell therapy. We isolated a novel hTERT-specific TCR sequence, named Radium-4, from a clinically responding pancreatic cancer patient vaccinated with a long hTERT peptide. Radium-4 TCR-redirected primary CD4+ and CD8+ T cells demonstrated in vitro efficacy, producing inflammatory cytokines and killing hTERT+ melanoma cells in both 2D and 3D settings, as well as malignant, patient-derived ascites cells. Importantly, T cells expressing Radium-4 TCR displayed no toxicity against bone marrow stem cells or mature hematopoietic cells. Notably, Radium-4 TCR+ T cells also significantly reduced tumor growth and improved survival in a xenograft mouse model. Since hTERT is a universal cancer antigen, and the very frequently expressed HLA class II molecules presenting the hTERT peptide to this TCR provide a very high (>75%) population coverage, this TCR represents an attractive candidate for immunotherapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Dillard
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hakan Köksal
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anna Winge-Main
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sylvie Pollmann
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mathilde Menard
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Renée Myhre
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunhild M Mælandsmo
- Department of Tumor Biology, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Vivi Ann Flørenes
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gustav Gaudernack
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Kvalheim
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sébastien Wälchli
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Else Marit Inderberg
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital-The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway.
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45
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Affandi AJ, Grabowska J, Olesek K, Lopez Venegas M, Barbaria A, Rodríguez E, Mulder PPG, Pijffers HJ, Ambrosini M, Kalay H, O'Toole T, Zwart ES, Kazemier G, Nazmi K, Bikker FJ, Stöckl J, van den Eertwegh AJM, de Gruijl TD, Storm G, van Kooyk Y, den Haan JMM. Selective tumor antigen vaccine delivery to human CD169 + antigen-presenting cells using ganglioside-liposomes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:27528-27539. [PMID: 33067394 PMCID: PMC7959579 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006186117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Priming of CD8+ T cells by dendritic cells (DCs) is crucial for the generation of effective antitumor immune responses. Here, we describe a liposomal vaccine carrier that delivers tumor antigens to human CD169/Siglec-1+ antigen-presenting cells using gangliosides as targeting ligands. Ganglioside-liposomes specifically bound to CD169 and were internalized by in vitro-generated monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) and macrophages and by ex vivo-isolated splenic macrophages in a CD169-dependent manner. In blood, high-dimensional reduction analysis revealed that ganglioside-liposomes specifically targeted CD14+ CD169+ monocytes and Axl+ CD169+ DCs. Liposomal codelivery of tumor antigen and Toll-like receptor ligand to CD169+ moDCs and Axl+ CD169+ DCs led to cytokine production and robust cross-presentation and activation of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Finally, Axl+ CD169+ DCs were present in cancer patients and efficiently captured ganglioside-liposomes. Our findings demonstrate a nanovaccine platform targeting CD169+ DCs to drive antitumor T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alsya J Affandi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna Grabowska
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Olesek
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Miguel Lopez Venegas
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- DC4U, 3621 ZA Breukelen, The Netherlands
| | - Arnaud Barbaria
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ernesto Rodríguez
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick P G Mulder
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helen J Pijffers
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martino Ambrosini
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hakan Kalay
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom O'Toole
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline S Zwart
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Kazemier
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kamran Nazmi
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Floris J Bikker
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Stöckl
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alfons J M van den Eertwegh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Storm
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomaterials, Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Yvette van Kooyk
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- DC4U, 3621 ZA Breukelen, The Netherlands
| | - Joke M M den Haan
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
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46
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Ott PA, Hu-Lieskovan S, Chmielowski B, Govindan R, Naing A, Bhardwaj N, Margolin K, Awad MM, Hellmann MD, Lin JJ, Friedlander T, Bushway ME, Balogh KN, Sciuto TE, Kohler V, Turnbull SJ, Besada R, Curran RR, Trapp B, Scherer J, Poran A, Harjanto D, Barthelme D, Ting YS, Dong JZ, Ware Y, Huang Y, Huang Z, Wanamaker A, Cleary LD, Moles MA, Manson K, Greshock J, Khondker ZS, Fritsch E, Rooney MS, DeMario M, Gaynor RB, Srinivasan L. A Phase Ib Trial of Personalized Neoantigen Therapy Plus Anti-PD-1 in Patients with Advanced Melanoma, Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, or Bladder Cancer. Cell 2020; 183:347-362.e24. [PMID: 33064988 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neoantigens arise from mutations in cancer cells and are important targets of T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Here, we report the first open-label, phase Ib clinical trial of a personalized neoantigen-based vaccine, NEO-PV-01, in combination with PD-1 blockade in patients with advanced melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, or bladder cancer. This analysis of 82 patients demonstrated that the regimen was safe, with no treatment-related serious adverse events observed. De novo neoantigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were observed post-vaccination in all of the patients. The vaccine-induced T cells had a cytotoxic phenotype and were capable of trafficking to the tumor and mediating cell killing. In addition, epitope spread to neoantigens not included in the vaccine was detected post-vaccination. These data support the safety and immunogenicity of this regimen in patients with advanced solid tumors (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02897765).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Ott
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bartosz Chmielowski
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Aung Naing
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nina Bhardwaj
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kim Margolin
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Mark M Awad
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jessica J Lin
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Terence Friedlander
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rana Besada
- Neon Therapeutics/BioNTech US, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Asaf Poran
- Neon Therapeutics/BioNTech US, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jesse Z Dong
- Neon Therapeutics/BioNTech US, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yvonne Ware
- Neon Therapeutics/BioNTech US, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yuting Huang
- Neon Therapeutics/BioNTech US, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ed Fritsch
- Neon Therapeutics/BioNTech US, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Mark DeMario
- Neon Therapeutics/BioNTech US, Cambridge, MA, USA
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47
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Janssens I, Cools N. Regulating the regulators: Is introduction of an antigen-specific approach in regulatory T cells the next step to treat autoimmunity? Cell Immunol 2020; 358:104236. [PMID: 33137651 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In autoimmunity, the important and fragile balance between immunity and tolerance is disturbed, resulting in abnormal immune responses to the body's own tissues and cells. CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) induce peripheral tolerance in vivo by means of direct cell-cell contact and release of soluble factors, or indirectly through antigen-presenting cells (APC), thereby controlling auto-reactive effector T cells. Based on these unique capacities of Tregs, preclinical studies delivered proof-of-principle for the clinical use of Tregs for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. To date, the first clinical trials using ex vivo expanded polyclonal Tregs have been completed. These pioneering studies demonstrate the feasibility of generating large numbers of polyclonal Tregs in a good manufacturing practices (GMP)-compliant manner, and that infusion of Tregs is well tolerated by patients with no evidence of general immunosuppression. Nonetheless, only modest clinical results were observed, arguing that a more antigen-specific approach might be needed to foster a durable patient-specific clinical cell therapy without the risk for general immunosuppression. In this review, we discuss current knowledge, applications and future goals of adoptive immune-modulatory Treg therapy for the treatment of autoimmune disease and transplant rejection. We describe the key advances and prospects of the potential use of T cell receptor (TCR)- and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered Tregs in future clinical applications. These approaches could deliver the long-awaited breakthrough in stopping undesired autoimmune responses and transplant rejections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibo Janssens
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Cools
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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48
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A bicistronic vector backbone for rapid seamless cloning and chimerization of αβT-cell receptor sequences. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238875. [PMID: 32903281 PMCID: PMC7480877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To facilitate preclinical testing of T-cell receptors (TCRs) derived from tumor-reactive T-cell clones it is necessary to develop convenient and rapid cloning strategies for the generation of TCR expression constructs. Herein, we describe a pDONR™221 vector backbone allowing to generate Gateway™ compatible entry clones encoding optimized bicistronic αβTCR constructs. It harbors P2A-linked TCR constant regions and head-to-head-oriented recognition sites of the Type IIS restriction enzymes BsmBI and BsaI for seamless cloning of the TCRα and TCRβ V(D)J regions, respectively. Additional well-established TCR optimizations were incorporated to enhance TCR functionality. This included replacing of the human αβTCR constant regions with their codon-optimized murine counterparts for chimerization, addition of a second interchain disulfide bond and arrangement of the TCR chains in the order β-P2A-α. We exemplified the utility of our vector backbone by cloning and functional testing of three melanoma-reactive TCRs in primary human T cells.
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49
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Identification of a tumor-specific allo-HLA-restricted γδTCR. Blood Adv 2020; 3:2870-2882. [PMID: 31585951 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019032409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
γδT cells are key players in cancer immune surveillance because of their ability to recognize malignant transformed cells, which makes them promising therapeutic tools in the treatment of cancer. However, the biological mechanisms of how γδT-cell receptors (TCRs) interact with their ligands are poorly understood. Within this context, we describe the novel allo-HLA-restricted and CD8α-dependent Vγ5Vδ1TCR. In contrast to the previous assumption of the general allo-HLA reactivity of a minor fraction of γδTCRs, we show that classic anti-HLA-directed, γδTCR-mediated reactivity can selectively act on hematological and solid tumor cells, while not harming healthy tissues in vitro and in vivo. We identified the molecular interface with proximity to the peptide-binding groove of HLA-A*24:02 as the essential determinant for recognition and describe the critical role of CD8 as a coreceptor. We conclude that alloreactive γδT-cell repertoires provide therapeutic opportunities, either within the context of haplotransplantation or as individual γδTCRs for genetic engineering of tumor-reactive T cells.
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50
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Manfredi F, Cianciotti BC, Potenza A, Tassi E, Noviello M, Biondi A, Ciceri F, Bonini C, Ruggiero E. TCR Redirected T Cells for Cancer Treatment: Achievements, Hurdles, and Goals. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1689. [PMID: 33013822 PMCID: PMC7494743 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) is a rapidly evolving therapeutic approach designed to harness T cell specificity and function to fight diseases. Based on the evidence that T lymphocytes can mediate a potent anti-tumor response, initially ACT solely relied on the isolation, in vitro expansion, and infusion of tumor-infiltrating or circulating tumor-specific T cells. Although effective in a subset of cases, in the first ACT clinical trials several patients experienced disease progression, in some cases after temporary disease control. This evidence prompted researchers to improve ACT products by taking advantage of the continuously evolving gene engineering field and by improving manufacturing protocols, to enable the generation of effective and long-term persisting tumor-specific T cell products. Despite recent advances, several challenges, including prioritization of antigen targets, identification, and optimization of tumor-specific T cell receptors, in the development of tools enabling T cells to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, still need to be faced. This review aims at summarizing the major achievements, hurdles and possible solutions designed to improve the ACT efficacy and safety profile in the context of liquid and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfredi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Claudia Cianciotti
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione Centro San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Potenza
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tassi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Noviello
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Clinica Pediatrica Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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