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Yang J, Chen M, Ye J, Ma H. Targeting PRAME for acute myeloid leukemia therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378277. [PMID: 38596687 PMCID: PMC11002138 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), clinical outcomes are disappointing for elderly patients, patients with less fit disease characteristics, and patients with adverse disease risk characteristics. Over the past 10 years, adaptive T-cell immunotherapy has been recognized as a strategy for treating various malignant tumors. However, it has faced significant challenges in AML, primarily because myeloid blasts do not contain unique surface antigens. The preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME), a cancer-testis antigen, is abnormally expressed in AML and does not exist in normal hematopoietic cells. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that PRAME is a useful target for treating AML. This paper reviews the structure and function of PRAME, its effects on normal cells and AML blasts, its implications in prognosis and follow-up, and its use in antigen-specific immunotherapy for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjun Yang
- Department of Hematology and Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengran Chen
- Department of Hematology and Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongbing Ma
- Department of Hematology and Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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2
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Stanojevic M, Grant M, Vesely SK, Knoblach S, Kanakry CG, Nazarian J, Panditharatna E, Panchapakesan K, Gress RE, Holter-Chakrabarty J, Williams KM. Peripheral blood marker of residual acute leukemia after hematopoietic cell transplantation using multi-plex digital droplet PCR. Front Immunol 2022; 13:999298. [PMID: 36248870 PMCID: PMC9556966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.999298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Relapse remains the primary cause of death after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for acute leukemia. The ability to identify minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) via the blood could identify patients earlier when immunologic interventions may be more successful. We evaluated a new test that could quantify blood tumor mRNA as leukemia MRD surveillance using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Methods The multiplex ddPCR assay was developed using tumor cell lines positive for the tumor associated antigens (TAA: WT1, PRAME, BIRC5), with homeostatic ABL1. On IRB-approved protocols, RNA was isolated from mononuclear cells from acute leukemia patients after HCT (n = 31 subjects; n = 91 specimens) and healthy donors (n = 20). ddPCR simultaneously quantitated mRNA expression of WT1, PRAME, BIRC5, and ABL1 and the TAA/ABL1 blood ratio was measured in patients with and without active leukemia after HCT. Results Tumor cell lines confirmed quantitation of TAAs. In patients with active acute leukemia after HCT (MRD+ or relapse; n=19), the blood levels of WT1/ABL1, PRAME/ABL1, and BIRC5/ABL1 exceeded healthy donors (p<0.0001, p=0.0286, and p=0.0064 respectively). Active disease status was associated with TAA positivity (1+ TAA vs 0 TAA) with an odds ratio=10.67, (p=0.0070, 95% confidence interval 1.91 - 59.62). The area under the curve is 0.7544. Changes in ddPCR correlated with disease response captured on standard of care tests, accurately denoting positive or negative disease burden in 15/16 (95%). Of patients with MRD+ or relapsed leukemia after HCT, 84% were positive for at least one TAA/ABL1 in the peripheral blood. In summary, we have developed a new method for blood MRD monitoring of leukemia after HCT and present preliminary data that the TAA/ABL1 ratio may may serve as a novel surrogate biomarker for relapse of acute leukemia after HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Stanojevic
- Department of Pediatrics, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - M. Grant
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - S. K. Vesely
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK, United States
| | - S. Knoblach
- Children’s Research Institute, Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, United States
| | - C. G. Kanakry
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunotherapy Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - J. Nazarian
- Children’s Research Institute, Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, United States,Department of Oncology, Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - E. Panditharatna
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - K. Panchapakesan
- Children’s Research Institute, Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, United States
| | - R. E. Gress
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunotherapy Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - J. Holter-Chakrabarty
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK, United States
| | - Kirsten M. Williams
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States,*Correspondence: Kirsten M. Williams,
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Lv M, Liu Y, Liu W, Xing Y, Zhang S. Immunotherapy for Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921894. [PMID: 35769486 PMCID: PMC9234114 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common subtype of childhood leukemia, which is characterized by the abnormal proliferation and accumulation of immature lymphoid cell in the bone marrow. Although the long-term survival rate for pediatric ALL has made significant progress over years with the development of contemporary therapeutic regimens, patients are still suffered from relapse, leading to an unsatisfactory outcome. Since the immune system played an important role in the progression and relapse of ALL, immunotherapy including bispecific T-cell engagers and chimeric antigen receptor T cells has been demonstrated to be capable of enhancing the immune response in pediatric patients with refractory or relapsed B-cell ALL, and improving the cure rate of the disease and patients’ quality of life, thus receiving the authorization for market. Nevertheless, the resistance and toxicities associated with the current immunotherapy remains a huge challenge. Novel therapeutic options to overcome the above disadvantages should be further explored. In this review, we will thoroughly discuss the emerging immunotherapeutics for the treatment of pediatric ALL, as well as side-effects and new development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yabing Xing
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yabing Xing, ; Shengnan Zhang,
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yabing Xing, ; Shengnan Zhang,
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4
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The generation and application of antigen-specific T cell therapies for cancer and viral-associated disease. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2130-2152. [PMID: 35149193 PMCID: PMC9171249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with antigen-specific T cells is a promising, targeted therapeutic option for patients with cancer as well as for immunocompromised patients with virus infections. In this review, we characterize and compare current manufacturing protocols for the generation of T cells specific to viral and non-viral tumor-associated antigens. Specifically, we discuss: (1) the different methodologies to expand virus-specific T cell and non-viral tumor-associated antigen-specific T cell products, (2) an overview of the immunological principles involved when developing such manufacturing protocols, and (3) proposed standardized methodologies for the generation of polyclonal, polyfunctional antigen-specific T cells irrespective of donor source. Ex vivo expanded cells have been safely administered to treat numerous patients with virus-associated malignancies, hematologic malignancies, and solid tumors. Hence, we have performed a comprehensive review of the clinical trial results evaluating the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of these products in the clinic. In summary, this review seeks to provide new insights regarding antigen-specific T cell technology to benefit a rapidly expanding T cell therapy field.
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Perna F, Espinoza-Gutarra MR, Bombaci G, Farag SS, Schwartz JE. Immune-Based Therapeutic Interventions for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancer Treat Res 2022; 183:225-254. [PMID: 35551662 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-96376-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive, clonally heterogeneous, myeloid malignancy, with a 5-year overall survival of approximately 27%. It constitutes the most common acute leukemia in adults, with an incidence of 3-5 cases per 100,000 in the United States. Despite great advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning leukemogenesis, the past several decades had seen little change to the backbone of therapy, comprised of an anthracycline-based induction regimen for those who are fit enough to receive it, followed by risk-stratified post-remission therapy with consolidation cytarabine or allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Allo-SCT is the most fundamental form of immunotherapy in which donor cytotoxic T and NK cells recognize and eradicate residual AML in the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect. Building on that, several alternative or synergistic approaches to exploit both self and foreign immunity against AML have been developed. Checkpoint inhibitors, for example, CTLA-4 inhibitors, PD-1 inhibitors, and PD-L1 inhibitors block proteins found on T cells or cancer cells that stop the immune system from attacking the cancer cells. They have been used with limited success in both the AML relapsed/refractory (R/R) and post SCT settings. AML tumor mutational burden is low compared to solid tumors and thus, it is less likely to generate neoantigens and respond to antibody-mediated checkpoint blockade that has shown unprecedented results in solid tumors. Therefore, alternative therapeutic strategies that work independently of the T cell receptor (TCR) specificity have been developed. They include bispecific antibodies, which recruit T cells through CD3 engagement, and in AML have shown an overall response rate ranging between 14 and 30% in early phase trials. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a type of treatment in which T cells are genetically engineered to produce a recombinant receptor that redirects the specificity and function of T lymphocytes. However, lack of cell surface targets exclusively expressed on AML cells including Leukemic Stem Cells (LSCs) combined with clonal heterogeneity represents the biggest challenge in developing CAR therapy for AML. Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) constitute the only FDA-approved immunotherapy to treat AML with Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin, a CD33-specific ADC used in CEBPα-mutated AML. The identification of additional cell surface targets is critical for the development of other ADC's potentially useful in the induction and maintenance regimens, given the ease at which these reagents can be generated and managed. Here, we will review those immune-based therapeutic interventions and highlight active areas of research investigations toward fulfillment of the great promise of immunotherapy to AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Perna
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
| | - Manuel R Espinoza-Gutarra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Giuseppe Bombaci
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Sherif S Farag
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Jennifer E Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
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Naik S, Vasileiou S, Tzannou I, Kuvalekar M, Watanabe A, Robertson C, Lapteva N, Tao W, Wu M, Grilley B, Carrum G, Kamble RT, Hill L, Krance RA, Martinez C, Tewari P, Omer B, Gottschalk S, Heslop HE, Brenner MK, Rooney CM, Vera JF, Leen AM, Lulla PD. Donor-derived multiple leukemia antigen-specific T-cell therapy to prevent relapse after transplant in patients with ALL. Blood 2022; 139:2706-2711. [PMID: 35134127 PMCID: PMC9053698 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is a curative option for patients with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but relapse remains a major cause of treatment failure. To prevent disease relapse, we prepared and infused donor-derived multiple leukemia antigen-specific T cells (mLSTs) targeting PRAME, WT1, and survivin, which are leukemia-associated antigens frequently expressed in B- and T-ALL. Our goal was to maximize the graft-versus-leukemia effect while minimizing the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We administered mLSTs (dose range, 0.5 × 107 to 2 × 107 cells per square meter) to 11 patients with ALL (8 pediatric, 3 adult), and observed no dose-limiting toxicity, acute GVHD or cytokine release syndrome. Six of 8 evaluable patients remained in long-term complete remission (median: 46.5 months; range, 9-51). In these individuals we detected an increased frequency of tumor-reactive T cells shortly after infusion, with activity against both targeted and nontargeted, known tumor-associated antigens, indicative of in vivo antigen spreading. By contrast, this in vivo amplification was absent in the 2 patients who experienced relapse. In summary, infusion of donor-derived mLSTs after allogeneic HSCT is feasible and safe and may contribute to disease control, as evidenced by in vivo tumor-directed T-cell expansion. Thus, this approach represents a promising strategy for preventing relapse in patients with ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Naik
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Spyridoula Vasileiou
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Ifigeneia Tzannou
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Manik Kuvalekar
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Ayumi Watanabe
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Catherine Robertson
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Natalia Lapteva
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Wang Tao
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Mengfen Wu
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Bambi Grilley
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - George Carrum
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Rammurti T Kamble
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - LaQuisa Hill
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Robert A Krance
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Caridad Martinez
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Priti Tewari
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Bilal Omer
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Helen E Heslop
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Malcom K Brenner
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Cliona M Rooney
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Juan F Vera
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Ann M Leen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Premal D Lulla
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
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7
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Kinoshita H, Cooke KR, Grant M, Stanojevic M, Cruz CR, Keller M, Fortiz MF, Hoq F, Lang H, Barrett AJ, Liang H, Tanna J, Zhang N, Shibli A, Datar A, Fulton K, Kukadiya D, Zhang A, Williams KM, Dave H, Dome JS, Jacobsohn D, Hanley PJ, Jones RJ, Bollard CM. Outcome of donor-derived TAA-T cell therapy in patients with high-risk or relapsed acute leukemia post allogeneic BMT. Blood Adv 2022; 6:2520-2534. [PMID: 35244681 PMCID: PMC9043933 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with hematologic malignancies relapsing after allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) have limited response to conventional salvage therapies, with an expected 1-year overall survival (OS) of <20%. We evaluated the safety and clinical outcomes following administration of a novel T-cell therapeutic targeting 3 tumor-associated antigens (TAA-T) in patients with acute leukemia who relapsed or were at high risk of relapse after allogeneic BMT. Lymphocytes obtained from the BMT donor were manufactured to target TAAs WT1, PRAME, and survivin, which are over-expressed and immunogenic in most hematologic malignancies. Patients received TAA-T infusions at doses of 0.5 to 4 × 107/m2. Twenty-three BMT recipients with relapsed/refractory (n = 11) and/or high-risk (n = 12) acute myeloid leukemia (n = 20) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 3) were infused posttransplant. No patient developed cytokine-release syndrome or neurotoxicity, and only 1 patient developed grade 3 graft-versus-host disease. Of the patients who relapsed post-BMT and received bridging therapy, the majority (n = 9/11) achieved complete hematologic remission before receiving TAA-T. Relapsed patients exhibited a 1-year OS of 36% and 1-year leukemia-free survival of 27.3% post-TAA-T. The poorest prognosis patients (relapsed <6 months after transplant) exhibited a 1-year OS of 42.8% postrelapse (n = 7). Median survival was not reached for high-risk patients who received preemptive TAA-T posttransplant (n = 12). Although as a phase 1 study, concomitant antileukemic therapy was allowed, TAA-T were safe and well tolerated, and sustained remissions in high-risk and relapsed patients were observed. Moreover, adoptively transferred TAA-T detected by T-cell receptor V-β sequencing persisted up to at least 1 year postinfusion. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02203903.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kinoshita
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Oncology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Kenneth R. Cooke
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Melanie Grant
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Maja Stanojevic
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - C. Russell Cruz
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program, George Washington Cancer Center, Washington, DC
| | - Michael Keller
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Maria Fernanda Fortiz
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Fahmida Hoq
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Haili Lang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - A. John Barrett
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program, George Washington Cancer Center, Washington, DC
| | - Hua Liang
- Department of Statistics, The George Washington University, Washington, DC; and
| | - Jay Tanna
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Nan Zhang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Abeer Shibli
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Anushree Datar
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Kenneth Fulton
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Divyesh Kukadiya
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Anqing Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Kirsten M. Williams
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Hema Dave
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Oncology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Jeffrey S. Dome
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Oncology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - David Jacobsohn
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Patrick J. Hanley
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Richard J. Jones
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Catherine M. Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program, George Washington Cancer Center, Washington, DC
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8
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Takata K, Chong LC, Ennishi D, Aoki T, Li MY, Thakur A, Healy S, Viganò E, Dao T, Kwon D, Duns G, Nielsen JS, Ben-Neriah S, Tse E, Hung SS, Boyle M, Mun SS, Bourne CM, Woolcock B, Telenius AH, Kishida M, Rai S, Zhang AW, Bashashati A, Saberi S, D' Antonio G, Nelson BH, Shah SP, Hoodless PA, Melnick AM, Gascoyne RD, Connors JM, Scheinberg DA, Béguelin W, Scott DW, Steidl C. Tumor associated antigen PRAME exhibits dualistic functions that are targetable in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:145343. [PMID: 35380993 PMCID: PMC9106353 DOI: 10.1172/jci145343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PRAME is a prominent member of the cancer testis antigen family of proteins, which triggers autologous T cell–mediated immune responses. Integrative genomic analysis in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) uncovered recurrent and highly focal deletions of 22q11.22, including the PRAME gene, which were associated with poor outcome. PRAME-deleted tumors showed cytotoxic T cell immune escape and were associated with cold tumor microenvironments. In addition, PRAME downmodulation was strongly associated with somatic EZH2 Y641 mutations in DLBCL. In turn, PRC2-regulated genes were repressed in isogenic PRAME-KO lymphoma cell lines, and PRAME was found to directly interact with EZH2 as a negative regulator. EZH2 inhibition with EPZ-6438 abrogated these extrinsic and intrinsic effects, leading to PRAME expression and microenvironment restoration in vivo. Our data highlight multiple functions of PRAME during lymphomagenesis and provide a preclinical rationale for synergistic therapies combining epigenetic reprogramming with PRAME-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren C Chong
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Daisuke Ennishi
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tomohiro Aoki
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael Yu Li
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Avinash Thakur
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Shannon Healy
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Elena Viganò
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Daniel Kwon
- Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gerben Duns
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Julie S Nielsen
- Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Ethan Tse
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stacy S Hung
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Merrill Boyle
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sung Soo Mun
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Christopher M Bourne
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Bruce Woolcock
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Makoto Kishida
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Shinya Rai
- Lymphoid Cancer Research, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Allen W Zhang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ali Bashashati
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Saeed Saberi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gianluca D' Antonio
- Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Brad H Nelson
- Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sohrab P Shah
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Ari M Melnick
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States of America
| | | | | | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Wendy Béguelin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States of America
| | - David W Scott
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christian Steidl
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer Research, Vancouver, Canada
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9
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Trial Watch: Adoptive TCR-Engineered T-Cell Immunotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184519. [PMID: 34572745 PMCID: PMC8469736 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer with an extremely grim prognosis. This is due to the fact that the majority of patients will relapse after frontline treatment. Overall survival of relapsed AML is very low, and treatment options are few. T lymphocytes harnessed with antitumor T-cell receptors (TCRs) can produce objective clinical responses in certain cancers, such as melanoma, but have not entered the main road for AML. In this review, we describe the current status of the field of TCR-T-cell therapies for AML. Abstract Despite the advent of novel therapies, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains associated with a grim prognosis. This is exemplified by 5-year overall survival rates not exceeding 30%. Even with frontline high-intensity chemotherapy regimens and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the majority of patients with AML will relapse. For these patients, treatment options are few, and novel therapies are urgently needed. Adoptive T-cell therapies represent an attractive therapeutic avenue due to the intrinsic ability of T lymphocytes to recognize tumor cells with high specificity and efficiency. In particular, T-cell therapies focused on introducing T-cell receptors (TCRs) against tumor antigens have achieved objective clinical responses in solid tumors such as synovial sarcoma and melanoma. However, contrary to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells with groundbreaking results in B-cell malignancies, the use of TCR-T cells for hematological malignancies is still in its infancy. In this review, we provide an overview of the status and clinical advances in adoptive TCR-T-cell therapy for the treatment of AML.
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Stanojevic M, Hont AB, Geiger A, O'Brien S, Ulrey R, Grant M, Datar A, Lee PH, Lang H, Cruz CRY, Hanley PJ, Barrett AJ, Keller MD, Bollard CM. Identification of novel HLA-restricted preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma peptides to facilitate off-the-shelf tumor-associated antigen-specific T-cell therapies. Cytotherapy 2021; 23:694-703. [PMID: 33832817 PMCID: PMC8316284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer/testis antigen that is overexpressed in many human malignancies and poorly expressed or absent in healthy tissues, making it a good target for anti-cancer immunotherapy. Development of an effective off-the-shelf adoptive T-cell therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors and hematological malignancies expressing PRAME antigen requires the identification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II PRAME antigens recognized by the tumor-associated antigen (TAA) T-cell product. The authors therefore set out to extend the repertoire of HLA-restricted PRAME peptide epitopes beyond the few already characterized. METHODS Peptide libraries of 125 overlapping 15-mer peptides spanning the entire PRAME protein sequence were used to identify HLA class I- and II-restricted epitopes. The authors also determined the HLA restriction of the identified epitopes. RESULTS PRAME-specific T-cell products were successfully generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 12 healthy donors. Ex vivo-expanded T cells were polyclonal, consisting of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which elicited anti-tumor activity in vitro. Nine MHC class I-restricted PRAME epitopes were identified (seven novel and two previously described). The authors also characterized 16 individual 15-mer peptide sequences confirmed as CD4-restricted epitopes. CONCLUSIONS TAA T cells derived from healthy donors recognize a broad range of CD4+ and CD8+ HLA-restricted PRAME epitopes, which could be used to select suitable donors for generating off-the-shelf TAA-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Stanojevic
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amy B Hont
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ashley Geiger
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Samuel O'Brien
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert Ulrey
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Melanie Grant
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anushree Datar
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ping-Hsien Lee
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Haili Lang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Conrad R Y Cruz
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patrick J Hanley
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - A John Barrett
- GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael D Keller
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
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11
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Agrawal V, Gbolahan OB, Stahl M, Zeidan AM, Zaid MA, Farag SS, Konig H. Vaccine and Cell-based Therapeutic Approaches in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 20:473-489. [PMID: 32357813 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666200502011059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, our increased understanding of the interactions between the immune system and cancer cells has led to paradigm shifts in the clinical management of solid and hematologic malignancies. The incorporation of immune-targeted strategies into the treatment landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), however, has been challenging. While this is in part due to the inability of the immune system to mount an effective tumor-specific immunogenic response against the heterogeneous nature of AML, the decreased immunogenicity of AML cells also represents a major obstacle in the effort to design effective immunotherapeutic strategies. In fact, AML cells have been shown to employ sophisticated escape mechanisms to evade elimination, such as direct immunosuppression of natural killer cells and decreased surface receptor expression leading to impaired recognition by the immune system. Yet, cellular and humoral immune reactions against tumor-associated antigens (TAA) of acute leukemia cells have been reported and the success of allogeneic stem cell transplantation and monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of AML clearly provides proof that an immunotherapeutic approach is feasible in the management of this disease. This review discusses the recent progress and persisting challenges in cellular immunotherapy for patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Olumide B Gbolahan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Maximilian Stahl
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Mohammad Abu Zaid
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Sherif S Farag
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Heiko Konig
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
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12
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Isidori A, Cerchione C, Daver N, DiNardo C, Garcia-Manero G, Konopleva M, Jabbour E, Ravandi F, Kadia T, Burguera ADLF, Romano A, Loscocco F, Visani G, Martinelli G, Kantarjian H, Curti A. Immunotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Where We Stand. Front Oncol 2021; 11:656218. [PMID: 34041025 PMCID: PMC8143531 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.656218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, our improved knowledge of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) pathogenesis has led to the accelerated discovery of new drugs and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. The role of the immune system in AML development, growth and recurrence has gained increasing interest. A better understanding of immunological escape and systemic tolerance induced by AML blasts has been achieved. The extraordinary successes of immune therapies that harness the power of T cells in solid tumors and certain hematological malignancies have provided new stimuli in this area of research. Accordingly, major efforts have been made to develop immune therapies for the treatment of AML patients. The persistence of leukemia stem cells, representing the most relevant cause of relapse, even after allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT), remains a major hurdle in the path to cure for AML patients. Several clinical trials with immune-based therapies are currently ongoing in the frontline, relapsed/refractory, post-allo-SCT and minimal residual disease/maintenance setting, with the aim to improve survival of AML patients. This review summarizes the available data with immune-based therapeutic modalities such as monoclonal antibodies (naked and conjugated), T cell engagers, adoptive T-cell therapy, adoptive-NK therapy, checkpoint blockade via PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA4, TIM3 and macrophage checkpoint blockade via the CD47/SIRPa axis, and leukemia vaccines. Combining clinical results with biological immunological findings, possibly coupled with the discovery of biomarkers predictive for response, will hopefully allow us to determine the best approaches to immunotherapy in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Hematology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Courtney DiNardo
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Elias Jabbour
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tapan Kadia
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Alessandra Romano
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia e Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche, Sezione di Ematologia, Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Visani
- Haematology and Stem Cell Transplant Center, AORMN, Pesaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Hematology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- Hematology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Antonio Curti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Pastorczak A, Domka K, Fidyt K, Poprzeczko M, Firczuk M. Mechanisms of Immune Evasion in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1536. [PMID: 33810515 PMCID: PMC8037152 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) results from a clonal expansion of abnormal lymphoid progenitors of B cell (BCP-ALL) or T cell (T-ALL) origin that invade bone marrow, peripheral blood, and extramedullary sites. Leukemic cells, apart from their oncogene-driven ability to proliferate and avoid differentiation, also change the phenotype and function of innate and adaptive immune cells, leading to escape from the immune surveillance. In this review, we provide an overview of the genetic heterogeneity and treatment of BCP- and T-ALL. We outline the interactions of leukemic cells in the bone marrow microenvironment, mainly with mesenchymal stem cells and immune cells. We describe the mechanisms by which ALL cells escape from immune recognition and elimination by the immune system. We focus on the alterations in ALL cells, such as overexpression of ligands for various inhibitory receptors, including anti-phagocytic receptors on macrophages, NK cell inhibitory receptors, as well as T cell immune checkpoints. In addition, we describe how developing leukemia shapes the bone marrow microenvironment and alters the function of immune cells. Finally, we emphasize that an immunosuppressive microenvironment can reduce the efficacy of chemo- and immunotherapy and provide examples of preclinical studies showing strategies for improving ALL treatment by targeting these immunosuppressive interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Pastorczak
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 91-738 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Domka
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.D.); (K.F.); (M.P.)
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Klaudyna Fidyt
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.D.); (K.F.); (M.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martyna Poprzeczko
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.D.); (K.F.); (M.P.)
| | - Malgorzata Firczuk
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.D.); (K.F.); (M.P.)
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14
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Cancer Vaccines: Antigen Selection Strategy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020085. [PMID: 33503926 PMCID: PMC7911511 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike traditional cancer therapies, cancer vaccines (CVs) harness a high specificity of the host’s immunity to kill tumor cells. CVs can train and bolster the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells by enhancing immune cells’ identification of antigens expressed on cancer cells. Various features of antigens like immunogenicity and avidity influence the efficacy of CVs. Therefore, the choice and application of antigens play a critical role in establishing and developing CVs. Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), a group of proteins expressed at elevated levels in tumor cells but lower levels in healthy normal cells, have been well-studied and developed in CVs. However, immunological tolerance, HLA restriction, and adverse events are major obstacles that threaten TAA-based CVs’ efficacy due to the “self-protein” characteristic of TAAs. As “abnormal proteins” that are completely absent from normal cells, tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) can trigger a robust immune response against tumor cells with high specificity and without going through central tolerance, contributing to cancer vaccine development feasibility. In this review, we focus on the unique features of TAAs and TSAs and their application in vaccines, summarizing their performance in preclinical and clinical trials.
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15
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Daver N, Alotaibi AS, Bücklein V, Subklewe M. T-cell-based immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia: current concepts and future developments. Leukemia 2021; 35:1843-1863. [PMID: 33953290 PMCID: PMC8257483 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01253-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease linked to a broad spectrum of molecular alterations, and as such, long-term disease control requires multiple therapeutic approaches. Driven largely by an improved understanding and targeting of these molecular aberrations, AML treatment has rapidly evolved over the last 3-5 years. The stellar successes of immunotherapies that harness the power of T cells to treat solid tumors and an improved understanding of the immune systems of patients with hematologic malignancies have led to major efforts to develop immunotherapies for the treatment of patients with AML. Several immunotherapies that harness T cells against AML are in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. These include bispecific and dual antigen receptor-targeting antibodies (targeted to CD33, CD123, CLL-1, and others), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, and T-cell immune checkpoint inhibitors (including those targeting PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, and newer targets such as TIM3 and STING). The current and future directions of these T-cell-based immunotherapies in the treatment landscape of AML are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naval Daver
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Ahmad S. Alotaibi
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.415310.20000 0001 2191 4301Oncology Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Veit Bücklein
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XDepartment of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XLaboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, LMU Gene Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Marion Subklewe
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XDepartment of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XLaboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, LMU Gene Center, Munich, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Hurtado López AM, Chen-Liang TH, Zurdo M, Carrillo-Tornel S, Panadero J, Salido EJ, Beltrán V, Muiña B, Amigo M, Navarro-Villamor N, Cifuentes R, Calabria I, Antón AI, Teruel R, Muro M, Vicente V, Jerez A. Cancer testis antigens in myelodysplastic syndromes revisited: a targeted RNA-seq approach. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1824642. [PMID: 33101773 PMCID: PMC7553508 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1824642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-Testis antigens (CTA) are named after the tissues where they are mainly expressed: in germinal and in cancer cells, a process that mimics many gametogenesis features. Mapping accurately the CTA gene expression signature in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a prerequisite for downstream immune target-discovery projects. In this study, we take advantage of the use of azacitidine to treat high-risk MDS and CMML to draw the CTAs landscape, before and after treatment, using an ad hoc targeted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) design for this group of low transcript genes. In 19 patients, 196 CTAs were detected at baseline. Azacitidine did not change the number of CTAs expressed, but it significantly increased or decreased expression in nine and five CTAs, respectively. TFDP3 and DDX53, emerged as the main candidates for immunotherapeutic targeting, as they showed three main features: i) a significant derepression on day +28 of cycle one in those patients who achieved complete remission with hypomethylating treatment (FC = 6, p = .008; FC = 2.1, p = .008, respectively), ii) similar dynamics at the protein level to what was observed at the RNA layer, and iii) to elicit significant specific cytotoxic immune responses detected by TFDP3 and DDX53 HLA-A*0201 tetramers. Our study addresses the unmet landscape of CTAs expression in MDS and CMML and revealed a previously unrecognized TFDP3 and DDX53 reactivation, detectable in plasma and able to elicit a specific immune response after one cycle of azacitidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Hurtado López
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Tzu Hua Chen-Liang
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Zurdo
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Salvador Carrillo-Tornel
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo José Salido
- Department of Hematology, Virgen De La Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Begoña Muiña
- Hematology Unit, Hospital Rafael Méndez, Lorca, Spain
| | - MariLuz Amigo
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Cifuentes
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inés Calabria
- Genomics Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Raúl Teruel
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen De La Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Vicente Vicente
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Andrés Jerez
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Murcia, Spain.,CB15/00055-CIBERER, Murcia, Spain
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17
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A minority of T cells recognizing tumor-associated antigens presented in self-HLA can provoke antitumor reactivity. Blood 2020; 136:455-467. [DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are monomorphic self-antigens that are proposed as targets for immunotherapeutic approaches to treat malignancies. We investigated whether T cells with sufficient avidity to recognize naturally overexpressed self-antigens in the context of self-HLA can be found in the T-cell repertoire of healthy donors. Minor histocompatibility antigen (MiHA)-specific T cells were used as a model, as the influence of thymic selection on the T-cell repertoire directed against MiHA can be studied in both self (MiHApos donors) and non-self (MiHAneg donors) backgrounds. T-cell clones directed against the HLA*02:01-restricted MiHA HA-1H were isolated from HA-1Hneg/HLA-A*02:01pos and HA-1Hpos/HLA-A*02:01pos donors. Of the 16 unique HA-1H–specific T-cell clones, five T-cell clones derived from HA-1Hneg/HLA-A*02:01pos donors and one T-cell clone derived from an HA-1Hpos/HLA-A*02:01pos donor showed reactivity against HA-1Hpos target cells. In addition, in total, 663 T-cell clones (containing at least 91 unique clones expressing different T-cell receptors) directed against HLA*02:01-restricted peptides of TAA WT1-RMF, RHAMM-ILS, proteinase-3-VLQ, PRAME-VLD, and NY-eso-1-SLL were isolated from HLA-A*02:01pos donors. Only 3 PRAME-VLD–specific and one NY-eso-1-SLL–specific T-cell clone provoked interferon-γ production and/or cytolysis upon stimulation with HLA-A*02:01pos malignant cell lines (but not primary malignant samples) naturally overexpressing the TAA. These results show that self-HLA–restricted T cells specific for self-antigens such as MiHA in MiHApos donors and TAAs are present in peripheral blood of healthy individuals. However, clinical efficacy would require highly effective in vivo priming by peptide vaccination in the presence of proper adjuvants or in vitro expansion of the low numbers of self-antigen–specific T cells of sufficient avidity to recognize endogenously processed antigen.
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Abstract
In spite of the recent approval of new promising targeted therapies, the clinical outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains suboptimal, prompting the search for additional and synergistic therapeutic rationales. It is increasingly evident that the bone marrow immune environment of AML patients is profoundly altered, contributing to the severity of the disease but also providing several windows of opportunity to prompt or rewire a proficient antitumor immune surveillance. In this Review, we present current evidence on immune defects in AML, discuss the challenges with selective targeting of AML cells, and summarize the clinical results and immunologic insights from studies that are testing the latest immunotherapy approaches to specifically target AML cells (antibodies, cellular therapies) or more broadly reactivate antileukemia immunity (vaccines, checkpoint blockade). Given the complex interactions between AML cells and the many components of their environment, it is reasonable to surmise that the future of immunotherapy in AML lies in the rational combination of complementary immunotherapeutic strategies with chemotherapeutics or other oncogenic pathway inhibitors. Identifying reliable biomarkers of response to improve patient selection and avoid toxicities will be critical in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Vago
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, and
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Ivana Gojo
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Xu Y, Zou R, Wang J, Wang ZW, Zhu X. The role of the cancer testis antigen PRAME in tumorigenesis and immunotherapy in human cancer. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12770. [PMID: 32022332 PMCID: PMC7106952 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME), which belongs to the cancer/testis antigen (CTA) gene family, plays a pivotal role in multiple cellular processes and immunotherapy response in human cancers. PRAME is highly expressed in different types of cancers and is involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and metastasis as well as the outcomes of patients with cancer. In this review article, we discuss the potential roles and physiological functions of PRAME in various types of cancers. Moreover, this review highlights immunotherapeutic strategies that target PRAME in human malignancies. Therefore, the modulation of PRAME might be useful for the treatment of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichi Xu
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruanmin Zou
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Wang
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Nyambura LW, Muñoz AA, le Coutre P, Walden P. HLA class I-restricted T cell epitopes isolated and identified from myeloid leukemia cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14029. [PMID: 31575892 PMCID: PMC6773711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia-associated antigens (LAAs) and HLA-I epitopes published previously have shown promise in inducing leukemia-specific T cell responses. However, the clinical responses are limited, and clinical effectiveness is yet to be achieved. Limitations, among others, being the LAAs themselves, the indirect approach to HLA-I epitope identification by reverse immunology, and the use of single or few LAAs and HLA-I epitopes, which limits the spectrum of inducible tumor-specific T cells. Use of a direct approach to identify naturally processed and presented HLA-I epitopes from LAAs, and higher numbers of antigens for T cell-mediated immunotherapy for leukemia may enhance clinical responses and broaden clinical effectiveness. In a prior study we used immunoaffinity purification of HLA-I peptide complexes from the differentiated myeloid tumor cell lines MUTZ3 and THP1 coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). From this we identified in the current study seven new HLA-I epitopes and the corresponding LAAs for myeloid leukemia. In comparison, the myeloid HLA-I epitopes reported here were generally stronger HLA-binders that induce stronger T cell responses than those previously published, and their source LAAs had higher immunogenicity, higher expression levels in myeloid tumors cells compared to normal hemopoietin and other major normal tissues, and more protein interaction partners, and they are targeted by CD8 T cells in CML patients. This study analyses and compares the LAAs and HLA-I epitopes based on various immunotherapeutic targets selection criteria, and highlights new targets for T cell-mediated immunotherapy for leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydon Wainaina Nyambura
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinical Research Group 'Tumor Immunology', Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10098, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alejandro Azorin Muñoz
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinical Research Group 'Tumor Immunology', Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10098, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp le Coutre
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10098, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Walden
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinical Research Group 'Tumor Immunology', Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10098, Berlin, Germany.
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21
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Dashti S, Taherian-Esfahani Z. Cellular immune responses against cancer-germline genes in cancers. Hum Antibodies 2019; 28:57-64. [PMID: 31356200 DOI: 10.3233/hab-190392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-germline genes are a class of genes that are normally expressed in testis, trophoblast and few somatic tissues but abnormally expressed in tumor tissues. Their expression signature indicates that they can induce cellular immune responses, thus being applied as targets in cancer immunotherapy. OBJECTIVES To obtain the data of cellular immune responses against cancer-germline genes in cancer. METHODS We searched PubMed/Medline with the key words cancer-germline antigen, cancer-testis antigen, CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell and cancer. RESULTS About 40 cancer-germline genes have been shown to induce T cell specific responses in cancer patients. Melanoma, lung and breast cancer are among the mostly assessed cancer types. Several epitopes have been identified which can be used in immunotherapy of cancer. CONCLUSION Cellular immune responses against cancer-germline genes are indicative of appropriateness of these genes as therapeutic targets.
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22
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Tanna JG, Ulrey R, Williams KM, Hanley PJ. Critical testing and parameters for consideration when manufacturing and evaluating tumor-associated antigen-specific T cells. Cytotherapy 2019; 21:278-288. [PMID: 30929992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The past year has seen remarkable translation of cellular and gene therapies, with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of three chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell products, multiple gene therapy products, and the initiation of countless other pivotal clinical trials. What makes these new drugs most remarkable is their path to commercialization: they have unique requirements compared with traditional pharmaceutical drugs and require different potency assays, critical quality attributes and parameters, pharmacological and toxicological data, and in vivo efficacy testing. What's more, each biologic requires its own unique set of tests and parameters. Here we describe the unique tests associated with ex vivo-expanded tumor-associated antigen T cells (TAA-T). These tests include functional assays to determine potency, specificity, and identity; tests for pathogenic contaminants, such as bacteria and fungus as well as other contaminants such as Mycoplasma and endotoxin; tests for product characterization, tests to evaluate T-cell persistence and product efficacy; and finally, recommendations for critical quality attributes and parameters associated with the expansion of TAA-Ts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay G Tanna
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research
| | - Robert Ulrey
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research
| | - Kirsten M Williams
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, and the Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation; Children's National Health System and The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patrick J Hanley
- Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, and the Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation; Children's National Health System and The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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23
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Bauer J, Nelde A, Bilich T, Walz JS. Antigen Targets for the Development of Immunotherapies in Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061397. [PMID: 30897713 PMCID: PMC6471800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapeutic approaches, including allogeneic stem cell transplantation and donor lymphocyte infusion, have significantly improved the prognosis of leukemia patients. Further efforts are now focusing on the development of immunotherapies that are able to target leukemic cells more specifically, comprising monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and dendritic cell- or peptide-based vaccination strategies. One main prerequisite for such antigen-specific approaches is the selection of suitable target structures on leukemic cells. In general, the targets for anti-cancer immunotherapies can be divided into two groups: (1) T-cell epitopes relying on the presentation of peptides via human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules and (2) surface structures, which are HLA-independently expressed on cancer cells. This review discusses the most promising tumor antigens as well as the underlying discovery and selection strategies for the development of anti-leukemia immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bauer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Annika Nelde
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Tatjana Bilich
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Juliane S Walz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Chan O, Talati C, Sweet K, Pinilla-Ibarz J. Can increased immunogenicity in chronic myeloid leukemia improve outcomes? Expert Rev Hematol 2019; 12:225-233. [PMID: 30855193 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2019.1588105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has long been thought to be the model disease for immunotherapy with its characteristic BCR-ABL fusion protein. Although targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is highly effective at inducing remission, most patients require life-long TKI to decrease the risk of relapse. In recent years, much effort has been devoted to finding ways to eliminate CML stem cells (LSCs); the source of disease persistence. Areas covered: In this review, the authors present recent immunologic findings pertinent to CML, vaccinations targeting leukemia antigens, interferon combination therapies, and other emerging strategies aimed at increasing immunogenicity and improving outcomes in patients with CML. Recent publications and abstracts found in Pubmed and hematology/oncology meetings related to these topics were identified and incorporated into this review. Expert commentary: Further understanding of the immune system and antigenic composition of LSCs has allowed for novel therapeutic development. Immunotherapies are effective at the malignant stem cell level and combining these approaches with TKI is a promising option. Despite ongoing challenges, it is increasingly recognized that a cure may be achievable through immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onyee Chan
- a Moffitt Cancer Center , University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA
| | - Chetasi Talati
- b Division of Malignant Hematology , Moffitt Cancer Center , Tampa , FL , USA
| | - Kendra Sweet
- b Division of Malignant Hematology , Moffitt Cancer Center , Tampa , FL , USA
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25
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Jin Z, Xu L, Li Y. Approaches for generation of anti-leukemia specific T cells. CELL REGENERATION 2019; 7:40-44. [PMID: 30671229 PMCID: PMC6326242 DOI: 10.1016/j.cr.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As three decades ago, it was reported that adoptive T cell immunotherapy by infusion of autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) mediated objective cancer regression in patients with metastatic melanoma. A new era of T cell immunotherapy arose since the improvement and clinical use of anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) for the treatment of refractory and relapsed B lymphocyte leukemia. However, several challenges and difficulties remain on the way to reach generic and effective T cell immunotherapy, including lacking a generic method for generating anti-leukemia-specific T cells from every patient. Here, we summarize the current methods of generating anti-leukemia-specific T cells, and the promising approaches in the future.
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Key Words
- ACT, adoptive cellular immunotherapy
- APL, promyelocytic leukemia
- Anti-leukemia T cell
- B-ALL, cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- CAR-T
- CAR-T, chimeric antigen receptor T cells
- CML, chronic myelogenous leukemia
- CR, complete remission
- CTLs, cytotoxic T cells
- DLI, donor lymphocyte infusion
- FLT3-ITD, FLT3 internal tandem duplication
- GVHD, graft-versus-host disease
- GVL, graft-versus-leukemia
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- HPCs, hematopoietic progenitor cells
- IL-2, interleukin-2
- Ig, immunoglobulin
- T cell immunotherapy
- T cell reprogramming
- TAA, tumor-associated antigen
- TCR-T
- TCR-T, TCR gene-modified T cell
- TIL, infiltrating lymphocytes
- TKI, tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- WT1, Wilm's tumor antigen 1
- allo-HSCT, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- hESC, human embryonic stem cell
- iPSCs, induced pluripotent stem cells
- iTs, induced functional T cells
- scFv, single-chain variable fragment
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyi Jin
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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Antigenic Targets for the Immunotherapy of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8020134. [PMID: 30678059 PMCID: PMC6406328 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8020134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most promising approaches to preventing relapse is the stimulation of the body’s own immune system to kill residual cancer cells after conventional therapy has destroyed the bulk of the tumour. In acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), the high frequency with which patients achieve first remission, and the diffuse nature of the disease throughout the periphery, makes immunotherapy particularly appealing following induction and consolidation therapy, using chemotherapy, and where possible stem cell transplantation. Immunotherapy could be used to remove residual disease, including leukaemic stem cells from the farthest recesses of the body, reducing, if not eliminating, the prospect of relapse. The identification of novel antigens that exist at disease presentation and can act as targets for immunotherapy have also proved useful in helping us to gain a better understand of the biology that belies AML. It appears that there is an additional function of leukaemia associated antigens as biomarkers of disease state and survival. Here, we discuss these findings.
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Maccalli C, Tasian SK, Rutella S. Targeting Leukemia Stem Cells and the Immunological Bone Marrow Microenvironment. RESISTANCE TO TARGETED ANTI-CANCER THERAPEUTICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-16624-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Matko S, Manderla J, Bonsack M, Schmitz M, Bornhauser M, Tonn T, Odendahl M. PRAME peptide-specific CD8 + T cells represent the predominant response against leukemia-associated antigens in healthy individuals. Eur J Immunol 2018; 48:1400-1411. [PMID: 29738081 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antigen-specific T cells isolated from healthy individuals (HIs) have shown great therapeutic potential upon adoptive transfer for the treatment of viremia in immunosuppressed patients. The lack of comprehensive data on the prevalence and characteristics of leukemia-associated antigen (LAA)-specific T cells in HIs still limits such an approach for tumor therapy. Therefore, we have investigated T-cell responses against prominent candidates comprising Wilms' tumor protein 1 (WT1), preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME), Survivin, NY-ESO, and p53 by screening PBMCs from HIs using intracellular IFN-γ staining following provocation with LAA peptide mixes. Here, we found predominantly poly-functional effector/effector memory CCR7- /CD45RA+/- /CD8+ LAA peptide-specific T cells with varying CD95 expression in 34 of 100 tested HIs, whereas CD4+ T cells responses were restricted to 5. Most frequent LAA peptide-specific T cell responses were directed against WT1 and PRAME peptides with a prevalence of 20 and 17%, respectively, showing the highest magnitude (0.16% ± 0.22% (mean ± SD)) for PRAME peptides. Cytotoxicity of PRAME peptide-specific T cells was demonstrated by specific killing of PRAME peptide-pulsed T2 cells. Furthermore, the proliferative capacity of PRAME peptide-specific T cells was confined to HIs responsive toward PRAME peptide challenge corroborating the accuracy of the screening results. In conclusion, we identified PRAME as a promising target antigen for adoptive leukemia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Matko
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany.,Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Manderla
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany.,Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Bonsack
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany
| | - Marc Schmitz
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) partner site Dresden; and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Bornhauser
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) partner site Dresden; and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Torsten Tonn
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany.,Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) partner site Dresden; and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Odendahl
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany.,Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
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Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the best studied malignancies, and significant progress has been made in understanding the clinical implications of its disease biology. Unfortunately, drug development has not kept pace, as the '7+3' induction regimen remains the standard of care for patients fit for intensive therapy 40 years after its first use. Temporal improvements in overall survival were mostly confined to younger patients and driven by improvements in supportive care and use of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Multiple forms of novel therapy are currently in clinical trials and are attempting to bring bench discoveries to the bedside to benefit patients. These novel therapies include improved chemotherapeutic agents, targeted molecular inhibitors, cell cycle regulators, pro-apoptotic agents, epigenetic modifiers, and metabolic therapies. Immunotherapies in the form of vaccines; naked, conjugated and bispecific monoclonal antibodies; cell-based therapy; and immune checkpoint inhibitors are also being evaluated in an effort to replicate the success seen in other malignancies. Herein, we review the scientific basis of these novel therapeutic approaches, summarize the currently available evidence, and look into the future of AML therapy by highlighting key clinical studies and the challenges the field continues to face.
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30
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Orlando D, Miele E, De Angelis B, Guercio M, Boffa I, Sinibaldi M, Po A, Caruana I, Abballe L, Carai A, Caruso S, Camera A, Moseley A, Hagedoorn RS, Heemskerk MH, Giangaspero F, Mastronuzzi A, Ferretti E, Locatelli F, Quintarelli C. Adoptive Immunotherapy Using PRAME-Specific T Cells in Medulloblastoma. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3337-3349. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-3140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Tasian SK, Bornhäuser M, Rutella S. Targeting Leukemia Stem Cells in the Bone Marrow Niche. Biomedicines 2018; 6:biomedicines6010022. [PMID: 29466292 PMCID: PMC5874679 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract: The bone marrow (BM) niche encompasses multiple cells of mesenchymal and hematopoietic origin and represents a unique microenvironment that is poised to maintain hematopoietic stem cells. In addition to its role as a primary lymphoid organ through the support of lymphoid development, the BM hosts various mature lymphoid cell types, including naïve T cells, memory T cells and plasma cells, as well as mature myeloid elements such as monocyte/macrophages and neutrophils, all of which are crucially important to control leukemia initiation and progression. The BM niche provides an attractive milieu for tumor cell colonization given its ability to provide signals which accelerate tumor cell proliferation and facilitate tumor cell survival. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) share phenotypic and functional features with normal counterparts from the tissue of origin of the tumor and can self-renew, differentiate and initiate tumor formation. CSCs possess a distinct immunological profile compared with the bulk population of tumor cells and have evolved complex strategies to suppress immune responses through multiple mechanisms, including the release of soluble factors and the over-expression of molecules implicated in cancer immune evasion. This chapter discusses the latest advancements in understanding of the immunological BM niche and highlights current and future immunotherapeutic strategies to target leukemia CSCs and overcome therapeutic resistance in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Tasian
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Martin Bornhäuser
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden 01069, Germany.
| | - Sergio Rutella
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK.
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Goswami M, Prince G, Biancotto A, Moir S, Kardava L, Santich BH, Cheung F, Kotliarov Y, Chen J, Shi R, Zhou H, Golding H, Manischewitz J, King L, Kunz LM, Noonan K, Borrello IM, Smith BD, Hourigan CS. Impaired B cell immunity in acute myeloid leukemia patients after chemotherapy. J Transl Med 2017; 15:155. [PMID: 28693586 PMCID: PMC5504716 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes in adaptive immune cells after chemotherapy in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may have implications for the success of immunotherapy. This study was designed to determine the functional capacity of the immune system in adult patients with AML who have completed chemotherapy and are potential candidates for immunotherapy. Methods We used the response to seasonal influenza vaccination as a surrogate for the robustness of the immune system in 10 AML patients in a complete remission post-chemotherapy and performed genetic, phenotypic, and functional characterization of adaptive immune cell subsets. Results Only 2 patients generated protective titers in response to vaccination, and a majority of patients had abnormal frequencies of transitional and memory B-cells. B-cell receptor sequencing showed a B-cell repertoire with little evidence of somatic hypermutation in most patients. Conversely, frequencies of T-cell populations were similar to those seen in healthy controls, and cytotoxic T-cells demonstrated antigen-specific activity after vaccination. Effector T-cells had increased PD-1 expression in AML patients least removed from chemotherapy. Conclusion Our results suggest that while some aspects of cellular immunity recover quickly, humoral immunity is incompletely reconstituted in the year following intensive cytotoxic chemotherapy for AML. The observed B-cell abnormalities may explain the poor response to vaccination often seen in AML patients after chemotherapy. Furthermore, the uncoupled recovery of B-cell and T-cell immunity and increased PD-1 expression shortly after chemotherapy might have implications for the success of several modalities of immunotherapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-017-1252-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Goswami
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive Room 10CRC 5-5216, Bethesda, MD, 20814-1476, USA.
| | | | - Angelique Biancotto
- Center for Human Immunology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Susan Moir
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lela Kardava
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brian H Santich
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Foo Cheung
- Center for Human Immunology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yuri Kotliarov
- Center for Human Immunology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jinguo Chen
- Center for Human Immunology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rongye Shi
- Center for Human Immunology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Huizhi Zhou
- Center for Human Immunology, Autoimmunity and Inflammation, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hana Golding
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Jody Manischewitz
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Lisa King
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Lauren M Kunz
- Office of Biostatistics Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive Room 10CRC 5-5216, Bethesda, MD, 20814-1476, USA
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33
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Chang AY, Dao T, Gejman RS, Jarvis CA, Scott A, Dubrovsky L, Mathias MD, Korontsvit T, Zakhaleva V, Curcio M, Hendrickson RC, Liu C, Scheinberg DA. A therapeutic T cell receptor mimic antibody targets tumor-associated PRAME peptide/HLA-I antigens. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:2705-2718. [PMID: 28628042 PMCID: PMC5490756 DOI: 10.1172/jci92335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer-testis antigen that is expressed in many cancers and leukemias. In healthy tissue, PRAME expression is limited to the testes and ovaries, making it a highly attractive cancer target. PRAME is an intracellular protein that cannot currently be drugged. After proteasomal processing, the PRAME300-309 peptide ALYVDSLFFL (ALY) is presented in the context of human leukocyte antigen HLA-A*02:01 molecules for recognition by the T cell receptor (TCR) of cytotoxic T cells. Here, we have described Pr20, a TCR mimic (TCRm) human IgG1 antibody that recognizes the cell-surface ALY peptide/HLA-A2 complex. Pr20 is an immunological tool and potential therapeutic agent. Pr20 bound to PRAME+HLA-A2+ cancers. An afucosylated Fc form (Pr20M) directed antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against PRAME+HLA-A2+ leukemia cells and was therapeutically effective against mouse xenograft models of human leukemia. In some tumors, Pr20 binding markedly increased upon IFN-γ treatment, mediated by induction of the immunoproteasome catalytic subunit β5i. The immunoproteasome reduced internal destructive cleavages within the ALY epitope compared with the constitutive proteasome. The data provide rationale for developing TCRm antibodies as therapeutic agents for cancer, offer mechanistic insight on proteasomal regulation of tumor-associated peptide/HLA antigen complexes, and yield possible therapeutic solutions to target antigens with ultra-low surface presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Y. Chang
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
- Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology Program
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Ron S. Gejman
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
- Pharmacology Program, and
| | - Casey A. Jarvis
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Scott
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Leonid Dubrovsky
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Melissa D. Mathias
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Tatyana Korontsvit
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Victoriya Zakhaleva
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael Curcio
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Ronald C. Hendrickson
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
- Pharmacology Program, and
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Dickinson AM, Norden J, Li S, Hromadnikova I, Schmid C, Schmetzer H, Jochem-Kolb H. Graft-versus-Leukemia Effect Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Leukemia. Front Immunol 2017. [PMID: 28638379 PMCID: PMC5461268 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) lies with the ability of the engrafting immune system to remove residual leukemia cells via a graft-versus-leukemia effect (GvL), caused either spontaneously post-HSCT or via donor lymphocyte infusion. GvL effects can also be initiated by allogenic mismatched natural killer cells, antigen-specific T cells, and activated dendritic cells of leukemic origin. The history and further application of this GvL effect and the main mechanisms will be discussed and reviewed in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Dickinson
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jean Norden
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Shuang Li
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ilona Hromadnikova
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Christoph Schmid
- Department for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Augsburg, Munich, Germany
| | - Helga Schmetzer
- Department for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Internal Medicine III, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Jochem-Kolb
- Department of Hematology-Oncology Immunology Infectious Diseases, Klinikum München-Schwabing, Munich, Germany
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Hughes A, Yong ASM. Immune Effector Recovery in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Treatment-Free Remission. Front Immunol 2017; 8:469. [PMID: 28484463 PMCID: PMC5402174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological cancer, characterized by a reciprocal chromosomal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 [t(9;22)], producing the Bcr-Abl oncogene. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represent the standard of care for CML patients and exert a dual mode of action: direct oncokinase inhibition and restoration of effector-mediated immune surveillance, which is rendered dysfunctional in CML patients at diagnosis, prior to TKI therapy. TKIs such as imatinib, and more potent second-generation nilotinib and dasatinib induce a high rate of deep molecular response (DMR, BCR-ABL1 ≤ 0.01%) in CML patients. As a result, the more recent goal of therapy in CML treatment is to induce a durable DMR as a prelude to successful treatment-free remission (TFR), which occurs in approximately half of all CML patients who cease TKI therapy. The lack of overt relapse in such patients has been attributed to immunological control of CML. In this review, we discuss an immunological timeline to successful TFR, focusing on the immunology of CML during TKI treatment; an initial period of immune suppression, limiting antitumor immune effector responses in newly diagnosed CML patients, linked to an expansion of immature myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells and aberrant expression of immune checkpoint signaling pathways, including programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1. Commencement of TKI treatment is associated with immune system re-activation and restoration of effector-mediated [natural killer (NK) cell and T cell] immune surveillance in CML patients, albeit with differing frequencies in concert with differing levels of molecular response achieved on TKI. DMR is associated with maximal restoration of immune recovery in CML patients on TKI. Current data suggest a net balance between both the effector and suppressor arms of the immune system, at a minimum involving mature, cytotoxic CD56dim NK cells may be important in mediating TFR success. However, a major goal remains in CML to identify the most effective pathways to target to maximize an advantageous immune response and promote TFR success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hughes
- Department of Haematology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Cancer Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Agnes S M Yong
- Department of Haematology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Cancer Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Kolb HJ. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy. HLA 2017; 89:267-277. [DOI: 10.1111/tan.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H.-J. Kolb
- Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen; Muenchen Germany
- Ludwig Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen; Muenchen Germany
- Klinikum Muenchen Schwabing Muenchen; Muenchen Germany
- Department PediatricsTechnische Unoiversitaet Muenchen; Muenchen Germany
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CML patients with deep molecular responses to TKI have restored immune effectors and decreased PD-1 and immune suppressors. Blood 2017; 129:1166-1176. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-10-745992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Points
Increased immune suppressors and PD-1 abrogates effector responses in CML patients at diagnosis. Enhanced net effector immune responses and decreased PD-1 and immune suppressors may promote sustained deep molecular response in CML.
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A subset of virus-specific CD161 + T cells selectively express the multidrug transporter MDR1 and are resistant to chemotherapy in AML. Blood 2016; 129:740-758. [PMID: 27821506 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-05-713347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment of long-lived pathogen-specific T cells is a fundamental property of the adaptive immune response. However, the mechanisms underlying long-term persistence of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells are not well-defined. Here we identify a subset of memory CD4+ T cells capable of effluxing cellular toxins, including rhodamine (Rho), through the multidrug efflux protein MDR1 (also known as P-glycoprotein and ABCB1). Drug-effluxing CD4+ T cells were characterized as CD161+CD95+CD45RA-CD127hiCD28+CD25int cells with a distinct chemokine profile and a Th1-polarized pro-inflammatory phenotype. CD4+CD161+Rho-effluxing T cells proliferated vigorously in response to stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 beads and gave rise to CD161- progeny in vitro. These cells were also capable of self-renewal and maintained their phenotypic and functional characteristics when cultured with homeostatic cytokines. Multidrug-effluxing CD4+CD161+ T cells were enriched within the viral-specific Th1 repertoire of healthy donors and patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and survived exposure to daunorubicin chemotherapy in vitro. Multidrug-effluxing CD4+CD161+ T cells also resisted chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity in vivo and underwent significant expansion in AML patients rendered lymphopenic after chemotherapy, contributing to the repopulation of anti-CMV immunity. Finally, after influenza vaccination, the proportion of influenza-specific CD4+ T cells coexpressing CD161 was significantly higher after 2 years compared with 4 weeks after immunization, suggesting CD161 is a marker for long-lived antigen-specific memory T cells. These findings suggest that CD4+CD161+ T cells with rapid efflux capacity contribute to the maintenance of viral-specific memory T cells. These data provide novel insights into mechanisms that preserve antiviral immunity in patients undergoing chemotherapy and have implications for the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Safety and Immunogenicity of the PRAME Cancer Immunotherapeutic in Patients with Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Phase I Dose Escalation Study. J Thorac Oncol 2016; 11:2208-2217. [PMID: 27544054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2016.08.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy is standard treatment for surgically resected stage II to IIIA NSCLC, but the relapse rate is high. The preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma (PRAME) tumor antigen is expressed in two-thirds of NSCLC and offers an attractive target for antigen-specific immunization. A phase I dose escalation study assessed the safety and immunogenicity of a PRAME immunotherapeutic consisting of recombinant PRAME plus proprietary immunostimulant AS15 in patients with surgically resected NSCLC (NCT01159964). METHODS Patients with PRAME-positive resected stage IB to IIIA NSCLC were enrolled in three consecutive cohorts to receive up to 13 injections of PRAME immunotherapeutic (recombinant PRAME protein dose of 20 μg, 100 μg, or 500 μg, with a fixed dose of AS15). Adverse events, predefined dose-limiting toxicity, and the anti-PRAME humoral response (measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were coprimary end points. Anti-PRAME cellular responses were assessed. RESULTS A total of 60 patients were treated (18 received 20 μg of PRAME, 18 received 100 μg of PRAME, and 24 received 500 μg of PRAME). No dose-limiting toxicity was reported. Adverse events considered by the investigator to be causally related to treatment were grade 1 or 2, and most were injection site reactions or fever. All patients had detectable anti-PRAME antibodies after four immunizations. The percentages of patients with PRAME-specific CD4-positive T cells were higher at the dose of 500 μg compared with lower doses. No predefined CD8-positive T-cell responses were detected. CONCLUSION The PRAME immunotherapeutic had an acceptable safety profile. All patients had anti-PRAME humoral responses that were not dose related, and 80% of those treated at the highest dose showed a cellular immune response. The dose of 500 μg was selected. However, further development was stopped after negative results with a similar immunotherapeutic in patients with NSCLC.
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Gutzmer R, Rivoltini L, Levchenko E, Testori A, Utikal J, Ascierto PA, Demidov L, Grob JJ, Ridolfi R, Schadendorf D, Queirolo P, Santoro A, Loquai C, Dreno B, Hauschild A, Schultz E, Lesimple TP, Vanhoutte N, Salaun B, Gillet M, Jarnjak S, De Sousa Alves PM, Louahed J, Brichard VG, Lehmann FF. Safety and immunogenicity of the PRAME cancer immunotherapeutic in metastatic melanoma: results of a phase I dose escalation study. ESMO Open 2016; 1:e000068. [PMID: 27843625 PMCID: PMC5070281 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2016-000068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The PRAME tumour antigen is expressed in several tumour types but in few normal adult tissues. A dose-escalation phase I/II study (NCT01149343) assessed the safety, immunogenicity and clinical activity of the PRAME immunotherapeutic (recombinant PRAME protein (recPRAME) with the AS15 immunostimulant) in patients with advanced melanoma. Here, we report the phase I dose-escalation study segment. Patients and methods Patients with stage IV PRAME-positive melanoma were enrolled to 3 consecutive cohorts to receive up to 24 intramuscular injections of the PRAME immunotherapeutic. The RecPRAME dose was 20, 100 or 500 µg in cohorts 1, 2 and 3, respectively, with a fixed dose of AS15. Adverse events (AEs), including predefined dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and the anti-PRAME humoral response (ELISA), were coprimary end points. Cellular immune responses were evaluated using in vitro assays. Results 66 patients were treated (20, 24 and 22 in the respective cohorts). AEs considered by the investigator to be causally related were mostly grade 1 or 2 injection site symptoms, fatigue, chills, fever and headache. Two DLTs (grade 3 brain oedema and proteinuria) were recorded in two patients in two cohorts (cohorts 2 and 3). All patients had detectable anti-PRAME antibodies after four immunisations. Percentages of patients with predefined PRAME-specific-CD4+T-cell responses after four immunisations were similar in each cohort. No CD8+ T-cell responses were detected. Conclusions The PRAME immunotherapeutic had an acceptable safety profile and induced similar anti-PRAME-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in all cohorts. As per protocol, the phase II study segment was initiated to further evaluate the 500 µg PRAME immunotherapeutic dose. Trial registration number NCT01149343, Results.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gutzmer
- Skin Cancer Center Hannover , Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - L Rivoltini
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors , Fondazione RCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori , Milan , Italy
| | - E Levchenko
- Petrov Research Institute of Oncology , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - A Testori
- Istituto Europeo Di Oncologia , Milano , Italy
| | - J Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - P A Ascierto
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapies Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Pascale , Naples , Italy
| | - L Demidov
- Cancer Research Center , Moscow , Russia
| | - J J Grob
- Aix Marseille University Hôpital de la Timone, Service de Dermatologie , Marseille , France
| | - R Ridolfi
- Immunotherapy Unit , Romagna Cancer Institute IRST- IRCCS , Meldola , Italy
| | - D Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Essen , Essen , Germany
| | - P Queirolo
- Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro Oncologia Medica , Genova , Italy
| | - A Santoro
- Humanitas Cancer Center, Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS , Rozzano , Italy
| | - C Loquai
- Department of Dermatology , University of Mainz , Mainz , Germany
| | - B Dreno
- Dermatology Clinic , Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, CHU Nantes , Nantes , France
| | - A Hauschild
- Department of Dermatology , Skin Cancer Center, Schleswig-Holstein University Hospital , Kiel , Germany
| | - E Schultz
- Department of Dermatology , Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum Nuremberg , Nuremberg , Germany
| | - T P Lesimple
- Département d'Oncologie Médicale , Centre Eugène Marquis , Rennes , France
| | | | - B Salaun
- GSK Vaccines , Rixensart , Belgium
| | - M Gillet
- GSK Vaccines , Rixensart , Belgium
| | | | - P M De Sousa Alves
- GSK Vaccines, Rixensart, Belgium; Celyad, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Rixensart, Belgium
| | | | - V G Brichard
- GSK Vaccines, Rixensart, Belgium; Vianova-Biosciences, Lasne, Belgium
| | - F F Lehmann
- GSK Vaccines, Rixensart, Belgium; Celyad, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Rixensart, Belgium
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Merlo A, Dalla Santa S, Dolcetti R, Zanovello P, Rosato A. Reverse immunoediting: When immunity is edited by antigen. Immunol Lett 2016; 175:16-20. [PMID: 27131431 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Immune selective pressure occurring during cancer immunoediting shapes tumor features revealed at clinical presentation. However, in the "Escape" phase, the tumor itself has the chance to influence the immunological response. Therefore, the capacity of the immune response to sculpt the tumor characteristics is only one side of the coin and even the opposite is likely true, i.e. that an antigen can shape the immune response in a sort of "reverse immunoediting". This reciprocal modeling probably occurs continuously, whenever the immune system encounters a tumor/foreign antigen, and can be operative in the pathogen/immune system interplay, thus possibly permeating the protective immunity as a whole. In line with this view, the characterization of a T cell response as well as the design of both active and passive immunotherapy strategies should also take into account all Ag features (type, load and presentation). Overall, we suggest that the "reverse immunoediting" hypothesis could help to dissect the complex interplay between antigens and the immune repertoire, and to improve the outcome of immunotherapeutic approaches, where T cell responses are manipulated and reprogrammed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Merlo
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata, 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Dalla Santa
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Via Gattamelata, 64, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- CRO-IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Via F. Gallini, 2, 33081 Aviano, PN, Italy; University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Paola Zanovello
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata, 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Via Gattamelata, 64, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata, 64, 35128 Padua, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Via Gattamelata, 64, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy.
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Hofmann S, Mead A, Malinovskis A, Hardwick NR, Guinn BA. Analogue peptides for the immunotherapy of human acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:1357-67. [PMID: 26438084 PMCID: PMC11029593 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The use of peptide vaccines, enhanced by adjuvants, has shown some efficacy in clinical trials. However, responses are often short-lived and rarely induce notable memory responses. The reason is that self-antigens have already been presented to the immune system as the tumor develops, leading to tolerance or some degree of host tumor cell destruction. To try to break tolerance against self-antigens, one of the methods employed has been to modify peptides at the anchor residues to enhance their ability to bind major histocompatibility complex molecules, extending their exposure to the T-cell receptor. These modified or analogue peptides have been investigated as stimulators of the immune system in patients with different cancers with variable but sometimes notable success. In this review we describe the background and recent developments in the use of analogue peptides for the immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia describing knowledge useful for the application of analogue peptide treatments for other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Hofmann
- Third Clinic for Internal Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrew Mead
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton, LU1 3JU, UK
| | - Aleksandrs Malinovskis
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton, LU1 3JU, UK
| | - Nicola R Hardwick
- Division of Translational Vaccine Research, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Department of Haematological Medicine, Guy's, King's & St. Thomas' School of Medicine, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, 123 Coldharbour Lane, London, UK
| | - Barbara-Ann Guinn
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton, LU1 3JU, UK.
- Department of Haematological Medicine, Guy's, King's & St. Thomas' School of Medicine, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, 123 Coldharbour Lane, London, UK.
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Southampton University Hospitals Trust, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Gérard C, Baudson N, Ory T, Segal L, Louahed J. A Comprehensive Preclinical Model Evaluating the Recombinant PRAME Antigen Combined With the AS15 Immunostimulant to Fight Against PRAME-expressing Tumors. J Immunother 2015; 38:311-20. [PMID: 26325375 PMCID: PMC4661047 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The PRAME tumor antigen is a potential target for immunotherapy. We assessed the immunogenicity, the antitumor activity, and the safety and the tolerability of a recombinant PRAME protein (recPRAME) combined with the AS15 immunostimulant (recPRAME+ AS15) in preclinical studies in mice and Cynomolgus monkeys. Four groups of 12 CB6F1 mice received 4 injections of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), recPRAME, AS15, or recPRAME+AS15. Immunized mice were injected with tumor cells expressing PRAME (CT26-PRAME) 2 weeks or 2 months after the last injection. The mean tumor surface was measured twice a week. Two groups of 10 monkeys received 7 injections of saline or recPRAME+ AS15. T-cell responses were measured by flow cytometry using intracellular cytokine staining (ICS). In CB6F1 mice, repeated injections of recPRAME+ AS15 induced high PRAME-specific antibody titers and mostly CD4+ T cells producing cytokines. This immune response was long-lasting in these animals and was associated with protection against a challenge with PRAME-expressing tumor cells (CT26-PRAME) applied either 2 weeks or 2 months after the last injection; these data indicate the induction of an immune memory. In HLA-A02.01/HLA-DR1 transgenic mice, recPRAME+ AS15 induced both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses, indicating that this antigen can be processed by the human leukocyte antigen and is potentially immunogenic in humans. In addition, a repeated-dose toxicity study in monkeys showed that 7 biweekly injections of recPRAME+ AS15 were well tolerated, and induced PRAME-specific antibodies and T cells. In conclusion, these preclinical data indicate that repeated injections of the PRAME cancer immunotherapeutic are immunogenic and have an acceptable safety profile.
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Finashutina YP, Misyurin AV, Akhlynina TV, Lyzhko NA, Krutov AA, Aksenova EV, Misyurin VA, Baryshnikov AY. PRODUCTION OF PURIFIED HUMAN RECOMBINANT ANTIGEN PRAME AND SPECIFIC MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.17650/1726-9784-2015-14-3-29-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor antigens recognized by CTLs have been identified several years ago and are major targets for creating anticancer vaccines. PRAME is an antigen which is highly expressed in various malignant tumors including melanomas and hematopoietic malignancies such as acute and chronic leukemias (AML, CML). Technology for producing recombinant antigen PRAME is based on creating a bacterial producer strain containing cDNA of human PRAME gene. We have obtained two producers of recombinant PRAME protein and its N-half, the synthesis of the target protein in the producers occurs in the inclusion bodies. The schemes of isolation and purification of soluble proteins have been developed. The protein purity was approximately 95-96%. The monoclonal antibodies raised against truncated recombinant PRAME were used for PRAME protein analysis by Western blot on the various tumor cells. Specific monoclonal antibodies recognized the native PRAME protein in tumor cell lines as well as in tumor samples from patients. Our findings support the suggestion that this recombinant antigen may be further used as a target for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The monoclonal antibodies can be used for immunoassays of tumor samples from patients with hematologic malignancies to reveal clinical features and to monitor tumor progression.
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Abstract
The introduction of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in 1998 transformed the management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), leading to significantly reduced mortality and improved 5 year survival rates. However, the CML community is faced with several clinical issues that need to be addressed. Ten to 15% of CML patients are diagnosed in advanced phase, and small numbers of chronic phase (CP) cases experience disease progression each year during treatment. For these patients, TKIs induce only transient responses and alternative treatment strategies are urgently required. Depending on choice of first line TKI, approximately 30% of CML CP cases show suboptimal responses, due to a combination of poor compliance, drug intolerance, and drug resistance, with approximately 50% of TKI-resistance caused by kinase domain mutations and the remainder due to unknown mechanisms. Finally, the chance of successful treatment discontinuation is on the order of only 10-20% related to disease persistence. Disease persistence is a poorly understood phenomenon; all CML patients have functional Philadelphia positive (Ph+) stem and progenitor cells in their bone marrows and continue to express BCR-ABL1 by DNA PCR, even when in very deep remission and following treatment discontinuation. What controls the maintenance of these persisting cells, whether it is necessary to fully eradicate the malignant clone to achieve cure, and how that might be approached therapeutically are open questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa L Holyoake
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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46
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Leukemic progenitor cells are susceptible to targeting by stimulated cytotoxic T cells against immunogenic leukemia-associated antigens. Int J Cancer 2015; 137:2083-92. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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47
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Zilberberg J, Feinman R, Korngold R. Strategies for the identification of T cell-recognized tumor antigens in hematological malignancies for improved graft-versus-tumor responses after allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2014; 21:1000-7. [PMID: 25459643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) is an effective immunotherapeutic treatment that can provide partial or complete remission for patients with hematological malignancies. Mature donor T cells in the donor inoculum play a central role in mediating graft-versus-tumor (GVT) responses by destroying residual tumor cells that persist after conditioning regimens. Alloreactivity towards minor histocompatibility antigens (miHA), which are varied tissue-related self-peptides presented in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on recipient cells, some of which may be shared on tumor cells, is a dominant factor for the development of GVT. Potentially, GVT can also be directed to tumor-associated antigens or tumor-specific antigens that are more specific to the tumor cells themselves. The full exploitation of allo-BMT, however, is greatly limited by the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which is mediated by the donor T cell response against the miHA expressed in the recipient's cells of the intestine, skin, and liver. Because of the significance of GVT and GVHD responses in determining the clinical outcome of patients, miHA and tumor antigens have been intensively studied, and one active immunotherapeutic approach to separate these two responses has been cancer vaccination after allo-BMT. The combination of these two strategies has an advantage over vaccination of the patient without allo-BMT because his or her immune system has already been exposed and rendered unresponsive to the tumor antigens. The conditioning for allo-BMT eliminates the patient's existing immune system, including regulatory elements, and provides a more permissive environment for the newly developing donor immune compartment to selectively target the malignant cells. Utilizing recent technological advances, the identities of many human miHA and tumor antigenic peptides have been defined and are currently being evaluated in clinical and basic immunological studies for their ability to produce effective T cell responses. The first step towards this goal is the identification of targetable tumor antigens. In this review, we will highlight some of the technologies currently used to identify tumor antigens and anti-tumor T cell clones in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Zilberberg
- Research Department and John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey.
| | - Rena Feinman
- Research Department and John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
| | - Robert Korngold
- Research Department and John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
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48
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Boost and loss of immune responses against tumor-associated antigens in the course of pregnancy as a model for allogeneic immunotherapy. Blood 2014; 125:261-72. [PMID: 25395422 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-09-601302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Donor-derived immunity against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) may exert selective antileukemic activity reprieving the allogeneic recipient from graft-versus-host disease. As TAAs are highly expressed in placental tissues we hypothesized that pregnancy could drive respective immunity in healthy individuals. Thus, we investigated the frequency and level of immune responses against clinically relevant TAAs in 114 blood donors and 44 women during their first pregnancy. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect low levels of interferon-γ after primary peptide stimulation of CD8(+) T lymphocytes. In blood donors, primary immune responses of low and/or high avidity were found against WT1 (15%), MUC1 (14%), PRAME (7%), and HER2/neu (5%) and exerted killing functions against leukemic cells. Men had higher responses than women, likely due to gonadal cancer-testis-antigen expression. Interestingly, a history of prior delivery was not associated with increased responses, whereas the strongest responses during pregnancy were found in early trimesters to disappear after delivery. This boost and loss of TAA-specific immunity suggests that virtually every donor harbors the potential to mount antileukemic immune responses in a recipient. However, in the absence of the driving target and a permissive environment, they are short-lived and thus require supplemental strategies such as vaccination or immunomodulation to facilitate their persistence.
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49
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Subklewe M, Geiger C, Lichtenegger FS, Javorovic M, Kvalheim G, Schendel DJ, Bigalke I. New generation dendritic cell vaccine for immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:1093-103. [PMID: 25186611 PMCID: PMC11028838 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1600-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy is a promising strategy for the elimination of minimal residual disease in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Particularly, patients with a high risk of relapse who are not eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation could benefit from such a therapeutic approach. Here, we review our extensive studies on the development of a protocol for the generation of DCs with improved immunogenicity and optimized for the use in cell-based immunotherapy. This new generation DC vaccine combines the production of DCs in only 3 days with Toll-like receptor-signaling-induced cell maturation. These mature DCs are then loaded with RNA encoding the leukemia-associated antigens Wilm's tumor protein 1 and preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma in order to stimulate an AML-specific T-cell-based immune response. In vitro as well as in vivo studies demonstrated the enhanced capacity of these improved DCs for the induction of tumor-specific immune responses. Finally, a proof-of-concept Phase I/II clinical trial is discussed for post-remission AML patients with high risk for disease relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Subklewe
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christiane Geiger
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Trianta Immunotherapies GmbH, A subsidiary of Medigene AG, Lochhamer Str. 11, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Felix S. Lichtenegger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Miran Javorovic
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Gunnar Kvalheim
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dolores J. Schendel
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Trianta Immunotherapies GmbH, A subsidiary of Medigene AG, Lochhamer Str. 11, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Iris Bigalke
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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50
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Altvater B, Kailayangiri S, Theimann N, Ahlmann M, Farwick N, Chen C, Pscherer S, Neumann I, Mrachatz G, Hansmeier A, Hardes J, Gosheger G, Juergens H, Rossig C. Common Ewing sarcoma-associated antigens fail to induce natural T cell responses in both patients and healthy individuals. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:1047-60. [PMID: 24973179 PMCID: PMC11028878 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1574-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Disseminated or relapsed Ewing sarcoma (EwS) has remained fatal in the majority of patients. A promising approach to preventing relapse after conventional therapy is to establish tumor antigen-specific immune control. Efficient and specific T cell memory against the tumor depends on the expansion of rare T cells with native specificity against target antigens overexpressed by the tumor. Candidate antigens in EwS include six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate-1 (STEAP1), and the human cancer/testis antigens X-antigen family member 1 (XAGE1) and preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME). Here, we screened normal donors and EwS patients for the presence of circulating T cells reactive with overlapping peptide libraries of these antigens by IFN-γ Elispot analysis. The majority of 22 healthy donors lacked detectable memory T cell responses against STEAP1, XAGE1 and PRAME. Moreover, ex vivo detection of T cells specific for these antigens in both blood and bone marrow were limited to a minority of EwS patients and required nonspecific T cell prestimulation. Cytotoxic T cells specific for the tumor-associated antigens were efficiently and reliably generated by in vitro priming using professional antigen-presenting cells and optimized cytokine stimulation; however, these T cells failed to interact with native antigen processed by target cells and with EwS cells expressing the antigen. We conclude that EwS-associated antigens fail to induce efficient T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated antitumor immune responses even under optimized conditions. Strategies based on TCR engineering could provide a more effective means to manipulating T cell immunity toward targeted elimination of tumor cells.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Antigen-Presenting Cells/drug effects
- Antigen-Presenting Cells/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/pharmacology
- Bone Marrow Cells/drug effects
- Bone Marrow Cells/immunology
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Female
- Humans
- K562 Cells
- Male
- Oxidoreductases/biosynthesis
- Oxidoreductases/immunology
- Oxidoreductases/pharmacology
- Sarcoma, Ewing/blood
- Sarcoma, Ewing/immunology
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Altvater
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sareetha Kailayangiri
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nadine Theimann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Martina Ahlmann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nicole Farwick
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Christiane Chen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sibylle Pscherer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ilka Neumann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Gabriele Mrachatz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Anna Hansmeier
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jendrik Hardes
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Georg Gosheger
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Heribert Juergens
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Rossig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003 – CiM), University of Muenster, Münster, Germany
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