1
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Cirillo A, Zizzari IG, Botticelli A, Strigari L, Rahimi H, Scagnoli S, Scirocchi F, Pernazza A, Pace A, Cerbelli B, d'Amati G, Marchetti P, Nuti M, Rughetti A, Napoletano C. Circulating CD137 + T Cell Levels Are Correlated with Response to Pembrolizumab Treatment in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087114. [PMID: 37108276 PMCID: PMC10138766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, has been approved as first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma ((R/M) HNSCC). However, only a minority of patients benefit from immunotherapy, which highlights the need to identify novel biomarkers to optimize treatment strategies. CD137+ T cells have been identified as tumour-specific T cells correlated with immunotherapy responses in several solid tumours. In this study, we investigated the role of circulating CD137+ T cells in (R/M) HNSCC patients undergoing pembrolizumab treatment. PBMCs obtained from 40 (R/M) HNSCC patients with a PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 were analysed at baseline via cytofluorimetry for the expression of CD137, and it was found that the percentage of CD3+CD137+ cells is correlated with the clinical benefit rate (CBR), PFS, and OS. The results show that levels of circulating CD137+ T cells are significantly higher in responder patients than in non-responders (p = 0.03). Moreover, patients with CD3+CD137+ percentage ≥1.65% had prolonged OS (p = 0.02) and PFS (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis, on a combination of biological and clinical parameters, showed that high levels of CD3+CD137+ cells (≥1.65%) and performance status (PS) = 0 are independent prognostic factors of PFS (CD137+ T cells, p = 0.007; PS, p = 0.002) and OS (CD137+ T cells, p = 0.006; PS, p = 0.001). Our results suggest that levels of circulating CD137+ T cells could serve as biomarkers for predicting the response of (R/M) HNSCC patients to pembrolizumab treatment, thus contributing to the success of anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Cirillo
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Grazia Zizzari
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Botticelli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lidia Strigari
- Medical Physics Unit, "Sant'Orsola-Malpighi" Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Hassan Rahimi
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Scagnoli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Scirocchi
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelina Pernazza
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelica Pace
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruna Cerbelli
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia d'Amati
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Nuti
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelia Rughetti
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Napoletano
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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2
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Zizzari IG, Di Filippo A, Botticelli A, Strigari L, Pernazza A, Rullo E, Pignataro MG, Ugolini A, Scirocchi F, Di Pietro FR, Rossi E, Gelibter A, Schinzari G, D'Amati G, Rughetti A, Marchetti P, Nuti M, Napoletano C. Circulating CD137+ T Cells Correlate with Improved Response to Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy in Patients with Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:1027-1037. [PMID: 34980602 PMCID: PMC9377756 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-2918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE CD137 molecule is expressed by activated lymphocytes, and in patients with cancer identifies the tumor-reactive T cells. In solid tumors, high levels of circulating CD137+ T cells are associated with the clinical response and the disease-free status. Here, we examined the role of the CD137+ T cells in the improvement of patients' selection for immunotherapy treatment. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from 109 patients with metastatic cancer (66 patients for the identification cohort and 43 for the validation cohort) were analyzed for the expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD137, and PD1 molecules before the beginning of anti-PD1 therapy. Twenty healthy donors were used as control. The soluble form of CD137 (sCD137) was also analyzed. The CD137+ T cell subsets and the sCD137 were correlated with the clinicopathologic characteristics. The distribution of CD137+ T cells was also examined in different tumor settings. RESULTS The percentage of CD137+ T cells was higher in healthy donors and in those patients with a better clinical status (performance status = 0-1, n°metastasis≤2) and these high levels were ascribed to the CD8+CD137+ T cell population. The high frequency of CD137+ and CD8+CD137+ T cells resulted as a prognostic factor of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), respectively, and were confirmed in the validation cohort. High levels of CD3+CD137+PD1+ lymphocytes were associated with a low number of metastasis and longer survival. Instead, the high concentration of the immunosuppressive sCD137 in the serum is associated with a lower PFS and OS. In tumor bed, patients with a complete response showed a high percentage of CD137+ and CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS We propose the CD137+ T subset as an immune biomarker to define the wellness status of the immune system for successful anticancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Grazia Zizzari
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Filippo
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Botticelli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lidia Strigari
- Medical Physics Unit, “S. Orsola-Malpighi” Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelina Pernazza
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emma Rullo
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gemma Pignataro
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Ugolini
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Fabio Scirocchi
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Di Pietro
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernesto Rossi
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alain Gelibter
- Division of Oncology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Schinzari
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia D'Amati
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelia Rughetti
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Nuti
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Napoletano
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapies, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Corresponding Author: Chiara Napoletano, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome 00161, Italy. Phone: 3906-4997-3025; E-mail:
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3
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CD137 + T-Cells: Protagonists of the Immunotherapy Revolution. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030456. [PMID: 33530328 PMCID: PMC7866028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The CD137 receptor is expressed by activated antigen-specific T-cells. CD137+ T-cells were identified inside TILs and PBMCs of different tumor types and have proven to be the naturally occurring antitumor effector cells, capable of expressing a wide variability in terms of TCR specificity against both shared and neoantigenic tumor-derived peptides. The aim of this review is thus summarizing and highlighting their role as drivers of patients’ immune responses in anticancer therapies as well as their potential role in future and current strategies of immunotherapy. Abstract The CD137 receptor (4-1BB, TNF RSF9) is an activation induced molecule expressed by antigen-specific T-cells. The engagement with its ligand, CD137L, is capable of increasing T-cell survival, proliferation, and cytokine production. This allowed to identify the CD137+ T-cells as the real tumor-specific activated T-cell population. In fact, these cells express various TCRs that are specific for a wide range of tumor-derived peptides, both shared and neoantigenic ones. Moreover, their prevalence in sites close to the tumor and their unicity in killing cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, raised particular interest in studying their potential role in different strategies of immunotherapy. They indeed showed to be a reliable marker able to predict patient’s outcome to immune-based therapies as well as monitor their response. In addition, the possibility of isolating and expanding this population, turned promising in order to generate effector antitumor T-cells in the context of adoptive T-cell therapies. CD137-targeting monoclonal antibodies have already shown their antitumor efficacy in cancer patients and a number of clinical trials are thus ongoing to test their possible introduction in different combination approaches of immunotherapy. Finally, the intracellular domain of the CD137 receptor was introduced in the anti-CD19 CAR-T cells that were approved by FDA for the treatment of pediatric B-cell leukemia and refractory B-cell lymphoma.
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Carreira B, Acúrcio RC, Matos AI, Peres C, Pozzi S, Vaskovich‐Koubi D, Kleiner R, Bento M, Satchi‐Fainaro R, Florindo HF. Nanomedicines as Multifunctional Modulators of Melanoma Immune Microenvironment. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carreira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon Av. Prof. Gama Pinto Lisboa 1649‐003 Portugal
| | - Rita C. Acúrcio
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon Av. Prof. Gama Pinto Lisboa 1649‐003 Portugal
| | - Ana I. Matos
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon Av. Prof. Gama Pinto Lisboa 1649‐003 Portugal
| | - Carina Peres
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon Av. Prof. Gama Pinto Lisboa 1649‐003 Portugal
| | - Sabina Pozzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
| | - Daniella Vaskovich‐Koubi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
| | - Ron Kleiner
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
| | - Mariana Bento
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon Av. Prof. Gama Pinto Lisboa 1649‐003 Portugal
| | - Ronit Satchi‐Fainaro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
| | - Helena F. Florindo
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon Av. Prof. Gama Pinto Lisboa 1649‐003 Portugal
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5
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He S, Xu J, Wu J. The emerging role of co-stimulatory molecules and their agonistic mAb-based combination therapies in melanoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 89:107097. [PMID: 33091814 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Although anti-PD-1/L1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, the validated immune checkpoint blockades, can elicit durable long-lasting antitumor immunity and improve the clinical outcomes of melanoma treatment, there are still a fraction of patients who did not receive therapeutic benefits as expected. In addition to findings of blocking the co-inhibitory pathways, the preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that triggering the co-stimulatory pathways through agonists such as CD137, OX40, CD40, GITR and CD27 may be a rational next step for melanoma therapy. In this review, we discuss the progress of studies on these co-stimulatory molecules in terms of their promising therapeutic effects and underlying antitumor mechanisms, and provide a review of the possible combinations that orchestrate the interplay of co-stimulatory agonistic mAbs and other therapies for treating melanoma, including inhibitory immune checkpoint mAbs, adoptive T cell therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We also briefly present the limitations and challenges involved in these co-stimulatory agonistic mAb-based combination strategies for melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Jinhua Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China.
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6
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Ye L, Jia K, Wang L, Li W, Chen B, Liu Y, Wang H, Zhao S, He Y, Zhou C. CD137, an attractive candidate for the immunotherapy of lung cancer. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:1461-1467. [PMID: 32073704 PMCID: PMC7226203 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a hotspot in cancer therapy in recent years. Several immune checkpoints inhibitors have been used to treat lung cancer. CD137 is a kind of costimulatory molecule that mediates T cell activation, which regulates the activity of immune cells in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Targeting CD137 or its ligand (CD137L) has been studied, aiming to enhance anticancer immune responses. Accumulating studies show that anti-CD137 mAbs alone or combined with other drugs have bright antitumor prospects. In the following, we reviewed the biology of CD137, the antitumor effects of anti-CD137 Ab monotherapy and the combined therapy in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Ye
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Medical schoolTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Keyi Jia
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Medical schoolTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Medical schoolTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Medical schoolTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Sha Zhao
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical OncologyShanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University Medical School Cancer InstituteTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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7
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Barsoumian HB, Batra L, Shrestha P, Bowen WS, Zhao H, Egilmez NK, Gomez-Gutierrez JG, Yolcu ES, Shirwan H. A Novel Form of 4-1BBL Prevents Cancer Development via Nonspecific Activation of CD4 + T and Natural Killer Cells. Cancer Res 2019; 79:783-794. [PMID: 30770367 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Costimulation through 4-1BB (CD137) receptor generates robust CD8+ T-effector and memory responses. The only known ligand, 4-1BBL, is a trimeric transmembrane protein that has no costimulatory activity as a soluble molecule. Thus, agonistic antibodies to the receptor have been used for cancer immunotherapy in preclinical models and are currently being evaluated in the clinic. Here, we report that treatment with an oligomeric form of the ligand, SA-4-1BBL, as a single agent is able to protect mice against subsequent tumor challenge irrespective of the tumor type. Protection was long-lasting (>8 weeks) and a bona fide property of SA-4-1BBL, as treatment with an agonistic antibody to the 4-1BB receptor was ineffective in generating immune protection against tumor challenge. Mechanistically, SA-4-1BBL significantly expanded IFNγ-expressing, preexisting memory-like CD44+CD4+ T cells and NK cells in naïve mice as compared with the agonistic antibody. In vivo blockade of IFNγ or depletion of CD4+ T or NK cells, but not CD8+ T or B cells, abrogated the immunopreventive effects of SA-4-1BBL against cancer. SA-4-1BBL as a single agent also exhibited robust efficacy in controlling postsurgical recurrences. This work highlights unexpected features of SA-4-1BBL as a novel immunomodulator with implications for cancer immunoprevention and therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates the unique and unexpected immunomodulatory features of SA-4-1BBL that bridge innate and adaptive immune responses with both preventive and therapeutic efficacy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hampartsoum B Barsoumian
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Lalit Batra
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Pradeep Shrestha
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | | | - Hong Zhao
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Nejat K Egilmez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | | | - Esma S Yolcu
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.,FasCure Therapeutics, LLC, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Haval Shirwan
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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8
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Chu DT, Bac ND, Nguyen KH, Tien NLB, Thanh VV, Nga VT, Ngoc VTN, Anh Dao DT, Hoan LN, Hung NP, Trung Thu NT, Pham VH, Vu LN, Pham TAV, Thimiri Govinda Raj DB. An Update on Anti-CD137 Antibodies in Immunotherapies for Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081822. [PMID: 31013788 PMCID: PMC6515339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The selective expression of CD137 on cells of the immune system (e.g., T and DC cells) and oncogenic cells in several types of cancer leads this molecule to be an attractive target to discover cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, specific antibodies against CD137 are being studied and developed aiming to activate and enhance anti-cancer immune responses as well as suppress oncogenic cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that anti-CD137 antibodies can be used separately to prevent tumor in some cases, while in other cases, these antibodies need to be co-administered with other antibodies or drugs/vaccines/regents for a better performance. Thus, in this work, we aim to update and discuss current knowledge about anti-cancer effects of anti-CD137 antibodies as mono- and combined-immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh-Toi Chu
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
- School of Odonto Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
- Institute of Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Nguyen Duy Bac
- Department of Education and Training, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Khanh-Hoang Nguyen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Nguyen Le Bao Tien
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Viet Duc Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Vo Van Thanh
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Viet Duc Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Vu Thi Nga
- Institute for Research and Development, Duy Tan University, 03 Quang Trung, Danang 550000, Vietnam.
| | - Vo Truong Nhu Ngoc
- School of Odonto Stomatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Duong Thi Anh Dao
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Le Ngoc Hoan
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Phuc Hung
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Thi Trung Thu
- Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Van-Huy Pham
- AI Lab, Faculty of Information Technology, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
| | - Le Nguyen Vu
- Organ Transplantation Center, Viet Duc Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Thuy Anh Vu Pham
- Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
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9
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A tumor-targeted trimeric 4-1BB-agonistic antibody induces potent anti-tumor immunity without systemic toxicity. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4809. [PMID: 30442944 PMCID: PMC6237851 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07195-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The costimulation of immune cells using first-generation anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in human trials. Further clinical development, however, is restricted by significant off-tumor toxicities associated with FcγR interactions. Here, we have designed an Fc-free tumor-targeted 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody, 1D8N/CEGa1, consisting of three anti-4-1BB single-chain variable fragments and three anti-EGFR single-domain antibodies positioned in an extended hexagonal conformation around the collagen XVIII homotrimerization domain. The1D8N/CEGa1 trimerbody demonstrated high-avidity binding to 4-1BB and EGFR and a potent in vitro costimulatory capacity in the presence of EGFR. The trimerbody rapidly accumulates in EGFR-positive tumors and exhibits anti-tumor activity similar to IgG-based 4-1BB-agonistic mAbs. Importantly, treatment with 1D8N/CEGa1 does not induce systemic inflammatory cytokine production or hepatotoxicity associated with IgG-based 4-1BB agonists. These results implicate FcγR interactions in the 4-1BB-agonist-associated immune abnormalities, and promote the use of the non-canonical antibody presented in this work for safe and effective costimulatory strategies in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer therapy using systemically administrated 4-1BB-targeting antibodies is often associated with severe toxicity due to the nonspecific activation of autoreactive T cells. Here, the authors have developed a trimeric antibody targeting both 4-1BB and EGFR, which activates T cells effectively and shows negligible cytotoxicity.
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10
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Stimulation of natural killer cells with rhCD137 ligand enhances tumor-targeting antibody efficacy in gastric cancer. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204880. [PMID: 30321186 PMCID: PMC6188629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many anticancer agents for gastric cancer have been developed, the prognosis for many patients remains poor. Recently, costimulatory immune molecules that reactivate antitumor immune responses by utilizing the host immune system have attracted attention as new therapeutic strategies. CD137 is a costimulatory molecule that reportedly potentiates the antitumor activity of tumor-targeting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) by enhancing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. However, it remains unclear whether CD137 stimulates tumor-regulatory activity in gastric cancer. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effects of CD137 stimulation on gastric cancer cells administered tumor-targeting mAbs. Our results showed that human natural killer (NK) cells were activated by expressing CD137 after encountering trastuzumab-coated gastric cancer cells, and that stimulation of activated NK cells in the presence of trastuzumab and recombinant human CD137 ligand (rhCD137L) enhanced cytotoxicity and release of cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF, granzyme A, or granzyme B) as compared with activated NK cells with trastuzumab alone (p < 0.05). By combination treatment with rhCD137L, similar effects were obtained regarding cancer cell cytotoxicity in the presence of cetuximab (p < 0.01). Moreover, we revealed that CD137 expression was dependent upon the affinity between the Fc portion of the antibodies and FcγRIIIa of NK cells based on results indicating that human IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses enhanced CD137 expression (p < 0.001). These results confirmed that FcγRIIIA polymorphisms (158 V/V) enhanced CD137 expression to a greater degree than 158 F polymorphisms (p = 0.014). Our results suggested that CD137 stimulation could promote the effects of tumor-targeting mAbs in gastric cancer, and that further investigation of antibody binding affinity and in vivo activities might improve therapeutic strategies related to the treatment of gastric cancer patients.
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11
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Zhang J, Song K, Wang J, Li Y, Liu S, Dai C, Chen L, Wang S, Qin Z. S100A4 blockage alleviates agonistic anti-CD137 antibody-induced liver pathology without disruption of antitumor immunity. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1296996. [PMID: 29632708 PMCID: PMC5889198 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1296996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver-related autoimmune toxicities triggered by agonistic anti-CD137 antibodies have greatly limited their use in clinical applications. Here, we found that anti-CD137 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment in mice induced the infiltration of a large number of S100A4+ macrophages into the liver. Depletion of these cells or deficiency of S100A4 decreased inflammatory cytokine profiles and drastically reduced the number of liver pathogenic CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, soluble S100A4 directly activated the Akt pathway and specifically prolonged CD8+ T cell survival. Interestingly, one S100A4 neutralizing mAb selectively alleviated liver abnormalities but did not affect the antitumor immunity induced by anti-CD137 mAb therapy. Thus, our study presents a novel molecular link to the liver pathology induced by an immune stimulatory antibody and proposes that combinational immunotherapies targeting those pathways could potentially elicit optimal antitumor immunity with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Tokyo Joint Laboratory of Structural Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Song
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Tokyo Joint Laboratory of Structural Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Immunobiology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yanan Li
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Tokyo Joint Laboratory of Structural Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Tokyo Joint Laboratory of Structural Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengliang Dai
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Tokyo Joint Laboratory of Structural Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shengdian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihai Qin
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Tokyo Joint Laboratory of Structural Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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12
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Delivering safer immunotherapies for cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 114:79-101. [PMID: 28545888 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is now a powerful clinical reality, with a steady progression of new drug approvals and a massive pipeline of additional treatments in clinical and preclinical development. However, modulation of the immune system can be a double-edged sword: Drugs that activate immune effectors are prone to serious non-specific systemic inflammation and autoimmune side effects. Drug delivery technologies have an important role to play in harnessing the power of immune therapeutics while avoiding on-target/off-tumor toxicities. Here we review mechanisms of toxicity for clinically-relevant immunotherapeutics, and discuss approaches based in drug delivery technology to enhance the safety and potency of these treatments. These include strategies to merge drug delivery with adoptive cellular therapies, targeting immunotherapies to tumors or select immune cells, and localizing therapeutics intratumorally. Rational design employing lessons learned from the drug delivery and nanomedicine fields has the potential to facilitate immunotherapy reaching its full potential.
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Abstract
Metastasis is the underlying cause of death for the majority of breast cancer patients. Despite significant advances in recent years in basic research and clinical development, therapies that specifically target metastatic breast cancer remain inadequate, and represents the single greatest obstacle to reducing mortality of late-stage breast cancer. Recent efforts have leveraged genomic analysis of breast cancer and molecular dissection of tumor-stromal cross-talk to uncover a number of promising candidates for targeted treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Rational combinations of therapeutic agents targeting tumor-intrinsic properties and microenvironmental components provide a promising strategy to develop precision treatments with higher specificity and less toxicity. In this review, we discuss the emerging therapeutic targets in breast cancer metastasis, from tumor-intrinsic pathways to those that involve the host tissue components, including the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States.
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14
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Blank AE, Baumgarten P, Zeiner P, Zachskorn C, Löffler C, Schittenhelm J, Czupalla CJ, Capper D, Plate KH, Harter PN, Mittelbronn M. Tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9 (TNFRSF9) is up-regulated in reactive astrocytes in human gliomas. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 41:e56-67. [PMID: 24606203 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The prognosis of patients with malignant gliomas is still dismal despite maximum treatment. Novel therapeutic alternatives targeting tumorigenic pathways are, therefore, demanded. In murine glioma models, targeting of tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) 9 led to complete tumour eradication. Thus, TNFRSF9 might also constitute a promising target in human diffuse gliomas. As there is a lack of data, we aimed to define the expression pattern and cellular source of TNFRSF9 in human gliomas. METHODS We investigated TNFRSF9 expression in normal human central nervous system (CNS) tissue and glioma specimens using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blotting techniques. RESULTS Our results show that TNFRSF9 is considerably up-regulated in human gliomas when compared with normal brain tissue. In addition, our data provides evidence for an immune cell-independent de novo expression pattern of TNFRSF9 in mainly non-neoplastic reactive astrocytes and excludes classic immunological cell types, namely lymphocytes and microglia as the source of TNFRSF9. Moreover, TNFRSF9 is predominantly expressed in a perivascular and peritumoural distribution with significantly higher expression in IDH-1 mutant gliomas. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide a novel, TNFRSF9-positive, reactive astrocytic phenotype and challenge the therapeutic suitability of TNFRSF9 as a promising target for human gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Eva Blank
- Edinger Institute, Institute of Neurology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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15
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Assal A, Kaner J, Pendurti G, Zang X. Emerging targets in cancer immunotherapy: beyond CTLA-4 and PD-1. Immunotherapy 2015; 7:1169-86. [PMID: 26567614 PMCID: PMC4976877 DOI: 10.2217/imt.15.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Manipulation of co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory checkpoint proteins allows for the reversal of tumor-induced T-cell anergy observed in cancer. The field has gained credence given success with CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. These molecules include immunoglobulin family members and the B7 subfamily as well as the TNF receptor family members. PD-L1 inhibitors and LAG-3 inhibitors have progressed through clinical trials. Other B7 family members have shown promise in preclinical models. TNFR superfamily members have shown variable success in preclinical and clinical studies. As clinical investigation in tumor immunology gains momentum, the next stage becomes learning how to combine checkpoint inhibitors and agonists with each other as well as with traditional chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Assal
- Department of Medicine, Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Justin Kaner
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Gopichand Pendurti
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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16
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Translational Considerations on the Outlook of Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer. CURRENT COLORECTAL CANCER REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11888-015-0258-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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17
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Hyper-IL-15 suppresses metastatic and autochthonous liver cancer by promoting tumour-specific CD8+ T cell responses. J Hepatol 2014; 61:1297-303. [PMID: 25016226 PMCID: PMC4332697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver cancer has a very dismal prognosis due to lack of effective therapy. Here, we studied the therapeutic effects of hyper-interleukin15 (hyper-IL-15), which is composed of IL-15 and the sushi domain of the IL-15 receptor α chain, on metastatic and autochthonous liver cancers. METHODS Liver metastatic tumour models were established by intraportally injecting syngeneic mice with murine CT26 colon carcinoma cells or B16-OVA melanoma cells. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). A hydrodynamics-based gene delivery method was used to achieve sustained hyper-IL-15 expression in the liver. RESULTS Liver gene delivery of hyper-IL-15 robustly expanded CD8(+) T and NK cells, leading to a long-term (more than 40 days) accumulation of CD8(+) T cells in vivo, especially in the liver. Hyper-IL-15 treatment exerted remarkable therapeutic effects on well-established liver metastatic tumours and even on DEN-induced autochthonous HCC, and these effects were abolished by depletion of CD8(+) T cells but not NK cells. Hyper-IL-15 triggered IL-12 and interferon-γ production and reduced the expression of co-inhibitory molecules on dendritic cells in the liver. Adoptive transfer of T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic OT-1 cells showed that hyper-IL-15 preferentially expanded tumour-specific CD8(+) T cells and promoted their interferon-γ synthesis and cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Liver delivery of hyper-IL-15 provides an effective therapy against well-established metastatic and autochthonous liver cancers in mouse models by preferentially expanding tumour-specific CD8(+) T cells and promoting their anti-tumour effects.
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18
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CD137 expression is induced by Epstein-Barr virus infection through LMP1 in T or NK cells and mediates survival promoting signals. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112564. [PMID: 25409517 PMCID: PMC4237363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To clarify the mechanism for development of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive T- or NK-cell neoplasms, we focused on the costimulatory receptor CD137. We detected high expression of CD137 gene and its protein on EBV-positive T- or NK-cell lines as compared with EBV-negative cell lines. EBV-positive cells from EBV-positive T- or NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (EBV-T/NK-LPDs) patients also had significantly higher CD137 gene expression than control cells from healthy donors. In the presence of IL-2, whose concentration in the serum of EBV-T/NK-LPDs was higher than that of healthy donors, CD137 protein expression was upregulated in the patients' cells whereas not in control cells from healthy donors. In vitro EBV infection of MOLT4 cells resulted in induction of endogenous CD137 expression. Transient expression of LMP1, which was enhanced by IL-2 in EBV-T/NK-LPDs cells, induced endogenous CD137 gene expression in T and NK-cell lines. In order to examine in vivo CD137 expression, we used EBV-T/NK-LPDs xenograft models generated by intravenous injection of patients' cells. We identified EBV-positive and CD8-positive T cells, as well as CD137 ligand-positive cells, in their tissue lesions. In addition, we detected CD137 expression on the EBV infected cells from the lesions of the models by immune-fluorescent staining. Finally, CD137 stimulation suppressed etoposide-induced cell death not only in the EBV-positive T- or NK-cell lines, but also in the patients' cells. These results indicate that upregulation of CD137 expression through LMP1 by EBV promotes cell survival in T or NK cells leading to development of EBV-positive T/NK-cell neoplasms.
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Gauttier V, Judor JP, Le Guen V, Cany J, Ferry N, Conchon S. Agonistic anti-CD137 antibody treatment leads to antitumor response in mice with liver cancer. Int J Cancer 2014; 135:2857-67. [PMID: 24789574 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising strategy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We assessed the therapeutic effects of stimulating CD137, a member of the TNF receptor family, with agonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Agonistic anti-CD137 mAb treatment was tested on two in situ models of HCC in immunocompetent mice. We also studied the mediators involved at different time points. In an orthotopic HCC the treatment consistently leads to complete tumor regression in 40-60% of animals. The protection is long lasting in the animals responding to the treatment, which can reject a second tumor challenge more than 3 months after treatment and eradication of the first malignancy. The main mediators of the effect are T lymphocytes and NK cells, demonstrated through depletion experiments. In addition, adoptive transfer of splenocytes prepared from anti-CD137 mAb-treated and -cured mice to naive mice allowed them to, in turn, reject the tumor. The efficacy of anti-CD137 mAb treatment is associated with early, sustained recruitment of iNOS-positive macrophages within tumor nodules. Moreover, in the absence of treatment, tumor development is accompanied by infiltration by myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T lymphocytes. In mice responding to the anti-CD137 mAb treatment, this infiltration is very limited, and a combination treatment with a depletion of MDSC leads to the recovery of 80% of the mice. These results demonstrate that agonistic anti-CD137 mAb is a promising therapeutic strategy for anti-tumor immunity stimulation against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Gauttier
- INSERM UMR1064, Centre for Research in Transplantation and Immunology-ITUN, Université de Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France
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20
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Kohrt HE, Colevas AD, Houot R, Weiskopf K, Goldstein MJ, Lund P, Mueller A, Sagiv-Barfi I, Marabelle A, Lira R, Troutner E, Richards L, Rajapaska A, Hebb J, Chester C, Waller E, Ostashko A, Weng WK, Chen L, Czerwinski D, Fu YX, Sunwoo J, Levy R. Targeting CD137 enhances the efficacy of cetuximab. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:2668-82. [PMID: 24837434 DOI: 10.1172/jci73014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with cetuximab, an EGFR-targeting IgG1 mAb, results in beneficial, yet limited, clinical improvement for patients with head and neck (HN) cancer as well as colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with WT KRAS tumors. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by NK cells contributes to the efficacy of cetuximab. The costimulatory molecule CD137 (4-1BB) is expressed following NK and memory T cell activation. We found that isolated human NK cells substantially increased expression of CD137 when exposed to cetuximab-coated, EGFR-expressing HN and CRC cell lines. Furthermore, activation of CD137 with an agonistic mAb enhanced NK cell degranulation and cytotoxicity. In multiple murine xenograft models, including EGFR-expressing cancer cells, HN cells, and KRAS-WT and KRAS-mutant CRC, combined cetuximab and anti-CD137 mAb administration was synergistic and led to complete tumor resolution and prolonged survival, which was dependent on the presence of NK cells. In patients receiving cetuximab, the level of CD137 on circulating and intratumoral NK cells was dependent on postcetuximab time and host FcyRIIIa polymorphism. Interestingly, the increase in CD137-expressing NK cells directly correlated to an increase in EGFR-specific CD8+ T cells. These results support development of a sequential antibody approach against EGFR-expressing malignancies that first targets the tumor and then the host immune system.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cetuximab
- Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics
- Colorectal Neoplasms/immunology
- Colorectal Neoplasms/therapy
- ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors
- ErbB Receptors/metabolism
- Female
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/immunology
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Mutation
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/antagonists & inhibitors
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/metabolism
- ras Proteins/genetics
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Stagg J, Andre F, Loi S. Immunomodulation via Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy: A New Paradigm in Breast Cancer Therapy? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 7:267-72. [PMID: 23904828 DOI: 10.1159/000342166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment of tumors has traditionally been thought to be immunosuppressive. Increasing evidence suggests the contrary and has introduced the concept of 'immunogenic' chemotherapy or, in other words, the concept that the innate and adaptive immune systems are critical in determining the long-term efficacy of some cytotoxic-based (and radiotherapy-based) regimens. The underlying mechanisms how these therapies can stimulate an antitumor immune response have been demonstrated recently. In this article, we review the background of this new paradigm and how combinations of traditional agents with the new immunotherapeutic therapies may significantly advance our treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Stagg
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Faculté de Pharmacie et Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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22
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Daniel-Meshulam I, Horovitz-Fried M, Cohen CJ. Enhanced antitumor activity mediated by human 4-1BB-engineered T cells. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:2903-13. [PMID: 23754772 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
4-1BB (CD137) is a costimulatory molecule transiently expressed on the T-cell surface after TCR engagement, whereas its ligand 4-1BBL can be found on professional antigen-presenting cells, but more importantly, also on tumor cells. As the role of the 4-1BB/4-1BBL pathway has emerged central to CD8(+) T-cell responses and survival, we sought to test its relevance in the context of genetically modified human T cells. To that end, T cells purified from healthy donors and from vaccinated-melanoma patients were transduced to express high levels of constitutive 4-1BB. 4-1BB-transduced T cells were cocultured with melanoma tumor lines and exhibited enhanced cytokine secretion, upregulation of activation markers as well as increased cytotoxicity in a chick-chorioallantoic membrane model of human melanoma tumors. In addition, these cells expanded and proliferated at a higher rate, expressed heightened levels of the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl(XL) and were also relatively insensitive to immunosuppression mediated by transforming growth factor-β, compared to control cells. We also show that 4-1BBL expression on the target cell is essential to 4-1BB-mediated functional improvement. Overall, we conclude that the modification of human T cells with 4-1BB yields enhanced antitumor function which may have important applications in therapies based on the genetic modification of patient lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Daniel-Meshulam
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat, Gan, Israel
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23
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Stagg J, Allard B. Immunotherapeutic approaches in triple-negative breast cancer: latest research and clinical prospects. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2013; 5:169-81. [PMID: 23634195 DOI: 10.1177/1758834012475152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), as defined by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression, is a challenging disease with the poorest prognosis of all breast cancer subtypes. Importantly, there are currently no known molecular targets for this subgroup of patients. Recent advances in genomics and gene expression profiling have shed new light on the molecule heterogeneity of TNBC. We present an overview of the scientific evidence suggesting that clinical outcome in TNBC is affected by tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We also describe tumor-associated antigens recently identified in TNBC. Finally, we review the current literature on promising immunotherapies for TNBC, including tumor vaccine approaches, immune-checkpoint inhibitors, antagonists of immunosuppressive molecules and adoptive cell therapies. It is our contention that selected patients with TNBC with lymphocytic tumor infiltrates at diagnosis may benefit from immune-based therapies and that these immunotherapies will be most beneficial in combination with cytotoxic drugs that potentiate adaptive anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Stagg
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Faculté de Pharmacie et Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2L 4M1
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CD137 expressed on neutrophils plays dual roles in antibacterial responses against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections. Infect Immun 2013; 81:2168-77. [PMID: 23545301 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00115-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe sepsis and septic shock caused mainly by bacterial infections are life-threatening conditions that urge the development of novel therapies. However, host responses to and pathophysiology of sepsis have not been clearly understood, which remains a major obstacle for the development of effective therapeutics. Recently, we have shown that stimulation of a costimulatory molecule, CD137, enhanced survival of mice infected with the Gram-positive (G(+)) intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes but decreased survival in a polymicrobial sepsis model. Herein, we report that CD137 deficiency or blocking of CD137 signaling decreased antibacterial responses of mice infected with G(+) bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis) but increased these responses in mice infected with Gram-negative (G(-)) bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium). Consistent with these findings, stimulation of CD137 by administration of agonistic antibody enhanced responses against G(+) bacteria, whereas it decreased these responses against G(-) bacteria. Neutrophils were responsible for CD137-mediated opposite roles in control of G(+) and G(-) bacterial infections. Stimulation of CD137 enhanced activities of neutrophils against S. aureus but decreased these activities against E. coli, while CD137 blocking produced opposite results with the stimulation of CD137 in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we found that combined signaling of CD137 and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) induced synergistic production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by neutrophils, but combined signaling of CD137 and TLR4 did not. Our data strongly suggest that CD137 may play a dual role in sepsis in association with TLRs.
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25
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Yao S, Zhu Y, Chen L. Advances in targeting cell surface signalling molecules for immune modulation. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2013; 12:130-46. [PMID: 23370250 PMCID: PMC3698571 DOI: 10.1038/nrd3877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a surge in the development of immunomodulatory approaches to combat a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, viral infections, autoimmunity and inflammation as well as in the prevention of transplant rejection. Immunomodulatory approaches mostly involve the use of monoclonal antibodies or recombinant fusion proteins that target cell surface signalling molecules on immune cells to drive immune responses towards the desired direction. Advances in our understanding of the human immune system, along with valuable lessons learned from the first generation of therapeutic biologics, are aiding the design of the next generation of immunomodulatory biologics with better therapeutic efficacy, minimized adverse effects and long-lasting clinical benefit. The recent encouraging results from antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and B7 homolog 1 (B7H1; also known as PDL1) for the treatment of various advanced human cancers show that immunomodulatory therapy has come of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yao
- Department of Immunobiology and Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA
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26
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Velho TR. Metastatic melanoma - a review of current and future drugs. Drugs Context 2012; 2012:212242. [PMID: 24432031 PMCID: PMC3885142 DOI: 10.7573/dic.212242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers, and it is estimated that 76,250 men and women will be diagnosed with melanoma of the skin in the USA in 2012. Over the last few decades many drugs have been developed but only in 2011 have new drugs demonstrated an impact on survival in metastatic melanoma. Methods: A systematic search of literature was conducted, and studies providing data on the effectiveness of current and/or future drugs used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma were selected for review. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of these agents, evaluating past, current and future clinical trials designed to overcome such limitations. Results: To date, there are four drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for melanoma (dacarbazine, interleukin-2, ipilimumab and vemurafenib). Despite efforts to develop new drugs, few of them have demonstrated any clinical benefits. Approved in 1975, dacarbazine remains the gold standard in chemotherapy, although ipilimumab and vemurafenib have raised many hopes in the last few years. Combining dacarbazine or other chemotherapy agents with new pharmacological agents may be a new way to achieve better clinical responses in patients with metastatic melanoma. Discussion: Advances in the molecular knowledge of melanoma have led to major improvements in the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma, providing new targets and insights. However, heterogeneity amongst study populations, different approaches to treatment and the different melanoma types and localisations included in the trials makes their comparison difficult. New studies focusing on drugs developed in recent decades are warranted.
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A mathematical model of immune-system-melanoma competition. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2012; 2012:850754. [PMID: 22701144 PMCID: PMC3371685 DOI: 10.1155/2012/850754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We present a mathematical model developed to reproduce the immune response entitled with the combined administration of activated OT1 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and Anti-CD137 monoclonal antibodies. The treatment is directed against melanoma in B16 OVA mouse models exposed to a specific immunotherapy strategy. We model two compartments: the injection point compartment where the treatment is administered and the skin compartment where melanoma tumor cells proliferate. To model the migration of OT1 CTLs and antibodies from the injection to the skin compartment, we use delay differential equations (DDEs). The outcomes of the mathematical model are in good agreement with the in vivo results. Moreover, sensitivity analysis of the mathematical model underlines the key role of OT1 CTLs and suggests that a possible reduction of the number of injected antibodies should not affect substantially the treatment efficacy.
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Kohrt HE, Houot R, Weiskopf K, Goldstein MJ, Scheeren F, Czerwinski D, Colevas AD, Weng WK, Clarke MF, Carlson RW, Stockdale FE, Mollick JA, Chen L, Levy R. Stimulation of natural killer cells with a CD137-specific antibody enhances trastuzumab efficacy in xenotransplant models of breast cancer. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:1066-75. [PMID: 22326955 PMCID: PMC3287235 DOI: 10.1172/jci61226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2; also known as HER-2/neu), is indicated for the treatment of women with either early stage or metastatic HER2(+) breast cancer. It kills tumor cells by several mechanisms, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Strategies that enhance the activity of ADCC effectors, including NK cells, may improve the efficacy of trastuzumab. Here, we have shown that upon encountering trastuzumab-coated, HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells, human NK cells become activated and express the costimulatory receptor CD137. CD137 activation, which was dependent on NK cell expression of the FcγRIII receptor, occurred both in vitro and in the peripheral blood of women with HER2-expressing breast cancer after trastuzumab treatment. Stimulation of trastuzumab-activated human NK cells with an agonistic mAb specific for CD137 killed breast cancer cells (including an intrinsically trastuzumab-resistant cell line) more efficiently both in vitro and in vivo in xenotransplant models of human breast cancer, including one using a human primary breast tumor. The enhanced cytotoxicity was restricted to antibody-coated tumor cells. This sequential antibody strategy, combining a tumor-targeting antibody with a second antibody that activates the host innate immune system, may improve the therapeutic effects of antibodies against breast cancer and other HER2-expressing tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/chemistry
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Drug Synergism
- Female
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/cytology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/drug therapy
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Trastuzumab
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/immunology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Holbrook E. Kohrt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Roch Houot
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kipp Weiskopf
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Matthew J. Goldstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ferenc Scheeren
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Debra Czerwinski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - A. Dimitrios Colevas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Wen-Kai Weng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael F. Clarke
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robert W. Carlson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Frank E. Stockdale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joseph A. Mollick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ronald Levy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
INSERM U917, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Department of Immunobiology, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Snell LM, Lin GHY, McPherson AJ, Moraes TJ, Watts TH. T-cell intrinsic effects of GITR and 4-1BB during viral infection and cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2012; 244:197-217. [PMID: 22017440 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2011.01063.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
GITR [glucocorticoid inducible tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-related protein] and 4-1BB are costimulatory TNFR family members that are expressed on regulatory and effector T cells as well as on other cells of the immune system. Here we discuss the role of GITR and 4-1BB on T cells during viral infections and in cancer immunotherapy. Systemic treatment with agonistic anti-4-1BB antibody leads to a number of immune system abnormalities, and clinical trials of anti-4-1BB have been terminated. However, other modes of 4-1BB ligation may be less toxic. To date, similar toxicities have not been reported for anti-GITR treatment of mice, although anti-GITR antibodies can exacerbate mouse autoimmune models. Intrinsic effects of GITR and 4-1BB on effector T cells appear to predominate over their effects on other cell types in some models. Despite their similarities in enhancing T-cell survival, 4-1BB and GITR are clearly not redundant, and both pathways are required for maximal CD8(+) T-cell responses and mouse survival following severe respiratory influenza infection. GITR uses TNFR-associated factor (TRAF) 2 and TRAF5, whereas 4-1BB recruits TRAF1 and TRAF2 to mediate survival signaling in T cells. The differential use of signaling adapters combined with their differential expression may explain the non-redundant roles of GITR and 4-1BB in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Snell
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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30
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Narazaki H. Kinetic Analysis of Co-stimulatory and Co-inhibitory Molecules: A New Approach to the Treatment of Kawasaki Disease. J NIPPON MED SCH 2012. [DOI: 10.1272/jnms.79.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hidehiko Narazaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital
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31
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Kim J, Kim W, Kim HJ, Park S, Kim HA, Jung D, Choi HJ, Park SJ, Mittler RS, Cho HR, Kwon B. Host CD25+CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells primed by anti-CD137 mAbs inhibit graft-versus-host disease. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2011; 18:44-54. [PMID: 21958951 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
CD25(+)CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in the maintenance of self-tolerance and regulation of immune responses. Previous studies have demonstrated that CD137 signals can promote proliferation and survival of Tregs in vitro. Here, we show that in vivo CD137-induced expansion of Tregs in naive mice was dependent upon IL-2 secreted by memory T cells. Tregs primed by anti-CD137 mAbs had a higher immunosuppressive capacity. Preconditioning with anti-CD137 mAbs significantly inhibited graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in the C57BL/6 → (C57BL/6 × DBA/2) F1 acute GVHD model. In this disease model, a high proportion of host Tregs remained long-term in the recipient spleen, whereas donor hematopoietic cells replaced other host bone marrow-derived cells. Transient depletion of Tregs before transfer of donor cells completely abrogated the inhibitory effect of anti-CD137 mAbs on GVHD. In addition, adoptive transfer of anti-CD137-primed Tregs ameliorated GVHD. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to enhance the survival and/or the immunosuppressive activity of host Tregs in nonmyeloablative GVHD, and that 1 way of accomplishing this is through the prophylactic use of anti-CD137 mAbs in nonmyeloablative GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyang Kim
- Biomedical Research Center, Ulsan University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Korea
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32
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Houot R, Kohrt H, Goldstein MJ, Levy R. Immunomodulating antibodies and drugs for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2011; 30:97-109. [PMID: 21271352 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-011-9274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of cancer immunotherapy is to induce immune cells to kill tumor and promote immunological memory that protects against tumor recurrence. Most current immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAb), target the tumor cells directly. Advances in our understanding of the immune system such as the role of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors, and the advent of new immunomodulatory agents provide new opportunities to target the immune system and enhance anti-tumor immune responses. These promising agents include immunomodulating mAbs, Toll-like receptor agonists, IMiDs, and cytokines. In this review, we discuss the current results of immunomodulating agents in the treatment of hematological malignancies and propose applications that include targeting of the innate and adaptive immune systems as well as combinations with tumor-specific mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roch Houot
- Service d'Hématologie Clinique & INSERM U917, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
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33
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Kwon B. Intervention with costimulatory pathways as a therapeutic approach for graft-versus-host disease. Exp Mol Med 2011; 42:675-83. [PMID: 20820112 DOI: 10.3858/emm.2010.42.10.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is mediated by mature donor T cells contained in the hematopoietic stem cell graft. During the development of GVHD, signaling through a variety of costimulatory receptors plays an important role in allogeneic T cell responses. Even though delivery of costimulatory signals is a prerequisite for full activation of donor T cells in the phase of their interactions with host APCs, their involvement with GVHD might occur over multiple stages. Like many other aspects of GVHD, promise of therapeutic interventions with costimulatory pathways has been gleaned from preclinical models. In this review, I summarize some of the advances in roles of costimulatory molecules in GVHD pathophysiology and discuss preclinical approaches that warrant further exploration in the clinic, focusing on novel strategies to delete pathogenic T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungsuk Kwon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan 680-749, Korea.
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34
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Palazón A, Teijeira A, Martínez-Forero I, Hervás-Stubbs S, Roncal C, Peñuelas I, Dubrot J, Morales-Kastresana A, Pérez-Gracia JL, Ochoa MC, Ochoa-Callejero L, Martínez A, Luque A, Dinchuk J, Rouzaut A, Jure-Kunkel M, Melero I. Agonist anti-CD137 mAb act on tumor endothelial cells to enhance recruitment of activated T lymphocytes. Cancer Res 2011; 71:801-11. [PMID: 21266358 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-1733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Agonist monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to the immune costimulatory molecule CD137, also known as 4-1BB, are presently in clinical trials for cancer treatment on the basis of their costimulatory effects on primed T cells and perhaps other cells of the immune system. Here we provide evidence that CD137 is selectively expressed on the surface of tumor endothelial cells. Hypoxia upregulated CD137 on murine endothelial cells. Treatment of tumor-bearing immunocompromised Rag(-/-) mice with agonist CD137 mAb did not elicit any measurable antiangiogenic effects. In contrast, agonist mAb stimulated tumor endothelial cells, increasing cell surface expression of the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and E-selectin. When adoptively transferred into mice, activated T lymphocytes derived from CD137-deficient animals entered more avidly into tumor tissue after treatment with agonist mAb. This effect could be neutralized with anti-ICAM-1 and anti-VCAM-1 blocking antibodies. Thus, stimulation of CD137 not only enhanced T-cell activation but also augmented their trafficking into malignant tissue, through direct actions on the blood vessels that irrigate the tumor. Our findings identify an additional mechanism of action that can explain the immunotherapeutic effects of agonist CD137 antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asís Palazón
- CIMA and CUN University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Abstract
Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), which is largely mediated by natural killer (NK) cells, is thought to play an important role in the efficacy of rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) used to treat patients with B-cell lymphomas. CD137 is a costimulatory molecule expressed on a variety of immune cells after activation, including NK cells. In the present study, we show that an anti-CD137 agonistic mAb enhances the antilymphoma activity of rituximab by enhancing ADCC. Human NK cells up-regulate CD137 after encountering rituximab-coated tumor B cells, and subsequent stimulation of these NK cells with anti-CD137 mAb enhances rituximab-dependent cytotoxicity against the lymphoma cells. In a syngeneic murine lymphoma model and in a xenotransplanted human lymphoma model, sequential administration of anti-CD20 mAb followed by anti-CD137 mAb had potent antilymphoma activity in vivo. These results support a novel, sequential antibody approach against B-cell malignancies by targeting first the tumor and then the host immune system.
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Ascierto PA, Simeone E, Sznol M, Fu YX, Melero I. Clinical experiences with anti-CD137 and anti-PD1 therapeutic antibodies. Semin Oncol 2010; 37:508-16. [PMID: 21074066 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2010.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) provide a pharmacological platform to block or activate the function of surface receptors. The immune system has evolved receptor-ligand pairs that repress or empower the cellular immune response, which, if tampered with, unleash more potent cellular immunity against tumor antigens. Agonist antibodies directed against CD137 (4-1BB) on the surface of antigen-primed T lymphocytes increase tumor immunity that is curative against some transplantable murine tumors. A fully human IgG4 anti-CD137 antibody is under development with signs of clinical activity and cases of severe liver toxicity that seem to be on-target and dose-dependent effects. Programmed death-1 (PD1) is a surface molecule delivering inhibitory signals important to maintain T-cell functional silence against their cognate antigens. Interference with PD1 or its ligand PD-L1 (B7-H1) increases antitumor immunity. As a result anti-PD1 and anti-PD-L1 human mAbs are under clinical development. Phase I trials with anti-PD1 mAb have yielded encouraging results with durable objective responses and a reasonable safety profile. As new class of drugs in cancer therapy, immunostimulatory mAbs have resulted in redefinition of tumor response criteria and rethinking of the rationale for combining these among each other and with other strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo A Ascierto
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Innovative Therapy, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy.
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Wang J, Zhao W, Cheng L, Guo M, Li D, Li X, Tan Y, Ma S, Li S, Yang Y, Chen L, Wang S. CD137-mediated pathogenesis from chronic hepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus-transgenic mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:7654-62. [PMID: 21059892 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by sustained liver inflammation with an influx of lymphocytes, which contributes to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The mechanisms underlying this immune-mediated hepatic pathogenesis remain ill defined. We report in this article that repetitive infusion of anti-CD137 agonist mAb in HBV-transgenic mice closely mimics this process by sequentially inducing hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and, ultimately, liver cancer. CD137 mAb initially triggers hepatic inflammatory infiltration due to activation of nonspecific CD8(+) T cells with memory phenotype. CD8(+) T cell-derived IFN-γ plays a central role in the progression of chronic liver diseases by actively recruiting hepatic macrophages to produce fibrosis-promoting cytokines and chemokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1. Importantly, the natural ligand of CD137 was upregulated significantly in circulating CD14(+) monocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection and closely correlated with development of liver cirrhosis. Thus, sustained CD137 stimulation may be a contributing factor for liver immunopathology in chronic HBV infection. Our studies reveal a common molecular pathway that is used to defend against viral infection but also causes chronic hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Graduate University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Evaluating the cellular targets of anti-4-1BB agonist antibody during immunotherapy of a pre-established tumor in mice. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11003. [PMID: 20543982 PMCID: PMC2882368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manipulation of the immune system represents a promising avenue for cancer therapy. Rational advances in immunotherapy of cancer will require an understanding of the precise correlates of protection. Agonistic antibodies against the tumor necrosis factor receptor family member 4-1BB are emerging as a promising tool in cancer therapy, with evidence that these antibodies expand both T cells as well as innate immune cells. Depletion studies have suggested that several cell types can play a role in these immunotherapeutic regimens, but do not reveal which cells must directly receive the 4-1BB signals for effective therapy. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We show that re-activated memory T cells are superior to resting memory T cells in control of an 8-day pre-established E.G7 tumor in mice. We find that ex vivo activation of the memory T cells allows the activated effectors to continue to divide and enter the tumor, regardless of antigen-specificity; however, only antigen-specific reactivated memory T cells show any efficacy in tumor control. When agonistic anti-4-1BB antibody is combined with this optimized adoptive T cell therapy, 80% of mice survive and are fully protected from tumor rechallenge. Using 4-1BB-deficient mice and mixed bone marrow chimeras, we find that it is sufficient to have 4-1BB only on the endogenous host alphabeta T cells or only on the transferred T cells for the effects of anti-4-1BB to be realized. Conversely, although multiple immune cell types express 4-1BB and both T cells and APC expand during anti-4-1BB therapy, 4-1BB on cells other than alphabeta T cells is neither necessary nor sufficient for the effect of anti-4-1BB in this adoptive immunotherapy model. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study establishes alphabeta T cells rather than innate immune cells as the critical target in anti-4-1BB therapy of a pre-established tumor. The study also demonstrates that ex vivo activation of memory T cells prior to infusion allows antigen-specific tumor control without the need for reactivation of the memory T cells in the tumor.
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