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Ronsley R, Bertrand KC, Song EZ, Timpanaro A, Choe M, Tlais D, Vitanza NA, Park JR. CAR T cell therapy for pediatric central nervous system tumors: a review of the literature and current North American trials. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10208-4. [PMID: 39251462 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Typical therapy for CNS tumors in children involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While upfront therapy is effective for many high-grade tumors, therapy at the time of relapse remains limited. Furthermore, for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and diffuse midline glioma (DMG), there are currently no curative therapies. Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy is a promising novel treatment avenue for these tumors. Here, we review the preclinical evidence for CAR T cell use in pediatric brain tumors, the preliminary clinical experience of CNS CAR T cell trials, toxicity associated with systemic and locoregional CAR T cell therapy for CNS tumors, challenges in disease response evaluation with CAR T cell therapy, and the knowledge gained from correlative biologic studies from these trials in the pediatric and young adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ronsley
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelsey C Bertrand
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Edward Z Song
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrea Timpanaro
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michelle Choe
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dana Tlais
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nicholas A Vitanza
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julie R Park
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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2
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Zarychta J, Kowalczyk A, Marszołek A, Zawitkowska J, Lejman M. Strategies to overcome tumor microenvironment immunosuppressive effect on the functioning of CAR-T cells in high-grade glioma. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241266140. [PMID: 39156126 PMCID: PMC11327996 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241266140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the treatment of some types of cancer, high-grade gliomas (HGGs) remain a significant clinical problem. In the case of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common solid tumor of the central nervous system in adults, the average survival time from diagnosis is only 15-18 months, despite the use of intensive multimodal therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells, which have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of certain hematologic malignancies, are a new, promising therapeutic option. However, the efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors is lower due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype therefore seems particularly important because it may allow for increasing the effectiveness of CAR-T cells in the therapy of solid tumors. The following literature review aims to present the results of preclinical studies showing the possibilities of improving the efficacy of CAR-T in the TME of GBM by reprogramming the TME toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. It may be achievable thanks to the use of CAR-T in a synergistic therapy in combination with oncolytic viruses, radiotherapy, or epigenetic inhibitors, as well as by supporting CAR-T cells crossing of the blood-brain barrier, normalizing impaired angiogenesis in the TME, improving CAR-T effector functions by cytokine signaling or by blocking/knocking out T-cell inhibitors, and modulating the microRNA expression. The use of CAR-T cells modified in this way in synergistic therapy could lead to the longer survival of patients with HGG by inducing an endogenous anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zarychta
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrian Kowalczyk
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Marszołek
- Student Scientific Society of Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, A. Racławickie 1, Lublin 20-093, Poland
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3
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Hatae R, Kyewalabye K, Yamamichi A, Chen T, Phyu S, Chuntova P, Nejo T, Levine LS, Spitzer MH, Okada H. Enhancing CAR-T cell metabolism to overcome hypoxic conditions in the brain tumor microenvironment. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e177141. [PMID: 38386420 PMCID: PMC11128202 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.177141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has been limited against brain tumors to date. CAR-T cells infiltrating syngeneic intracerebral SB28 EGFRvIII gliomas revealed impaired mitochondrial ATP production and a markedly hypoxic status compared with ones migrating to subcutaneous tumors. Drug screenings to improve metabolic states of T cells under hypoxic conditions led us to evaluate the combination of the AMPK activator metformin and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (Met+Rap). Met+Rap-pretreated mouse CAR-T cells showed activated PPAR-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) through mTOR inhibition and AMPK activation, and a higher level of mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity than those pretreated with individual drugs or without pretreatment. Moreover, Met+Rap-pretreated CAR-T cells demonstrated persistent and effective antiglioma cytotoxic activities in the hypoxic condition. Furthermore, a single intravenous infusion of Met+Rap-pretreated CAR-T cells significantly extended the survival of mice bearing intracerebral SB28 EGFRvIII gliomas. Mass cytometric analyses highlighted increased glioma-infiltrating CAR-T cells in the Met+Rap group, with fewer Ly6c+CD11b+ monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the tumors. Finally, human CAR-T cells pretreated with Met+Rap recapitulated the observations with murine CAR-T cells, demonstrating improved functions under in vitro hypoxic conditions. These findings advocate for translational and clinical exploration of Met+Rap-pretreated CAR-T cells in human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Su Phyu
- Department of Neurological Surgery
| | | | | | - Lauren S. Levine
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Matthew H. Spitzer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
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4
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Wu H, Lin J, Ling N, Zhang Y, He Y, Qiu L, Tan W. Functional Nucleic Acid-Based Immunomodulation for T Cell-Mediated Cancer Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:119-135. [PMID: 38117770 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
T cell-mediated immunity plays a pivotal role in cancer immunotherapy. The anticancer actions of T cells are coordinated by a sequence of biological processes, including the capture and presentation of antigens by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), the activation of T cells by APCs, and the subsequent killing of cancer cells by activated T cells. However, cancer cells have various means to evade immune responses. Meanwhile, these vulnerabilities provide potential targets for cancer treatments. Functional nucleic acids (FNAs) make up a class of synthetic nucleic acids with specific biological functions. With their diverse functionality, good biocompatibility, and high programmability, FNAs have attracted widespread interest in cancer immunotherapy. This Review focuses on recent research progress in employing FNAs as molecular tools for T cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy, including corresponding challenges and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Neng Ling
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yutong Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yao He
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Liping Qiu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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5
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Hatae R, Kyewalabye K, Yamamichi A, Chen T, Phyu S, Chuntova P, Nejo T, Levine LS, Spitzer MH, Okada H. Enhancing CAR-T Cell Metabolism to Overcome Hypoxic Conditions in the Brain Tumor Microenvironment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.13.566775. [PMID: 38014236 PMCID: PMC10680638 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.13.566775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy has been limited against brain tumors to date. CAR-T cells infiltrating syngeneic intracerebral SB28-EGFRvIII glioma revealed impaired mitochondrial ATP production and a markedly hypoxic status compared to ones migrating to subcutaneous tumors. Drug screenings to improve metabolic states of T cells under hypoxic conditions led us to evaluate the combination of AMPK activator Metformin and the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin (Met+Rap). Met+Rap-pretreated mouse CAR-T cells showed activated PPAR-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) through mTOR inhibition and AMPK activation, and a higher level of mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity than those pretreated with individual drugs or without pretreatment. Moreover, Met+Rap-pretreated CAR-T cells demonstrated persistent and effective anti-glioma cytotoxic activities in the hypoxic condition. Furthermore, a single intravenous infusion of Met+Rap-pretreated CAR-T cells significantly extended the survival of mice bearing intracerebral SB28-EGFRvIII gliomas. Mass cytometric analyses highlighted increased glioma-infiltrating CAR-T cells in the Met+Rap group with fewer Ly6c+ CD11b+ monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the tumors. Finally, human CAR-T cells pretreated with Met+Rap recapitulated the observations with murine CAR-T cells, demonstrating improved functions in vitro hypoxic conditions. These findings advocate for translational and clinical exploration of Met+Rap-pretreated CAR-T cells in human trials.
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6
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Hasiuk M, Dölz M, Marone R, Jeker LT. Leveraging microRNAs for cellular therapy. Immunol Lett 2023; 262:27-35. [PMID: 37660892 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Owing to Karl Landsteiner's discovery of blood groups, blood transfusions became safe cellular therapies in the early 1900s. Since then, cellular therapy made great advances from transfusions with unmodified cells to today's commercially available chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells requiring complex manufacturing. Modern cellular therapy products can be improved using basic knowledge of cell biology and molecular genetics. Emerging genome engineering tools are becoming ever more versatile and precise and thus catalyze rapid progress towards programmable therapeutic cells that compute input and respond with defined output. Despite a large body of literature describing important functions of non-coding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs), the vast majority of cell engineering efforts focuses on proteins. However, miRNAs form an important layer of posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Here, we highlight examples of how miRNAs can successfully be incorporated into engineered cellular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Hasiuk
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Dölz
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Romina Marone
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas T Jeker
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
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7
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Blaquier JB, Ortiz-Cuaran S, Ricciuti B, Mezquita L, Cardona AF, Recondo G. Tackling Osimertinib Resistance in EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3579-3591. [PMID: 37093192 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The current landscape of targeted therapies directed against oncogenic driver alterations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is expanding. Patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC can derive significant benefit from EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy, including the third-generation EGFR TKI osimertinib. However, invariably, all patients will experience disease progression with this therapy mainly due to the adaptation of cancer cells through primary or secondary molecular mechanisms of resistance. The comprehension and access to tissue and cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing have fueled the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to prevent and overcome resistance to osimertinib in the clinical setting. Herein, we review the biological and clinical implications of molecular mechanisms of osimertinib resistance and the ongoing development of therapeutic strategies to overcome or prevent resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bautista Blaquier
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Medical Oncology, Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra Ortiz-Cuaran
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Biagio Ricciuti
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura Mezquita
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrés Felipe Cardona
- Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research-FICMAC, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Oncology and Biology Systems Research Group (Fox-G), Universidad el Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
- Direction of Research and Education, Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo Cancer Treatment and Research Cancer-CTIC, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gonzalo Recondo
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Medical Oncology, Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Medical Oncology Department, Bradford Hill Clinical Research Center, Santiago, Chile
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8
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Alsajjan R, Mason WP. Bispecific T-Cell Engagers and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapies in Glioblastoma: An Update. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8501-8549. [PMID: 37754534 PMCID: PMC10529026 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30090619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. The prognosis is extremely poor even with standard treatment of maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recurrence is inevitable within months, and treatment options are very limited. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CART) and bispecific T-cell engagers (TCEs) are two emerging immunotherapies that can redirect T-cells for tumor-specific killing and have shown remarkable success in hematological malignancies and been under extensive study for application in glioblastoma. While there have been multiple clinical trials showing preliminary evidence of safety and efficacy for CART, bispecific TCEs are still in the early stages of clinical testing, with preclinical studies showing very promising results. However, there are multiple shared challenges that need to be addressed in the future, including the route of delivery, antigen escape, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and toxicity resulting from the limited choice of tumor-specific antigens. Efforts are underway to optimize the design of both these treatments and find the ideal combination therapy to overcome these challenges. In this review, we describe the work that has been performed as well as novel approaches in glioblastoma and in other solid tumors that may be applicable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roa Alsajjan
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Warren P. Mason
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
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Wang M, Wang X, Jin X, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Liu Y, Zhang J. Cell-based and cell-free immunotherapies for glioblastoma: current status and future directions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175118. [PMID: 37304305 PMCID: PMC10248152 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is among the most fatal and recurring malignant solid tumors. It arises from the GBM stem cell population. Conventional neurosurgical resection, temozolomide (TMZ)-dependent chemotherapy and radiotherapy have rendered the prognosis of patients unsatisfactory. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can frequently induce non-specific damage to healthy brain and other tissues, which can be extremely hazardous. There is therefore a pressing need for a more effective treatment strategy for GBM to complement or replace existing treatment options. Cell-based and cell-free immunotherapies are currently being investigated to develop new treatment modalities against cancer. These treatments have the potential to be both selective and successful in minimizing off-target collateral harm in the normal brain. In this review, several aspects of cell-based and cell-free immunotherapies related to GBM will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Basic Medical School, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jin
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yiyuan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yusi Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
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Alvanou M, Lysandrou M, Christophi P, Psatha N, Spyridonidis A, Papadopoulou A, Yannaki E. Empowering the Potential of CAR-T Cell Immunotherapies by Epigenetic Reprogramming. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1935. [PMID: 37046597 PMCID: PMC10093039 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell-based, personalized immunotherapy can nowadays be considered the mainstream treatment for certain blood cancers, with a high potential for expanding indications. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts), an ex vivo genetically modified T-cell therapy product redirected to target an antigen of interest, have achieved unforeseen successes in patients with B-cell hematologic malignancies. Frequently, however, CAR-T cell therapies fail to provide durable responses while they have met with only limited success in treating solid cancers because unique, unaddressed challenges, including poor persistence, impaired trafficking to the tumor, and site penetration through a hostile microenvironment, impede their efficacy. Increasing evidence suggests that CAR-Ts' in vivo performance is associated with T-cell intrinsic features that may be epigenetically altered or dysregulated. In this review, we focus on the impact of epigenetic regulation on T-cell differentiation, exhaustion, and tumor infiltration and discuss how epigenetic reprogramming may enhance CAR-Ts' memory phenotype, trafficking, and fitness, contributing to the development of a new generation of potent CAR-T immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alvanou
- Hematology Department-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 570 10 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Cell Therapy, University of Patras, 265 04 Rio, Greece
| | - Memnon Lysandrou
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Cell Therapy, University of Patras, 265 04 Rio, Greece
| | - Panayota Christophi
- Hematology Department-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 570 10 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Cell Therapy, University of Patras, 265 04 Rio, Greece
| | - Nikoleta Psatha
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 570 10 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Spyridonidis
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Cell Therapy, University of Patras, 265 04 Rio, Greece
| | - Anastasia Papadopoulou
- Hematology Department-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 570 10 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Hematology Department-Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Gene and Cell Therapy Center, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 570 10 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-2100, USA
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11
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Mekky RY, Ragab MF, Manie T, Attia AA, Youness RA. MALAT-1: Immunomodulatory lncRNA hampering the innate and the adaptive immune arms in triple negative breast cancer. Transl Oncol 2023; 31:101653. [PMID: 36907052 PMCID: PMC10025146 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known as hot immunogenic tumor. Yet, it is one of the most aggressive BC subtypes. TNBC evolve several tactics to evade the immune surveillance phenomena, one of which is shedding of natural killer (NK) cells activating immune ligands such as MICA/B and/or by inducing the expression of the immune checkpoints such as PD-L1 and B7-H4. MALAT-1 is an oncogenic lncRNA. MALAT-1 immunogenic profile is not well investigated. AIM The study aims at exploring the immunogenic role of MALAT-1 in TNBC patients and cell lines and to identify its molecular mechanism in altering both innate and adaptive immune cells present at the tumor microenvironment of TNBC METHODS: BC patients (n = 35) were recruited. Primary NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes were isolated from normal individuals using the negative selection method. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured and transfected by several oligonucleotides by lipofection technique. Screening of ncRNAs was performed using q-RT-PCR. Immunological functional analysis experiments were performed upon co-culturing primary natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes using LDH assay. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify potential microRNAs targeted by MALAT-1. RESULTS MALAT-1 expression was significantly upregulated in BC patinets with a profound expression in TNBC patients compared to their normal counterparts. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between MALAT-1, tumor size and lymph node metastasis. Knocking down of MALAT-1 in MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in a significant induction of MICA/B, repression of PD-L1 and B7-H4 expression levels. Enhancement of cytotoxic activity of co-cultured NK and CD8+ cells with MALAT-1 siRNAs transfected MDA-MB-231 cells. In silico analysis revealed that miR-34a and miR-17-5p are potential targets to MALAT-1; accordingly, they were found to be downregulated in BC patients. Forcing the expression of miR-34a in MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in a significant induction in MICA/B levels. Ectopic expression of miR-17-5p in MDA-MB-231 cells significantly repressed the expression of PD-L1 and B7-H4 checkpoints. Validations of MALAT-1/miR-34a" and "MALAT-1/miR-17-5p axes were performed by a series of co-transfections and functional assessment of cytotoxic profile of primary immune cells. CONCLUSION This study proposes a novel epigenetic alteration exerted by TNBC cells mainly by inducing the expression of MALAT-1 lncRNA. MALAT-1 mediates innate and adaptive immune suppression events partially via targeting miR-34a/MICA/B and miR-175p/PD-L1/B7-H4 axes in TNBC patients and cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Y Mekky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA University), Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Mai F Ragab
- Pharmacology Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Tamer Manie
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman A Attia
- General Surgery Department, Ain Shams University, Demerdash Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A Youness
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt.
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12
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Tręda C, Włodarczyk A, Pacholczyk M, Rutkowska A, Stoczyńska-Fidelus E, Kierasińska A, Rieske P. Increased EGFRvIII Epitope Accessibility after Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment of Glioblastoma Cells Creates More Opportunities for Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4350. [PMID: 36901782 PMCID: PMC10001577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of glioblastoma (GB) cases is increasing every year, and the currently available therapies remain ineffective. A prospective antigen for GB therapy is EGFRvIII, an EGFR deletion mutant containing a unique epitope that is recognized by the L8A4 antibody used in CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) therapy. In this study, we observed that the concomitant use of L8A4 with particular tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) does not impede the interaction between L8A4 and EGFRvIII; moreover, in this case, the stabilization of formed dimers results in increased epitope display. Unlike in wild-type EGFR, a free cysteine at position 16 (C16) is exposed in the extracellular structure of EGFRvIII monomers, leading to covalent dimer formation in the region of L8A4-EGFRvIII mutual interaction. Following in silico analysis of cysteines possibly involved in covalent homodimerization, we prepared constructs containing cysteine-serine substitutions of EGFRvIII in adjacent regions. We found that the extracellular part of EGFRvIII possesses plasticity in the formation of disulfide bridges within EGFRvIII monomers and dimers due to the engagement of cysteines other than C16. Our results suggest that the EGFRvIII-specific L8A4 antibody recognizes both EGFRvIII monomers and covalent dimers, regardless of the cysteine bridging structure. To summarize, immunotherapy based on the L8A4 antibody, including CAR-T combined with TKIs, can potentially increase the chances of success in anti-GB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cezary Tręda
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska Ltd., Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Aneta Włodarczyk
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska Ltd., Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Marcin Pacholczyk
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska Ltd., Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
- Department of Systems Biology and Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 16, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Adrianna Rutkowska
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska Ltd., Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Ewelina Stoczyńska-Fidelus
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska Ltd., Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Amelia Kierasińska
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska Ltd., Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Piotr Rieske
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska Ltd., Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
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13
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Schaible P, Bethge W, Lengerke C, Haraszti RA. RNA Therapeutics for Improving CAR T-cell Safety and Efficacy. Cancer Res 2023; 83:354-362. [PMID: 36512627 PMCID: PMC7614194 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have recently emerged as potent tools in the fight against cancer, with promising therapeutic efficacy against hematological malignancies. However, several limitations hamper their widespread clinical use, including availability of target antigen, severe toxic effects, primary and secondary resistance, heterogeneous quality of autologous T cells, variable persistence, and low activity against solid tumors. Development of allogeneic off-the-shelf CAR T cells could help address some of these limitations but is impeded by alloimmunity with either rejection and limited expansion of allo-CAR T cells or CAR T cells versus host reactions. RNA therapeutics, such as small interfering RNAs, microRNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides, are able to silence transcripts in a sequence-specific and proliferation-sensitive way, which may offer a way to overcome some of the challenges facing CAR T-cell development and clinical utility. Here, we review how different RNA therapeutics or a combination of RNA therapeutics and genetic engineering could be harnessed to improve the safety and efficacy of autologous and allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schaible
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Bethge
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Lengerke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Reka Agnes Haraszti
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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14
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Schaettler MO, Desai R, Wang AZ, Livingstone AJ, Kobayashi DK, Coxon AT, Bowman-Kirigin JA, Liu CJ, Li M, Bender DE, White MJ, Kranz DM, Johanns TM, Dunn GP. TCR-engineered adoptive cell therapy effectively treats intracranial murine glioblastoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006121. [PMID: 36808076 PMCID: PMC9944319 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive cellular therapies with chimeric antigen receptor T cells have revolutionized the treatment of some malignancies but have shown limited efficacy in solid tumors such as glioblastoma and face a scarcity of safe therapeutic targets. As an alternative, T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered cellular therapy against tumor-specific neoantigens has generated significant excitement, but there exist no preclinical systems to rigorously model this approach in glioblastoma. METHODS We employed single-cell PCR to isolate a TCR specific for the Imp3D81N neoantigen (mImp3) previously identified within the murine glioblastoma model GL261. This TCR was used to generate the Mutant Imp3-Specific TCR TransgenIC (MISTIC) mouse in which all CD8 T cells are specific for mImp3. The therapeutic efficacy of neoantigen-specific T cells was assessed through a model of cellular therapy consisting of the transfer of activated MISTIC T cells and interleukin 2 into lymphodepleted tumor-bearing mice. We employed flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, and whole-exome and RNA sequencing to examine the factors underlying treatment response. RESULTS We isolated and characterized the 3×1.1C TCR that displayed a high affinity for mImp3 but no wild-type cross-reactivity. To provide a source of mImp3-specific T cells, we generated the MISTIC mouse. In a model of adoptive cellular therapy, the infusion of activated MISTIC T cells resulted in rapid intratumoral infiltration and profound antitumor effects with long-term cures in a majority of GL261-bearing mice. The subset of mice that did not respond to the adoptive cell therapy showed evidence of retained neoantigen expression but intratumoral MISTIC T cell dysfunction. The efficacy of MISTIC T cell therapy was lost in mice bearing a tumor with heterogeneous mImp3 expression, showcasing the barriers to targeted therapy in polyclonal human tumors. CONCLUSIONS We generated and characterized the first TCR transgenic against an endogenous neoantigen within a preclinical glioma model and demonstrated the therapeutic potential of adoptively transferred neoantigen-specific T cells. The MISTIC mouse provides a powerful novel platform for basic and translational studies of antitumor T-cell responses in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian O Schaettler
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rupen Desai
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Anthony Z Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Dale K Kobayashi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Andrew T Coxon
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jay A Bowman-Kirigin
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Connor J Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diane E Bender
- Bursky Center for Human Immunology & Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael J White
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David M Kranz
- Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Tanner M Johanns
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gavin P Dunn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Yan T, Zhu L, Chen J. Current advances and challenges in CAR T-Cell therapy for solid tumors: tumor-associated antigens and the tumor microenvironment. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:14. [PMID: 36707873 PMCID: PMC9883880 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00373-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed ongoing progress in immune therapy to ameliorate human health. As an emerging technique, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has the advantages of specific killing of cancer cells, a high remission rate of cancer-induced symptoms, rapid tumor eradication, and long-lasting tumor immunity, opening a new window for tumor treatment. However, challenges remain in CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors due to target diversity, tumor heterogeneity, and the complex microenvironment. In this review, we have outlined the development of the CAR T-cell technique, summarized the current advances in tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), and highlighted the importance of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) or neoantigens for solid tumors. We also addressed the challenge of the TAA binding domain in CARs to overcome off-tumor toxicity. Moreover, we illustrated the dominant tumor microenvironment (TME)-induced challenges and new strategies based on TME-associated antigens (TMAs) for solid tumor CAR T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yan
- grid.443397.e0000 0004 0368 7493Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311 Hainan China
| | - Lingfeng Zhu
- grid.443397.e0000 0004 0368 7493Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311 Hainan China
| | - Jin Chen
- grid.443397.e0000 0004 0368 7493Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311 Hainan China ,grid.443397.e0000 0004 0368 7493Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311 Hainan China
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16
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Xiong Q, Zhang Y, Li J, Zhu Q. Small Non-Coding RNAs in Human Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112072. [PMID: 36360311 PMCID: PMC9690286 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs are widespread in the biological world and have been extensively explored over the past decades. Their fundamental roles in human health and disease are increasingly appreciated. Furthermore, a growing number of studies have investigated the functions of small non-coding RNAs in cancer initiation and progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the biogenesis of small non-coding RNAs with a focus on microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, and a new class of tRNA-derived small RNAs. We discuss their biological functions in human cancer and highlight their clinical application as molecular biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunli Xiong
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yaguang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junjun Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence:
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17
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Bunse L, Bunse T, Krämer C, Chih YC, Platten M. Clinical and Translational Advances in Glioma Immunotherapy. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1799-1817. [PMID: 36303101 PMCID: PMC9723056 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are highly treatment refractory against immune checkpoint blockade, an immunotherapeutic modality that revolutionized therapy for many tumors. At the same time, technological innovation has dramatically accelerated the development of immunotherapeutic approaches such as personalized tumor-specific vaccine production, dendritic cell vaccine manufacture, patient-individual target selection and chimeric antigen receptor, and T cell receptor T cell manufacture. Here we review recent clinical and translational advances in glioma immunotherapy with a focus on targets and their cognate immune receptor derivates as well as concepts to improve intratumoral T cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Bunse
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Theresa Bunse
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christopher Krämer
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yu-Chan Chih
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Immune Monitoring Unit, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Helmholtz Institute of Translational Oncology (HI-TRON), Mainz, Germany.
- DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
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18
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Chalise L, Kato A, Ohno M, Maeda S, Yamamichi A, Kuramitsu S, Shiina S, Takahashi H, Ozone S, Yamaguchi J, Kato Y, Rockenbach Y, Natsume A, Todo T. Efficacy of cancer-specific anti-podoplanin CAR-T cells and oncolytic herpes virus G47Δ combination therapy against glioblastoma. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:265-274. [PMID: 35991754 PMCID: PMC9364057 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a devastating malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis despite standard therapy. Podoplanin (PDPN), a type I transmembrane mucin-like glycoprotein that is overexpressed in various cancers, is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of glioblastoma. We previously reported the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells using an anti-pan-PDPN monoclonal antibody (mAb; NZ-1)-based third-generation CAR in a xenograft mouse model. However, NZ-1 also reacted with PDPN-expressing normal cells, such as lymphatic endothelial cells, pulmonary alveolar type I cells, and podocytes. To overcome possible on-target-off-tumor effects, we produced a cancer-specific mAb (CasMab, LpMab-2)-based CAR. LpMab-2 (Lp2) reacted with PDPN-expressing cancer cells but not with normal cells. In this study, Lp2-CAR-transduced T cells (Lp2-CAR-T) specifically targeted PDPN-expressing glioma cells while sparing the PDPN-expressing normal cells. Lp2-CAR-T also killed patient-derived glioma stem cells, demonstrating its clinical potential against glioblastoma. Systemic injection of Lp2-CAR-T cells inhibited the growth of a subcutaneous glioma xenograft model in immunodeficient mice. Combination therapy with Lp2-CAR-T and oncolytic virus G47Δ, a third-generation recombinant herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1, further inhibited the tumor growth and improved survival. These findings indicate that the combination therapy of Lp2-CAR-T cells and G47Δ may be a promising approach to treat glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lushun Chalise
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya Central Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Kato
- The Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masasuke Ohno
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aichi Cancer Centre Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Sachi Maeda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akane Yamamichi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shunichiro Kuramitsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Hiromi Takahashi
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ozone
- The Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Junya Yamaguchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yumi Rockenbach
- The Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Natsume
- The Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neurosugery, Kawamura Medical Society Hospital, Gifu, Japan
- Corresponding author Tomoki Todo, MD, PhD, Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.
| | - Tomoki Todo
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Corresponding author Atsushi Natsume, MD, PhD, The Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, NIC Room 803, Furo-Cho, Chikusa-Ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
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19
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The Regulatory Effects of MicroRNAs on Tumor Immunity. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2121993. [PMID: 35909469 PMCID: PMC9329000 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2121993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are endogenous noncoding small RNAs that posttranscriptionally regulate the expressions of their target genes. Accumulating research shows that miRNAs are crucial regulators of immune cell growth and antitumor immune response. Studies on miRNAs and tumors primarily focus on the tumor itself. At the same time, relatively few studies on the indirect regulatory effects of miRNAs in the development of tumors are achieved by affecting the immune system of tumor hosts and altering their immune responses. This review discusses the influence of miRNAs on the antitumor immune system.
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20
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Sukocheva OA, Liu J, Neganova ME, Beeraka NM, Aleksandrova YR, Manogaran P, Grigorevskikh EM, Chubarev VN, Fan R. Perspectives of using microRNA-loaded nanocarriers for epigenetic reprogramming of drug resistant colorectal cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:358-375. [PMID: 35623562 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation by microRNAs (miRs) demonstrated a promising therapeutic potential of these molecules to regulate genetic activity in different cancers, including colorectal cancers (CRCs). The RNA-based therapy does not change genetic codes in tumor cells but can silence oncogenes and/or reactivate inhibited tumor suppressor genes. In many cancers, specific miRs were shown to promote or stop tumor progression. Among confirmed and powerful epigenetic regulators of colon carcinogenesis and development of resistance are onco-miRs, which include let-7, miR-21, miR-22, miR-23a, miR-27a, miR-34, miR-92, miR-96, miR-125b, miR-135b, miR-182, miR-200c, miR-203, miR-221, miR-421, miR-451, and others. Moreover, various tumor-suppressor miRs (miR-15b-5b, miR-18a, miR-20b, miR-22, miR-96, miR-139-5p, miR-145, miR-149, miR-197, miR-199b, miR-203, miR-214, miR-218, miR-320, miR-375-3p, miR-409-3p, miR-450b-5p, miR-494, miR-577, miR-874, and others) were found silenced in drug-resistant CRCs. Re-expression of tumor suppressor miR is complicated by the chemical nature of miRs that are not long-lasting compounds and require protection from the enzymatic degradation. Several recent studies explored application of miRs using nanocarrier complexes. This study critically describes the most successfully tested nanoparticle complexes used for intracellular delivery of nuclear acids and miRs, including micelles, liposomes, inorganic and polymeric NPs, dendrimers, and aptamers. Nanocarriers shield incorporated miRs and improve the agent stability in circulation. Attachment of antibodies and/or specific peptide or ligands facilitates cell-targeted miR delivery. Addressing in vivo challenges, a broad spectrum of non-toxic materials has been tested and indicated reliable advantages of lipid-based (lipoplexes) and polymer-based liposomes. Recent cutting-edge developments indicated that lipid-based complexes with multiple cargo, including several miRs, are the most effective approach to eradicate drug-resistant tumors. Focusing on CRC-specific miRs, this review provides a guidance and insights towards the most promising direction to achieve dramatic reduction in tumor growth and metastasis using miR-nanocarrier complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- Cancer Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Str., Zhengzhou, 450052, China; The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Discipline of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.
| | - Junqi Liu
- Cancer Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Str., Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Margarita E Neganova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1, Severnii pr., Chernogolovka, 142432, Russia
| | - Narasimha M Beeraka
- Discipline of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia; Department of Human Anatomy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia; Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR), Department of Biochemistry, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Yulia R Aleksandrova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1, Severnii pr., Chernogolovka, 142432, Russia
| | - Prasath Manogaran
- Translational Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641046, India
| | - Ekaterina M Grigorevskikh
- Department of Human Anatomy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir N Chubarev
- Department of Human Anatomy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Ruitai Fan
- Cancer Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Str., Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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21
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Tang OY, Tian L, Yoder T, Xu R, Kulikovskaya I, Gupta M, Melenhorst JJ, Lacey SF, O’Rourke DM, Binder ZA. PD1 Expression in EGFRvIII-Directed CAR T Cell Infusion Product for Glioblastoma Is Associated with Clinical Response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:872756. [PMID: 35603165 PMCID: PMC9120664 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.872756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) has been investigated as a therapeutic target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in glioblastoma. Earlier research demonstrated that phenotypic and genotypic characteristics in T cells and CAR T product predicted therapeutic success in hematologic malignancies, to date no determinants for clinical response in solid tumors have been identified. We analyzed apheresis and infusion products from the first-in-human trial of EGFRvIII-directed CAR T for recurrent glioblastoma (NCT02209376) by flow cytometry. Clinical response was quantified via engraftment in peripheral circulation and progression-free survival (PFS), as determined by the time from CAR T infusion to first radiographic evidence of progression. The CD4+CAR T cell population in patient infusion products demonstrated PD1 expression which positively correlated with AUC engraftment and PFS. On immune checkpoint inhibitor analysis, CTLA-4, TIM3, and LAG3 did not exhibit significant associations with engraftment or PFS. The frequencies of PD1+GZMB+ and PD1+HLA-DR+ CAR T cells in the CD4+ infusion products were directly proportional to AUC and PFS. No significant associations were observed within the apheresis products. In summary, PD1 in CAR T infusion products predicted peripheral engraftment and PFS in recurrent glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Y. Tang
- GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Lifeng Tian
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Todd Yoder
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rong Xu
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Irina Kulikovskaya
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Minnal Gupta
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jan Joseph Melenhorst
- GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Simon F. Lacey
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Donald M. O’Rourke
- GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zev A. Binder
- GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Zev A. Binder,
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22
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Karvouni M, Vidal-Manrique M, Lundqvist A, Alici E. Engineered NK Cells Against Cancer and Their Potential Applications Beyond. Front Immunol 2022; 13:825979. [PMID: 35242135 PMCID: PMC8887605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.825979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is an innovative therapeutic concept where viable cells are implanted, infused, or grafted into a patient to treat impaired or malignant tissues. The term was first introduced circa the 19th century and has since resulted in multiple breakthroughs in different fields of medicine, such as neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Lately, cell and gene therapy are merging to provide cell products with additional or enhanced properties. In this context, adoptive transfer of genetically modified cytotoxic lymphocytes has emerged as a novel treatment option for cancer patients. To this day, five cell therapy products have been FDA approved, four of which for CD19-positive malignancies and one for B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-positive malignancies. These are personalized immunotherapies where patient T cells are engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with the aim to redirect the cells against tumor-specific antigens. CAR-T cell therapies show impressive objective response rates in clinical trials that, in certain instances, may reach up to 80%. However, the life-threatening side effects associated with T cell toxicity and the manufacturing difficulties of developing personalized therapies hamper their widespread use. Recent literature suggests that Natural Killer (NK) cells, may provide a safer alternative and an 'off-the-shelf' treatment option thanks to their potent antitumor properties and relatively short lifespan. Here, we will discuss the potential of NK cells in CAR-based therapies focusing on the applications of CAR-NK cells in cancer therapy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karvouni
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcos Vidal-Manrique
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology‐Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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23
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Regulation of Immune Cells by microRNAs and microRNA-Based Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1385:75-108. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08356-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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24
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Wen P, Xie Y, Wang L. The Role of microRNA in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Different Variants, Treatment and Prognosis of Mycosis Fungoides. Front Oncol 2021; 11:752817. [PMID: 34966672 PMCID: PMC8710607 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.752817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), accounting for approximately 50% of all CTCLs. Although various molecular changes in MF have been described in existing studies, no obvious disease-specific changes have been found thus far. microRNAs (miRs) are short, noncoding RNA molecules that play roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in various diseases. Recently, there has been rapidly expanding experimental evidence for the role of miRs in the progression, early diagnosis, prognosis prediction for MF. Efforts to improve early diagnosis and develop personalized therapy options have become more important in recent years. Here, we provide an overview and update of recent advances regarding miRs associated with MF. Furthermore, we provide insights into future opportunities for miR-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Wen
- Department of Dermatovenerology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Dermatovenerology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Dermatovenerology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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25
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Kilian M, Bunse T, Wick W, Platten M, Bunse L. Genetically Modified Cellular Therapies for Malignant Gliomas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12810. [PMID: 34884607 PMCID: PMC8657496 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive preclinical research on immunotherapeutic approaches, malignant glioma remains a devastating disease of the central nervous system for which standard of care treatment is still confined to resection and radiochemotherapy. For peripheral solid tumors, immune checkpoint inhibition has shown substantial clinical benefit, while promising preclinical results have yet failed to translate into clinical efficacy for brain tumor patients. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies, tumor antigens and corresponding T cell receptors (TCR) and antibodies have been identified, leading to the development of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), which are comprised of an extracellular antibody part and an intracellular T cell receptor signaling part, to genetically engineer T cells for antigen recognition. Due to efficacy in other tumor entities, a plethora of CARs has been designed and tested for glioma, with promising signs of biological activity. In this review, we describe glioma antigens that have been targeted using CAR T cells preclinically and clinically, review their drawbacks and benefits, and illustrate how the emerging field of transgenic TCR therapy can be used as a potent alternative for cell therapy of glioma overcoming antigenic limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kilian
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Theresa Bunse
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic, Heidelberg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- DKTK CCU Neurooncology, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Immune Monitoring Unit, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute of Translational Oncology (HI-TRON), 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lukas Bunse
- DKTK (German Cancer Consortium), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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26
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Akbari B, Ghahri-Saremi N, Soltantoyeh T, Hadjati J, Ghassemi S, Mirzaei HR. Epigenetic strategies to boost CAR T cell therapy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2640-2659. [PMID: 34365035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has led to a paradigm shift in cancer immunotherapy, but still several obstacles limit CAR T cell efficacy in cancers. Advances in high-throughput technologies revealed new insights into the role that epigenetic reprogramming plays in T cells. Mechanistic studies as well as comprehensive epigenome maps revealed an important role for epigenetic remodeling in T cell differentiation. These modifications shape the overall immune response through alterations in T cell phenotype and function. Here, we outline how epigenetic modifications in CAR T cells can overcome barriers limiting CAR T cell effectiveness, particularly in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. We also offer our perspective on how selected epigenetic modifications can boost CAR T cells to ultimately improve the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnia Akbari
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Navid Ghahri-Saremi
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Tahereh Soltantoyeh
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Jamshid Hadjati
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Saba Ghassemi
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran.
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27
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Choe JH, Watchmaker PB, Simic MS, Gilbert RD, Li AW, Krasnow NA, Downey KM, Yu W, Carrera DA, Celli A, Cho J, Briones JD, Duecker JM, Goretsky YE, Dannenfelser R, Cardarelli L, Troyanskaya O, Sidhu SS, Roybal KT, Okada H, Lim WA. SynNotch-CAR T cells overcome challenges of specificity, heterogeneity, and persistence in treating glioblastoma. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/591/eabe7378. [PMID: 33910979 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abe7378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of solid cancers with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is plagued by the lack of ideal target antigens that are both absolutely tumor specific and homogeneously expressed. We show that multi-antigen prime-and-kill recognition circuits provide flexibility and precision to overcome these challenges in the context of glioblastoma. A synNotch receptor that recognizes a specific priming antigen, such as the heterogeneous but tumor-specific glioblastoma neoantigen epidermal growth factor receptor splice variant III (EGFRvIII) or the central nervous system (CNS) tissue-specific antigen myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), can be used to locally induce expression of a CAR. This enables thorough but controlled tumor cell killing by targeting antigens that are homogeneous but not absolutely tumor specific. Moreover, synNotch-regulated CAR expression averts tonic signaling and exhaustion, maintaining a higher fraction of the T cells in a naïve/stem cell memory state. In immunodeficient mice bearing intracerebral patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) with heterogeneous expression of EGFRvIII, a single intravenous infusion of EGFRvIII synNotch-CAR T cells demonstrated higher antitumor efficacy and T cell durability than conventional constitutively expressed CAR T cells, without off-tumor killing. T cells transduced with a synNotch-CAR circuit primed by the CNS-specific antigen MOG also exhibited precise and potent control of intracerebral PDX without evidence of priming outside of the brain. In summary, by using circuits that integrate recognition of multiple imperfect but complementary antigens, we improve the specificity, completeness, and persistence of T cells directed against glioblastoma, providing a general recognition strategy applicable to other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Choe
- Cell Design Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Payal B Watchmaker
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Milos S Simic
- Cell Design Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ryan D Gilbert
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Aileen W Li
- Cell Design Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Nira A Krasnow
- Cell Design Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kira M Downey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Wei Yu
- Cell Design Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Diego A Carrera
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Anna Celli
- Department of Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Juhyun Cho
- Cell Design Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jessica D Briones
- Cell Design Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jason M Duecker
- Cell Design Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Yitzhar E Goretsky
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ruth Dannenfelser
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.,Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Lia Cardarelli
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Olga Troyanskaya
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.,Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Kole T Roybal
- Cell Design Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. .,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Helen Diller Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. .,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Helen Diller Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Wendell A Lim
- Cell Design Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. .,Helen Diller Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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28
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Chokshi CR, Brakel BA, Tatari N, Savage N, Salim SK, Venugopal C, Singh SK. Advances in Immunotherapy for Adult Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143400. [PMID: 34298615 PMCID: PMC8305609 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Therapy failure and disease recurrence are hallmarks of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and lethal tumor in adults that originates in the brain. Despite aggressive standards of care, tumor recurrence is inevitable with no standardized second-line therapy. Recent clinical studies evaluating therapies that augment the anti-tumor immune response (i.e., immunotherapies) have yielded promising results in subsets of GBM patients. Here, we summarize clinical studies in the past decade that evaluate vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for treatment of GBM. Although immunotherapies have yet to return widespread efficacy for the majority of GBM patients, critical insights from completed and ongoing clinical trials are informing development of the next generation of therapies, with the goal to alleviate disease burden and extend patient survival. Abstract Despite aggressive multimodal therapy, glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. With the advent of therapies that revitalize the anti-tumor immune response, several immunotherapeutic modalities have been developed for treatment of GBM. In this review, we summarize recent clinical and preclinical efforts to evaluate vaccination strategies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Although these modalities have shown long-term tumor regression in subsets of treated patients, the underlying biology that may predict efficacy and inform therapy development is being actively investigated. Common to all therapeutic modalities are fundamental mechanisms of therapy evasion by tumor cells, including immense intratumoral heterogeneity, suppression of the tumor immune microenvironment and low mutational burden. These insights have led efforts to design rational combinatorial therapies that can reignite the anti-tumor immune response, effectively and specifically target tumor cells and reliably decrease tumor burden for GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirayu R. Chokshi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (C.R.C.); (B.A.B.); (N.T.); (N.S.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Benjamin A. Brakel
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (C.R.C.); (B.A.B.); (N.T.); (N.S.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Nazanin Tatari
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (C.R.C.); (B.A.B.); (N.T.); (N.S.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Neil Savage
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (C.R.C.); (B.A.B.); (N.T.); (N.S.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Sabra K. Salim
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (C.R.C.); (B.A.B.); (N.T.); (N.S.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Chitra Venugopal
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada;
| | - Sheila K. Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (C.R.C.); (B.A.B.); (N.T.); (N.S.); (S.K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada;
- Correspondence:
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29
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Abbott RC, Verdon DJ, Gracey FM, Hughes-Parry HE, Iliopoulos M, Watson KA, Mulazzani M, Luong K, D'Arcy C, Sullivan LC, Kiefel BR, Cross RS, Jenkins MR. Novel high-affinity EGFRvIII-specific chimeric antigen receptor T cells effectively eliminate human glioblastoma. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1283. [PMID: 33976881 PMCID: PMC8106904 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The increasing success of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in haematological malignancies is reinvigorating its application in many other cancer types and with renewed focus on its application to solid tumors. We present a novel CAR against glioblastoma, an aggressive, malignant glioma, with a dismal survival rate for which treatment options have remained unchanged for over a decade. Methods We use the human Retained Display (ReD) antibody platform (Myrio Therapeutics) to identify a novel single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) that recognises epidermal growth factor receptor mutant variant III (EGFRvIII), a common and tumor‐specific mutation found in glioblastoma. We use both in vitro functional assays and an in vivo orthotopic xenograft model of glioblastoma to examine the function of our novel CAR, called GCT02, targeted using murine CAR T cells. Results Our EGFRvIII‐specific scFv was found to be of much higher affinity than reported comparators reverse‐engineered from monoclonal antibodies. Despite the higher affinity, GCT02 CAR T cells kill equivalently but secrete lower amounts of cytokine. In addition, GCT02‐CAR T cells also mediate rapid and complete tumor elimination in vivo. Conclusion We present a novel EGFRvIII‐specific CAR, with effective antitumor functions both in in vitro and in a xenograft model of human glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Abbott
- Immunology Division The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville VIC Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Daniel J Verdon
- Immunology Division The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville VIC Australia
| | | | - Hannah E Hughes-Parry
- Immunology Division The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville VIC Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Melinda Iliopoulos
- Immunology Division The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Katherine A Watson
- Immunology Division The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Matthias Mulazzani
- Immunology Division The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Kylie Luong
- Immunology Division The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Colleen D'Arcy
- Department of Anatomical Pathology Royal Children's Hospital Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Lucy C Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Peter Doherty Institute The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | | | - Ryan S Cross
- Immunology Division The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Misty R Jenkins
- Immunology Division The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Parkville VIC Australia.,The Department of Medical Biology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia.,Institute for Molecular Science La Trobe University Bundoora VIC Australia
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30
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Chapelin F, Leach BI, Chen R, Lister D, Messer K, Okada H, Ahrens ET. Assessing Oximetry Response to Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy against Glioma with 19F MRI in a Murine Model. Radiol Imaging Cancer 2021; 3:e200062. [PMID: 33575659 DOI: 10.1148/rycan.2021200062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To assess the cell-specific, intracellular partial pressure of oxygen (Po2) dynamics of both tumor and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in a murine immunotherapy model. Materials and Methods Human glioblastoma cells or human T cells were intracellularly labeled with perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion droplet sensors prior to in vivo injection in severe combined immunodeficient mice to measure Po2 in the two cell types in response to treatment. Two main sets of experiments were performed: (a) mice were injected in the flank with perfluorocarbon-labeled human glioblastoma cells and were then inoculated with either CAR T cells or untransduced T cells or were untreated 5 days after tumor inoculation; and (b) mice with unlabeled glioblastoma tumors were inoculated with perfluorocarbon-labeled CAR T cells or untransduced T cells 5 days after tumor inoculation. Longitudinal fluorine 19 (19F) spin-lattice relaxation time measurements of the tumor mass were used to ascertain absolute Po2 in vivo. Results were analyzed for significance using an analysis of variance, a linear mixed-effect model, and a Pearson correlation coefficient test, as appropriate. Results The intracellular tumor cell Po2 temporal dynamics exhibited delayed, transient hyperoxia at 3 days after infusion of CAR T cells, commensurate with significant tumor cell killing and CAR T-cell infiltration, as observed by bioluminescence imaging and histologic findings. Conversely, no significant changes were detected in CAR or untransduced T-cell intracellular Po2 over time in tumor using these same methods. Moreover, it was observed that the total 19F tumor cell signal quenches with treatment, consistent with rapid tissue clearance of probe from apoptotic tumor cells. Conclusion Cell-specific Po2 measurements using perfluorocarbon probes can provide insights into effector cell function and tumor response in cellular immunotherapeutic cancer models.Keywords: Animal Studies, MR-Imaging, MR-Spectroscopy, Molecular Imaging-Cancer, Molecular Imaging-Immunotherapy Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2021See also commentary by Bulte in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Chapelin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky (F.C.); Department of Radiology (B.I.L., D.L., E.T.A.), Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (R.C.), and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health (K.M.), University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093; Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.); and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.)
| | - Benjamin I Leach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky (F.C.); Department of Radiology (B.I.L., D.L., E.T.A.), Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (R.C.), and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health (K.M.), University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093; Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.); and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.)
| | - Ruifeng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky (F.C.); Department of Radiology (B.I.L., D.L., E.T.A.), Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (R.C.), and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health (K.M.), University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093; Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.); and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.)
| | - Deanne Lister
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky (F.C.); Department of Radiology (B.I.L., D.L., E.T.A.), Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (R.C.), and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health (K.M.), University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093; Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.); and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.)
| | - Karen Messer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky (F.C.); Department of Radiology (B.I.L., D.L., E.T.A.), Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (R.C.), and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health (K.M.), University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093; Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.); and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.)
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky (F.C.); Department of Radiology (B.I.L., D.L., E.T.A.), Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (R.C.), and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health (K.M.), University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093; Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.); and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.)
| | - Eric T Ahrens
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky (F.C.); Department of Radiology (B.I.L., D.L., E.T.A.), Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (R.C.), and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health (K.M.), University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093; Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.); and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, Calif (H.O.)
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Hong M, Clubb JD, Chen YY. Engineering CAR-T Cells for Next-Generation Cancer Therapy. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:473-488. [PMID: 32735779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with tumor specificity have shown remarkable success in treating patients with hematologic malignancies and revitalized the field of adoptive cell therapy. However, realizing broader therapeutic applications of CAR-T cells necessitates engineering approaches on multiple levels to enhance efficacy and safety. Particularly, solid tumors present unique challenges due to the biological complexity of the solid-tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we highlight recent strategies to improve CAR-T cell therapy by engineering (1) the CAR protein, (2) T cells, and (3) the interaction between T cells and other components in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihe Hong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Justin D Clubb
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yvonne Y Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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He B, Zhao Z, Cai Q, Zhang Y, Zhang P, Shi S, Xie H, Peng X, Yin W, Tao Y, Wang X. miRNA-based biomarkers, therapies, and resistance in Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2628-2647. [PMID: 32792861 PMCID: PMC7415433 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.47203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) of about 22 nucleotides in size, play important roles in gene regulation, and their dysregulation is implicated in human diseases including cancer. A variety of miRNAs could take roles in the cancer progression, participate in the process of tumor immune, and function with miRNA sponges. During the last two decades, the connection between miRNAs and various cancers has been widely researched. Based on evidence about miRNA, numerous potential cancer biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis have been put forward, providing a new perspective on cancer screening. Besides, there are several miRNA-based therapies among different cancers being conducted, advanced treatments such as the combination of synergistic strategies and the use of complementary miRNAs provide significant clinical benefits to cancer patients potentially. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that many miRNAs are engaged in the resistance of cancer therapies with their complex underlying regulatory mechanisms, whose comprehensive cognition can help clinicians and improve patient prognosis. With the belief that studies about miRNAs in human cancer would have great clinical implications, we attempt to summarize the current situation and potential development prospects in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxue He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Qidong Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yuqian Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Shuai Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xiong Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Wei Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410078 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078 China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
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Nakazawa T, Natsume A, Nishimura F, Morimoto T, Matsuda R, Nakamura M, Yamada S, Nakagawa I, Motoyama Y, Park YS, Tsujimura T, Wakabayashi T, Nakase H. Effect of CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated PD-1-Disrupted Primary Human Third-Generation CAR-T Cells Targeting EGFRvIII on In Vitro Human Glioblastoma Cell Growth. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040998. [PMID: 32316275 PMCID: PMC7227242 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), which is the most common malignant brain tumor, is resistant to standard treatments. Immunotherapy might be a promising alternative for the treatment of this cancer. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is an artificially modified fusion protein that can be engineered to direct the specificity and function of T cells against tumor antigens. However, the antitumor effects of EGFRvIII-targeting CAR-T (EvCAR-T) cells in GBM are limited. The inhibitory effect is induced by the interaction between programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) on activated EvCAR-T cells and its ligands on GBM cells. In the present study, PD-1-disrupted EvCAR-T cells were established using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). The sgRNA/Cas9 expression vectors designed precisely disrupted the target region of PD-1 and inhibited the expression of PD-1 in EvCAR-T cells. The PD-1-disrupted EvCAR-T cells had an in vitro growth inhibitory effect on EGFRvIII-expressing GBM cells without altering the T-cell phenotype and the expression of other checkpoint receptors. In the future, the in vivo antitumor effect of this vector should be evaluated in order to determine if it could be applied clinically for improving the efficacy of EvCAR-T cell-based adoptive immunotherapy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Nakazawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (F.N.); (T.M.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (S.Y.); (I.N.); (Y.M.); (Y.-S.P.); (H.N.)
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-744-22-3051
| | - Atsushi Natsume
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (A.N.); (T.W.)
| | - Fumihiko Nishimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (F.N.); (T.M.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (S.Y.); (I.N.); (Y.M.); (Y.-S.P.); (H.N.)
| | - Takayuki Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (F.N.); (T.M.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (S.Y.); (I.N.); (Y.M.); (Y.-S.P.); (H.N.)
| | - Ryosuke Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (F.N.); (T.M.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (S.Y.); (I.N.); (Y.M.); (Y.-S.P.); (H.N.)
| | - Mitsutoshi Nakamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (F.N.); (T.M.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (S.Y.); (I.N.); (Y.M.); (Y.-S.P.); (H.N.)
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan;
| | - Shuichi Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (F.N.); (T.M.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (S.Y.); (I.N.); (Y.M.); (Y.-S.P.); (H.N.)
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (F.N.); (T.M.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (S.Y.); (I.N.); (Y.M.); (Y.-S.P.); (H.N.)
| | - Yasushi Motoyama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (F.N.); (T.M.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (S.Y.); (I.N.); (Y.M.); (Y.-S.P.); (H.N.)
| | - Young-Soo Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (F.N.); (T.M.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (S.Y.); (I.N.); (Y.M.); (Y.-S.P.); (H.N.)
| | | | - Toshihiko Wakabayashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; (A.N.); (T.W.)
| | - Hiroyuki Nakase
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (F.N.); (T.M.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (S.Y.); (I.N.); (Y.M.); (Y.-S.P.); (H.N.)
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Kwok D, Okada H. T-Cell based therapies for overcoming neuroanatomical and immunosuppressive challenges within the glioma microenvironment. J Neurooncol 2020; 147:281-295. [PMID: 32185647 PMCID: PMC7182069 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-020-03450-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma remains as the most common and aggressive primary adult brain tumor to date. Within the last decade, cancer immunotherapy surfaced as a broadly successful therapeutic approach for a variety of cancers. However, due to the neuroanatomical and immunosuppressive nature of malignant gliomas, conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments garner limited efficacy in patients with these tumors. The intricate structure of the blood brain barrier restricts immune accessibility into the tumor microenvironment, and malignant gliomas can activate various adaptive responses to subvert anticancer immune responses and reinstate an immunosuppressive milieu. Yet, evidence of lymphocyte infiltration within the brain and recent advancements made in cell engineering technologies implicate the vast potential in the future of neuro-oncological immunotherapy. Previous immunotherapy platforms have paved way to improved modalities, which includes but is not limited to personalized vaccines and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. This review will cover the various neuroanatomical and immunosuppressive features of central nervous system tumors and highlight the innovations made in T-cell based therapies to overcome the challenges presented by the glioblastoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darwin Kwok
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Cancer Research Building HD 472 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158-0520, USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Cancer Research Building HD 472 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158-0520, USA.
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Cancer Immunotherapy Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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36
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Monnot GC, Martinez-Usatorre A, Lanitis E, Lopes SF, Cheng WC, Ho PC, Irving M, Coukos G, Donda A, Romero P. miR-155 Overexpression in OT-1 CD8 + T Cells Improves Anti-Tumor Activity against Low-Affinity Tumor Antigen. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2020; 16:111-123. [PMID: 32021906 PMCID: PMC6994712 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy by adoptive transfer of ex vivo-expanded tumor-infiltrating or genetically modified T cells may lead to impressive clinical responses. However, there is a need to improve in vivo persistence and functionality of the transferred T cells, in particular, to face the highly immunosuppressive environment of solid tumors. Here, we investigate the potential of miR-155, a microRNA known to play an important role in CD8+ T cell fitness. We show that forced expression of miR-155 in tumor antigen-specific T cells improves the tumor control of B16 tumors expressing a low-affinity antigen ligand. Importantly, miR-155-transduced T cells exhibit increased proliferation and effector functions associated with a higher glycolytic activity independent of exogenous glucose. Altogether, these data suggest that miR-155 may optimize the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred low-affinity tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), in particular, by rendering them more resistant to the glucose-deprived environment of solid tumors. Thus, transgenic expression of miR-155 may enable therapeutic targeting of self-antigen-specific T cells in addition to neoantigen-specific ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwennaëlle C. Monnot
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Amaia Martinez-Usatorre
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Evripidis Lanitis
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch at the University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Ferreira Lopes
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Wan-Chen Cheng
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch at the University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch at the University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch at the University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch at the University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Alena Donda
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Romero
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
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37
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To KKW, Fong W, Tong CWS, Wu M, Yan W, Cho WCS. Advances in the discovery of microRNA-based anticancer therapeutics: latest tools and developments. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:63-83. [PMID: 31739699 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1690449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNAs that repress the expression of their target genes by reducing mRNA stability and/or inhibiting translation. miRNAs are known to be aberrantly regulated in cancers. Modulators of miRNA (mimics and antagonists) have emerged as novel therapeutic tools for cancer treatment.Areas covered: This review summarizes the various strategies that have been applied to correct the dysregulated miRNA in cancer cells. The authors also discuss the recent advances in the technical development and preclinical/clinical evaluation of miRNA-based therapeutic agents.Expert opinion: Application of miRNA-based therapeutics for cancer treatment is appealing because they are able to modulate multiple dysregulated genes and/or signaling pathways in cancer cells. Major obstacles hindering their clinical development include drug delivery, off-target effects, efficacious dose determination, and safety. Tumor site-specific delivery of novel miRNA therapeutics may help to minimize off-target effects and toxicity. Combination of miRNA therapeutics with other anticancer treatment modalities could provide a synergistic effect, thus allowing the use of lower dose, minimizing off-target effects, and improving the overall safety profile in cancer patients. It is critical to identify individual miRNAs with cancer type-specific and context-specific regulation of oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes in order to facilitate the precise use of miRNA anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Winnie Fong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Christy W S Tong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mingxia Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wei Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William C S Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
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38
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Burger MC, Zhang C, Harter PN, Romanski A, Strassheimer F, Senft C, Tonn T, Steinbach JP, Wels WS. CAR-Engineered NK Cells for the Treatment of Glioblastoma: Turning Innate Effectors Into Precision Tools for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2683. [PMID: 31798595 PMCID: PMC6868035 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults and currently incurable. Despite multimodal treatment regimens, median survival in unselected patient cohorts is <1 year, and recurrence remains almost inevitable. Escape from immune surveillance is thought to contribute to the development and progression of GB. While GB tumors are frequently infiltrated by natural killer (NK) cells, these are actively suppressed by the GB cells and the GB tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, ex vivo activation with cytokines can restore cytolytic activity of NK cells against GB, indicating that NK cells have potential for adoptive immunotherapy of GB if potent cytotoxicity can be maintained in vivo. NK cells contribute to cancer immune surveillance not only by their direct natural cytotoxicity which is triggered rapidly upon stimulation through germline-encoded cell surface receptors, but also by modulating T-cell mediated antitumor immune responses through maintaining the quality of dendritic cells and enhancing the presentation of tumor antigens. Furthermore, similar to T cells, specific recognition and elimination of cancer cells by NK cells can be markedly enhanced through expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which provides an opportunity to generate NK-cell therapeutics of defined specificity for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we discuss effects of the GB tumor microenvironment on NK-cell functionality, summarize early treatment attempts with ex vivo activated NK cells, and describe relevant CAR target antigens validated with CAR-T cells. We then outline preclinical approaches that employ CAR-NK cells for GB immunotherapy, and give an overview on the ongoing clinical development of ErbB2 (HER2)-specific CAR-NK cells currently applied in a phase I clinical trial in glioblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Burger
- Institute for Neurooncology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Congcong Zhang
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Patrick N Harter
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Annette Romanski
- German Red Cross Blood Donation Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Florian Strassheimer
- Institute for Neurooncology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Senft
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Torsten Tonn
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany.,Transfusion Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Joachim P Steinbach
- Institute for Neurooncology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Winfried S Wels
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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39
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Vishnubalaji R, Shaath H, Elango R, Alajez NM. Noncoding RNAs as potential mediators of resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 65:65-79. [PMID: 31733291 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Substantial evolution in cancer therapy has been witnessed lately, steering mainly towards immunotherapeutic approaches, replacing or in combination with classical therapies. Whereas the use of various immunotherapy approaches, such as adoptive T cell therapy, genetically-modified T cells, or immune checkpoint inhibitors, has been a triumph for cancer immunotherapy, the great challenge is the ability of the immune system to sustain long lasting anti-tumor response. Additionally, epigenetic changes in a suppressive tumor microenvironment can pertain to T cell exhaustion, limiting their functionality. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged over the last years as key players in epigenetic regulation. Among those, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been studied extensively for their potential role in regulating tumor immunity through direct regulation of genes involved in immune activation or suppression. In this review, we will provide an overview of contemporary approaches for cancer immunotherapy and will present the current state of knowledge implicating miRNAs and lncRNAs in regulating immune response against human cancer and their potential implications in resistance to cancer immunotherapy, with main emphasis on immune checkpoints regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishnan Vishnubalaji
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hibah Shaath
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Ramesh Elango
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nehad M Alajez
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar.
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40
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Panagopoulou TI, Rafiq QA. CAR-T immunotherapies: Biotechnological strategies to improve safety, efficacy and clinical outcome through CAR engineering. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 37:107411. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Hingorani DV, Chapelin F, Stares E, Adams SR, Okada H, Ahrens ET. Cell penetrating peptide functionalized perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions for targeted cell labeling and enhanced fluorine-19 MRI detection. Magn Reson Med 2019; 83:974-987. [PMID: 31631402 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.27988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A bottleneck in developing cell therapies for cancer is assaying cell biodistribution, persistence, and survival in vivo. Ex vivo cell labeling using perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsions, paired with 19 F MRI detection, is a non-invasive approach for cell product detection in vivo. Lymphocytes are small and weakly phagocytic limiting PFC labeling levels and MRI sensitivity. To boost labeling, we designed PFC nanoemulsion imaging probes displaying a cell-penetrating peptide, namely the transactivating transcription sequence (TAT) of the human immunodeficiency virus. We report optimized synthesis schemes for preparing TAT co-surfactant to complement the common surfactants used in PFC nanoemulsion preparations. METHODS We performed ex vivo labeling of primary human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells with nanoemulsion. Intracellular labeling was validated using electron microscopy and confocal imaging. To detect signal enhancement in vivo, labeled CAR T cells were intra-tumorally injected into mice bearing flank glioma tumors. RESULTS By incorporating TAT into the nanoemulsion, a labeling efficiency of ~1012 fluorine atoms per CAR T cell was achieved that is a >8-fold increase compared to nanoemulsion without TAT while retaining high cell viability (~84%). Flow cytometry phenotypic assays show that CAR T cells are unaltered after labeling with TAT nanoemulsion, and in vitro tumor cell killing assays display intact cytotoxic function. The 19 F MRI signal detected from TAT-labeled CAR T cells was 8 times higher than cells labeled with PFC without TAT. CONCLUSION The peptide-PFC nanoemulsion synthesis scheme presented can significantly enhance cell labeling and imaging sensitivity and is generalizable for other targeted imaging probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina V Hingorani
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Fanny Chapelin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Emma Stares
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Stephen R Adams
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, California
| | - Eric T Ahrens
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, California
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42
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Marei HE, Althani A, Caceci T, Arriga R, Sconocchia T, Ottaviani A, Lanzilli G, Roselli M, Caratelli S, Cenciarelli C, Sconocchia G. Recent perspective on CAR and Fcγ-CR T cell immunotherapy for cancers: Preclinical evidence versus clinical outcomes. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 166:335-346. [PMID: 31176617 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T cell) immunotherapy currently represents a hot research trend and it is expected to revolutionize the field of cancer therapy. Promising outcomes have been achieved using CAR-T cell therapy for haematological malignancies. Despite encouraging results, several challenges still pose eminent hurdles before being fully recognized. Directing CAR-T cells to target a single tumour associated antigen (TAA) as the case in haematological malignancies might be much simpler than targeting the extensive inhibitory microenvironments associated with solid tumours. This review focuses on the basic principles involved in development of CAR-T cells, emphasizing the differences between humoral IgG, T-cell receptors, CAR and Fcγ-CR constructs. It also highlights the complex inhibitory network that is usually associated with solid tumours, and tackles recent advances in the clinical studies that have provided great hope for the future use of CAR-T cell immunotherapy. While current Fcγ-CR T cell immunotherapy is in pre-clinical stage, is expected to provide a sound therapeutic approach to add to existing classical chemo- and radio-therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany E Marei
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35116, Egypt.
| | - Asma Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Thomas Caceci
- Biomedical Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Roberto Arriga
- Department of Systems Medicine, Endocrinology and Medical Oncology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Sconocchia
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Chair of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Mario Roselli
- Department of Systems Medicine, Endocrinology and Medical Oncology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Caratelli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology-CNR, Rome, Italy
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Current Approaches and Challenges in the Molecular Therapeutic Targeting of Glioblastoma. World Neurosurg 2019; 129:90-100. [PMID: 31152883 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.05.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Surgical resection continues to predominate as the primary treatment modality in glioblastoma (GBM). Effective chemotherapeutic/biologic agents capable of targeting GBM have yet to be developed in part because of the exceptionally heterogeneous nature and unique microenvironmental conditions associated with this malignant neoplasm. Temozolomide and bevacizumab represent the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved agents for primary and recurrent GBM, respectively. Given the high therapeutic resistance of GBM to current therapies, as well as the failure of bevacizumab to prolong overall survival, new therapeutic agents are urgently warranted and are now in the preclinical and clinical phases of development. Accordingly, clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition, chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, virotherapies, and tumor vaccination therapy are all under way in GBM. Herein, we review the application of current/novel therapeutics in GBM and in so doing attempt to highlight the most promising solutions to overcome current failures.
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44
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Cortez MA, Anfossi S, Ramapriyan R, Menon H, Atalar SC, Aliru M, Welsh J, Calin GA. Role of miRNAs in immune responses and immunotherapy in cancer. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2019; 58:244-253. [PMID: 30578699 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, the study of mechanisms of cancer immunity has seen a prominent boom, which paralleled the increased amount of research on the clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade in several lethal types of cancers. This conspicuous effort has led to the development of successful immunotherapy treatment strategies, whose medical impact has been recognized by the awarding of 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to the two pioneers of check point inhibitor research, Tasuku Honjo and James Allison. Despite these promising achievements, the differences in the clinical response rate in different cancer patients and the high risk of toxicity of immune-based therapies represent crucial challenges. More remarkably, the causes responsible for different outcome (success vs failure) in patients with tumor having same histotype and clinical characteristics remain mostly unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small regulatory noncoding RNA molecules representing the most studied component of the dark matter of the human genome, are involved in the regulation of many pathways of cancer and immune cells. Therefore, understanding the role of miRNAs in controlling cancer immunity is necessary, as it can contribute to reveal mechanisms that can be modulated to improve the success of immunetherapy in cancer patients. Here, we discuss the latest findings on immune pathways regulated by miRNAs in cancer, miRNA-mediated regulation of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and miRNAs as potential target for immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angelica Cortez
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Simone Anfossi
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rishab Ramapriyan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hari Menon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Semra Cemre Atalar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Maureen Aliru
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - James Welsh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Krichevsky AM, Uhlmann EJ. Oligonucleotide Therapeutics as a New Class of Drugs for Malignant Brain Tumors: Targeting mRNAs, Regulatory RNAs, Mutations, Combinations, and Beyond. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:319-347. [PMID: 30644073 PMCID: PMC6554258 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-00702-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors are rapidly progressive and often fatal owing to resistance to therapies and based on their complex biology, heterogeneity, and isolation from systemic circulation. Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor, has high mortality, and affects both children and adults. Despite significant advances in understanding the pathology, multiple clinical trials employing various treatment strategies have failed. With much expanded knowledge of the GBM genome, epigenome, and transcriptome, the field of neuro-oncology is getting closer to achieve breakthrough-targeted molecular therapies. Current developments of oligonucleotide chemistries for CNS applications make this new class of drugs very attractive for targeting molecular pathways dysregulated in brain tumors and are anticipated to vastly expand the spectrum of currently targetable molecules. In this chapter, we will overview the molecular landscape of malignant gliomas and explore the most prominent molecular targets (mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and genomic mutations) that provide opportunities for the development of oligonucleotide therapeutics for this class of neurologic diseases. Because malignant brain tumors focally disrupt the blood-brain barrier, this class of diseases might be also more susceptible to systemic treatments with oligonucleotides than other neurologic disorders and, thus, present an entry point for the oligonucleotide therapeutics to the CNS. Nevertheless, delivery of oligonucleotides remains a crucial part of the treatment strategy. Finally, synthetic gRNAs guiding CRISPR-Cas9 editing technologies have a tremendous potential to further expand the applications of oligonucleotide therapeutics and take them beyond RNA targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Krichevsky
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.
| | - Erik J Uhlmann
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
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46
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He W, Xu J, Huang Z, Zhang J, Dong L. MiRNAs in cancer therapy: focusing on their bi-directional roles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s41544-019-0005-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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47
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Zhang Z, Jiang J, Wu X, Zhang M, Luo D, Zhang R, Li S, He Y, Bian H, Chen Z. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell targeting EGFRvIII for metastatic lung cancer therapy. Front Med 2019; 13:57-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s11684-019-0683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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48
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Moyal L, Gorovitz‐Haris B, Yehezkel S, Jacob‐Hirsch J, Bershtein V, Barzilai A, Rotem C, Sherman S, Amitay‐Laish I, Feinmesser M, Hodak E. Unilesional mycosis fungoides is associated with increased expression of micro
RNA
‐17~92 and T helper 1 skewing. Br J Dermatol 2019; 180:1123-1134. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Moyal
- Laboratory for Molecular Dermatology Felsenstein Medical Research Center Petach Tikva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Dermatology and Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Hospital Petach TikvaIsrael
| | - B. Gorovitz‐Haris
- Laboratory for Molecular Dermatology Felsenstein Medical Research Center Petach Tikva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Dermatology and Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Hospital Petach TikvaIsrael
| | - S. Yehezkel
- Laboratory for Molecular Dermatology Felsenstein Medical Research Center Petach Tikva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Dermatology and Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Hospital Petach TikvaIsrael
| | - J. Jacob‐Hirsch
- Cancer Research Center Sheba Medical Center Tel HashomerIsrael
| | - V. Bershtein
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Dermatology and Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Hospital Petach TikvaIsrael
| | - A. Barzilai
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Dermatology Sheba Medical Center Tel Hashomer Israel
| | - C. Rotem
- Laboratory for Molecular Dermatology Felsenstein Medical Research Center Petach Tikva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Dermatology and Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Hospital Petach TikvaIsrael
| | - S. Sherman
- Laboratory for Molecular Dermatology Felsenstein Medical Research Center Petach Tikva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Dermatology and Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Hospital Petach TikvaIsrael
| | - I. Amitay‐Laish
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Dermatology and Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Hospital Petach TikvaIsrael
| | - M. Feinmesser
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Institute of Pathology Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Hospital Petach Tikva Israel
| | - E. Hodak
- Laboratory for Molecular Dermatology Felsenstein Medical Research Center Petach Tikva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Dermatology and Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Hospital Petach TikvaIsrael
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49
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Chuntova P, Downey KM, Hegde B, Almeida ND, Okada H. Genetically Engineered T-Cells for Malignant Glioma: Overcoming the Barriers to Effective Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3062. [PMID: 30740109 PMCID: PMC6357938 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant gliomas carry a dismal prognosis. Conventional treatment using chemo- and radiotherapy has limited efficacy with adverse events. Therapy with genetically engineered T-cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, may represent a promising approach to improve patient outcomes owing to their potential ability to attack highly infiltrative tumors in a tumor-specific manner and possible persistence of the adaptive immune response. However, the unique anatomical features of the brain and susceptibility of this organ to irreversible tissue damage have made immunotherapy especially challenging in the setting of glioma. With safety concerns in mind, multiple teams have initiated clinical trials using CAR T-cells in glioma patients. The valuable lessons learnt from those trials highlight critical areas for further improvement: tackling the issues of the antigen presentation and T-cell homing in the brain, immunosuppression in the glioma microenvironment, antigen heterogeneity and off-tumor toxicity, and the adaptation of existing clinical therapies to reflect the intricacies of immune response in the brain. This review summarizes the up-to-date clinical outcomes of CAR T-cell clinical trials in glioma patients and examines the most pressing hurdles limiting the efficacy of these therapies. Furthermore, this review uses these hurdles as a framework upon which to evaluate cutting-edge pre-clinical strategies aiming to overcome those barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Chuntova
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kira M Downey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Bindu Hegde
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Neil D Almeida
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Cancer Immunotherapy Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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50
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Filley AC, Henriquez M, Dey M. CART Immunotherapy: Development, Success, and Translation to Malignant Gliomas and Other Solid Tumors. Front Oncol 2018; 8:453. [PMID: 30386740 PMCID: PMC6199385 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology has allowed for the introduction of a high degree of tumor selectivity into adoptive cell transfer therapies. Evolution of this technology has produced a robust antitumor immunotherapeutic strategy that has resulted in dramatic outcomes in liquid cancers. CAR-expressing T-cells (CARTs) targeting CD19 and CD20 have been successfully used in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, producing sustained tumor regressions in a majority of treated patients. These encouraging results have led to a historic and unprecedented FDA approval of CTL019, Novartis' CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of children and young adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the translation of this technology to solid tumors, like malignant gliomas (MG), has thus far been unsuccessful. This review provides a timely analysis of the factors leading to the success of CART immunotherapy in the setting of hematologic malignancies, barriers limiting its success in the treatment of solid tumors, and approaches to overcome these challenges and allow the application of CART immunotherapy as a treatment modality for refractory tumors, like malignant gliomas, that are in desperate need of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Filley
- Department of Neurosurgery, IU Simon Cancer Center, IU School of Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Mario Henriquez
- Department of Neurosurgery, IU Simon Cancer Center, IU School of Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Mahua Dey
- Department of Neurosurgery, IU Simon Cancer Center, IU School of Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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