1
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Ding Y, Zhang S, Li W, Chen X, Li J, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Hu Y, Yang Z, Hu ZW, Shen X. Enzyme-Instructed Photoactivatable Supramolecular Antigens on Cancer Cell Membranes for Precision-Controlled T-Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy. NANO LETTERS 2024. [PMID: 38838340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies based on cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTLs) are highly promising for cancer treatment. The specific interaction between T-cell receptors and peptide-MHC-I complexes (pMHC-I) on cancer cell membranes critically determines their therapeutic outcomes. However, the lack of appropriate endogenous antigens for MHC-I presentation disables tumor recognition by CTLs. By devising three antigen-loaded self-assembling peptides of pY-K(Ag)-ERGD, pY-K(Ag)-E, and Y-K(Ag)-ERGD to noncovalently generate light-activatable supramolecular antigens at tumor sites in different manners, we report pY-K(Ag)-ERGD as a promising candidate to endow tumor cells with pMHC-I targets on demand. Specifically, pY-K(Ag)-ERGD first generates low-antigenic supramolecular antigens on cancer cell membranes, and a successive light pulse allows antigen payloads to efficiently release from the supramolecular scaffold, directly producing antigenic pMHC-I. Intravenous administration of pY-K(Ag)-ERGD enables light-controlled tumor inhibition when combined with adoptively transferred antigen-specific CTLs. Our strategy is feasible for broadening tumor antigen repertoires for T-cell immunotherapies and advancing precision-controlled T-cell immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Ding
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Shengyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Zhenghao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yuanbo Hu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhimou Yang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Wen Hu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Xian Shen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
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2
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Liu D, Yu L, Rong H, Liu L, Yin J. Engineering Microorganisms for Cancer Immunotherapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2304649. [PMID: 38598792 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy presents a promising approach to fight against cancer by utilizing the immune system. Recently, engineered microorganisms have emerged as a potential strategy in cancer immunotherapy. These microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, can be designed and modified using synthetic biology and genetic engineering techniques to target cancer cells and modulate the immune system. This review delves into various microorganism-based therapies for cancer immunotherapy, encompassing strategies for enhancing efficacy while ensuring safety and ethical considerations. The development of these therapies holds immense potential in offering innovative personalized treatments for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lichao Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Haibo Rong
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lubin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 120 Longshan Road, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
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3
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Ye X, Shih DJH, Ku Z, Hong J, Barrett DF, Rupp RE, Zhang N, Fu TM, Zheng WJ, An Z. Transcriptional signature of durable effector T cells elicited by a replication defective HCMV vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:70. [PMID: 38561339 PMCID: PMC10984989 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00860-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading infectious cause of birth defects and the most common opportunistic infection that causes life-threatening diseases post-transplantation; however, an effective vaccine remains elusive. V160 is a live-attenuated replication defective HCMV vaccine that showed a 42.4% efficacy against primary HCMV infection among seronegative women in a phase 2b clinical trial. Here, we integrated the multicolor flow cytometry, longitudinal T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, and single-cell RNA/TCR sequencing approaches to characterize the magnitude, phenotype, and functional quality of human T cell responses to V160. We demonstrated that V160 de novo induces IE-1 and pp65 specific durable polyfunctional effector CD8 T cells that are comparable to those induced by natural HCMV infection. We identified a variety of V160-responsive T cell clones which exhibit distinctive "transient" and "durable" expansion kinetics, and revealed a transcriptional signature that marks durable CD8 T cells post-vaccination. Our study enhances the understanding of human T-cell immune responses to V160 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Ye
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - David J H Shih
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Zhiqiang Ku
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Junping Hong
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Diane F Barrett
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Richard E Rupp
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tong-Ming Fu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - W Jim Zheng
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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4
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van der Wulp W, Luu W, Ressing ME, Schuurman J, van Kasteren SI, Guelen L, Hoeben RC, Bleijlevens B, Heemskerk MHM. Antibody-epitope conjugates deliver immunogenic T-cell epitopes more efficiently when close to cell surfaces. MAbs 2024; 16:2329321. [PMID: 38494955 PMCID: PMC10950288 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2329321] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated delivery of immunogenic viral CD8+ T-cell epitopes to redirect virus-specific T cells toward cancer cells is a promising new therapeutic avenue to increase the immunogenicity of tumors. Multiple strategies for viral epitope delivery have been shown to be effective. So far, most of these have relied on a free C-terminus of the immunogenic epitope for extracellular delivery. Here, we demonstrate that antibody-epitope conjugates (AECs) with genetically fused epitopes to the N-terminus of the antibody can also sensitize tumors for attack by virus-specific CD8+ T cells. AECs carrying epitopes genetically fused at the N-terminus of the light chains of cetuximab and trastuzumab demonstrate an even more efficient delivery of the T-cell epitopes compared to AECs with the epitope fused to the C-terminus of the heavy chain. We demonstrate that this increased efficiency is not caused by the shift in location of the cleavage site from the N- to the C-terminus, but by its increased proximity to the cell surface. We hypothesize that this facilitates more efficient epitope delivery. These findings not only provide additional insights into the mechanism of action of AECs but also broaden the possibilities for genetically fused AECs as an avenue for the redirection of multiple virus-specific T cells toward tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. van der Wulp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - W. Luu
- Genmab, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M. E. Ressing
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - S. I. van Kasteren
- Division of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - R. C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - M. H. M. Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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5
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Jung K, Ko D, Jang J, Kim YR, Heo JY, Kim Y. Harnessing SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8 + T cells to kill target tumor cells for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:173-177. [PMID: 37856250 PMCID: PMC10794008 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Keunok Jung
- Department of Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonRepublic of Korea
| | - Deok‐Han Ko
- Department of Molecular Science and TechnologyAjou UniversitySuwonRepublic of Korea
| | - Jeong‐Yun Jang
- Department of Molecular Science and TechnologyAjou UniversitySuwonRepublic of Korea
| | - Young Rong Kim
- Department of Infectious DiseasesAjou University School of MedicineSuwonRepublic of Korea
| | - Jung Yeon Heo
- Department of Infectious DiseasesAjou University School of MedicineSuwonRepublic of Korea
| | - Yong‐Sung Kim
- Department of Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonRepublic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and TechnologyAjou UniversitySuwonRepublic of Korea
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6
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van der Wulp W, Remst DFG, Kester MGD, Hagedoorn RS, Parren PWHI, van Kasteren SI, Schuurman J, Hoeben RC, Ressing ME, Bleijlevens B, Heemskerk MHM. Antibody-mediated delivery of viral epitopes to redirect EBV-specific CD8 + T-cell immunity towards cancer cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:58-68. [PMID: 37945970 PMCID: PMC10794138 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00681-4] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-mediated delivery of immunogenic epitopes to redirect virus-specific CD8+ T-cells towards cancer cells is an emerging and promising new therapeutic strategy. These so-called antibody-epitope conjugates (AECs) rely on the proteolytic release of the epitopes close to the tumor surface for presentation by HLA class I molecules to eventually redirect and activate virus-specific CD8+ T-cells towards tumor cells. We fused the immunogenic EBV-BRLF1 epitope preceded by a protease cleavage site to the C-terminus of the heavy and/or light chains of cetuximab and trastuzumab. We evaluated these AECs and found that, even though all AECs were able to redirect the EBV-specific T-cells, AECs with an epitope fused to the C-terminus of the heavy chain resulted in higher levels of T-cell activation compared to AECs with the same epitope fused to the light chain of an antibody. We observed that all AECs were depending on the presence of the antibody target, that the level of T-cell activation correlated with expression levels of the antibody target, and that our AECs could efficiently deliver the BRLF1 epitope to cancer cell lines from different origins (breast, ovarian, lung, and cervical cancer and a multiple myeloma). Moreover, in vivo, the AECs efficiently reduced tumor burden and increased the overall survival, which was prolonged even further in combination with immune checkpoint blockade. We demonstrate the potential of these genetically fused AECs to redirect the potent EBV-specific T-cells towards cancer in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemijn van der Wulp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Dennis F G Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michel G D Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paul W H I Parren
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sander I van Kasteren
- Division of Bio-organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rob C Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike E Ressing
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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7
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Wu X, Li T, Jiang R, Yang X, Guo H, Yang R. Targeting MHC-I molecules for cancer: function, mechanism, and therapeutic prospects. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:194. [PMID: 38041084 PMCID: PMC10693139 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01899-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecules of Major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) load peptides and present them on the cell surface, which provided the immune system with the signal to detect and eliminate the infected or cancerous cells. In the context of cancer, owing to the crucial immune-regulatory roles played by MHC-I molecules, the abnormal modulation of MHC-I expression and function could be hijacked by tumor cells to escape the immune surveillance and attack, thereby promoting tumoral progression and impairing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here we reviewed and discussed the recent studies and discoveries related to the MHC-I molecules and their multidirectional functions in the development of cancer, mainly focusing on the interactions between MHC-I and the multiple participators in the tumor microenvironment and highlighting the significance of targeting MHC-I for optimizing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature and functioning mechanism of MHC-I in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Wu
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianhang Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Southeast University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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8
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Kim JH, Kim DS, Park HS, Kim YS. Engineering bispecific T-cell engagers to deplete eosinophils for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109755. [PMID: 37673224 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109755] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) is characterized by elevated eosinophil counts in the blood and airway mucosa. While monoclonal antibody therapies targeting interleukin-5 (IL-5) and its receptor (IL-5Rα) have improved treatment, some patients remain unresponsive. We propose an alternative approach to eliminate eosinophils using T cells by engineering IL-5Rα × CD3 bispecific T-cell engagers (bsTCEs) that target both IL-5Rα on eosinophils and CD3 on T cells. We designed different formats of IL-5Rα × CD3 bsTCEs, incorporating variations in valency, geometry, and affinity for the target antigen binding. We identified the single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-Fc format with the highest affinity toward the membrane-proximal domain of IL-5Rα in the IL-5Rα-binding arm showed the most potent cytotoxicity against IL-5Rα-expressing peripheral eosinophils by activating autologous primary T cells from healthy donors. This study proposes IL-5Rα × CD3 bsTCEs as potential alternatives for SEA treatment. Importantly, it demonstrates the first application of bsTCEs in eliminating disease-associated cells, including eosinophils, beyond cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Seong Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Sim Park
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University Medical School, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University Medical School, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Britsch I, van Wijngaarden AP, Helfrich W. Applications of Anti-Cytomegalovirus T Cells for Cancer (Immuno)Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3767. [PMID: 37568582 PMCID: PMC10416821 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is highly prevalent in the general population and largely controlled by CD8pos T cells. Intriguingly, anti-CMV T cells accumulate over time to extraordinarily high numbers, are frequently present as tumor-resident 'bystander' T cells, and remain functional in cancer patients. Consequently, various strategies for redirecting anti-CMV CD8pos T cells to eliminate cancer cells are currently being developed. Here, we provide an overview of these strategies including immunogenic CMV peptide-loading onto endogenous HLA complexes on cancer cells and the use of tumor-directed fusion proteins containing a preassembled CMV peptide/HLA-I complex. Additionally, we discuss conveying the advantageous characteristics of anti-CMV T cells in adoptive cell therapy. Utilization of anti-CMV CD8pos T cells to generate CAR T cells promotes their in vivo persistence and expansion due to appropriate co-stimulation through the endogenous (CMV-)TCR signaling complex. Designing TCR-engineered T cells is more challenging, as the artificial and endogenous TCR compete for expression. Moreover, the use of expanded/reactivated anti-CMV T cells to target CMV peptide-expressing glioblastomas is discussed. This review highlights the most important findings and compares the benefits, disadvantages, and challenges of each strategy. Finally, we discuss how anti-CMV T cell therapies can be further improved to enhance treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wijnand Helfrich
- Department of Surgery, Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, UMC Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (I.B.)
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10
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Britsch I, van Wijngaarden AP, Ke X, Hendriks MA, Samplonius DF, Ploeg EM, Helfrich W. Novel Fab-peptide-HLA-I fusion proteins for redirecting pre-existing anti-CMV T cell immunity to selective eliminate carcinoma cells. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2207868. [PMID: 37180637 PMCID: PMC10173793 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2207868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Typically, anticancer CD8pos T cells occur at low frequencies and become increasingly impaired in the tumor micro environment. In contrast, antiviral CD8pos T cells display a much higher polyclonality, frequency, and functionality. In particular, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection induces high numbers of 'inflationary' CD8pos T cells that remain lifelong abundantly present in CMV-seropositive subjects. Importantly, these so-called inflationary anti-CMV T cells increase with age, maintain a ready-to-go state, populate tumors, and do not become exhausted or senescent. Given these favorable attributes, we devised a novel series of recombinant Fab-peptide-HLA-I fusion proteins and coined them 'ReTARGs'. A ReTARG fusion protein consists of a high-affinity Fab antibody fragment directed to carcinoma-associated cell surface antigen EpCAM (or EGFR), fused in tandem with soluble HLA-I molecule/β2-microglobulin, genetically equipped with an immunodominant peptide derived from CMV proteins pp65 (or IE-1). Decoration with EpCAM-ReTARGpp65 rendered EpCAM-expressing primary patient-derived carcinoma cells highly sensitive to selective elimination by cognate anti-CMV CD8pos T cells. Importantly, this treatment did not induce excessive levels of proinflammatory T cell-secreted IFNγ. In contrast, analogous treatment with equimolar amounts of EpCAM/CD3-directed bispecific T-cell engager solitomab resulted in a massive release of IFNγ, a feature commonly associated with adverse cytokine-release syndrome. Combinatorial treatment with EpCAM-ReTARGpp65 and EGFR-ReTARGIE-1 strongly potentiated selective cancer cell elimination owing to the concerted action of the corresponding cognate anti-CMV CD8pos T cell clones. In conclusion, ReTARG fusion proteins may be useful as an alternative or complementary form of targeted cancer immunotherapy for 'cold' solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Britsch
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne P. van Wijngaarden
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xiurong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark. A.J.M. Hendriks
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe F. Samplonius
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Emily M. Ploeg
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wijnand Helfrich
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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11
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Tumor resident, TRA anti-viral CDR3 chemical sequence motifs are associated with a better breast cancer outcome. Genes Immun 2023; 24:92-98. [PMID: 36805542 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-023-00201-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
While for certain cancers, such as cervical cancer, the link to viral infections is very strong and very clear, other cancers represent a history of links to viral infections that are either co-morbidities or drive the cancer in ways that are not yet fully understood, for example the "hit and run" possibility. To further understand the connection of viral infections and the progress of breast cancer, we identified the chemical features of known anti-viral, T-cell receptor alpha chain (TRA) complementarity determining region-3 (CDR3) amino acid sequences among the CDR3s of breast cancer patient TRA recombinations and assessed the association of those features with patient outcomes. The application of this novel paradigm indicated consistent associations of tumor-derived, anti-CMV CDR3 chemical sequence motifs with better breast cancer patient outcomes but did not indicate an opportunity to establish risk stratifications for other cancer types. Interestingly, breast cancer samples with no detectable TRA recombinations represented a better outcome than samples with the non-anti-CMV CDR3s, further adding to a rapidly developing series of results allowing a distinction between positive and possibly harmful cancer immune responses.
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12
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Groeneveldt C, van den Ende J, van Montfoort N. Preexisting immunity: Barrier or bridge to effective oncolytic virus therapy? Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 70:1-12. [PMID: 36732155 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent a highly promising treatment strategy for a wide range of cancers, by mediating both the direct killing of tumor cells as well as mobilization of antitumor immune responses. As many OVs circulate in the human population, preexisting OV-specific immune responses are prevalent. Indeed, neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are abundantly present in the human population for commonly used OVs, such as Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5), Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1), Vaccinia virus, Measles virus, and Reovirus. This review discusses (pre)clinical evidence regarding the effect of preexisting immunity against OVs on two distinct aspects of OV therapy; OV infection and spread, as well as the immune response induced upon OV therapy. Combined, this review provides evidence that consideration of preexisting immunity is crucial in realizing the full potential of the highly promising therapeutic implementation of OVs. Future investigation of current gaps in knowledge highlighted in this review should yield a more complete understanding of this topic, ultimately allowing for better and more personalized OV therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christianne Groeneveldt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Jasper van den Ende
- Master Infection & Immunity, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Expanding the Therapeutic Window of EGFR-Targeted PE24 Immunotoxin for EGFR-Overexpressing Cancers by Tailoring the EGFR Binding Affinity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415820. [PMID: 36555466 PMCID: PMC9779439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415820] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins (ITs), which are toxin-fused tumor antigen-specific antibody chimeric proteins, have been developed to selectively kill targeted cancer cells. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an attractive target for the development of anti-EGFR ITs against solid tumors due to its overexpression on the cell surface of various solid tumors. However, the low basal level expression of EGFR in normal tissue cells can cause undesirable on-target/off-tumor toxicity and reduce the therapeutic window of anti-EGFR ITs. Here, based on an anti-EGFR monobody with cross-reactivity to both human and murine EGFR, we developed a strategy to tailor the anti-EGFR affinity of the monobody-based ITs carrying a 24-kDa fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE24), termed ER-PE24, to distinguish tumors that overexpress EGFR from normal tissues. Five variants of ER-PE24 were generated with different EGFR affinities (KD ≈ 0.24 nM to 104 nM), showing comparable binding activity for both human and murine EGFR. ER/0.2-PE24 with the highest affinity (KD ≈ 0.24 nM) exhibited a narrow therapeutic window of 19 pM to 93 pM, whereas ER/21-PE24 with an intermediate affinity (KD ≈ 21 nM) showed a much broader therapeutic window of 73 pM to 1.5 nM in in vitro cytotoxic assays using tumor model cell lines. In EGFR-overexpressing tumor xenograft mouse models, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of intravenous injection of ER/21-PE24 was found to be 0.4 mg/kg, which was fourfold higher than the MTD (0.1 mg/kg) of ER/0.2-PE24. Our study provides a strategy for the development of IT targeting tumor overexpressed antigens with basal expression in broad normal tissues by tailoring tumor antigen affinities.
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Jung K, Yoo S, Kim JE, Kim W, Kim YS. Improved intratumoral penetration of IL12 immunocytokine enhances the antitumor efficacy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1034774. [PMID: 36405748 PMCID: PMC9667294 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-targeting antibody (Ab)-fused cytokines, referred to as immunocytokines, are designed to increase antitumor efficacy and reduce toxicity through the tumor-directed delivery of cytokines. However, the poor localization and intratumoral penetration of immunocytokines, especially in solid tumors, pose a challenge to effectively stimulate antitumor immune cells to kill tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we investigated the influence of the tumor antigen-binding kinetics of a murine interleukin 12 (mIL12)-based immunocytokine on tumor localization and diffusive intratumoral penetration, and hence the consequent antitumor activity, by activating effector T cells in immunocompetent mice bearing syngeneic colon tumors. Based on tumor-associated antigen HER2-specific Ab Herceptin (HCT)-fused mIL12 carrying one molecule of mIL12 (HCT-mono-mIL12 immunocytokine), we generated a panel of HCT-mono-mIL12 variants with different affinities (K D) mainly varying in their dissociation rates (k off) for HER2. Systemic administration of HCT-mono-mIL12 required an anti-HER2 affinity above a threshold (K D = 130 nM) for selective localization and antitumor activity to HER2-expressing tumors versus HER2-negative tumors. However, the high affinity (K D = 0.54 or 46 nM) due to the slow k off from HER2 antigen limited the depth of intratumoral penetration of HCT-mono-mIL12 and the consequent tumor infiltration of T cells, resulting in inferior antitumor activity compared with that of HCT-mono-mIL12 with moderate affinity of (K D = 130 nM) and a faster k off. The extent of intratumoral penetration of HCT-mono-mIL12 variants was strongly correlated with their tumor infiltration and intratumoral activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to kill tumor cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that when developing antitumor immunocytokines, tumor antigen-binding kinetics and affinity of the Ab moiety should be optimized to achieve maximal antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keunok Jung
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sojung Yoo
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Wook Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
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