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Walter Jackson Iii, Yang Y, Salman S, Dordai D, Lyu Y, Datan E, Drehmer D, Huang TYT, Hwang Y, Semenza GL. Pharmacologic HIF stabilization activates costimulatory receptor expression to increase antitumor efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadq2366. [PMID: 39196939 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adq2366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a therapeutic strategy to augment antitumor immunity. Here, we report that ex vivo treatment of mouse CD8+ T cells with dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), a stabilizer of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), induced HIF binding to the genes encoding the costimulatory receptors CD81, GITR, OX40, and 4-1BB, leading to increased expression. DMOG treatment increased T cell killing of melanoma cells, which was further augmented by agonist antibodies targeting each costimulatory receptor. In tumor-bearing mice, ACT using T cells treated ex vivo with DMOG and agonist antibodies resulted in decreased tumor growth compared to ACT using control T cells and increased intratumoral markers of CD8+ T cells (CD7, CD8A, and CD8B1), natural killer cells (NCR1 and KLRK1), and cytolytic activity (perforin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α). Costimulatory receptor gene expression was also induced when CD8+ T cells were treated with three highly selective HIF stabilizers that are currently in clinical use.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- Amino Acids, Dicarboxylic/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Receptors, OX40/metabolism
- Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR-Related Protein/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Melanoma, Experimental/therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Jackson Iii
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center and Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yongkang Yang
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center and Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shaima Salman
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center and Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dominic Dordai
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center and Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yajing Lyu
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center and Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Emmanuel Datan
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center and Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daiana Drehmer
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center and Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tina Yi-Ting Huang
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center and Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yousang Hwang
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center and Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gregg L Semenza
- Armstrong Oxygen Biology Research Center and Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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2
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Liu L, Chen F, Li S, Yang T, Chen S, Zhou Y, Lin Z, Zeng G, Feng P, Shu HB, Zhou Q, Ding K, Chen L. Human/mouse CD137 agonist, JNU-0921, effectively shrinks tumors through enhancing the cytotoxicity of CD8 + T cells in cis and in trans. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadp8647. [PMID: 39178257 PMCID: PMC11343023 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp8647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
Agonistic antibodies against CD137 have been demonstrated to completely regress established tumors through activating T cell immunity. Unfortunately, current CD137 antibodies failed to benefit patients with cancer. Moreover, their antitumor mechanisms in vivo remain to be determined. Here, we report the development of a small molecular CD137 agonist, JNU-0921. JNU-0921 effectively activates both human and mouse CD137 through direct binding their extracellular domains to induce oligomerization and signaling and effectively shrinks tumors in vivo. Mechanistically, JNU-0921 enhances effector and memory function of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and alleviates their exhaustion. JNU-0921 also skews polarization of helper T cells toward T helper 1 type and enhances their activity to boost CTL function. Meanwhile, JNU-0921 attenuates the inhibitory function of regulatory T cells on CTLs. Our current work shows that JNU-0921 shrinks tumors by enhancing the cytotoxicity of CTLs in cis and in trans and sheds light on strategy for developing CD137 small molecular agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fenghua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shan Li
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310018 Zhejiang, China
| | - Tong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shuzhen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zejian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guandi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Pengju Feng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hong-Bing Shu
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ke Ding
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes and MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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3
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Chen Y, Zhao R, Fan Q, Liu M, Huang Y, Shi G. Enhancing the activation of T cells through anti-CD3/CD28 magnetic beads by adjusting the antibody ratio. IUBMB Life 2024. [PMID: 39046102 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2898] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The utilization of anti-CD3/CD28 magnetic beads for T cell expansion in vitro has been investigated for adoptive cell transfer therapy. However, the impact of the CD3/CD28 antibody ratio on T cell differentiation and function remains incompletely elucidated. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap. To begin with, CD3 antibodies with a relatively low avidity for Jurkat cells (Kd = 13.55 nM) and CD28 antibodies with a relatively high avidity (Kd = 5.79 nM) were prepared. Afterwards, anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies with different mass ratios were attached to magnetic beads to examine the impacts of different antibody ratios on T cell capture, and proliferation. The research demonstrated that the most significant expansion of T cells was stimulated by the anti-CD3/CD28 magnetic beads with a mass ratio of 2:1 for CD3 antibodies and CD28 antibodies. Moreover, CD25 and PD1 expression of expanded T cells increased and then decreased, with lower CD25 and PD1 expression in the later stages of expansion indicating that T cells were not depleted. These T cells, which are massively expanded in vitro and have excellent expansion potential, can be infused back into the patient to treat tumor patients. This study shows that altering the ratio of anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies can control the strength of T cell stimulation, thereby leading to the improvement of T cell activation. This discovery can be utilized as a guide for the creation of other T cell stimulation approaches, which is beneficial for the further development of tumor immunotherapy technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Chen
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Beijing Scipromed Biotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Qi Fan
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Beijing Scipromed Biotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | | | - Guoqing Shi
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
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4
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Levin N, Kim SP, Marquardt CA, Vale NR, Yu Z, Sindiri S, Gartner JJ, Parkhurst M, Krishna S, Lowery FJ, Zacharakis N, Levy L, Prickett TD, Benzine T, Ray S, Masi RV, Gasmi B, Li Y, Islam R, Bera A, Goff SL, Robbins PF, Rosenberg SA. Neoantigen-specific stimulation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes enables effective TCR isolation and expansion while preserving stem-like memory phenotypes. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008645. [PMID: 38816232 PMCID: PMC11141192 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) targeting neoantigens can effectively treat a selected set of metastatic solid cancers. However, harnessing TILs for cancer treatments remains challenging because neoantigen-reactive T cells are often rare and exhausted, and ex vivo expansion can further reduce their frequencies. This complicates the identification of neoantigen-reactive T-cell receptors (TCRs) and the development of TIL products with high reactivity for patient treatment. METHODS We tested whether TILs could be in vitro stimulated against neoantigens to achieve selective expansion of neoantigen-reactive TILs. Given their prevalence, mutant p53 or RAS were studied as models of human neoantigens. An in vitro stimulation method, termed "NeoExpand", was developed to provide neoantigen-specific stimulation to TILs. 25 consecutive patient TILs from tumors harboring p53 or RAS mutations were subjected to NeoExpand. RESULTS We show that neoantigenic stimulation achieved selective expansion of neoantigen-reactive TILs and broadened the neoantigen-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ TIL clonal repertoire. This allowed the effective isolation of novel neoantigen-reactive TCRs. Out of the 25 consecutive TIL samples, neoantigenic stimulation enabled the identification of 16 unique reactivities and 42 TCRs, while conventional TIL expansion identified 9 reactivities and 14 TCRs. Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed that neoantigenic stimulation increased neoantigen-reactive TILs with stem-like memory phenotypes expressing IL-7R, CD62L, and KLF2. Furthermore, neoantigenic stimulation improved the in vivo antitumor efficacy of TILs relative to the conventional OKT3-induced rapid TIL expansion in p53-mutated or KRAS-mutated xenograft mouse models. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, neoantigenic stimulation of TILs selectively expands neoantigen-reactive TILs by frequencies and by their clonal repertoire. NeoExpand led to improved phenotypes and functions of neoantigen-reactive TILs. Our data warrant its clinical evaluation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT00068003, NCT01174121, and NCT03412877.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Levin
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sanghyun P Kim
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles A Marquardt
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nolan R Vale
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhiya Yu
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sivasish Sindiri
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jared J Gartner
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maria Parkhurst
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sri Krishna
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Frank J Lowery
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nikolaos Zacharakis
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lior Levy
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Todd D Prickett
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tiffany Benzine
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Satyajit Ray
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert V Masi
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Billel Gasmi
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yong Li
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rafiqul Islam
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alakesh Bera
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie L Goff
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul F Robbins
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven A Rosenberg
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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5
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Khushalani NI, Ott PA, Ferris RL, Cascone T, Schadendorf D, Le DT, Sharma MR, Barlesi F, Sharfman W, Luke JJ, Melero I, Lathers D, Neely J, Suryawanshi S, Sanyal A, Holloway JL, Suryawanshi R, Ely S, Segal NH. Final results of urelumab, an anti-CD137 agonist monoclonal antibody, in combination with cetuximab or nivolumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007364. [PMID: 38458639 PMCID: PMC10921538 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted treatments for cancer is common; thus, novel immunotherapy agents are needed. Urelumab is a monoclonal antibody agonist that binds to CD137 receptors expressed on T cells. Here, we report two studies that evaluated urelumab in combination with cetuximab or nivolumab in patients with select, advanced solid tumors. METHODS CA186-018: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) were treated in a dose-evaluation phase with urelumab 0.1 mg/kg (urelumab-0.1) every 3 weeks (Q3W)+cetuximab 250 mg/m2 (cetuximab-250) weekly; and in a dose-expansion phase with urelumab 8 mg flat dose (urelumab-8) Q3W+cetuximab-250 weekly. CA186-107: The dose-escalation phase included patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors (or treated or treatment-naive melanoma); patients received urelumab 3 mg flat dose (urelumab-3) or urelumab-8 every 4 weeks+nivolumab 3 mg/kg (nivolumab-3) or 240 mg (nivolumab-240) every 2 weeks. In the expansion phase, patients with melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, or SCCHN were treated with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability, and the secondary endpoint included efficacy assessments. RESULTS CA186-018: 66 patients received study treatment. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were fatigue (75%; n=3) with urelumab-0.1+cetuximab-250 and dermatitis (45%; n=28) with urelumab-8+cetuximab-250. Three patients (5%) discontinued due to TRAE(s) (with urelumab-8+cetuximab-250). One patient with SCCHN had a partial response (objective response rate (ORR) 5%, with urelumab-8+cetuximab-250).CA186-107: 134 patients received study treatment. Fatigue was the most common TRAE (32%; n=2 with urelumab-3+nivolumab-3; n=1 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-3; n=40 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240). Nine patients (7%) discontinued due to TRAE(s) (n=1 with urelumab-3+nivolumab-3; n=8 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240). Patients with melanoma naive to anti-PD-1 therapy exhibited the highest ORR (49%; n=21 with urelumab-8+nivolumab-240). Intratumoral gene expression in immune-related pathways (CD3, CD8, CXCL9, GZMB) increased on treatment with urelumab+nivolumab. CONCLUSIONS Although the addition of urelumab at these doses was tolerable, preliminary response rates did not indicate an evident additive benefit. Nevertheless, the positive pharmacodynamics effects observed with urelumab and the high response rate in treatment-naive patients with melanoma warrant further investigation of other anti-CD137 agonist agents for treatment of cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS NCT02110082; NCT02253992.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil I Khushalani
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick A Ott
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tina Cascone
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dung T Le
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Fabrice Barlesi
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Hopital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | - Jason J Luke
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ignacio Melero
- CIBERONC, and Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Deanne Lathers
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jaclyn Neely
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - James L Holloway
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Scott Ely
- Bristol Meyers Squibb Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Neil H Segal
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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6
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Klobuch S, Seijkens TTP, Schumacher TN, Haanen JBAG. Tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy for patients with advanced-stage melanoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:173-184. [PMID: 38191921 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00848-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma over the past decade. Despite these breakthroughs, the 5-year survival rate of patients with advanced-stage melanoma is at most 50%, emphasizing the need for additional therapeutic strategies. Adoptive cell therapy with tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is a therapeutic modality that has, in the past few years, demonstrated long-term clinical benefit in phase II/III trials involving patients with advanced-stage melanoma, including those with disease progression on ICIs and/or BRAF/MEK inhibitors. In this Review, we summarize the current status of TIL therapies for patients with advanced-stage melanoma, including potential upcoming marketing authorization, the characteristics of TIL therapy products, as well as future strategies that are expected to increase the efficacy of this promising cellular immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Klobuch
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ton N Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - John B A G Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
- Melanoma Clinic, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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García-Domínguez DJ, López-Enríquez S, Alba G, Garnacho C, Jiménez-Cortegana C, Flores-Campos R, de la Cruz-Merino L, Hajji N, Sánchez-Margalet V, Hontecillas-Prieto L. Cancer Nano-Immunotherapy: The Novel and Promising Weapon to Fight Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1195. [PMID: 38256268 PMCID: PMC10816838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021195] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease that, despite advances in treatment and the greater understanding of the tumor biology until today, continues to be a prevalent and lethal disease. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are the conventional treatments, which have increased the survival for cancer patients. However, the complexity of this disease together with the persistent problems due to tumor progression and recurrence, drug resistance, or side effects of therapy make it necessary to explore new strategies that address the challenges to obtain a positive response. One important point is that tumor cells can interact with the microenvironment, promoting proliferation, dissemination, and immune evasion. Therefore, immunotherapy has emerged as a novel therapy based on the modulation of the immune system for combating cancer, as reflected in the promising results both in preclinical studies and clinical trials obtained. In order to enhance the immune response, the combination of immunotherapy with nanoparticles has been conducted, improving the access of immune cells to the tumor, antigen presentation, as well as the induction of persistent immune responses. Therefore, nanomedicine holds an enormous potential to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the most recent advances in specific molecular and cellular immunotherapy and in nano-immunotherapy against cancer in the light of the latest published preclinical studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. García-Domínguez
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (D.J.G.-D.); (S.L.-E.); (G.A.); (C.J.-C.); (R.F.-C.); (N.H.)
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - Soledad López-Enríquez
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (D.J.G.-D.); (S.L.-E.); (G.A.); (C.J.-C.); (R.F.-C.); (N.H.)
| | - Gonzalo Alba
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (D.J.G.-D.); (S.L.-E.); (G.A.); (C.J.-C.); (R.F.-C.); (N.H.)
| | - Carmen Garnacho
- Department of Normal and Pathological Cytology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain;
| | - Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (D.J.G.-D.); (S.L.-E.); (G.A.); (C.J.-C.); (R.F.-C.); (N.H.)
| | - Rocío Flores-Campos
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (D.J.G.-D.); (S.L.-E.); (G.A.); (C.J.-C.); (R.F.-C.); (N.H.)
- Oncology Service, Department of Medicines, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Luis de la Cruz-Merino
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Oncology Service, Department of Medicines, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Nabil Hajji
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (D.J.G.-D.); (S.L.-E.); (G.A.); (C.J.-C.); (R.F.-C.); (N.H.)
- Cancer Division, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Víctor Sánchez-Margalet
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (D.J.G.-D.); (S.L.-E.); (G.A.); (C.J.-C.); (R.F.-C.); (N.H.)
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Clinical Biochemistry Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Lourdes Hontecillas-Prieto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (D.J.G.-D.); (S.L.-E.); (G.A.); (C.J.-C.); (R.F.-C.); (N.H.)
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain;
- Oncology Service, Department of Medicines, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
- Clinical Biochemistry Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
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Cen X, Li M, Yao A, Zheng Y, Lai W. Immune infiltration and clinical significance analyses of the cancer-associated fibroblast-related signature in skin cutaneous melanoma. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3614. [PMID: 37847069 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3614] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is one of the most aggressive cancers with high mortality rates. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play essential roles in tumor growth, metastasis and the establishment of a pro-tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to establish a CAF-related signature for providing a new perspective for indicating prognosis and guiding therapeutic regimens of SKCM patients. METHODS In this study, the CAF-related genes were screened out based on melanoma-associated fibroblast markers identified from single-cell transcriptome analysis in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and a CAF-related module identified from weighted gene co-expression analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. We extracted these gene expression data of SKCM samples from TCGA and constructed a prognostic CAF-related signature. The prediction abilities of the signature for survival prognosis, tumor immune landscape and responses to chemo-/immunotherapies were evaluated in the TCGA-SKCM cohort. RESULTS We suggested that CAFs were significantly involved in the clinical outcomes of SKCM. A 10-gene CAF-related model was constructed, and the high-CAF risk group exhibited immunosuppressive features and worse prognosis. Patients with high CAF score were more likely to not respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors but were more sensitive to some chemotherapeutic agents, suggesting a potential approach of chemotherapy/anti-CAF combination treatment to improve the SKCM patient response rate of current immunotherapies. CONCLUSIONS The CAF-related risk score could serve as a robust prognostic indicator and personal assessment of this score could uncover the degree of immunosuppression and provide treatment strategies to improve outcomes in clinical decision-making in SKCM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintao Cen
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengna Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Amin Yao
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Lai
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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9
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Cui Z, Liang Z, Song B, Zhu Y, Chen G, Gu Y, Liang B, Ma J, Song B. Machine learning-based signature of necrosis-associated lncRNAs for prognostic and immunotherapy response prediction in cutaneous melanoma and tumor immune landscape characterization. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1180732. [PMID: 37229449 PMCID: PMC10203625 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1180732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is one of the malignant tumors with a relative high lethality. Necroptosis is a novel programmed cell death that participates in anti-tumor immunity and tumor prognosis. Necroptosis has been found to play an important role in tumors like CM. However, the necroptosis-associated lncRNAs' potential prognostic value in CM has not been identified. Methods The RNA sequencing data collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes in CM. By using the univariate Cox regression analysis and machine learning LASSO algorithm, a prognostic risk model had been built depending on 5 necroptosis-associated lncRNAs and was verified by internal validation. The performance of this prognostic model was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic curves. A nomogram was constructed and verified by calibration. Furthermore, we also performed sub-group K-M analysis to explore the 5 lncRNAs' expression in different clinical stages. Function enrichment had been analyzed by GSEA and ssGSEA. In addition, qRT-PCR was performed to verify the five lncRNAs' expression level in CM cell line (A2058 and A375) and normal keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Results We constructed a prognostic model based on five necroptosis-associated lncRNAs (AC245041.1, LINC00665, AC018553.1, LINC01871, and AC107464.3) and divided patients into high-risk group and low-risk group depending on risk scores. A predictive nomogram had been built to be a prognostic indicator to clinical factors. Functional enrichment analysis showed that immune functions had more relationship and immune checkpoints were more activated in low-risk group than that in high-risk group. Thus, the low-risk group would have a more sensitive response to immunotherapy. Conclusion This risk score signature could be used to divide CM patients into low- and high-risk groups, and facilitate treatment strategy decision making that immunotherapy is more suitable for those in low-risk group, providing a new sight for CM prognostic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Cui
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhen Liang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Binyu Song
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuhan Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanan Gu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Baoyan Liang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jungang Ma
- Department of Cancer Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baoqiang Song
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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10
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Yu L, Lanqing G, Huang Z, Xin X, Minglin L, Fa-hui L, Zou H, Min J. T cell immunotherapy for cervical cancer: challenges and opportunities. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1105265. [PMID: 37180106 PMCID: PMC10169584 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1105265] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cellular immunotherapy has made inspiring therapeutic effects in clinical practices, which brings new hope for the cure of cervical cancer. CD8+T cells are the effective cytotoxic effector cells against cancer in antitumor immunity, and T cells-based immunotherapy plays a crucial role in cellular immunotherapy. Tumor infiltrated Lymphocytes (TIL), the natural T cells, is approved for cervical cancer immunotherapy, and Engineered T cells therapy also has impressive progress. T cells with natural or engineered tumor antigen binding sites (CAR-T, TCR-T) are expanded in vitro, and re-infused back into the patients to eradicate tumor cells. This review summarizes the preclinical research and clinical applications of T cell-based immunotherapy for cervical cancer, and the challenges for cervical cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Gong Lanqing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziyu Huang
- School of Arts and Sciences, Brandeis University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaoyan Xin
- School of Arts and Sciences, Brandeis University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Liang Minglin
- School of Arts and Sciences, Brandeis University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lv Fa-hui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second People’s Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hongmei Zou
- Department of Obstetrics, Qianjiang Central Hospital, Qianjiang, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Min
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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11
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Melero I, Sanmamed MF, Glez-Vaz J, Luri-Rey C, Wang J, Chen L. CD137 (4-1BB)-Based Cancer Immunotherapy on Its 25th Anniversary. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:552-569. [PMID: 36576322 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-five years ago, we reported that agonist anti-CD137 monoclonal antibodies eradicated transplanted mouse tumors because of enhanced CD8+ T-cell antitumor immunity. Mouse models indicated that anti-CD137 agonist antibodies synergized with various other therapies. In the clinic, the agonist antibody urelumab showed evidence for single-agent activity against melanoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma but caused severe liver inflammation in a fraction of the patients. CD137's signaling domain is included in approved chimeric antigen receptors conferring persistence and efficacy. A new wave of CD137 agonists targeting tumors, mainly based on bispecific constructs, are in early-phase trials and are showing promising safety and clinical activity. SIGNIFICANCE CD137 (4-1BB) is a costimulatory receptor of T and natural killer lymphocytes whose activity can be exploited in cancer immunotherapy strategies as discovered 25 years ago. Following initial attempts that met unacceptable toxicity, new waves of constructs acting agonistically on CD137 are being developed in patients, offering signs of clinical and pharmacodynamic activity with tolerable safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Immunology-Immunotherapy and Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Luri-Rey
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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12
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Gao L, Hong Z, Lei G, Guo AL, Wang FS, Jiao YM, Fu J. Decreased granzyme-B expression in CD11c +CD8 + T cells associated with disease progression in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1107483. [PMID: 36798119 PMCID: PMC9927008 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1107483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction CD11c+CD8+ T cells are an unconventional CD8+ T cell subset that exerts antiviral activity in infectious diseases. However, its characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been elucidated. Methods Twenty-six patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC and 25 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. The frequency and phenotype of CD11c+CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood and tumors in situ were detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Results Both the HCC group and HC group had similar frequency and phenotype characteristics of CD11c+CD8+ T cells in the periphery. CD11c+CD8+ T cells were mainly composed of effector T cells, most of which were CD45RA+CCR7-. Compared with CD11c-CD8+ T cells, CD11c+CD8+ T cells had a higher proportion of CD38 and HLA-DR double positive, and expressed high levels of granzyme-B (GB) and degranulation marker CD107a, and produced high levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). However, the ability of degranulation and TNF-α production of CD11c+CD8+ T cells in patients with HCC were significantly lower than that in healthy controls. The GB expression level of peripheral CD11c+CD8+ T cells in patients with advanced stage of HCC was significantly lower than that in patients with early stage of HCC, and the GB expression level of liver-infiltrating CD11c+CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues was lower than that in non-tumor tissues. More importantly, the GB expression level of peripheral CD11c+CD8+ T cells was negatively correlated with tumor volume. Conclusions These findings indicate that CD11c+CD8+ T cells may have potential anti-tumor activity and that GB+CD11c+CD8+ T cells are associated with disease progression in patients with HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Gao
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China,Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhixian Hong
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guanglin Lei
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - An-Liang Guo
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Mei Jiao
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Junliang Fu, ; Yan-Mei Jiao,
| | - Junliang Fu
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Junliang Fu, ; Yan-Mei Jiao,
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13
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Gao Y, Yang T, Liu H, Song N, Dai C, Ding Y. Development and characterization of a novel human CD137 agonistic antibody with anti-tumor activity and a good safety profile in non-human primates. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:2166-2178. [PMID: 36176235 PMCID: PMC9714380 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
CD137 (4-1BB, TNFRSF9), an inducible T-cell costimulatory receptor, is expressed on activated T cells, activated NK cells, Treg cells, and several innate immune cells, including DCs, monocytes, neutrophils, mast cells, and eosinophils. In animal models and clinical trials, anti-CD137 agonistic monoclonal antibodies have shown anti-tumor potential, but balancing the efficacy and toxicity of anti-CD137 agonistic monoclonal antibodies is a considerable hindrance for clinical applications. Here, we describe a novel fully human CD137 agonistic antibody (PE0116) generated from immunized harbor H2L2 human transgenic mice. PE0116 is a ligand blocker, which is also the case for Utomilumab (one of the leading CD137 agonistic drugs); PE0116 partially overlaps with Urelumab's recognized epitope. In vitro, PE0116 activates NF-κB signaling, significantly promotes T-cell proliferation, and increases cytokine secretion in the presence of cross-linking. Importantly, PE0116 possesses robust anti-tumor activity in the MC38 tumor model. In vivo, PE0116 exhibits a good safety profile and has typical pharmacokinetic characteristics of an IgG antibody in preclinical studies of non-human primates. In summary, PE0116 is a promising anti-CD137 antibody with a good safety profile in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Biologics DiscoveryShanghai ChemPartner Co., Ltd.China
| | - Teddy Yang
- Biologics DiscoveryShanghai ChemPartner Co., Ltd.China
| | - Hu Liu
- Biologics DiscoveryShanghai ChemPartner Co., Ltd.China
| | - Ningning Song
- Biologics DiscoveryShanghai ChemPartner Co., Ltd.China
| | - Chaohui Dai
- Biologics DiscoveryShanghai Hyamab Biotechnology Co., Ltd.China
| | - Yu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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14
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Expansion of KRAS hotspot mutations reactive T cells from human pancreatic tumors using autologous T cells as the antigen-presenting cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 72:1301-1313. [PMID: 36436020 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03335-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) or TCR gene-modified T cells (TCR-T) that recognize mutant KRAS neo-antigens can mediate tumor regression in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (Tran et al in N Engl J Med, 375:2255-2262, 2016; Leidner et al in N Engl J Med, 386:2112-2119, 2022). The mutant KRAS-targeted ACT holds great potential to achieve durable clinical responses for PDAC, which has had no meaningful improvement over 40 years. However, the wide application of mutant KRAS-centric ACT is currently limited by the rarity of TIL that recognize the mutant KRAS. In addition, PDAC is generally recognized as a poorly immunogenic tumor, and TILs in PDAC are less abundant than in immunogenic tumors such as melanoma. To increase the success rate of TIL production, we adopted a well-utilized K562-based artificial APC (aAPC) that expresses 4-1BBL as the costimulatory molecules to enhance the TIL production from PDCA. However, stimulation with K562-based aAPC led to a rapid loss of specificity to mutant KRAS. To selectively expand neo-antigen-specific T cells, particularly mKRAS, from the TILs, we used tandem mini gene-modified autologous T cells (TMG-T) as the novel aAPC. Using this modified IVS protocol, we successfully generated TIL cultures specifically reactive to mKRAS (G12V). We believe that autologous TMG-T cells provide a reliable source of autologous APC to expand a rare population of neoantigen-specific T cells in TILs.
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15
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The challenge of selecting tumor antigens for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in ovarian cancer. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:232. [PMID: 36175774 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01824-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common cancers in women, with a high mortality rate and very few available and effective treatments. Evidence shows that immunotherapy in OC has not been very successful because immune checkpoint blockers have not achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes. On the other hand, as one of the effective treatment approaches, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy has gained a moral position, especially in blood malignancies. Although in solid tumors, CAR T-cell therapy faces various complications and challenges. One of these challenges is selecting the appropriate tumor antigen targeted by CAR T cells, making the selection difficult due to the expression of antigens by tumor cells and normal cells. In addition, the rate of tumor antigen expression and CAR T-cell access to the desired antigen and proper stimulation of CAR T cells can be other important points in antigen selection. This review summarized common tumor antigens and the challenges of selecting them in CAR T cells therapy of OC.
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16
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Kim AMJ, Nemeth MR, Lim SO. 4-1BB: A promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:968360. [PMID: 36185242 PMCID: PMC9515902 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.968360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, powered by its relative efficacy and safety, has become a prominent therapeutic strategy utilized in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including cancer. Within this class of therapeutics, there is a variety of drug types such as immune checkpoint blockade therapies, vaccines, and T cell transfer therapies that serve the purpose of harnessing the body’s immune system to combat disease. Of these different types, immune checkpoint blockades that target coinhibitory receptors, which dampen the body’s immune response, have been widely studied and established in clinic. In contrast, however, there remains room for the development and improvement of therapeutics that target costimulatory receptors and enhance the immune response against tumors, one of which being the 4-1BB (CD137/ILA/TNFRSF9) receptor. 4-1BB has been garnering attention as a promising therapeutic target in the setting of cancer, amongst other diseases, due to its broad expression profile and ability to stimulate various signaling pathways involved in the generation of a potent immune response. Since its discovery and demonstration of potential as a clinical target, major progress has been made in the knowledge of 4-1BB and the development of clinical therapeutics that target it. Thus, we seek to summarize and provide a comprehensive update and outlook on those advancements in the context of cancer and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Min Jung Kim
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Macy Rose Nemeth
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Seung-Oe Lim
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute of Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Seung-Oe Lim,
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Mullinax JE, Egger ME, McCarter M, Monk BJ, Toloza EM, Brousseau S, Jagasia M, Sarnaik A. Surgical Considerations for Tumor Tissue Procurement to Obtain Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes for Adoptive Cell Therapy. Cancer J 2022; 28:285-293. [PMID: 35880938 PMCID: PMC9335895 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Adoptive cell therapy with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), an investigational cellular therapy, has demonstrated antitumor efficacy in patients with advanced solid tumors, including melanoma. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte cell therapy involves surgical resection of a patient's tumor, ex vivo TIL expansion under conditions that overcome immunosuppressive responses elicited by the tumor and the tumor microenvironment, administration of a lymphodepleting regimen, and infusion of the final TIL cell therapy product back into the patient followed by interleukin 2 administration to support T-cell activity. The surgeon plays a central role in patient identification and tumor selection-steps that are critical for successful outcomes of TIL cell therapy. Commercialization of TIL cell therapy and its broader access to patients will require education and collaboration among surgeons, oncologists, and cellular therapists. This review highlights the unique role that surgeons will play in the implementation of TIL cell therapy and serves as a contemporary report of best practices for patient selection and tumor resection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Mullinax
- From the Sarcoma Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
- Departments of Surgery
- Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Michael E. Egger
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Martin McCarter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Bradley J. Monk
- HonorHealth Research Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Eric M. Toloza
- Departments of Surgery
- Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | | | | | - Amod Sarnaik
- Departments of Surgery
- Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
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18
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Fedoriw A, Shi L, O'Brien S, Smitheman KN, Wang Y, Hou J, Sherk C, Rajapurkar S, Laraio J, Williams LJ, Xu C, Han G, Feng Q, Bedford MT, Wang L, Barbash O, Kruger RG, Hwu P, Mohammad HP, Peng W. Inhibiting Type I Arginine Methyltransferase Activity Promotes T Cell-Mediated Antitumor Immune Responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:420-436. [PMID: 35181787 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT) are a widely expressed class of enzymes responsible for catalyzing arginine methylation on numerous protein substrates. Among them, type I PRMTs are responsible for generating asymmetric dimethylarginine. By controlling multiple basic cellular processes, such as DNA damage responses, transcriptional regulation, and mRNA splicing, type I PRMTs contribute to cancer initiation and progression. A type I PRMT inhibitor, GSK3368715, has been developed and has entered clinical trials for solid and hematologic malignancies. Although type I PRMTs have been reported to play roles in modulating immune cell function, the immunologic role of tumor-intrinsic pathways controlled by type I PRMTs remains uncharacterized. Here, our The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset analysis revealed that expression of type I PRMTs associated with poor clinical response and decreased immune infiltration in patients with melanoma. In cancer cell lines, inhibition of type I PRMTs induced an IFN gene signature, amplified responses to IFN and innate immune signaling, and decreased expression of the immunosuppressive cytokine VEGF. In immunocompetent mouse tumor models, including a model of T-cell exclusion that represents a common mechanism of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) resistance in humans, type I PRMT inhibition increased T-cell infiltration, produced durable responses dependent on CD8+ T cells, and enhanced efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. These data indicate that type I PRMT inhibition exhibits immunomodulatory properties and synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) to induce durable antitumor responses in a T cell-dependent manner, suggesting that type I PRMT inhibition can potentiate an antitumor immunity in refractory settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Fedoriw
- Tumor Cell Targeting Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Leilei Shi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shane O'Brien
- Tumor Cell Targeting Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Yunfei Wang
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jiakai Hou
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Christian Sherk
- Tumor Cell Targeting Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Satyajit Rajapurkar
- Tumor Cell Targeting Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Jenny Laraio
- Tumor Cell Targeting Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Leila J Williams
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Chunyu Xu
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Guangchun Han
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Qin Feng
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Mark T Bedford
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas
| | - Linghua Wang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Olena Barbash
- Tumor Cell Targeting Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Ryan G Kruger
- Tumor Cell Targeting Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Patrick Hwu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Helai P Mohammad
- Tumor Cell Targeting Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Weiyi Peng
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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19
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Cendrowicz E, Jacob L, Greenwald S, Tamir A, Pecker I, Tabakman R, Ghantous L, Tamir L, Kahn R, Avichzer J, Aronin A, Amsili S, Zorde-Khvalevsky E, Gozlan Y, Vlaming M, Huls G, van Meerten T, Dranitzki ME, Foley-Comer A, Pereg Y, Peled A, Chajut A, Bremer E. DSP107 combines inhibition of CD47/SIRPα axis with activation of 4-1BB to trigger anticancer immunity. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:97. [PMID: 35287686 PMCID: PMC8919572 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02256-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with rituximab and the CHOP treatment regimen is associated with frequent intrinsic and acquired resistance. However, treatment with a CD47 monoclonal antibody in combination with rituximab yielded high objective response rates in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL in a phase I trial. Here, we report on a new bispecific and fully human fusion protein comprising the extracellular domains of SIRPα and 4-1BBL, termed DSP107, for the treatment of DLBCL. DSP107 blocks the CD47:SIRPα ‘don’t eat me’ signaling axis on phagocytes and promotes innate anticancer immunity. At the same time, CD47-specific binding of DSP107 enables activation of the costimulatory receptor 4-1BB on activated T cells, thereby, augmenting anticancer T cell immunity. Methods Using macrophages, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), and T cells of healthy donors and DLBCL patients, DSP107-mediated reactivation of immune cells against B cell lymphoma cell lines and primary patient-derived blasts was studied with phagocytosis assays, T cell activation and cytotoxicity assays. DSP107 anticancer activity was further evaluated in a DLBCL xenograft mouse model and safety was evaluated in cynomolgus monkey. Results Treatment with DSP107 alone or in combination with rituximab significantly increased macrophage- and PMN-mediated phagocytosis and trogocytosis, respectively, of DLBCL cell lines and primary patient-derived blasts. Further, prolonged treatment of in vitro macrophage/cancer cell co-cultures with DSP107 and rituximab decreased cancer cell number by up to 85%. DSP107 treatment activated 4-1BB-mediated costimulatory signaling by HT1080.4-1BB reporter cells, which was strictly dependent on the SIRPα-mediated binding of DSP107 to CD47. In mixed cultures with CD47-expressing cancer cells, DSP107 augmented T cell cytotoxicity in vitro in an effector-to-target ratio-dependent manner. In mice with established SUDHL6 xenografts, the treatment with human PBMCs and DSP107 strongly reduced tumor size compared to treatment with PBMCs alone and increased the number of tumor-infiltrated T cells. Finally, DSP107 had an excellent safety profile in cynomolgus monkeys. Conclusions DSP107 effectively (re)activated innate and adaptive anticancer immune responses and may be of therapeutic use alone and in combination with rituximab for the treatment of DLBCL patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02256-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Cendrowicz
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Hematology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Jacob
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Hematology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shirley Greenwald
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ami Tamir
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Iris Pecker
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rinat Tabakman
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lucy Ghantous
- Departments of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Liat Tamir
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roy Kahn
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jasmine Avichzer
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexandra Aronin
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shira Amsili
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Yosi Gozlan
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Martijn Vlaming
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Hematology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerwin Huls
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Hematology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom van Meerten
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Hematology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michal Elhalel Dranitzki
- Departments of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adam Foley-Comer
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yaron Pereg
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amnon Peled
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ayelet Chajut
- Kahr Medical Ltd, 1 Kiryat Hadassah POB 9779, 9109701, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Edwin Bremer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Hematology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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20
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Eiva MA, Omran DK, Chacon JA, Powell DJ. Systematic analysis of CD39, CD103, CD137, and PD-1 as biomarkers for naturally occurring tumor antigen-specific TILs. Eur J Immunol 2022; 52:96-108. [PMID: 34505280 PMCID: PMC8755575 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The detection of tumor-specific T cells in solid tumors is integral to interrogate endogenous antitumor responses and to advance downstream therapeutic applications. Multiple biomarkers are reported to identify endogenous tumor-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), namely CD137, PD-1, CD103, and CD39; however, a direct comparison of these molecules has yet to be performed. We evaluated these biomarkers in primary human ovarian tumor samples using single-cell mass cytometry to compare their relative phenotypic profiles, and examined their response to autologous tumor cells ex vivo. PD-1+ , CD103+ , and CD39+ TILs all contain a CD137+ cell subset, while CD137+ TILs highly co-express the aforementioned markers. CD137+ TILs exhibit the highest expression of cytotoxic effector molecules compared to PD-1+ , CD103+ , or CD39+ TILs. Removal of CD137+ cells from PD-1+ , CD103+ , or CD39+ TILs diminish their IFN-γ secretion in response to autologous tumor cell stimulation, while CD137+ TILs maintain high HLA-dependent IFN-γ secretion. CD137+ TILs exhibited an exhausted phenotype but with CD28 co-expression, suggesting possible receptiveness to reinvigoration via immune checkpoint blockade. Together, our findings demonstrate that the antitumor abilities of PD-1+ , CD103+ , and CD39+ TILs are mainly derived from a subset of CD137-expressing TILs, implicating CD137 as a more selective biomarker for naturally occurring tumor-specific TILs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika A. Eiva
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dalia K. Omran
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica A. Chacon
- Paul L Foster School of Medicine and Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel J. Powell
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Olguín-Contreras LF, Mendler AN, Popowicz G, Hu B, Noessner E. Double Strike Approach for Tumor Attack: Engineering T Cells Using a CD40L:CD28 Chimeric Co-Stimulatory Switch Protein for Enhanced Tumor Targeting in Adoptive Cell Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:750478. [PMID: 34912334 PMCID: PMC8666660 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.750478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of co-stimulatory pathways in cytotoxic T lymphocytes expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have proven to boost effector activity, tumor rejection and long-term T cell persistence. When using antigen-specific T cell receptors (TCR) instead of CARs, the lack of co-stimulatory signals hampers robust antitumoral response, hence limiting clinical efficacy. In solid tumors, tumor stroma poses an additional hurdle through hindrance of infiltration and active inhibition. Our project aimed at generating chimeric co-stimulatory switch proteins (CSP) consisting of intracellular co-stimulatory domains (ICD) fused to extracellular protein domains (ECD) for which ligands are expressed in solid tumors. The ECD of CD40L was selected for combination with the ICD from the CD28 protein. With this approach, it was expected to not only provide co-stimulation and strengthen the TCR signaling, but also, through the CD40L ECD, facilitate the activation of tumor-resident antigen-presenting cells (APCs), modulate activation of tumor endothelium and induce TCR-MHC independent apoptotic effect on tumor cells. Since CD28 and CD40L belong to different classes of transmembrane proteins (type I and type II, respectively), creating a chimeric protein presented a structural and functional challenge. We present solutions to this challenge describing different CSP formats that were successfully expressed in human T cells along with an antigen-specific TCR. The level of surface expression of the CSPs depended on their distinct design and the state of T cell activation. In particular, CSPs were upregulated by TCR stimulation and downregulated following interaction with CD40 on target cells. Ligation of the CSP in the context of TCR-stimulation modulated intracellular signaling cascades and led to improved TCR-induced cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity. Moreover, the CD40L ECD exhibited activity as evidenced by effective maturation and activation of B cells and DCs. CD40L:CD28 CSPs are a new type of switch proteins designed to exert dual beneficial antitumor effect by acting directly on the gene-modified T cells and simultaneously on tumor cells and tumor-supporting cells of the TME. The observed effects suggest that they constitute a promising tool to be included in the engineering process of T cells to endow them with complementary features for improved performance in the tumor milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna N. Mendler
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Grzegorz Popowicz
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bin Hu
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elfriede Noessner
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Immunoanalytics Research Group - Tissue Control of Immunocytes, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
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22
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Taefehshokr S, Parhizkar A, Hayati S, Mousapour M, Mahmoudpour A, Eleid L, Rahmanpour D, Fattahi S, Shabani H, Taefehshokr N. Cancer immunotherapy: Challenges and limitations. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 229:153723. [PMID: 34952426 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although cancer immunotherapy has taken center stage in mainstream oncology inducing complete and long-lasting tumor regression, only a subset of patients receiving treatment respond and others relapse after an initial response. Different tumor types respond differently, and even in cancer types that respond (hot tumors), we still observe tumors that are unresponsive (cold tumors), suggesting the presence of resistance. Hence, the development of intrinsic or acquired resistance is a big challenge for the cancer immunotherapy field. Resistance to immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, oncolytic viruses, and recombinant cytokines arises due to cancer cells employing several mechanisms to evade immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Taefehshokr
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Aram Parhizkar
- Faculty of Natural Science, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shima Hayati
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Morteza Mousapour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Mahmoudpour
- Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Liliane Eleid
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dara Rahmanpour
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sahand Fattahi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Shabani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Nima Taefehshokr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Tang Y, Zhang AXJ, Chen G, Wu Y, Gu W. Prognostic and therapeutic TILs of cervical cancer-Current advances and future perspectives. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 22:410-430. [PMID: 34553029 PMCID: PMC8430272 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a top lethal cancer for women worldwide. Although screening and vaccination programs are available in many countries, resulting in the decline of new cases, this is not true for developing countries where there are many new cases and related deaths. Cancer immunotherapy through adaptive cell therapy (ACT) has been applied in clinics, but now much attention is focused on autogenic tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-based therapy, which has shown more specificity and better ability to inhibit tumor growth. Data from melanoma and cervical cancers confirm that tumor-specific T cells in TILs can be expanded for more specific and effective ACT. Moreover, TILs are derived from individual patients and are ready to home back to kill tumor cells after patient infusion, aligning well with personalized and precision medicine. In addition to therapy, TIL cell types and numbers are good indicators of host immune response to the tumor, and thus they have significant values in prognosis. Because of the special relationship with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer has some specialties in TIL-based prognosis and therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the prognostic significance of TILs and TIL-based therapy for cervical cancer and discuss related perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tang
- Institute of Tumor, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anne X J Zhang
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanheng Wu
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China.,Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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24
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Geuijen C, Tacken P, Wang LC, Klooster R, van Loo PF, Zhou J, Mondal A, Liu YB, Kramer A, Condamine T, Volgina A, Hendriks LJA, van der Maaden H, Rovers E, Engels S, Fransen F, den Blanken-Smit R, Zondag-van der Zande V, Basmeleh A, Bartelink W, Kulkarni A, Marissen W, Huang CY, Hall L, Harvey S, Kim S, Martinez M, O'Brien S, Moon E, Albelda S, Kanellopoulou C, Stewart S, Nastri H, Bakker ABH, Scherle P, Logtenberg T, Hollis G, de Kruif J, Huber R, Mayes PA, Throsby M. A human CD137×PD-L1 bispecific antibody promotes anti-tumor immunity via context-dependent T cell costimulation and checkpoint blockade. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4445. [PMID: 34290245 PMCID: PMC8295259 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24767-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrate clinical activity in many tumor types, however, only a fraction of patients benefit. Combining CD137 agonists with these inhibitors increases anti-tumor activity preclinically, but attempts to translate these observations to the clinic have been hampered by systemic toxicity. Here we describe a human CD137xPD-L1 bispecific antibody, MCLA-145, identified through functional screening of agonist- and immune checkpoint inhibitor arm combinations. MCLA-145 potently activates T cells at sub-nanomolar concentrations, even under suppressive conditions, and enhances T cell priming, differentiation and memory recall responses. In vivo, MCLA-145 anti-tumor activity is superior to immune checkpoint inhibitor comparators and linked to recruitment and intra-tumor expansion of CD8 + T cells. No graft-versus-host-disease is observed in contrast to other antibodies inhibiting the PD-1 and PD-L1 pathway. Non-human primates treated with 100 mg/kg/week of MCLA-145 show no adverse effects. The conditional activation of CD137 signaling by MCLA-145, triggered by neighboring cells expressing >5000 copies of PD-L1, may provide both safety and potency advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jing Zhou
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Soyeon Kim
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marina Martinez
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shaun O'Brien
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edmund Moon
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven Albelda
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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25
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Goubet AG, Wheeler R, Fluckiger A, Qu B, Lemaître F, Iribarren K, Mondragón L, Tidjani Alou M, Pizzato E, Durand S, Derosa L, Aprahamian F, Bossut N, Moya-Nilges M, Derrien D, Chen G, Leduc M, Joseph A, Pons N, Le Chatelier E, Segata N, Yonekura S, Iebba V, Kepp O, Raoult D, André F, Kroemer G, Boneca IG, Zitvogel L, Daillère R. Multifaceted modes of action of the anticancer probiotic Enterococcus hirae. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2276-2295. [PMID: 33976389 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00753-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A deviated repertoire of the gut microbiome predicts resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Enterococcus hirae compensated cancer-associated dysbiosis in various tumor models. However, the mechanisms by which E. hirae restored the efficacy of cyclophosphamide administered with concomitant antibiotics remain ill defined. Here, we analyzed the multifaceted modes of action of this anticancer probiotic. Firstly, E. hirae elicited emigration of thymocytes and triggered systemic and intratumoral IFNγ-producing and CD137-expressing effector memory T cell responses. Secondly, E. hirae activated the autophagy machinery in enterocytes and mediated ATG4B-dependent anticancer effects, likely as a consequence of its ability to increase local delivery of polyamines. Thirdly, E. hirae shifted the host microbiome toward a Bifidobacteria-enriched ecosystem. In contrast to the live bacterium, its pasteurized cells or membrane vesicles were devoid of anticancer properties. These pleiotropic functions allow the design of optimal immunotherapies combining E. hirae with CD137 agonistic antibodies, spermidine, or Bifidobacterium animalis. We surmise that immunological, metabolic, epithelial, and microbial modes of action of the live E. hirae cooperate to circumvent primary resistance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Gaëlle Goubet
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Richard Wheeler
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Institut Pasteur Paris, Unit Biology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell Wall, CNRS UMR 2001, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Fluckiger
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Bo Qu
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France.,Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fabien Lemaître
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,EverImmune, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Kristina Iribarren
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,EverImmune, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Laura Mondragón
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Maryam Tidjani Alou
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Eugénie Pizzato
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Sylvère Durand
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Lisa Derosa
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Fanny Aprahamian
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Noélie Bossut
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Diane Derrien
- Institut Pasteur Paris, Unit Biology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell Wall, CNRS UMR 2001, Paris, France
| | - Guo Chen
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Marion Leduc
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Adrien Joseph
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Pons
- MetaGenoPolis, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Nicola Segata
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Satoru Yonekura
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Valerio Iebba
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Oliver Kepp
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Université, IHU Méditerranée Infection, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice André
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.,INSERM, U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Suzhou Institute for Systems Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Ivo Gomperts Boneca
- Institut Pasteur Paris, Unit Biology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell Wall, CNRS UMR 2001, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France. .,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France. .,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France. .,Center of Clinical Investigations BIOTHERIS, Villejuif, France.
| | - Romain Daillère
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France. .,EverImmune, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France.
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26
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Liang X, Huang Y, Li D, Yang X, Jiang L, Zhou W, Su J, Chen N, Wang W. Distinct functions of CAR-T cells possessing a dectin-1 intracellular signaling domain. Gene Ther 2021; 30:411-420. [PMID: 33953316 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacies in treating hematopoietic malignancies, but not in the solid tumors. Incorporating costimulatory signaling domains, such as ICOS or 4-1BB, can positively influence CAR-T cell functions and then the immune responses. These CAR-engineered T cells have showed their enhanced persistence and effector functions with improved antitumor activities, and provided a new approach for the treatment of solid tumors. Here, we designed novel 2nd generation CARs with a costimulatory signaling molecule, dectin-1. The impacts of dectin-1 signaling domain on CAR-T cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Our data show that in vitro cytokine secretions by HER2 or CD19 specific CAR-T cells increase significantly via incorporating this dectin-1 signaling domain. Additional properties of these novel CAR-T cells are affected by this costimulatory domain. Compared with a popular reference (i.e., anti-HER2 CAR-T cells with 4-1BB), in vitro T cell functions and in vivo antitumor activity of the dectin-1 engineered CAR-T cells are similar to the 4-1BB based, and both are discrete to the mock T cells. Furthermore, we found that the CAR-T cells with dectin-1 show distinct phenotype and exhaustion marker expression. These collective results suggest that the incorporation of this new signaling domain, dectin-1, into the CARs may provide the clinical potential of the CAR-T cells through this signaling domain in treating solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Department of Head & Neck Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weilin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinhua Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Nianyong Chen
- Department of Head & Neck Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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27
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Aydin AM, Hall M, Bunch BL, Branthoover H, Sannasardo Z, Mackay A, Beatty M, Sarnaik AA, Mullinax JE, Spiess PE, Pilon-Thomas S. Expansion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from penile cancer patients. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 94:107481. [PMID: 33636562 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Penile cancer is a rare but highly lethal cancer, and therapeutic options for patients presenting with lymph nodal disease are very limited. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) was shown to provide durable objective response in patients with metastatic melanoma and TIL have been expanded from solid tumors at rates between 70 and 90% depending on the specific diagnosis. We evaluated whether TIL could be expanded from surgical specimens of patients with penile cancer. Tumor samples from metastatic lymph nodes obtained at the time of inguinal lymph node dissection were collected, minced into fragments, placed in individual wells of a 24-well plate, and propagated in high dose IL-2 for four weeks. The phenotype of expanded TILs was assessed by flow cytometry and their anti-tumor reactivity was assessed by IFN-γ ELISA. TIL were expanded from 11 out of 12 (91.6%) samples of metastatic lymph nodes. Expanded TIL were predominantly CD3+ (mean 67.5%, SD 19.4%) with a mean of 46.8% CD8+ T cells (SD 21.1%). Five out of 11 samples (45.4%) from expanded TIL secreted IFN-γ in response to autologous tumor. TIL expansion and phenotype of expanded T cell lymphocytes were independent of previous HPV infection and treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This is the first report demonstrating successful expansion of tumor-reactive TIL from penile cancer patients, which support development of ACT strategies using TIL for the treatment of advanced and recurrent penile cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Murat Aydin
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - MacLean Hall
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Amy Mackay
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Matthew Beatty
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Amod A Sarnaik
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - John E Mullinax
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Sarcoma Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Philippe E Spiess
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Shari Pilon-Thomas
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer (CIIRC), Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
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28
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Jiménez-Reinoso A, Nehme-Álvarez D, Domínguez-Alonso C, Álvarez-Vallina L. Synthetic TILs: Engineered Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes With Improved Therapeutic Potential. Front Oncol 2021; 10:593848. [PMID: 33680923 PMCID: PMC7928359 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.593848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as an effective and life-changing approach for several types of cancers, both liquid and solid tumors. In combination with traditional treatments such as radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, immune checkpoints inhibitors have improved prognosis and overall survival of patients with advanced melanoma and many other cancers. Among adoptive cell therapies (ACT), while chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in some hematologic malignancies, such as B cell leukemias, their success in solid tumors remains scarce due to the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. On the other hand, ACT using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is arguably the most effective treatment for metastatic melanoma patients, but even if their isolation has been achieved in epithelial tumors, their success beyond melanoma remains limited. Here, we review several aspects impacting TIL- and gene-modified “synthetic” TIL-based therapies and discuss future challenges that must be addressed with these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Jiménez-Reinoso
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Nehme-Álvarez
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Domínguez-Alonso
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
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29
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Mullinax JE, Hall M, Beatty M, Weber AM, Sannasardo Z, Svrdlin T, Hensel J, Bui M, Richards A, Gonzalez RJ, Cox CA, Kelley L, Mulé JJ, Sarnaik AA, Pilon-Thomas S. Expanded Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes From Soft Tissue Sarcoma Have Tumor-specific Function. J Immunother 2021; 44:63-70. [PMID: 33443972 PMCID: PMC8111686 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can generate durable clinical responses in patients with metastatic melanoma and ongoing trials are evaluating efficacy in other advanced solid tumors. The aim of this study was to develop methods for the expansion of tumor-reactive TIL from resected soft tissue sarcoma to a degree required for the ACT. From 2015 to 2018, 70 patients were consented to an institutional review board-approved protocol, and fresh surgical specimens were taken directly from the operating room to the laboratory. Fragments of the tumor (1 mm3) or fresh tumor digest were placed in culture for a period of 4 weeks. Successfully propagated TIL from these cultures were collected and analyzed by flow cytometry. TIL were cocultured with autologous tumor and function was assessed by measurement of interferon-γ in the supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Initial TIL cultures were further expanded using a rapid expansion protocol. Nearly all specimens generated an initial TIL culture (91% fragment method, 100% digest method). The phenotype of the TIL indicated a predominant CD3+ population after culture (43% fragment, 52% digest) and TIL were responsive to the autologous tumor (56% fragment, 40% digest). The cultured TIL expanded to a degree required for clinical use following rapid expansion protocol (median: 490-fold fragment, 403-fold digest). The data demonstrate the feasibility of TIL culture from fresh soft tissue sarcoma. The derived TIL have tumor-specific reactivity and can be expanded to clinically relevant numbers. An active ACT clinical trial using the methods described in this report is now approved for patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Mullinax
- Department of Sarcoma, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Department of Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - MacLean Hall
- Department of Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Department of Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Matthew Beatty
- Department of Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Amy M. Weber
- Department of Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Tanja Svrdlin
- Department of Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Jonathan Hensel
- Department of Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Marilyn Bui
- Department of Sarcoma, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Allison Richards
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Cheryl A. Cox
- Department of Cell Therapy Facility, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Linda Kelley
- Department of Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Department of Cell Therapy Facility, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - James J. Mulé
- Department of Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Department of Cell Therapy Facility, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Amod A. Sarnaik
- Department of Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Shari Pilon-Thomas
- Department of Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
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30
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CD137 + T-Cells: Protagonists of the Immunotherapy Revolution. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030456. [PMID: 33530328 PMCID: PMC7866028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The CD137 receptor is expressed by activated antigen-specific T-cells. CD137+ T-cells were identified inside TILs and PBMCs of different tumor types and have proven to be the naturally occurring antitumor effector cells, capable of expressing a wide variability in terms of TCR specificity against both shared and neoantigenic tumor-derived peptides. The aim of this review is thus summarizing and highlighting their role as drivers of patients’ immune responses in anticancer therapies as well as their potential role in future and current strategies of immunotherapy. Abstract The CD137 receptor (4-1BB, TNF RSF9) is an activation induced molecule expressed by antigen-specific T-cells. The engagement with its ligand, CD137L, is capable of increasing T-cell survival, proliferation, and cytokine production. This allowed to identify the CD137+ T-cells as the real tumor-specific activated T-cell population. In fact, these cells express various TCRs that are specific for a wide range of tumor-derived peptides, both shared and neoantigenic ones. Moreover, their prevalence in sites close to the tumor and their unicity in killing cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, raised particular interest in studying their potential role in different strategies of immunotherapy. They indeed showed to be a reliable marker able to predict patient’s outcome to immune-based therapies as well as monitor their response. In addition, the possibility of isolating and expanding this population, turned promising in order to generate effector antitumor T-cells in the context of adoptive T-cell therapies. CD137-targeting monoclonal antibodies have already shown their antitumor efficacy in cancer patients and a number of clinical trials are thus ongoing to test their possible introduction in different combination approaches of immunotherapy. Finally, the intracellular domain of the CD137 receptor was introduced in the anti-CD19 CAR-T cells that were approved by FDA for the treatment of pediatric B-cell leukemia and refractory B-cell lymphoma.
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31
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Varghese S, Pramanik S, Williams LJ, Hodges HR, Hudgens CW, Fischer GM, Luo CK, Knighton B, Tan L, Lorenzi PL, Mackinnon AL, McQuade JL, Hailemichael Y, Roszik J, Peng W, Vashisht Gopal YN. The Glutaminase Inhibitor CB-839 (Telaglenastat) Enhances the Antimelanoma Activity of T-Cell-Mediated Immunotherapies. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 20:500-511. [PMID: 33361272 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies have profoundly improved the survival of patients with melanoma. However, a majority of patients do not respond to these agents, and many responders experience disease relapse. Although numerous innovative treatments are being explored to offset the limitations of these agents, novel therapeutic combinations with immunotherapies have the potential to improve patient responses. In this study, we evaluated the antimelanoma activity of immunotherapy combinations with Telaglenastat (CB-839), a potent glutaminase inhibitor (GLSi) that has favorable systemic tolerance. In in vitro TIL:tumor coculture studies, CB-839 treatment improved the cytotoxic activity of autologous TILs on patient-derived melanoma cells. CB-839 treatment decreased the conversion of glutamine to alpha-ketoglutarate (αKGA) more potently in tumor cells versus TILs in these cocultures. These results suggest that CB-839 may improve immune function in a tumor microenvironment by differentially altering tumor and immune cell metabolism. In vivo CB-839 treatment activated melanoma antigen-specific T cells and improved their tumor killing activity in an immune-competent mouse model of adoptive T-cell therapy. Additionally, the combination of CB-839 with anti-PD1 or anti-CTLA4 antibodies increased tumor infiltration by effector T cells and improved the antitumor activity of these checkpoint inhibitors in a high mutation burden mouse melanoma model. Responsiveness to these treatments was also accompanied by an increase of interferon gamma (IFNγ)-associated gene expression in the tumors. Together, these results provide a strong rationale for combining CB-839 with immune therapies to improve efficacy of these treatments against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthy Varghese
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Snigdha Pramanik
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Leila J Williams
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Hannah R Hodges
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX
| | - Courtney W Hudgens
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Grant M Fischer
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Catherine K Luo
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Barbara Knighton
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Lin Tan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Philip L Lorenzi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Jennifer L McQuade
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Yared Hailemichael
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jason Roszik
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Weiyi Peng
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Y N Vashisht Gopal
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. .,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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32
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Punt S, Malu S, McKenzie JA, Manrique SZ, Doorduijn EM, Mbofung RM, Williams L, Silverman DA, Ashkin EL, Dominguez AL, Wang Z, Chen JQ, Maiti SN, Tieu TN, Liu C, Xu C, Forget MA, Haymaker C, Khalili JS, Satani N, Muller F, Cooper LJN, Overwijk WW, Amaria RN, Bernatchez C, Heffernan TP, Peng W, Roszik J, Hwu P. Aurora kinase inhibition sensitizes melanoma cells to T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 70:1101-1113. [PMID: 33123754 PMCID: PMC7979613 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02748-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has achieved impressive durable clinical responses, many cancers respond only temporarily or not at all to immunotherapy. To find novel, targetable mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy, patient-derived melanoma cell lines were transduced with 576 open reading frames, or exposed to arrayed libraries of 850 bioactive compounds, prior to co-culture with autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The synergy between the targets and TILs to induce apoptosis, and the mechanisms of inhibiting resistance to TILs were interrogated. Gene expression analyses were performed on tumor samples from patients undergoing immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma. Finally, the effect of inhibiting the top targets on the efficacy of immunotherapy was investigated in multiple preclinical models. Aurora kinase was identified as a mediator of melanoma cell resistance to T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity in both complementary screens. Aurora kinase inhibitors were validated to synergize with T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. The Aurora kinase inhibition-mediated sensitivity to T-cell cytotoxicity was shown to be partially driven by p21-mediated induction of cellular senescence. The expression levels of Aurora kinase and related proteins were inversely correlated with immune infiltration, response to immunotherapy and survival in melanoma patients. Aurora kinase inhibition showed variable responses in combination with immunotherapy in vivo, suggesting its activity is modified by other factors in the tumor microenvironment. These data suggest that Aurora kinase inhibition enhances T-cell cytotoxicity in vitro and can potentiate antitumor immunity in vivo in some but not all settings. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism of primary resistance to this therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Punt
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shruti Malu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Immunitas Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jodi A McKenzie
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA
| | - Soraya Zorro Manrique
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Elien M Doorduijn
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rina M Mbofung
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Merck Research Laboratories, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Leila Williams
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,KSQ Therapeutics Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Deborah A Silverman
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Emily L Ashkin
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ana Lucía Dominguez
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Nature Cell Biology, Springer Nature, Shanghai City, China
| | - Jie Qing Chen
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,EMD Serono, Rockland, MA, USA
| | - Sourindra N Maiti
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Trang N Tieu
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,C4 Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Chengwen Liu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chunyu Xu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marie-Andrée Forget
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Cara Haymaker
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jahan S Khalili
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,SystImmune Inc., Redmond, WA, USA
| | - Nikunj Satani
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Florian Muller
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Laurence J N Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Willem W Overwijk
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rodabe N Amaria
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chantale Bernatchez
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Timothy P Heffernan
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Weiyi Peng
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason Roszik
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Patrick Hwu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Hübbe ML, Jæhger DE, Andresen TL, Andersen MH. Leveraging Endogenous Dendritic Cells to Enhance the Therapeutic Efficacy of Adoptive T-Cell Therapy and Checkpoint Blockade. Front Immunol 2020; 11:578349. [PMID: 33101304 PMCID: PMC7546347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.578349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT), based on treatment with autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-derived or genetically modified chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, has become a potentially curative therapy for subgroups of patients with melanoma and hematological malignancies. To further improve response rates, and to broaden the applicability of ACT to more types of solid malignancies, it is necessary to explore and define strategies that can be used as adjuvant treatments to ACT. Stimulation of endogenous dendritic cells (DCs) alongside ACT can be used to promote epitope spreading and thereby decrease the risk of tumor escape due to target antigen downregulation, which is a common cause of disease relapse in initially responsive ACT treated patients. Addition of checkpoint blockade to ACT and DC stimulation might further enhance response rates by counteracting an eventual inactivation of infused and endogenously primed tumor-reactive T cells. This review will outline and discuss therapeutic strategies that can be utilized to engage endogenous DCs alongside ACT and checkpoint blockade, to strengthen the anti-tumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mie Linder Hübbe
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ditte Elisabeth Jæhger
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Lars Andresen
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mondino A, Manzo T. To Remember or to Forget: The Role of Good and Bad Memories in Adoptive T Cell Therapy for Tumors. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1915. [PMID: 32973794 PMCID: PMC7481451 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of immunological memory is a hallmark of adaptive immunity by which the immune system "remembers" a previous encounter with an antigen expressed by pathogens, tumors, or normal tissues; and, upon secondary encounters, mounts faster and more effective recall responses. The establishment of T cell memory is influenced by both cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors, including genetic, epigenetic and environmental triggers. Our current knowledge of the mechanisms involved in memory T cell differentiation has instructed new opportunities to engineer T cells with enhanced anti-tumor activity. The development of adoptive T cell therapy has emerged as a powerful approach to cure a subset of patients with advanced cancers. Efficacy of this approach often requires long-term persistence of transferred T cell products, which can vary according to their origin and manufacturing conditions. Host preconditioning and post-transfer supporting strategies have shown to promote their engraftment and survival by limiting the competition with a hostile tumor microenvironment and between pre-existing immune cell subsets. Although in the general view pre-existing memory can confer a selective advantage to adoptive T cell therapy, here we propose that also "bad memories"-in the form of antigen-experienced T cell subsets-co-evolve with consequences on newly transferred lymphocytes. In this review, we will first provide an overview of selected features of memory T cell subsets and, then, discuss their putative implications for adoptive T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mondino
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Manzo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
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35
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Bianchi V, Harari A, Coukos G. Neoantigen-Specific Adoptive Cell Therapies for Cancer: Making T-Cell Products More Personal. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1215. [PMID: 32695101 PMCID: PMC7333784 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation-derived neoantigens are taking central stage as a determinant in eliciting effective antitumor immune responses following adoptive T-cell therapies. These mutations are patient-specific, and their targeting calls for highly personalized pipelines. The promising clinical outcomes of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy have spurred interest in generating T-cell infusion products that have been selectively enriched in neoantigen (or autologous tumor) reactivity. The implementation of an isolation step, prior to T-cell in vitro expansion and reinfusion, may provide a way to improve the overall response rates achieved to date by adoptive T-cell therapies in metastatic cancer patients. Here we provide an overview of the main technologies [i.e., peptide major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) multimers, cytokine capture, and activation markers] to enrich infiltrating or circulating T-cells in predefined neoantigen specificities (or tumor reactivity). The unique technical and regulatory challenges faced by such highly specialized and patient-specific manufacturing T-cell platforms are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bianchi
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Harari
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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36
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Boos LA, Leslie I, Larkin J. Metastatic melanoma: therapeutic agents in preclinical and early clinical development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:739-753. [PMID: 32401070 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1769066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Advanced melanoma historically had a very poor outcome but targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors (IC) have changed the course of the disease and made durable responses possible. However, most patients will develop progressive disease, so further strategies to overcome treatment resistance are needed. Areas covered: Current treatment strategies and landmark trials are discussed. Novel targeted agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and further immune-modulatory drugs, cancer vaccines and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and their potential role in the treatment of melanoma are described. Current trials investigating these emerging agents and treatment strategies were searched for on ClinicalTrials.gov and are presented on the background of the current literature explaining the rationale for employing these new agents and strategies. Combinations of tumor-directed agents with those causing immune augmentation as well as a new adjuvant and neoadjuvant strategies are discussed. Expert opinion: Questions regarding treatment combination, personalization, and sequence of treatment will become increasingly important and will be guided by new biomarkers. New treatment settings will broaden the patient selection and will highlight the need for further discussions regarding toxicity in long-term survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Amanda Boos
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , London, UK
| | - Isla Leslie
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , London, UK
| | - James Larkin
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , London, UK
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37
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Etxeberria I, Olivera I, Bolaños E, Cirella A, Teijeira Á, Berraondo P, Melero I. Engineering bionic T cells: signal 1, signal 2, signal 3, reprogramming and the removal of inhibitory mechanisms. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 17:576-586. [PMID: 32433539 PMCID: PMC7264123 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0464-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene engineering and combinatorial approaches with other cancer immunotherapy agents may confer capabilities enabling full tumor rejection by adoptive T cell therapy (ACT). The provision of proper costimulatory receptor activity and cytokine stimuli, along with the repression of inhibitory mechanisms, will conceivably make the most of these treatment strategies. In this sense, T cells can be genetically manipulated to become refractory to suppressive mechanisms and exhaustion, last longer and differentiate into memory T cells while endowed with the ability to traffic to malignant tissues. Their antitumor effects can be dramatically augmented with permanent or transient gene transfer maneuvers to express or delete/repress genes. A combination of such interventions seeks the creation of the ultimate bionic T cell, perfected to seek and destroy cancer cells upon systemic or local intratumor delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki Etxeberria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elixabet Bolaños
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Asunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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Nielsen M, Krarup-Hansen A, Hovgaard D, Petersen MM, Loya AC, Westergaard MCW, Svane IM, Junker N. In vitro 4-1BB stimulation promotes expansion of CD8 + tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from various sarcoma subtypes. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:2179-2191. [PMID: 32472369 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02568-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can be in vitro expanded and have the ability to induce complete and durable tumor regression in some patients with melanoma following adoptive cell therapy (ACT). In this preclinical study, we investigated the feasibility of expanding TIL from sarcomas, as well as performing functional in vitro analyses on these. TILs were expanded in vitro by the use of IL2 stimulation with or without the addition of 4-1BB and CD3 antibodies. Phenotypical and functional analyses were mainly performed by flow cytometry. TILs were expanded from 25 of 28 (89%) tumor samples from patients with 9 different sarcoma subtypes. TILs were predominantly αβ T-cells of effector memory subtype with CD4+ dominance. In particular, CD8+ TIL highly expressed LAG3 and to a lesser degree PD-1 and BTLA. In total, 10 of 20 TIL cultures demonstrated in vitro recognition of autologous tumor. In some cases, the fraction of tumor-reactive T cells was more than 20%. 4-1BB stimulation augmented expansion kinetics and favored CD8+ occurrence. In conclusion, TIL expansion from sarcoma is feasible and expanded TILs highly express LAG3 and comprise multifunctional tumor-reactive T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Nielsen
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Dorrit Hovgaard
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Mørk Petersen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anand Chainsukh Loya
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Inge Marie Svane
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Niels Junker
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark.
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Bagheri S, Safaie Qamsari E, Yousefi M, Riazi-Rad F, Sharifzadeh Z. Targeting the 4-1BB costimulatory molecule through single chain antibodies promotes the human T-cell response. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2020; 25:28. [PMID: 32336974 PMCID: PMC7178758 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-020-00219-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) using autologous tumor-reactive T lymphocytes has considerable potential for cancer immunotherapy. In ACT, T cells are isolated from cancer patients and then stimulated and expanded in vitro by cytokines and costimulatory molecules. 4-1BB is an important costimulatory protein belonging to the TNF receptor superfamily. It is involved in T-cell survival, proliferation and activation. Agonistic anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies have been introduced as appropriate tools for ACT. Methods Here, various single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies were used to activate T cells isolated from peripheral blood via immune magnetic isolation. The T cells were stimulated with IL-2 and anti-CD-3 mAb and then treated with agonistic anti-4-1BB scFvs. The results showed the remarkable effects of anti-41BB scFvs on the functional properties of T cells, including their activation, proliferation and cytokine production. The flow cytometry analysis revealed a considerable increase in the expression of the T-cell activation marker CD69. Moreover, T-cell proliferation was evidenced in treated cells by CFSE labeling compared to the control groups. Result Anti-4-1BB scFvs significantly increased IFN-γ and IL-2 mRNA and protein expression in T cells, but exhibited no stimulatory effect on IL-4 expression. These findings show that anti-4-1BB scFvs could evoke a Type I immune response. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that targeting the 4-1BB molecule using agonistic scFvs could be an effective strategy for T-cell stimulation as part of an ACT approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Bagheri
- 1Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,2Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,3Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elmira Safaie Qamsari
- 1Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,2Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,3Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- 2Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Riazi-Rad
- 1Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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40
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Poschke IC, Hassel JC, Rodriguez-Ehrenfried A, Lindner KAM, Heras-Murillo I, Appel LM, Lehmann J, Lövgren T, Wickström SL, Lauenstein C, Roth J, König AK, Haanen JBAG, van den Berg J, Kiessling R, Bergmann F, Flossdorf M, Strobel O, Offringa R. The Outcome of Ex Vivo TIL Expansion Is Highly Influenced by Spatial Heterogeneity of the Tumor T-Cell Repertoire and Differences in Intrinsic In Vitro Growth Capacity between T-Cell Clones. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:4289-4301. [PMID: 32303540 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE During our efforts to develop tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy to counter the devastating recurrence rate in patients with primary resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), we found that PDA TILs can readily be expanded in vitro and that the majority of resulting TIL cultures show reactivity against the autologous tumor. However, the fraction of tumor-reactive T cells is low. We investigated to which extent this was related to the in vitro expansion. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We compared the clonal composition of TIL preparations before and after in vitro expansion using T-cell receptor (TCR) deep sequencing. Our findings for PDA were benchmarked to experiments with melanoma TILs. RESULTS We found that the TIL TCR repertoire changes dramatically during in vitro expansion, leading to loss of tumor- dominant T-cell clones and overgrowth by newly emerging T-cell clones that are barely detectable in the tumor. These changes are primarily driven by differences in the intrinsic in vitro expansion capacity of T-cell clones. Single-cell experiments showed an association between poor proliferative capacity and expression of markers related to antigen experience and dysfunction. Furthermore, we found that spatial heterogeneity of the TIL repertoire resulted in TCR repertoires that are greatly divergent between TIL cultures derived from distant tumor samples of the same patient. CONCLUSIONS Culture-induced changes in clonal composition are likely to affect tumor reactivity of TIL preparations. TCR deep sequencing provides important insights into the factors that govern the outcome of in vitro TIL expansion and thereby a path toward optimization of the production of TIL preparations with high therapeutic efficacy.See related commentary by Lozano-Rabella and Gros, p. 4177.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel C Poschke
- Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jessica C Hassel
- Department of Dermatology and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aaron Rodriguez-Ehrenfried
- Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina A M Lindner
- Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ignacio Heras-Murillo
- Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena M Appel
- Division of Theoretical Systems Biology, German Cancer Research Center and BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Lehmann
- Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Lövgren
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stina L Wickström
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claudia Lauenstein
- Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Roth
- Department of Dermatology and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina König
- Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - John B A G Haanen
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost van den Berg
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rolf Kiessling
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frank Bergmann
- Department of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Flossdorf
- Division of Theoretical Systems Biology, German Cancer Research Center and BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Strobel
- Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rienk Offringa
- Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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41
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Trojaniello C, Vitale MG, Scarpato L, Esposito A, Ascierto PA. Melanoma immunotherapy: strategies to overcome pharmacological resistance. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:289-304. [PMID: 32195606 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1745634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Although checkpoint inhibitors have provided a breakthrough in how melanoma is treated, about half of patients still do not respond due to primary or acquired resistance. New strategies are, therefore, required to increase the number of patients benefiting from immunotherapy. This systematic review investigates novel combinations that may overcome immune resistance in patients with melanoma.Areas covered: We provide an overview of immune-related resistance mechanisms and the various therapeutic strategies that can be considered in attempting to overcome these barriers, including combined immunotherapy approaches and combinations with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy.Expert opinion: The immune response is a dynamic process in which the tumor microenvironment and immune cells interact in a variety of ways. New treatment approaches aim to enrich the tumor microenvironment with immune-infiltrate and increase response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Trojaniello
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Scarpato
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Assunta Esposito
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo A Ascierto
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
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42
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Chruściel E, Urban-Wójciuk Z, Arcimowicz Ł, Kurkowiak M, Kowalski J, Gliwiński M, Marjański T, Rzyman W, Biernat W, Dziadziuszko R, Montesano C, Bernardini R, Marek-Trzonkowska N. Adoptive Cell Therapy-Harnessing Antigen-Specific T Cells to Target Solid Tumours. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E683. [PMID: 32183246 PMCID: PMC7140076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, much research has been focused on the field of adoptive cell therapies (ACT) that use native or genetically modified T cells as therapeutic tools. Immunotherapy with T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) demonstrated great success in the treatment of haematologic malignancies, whereas adoptive transfer of autologous tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) proved to be highly effective in metastatic melanoma. These encouraging results initiated many studies where ACT was tested as a treatment for various solid tumours. In this review, we provide an overview of the challenges of T cell-based immunotherapies of solid tumours. We describe alternative approaches for choosing the most efficient T cells for cancer treatment in terms of their tumour-specificity and phenotype. Finally, we present strategies for improvement of anti-tumour potential of T cells, including combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Chruściel
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland; (E.C.); (Z.U.-W.); (M.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Zuzanna Urban-Wójciuk
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland; (E.C.); (Z.U.-W.); (M.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Łukasz Arcimowicz
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland; (E.C.); (Z.U.-W.); (M.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Małgorzata Kurkowiak
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland; (E.C.); (Z.U.-W.); (M.K.); (J.K.)
| | - Jacek Kowalski
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland; (E.C.); (Z.U.-W.); (M.K.); (J.K.)
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Gliwiński
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Marjański
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (T.M.); (W.R.)
| | - Witold Rzyman
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (T.M.); (W.R.)
| | - Wojciech Biernat
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Rafał Dziadziuszko
- Department of Oncology and Radiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Carla Montesano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberta Bernardini
- Department of Biology and Interdepartmental Center CIMETA, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland; (E.C.); (Z.U.-W.); (M.K.); (J.K.)
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
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Abstract
There is an urgent need for improved cancer immunotherapies. The nanoparticles described here deliver genes to stimulate the immune system to specifically kill tumor cells. This synthetic, biodegradable system avoids the use of common gene delivery materials like viruses that can have safety concerns and manufacturing limitations. Local nanoparticle delivery evades adverse side effects stemming from systemic administration of immune-activating therapeutics. Importantly, this technology causes a tumor-targeting response but does not require prior knowledge of a particular patient’s gene expression profile; thus, it can serve as a platform to combat many different solid cancers. Moreover, local nanoparticle administration causes a systemic cellular immune response, which has the potential to lead to better outcomes in the context of recurrence or metastasis. Cancer immunotherapy has been the subject of extensive research, but highly effective and broadly applicable methods remain elusive. Moreover, a general approach to engender endogenous patient-specific cellular therapy, without the need for a priori knowledge of tumor antigen, ex vivo cellular manipulation, or cellular manufacture, could dramatically reduce costs and broaden accessibility. Here, we describe a biotechnology based on synthetic, biodegradable nanoparticles that can genetically reprogram cancer cells and their microenvironment in situ so that the cancer cells can act as tumor-associated antigen-presenting cells (tAPCs) by inducing coexpression of a costimulatory molecule (4-1BBL) and immunostimulatory cytokine (IL-12). In B16-F10 melanoma and MC38 colorectal carcinoma mouse models, reprogramming nanoparticles in combination with checkpoint blockade significantly reduced tumor growth over time and, in some cases, cleared the tumor, leading to long-term survivors that were then resistant to the formation of new tumors upon rechallenge at a distant site. In vitro and in vivo analyses confirmed that locally delivered tAPC-reprogramming nanoparticles led to a significant cell-mediated cytotoxic immune response with systemic effects. The systemic tumor-specific and cell-mediated immunotherapy response was achieved without requiring a priori knowledge of tumor-expressed antigens and reflects the translational potential of this nanomedicine.
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Cohen EEW, Pishvaian MJ, Shepard DR, Wang D, Weiss J, Johnson ML, Chung CH, Chen Y, Huang B, Davis CB, Toffalorio F, Thall A, Powell SF. A phase Ib study of utomilumab (PF-05082566) in combination with mogamulizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:342. [PMID: 31801624 PMCID: PMC6894203 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0815-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expressed on activated T and natural killer cells, 4-1BB/CD137 is a costimulatory receptor that signals a series of events resulting in cytokine secretion and enhanced effector function. Targeting 4-1BB/CD137 with agonist antibodies has been associated with tumor reduction and antitumor immunity. C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is highly expressed in various solid tumor indications and associated with poor prognosis. This phase Ib, open-label study in patients with advanced solid tumors assessed the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of utomilumab (PF-05082566), a human monoclonal antibody (mAb) agonist of the T-cell costimulatory receptor 4-1BB/CD137, in combination with mogamulizumab, a humanized mAb targeting CCR4 reported to deplete subsets of regulatory T cells (Tregs). METHODS Utomilumab 1.2-5 mg/kg or 100 mg flat dose every 4 weeks plus mogamulizumab 1 mg/kg (weekly in Cycle 1 followed by biweekly in Cycles ≥2) was administered intravenously to 24 adults with solid tumors. Blood was collected pre- and post-dose for assessment of drug pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and pharmacodynamic markers. Baseline tumor biopsies from a subset of patients were also analyzed for the presence of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), CD8, FoxP3, and 4-1BB/CD137. Radiologic tumor assessments were conducted at baseline and on treatment every 8 weeks. RESULTS No dose-limiting toxicities occurred and the maximum tolerated dose was determined to be at least 2.4 mg/kg per the time-to-event continual reassessment method. No serious adverse events related to either treatment were observed; anemia was the only grade 3 non-serious adverse event related to both treatments. Utomilumab systemic exposure appeared to increase with dose. One patient with PD-L1-refractory squamous lung cancer achieved a best overall response of partial response and 9 patients had a best overall response of stable disease. No patients achieved complete response. Objective response rate was 4.2% (95% confidence interval: 0.1-21.1%) per RECIST 1.1. Depletion of Tregs in peripheral blood was accompanied by evidence of T-cell expansion as assessed by T-cell receptor sequence analysis. CONCLUSIONS The combination of utomilumab/mogamulizumab was safe and tolerable, and may be suitable for evaluation in settings where CCR4-expressing Tregs are suppressing anticancer immunity. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02444793.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra E W Cohen
- UC San Diego Health, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | | | | | - Ding Wang
- Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jared Weiss
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Brandjes BD, Davila ML. Adding chimeric antigen receptor-induced killer cells to the medical oncology shelf. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:5077-5078. [PMID: 31638599 PMCID: PMC6877296 DOI: 10.1172/jci132536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
With the approval of CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for the treatment of B cell malignancies, clinicians have gained valuable insights into the power and challenges of cellular therapies. In this issue of the JCI, Maluski et al. showed that a CAR containing a CD28 costimulatory domain drives progeny differentiation to resemble that of NK cells, which have the potential for an off-the-shelf cell therapy. These CAR-induced killer (CARiK) cells displayed potent antitumor function and killed across the MHC barrier in vivo. After performing in vitro and in vivo mouse studies, the authors also successfully differentiated human umbilical cord blood-derived progenitor cells into CARiK cells. These unique cells may address some of the current challenges associated with first-generation CARs, such as prolonged production that requires patients to wait weeks for infusion. We believe this innovative progenitor gene-engineered lymphoid system has the potential for clinical translation.
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Dafni U, Michielin O, Lluesma SM, Tsourti Z, Polydoropoulou V, Karlis D, Besser MJ, Haanen J, Svane IM, Ohashi PS, Kammula US, Orcurto A, Zimmermann S, Trueb L, Klebanoff CA, Lotze MT, Kandalaft LE, Coukos G. Efficacy of adoptive therapy with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and recombinant interleukin-2 in advanced cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Oncol 2019; 30:1902-1913. [PMID: 31566658 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has been tested in advanced melanoma patients at various centers. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess its efficacy on previously treated advanced metastatic cutaneous melanoma. The PubMed electronic database was searched from inception to 17 December 2018 to identify studies administering TIL-ACT and recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) following non-myeloablative chemotherapy in previously treated metastatic melanoma patients. Objective response rate (ORR) was the primary end point. Secondary end points were complete response rate (CRR), overall survival (OS), duration of response (DOR) and toxicity. Pooled estimates were derived from fixed or random effect models, depending on the amount of heterogeneity detected. Analysis was carried out separately for high dose (HD) and low dose (LD) IL-2. Sensitivity analyses were carried out. Among 1211 records screened, 13 studies (published 1988 - 2016) were eligible for meta-analysis. Among 410 heavily pretreated patients (some with brain metastasis), 332 received HD-IL-2 and 78 LD-IL-2. The pooled overall ORR estimate was 41% [95% confidence interval (CI) 35% to 48%], and the overall CRR was 12% (95% CI 7% to 16%). For the HD-IL-2 group, the ORR was 43% (95% CI 36% to 50%), while for the LD-IL-2 it was 35% (95% CI 25% to 45%). Corresponding pooled estimates for CRR were 14% (95% CI 7% to 20%) and 7% (95% CI 1% to 12%). The majority of HD-IL-2 complete responders (27/28) remained in remission during the extent of follow-up after CR (median 40 months). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. Higher number of infused cells was associated with a favorable response. The ORR for HD-IL-2 compared favorably with the nivolumab/ipilimumab combination following anti-PD-1 failure. TIL-ACT therapy, especially when combined with HD-IL-2, achieves durable clinical benefit and warrants further investigation. We discuss the current position of TIL-ACT in the therapy of advanced melanoma, particularly in the era of immune checkpoint blockade therapy, and review future opportunities for improvement of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Dafni
- Department of Oncology, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - O Michielin
- Department of Oncology, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - S Martin Lluesma
- Department of Oncology, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Z Tsourti
- Scientific Research Consulting Hellas, Statistics Center, Athens
| | - V Polydoropoulou
- Scientific Research Consulting Hellas, Statistics Center, Athens
| | - D Karlis
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens, Greece
| | - M J Besser
- Ella Institute for the Treatment and Research of Melanoma and Skin Cancer, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - J Haanen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I-M Svane
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - P S Ohashi
- Department of Immunology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - U S Kammula
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh
| | - A Orcurto
- Department of Oncology, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - S Zimmermann
- Department of Oncology, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - L Trueb
- Department of Oncology, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C A Klebanoff
- Center for Cell Engineering and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
| | - M T Lotze
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - L E Kandalaft
- Department of Oncology, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - G Coukos
- Department of Oncology, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Creasy CA, Forget MA, Singh G, Tapia C, Xu M, Stephen B, Sabir S, Meric-Bernstam F, Haymaker C, Bernatchez C, Naing A. Exposure to anti-PD-1 causes functional differences in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in rare solid tumors. Eur J Immunol 2019; 49:2245-2251. [PMID: 31532833 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The pervasive use of therapeutic antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) to boost anti-tumor immunity has positioned this approach to become the standard-of-care for some solid tumor malignancies. However, little is known as to how blockade of PD-1 may alter the function or phenotype of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). We used our ongoing Phase II clinical trial of pembrolizumab for patients with rare solid tumors from various types (NCT02721732) with matched core biopsies taken at baseline and after initial dose of anti-PD-1 (15-21 days post-dose) to elucidate this question. One fresh core needle biopsy was used to propagate TIL ex vivo to analyze phenotype and function using flow cytometry in both CD8+ and CD4+ TIL populations. An enriched CTLA-4 expression in the CD4+ TIL population was observed in TIL expanded from the on-treatment samples compared to TIL expanded from the matched baseline (n = 22, p = 0.0007) but was not observed in patients who experienced tumor regression. Impact on functionality was evaluated by measuring secretion of 65 soluble factors by expanded TIL from 26 patients at baseline and on-treatment. The CD8+ TIL population demonstrated a diminished cytokine secretion profile post-pembrolizumab. Overall, our study assesses the ramifications of one dose of anti-PD-1 on TIL in rare solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin A Creasy
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, TX
| | - Marie-Andrée Forget
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, TX
| | - Gopal Singh
- Department of Investigational Therapeutics, The University of Texas MDACC, Houston, TX
| | - Coya Tapia
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MDACC, Houston, TX
| | - Mingxuan Xu
- Department of Investigational Therapeutics, The University of Texas MDACC, Houston, TX
| | - Bettzy Stephen
- Department of Investigational Therapeutics, The University of Texas MDACC, Houston, TX
| | - Sharjeel Sabir
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MDACC, Houston, TX
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Therapeutics, The University of Texas MDACC, Houston, TX
| | - Cara Haymaker
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MDACC, Houston, TX
| | - Chantale Bernatchez
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, TX.,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MDACC, Houston, TX
| | - Aung Naing
- Department of Investigational Therapeutics, The University of Texas MDACC, Houston, TX
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Utilizing T-cell Activation Signals 1, 2, and 3 for Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) Expansion: The Advantage Over the Sole Use of Interleukin-2 in Cutaneous and Uveal Melanoma. J Immunother 2019; 41:399-405. [PMID: 29757889 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we address one of the major critiques for tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy-the time needed for proper expansion of a suitable product. We postulated that T-cell receptor activation in the first phase of expansion combined with an agonistic stimulation of CD137/4-1BB and interleukin-2 would favor preferential expansion of CD8 TIL. Indeed, this novel 3-signal approach for optimal T-cell activation resulted in faster and more consistent expansion of CD8CD3 TIL. This new method allowed for successful expansion of TIL from cutaneous and uveal melanoma tumors in 100% of the cultures in <3 weeks. Finally, providing the 3 signals attributed to optimal T-cell activation led to expansion of TIL capable of recognizing their tumor counterpart in cutaneous and uveal melanoma. This new methodology for the initial phase of TIL expansion brings a new opportunity for translation of TIL therapy in challenging malignancies such as uveal melanoma.
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Peng W, Williams LJ, Xu C, Melendez B, McKenzie JA, Chen Y, Jackson HL, Voo KS, Mbofung RM, Leahey SE, Wang J, Lizee G, Tawbi HA, Davies MA, Hoos A, Smothers J, Srinivasan R, Paul EM, Yanamandra N, Hwu P. Anti-OX40 Antibody Directly Enhances The Function of Tumor-Reactive CD8 + T Cells and Synergizes with PI3Kβ Inhibition in PTEN Loss Melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:6406-6416. [PMID: 31371342 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-1259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OX40 agonist-based combinations are emerging as a novel avenue to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. To better guide its clinical development, we characterized the role of the OX40 pathway in tumor-reactive immune cells. We also evaluated combining OX40 agonists with targeted therapy to combat resistance to cancer immunotherapy.Experimental Design: We utilized patient-derived tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and multiple preclinical models to determine the direct effect of anti-OX40 agonistic antibodies on tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells. We also evaluated the antitumor activity of an anti-OX40 antibody plus PI3Kβ inhibition in a transgenic murine melanoma model (Braf mutant, PTEN null), which spontaneously develops immunotherapy-resistant melanomas. RESULTS We observed elevated expression of OX40 in tumor-reactive CD8+ TILs upon encountering tumors; activation of OX40 signaling enhanced their cytotoxic function. OX40 agonist antibody improved the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells and the generation of tumor-specific T-cell memory in vivo. Furthermore, combining anti-OX40 with GSK2636771, a PI3Kβ-selective inhibitor, delayed tumor growth and extended the survival of mice with PTEN-null melanomas. This combination treatment did not increase the number of TILs, but it instead significantly enhanced proliferation of CD8+ TILs and elevated the serum levels of CCL4, CXCL10, and IFNγ, which are mainly produced by memory and/or effector T cells. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight a critical role of OX40 activation in potentiating the effector function of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells and suggest further evaluation of OX40 agonist-based combinations in patients with immune-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Peng
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Leila J Williams
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Chunyu Xu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Brenda Melendez
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jodi A McKenzie
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Heather L Jackson
- Oncology R&D, Immuno-Oncology and Combinations RU, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Kui S Voo
- Department of Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rina M Mbofung
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sara Elizabeth Leahey
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gregory Lizee
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Axel Hoos
- Oncology R&D, Immuno-Oncology and Combinations RU, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - James Smothers
- Oncology R&D, Immuno-Oncology and Combinations RU, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Roopa Srinivasan
- Oncology R&D, Immuno-Oncology and Combinations RU, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Elaine M Paul
- Oncology R&D, Immuno-Oncology and Combinations RU, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | - Niranjan Yanamandra
- Oncology R&D, Immuno-Oncology and Combinations RU, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
| | - Patrick Hwu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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McKenzie JA, Mbofung RM, Malu S, Zhang M, Ashkin E, Devi S, Williams L, Tieu T, Peng W, Pradeep S, Xu C, Zorro Manrique S, Liu C, Huang L, Chen Y, Forget MA, Haymaker C, Bernatchez C, Satani N, Muller F, Roszik J, Kalra A, Heffernan T, Sood A, Hu J, Amaria R, Davis RE, Hwu P. The Effect of Topoisomerase I Inhibitors on the Efficacy of T-Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy. J Natl Cancer Inst 2019; 110:777-786. [PMID: 29267866 PMCID: PMC6037061 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djx257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy has increasingly become a staple in cancer treatment. However, substantial limitations in the durability of response highlight the need for more rational therapeutic combinations. The aim of this study is to investigate how to make tumor cells more sensitive to T-cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Methods Two pairs of melanoma patient-derived tumor cell lines and their autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were utilized in a high-throughput screen of 850 compounds to identify bioactive agents that could be used in combinatorial strategies to improve T-cell-mediated killing of tumor cells. RNAi, overexpression, and gene expression analyses were utilized to identify the mechanism underlying the effect of Topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors on T-cell-mediated killing. Using a syngeneic mouse model (n = 5 per group), the antitumor efficacy of the combination of a clinically relevant Top1 inhibitor, liposomal irinotecan (MM-398), with immune checkpoint inhibitors was also assessed. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results We found that Top1 inhibitors increased the sensitivity of patient-derived melanoma cell lines (n = 7) to T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity (P < .001, Dunnett’s test). This enhancement is mediated by TP53INP1, whose overexpression increased the susceptibility of melanoma cell lines to T-cell cytotoxicity (2549 cell line: P = .009, unpaired t test), whereas its knockdown impeded T-cell killing of Top1 inhibitor–treated melanoma cells (2549 cell line: P < .001, unpaired t test). In vivo, greater tumor control was achieved with MM-398 in combination with α-PD-L1 or α-PD1 (P < .001, Tukey’s test). Prolonged survival was also observed in tumor-bearing mice treated with MM-398 in combination with α-PD-L1 (P = .002, log-rank test) or α-PD1 (P = .008, log-rank test). Conclusions We demonstrated that Top1 inhibitors can improve the antitumor efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, thus providing the basis for developing novel strategies using Top1 inhibitors to augment the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sunila Pradeep
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine
| | - Chunyu Xu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology
| | | | | | - Lu Huang
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ashish Kalra
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Anil Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-coding RNA
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