1
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Sirini C, De Rossi L, Moresco MA, Casucci M. CAR T cells in solid tumors and metastasis: paving the way forward. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10213-7. [PMID: 39316265 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10213-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
CAR T cell therapy, hailed as a breakthrough in cancer treatment due to its remarkable outcomes in hematological malignancies, encounters significant hurdles when applied to solid tumors. While notable responses to CAR T cells remain sporadic in these patients, challenges persist due to issues such as on-target off-tumor toxicity, difficulties in their trafficking and infiltration into the tumor, and the presence of a hostile and immunosuppressive microenvironment. This review aims to explore recent endeavors aimed at overcoming these obstacles in CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors. Specifically, we will delve into promising strategies for enhancing tumor specificity through antigen targeting, addressing tumor heterogeneity, overcoming physical barriers, and counteracting the immune-suppressive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Sirini
- Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura De Rossi
- Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Angiola Moresco
- Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Casucci
- Innovative Immunotherapies Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy.
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2
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Xia X, Yang Z, Lu Q, Liu Z, Wang L, Du J, Li Y, Yang DH, Wu S. Reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment to improve CAR-T cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:175. [PMID: 39187850 PMCID: PMC11346058 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02079-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In many hematologic malignancies, the adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has demonstrated notable success; nevertheless, further improvements are necessary to optimize treatment efficacy. Current CAR-T therapies are particularly discouraging for solid tumor treatment. The immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumors affects CAR-T cells, limiting the treatment's effectiveness and safety. Therefore, enhancing CAR-T cell infiltration capacity and resolving the immunosuppressive responses within the tumor microenvironment could boost the anti-tumor effect. Specific strategies include structurally altering CAR-T cells combined with targeted therapy, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Overall, monitoring the tumor microenvironment and the status of CAR-T cells is beneficial in further investigating the viability of such strategies and advancing CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Xia
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Zongxin Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Qisi Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Foresea Life Insurance Guangzhou General Hospital, Guangzhou, 511300, China
| | - Zhenyun Liu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Jinwen Du
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.
| | - Dong-Hua Yang
- New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA.
| | - Shaojie Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.
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3
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Spiga M, Martini E, Maffia MC, Ciceri F, Ruggiero E, Potenza A, Bonini C. Harnessing the tumor microenvironment to boost adoptive T cell therapy with engineered lymphocytes for solid tumors. Semin Immunopathol 2024; 46:8. [PMID: 39060547 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-024-01011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and T Cell Receptor (TCR) engineered T cells represents an innovative therapeutic approach for the treatment of hematological malignancies, yet its application for solid tumors is still suboptimal. The tumor microenvironment (TME) places several challenges to overcome for a satisfactory therapeutic effect, such as physical barriers (fibrotic capsule and stroma), and inhibitory signals impeding T cell function. Some of these obstacles can be faced by combining ACT with other anti-tumor approaches, such as chemo/radiotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors. On the other hand, cutting edge technological tools offer the opportunity to overcome and, in some cases, take advantage of TME intrinsic characteristics to boost ACT efficacy. These include: the exploitation of chemokine gradients and integrin expression for preferential T-cell homing and extravasation; metabolic changes that have direct or indirect effects on TCR-T and CAR-T cells by increasing antigen presentation and reshaping T cell phenotype; introduction of additional synthetic receptors on TCR-T and CAR-T cells with the aim of increasing T cells survival and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Spiga
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Martini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Maffia
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Potenza
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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4
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Zhang G, Wang Y, Lu S, Ding F, Wang X, Zhu C, Wang Y, Wang K. Molecular understanding and clinical outcomes of CAR T cell therapy in the treatment of urological tumors. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:359. [PMID: 38789450 PMCID: PMC11126652 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06734-2] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor engineered T (CAR T) cell therapy has developed rapidly in recent years, leading to profound developments in oncology, especially for hematologic malignancies. However, given the pressure of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments, antigen escape, and diverse other factors, its application in solid tumors is less developed. Urinary system tumors are relatively common, accounting for approximately 24% of all new cancers in the United States. CAR T cells have great potential for urinary system tumors. This review summarizes the latest developments of CAR T cell therapy in urinary system tumors, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer, and also outlines the various CAR T cell generations and their pathways and targets that have been developed thus far. Finally, the current advantages, problems, and side effects of CAR T cell therapy are discussed in depth, and potential future developments are proposed in view of current shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Shiyang Lu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Fengzhu Ding
- Department of Nursing, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Chunming Zhu
- Department of Family Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Yibing Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Kefeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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5
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Isvoranu G, Chiritoiu-Butnaru M. Therapeutic potential of interleukin-21 in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369743. [PMID: 38638431 PMCID: PMC11024325 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is an immunostimulatory cytokine which belongs to the common gamma-chain family of cytokines. It plays an import role in the development, differentiation, proliferation, and activation of immune cells, in particular T and natural killer (NK) cells. Since its discovery in 2000, IL-21 has been shown to regulate both adaptive and immune responses associates with key role in antiviral and antitumor responses. Recent advances indicate IL-21 as a promising target for cancer treatment and encouraging results were obtained in preclinical studies which investigated the potency of IL-21 alone or in combination with other therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitory molecules, oncolytic virotherapy, and adoptive cell transfer. Furthermore, IL-21 showed antitumor effects in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer, with minimal side effects in several clinical trials. In the present review, we will outline the recent progress in IL-21 research, highlighting the potential of IL-21 based therapy as single agent or in combination with other drugs to enhance cancer treatment efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gheorghita Isvoranu
- Department of Animal Husbandry,” Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marioara Chiritoiu-Butnaru
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
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6
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Zhang T, Tai Z, Miao F, Zhang X, Li J, Zhu Q, Wei H, Chen Z. Adoptive cell therapy for solid tumors beyond CAR-T: Current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances. J Control Release 2024; 368:372-396. [PMID: 38408567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.033] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a highly specific anti-tumor immunotherapy that has shown promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, there has been a slow progress toward the treatment of solid tumors owing to the complex tumor microenvironment that affects the localization and killing ability of the CAR cells. Solid tumors with a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and complex vascular system are unaffected by CAR cell infiltration and attack. To improve their efficacy toward solid tumors, CAR cells have been modified and upgraded by "decorating" and "pruning". This review focuses on the structure and function of CARs, the immune cells that can be engineered by CARs and the transformation strategies to overcome solid tumors, with a view to broadening ideas for the better application of CAR cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrui Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China; Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Jiadong Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200443, China.
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7
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Li X, Wu M, Lu J, Yu J, Chen D. Interleukin-21 as an adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy: Current advances and future directions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189084. [PMID: 38354828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189084] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, it's well-recognized that a considerable proportion of patients fail to benefit from immunotherapy, and to improve immunotherapy response is clinically urgent. Insufficient immune infiltration and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TME) are main contributors to immunotherapy resistance. Thus sustaining functional self-renewal capacity for immune cells and subverting immune-suppressive signals are potential strategies for boosting the efficacy of immunotherapy. Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a crucial cytokine, which could enhance cytotoxic function of immune cells and reduces immunosuppressive cells enrichment in TME, shows promising orientations as an immunoadjuvant in tumor immunotherapy. This review focuses on IL-21 in cancer treatment, including function and mechanisms of IL-21, preclinical and clinical studies, and future directions for IL-21-assisted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Dawei Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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8
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Ma M, Xie Y, Liu J, Wu L, Liu Y, Qin X. Biological effects of IL-21 on immune cells and its potential for cancer treatment. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111154. [PMID: 37977064 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111154] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a member of the IL-2 cytokine family, is one of the most important effector and messenger molecules in the immune system. Produced by various immune cells, IL-21 has pleiotropic effects on innate and adaptive immune responses via regulation of natural killer, T, and B cells. An anti-tumor role of IL-21 has also been reported in the literature, as it may support cell proliferation or on the contrary induce growth arrest or apoptosis of the tumor cell. Anti-tumor effect of IL-21 enhances when combined with other agents that target tumor cells, immune regulatory circuits, or other immune-enhancing molecules. Therefore, understanding the biology of IL-21 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and reducing its systemic toxic and side effects is crucial to ensure the maximum benefits of anti-tumor treatment strategies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on the biological functions, roles in tumors, and the recent advances in preclinical and clinical research of IL-21 in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichen Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lina Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaosong Qin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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9
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Majumder A. Evolving CAR-T-Cell Therapy for Cancer Treatment: From Scientific Discovery to Cures. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:39. [PMID: 38201467 PMCID: PMC10777914 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy has emerged as the most promising immunotherapy for cancer that typically uses patients' T cells and genetically engineered them to target cancer cells. Although recent improvements in CAR-T-cell therapy have shown remarkable success for treating hematological malignancies, the heterogeneity in tumor antigens and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) limits its efficacy in solid tumors. Despite the enormous efforts that have been made to make CAR-T-cell therapy more effective and have minimal side effects for treating hematological malignancies, more research needs to be conducted regarding its use in the clinic for treating various other types of cancer. The main concern for CAR-T-cell therapy is severe toxicities due to the cytokine release syndrome, whereas the other challenges are associated with complexity and immune-suppressing TME, tumor antigen heterogeneity, the difficulty of cell trafficking, CAR-T-cell exhaustion, and reduced cytotoxicity in the tumor site. This review discussed the latest discoveries in CAR-T-cell therapy strategies and combination therapies, as well as their effectiveness in different cancers. It also encompasses ongoing clinical trials; current challenges regarding the therapeutic use of CAR-T-cell therapy, especially for solid tumors; and evolving treatment strategies to improve the therapeutic application of CAR-T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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10
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Giardino Torchia ML, Moody G. DIALing-up the preclinical characterization of gene-modified adoptive cellular immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264882. [PMID: 38090585 PMCID: PMC10713823 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The preclinical characterization of gene modified adoptive cellular immunotherapy candidates for clinical development often requires the use of mouse models. Gene-modified lymphocytes (GML) incorporating chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and T-cell receptors (TCR) into immune effector cells require in vivo characterization of biological activity, mechanism of action, and preclinical safety. Typically, this characterization involves the assessment of dose-dependent, on-target, on-tumor activity in severely immunocompromised mice. While suitable for the purpose of evaluating T cell-expressed transgene function in a living host, this approach falls short in translating cellular therapy efficacy, safety, and persistence from preclinical models to humans. To comprehensively characterize cell therapy products in mice, we have developed a framework called "DIAL". This framework aims to enable an end-to-end understanding of genetically engineered cellular immunotherapies in vivo, from infusion to tumor clearance and long-term immunosurveillance. The acronym DIAL stands for Distribution, Infiltration, Accumulation, and Longevity, compartmentalizing the systemic attributes of gene-modified cellular therapy and providing a platform for optimization with the ultimate goal of improving therapeutic efficacy. This review will discuss both existent and emerging examples of DIAL characterization in mouse models, as well as opportunities for future development and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gordon Moody
- Cell Therapy Unit, Oncology Research, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
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11
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Bernstein ZJ, Shenoy A, Chen A, Heller NM, Spangler JB. Engineering the IL-4/IL-13 axis for targeted immune modulation. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:29-57. [PMID: 37283511 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The structurally and functionally related interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 cytokines play pivotal roles in shaping immune activity. The IL-4/IL-13 axis is best known for its critical role in T helper 2 (Th2) cell-mediated Type 2 inflammation, which protects the host from large multicellular pathogens, such as parasitic helminth worms, and regulates immune responses to allergens. In addition, IL-4 and IL-13 stimulate a wide range of innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as non-hematopoietic cells, to coordinate various functions, including immune regulation, antibody production, and fibrosis. Due to its importance for a broad spectrum of physiological activities, the IL-4/IL-13 network has been targeted through a variety of molecular engineering and synthetic biology approaches to modulate immune behavior and develop novel therapeutics. Here, we review ongoing efforts to manipulate the IL-4/IL-13 axis, including cytokine engineering strategies, formulation of fusion proteins, antagonist development, cell engineering approaches, and biosensor design. We discuss how these strategies have been employed to dissect IL-4 and IL-13 pathways, as well as to discover new immunotherapies targeting allergy, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Looking ahead, emerging bioengineering tools promise to continue advancing fundamental understanding of IL-4/IL-13 biology and enabling researchers to exploit these insights to develop effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Bernstein
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anjali Shenoy
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicola M Heller
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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12
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Zhao J, Dong J, Deng C, Zhang Q, Sun S, Li H, Bai Y, Deng H. Enhancing T cell anti-tumor efficacy with a PD1-TIGIT chimeric immune-checkpoint switch receptor. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2265703. [PMID: 37808405 PMCID: PMC10557556 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2265703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy has demonstrated success in the treatment of hematological malignancies; however, its efficacy and applications in solid tumors remain limited. Immunosuppressive factors, particularly inhibitory checkpoint molecules, restrict CAR T cell activity inside solid tumors. The modulation of checkpoint pathways has emerged as a promising approach to promote anti-tumor responses in CAR T cells. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) are two critical immune-checkpoint molecules that suppress anti-tumor activity in T cells. Simultaneous targeting of these two inhibitory molecules could be an efficient checkpoint modulation strategy. Here, we developed a PD1-TIGIT chimeric immune-checkpoint switch receptor (CISR) that enhances the efficacy of CAR T cell immunotherapy by reversing the inhibitory checkpoint signals of PD1/PDL1 and/or TIGIT/CD155. In addition to neutralizing PDL1 and CD155, this chimeric receptor is engineered with the transmembrane region and intracellular domain of CD28, thereby effectively enhancing T cell survival and tumor-targeting functions. Notably, under simultaneous stimulation of PDL1 and CD155, CISR-CAR T cells demonstrate superior performance in terms of cell survival, proliferation, cytokine release, and cytotoxicity in vitro, compared with conventional CAR T cells. Experiments utilizing both cell line- and patient-derived xenotransplantation tumor models showed that CISR-CAR T cells exhibit robust infiltration and anti-tumor efficiency in vivo. Our results highlight the potential for the CISR strategy to enhance T cell anti-tumor efficacy and provide an alternative approach for T cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Hadian District, Beijing, China
| | - Jiebin Dong
- Department of Cell Biology and MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Hadian District, Beijing, China
| | - Changwen Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianjing Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Hadian District, Beijing, China
| | - Shicheng Sun
- Department of Cell Biology and MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Hadian District, Beijing, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Department of Cell Biology and MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Hadian District, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Bai
- Department of Cell Biology and MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Hadian District, Beijing, China
| | - Hongkui Deng
- Department of Cell Biology and MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Hadian District, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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13
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Righi M, Gannon I, Robson M, Srivastava S, Kokalaki E, Grothier T, Nannini F, Allen C, Bai YV, Sillibourne J, Cordoba S, Thomas S, Pule M. Enhancing CAR T-cell Therapy Using Fab-Based Constitutively Heterodimeric Cytokine Receptors. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1203-1221. [PMID: 37352396 PMCID: PMC10472109 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell therapy aims to achieve lasting tumor clearance, requiring enhanced engraftment and survival of the immune cells. Cytokines are paramount modulators of T-cell survival and proliferation. Cytokine receptors signal via ligand-induced dimerization, and this principle has been hijacked utilizing nonnative dimerization domains. A major limitation of current technologies resides in the absence of a module that recapitulates the natural cytokine receptor heterodimeric pairing. To circumvent this, we created a new engineered cytokine receptor able to constitutively recreate receptor-heterodimer utilizing the heterodimerization domain derived from the IgG1 antibody (dFab_CCR). We found that the signal delivered by the dFab_CCR-IL2 proficiently mimicked the cytokine receptor heterodimerization, with transcriptomic signatures like those obtained by activation of the native IL2 receptor. Moreover, we found that this dimerization structure was agnostic, efficiently activating signaling through four cytokine receptor families. Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro screening approaches, we characterized a library of 18 dFab_CCRs coexpressed with a clinically relevant solid tumor-specific GD2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Based on this characterization, we suggest that the coexpression of either the common β-chain GMCSF or the IL18 dFab_CCRs is optimal to improve CAR T-cell expansion, engraftment, and efficacy. Our results demonstrate how Fab dimerization is efficient and versatile in recapitulating a cytokine receptor heterodimerization signal. This module could be applied for the enhancement of adoptive T-cell therapies, as well as therapies based on other immune cell types. Furthermore, these results provide a choice of cytokine signal to incorporate with adoptive T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Nannini
- Department of Haematology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin Pule
- Autolus Therapeutics, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Zhang P, Zhang G, Wan X. Challenges and new technologies in adoptive cell therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:97. [PMID: 37596653 PMCID: PMC10439661 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01492-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapies (ACTs) have existed for decades. From the initial infusion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to the subsequent specific enhanced T cell receptor (TCR)-T and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies, many novel strategies for cancer treatment have been developed. Owing to its promising outcomes, CAR-T cell therapy has revolutionized the field of ACTs, particularly for hematologic malignancies. Despite these advances, CAR-T cell therapy still has limitations in both autologous and allogeneic settings, including practicality and toxicity issues. To overcome these challenges, researchers have focused on the application of CAR engineering technology to other types of immune cell engineering. Consequently, several new cell therapies based on CAR technology have been developed, including CAR-NK, CAR-macrophage, CAR-γδT, and CAR-NKT. In this review, we describe the development, advantages, and possible challenges of the aforementioned ACTs and discuss current strategies aimed at maximizing the therapeutic potential of ACTs. We also provide an overview of the various gene transduction strategies employed in immunotherapy given their importance in immune cell engineering. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility that strategies capable of creating a positive feedback immune circuit, as healthy immune systems do, could address the flaw of a single type of ACT, and thus serve as key players in future cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Guizhong Zhang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Zaidi SE, Moelker E, Singh K, Mohan A, Salgado MA, Essibayi MA, Hotchkiss K, Shen S, Lee W, Sampson J, Khasraw M. Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Glioblastoma. BioDrugs 2023; 37:489-503. [PMID: 37256535 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00598-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is highly aggressive and remains difficult to treat despite being the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Current standard-of-care treatment calls for maximum resection of the tumor mass followed by concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and further adjuvant chemotherapy if necessary. Despite this regimen, prognosis remains grim. Immunotherapy has shown promising success in a variety of solid tumor types, but efficacy in glioblastoma is yet to be demonstrated. Barriers to the success of immunotherapy in glioblastoma include: a heterogeneous tumor cell population, a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment, and the blood-brain barrier, to name a few. Several immunotherapeutic approaches are actively being investigated and developed to overcome these limitations. In this review, we present different classes of immunotherapy targeting glioblastoma, their most recent results, and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saïf Eddine Zaidi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Durham, NC, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Eliese Moelker
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kirit Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aditya Mohan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Miguel A Salgado
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Muhammed Amir Essibayi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kelly Hotchkiss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Steven Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William Lee
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John Sampson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Durham, NC, USA.
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16
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Xiong Y, Taleb M, Misawa K, Hou Z, Banerjee S, Amador-Molina A, Jones DR, Chintala NK, Adusumilli PS. c-Kit signaling potentiates CAR T cell efficacy in solid tumors by CD28- and IL-2-independent co-stimulation. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:1001-1015. [PMID: 37336986 PMCID: PMC10765546 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
The limited efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for solid tumors necessitates engineering strategies that promote functional persistence in an immunosuppressive environment. Herein, we use c-Kit signaling, a physiological pathway associated with stemness in hematopoietic progenitor cells (T cells lose expression of c-Kit during differentiation). CAR T cells with intracellular expression, but no cell-surface receptor expression, of the c-Kit D816V mutation (KITv) have upregulated STAT phosphorylation, antigen activation-dependent proliferation and CD28- and interleukin-2-independent and interferon-γ-mediated co-stimulation, augmenting the cytotoxicity of first-generation CAR T cells. This translates to enhanced survival, including in transforming growth factor-β-rich and low-antigen-expressing solid tumor models. KITv CAR T cells have equivalent or better in vivo efficacy than second-generation CAR T cells and are susceptible to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (safety switch). When combined with CD28 co-stimulation, KITv co-stimulation functions as a third signal, enhancing efficacy and providing a potent approach to treat solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuquan Xiong
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meriem Taleb
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kyohei Misawa
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhaohua Hou
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Srijita Banerjee
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alfredo Amador-Molina
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David R Jones
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Navin K Chintala
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Prasad S Adusumilli
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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17
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Andreu-Sanz D, Kobold S. Role and Potential of Different T Helper Cell Subsets in Adoptive Cell Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061650. [PMID: 36980536 PMCID: PMC10046829 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, CD8+ T cells have been considered the most relevant effector cells involved in the immune response against tumors and have therefore been the focus of most cancer immunotherapy approaches. However, CD4+ T cells and their secreted factors also play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment and can orchestrate both pro- and antitumoral immune responses. Depending on the cytokine milieu to which they are exposed, CD4+ T cells can differentiate into several phenotypically different subsets with very divergent effects on tumor progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the role of the different T helper subsets in the immune system, with special emphasis on their implication in antitumoral immune responses. Furthermore, we also summarize therapeutic applications of each subset and its associated cytokines in the adoptive cell therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Andreu-Sanz
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Munich, Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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18
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Luo Z, Shi J, Jiang Q, Yu G, Li X, Yu Z, Wang J, Shi Y. Gallic acid enhances anti-lymphoma function of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:8. [PMID: 36871129 PMCID: PMC9985527 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00122-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell targeting CD19 antigen has achieved exhilarative clinical efficacy in B-cell malignancies. However, challenges still remain for the currently approved anti-CD19 CAR-T therapies, including high recurrence rates, side effects and resistance. Herein, we aim to explore combinatorial therapy by use of anti-CD19 CAR-T immunotherapy and gallic acid (GA, an immunomodulatory natural product) for improving treatment efficacy. We assessed the combinatorial effect of anti-CD19 CAR-T immunotherapy with GA in cell models and a tumor-bearing mice model. Then, the underlying mechanism of GA on CAR-T cells were investigated by integrating network pharmacology, RNA-seq analysis and experimental validation. Furthermore, the potential direct targets of GA on CAR-T cells were explored by integrating molecular docking analysis with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay. The results showed that GA significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effects, cytokine production as well as the expansion of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells, which may be mainly through the activation of IL4/JAK3-STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, GA may directly target and activate STAT3, which may, at least in part, contribute to STAT3 activation. Overall, the findings reported here suggested that the combination of anti-CD19 CAR-T immunotherapy with GA would be a promising approach to increase the anti-lymphoma efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jiaru Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Qiyao Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Guohua Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Xiaorui Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Zhuoying Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Jianxun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China. .,Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518118, China. .,Shenzhen Cell Valley Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518118, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518118, China. .,Shenzhen Cell Valley Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518118, China.
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19
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Pant A, Lim M. CAR-T Therapy in GBM: Current Challenges and Avenues for Improvement. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1249. [PMID: 36831591 PMCID: PMC9954019 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Completed clinical trials of CAR-T cells in glioblastoma (GBM) have revealed key challenges that limit their efficacy. These include incomplete antigen coverage, downregulation of target antigen in response to therapy, exposure to immunosuppressive cells and cytokines in the tumor microenvironment and exhaustion of CAR-T cells. To overcome these challenges, CAR-T cells have been modified to maximize effector function and resist immunosuppression in the tumor while limiting toxicities to the host. Adoption of these novel CAR-T strategies in GBM can overcome the "cold tumor" phenotype of GBM and trigger an inflammatory cascade that maximizes tumor clearance and minimizes CAR-T dysfunction. To achieve this, understanding and harnessing the antigenic, metabolic and immunological composition of GBM is crucial. Here we review the findings from completed clinical trials of CAR-T cells in GBM as well as novel strategies that could improve CAR-T survival and function in the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayush Pant
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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20
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Li S, Tang H, Li C, Ma J, Ali M, Dong Q, Wu J, Hui Y, Sun C. Synthetic Biology Technologies And Genetically Engineering Strategies For Enhanced Cell Therapeutics. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:309-321. [PMID: 36166137 PMCID: PMC9514184 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10454-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy mainly uses natural stem cells for transplantation, and the use of genetic engineering to optimize stem cell products is a very important process. This article reviews successful gene modification methods in the field of immune cell therapy and summarizes some attempts at stem cell gene editing in current research. Cell bridging is an innovative cutting-edge strategy that includes the specific recognition and signal transduction of artificial receptors. The "off-the-shelf" cell strategies mainly introduce the advantages of allogeneic cell therapy and how to overcome issues such as immunogenicity. Gene regulatory systems allow us to manipulate cells with small molecules to control cellular phenotypes. In addition, we also summarize some important genes that can provide a reference for cell genetic engineering. In conclusion, we summarize a variety of technical strategies for gene editing cells to provide useful ideas and experiences for future stem cell therapy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, 157 BaoJian Road Nangang Dist, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, 157 BaoJian Road Nangang Dist, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajia Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, 157 BaoJian Road Nangang Dist, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China
| | - Maqsood Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, 157 BaoJian Road Nangang Dist, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, 157 BaoJian Road Nangang Dist, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajia Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, 157 BaoJian Road Nangang Dist, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Hui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, 157 BaoJian Road Nangang Dist, Harbin, 150086, People's Republic of China.
- Basic Medical Institute of Heilongjiang Medical Science Academy, Harbin, China.
| | - Chongran Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou City, Xihu District, 310058, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Thomas S, Abken H. CAR T cell therapy becomes CHIC: "cytokine help intensified CAR" T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1090959. [PMID: 36700225 PMCID: PMC9869021 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1090959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) in the canonical "second generation" format provide two signals for inducing T cell effector functions; the primary "signal-1" is provided through the TCR CD3ζ chain and the "signal-2" through a linked costimulatory domain to augment activation. While therapy with second generation CAR T cells can induce remissions of leukemia/lymphoma in a spectacular fashion, CAR T cell persistence is frequently limited which is thought to be due to timely limited activation. Following the "three-signal" dogma for inducing a sustained T cell response, cytokines were supplemented to provide "signal-3" to CAR T cells. Recent progress in the understanding of structural biology and receptor signaling has allowed to engineer cytokines for more selective, fine-tuned stimulation of CAR T cells including an artificial autocrine loop of a transgenic cytokine, a cytokine anchored to the CAR T cell membrane or inserted into the extracellular CAR domain, and a cytokine receptor signaling moiety co-expressed with the CAR or inserted into the CAR endodomain. Here we discuss the recent strategies and options for engineering such "cytokine help intensified CAR" (CHIC) T cells for use in adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Thomas
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany,Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Div. Genetic Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany,Chair for Genetic Immunotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Hinrich Abken,
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22
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Jin G, Chang Y, Harris J, Bao X. Adoptive Immunotherapy: A Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Perspective. Cells Tissues Organs 2023; 212:439-467. [PMID: 36599319 PMCID: PMC10318121 DOI: 10.1159/000528838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed significant advances in cancer immunotherapy, particularly through the adoptive transfer of engineered T cells in treating advanced leukemias and lymphomas. Despite these excitements, challenges remain with scale, cost, and ensuring quality control of engineered immune cells, including chimeric antigen receptor T, natural killer cells, and macrophages. The advent of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, has transformed immunotherapy by providing a scalable, off-the-shelf source of any desired immune cells for basic research, translational studies, and clinical interventions. The tractability of hPSCs for gene editing could also generate homogenous, universal cellular products with custom functionality for individual or combinatory therapeutic applications. This review will explore various immune cell types whose directed differentiation from hPSCs has been achieved and recently adapted for translational immunotherapy and feature forward-looking bioengineering techniques shaping the future of the stem cell field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyuhyung Jin
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Yun Chang
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Jackson Harris
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Xiaoping Bao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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23
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Al-Haideri M, Tondok SB, Safa SH, maleki AH, Rostami S, Jalil AT, Al-Gazally ME, Alsaikhan F, Rizaev JA, Mohammad TAM, Tahmasebi S. CAR-T cell combination therapy: the next revolution in cancer treatment. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:365. [DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02778-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractIn recent decades, the advent of immune-based therapies, most notably Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. The promising results of numerous studies indicate that CAR-T cell therapy has had a remarkable ability and successful performance in treating blood cancers. However, the heterogeneity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors have challenged the effectiveness of these anti-tumor fighters by creating various barriers. Despite the promising results of this therapeutic approach, including tumor degradation and patient improvement, there are some concerns about the efficacy and safety of the widespread use of this treatment in the clinic. Complex and suppressing tumor microenvironment, tumor antigen heterogeneity, the difficulty of cell trafficking, CAR-T cell exhaustion, and reduced cytotoxicity in the tumor site limit the applicability of CAR-T cell therapy and highlights the requiring to improve the performance of this treatment. With this in mind, in the last decade, many efforts have been made to use other treatments for cancer in combination with tuberculosis to increase the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy, especially in solid tumors. The combination therapy results have promising consequences for tumor regression and better cancer control compared to single therapies. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively discuss different cancer treatment methods in combination with CAR-T cell therapy and their therapeutic outcomes, which can be a helpful perspective for improving cancer treatment in the near future.
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24
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Shen J, Yang D, Ding Y. Advances in Promoting the Efficacy of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5018. [PMID: 36291802 PMCID: PMC9599749 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
HCC, one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, develops from hepatocytes and accounts for more than 90% of primary liver cancers. The current widely used treatment modalities are far from meeting the needs of liver cancer patients. CAR-T cell therapy, which has recently emerged, has shown promising efficacy in lymphoma and hematologic cancers, but there are still many challenges to overcome in its application to the clinical treatment of HCC, including osmotic barriers, the inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma microenvironment activity, the limited survival and killing ability of CAR-T cells, and inevitable side effects, among others. As a result, a number of studies have begun to address the suboptimal efficacy of CAR-T cells in HCC, and many of these schemes hold good promise. This review focuses on advances in the past five years aimed at promoting the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy for treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Youming Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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25
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Liu Z, Zhou Z, Dang Q, Xu H, Lv J, Li H, Han X. Immunosuppression in tumor immune microenvironment and its optimization from CAR-T cell therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:6273-6290. [PMID: 36168626 PMCID: PMC9475465 DOI: 10.7150/thno.76854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy represents a landmark advance in personalized cancer treatment. CAR-T strategy generally engineers T cells from a specific patient with a new antigen-specificity, which has achieved considerable success in hematological malignancies, but scarce benefits in solid tumors. Recent studies have demonstrated that tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) cast a profound impact on the immunotherapeutic response. The immunosuppressive landscape of TIME is a critical obstacle to the effector activity of CAR-T cells. Nevertheless, every cloud has a silver lining. The immunosuppressive components also shed new inspiration on reshaping a friendly TIME by targeting them with engineered CARs. Herein, we summarize recent advances in disincentives of TIME and discuss approaches and technologies to enhance CAR-T cell efficacy via addressing current hindrances. Simultaneously, we firmly believe that by parsing the immunosuppressive components of TIME, rationally manipulating the complex interactions of immunosuppressive components, and optimizing CAR-T cell therapy for each patient, the CAR-T cell immunotherapy responsiveness for solid malignancies will be substantially enhanced, and novel therapeutic targets will be revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhaokai Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Qin Dang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Jinxiang Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Huanyun Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
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26
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Lin RJ, Nager AR, Park S, Sutton J, Lay C, Melton Z, Zhang Y, Boldajipour B, Van Blarcom TJ, Panowski SH, Sasu BJ, Chaparro-Riggers J. Design and Validation of Inducible TurboCARsTM with Tunable Induction and Combinatorial Cytokine Signaling. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:1069-1083. [PMID: 35881865 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although cytokine support can enhance CAR T-cell function, co-administering cytokines or engineering CAR T cells to secrete cytokines can result in toxicities. To mitigate these safety risks, we engineered iTurboCARTM T cells that coexpress a novel inducible Turbo (iTurbo) cytokine signaling domain. iTurbo domains consist of modular components that are customizable to a variety of activating inputs, as well as cytokine signaling outputs multiplexable for combinatorial signaling outcomes. Unlike most canonical cytokine receptors that are heterodimeric, iTurbo domains leverage a compact, homodimeric design that minimizes viral vector cargo. Using an iTurbo domain activated by the clinically validated dimerizer, AP1903, homodimeric iTurbo domains instigated signaling that mimicked the endogenous heterodimeric cytokine receptor. Different iTurbo domains programmed iTurboCAR T cells towards divergent phenotypes and resulted in improved anti-tumor efficacy. iTurbo domains, therefore, offer the flexibility for user-programmable signaling outputs, permitting control over cellular phenotype and function, while minimizing viral cargo footprint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina J Lin
- Allogene Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Spencer Park
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Janette Sutton
- Allogene Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Cecilia Lay
- Allogene Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Zea Melton
- Allogene Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yi Zhang
- Allogene Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Barbra J Sasu
- Allogene Therapuetics Inc, South San Francisco, CA, United States
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27
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Nguyen DT, Ogando-Rivas E, Liu R, Wang T, Rubin J, Jin L, Tao H, Sawyer WW, Mendez-Gomez HR, Cascio M, Mitchell DA, Huang J, Sawyer WG, Sayour EJ, Castillo P. CAR T Cell Locomotion in Solid Tumor Microenvironment. Cells 2022; 11:1974. [PMID: 35741103 PMCID: PMC9221866 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The promising outcomes of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in hematologic malignancies potentiates its capability in the fight against many cancers. Nevertheless, this immunotherapy modality needs significant improvements for the treatment of solid tumors. Researchers have incrementally identified limitations and constantly pursued better CAR designs. However, even if CAR T cells are armed with optimal killer functions, they must overcome and survive suppressive barriers imposed by the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we will discuss in detail the important role of TME in CAR T cell trafficking and how the intrinsic barriers contribute to an immunosuppressive phenotype and cancer progression. It is of critical importance that preclinical models can closely recapitulate the in vivo TME to better predict CAR T activity. Animal models have contributed immensely to our understanding of human diseases, but the intensive care for the animals and unreliable representation of human biology suggest in vivo models cannot be the sole approach to CAR T cell therapy. On the other hand, in vitro models for CAR T cytotoxic assessment offer valuable insights to mechanistic studies at the single cell level, but they often lack in vivo complexities, inter-individual heterogeneity, or physiologically relevant spatial dimension. Understanding the advantages and limitations of preclinical models and their applications would enable more reliable prediction of better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy T. Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
| | - Elizabeth Ogando-Rivas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Ruixuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Theodore Wang
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Jacob Rubin
- Warrington College of Business, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Linchun Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Haipeng Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - William W. Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Hector R. Mendez-Gomez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Matthew Cascio
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Duane A. Mitchell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Jianping Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - W. Gregory Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
| | - Elias J. Sayour
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Paul Castillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
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28
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Roles for macrophage-polarizing interleukins in cancer immunity and immunotherapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:333-353. [PMID: 35587857 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00667-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are the most abundant and one of the most critical cells of tumor immunity. They provide a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity through releasing cytokines into the tumor microenvironment (TME). A number of interleukin (IL) cytokine family members is involved in shaping the final phenotype of macrophages toward either a classically-activated pro-inflammatory M1 state with anti-tumor activity or an alternatively-activated anti-inflammatory M2 state with pro-tumor activity. Shaping TME macrophages toward the M1 phenotype or recovering this phenotypic state may offer a promising therapeutic approach in patients with cancer. Here, we focus on the impact of macrophage-polarizing ILs on immune cells and IL-mediated cellular cross-interactions within the TME. The key aim of this review is to define therapeutic schedules for addressing ILs in cancer immunotherapy based on their multi-directional impacts in such a milieu. Gathering more knowledge on this area is also important for defining adverse effects related to cytokine therapy and addressing them for reinforcing the efficacy of immunotherapy against cancer.
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29
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Labanieh L, Majzner RG, Klysz D, Sotillo E, Fisher CJ, Vilches-Moure JG, Pacheco KZB, Malipatlolla M, Xu P, Hui JH, Murty T, Theruvath J, Mehta N, Yamada-Hunter SA, Weber EW, Heitzeneder S, Parker KR, Satpathy AT, Chang HY, Lin MZ, Cochran JR, Mackall CL. Enhanced safety and efficacy of protease-regulated CAR-T cell receptors. Cell 2022; 185:1745-1763.e22. [PMID: 35483375 PMCID: PMC9467936 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Regulatable CAR platforms could circumvent toxicities associated with CAR-T therapy, but existing systems have shortcomings including leakiness and attenuated activity. Here, we present SNIP CARs, a protease-based platform for regulating CAR activity using an FDA-approved small molecule. Design iterations yielded CAR-T cells that manifest full functional capacity with drug and no leaky activity in the absence of drug. In numerous models, SNIP CAR-T cells were more potent than constitutive CAR-T cells and showed diminished T cell exhaustion and greater stemness. In a ROR1-based CAR lethality model, drug cessation following toxicity onset reversed toxicity, thereby credentialing the platform as a safety switch. In the same model, reduced drug dosing opened a therapeutic window that resulted in tumor eradication in the absence of toxicity. SNIP CARs enable remote tuning of CAR activity, which provides solutions to safety and efficacy barriers that are currently limiting progress in using CAR-T cells to treat solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Robbie G Majzner
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dorota Klysz
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chris J Fisher
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - José G Vilches-Moure
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kaithlen Zen B Pacheco
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Meena Malipatlolla
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peng Xu
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jessica H Hui
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tara Murty
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Biophysics Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Johanna Theruvath
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nishant Mehta
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sean A Yamada-Hunter
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Evan W Weber
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sabine Heitzeneder
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kevin R Parker
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael Z Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jennifer R Cochran
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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30
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Miao L, Zhang J, Huang B, Zhang Z, Wang S, Tang F, Teng M, Li Y. Special Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Modifications of T Cells: A Review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:832765. [PMID: 35392217 PMCID: PMC8981721 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.832765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) -T cell therapy has become one of the hot topics in tumor immunity research in recent years. Although CAR-T cell therapy is highly effective in treating hematological malignancies, there are numerous obstacles that prevent CAR-T cells from having anti-tumor effects. Traditional CARs, from the first to the fourth generation, are incapable of completely overcoming these challenges. Therefore, identifying ways to boost the efficacy of CAR-T cells by utilizing the limited tumor surface antigens has become an urgent area of research. Certain special CARs that have special structures, special systems, or are greatly improved on the basis of traditional CARs, such as tandem CAR, dual-signaling CARs, AND-gate CARs, inhibitory CAR, AND-NOT CARs, CARs with three scFvs, ON/OFF-switch CARs, and universal CARs have been introduced. This study aims to use these special CARs to improve the anti-tumor ability, accuracy, and safety of CAR-T cells. In addition to summarizing various special CARs of T cells, this paper also expounds some of our own conjectures, aiming to provide reference and inspiration for CARs researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Binjie Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhengchao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Muzhou Teng
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.,Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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31
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Corti C, Venetis K, Sajjadi E, Zattoni L, Curigliano G, Fusco N. CAR-T cell therapy for triple-negative breast cancer and other solid tumors: preclinical and clinical progress. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:593-605. [PMID: 35311430 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2054326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most breast cancer-related deaths arise from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Molecular heterogeneity, aggressiveness and the lack of effective therapies are major hurdles to therapeutic progress. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells have emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic strategy in TNBC. This approach combines the antigen specificity of an antibody with the effector function of T cells. AREAS COVERED This review examines the opportunities provided by CAR-T cell therapies in solid tumors. Emerging targets, ongoing clinical trials, and prospective clinical implications in TNBC are considered later. An emphasis is placed on the key challenges and possible solutions for this therapeutic approach. EXPERT OPINION A challenge for CAR-T cell therapy is the selection of the optimal targets to minimize on-target/off-tumor toxicity. Tumor escape via antigen loss and intrinsic heterogeneity is a further hurdle. TROP2, GD2, ROR1, MUC1 and EpCAM are promising targets. Persistence and trafficking to tumor cells may be enhanced by the implementation of CARs with a chemokine receptor and/or constitutively activated interleukin receptors. Fourth-generation CARs (TRUCKs) may redirect T-cells for universal cytokine-mediated killing. Combinatorial approaches and the application of CARs to other immune cells could revert the suppressive immune environment that characterizes solid neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Corti
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elham Sajjadi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zattoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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32
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Zheng X, Liu X, Lei Y, Wang G, Liu M. Glypican-3: A Novel and Promising Target for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:824208. [PMID: 35251989 PMCID: PMC8889910 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.824208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a membrane-associated proteoglycan that is specifically up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) although rarely or not expressed in normal liver tissues, making it a perfect diagnostic and treatment target for HCC. Several GPC3-based clinical trials are ongoing and recently several innovative GPC3-targeted therapeutic methods have emerged with exciting results, including GPC3 vaccine, anti-GPC3 immunotoxin, combined therapy with immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T or NK cells. Here, we review the value of GPC3 in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC, together with its signaling pathways, with a specific focus on GPC3-targeted treatments of HCC and some prospects for the future GPC3-based therapeutic strategies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Zheng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xun Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanna Lei
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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33
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Mao R, Hussein MS, He Y. Chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells and their application in the immunotherapy of solid tumours. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e7. [PMID: 35086597 PMCID: PMC9617572 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2021.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we reviewed the current literature studies and our understanding of the parameters that affect the chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T's) activation, effector function, in vivo persistence, and antitumour effects. These factors include T cell subsets and their differentiation stages, the components of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) design, the expression promoters and delivery vectors, and the CAR-T production process. The CAR signalling and CAR-T activation were also studied in comparison to TCR. The last section of the review gave special consideration of CAR design for solid tumours, focusing on strategies to improve CAR-T tumour infiltration and survival in the hostile tumour microenvironment. With several hundred clinical trials undergoing worldwide, the pace of CAR-T immunotherapy moves from bench to bedside is unprecedented. We hope that the article will provide readers a clear and comprehensive view of this rapidly evolving field and will help scientists and physician to design effective CAR-Ts immunotherapy for solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Mao
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, USA
| | | | - Yukai He
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, USA
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, USA
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34
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Mirlekar B. Tumor promoting roles of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-35: Its implications in cancer immunotherapy. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121211069012. [PMID: 35096390 PMCID: PMC8793114 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211069012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines play a critical role in regulating host immune response toward cancer and determining the overall fate of tumorigenesis. The tumor microenvironment is dominated mainly by immune-suppressive cytokines that control effector antitumor immunity and promote survival and the proliferation of cancer cells, which ultimately leads to enhanced tumor growth. In addition to tumor cells, the heterogeneous immune cells present within the tumor milieu are the significant source of immune-suppressive cytokines. These cytokines are classified into a broad range; however, in most tumor types, the interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-4, and interleukin-35 are consistently reported as immune-suppressive cytokines that help tumor growth and metastasis. The most emerging concern in cancer treatment is hijacking and restraining the activity of antitumor immune cells in the tumor niche due to a highly immune-suppressive environment. This review summarizes the role and precise functions of interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-4, and interleukin-35 in modulating tumor immune contexture and its implication in developing effective immune-therapeutic approaches. CONCISE CONCLUSION Recent effort geared toward developing novel immune-therapeutic approaches faces significant challenges due to sustained mutations in tumor cells and a highly immune-suppressive microenvironment present within the tumor milieu. The cytokines play a crucial role in developing an immune-suppressive environment that ultimately dictates the fate of tumorigenesis. This review critically covers the novel aspects of predominant immune-suppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-4, and interleukin-35 in dictating the fate of tumorigenesis and how targeting these cytokines can help the development of better immune-therapeutic drug regimens for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhalchandra Mirlekar
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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35
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Boardman DA, Levings MK. Emerging strategies for treating autoimmune disorders with genetically modified Treg cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 149:1-11. [PMID: 34998473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gene editing of living cells is a cornerstone of present-day medical research that has enabled scientists to address fundamental biologic questions and identify novel strategies to treat diseases. The ability to manipulate adoptive cell therapy products has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy and promises similar results for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and transplant rejection. Clinical trials have recently deemed polyclonal regulatory T (Treg) cell therapy to be a safe therapeutic option, but questions remain regarding the efficacy of this approach. In this review, we discuss how gene editing technologies are being applied to transform the future of Treg cell therapy, focusing on the preclinical strategies that are currently being investigated to enhance the efficacy, function, and survival of human Treg cells. We explore approaches that may be used to generate immunoregulatory cells ex vivo, detail emerging strategies that are being used to modify these cells (such as using chimeric antigen receptors to confer antigen specificity), and outline concepts that have been explored to repurpose conventional T cells to target and destroy autoreactive and alloreactive lymphocytes. We also describe the key hurdles that currently hinder the clinical adoption of Treg cell therapy and propose potential future avenues of research for this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic A Boardman
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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36
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Potentiating adoptive cell therapy using synthetic IL-9 receptors. Nature 2022; 607:360-365. [PMID: 35676488 PMCID: PMC9283313 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic receptor signalling has the potential to endow adoptively transferred T cells with new functions that overcome major barriers in the treatment of solid tumours, including the need for conditioning chemotherapy1,2. Here we designed chimeric receptors that have an orthogonal IL-2 receptor extracellular domain (ECD) fused with the intracellular domain (ICD) of receptors for common γ-chain (γc) cytokines IL-4, IL-7, IL-9 and IL-21 such that the orthogonal IL-2 cytokine elicits the corresponding γc cytokine signal. Of these, T cells that signal through the chimeric orthogonal IL-2Rβ-ECD-IL-9R-ICD (o9R) are distinguished by the concomitant activation of STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 and assume characteristics of stem cell memory and effector T cells. Compared to o2R T cells, o9R T cells have superior anti-tumour efficacy in two recalcitrant syngeneic mouse solid tumour models of melanoma and pancreatic cancer and are effective even in the absence of conditioning lymphodepletion. Therefore, by repurposing IL-9R signalling using a chimeric orthogonal cytokine receptor, T cells gain new functions, and this results in improved anti-tumour activity for hard-to-treat solid tumours.
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Wang XS, Yu XJ, Wei K, Wang SX, Liu QK, Wang YG, Li H, Huang C. Mesenchymal stem cells shuttling miR-503 via extracellular vesicles enhance glioma immune escape. Oncoimmunology 2021; 11:1965317. [PMID: 36524211 PMCID: PMC9746628 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1965317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is emerging as an aggressive type of glioma characterized by invasive growth pattern and dismal oncologic outcomes. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been attracting research attention in tumorigenesis. Herein, the aim of the current investigation was to explore the functional role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing miR-503 in glioma. The glioma tissues and corresponding normal brain tissues were collected from patients with glioma, followed by quantification of miR-503, kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) and interleukin-7 (IL-7). EVs were isolated from bone marrow MSCs and identified by transmission electron microscope and nanoparticle tracking analysis. EVs from miR-503 mimic-transfected MSCs, miR-503 agomir,, oe-KIF5A, or sh-IL-7 was delivered into glioma cells to determine their effects on biological behaviors of glioma and T cells as well as the release of immunosuppressive factors. Lastly, a mouse model of glioma was developed to validate the function in vivo. miR-503 was expressed at a high level in glioma tissues while KIF5A was poorly expressed and targeted by miR-503. Furthermore, miR-503 loaded in MSC-EVs or upregulated miR-503 was demonstrated to facilitate glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion accompanied by promoted release of immunosuppressive factors. Effects of overexpressed KIF5A on T cell behavior modulation were dependent on the IL-7 signaling pathway. Such results were reproduced in mice with glioma. Collectively, the discovery of miR-503 incorporated in MSC-EVs being a regulator that controls immune escape in glioma provides a novel molecular insight that holds promises to develop therapeutic strategies against glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Song Wang
- Department Of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar, China,Department Of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Qiqihar Hospital, Southern Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yu
- Department Of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Of Science And Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Wei
- Department Of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Of Science And Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan-Xi Wang
- Department Of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Of Science And Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi-Kun Liu
- Department Of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Of Science And Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying-Guang Wang
- Department Of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Of Science And Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Li
- Department Of Surgery, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar, China,Department Of Surgery, Affiliated Qiqihar Hospital, Southern Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department Of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar, China,Department Of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Qiqihar Hospital, Southern Medical University, Qiqihar, China,CONTACT Cheng Huang Department Of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Qiqihar & Affiliated Qiqihar Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 700, Bukui South Street, Longsha District, Qiqihar161000, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Cui C, Wang J, Fagerberg E, Chen PM, Connolly KA, Damo M, Cheung JF, Mao T, Askari AS, Chen S, Fitzgerald B, Foster GG, Eisenbarth SC, Zhao H, Craft J, Joshi NS. Neoantigen-driven B cell and CD4 T follicular helper cell collaboration promotes anti-tumor CD8 T cell responses. Cell 2021; 184:6101-6118.e13. [PMID: 34852236 PMCID: PMC8671355 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
CD4 T follicular helper (TFH) cells support B cells, which are critical for germinal center (GC) formation, but the importance of TFH-B cell interactions in cancer is unclear. We found enrichment of TFH cell transcriptional signature correlates with GC B cell signature and with prolonged survival in individuals with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We further developed a murine LUAD model in which tumor cells express B cell- and T cell-recognized neoantigens. Interactions between tumor-specific TFH and GC B cells, as well as interleukin (IL)-21 primarily produced by TFH cells, are necessary for tumor control and effector CD8 T cell function. Development of TFH cells requires B cells and B cell-recognized neoantigens. Thus, tumor neoantigens can regulate the fate of tumor-specific CD4 T cells by facilitating their interactions with tumor-specific B cells, which in turn promote anti-tumor immunity by enhancing CD8 T cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Cui
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Program of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Eric Fagerberg
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ping-Min Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kelli A Connolly
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Martina Damo
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Julie F Cheung
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Tianyang Mao
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Adnan S Askari
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Shuting Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Brittany Fitzgerald
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Gena G Foster
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stephanie C Eisenbarth
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Lab Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Joseph Craft
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Nikhil S Joshi
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Zhao S, Wang C, Lu P, Lou Y, Liu H, Wang T, Yang S, Bao Z, Han L, Liang X, Ma C, Gao L. Switch receptor T3/28 improves long-term persistence and antitumor efficacy of CAR-T cells. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003176. [PMID: 34853180 PMCID: PMC8638458 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been successfully used in tumor immunotherapy due to their strong antitumor responses, especially in hematological malignancies such as B cell acute lymphoid leukemia. However, on-target off-tumor toxicity and poor persistence severely limit the clinical application of CAR-T cell therapy. Methods T-cell immunoglobulin mucin domain molecule 3 (TIM-3) was used to develop a second-generation 41BB CD19 CAR linked with a T3/28 chimera, in which truncated extracellular TIM-3 was fused with the CD28 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. The efficacy of T3/28 CAR-T cells was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results We demonstrated that the switch receptor T3/28 preserved the TCM phenotype, improved proliferative capacity, and reduced exhaustion of CAR-T cells, resulting in superior in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity in B lymphoma. Importantly, the switch receptor T3/28 substantially prolonged the persistence of CAR-T cells, and the interleukin-21/Stat3 axis probably contributed to the enhanced cytotoxicity of T3/28 CAR-T cells. Conclusion Overall, the T3/28 chimera significantly prolonged the persistence of CAR-T cells, and T3/28 CAR-T cells possessed potent antitumor activity in mice, shedding new light on potential improvements in adoptive T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songbo Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chunhua Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Hematology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Yalin Lou
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huimin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Biomedical Sciences College & Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Centre, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ziyou Bao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Ramirez A, Amosu M, Lee P, Maisel K. Microfluidic systems to study tissue barriers to immunotherapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:2414-2429. [PMID: 34215998 PMCID: PMC9059778 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-01016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapies have been heavily explored in the last decade, ranging from new treatments for cancer to allergic diseases. These therapies target the immune system, a complex organ system consisting of tissues with intricate structures and cells with a multitude of functions. To better understand immune functions and develop better therapeutics, many cellular and 2-dimensional (2D) tissue models have been developed. However, research has demonstrated that the 3-dimensional (3D) tissue structure can significantly affect cellular functions, and this is not recapitulated by more traditional 2D models. Microfluidics has been used to design 3D tissue models that allow for intricate arrangements of cells and extracellular spaces, thus allowing for more physiologically relevant in vitro model systems. Here, we summarize the multitude of microfluidic devices designed to study the immune system with the ultimate goal to improve existing and design new immunotherapies. We have included models of the different immune organs, including bone marrow and lymph node (LN), models of immunity in diseases such as cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, and therapeutic models to test or engineer new immune-modulatory treatments. We particularly emphasize research on how microfluidic devices are used to better understand different physiological states and how interactions within the immune microenvironment can influence the efficacy of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Ramirez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Mayowa Amosu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Priscilla Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Katharina Maisel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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Pan C, Zhai Y, Li G, Jiang T, Zhang W. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy and Therapeutic Perspective in Gliomas. Front Oncol 2021; 11:751183. [PMID: 34765554 PMCID: PMC8576093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.751183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor diagnosed in adults. Current therapies are unable to improve its clinical prognosis, imposing the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. The main reason for the poor prognosis is the great cell heterogeneity of the tumor and its immunosuppressive microenvironment. Development of new therapies that avoid this immune evasion could improve the response to the current treatments. Natural killer (NK) cells are an intriguing candidate for the next wave of therapies because of several unique features that they possess. For example, NK cell-based immunotherapy causes minimal graft-versus-host disease. Cytokine release syndrome is less likely to occur during chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK therapy, and CAR-NK cells can kill targets in a CAR-independent manner. However, NK cell-based therapy in treating glioma faces several difficulties. For example, CAR molecules are not sufficiently well designed so that they will thoroughly release functioning NK cells. Compared to hematological malignancies, the application of many potential NK cell-based therapies in glioma lags far behind. Here, we review several issues of NK cells and propose several strategies that will improve the efficacy of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy in the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - You Zhai
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanzhang Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas (AGGA), Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas (AGGA), Beijing, China
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42
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Chung H, Jung H, Noh JY. Emerging Approaches for Solid Tumor Treatment Using CAR-T Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212126. [PMID: 34830003 PMCID: PMC8621681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212126] [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: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is becoming more important in the clinical setting, especially for cancers resistant to conventional chemotherapy, including targeted therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, which uses patient’s autologous T cells, combined with engineered T cell receptors, has shown remarkable results, with five US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals to date. CAR-T cells have been very effective in hematologic malignancies, such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), and multiple myeloma (MM); however, its effectiveness in treating solid tumors has not been evaluated clearly. Therefore, many studies and clinical investigations are emerging to improve the CAR-T cell efficacy in solid tumors. The novel therapeutic approaches include modifying CARs in multiple ways or developing a combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapies. In this review, we focus on the challenges and recent advancements in CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunmin Chung
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Haiyoung Jung
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 113 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.J.); (J.-Y.N.)
| | - Ji-Yoon Noh
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
- Correspondence: (H.J.); (J.-Y.N.)
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Biological Therapies in the Treatment of Cancer-Update and New Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111694. [PMID: 34769123 PMCID: PMC8583892 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological therapies have changed the face of oncology by targeting cancerous cells while reducing the effect on normal tissue. This publication focuses mainly on new therapies that have contributed to the advances in treatment of certain malignancies. Immunotherapy, which has repeatedly proven to be a breakthrough therapy in melanoma, as well as B-ALL therapy with CAR T cells, are of great merit in this progress. These therapies are currently being developed by modifying bispecific antibodies and CAR T cells to improve their efficiency and bioavailability. Work on improving the therapy with oncolytic viruses is also progressing, and efforts are being made to improve the immunogenicity and stability of cancer vaccines. Combining various biological therapies, immunotherapy with oncolytic viruses or cancer vaccines is gaining importance in cancer therapy. New therapeutic targets are intensively sought among neoantigens, which are not immunocompromised, or antigens associated with tumor stroma cells. An example is fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα), the overexpression of which is observed in the case of tumor progression. Universal therapeutic targets are also sought, such as the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusion, a key genetic driver present in many types of cancer. This review also raises the problem of the tumor microenvironment. Stromal cells can protect tumor cells from chemotherapy and contribute to relapse and progression. This publication also addresses the problem of cancer stem cells resistance to treatment and presents attempts to avoid this phenomenon. This review focuses on the most important strategies used to improve the selectivity of biological therapies.
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Ghahri-Saremi N, Akbari B, Soltantoyeh T, Hadjati J, Ghassemi S, Mirzaei HR. Genetic Modification of Cytokine Signaling to Enhance Efficacy of CAR T Cell Therapy in Solid Tumors. Front Immunol 2021; 12:738456. [PMID: 34721401 PMCID: PMC8552010 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.738456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has shown unprecedented success in treating advanced hematological malignancies. Its effectiveness in solid tumors has been limited due to heterogeneous antigen expression, a suppressive tumor microenvironment, suboptimal trafficking to the tumor site and poor CAR T cell persistence. Several approaches have been developed to overcome these obstacles through various strategies including the genetic engineering of CAR T cells to blunt the signaling of immune inhibitory receptors as well as to modulate signaling of cytokine/chemokine molecules and their receptors. In this review we offer our perspective on how genetically modifying cytokine/chemokine molecules and their receptors can improve CAR T cell qualities such as functionality, persistence (e.g. resistance to pro-apoptotic signals) and infiltration into tumor sites. Understanding how such modifications can overcome barriers to CAR T cell effectiveness will undoubtedly enhance the potential of CAR T cells against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Ghahri-Saremi
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnia Akbari
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Soltantoyeh
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamshid Hadjati
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Ghassemi
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Pietrobon V, Todd LA, Goswami A, Stefanson O, Yang Z, Marincola F. Improving CAR T-Cell Persistence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910828. [PMID: 34639168 PMCID: PMC8509430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade remarkable progress has been made in enhancing the efficacy of CAR T therapies. However, the clinical benefits are still limited, especially in solid tumors. Even in hematological settings, patients that respond to CAR T therapies remain at risk of relapsing due to several factors including poor T-cell expansion and lack of long-term persistence after adoptive transfer. This issue is even more evident in solid tumors, as the tumor microenvironment negatively influences the survival, infiltration, and activity of T-cells. Limited persistence remains a significant hindrance to the development of effective CAR T therapies due to several determinants, which are encountered from the cell manufacturing step and onwards. CAR design and ex vivo manipulation, including culture conditions, may play a pivotal role. Moreover, previous chemotherapy and lymphodepleting treatments may play a relevant role. In this review, the main causes for decreased persistence of CAR T-cells in patients will be discussed, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying T-cell exhaustion. The approaches taken so far to overcome these limitations and to create exhaustion-resistant T-cells will be described. We will also examine the knowledge gained from several key clinical trials and highlight the molecular mechanisms determining T-cell stemness, as promoting stemness may represent an attractive approach to improve T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violena Pietrobon
- Refuge Biotechnologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (A.G.); (O.S.); (Z.Y.)
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Lauren Anne Todd
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Anghsumala Goswami
- Refuge Biotechnologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (A.G.); (O.S.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Ofir Stefanson
- Refuge Biotechnologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (A.G.); (O.S.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Zhifen Yang
- Refuge Biotechnologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (A.G.); (O.S.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Francesco Marincola
- Kite Pharma, Inc., Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (F.M.)
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Guo J, Kent A, Davila E. Chimeric non-antigen receptors in T cell-based cancer therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002628. [PMID: 34344725 PMCID: PMC8336119 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptively transferred T cell-based cancer therapies have shown incredible promise in treatment of various cancers. So far therapeutic strategies using T cells have focused on manipulation of the antigen-recognition machinery itself, such as through selective expression of tumor-antigen specific T cell receptors or engineered antigen-recognition chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). While several CARs have been approved for treatment of hematopoietic malignancies, this kind of therapy has been less successful in the treatment of solid tumors, in part due to lack of suitable tumor-specific targets, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and the inability of adoptively transferred cells to maintain their therapeutic potentials. It is critical for therapeutic T cells to overcome immunosuppressive environmental triggers, mediating balanced antitumor immunity without causing unwanted inflammation or autoimmunity. To address these hurdles, chimeric receptors with distinct signaling properties are being engineered to function as allies of tumor antigen-specific receptors, modulating unique aspects of T cell function without directly binding to antigen themselves. In this review, we focus on the design and function of these chimeric non-antigen receptors, which fall into three broad categories: ‘inhibitory-to-stimulatory’ switch receptors that bind natural ligands, enhanced stimulatory receptors that interact with natural ligands, and synthetic receptor-ligand pairs. Our intent is to offer detailed descriptions that will help readers to understand the structure and function of these receptors, as well as inspire development of additional novel synthetic receptors to improve T cell-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitao Guo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrew Kent
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Eduardo Davila
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA .,Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Zhang Z, Miao L, Ren Z, Tang F, Li Y. Gene-Edited Interleukin CAR-T Cells Therapy in the Treatment of Malignancies: Present and Future. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718686. [PMID: 34386015 PMCID: PMC8353254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) have been faced with the problems of weak proliferation and poor persistence in the treatment of some malignancies. Researchers have been trying to perfect the function of CAR-T by genetically modifying its structure. In addition to the participation of T cell receptor (TCR) and costimulatory signals, immune cytokines also exert a decisive role in the activation and proliferation of T cells. Therefore, genetic engineering strategies were used to generate cytokines to enhance tumor killing function of CAR-T cells. When CAR-T cells are in contact with target tumor tissue, the proliferation ability and persistence of T cells can be improved by structurally or inductively releasing immunoregulatory molecules to the tumor region. There are a large number of CAR-T cells studies on gene-edited cytokines, and the most common cytokines involved are interleukins (IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, IL-21, IL-23). Methods for the construction of gene-edited interleukin CAR-T cells include co-expression of single interleukin, two interleukin, interleukin combined with other cytokines, interleukin receptors, interleukin subunits, and fusion inverted cytokine receptors (ICR). Preclinical and clinical trials have yielded positive results, and many more are under way. By reading a large number of literatures, we summarized the functional characteristics of some members of the interleukin family related to tumor immunotherapy, and described the research status of gene-edited interleukin CAR-T cells in the treatment of malignant tumors. The objective is to explore the optimized strategy of gene edited interleukin-CAR-T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lele Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Bell M, Gottschalk S. Engineered Cytokine Signaling to Improve CAR T Cell Effector Function. Front Immunol 2021; 12:684642. [PMID: 34177932 PMCID: PMC8220823 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.684642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy with T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a promising approach to improve outcomes for cancer patients. While CAR T cell therapy is effective for hematological malignancies, there is a need to improve the efficacy of this therapeutic approach for patients with solid tumors and brain tumors. At present, several approaches are being pursued to improve the antitumor activity of CAR T cells including i) targeting multiple antigens, ii) improving T cell expansion/persistence, iii) enhancing homing to tumor sites, and iv) rendering CAR T cells resistant to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Augmenting signal 3 of T cell activation by transgenic expression of cytokines or engineered cytokine receptors has emerged as a promising strategy since it not only improves CAR T cell expansion/persistence but also their ability to function in the immunosuppressive TME. In this review, we will provide an overview of cytokine biology and highlight genetic approaches that are actively being pursued to augment cytokine signaling in CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Bell
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
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Hull CM, Maher J. Approaches for refining and furthering the development of CAR-based T cell therapies for solid malignancies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:1105-1117. [PMID: 34038292 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1929920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T-cells typically use the binding domains of antibodies to target cytotoxicity toward tumors. This approach has produced great efficacy against selected hematological cancers, but benefit in solid tumors has been limited. Characteristically, the microenvironment in solid tumors restricts CAR T cell function, thereby limiting success. Enhancing efficacy will depend on novel target discovery to refine specificity and reduce toxicity. Additionally, overcoming immunosuppressive mechanisms may be achieved by altering the structure of the CAR itself, together with ancillary gene expression or additional therapeutic interventions.Areas covered: Herein, the authors discuss approaches for refining and further developing CAR T cell therapies specifically for use with solid malignancies. The authors survey the existing literature and provide perspectives for the future.Expert opinion: Pronounced efficacy in solid tumors will likely require combination therapies, targeting both the tumor itself and associated immunosuppressive mechanisms. Future exploration of CAR T cell therapies for solid tumors is likely to incorporate next-generation designs that couple more precise targeting of cancer-associated targets with enhanced potency and resistance to exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Maher
- King's College London, Division of Cancer Studies, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, East Sussex, UK
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Glover M, Avraamides S, Maher J. How Can We Engineer CAR T Cells to Overcome Resistance? Biologics 2021; 15:175-198. [PMID: 34040345 PMCID: PMC8141613 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s252568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved unrivalled success in the treatment of B cell and plasma cell malignancies, with five CAR T cell products now approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, CAR T cell therapies for solid tumours have not been nearly as successful, owing to several additional challenges. Here, we discuss mechanisms of tumour resistance in CAR T cell therapy and the emerging strategies that are under development to engineer CAR T cells to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Glover
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Stephanie Avraamides
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - John Maher
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.,King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE5 9RS, UK.,Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2UD, UK
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