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Sanz-Ortega L, Leijonhufvud C, Schoutens L, Lambert M, Levy E, Andersson A, Wahlin BE, Carlsten M. Redirecting NK cells to the lymph nodes to augment their lymphoma-targeting capacity. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:108. [PMID: 38769377 PMCID: PMC11106342 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00595-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
CAR-NK cells can induce remission in lymphoma patients. We speculate that the full potential of adoptive NK cell immunotherapy against lymphoma is restricted by their poor lymph node (LN) homing capacity. Here, we have utilized a clinically approved transfection method with the aim of redirecting NK cells to LNs. Electroporation of ex vivo expanded NK cells with mRNAs coding for CCR7, CXCR5, and CD62L resulted in increased in vitro migration towards chemokines and mouse LN-derived supernatant. Following infusion into SCID/Beige mice, modified NK cells showed enhanced LN homing. Importantly, lymphoma patient-derived NK cells were equally well expanded and engineered as healthy donor NK cells, highlighting their translational potential. Additionally, the introduction of high-affinity CD16, together with the homing molecules, also augmented their ADCC capacity against autologous lymphoma cells. Hence, genetic engineering can be utilized to enhance NK cell LN homing. The homing concept may synergize with CAR- or monoclonal/bi-/tri-specific antibody-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sanz-Ortega
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Leijonhufvud
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisanne Schoutens
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mélanie Lambert
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Emily Levy
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Agneta Andersson
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn E Wahlin
- Unit of Haematology, Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Carlsten
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Center for Cell Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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2
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Arora J, Ayyappan S, Yin C, Smith BJ, Lemke-Miltner CD, Wang Z, Farooq U, Weiner GJ. T-cell help in the tumor microenvironment enhances rituximab-mediated NK-cell ADCC. Blood 2024; 143:1816-1824. [PMID: 38457360 PMCID: PMC11076912 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023023370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Rituximab (RTX) and other monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind directly to malignant cells are of great clinical value but are not effective for all patients. A major mechanism of action of RTX is antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by natural killer (NK) cells. Prior in vitro studies in our laboratory demonstrated that T cells contribute to maintaining the viability and cytotoxic potential of NK cells activated by anti-CD20-coated target B cells. Here, we conducted studies using a novel mouse model and clinical correlative analysis to assess whether T-cell help contribute to RTX-mediated NK-cell ADCC in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vivo. A humanized mouse model was developed using Raji lymphoma cells and normal donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells that allows for control of T-cell numbers in the lymphoma TME. In this model, NK-cell viability and CD16 and CD25 expression dropped after RTX in the absence of T cells but increased in the presence of T cells. RTX therapy was more effective when T cells were present and was ineffective when NK cells were depleted. In patients with indolent lymphoma, fine needle aspirates were obtained before and ∼1 week after treatment with a RTX-containing regimen. There was a strong correlation between CD4+ T cells as well as total T cells in the pretherapy TME and an increase in NK-cell CD16 and CD25 expression after RTX. We conclude that T-cell help in the TME enhances RTX-mediated NK-cell viability and ADCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Arora
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Sabarish Ayyappan
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Chaobo Yin
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Brian J. Smith
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | | | - Zhaoming Wang
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Umar Farooq
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - George J. Weiner
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
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3
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Zhu D, Hadjivassiliou H, Jennings C, Mikolon D, Ammirante M, Acharya S, Lloyd J, Abbasian M, Narla RK, Piccotti JR, Stamp K, Cho H, Hariharan K. CC-96673 (BMS-986358), an affinity-tuned anti-CD47 and CD20 bispecific antibody with fully functional fc, selectively targets and depletes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. MAbs 2024; 16:2310248. [PMID: 38349008 PMCID: PMC10865928 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2310248] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) is a transmembrane protein highly expressed in tumor cells that interacts with signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) and triggers a "don't eat me" signal to the macrophage, inhibiting phagocytosis and enabling tumor escape from immunosurveillance. The CD47-SIRPα axis has become an important target for cancer immunotherapy. To date, the advancement of CD47-targeted modalities is hindered by the ubiquitous expression of the target, often leading to rapid drug elimination and hematologic toxicity including anemia. To overcome those challenges a bispecific approach was taken. CC-96673, a humanized IgG1 bispecific antibody co-targeting CD47 and CD20, is designed to bind CD20 with high affinity and CD47 with optimally lowered affinity. As a result of the detuned CD47 affinity, CC-96673 selectively binds to CD20-expressing cells, blocking the interaction of CD47 with SIRPα. This increased selectivity of CC-96673 over monospecific anti-CD47 approaches allows for the use of wild-type IgG1 Fc, which engages activating crystallizable fragment gamma receptors (FcγRs) to fully potentiate macrophages to engulf and destroy CD20+ cells, while sparing CD47+CD20- normal cells. The combined targeting of anti-CD20 and anti-CD47 results in enhanced anti- tumor activity compared to anti-CD20 targeting antibodies alone. Furthermore, preclinical studies have demonstrated that CC-96673 exhibits acceptable pharmacokinetic properties with a favorable toxicity profile in non-human primates. Collectively, these findings define CC-96673 as a promising CD47 × CD20 bispecific antibody that selectively destroys CD20+ cancer cells via enhanced phagocytosis and other effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhu
- Department of Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Catherine Jennings
- Department of Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David Mikolon
- Department of Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Massimo Ammirante
- Oncogenesis Thematic Research Center, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sharmistha Acharya
- Department of Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jon Lloyd
- Department of Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mahan Abbasian
- Department of Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rama Krishna Narla
- Oncogenesis Thematic Research Center, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Joseph R. Piccotti
- Department of Nonclinical Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Katie Stamp
- Department of Nonclinical Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ho Cho
- Department of Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kandasamy Hariharan
- Department of Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA, USA
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4
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Yano M, Byrd JC, Muthusamy N. Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Functional Impairment and Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235787. [PMID: 36497266 PMCID: PMC9739887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy approaches have advanced rapidly in recent years. While the greatest therapeutic advances so far have been achieved with T cell therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade and CAR-T, recent advances in NK cell therapy have highlighted the therapeutic potential of these cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most prevalent form of leukemia in Western countries, is a very immunosuppressive disease but still shows significant potential as a target of immunotherapy, including NK-based therapies. In addition to their antileukemia potential, NK cells are important immune effectors in the response to infections, which represent a major clinical concern for CLL patients. Here, we review the interactions between NK cells and CLL, describing functional changes and mechanisms of CLL-induced NK suppression, interactions with current therapeutic options, and the potential for therapeutic benefit using NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Yano
- Medical Science Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
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Michel T, Ollert M, Zimmer J. A Hot Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Natural Killer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020797. [PMID: 35054985 PMCID: PMC8776043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in recent years, the therapeutic approach of the multiple different forms of human cancer often remains a challenge. Besides the well-established cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapeutic strategies gain more and more attention, and some of them have already been successfully introduced into the clinic. Among these, immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cells is considered as one of the most promising options. In the present review, we will expose the different possibilities NK cells offer in this context, compare data about the theoretical background and mechanism(s) of action, report some results of clinical trials and identify several very recent trends. The pharmaceutical industry is quite interested in NK cell immunotherapy, which will benefit the speed of progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Michel
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
| | - Markus Ollert
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
- Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis (ORCA), Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
- Correspondence:
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Unleashing the power of NK cells in anticancer immunotherapy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:337-349. [PMID: 34374809 PMCID: PMC8843917 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02120-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to their physiological role in removing damaged cells, natural killer (NK) cells represent ideal candidates for cellular immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Thereby, the cytotoxicity of NK cells is regulated by signals on both, the NK cells as well as the targeted tumor cells, and the interplay and balance of these signals determine the killing capacity of NK cells. One promising avenue in cancer treatment is therefore the combination of NK cell therapy with agents that either help to increase the killing capacity of NK cells or sensitize tumor cells to an NK cell-mediated attack. In this mini-review, we present different strategies that can be explored to unleash the potential of NK cell immunotherapy. In particular, we summarize how modulation of apoptosis signaling within tumor cells can be exploited to sensitize tumor cells to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
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Niu C, Chen Y, Li M, Zhu S, Zhou L, Xu D, Li Z, Xu J, Li W, Wang Y, Cui J. Non-Coated Rituximab Induces Highly Cytotoxic Natural Killer Cells From Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells via Autologous B Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:658562. [PMID: 34113342 PMCID: PMC8185348 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.658562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are becoming valuable tools for cancer therapy because of their cytotoxicity against tumor cells without prior sensitization and their involvement in graft-versus-host disease; however, it is difficult to obtain highly cytotoxic NK cells without adding extra feeder cells. In this study, we developed a new method for obtaining highly cytotoxic NK cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) independently of extra feeder cell addition using rituximab not coated on a flask (non-coated rituximab). We found that rituximab could promote both the activation and expansion of NK cells from PBMCs, irrespective of being coated on a flask or not. However, NK cells activated by non-coated rituximab had much greater antitumor activity against cancer cells, and these effects were dependent on autologous living B cells. The antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity effect of NK cells activated by non-coated rituximab was also more substantial. Furthermore, these cells expressed higher levels of CD107a, perforin, granzyme B, and IFN-γ. However, there was no difference in the percentage, apoptosis, and cell-cycle progression of NK cells induced by coated and non-coated rituximab. Non-coated rituximab activated NK cells by increasing AKT phosphorylation, further enhancing the abundance of XBP1s. In conclusion, we developed a new method for amplifying NK cells with higher antitumor functions with non-coated rituximab via autologous B cells from PBMCs, and this method more efficiently stimulated NK cell activation than by using coated rituximab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Niu
- Department of Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongchong Chen
- Department of Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shan Zhu
- Department of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongsheng Xu
- Department of Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhaozhi Li
- Department of Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianting Xu
- Department of Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Department of Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Capuano C, Pighi C, Battella S, De Federicis D, Galandrini R, Palmieri G. Harnessing CD16-Mediated NK Cell Functions to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy of Tumor-Targeting mAbs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102500. [PMID: 34065399 PMCID: PMC8161310 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural Killer (NK) cells play a major role in cancer immunotherapy based on tumor-targeting mAbs. NK cell-mediated tumor cell killing and cytokine secretion are powerfully stimulated upon interaction with IgG-opsonized tumor cells, through the aggregation of FcγRIIIA/CD16 IgG receptor. Advances in basic and translational NK cell biology have led to the development of strategies that, by improving mAb-dependent antitumor responses, may overcome the current limitations of antibody therapy attributable to tolerance, immunosuppressive microenvironment, and genotypic factors. This review provides an overview of the immunotherapeutic strategies being pursued to improve the efficacy of mAb-induced NK antitumor activity. The exploitation of antibody combinations, antibody-based molecules, used alone or combined with adoptive NK cell therapy, will be uncovered. Within the landscape of NK cell heterogeneity, we stress the role of memory NK cells as promising effectors in the next generation of immunotherapy with the aim to obtain long-lasting tumor control. Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells hold a pivotal role in tumor-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based activity due to the expression of CD16, the low-affinity receptor for IgG. Indeed, beyond exerting cytotoxic function, activated NK cells also produce an array of cytokines and chemokines, through which they interface with and potentiate adaptive immune responses. Thus, CD16-activated NK cells can concur to mAb-dependent “vaccinal effect”, i.e., the development of antigen-specific responses, which may be highly relevant in maintaining long-term protection of treated patients. On this basis, the review will focus on strategies aimed at potentiating NK cell-mediated antitumor functions in tumor-targeting mAb-based regimens, represented by (a) mAb manipulation strategies, aimed at augmenting recruitment and efficacy of NK cells, such as Fc-engineering, and the design of bi- or trispecific NK cell engagers and (b) the possible exploitation of memory NK cells, whose distinctive characteristics (enhanced responsiveness to CD16 engagement, longevity, and intrinsic resistance to the immunosuppressive microenvironment) may maximize therapeutic mAb antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Simone Battella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- ReiThera Srl, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide De Federicis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ricciarda Galandrini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriella Palmieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.)
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Foltz JA, Hess BT, Bachanova V, Bartlett NL, Berrien-Elliott MM, McClain E, Becker-Hapak M, Foster M, Schappe T, Kahl B, Mehta-Shah N, Cashen AF, Marin ND, McDaniels K, Moreno C, Mosior M, Gao F, Griffith OL, Griffith M, Wagner JA, Epperla N, Rock AD, Lee J, Petti AA, Soon-Shiong P, Fehniger TA. Phase I Trial of N-803, an IL15 Receptor Agonist, with Rituximab in Patients with Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:3339-3350. [PMID: 33832946 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-4575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE N-803 is an IL15 receptor superagonist complex, designed to optimize in vivo persistence and trans-presentation, thereby activating and expanding natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) direct Fc receptor-bearing immune cells, including NK cells, to recognize and eliminate cancer targets. The ability of IL15R agonists to enhance tumor-targeting mAbs in patients has not been reported previously. PATIENTS AND METHODS Relapsed/refractory patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma were treated with rituximab and intravenous or subcutaneous N-803 on an open-label, dose-escalation phase I study using a 3+3 design (NCT02384954). Primary endpoint was maximum tolerated dose. Immune correlates were performed using multidimensional analysis via mass cytometry and cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) which simultaneously measures protein and single-cell RNA expression. RESULTS This immunotherapy combination was safe and well tolerated and resulted in durable clinical responses including in rituximab-refractory patients. Subcutaneous N-803 plus rituximab induced sustained proliferation, expansion, and activation of peripheral blood NK cells and CD8 T cells, with increased NK cell and T cells present 8 weeks following last N-803 treatment. CITE-seq revealed a therapy-altered NK cell molecular program, including enhancement of AP-1 transcription factor. Furthermore, the monocyte transcriptional program was remodeled with enhanced MHC expression and antigen-presentation genes. CONCLUSIONS N-803 combines with mAbs to enhance tumor targeting in patients, and warrants further investigation in combination with immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian T Hess
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Ethan McClain
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Mark Foster
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Timothy Schappe
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Brad Kahl
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Neha Mehta-Shah
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Amanda F Cashen
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Nancy D Marin
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Chaz Moreno
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Matthew Mosior
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Feng Gao
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Obi L Griffith
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Julia A Wagner
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | - John Lee
- ImmunityBio, Culver City, California
| | - Allegra A Petti
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Todd A Fehniger
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
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10
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Genetic Variants of the NKG2C/HLA-E Receptor-Ligand Axis Are Determinants of Progression-Free Survival and Therapy Outcome in Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113429. [PMID: 33218185 PMCID: PMC7699209 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary NKG2C and its ligand HLA-E represent key molecules for NK cell-mediated immune responsiveness. However, the impact of genetic variants in NKG2C and HLA-E on clinical outcomes of aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients (B-NHL) has not been clarified. In this study, we analyzed the distribution of NKG2C deletion status and HLA-E variants in 441 patients and 192 healthy individuals. Homozygous deletion of NKG2C (NKG2C−/−) was more often found in high-risk patients compared to patients with a lower risk and consequently was associated with reduced 2-year progression-free survival. The HLA-E*01:01 allele frequency was increased in B-NHL patients and was strongly related with complete remission. Our results show that absence of NKG2C and HLA-E allelic variations is predictive for B-NHL outcome; while carriers of HLA-E*01:01 are characterized by high, complete remission rates, NKG2C−/− was rare, but associated with poorer outcome. Prospective validation of our results identifies patients that may benefit from risk-adapted therapy. Abstract Aggressive B-cell lymphomas account for the majority of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL). NK cells govern the responses to anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and have emerged as attractive targets for immunotherapy in subtypes of B-NHL. NKG2C and its cognate ligand HLA-E represent key molecules for fine-tuning of NK cell-mediated immune responses. Here, we investigated the impact of genetic variants of NKG2C and HLA-E on clinical outcomes of 441 B-NHL patients. Homozygous deletion of NKG2C (NKG2C−/−) was three-fold increased in patients compared to 192 healthy controls. Among studied patients, NKG2C−/− was more abundant in International Prognostic Index (IPI) high-risk patients compared to patients with a lower IPI (p = 0.013). Strikingly, NKG2C−/− was associated with a significantly reduced 2-year PFS (progression-free survival) (p = 0.0062) and represented an independent risk factor for 2-year PFS in multivariate analysis (p = 0.005). For HLA-E, the cognate ligand of NKG2C, the HLA-E*01:01 allele frequency was increased in B-NHL patients compared to controls (p = 0.033) and was associated with complete remission in univariate (p = 0.034) and multivariate (p = 0.018) analysis. Our data suggest that NKG2C and HLA-E genotyping is a promising tool for both defining risk groups of aggressive B-NHL and predicting response to immune therapeutic approaches.
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