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Fakhkhari M, Salih I, Maazaz N, Nembaware V, Munung NS, Matimba A, Chala S, Belmouden A, Chappell K, Mutesa L, El-Kamah G, Oumzil H, Baassi L, Abbas Y, Alimohamed MZ, Ramsay M, Williams S, Benabdellah K, Idaghdour Y, Wonkam A, Sadki K. Application of Genomic Medicine in Africa: 14th Conference of the African Society of Human Genetics and the 2nd International Congress of the Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics, Rabat, Morocco 2022. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:1279-1284. [PMID: 38697089 PMCID: PMC11154058 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0808] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The 14th African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) Morocco Meeting and 2nd International Congress of the Moroccan Society of Genomics and Human Genetics (SM2GH), held in Rabat, Morocco, from December 12 through 17, 2022, brought together 298 attendees from 23 countries, organized by the AfSHG in collaboration with the SM2GH. The conference's overarching theme was "Applications of Genomics Medicine in Africa," covering a wide range of topics, including population genetics, genetics of infectious diseases, hereditary disorders, cancer genetics, and translational genetics. The conference aimed to address the lag in the field of genetics in Africa and highlight the potential for genetic research and personalized medicine on the continent. The goal was to improve the health of African populations and global communities while nurturing the careers of young African scientists in the field. Distinguished scientists from around the world shared their recent findings in genetics, immunogenetics, genomics, genome editing, immunotherapy, and ethics genomics. Precongress activities included a 2-day bioinformatics workshop, "NGS Analysis for Monogenic Disease in African Populations," and a Young Investigators Forum, providing opportunities for young African researchers to showcase their work. The vast genetic diversity of the African continent poses a significant challenge in investigating and characterizing public health issues at the genetic and functional levels. Training, research, and the development of expertise in genetics, immunology, genomics, and bioinformatics are vital for addressing these challenges and advancing genetics in Africa. The AfSHG is committed to leading efforts to enhance genetic research, coordinate training, and foster research collaborations on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryem Fakhkhari
- Research Laboratory in Oral Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
| | - Ikram Salih
- Research Laboratory in Oral Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
| | - Najwa Maazaz
- Research Laboratory in Oral Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
- Institut of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| | - Victoria Nembaware
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nchangwi Syntia Munung
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alice Matimba
- Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxston, United Kingdom
| | - Sanaa Chala
- Mohamed V Hospital of Military Instruction, Mohamed V University, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Rabat, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Belmouden
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Karon Chappell
- Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxston, United Kingdom
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Einstein-Rwanda Research and Capacity Building Program, Research for Development, Kigali, Rwanda
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Ghada El-Kamah
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hicham Oumzil
- Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Larbi Baassi
- Office of the Laboratories of the National Institute of Hygiene, Ministry of Health, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Younes Abbas
- Polyvalent Team in R&D, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Zahir Alimohamed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Tanzania Human Genetics Organization, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Michele Ramsay
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Scott Williams
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer—University of Granada–Andalusian Regional Government Center for Genomics and Oncological Research, Parque Tecnólogico de la Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Youssef Idaghdour
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Khalid Sadki
- Research Laboratory in Oral Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
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Golonko A, Pienkowski T, Swislocka R, Orzechowska S, Marszalek K, Szczerbinski L, Swiergiel AH, Lewandowski W. Dietary factors and their influence on immunotherapy strategies in oncology: a comprehensive review. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:254. [PMID: 38594256 PMCID: PMC11004013 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06641-6] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is emerging as a promising avenue in oncology, gaining increasing importance and offering substantial advantages when compared to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, in the context of immunotherapy, there is the potential for the immune system to either support or hinder the administered treatment. This review encompasses recent and pivotal studies that assess the influence of dietary elements, including vitamins, fatty acids, nutrients, small dietary molecules, dietary patterns, and caloric restriction, on the ability to modulate immune responses. Furthermore, the article underscores how these dietary factors have the potential to modify and enhance the effectiveness of anticancer immunotherapy. It emphasizes the necessity for additional research to comprehend the underlying mechanisms for optimizing the efficacy of anticancer therapy and defining dietary strategies that may reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Persistent investigation in this field holds significant promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes and maximizing the benefits of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Golonko
- Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland
- Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Tomasz Pienkowski
- Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland.
| | - Renata Swislocka
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45 E, 15-351, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sylwia Orzechowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krystian Marszalek
- Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Szczerbinski
- Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Artur Hugo Swiergiel
- Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Animal and Human Physiology, University of Gdansk, W. Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Wlodzimierz Lewandowski
- Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45 E, 15-351, Bialystok, Poland
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3
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Kruglova N, Shepelev M. Increasing Gene Editing Efficiency via CRISPR/Cas9- or Cas12a-Mediated Knock-In in Primary Human T Cells. Biomedicines 2024; 12:119. [PMID: 38255224 PMCID: PMC10813735 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010119] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
T lymphocytes represent a promising target for genome editing. They are primarily modified to recognize and kill tumor cells or to withstand HIV infection. In most studies, T cell genome editing is performed using the CRISPR/Cas technology. Although this technology is easily programmable and widely accessible, its efficiency of T cell genome editing was initially low. Several crucial improvements were made in the components of the CRISPR/Cas technology and their delivery methods, as well as in the culturing conditions of T cells, before a reasonable editing level suitable for clinical applications was achieved. In this review, we summarize and describe the aforementioned parameters that affect human T cell editing efficiency using the CRISPR/Cas technology, with a special focus on gene knock-in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kruglova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia;
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Golubev DS, Komkov DS, Shepelev MV, Mazurov DV, Kruglova NA. Efficient Editing of the CXCR4 Locus Using Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Complexes Stabilized with Polyglutamic Acid. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2023; 513:S28-S32. [PMID: 38190037 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Gene editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system provides new opportunities to treat human diseases. Approaches aimed at increasing the efficiency of genome editing are therefore important to develop. To increase the level of editing of the CXCR4 locus, which is a target for gene therapy of HIV infection, the Cas9 protein was modified by introducing additional NLS signals and ribonucleoprotein complexes of Cas9 and guide RNA were stabilized with poly-L-glutamic acid. The approach allowed a 1.8-fold increase in the level of CXCR4 knockout in the CEM/R5 T cell line and a 2-fold increase in the level of knock-in of the HIV-1 fusion peptide inhibitor MT-C34 in primary CD4+ T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Golubev
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - D S Komkov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'erSheva, Israel
| | - M V Shepelev
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - D V Mazurov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - N A Kruglova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Zvintzou E, Xepapadaki E, Skroubis G, Mparnia V, Giannatou K, Benabdellah K, Kypreos KE. High-Density Lipoprotein in Metabolic Disorders and Beyond: An Exciting New World Full of Challenges and Opportunities. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:855. [PMID: 37375802 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060855] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is an enigmatic member of the plasma lipid and lipoprotein transport system, best known for its ability to promote the reverse cholesterol efflux and the unloading of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues. More recently, data in experimental mice and humans suggest that HDL may play important novel roles in other physiological processes associated with various metabolic disorders. Important parameters in the HDL functions are its apolipoprotein and lipid content, further reinforcing the principle that HDL structure defines its functionality. Thus, based on current evidence, low levels of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) or dysfunctional HDL particles contribute to the development of metabolic diseases such as morbid obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Interestingly, low levels of HDL-C and dysfunctional HDL particles are observed in patients with multiple myeloma and other types of cancer. Therefore, adjusting HDL-C levels within the optimal range and improving HDL particle functionality is expected to benefit such pathological conditions. The failure of previous clinical trials testing various HDL-C-raising pharmaceuticals does not preclude a significant role for HDL in the treatment of atherosclerosis and related metabolic disorders. Those trials were designed on the principle of "the more the better", ignoring the U-shape relationship between HDL-C levels and morbidity and mortality. Thus, many of these pharmaceuticals should be retested in appropriately designed clinical trials. Novel gene-editing-based pharmaceuticals aiming at altering the apolipoprotein composition of HDL are expected to revolutionize the treatment strategies, improving the functionality of dysfunctional HDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Zvintzou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio Achaias, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Eva Xepapadaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio Achaias, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - George Skroubis
- Morbid Obesity Unit, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio Achaias, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Victoria Mparnia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio Achaias, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Katerina Giannatou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio Achaias, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Avda. de la Ilustración 114, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Kyriakos E Kypreos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio Achaias, 26500 Patras, Greece
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 2404 Nicosia, Cyprus
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6
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Wang H, Tang L, Kong Y, Liu W, Zhu X, You Y. Strategies for Reducing Toxicity and Enhancing Efficacy of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Hematological Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119115. [PMID: 37298069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy in hematologic malignancies has made great progress, but there are still some problems. First, T cells from tumor patients show an exhaustion phenotype; thus, the persistence and function of the CAR-Ts are poor, and achieving a satisfactory curative effect is difficult. Second, some patients initially respond well but quickly develop antigen-negative tumor recurrence. Thirdly, CAR-T treatment is not effective in some patients and is accompanied by severe side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. The solution to these problems is to reduce the toxicity and enhance the efficacy of CAR-T therapy. In this paper, we describe various strategies for reducing the toxicity and enhancing the efficacy of CAR-T therapy in hematological malignancies. In the first section, strategies for modifying CAR-Ts using gene-editing technologies or combining them with other anti-tumor drugs to enhance the efficacy of CAR-T therapy are introduced. The second section describes some methods in which the design and construction of CAR-Ts differ from the conventional process. The aim of these methods is to enhance the anti-tumor activity of CAR-Ts and prevent tumor recurrence. The third section describes modifying the CAR structure or installing safety switches to radically reduce CAR-T toxicity or regulating inflammatory cytokines to control the symptoms of CAR-T-associated toxicity. Together, the knowledge summarized herein will aid in designing better-suited and safer CAR-T treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobing Wang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ling Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yingjie Kong
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Pain Treatment, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yong You
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Li C, Du Y, Zhang T, Wang H, Hou Z, Zhang Y, Cui W, Chen W. "Genetic scissors" CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing cutting-edge biocarrier technology for bone and cartilage repair. Bioact Mater 2022; 22:254-273. [PMID: 36263098 PMCID: PMC9554751 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.09.026] [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] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 is a revolutionary genome editing technology with the tremendous advantages such as precisely targeting/shearing ability, low cost and convenient operation, becoming an efficient and indispensable tool in biological research. As a disruptive technique, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has a great potential to realize a future breakthrough in the clinical bone and cartilage repairing as well. This review highlights the research status of CRISPR/Cas9 system in bone and cartilage repair, illustrates its mechanism for promoting osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, and explores the development tendency of CRISPR/Cas9 in bone and cartilage repair to overcome the current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, No.139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, PR China,Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Yawei Du
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Tongtong Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, No.139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, PR China
| | - Haoran Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, No.139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, PR China,Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Hou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, No.139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, PR China
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, No.139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, PR China
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, PR China,Corresponding author.
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, No.139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang, 050051, PR China,Corresponding author.
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Maldonado-Pérez N, Tristán-Manzano M, Justicia-Lirio P, Martínez-Planes E, Muñoz P, Pavlovic K, Cortijo-Gutiérrez M, Blanco-Benítez C, Castella M, Juan M, Wenes M, Romero P, Molina-Estévez FJ, Marañón C, Herrera C, Benabdellah K, Martin F. Efficacy and safety of universal (TCRKO) ARI-0001 CAR-T cells for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1011858. [PMID: 36275777 PMCID: PMC9585383 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1011858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Autologous T cells expressing the Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) have been approved as advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) against several hematological malignancies. However, the generation of patient-specific CAR-T products delays treatment and precludes standardization. Allogeneic off-the-shelf CAR-T cells are an alternative to simplify this complex and time-consuming process. Here we investigated safety and efficacy of knocking out the TCR molecule in ARI-0001 CAR-T cells, a second generation αCD19 CAR approved by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) under the Hospital Exemption for treatment of patients older than 25 years with Relapsed/Refractory acute B cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We first analyzed the efficacy and safety issues that arise during disruption of the TCR gene using CRISPR/Cas9. We have shown that edition of TRAC locus in T cells using CRISPR as ribonuleorproteins allows a highly efficient TCR disruption (over 80%) without significant alterations on T cells phenotype and with an increased percentage of energetic mitochondria. However, we also found that efficient TCRKO can lead to on-target large and medium size deletions, indicating a potential safety risk of this procedure that needs monitoring. Importantly, TCR edition of ARI-0001 efficiently prevented allogeneic responses and did not detectably alter their phenotype, while maintaining a similar anti-tumor activity ex vivo and in vivo compared to unedited ARI-0001 CAR-T cells. In summary, we showed here that, although there are still some risks of genotoxicity due to genome editing, disruption of the TCR is a feasible strategy for the generation of functional allogeneic ARI-0001 CAR-T cells. We propose to further validate this protocol for the treatment of patients that do not fit the requirements for standard autologous CAR-T cells administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Maldonado-Pérez
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - María Tristán-Manzano
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
- LentiStem Biotech, Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Pedro Justicia-Lirio
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
- LentiStem Biotech, Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Elena Martínez-Planes
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Pilar Muñoz
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
- Department of Celular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Kristina Pavlovic
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
- Cellular Therapy Unit, Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research in Córdoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Marina Cortijo-Gutiérrez
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Carlos Blanco-Benítez
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
- LentiStem Biotech, Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - María Castella
- Department of Hematology, ICMHO, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Juan
- Department of Hematology, ICMHO, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mathias Wenes
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Épalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Romero
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Épalinges, Switzerland
| | - Francisco J. Molina-Estévez
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Concepción Marañón
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Concha Herrera
- Cellular Therapy Unit, Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research in Córdoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Martin
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), PTS, Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- *Correspondence: Francisco Martin,
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Engineering off-the-shelf universal CAR T cells: A silver lining in the cloud. Cytokine 2022; 156:155920. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Elmas E, Saljoughian N, de Souza Fernandes Pereira M, Tullius BP, Sorathia K, Nakkula RJ, Lee DA, Naeimi Kararoudi M. CRISPR Gene Editing of Human Primary NK and T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:834002. [PMID: 35449580 PMCID: PMC9016158 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.834002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antitumor activity of immune cells such as T cells and NK cells has made them auspicious therapeutic regimens for adaptive cancer immunotherapy. Enhancing their cytotoxic effects against malignancies and overcoming their suppression in tumor microenvironment (TME) may improve their efficacy to treat cancers. Clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing has become one of the most popular tools to enhance immune cell antitumor activity. In this review we highlight applications and practicability of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and engineering strategies for cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we have reviewed several approaches to study CRISPR off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Elmas
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Noushin Saljoughian
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- CRISPR/Gene Editing Core, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Marcelo de Souza Fernandes Pereira
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Brian P. Tullius
- Pediatric Cellular Therapy, AdventHealth for Children, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Kinnari Sorathia
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Robin J. Nakkula
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Dean A. Lee
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Meisam Naeimi Kararoudi
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- CRISPR/Gene Editing Core, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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11
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Murty T, Mackall CL. Gene editing to enhance the efficacy of cancer cell therapies. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3153-3162. [PMID: 34673274 PMCID: PMC8571170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapies have shown impressive signals of activity, but their clinical impact could be enhanced by technologies to increase T cell potency and diminish the cost and labor involved in manufacturing these products. Gene editing platforms are under study in this arena to (1) enhance immune cell potency by knocking out molecules that inhibit immune responses; (2) deliver genetic payloads into precise genomic locations and thereby enhance safety and/or improve the gene expression profile by leveraging physiologic promoters, enhancers, and repressors; and (3) enable off-the-shelf therapies by preventing alloreactivity and immune rejection. This review discusses gene editing approaches that have been the best studied in the context of human T cells and adoptive T cell therapies, summarizing their current status and near-term potential for translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Murty
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Program in Biophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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12
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Balla B, Tripon F, Banescu C. From Descriptive to Functional Genomics of Leukemias Focusing on Genome Engineering Techniques. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10065. [PMID: 34576226 PMCID: PMC8470190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome engineering makes the precise manipulation of DNA sequences possible in a cell. Therefore, it is essential for understanding gene function. Meganucleases were the start of genome engineering, and it continued with the discovery of Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), followed by Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). They can generate double-strand breaks at a desired target site in the genome, and therefore can be used to knock in mutations or knock out genes in the same way. Years later, genome engineering was transformed by the discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Implementation of CRISPR systems involves recognition guided by RNA and the precise cleaving of DNA molecules. This property proves its utility in epigenetics and genome engineering. CRISPR has been and is being continuously successfully used to model mutations in leukemic cell lines and control gene expression. Furthermore, it is used to identify targets and discover drugs for immune therapies. The descriptive and functional genomics of leukemias is discussed in this study, with an emphasis on genome engineering methods. The CRISPR/Cas9 system's challenges, viewpoints, limits, and solutions are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Balla
- Genetics Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Strada Gheorghe Marinescu 38, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (B.B.); (C.B.)
- Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, Genetics Laboratory, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Strada Gheorghe Marinescu 38, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Florin Tripon
- Genetics Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Strada Gheorghe Marinescu 38, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (B.B.); (C.B.)
- Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, Genetics Laboratory, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Strada Gheorghe Marinescu 38, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Claudia Banescu
- Genetics Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Strada Gheorghe Marinescu 38, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (B.B.); (C.B.)
- Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, Genetics Laboratory, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Strada Gheorghe Marinescu 38, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
- Clinical and Emergency County Hospital of Târgu Mureș, Strada Gheorghe Marinescu 50, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
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13
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Torun A, Hupalowska A, Trzonkowski P, Kierkus J, Pyrzynska B. Intestinal Microbiota in Common Chronic Inflammatory Disorders Affecting Children. Front Immunol 2021; 12:642166. [PMID: 34163468 PMCID: PMC8215716 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.642166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence rate of chronic inflammatory disorders is on the rise in the pediatric population. Recent research indicates the crucial role of interactions between the altered intestinal microbiome and the immune system in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory disorders in children, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and celiac disease (CeD). Here, we review recent knowledge concerning the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these disorders, and summarize the facts suggesting that the initiation and progression of IBD, T1DM, and CeD can be partially attributed to disturbances in the patterns of composition and abundance of the gut microbiota. The standard available therapies for chronic inflammatory disorders in children largely aim to treat symptoms. Although constant efforts are being made to maximize the quality of life for children in the long-term, sustained improvements are still difficult to achieve. Additional challenges are the changing physiology associated with growth and development of children, a population that is particularly susceptible to medication-related adverse effects. In this review, we explore new promising therapeutic approaches aimed at modulation of either gut microbiota or the activity of the immune system to induce a long-lasting remission of chronic inflammatory disorders. Recent preclinical studies and clinical trials have evaluated new approaches, for instance the adoptive transfer of immune cells, with genetically engineered regulatory T cells expressing antigen-specific chimeric antigen receptors. These approaches have revolutionized cancer treatments and have the potential for the protection of high-risk children from developing autoimmune diseases and effective management of inflammatory disorders. The review also focuses on the findings of studies that indicate that the responses to a variety of immunotherapies can be enhanced by strategic manipulation of gut microbiota, thus emphasizing on the importance of proper interaction between the gut microbiota and immune system for sustained health benefits and improvement of the quality of life of pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Torun
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Hupalowska
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Piotr Trzonkowski
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jaroslaw Kierkus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Feeding Disorders and Pediatrics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Pyrzynska
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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