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Chen J, Duan Y, Che J, Zhu J. Dysfunction of dendritic cells in tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024. [PMID: 39051512 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise diverse cell populations that play critical roles in antigen presentation and triggering immune responses in the body. However, several factors impair the immune function of DCs and may promote immune evasion in cancer. Understanding the mechanism of DC dysfunction and the diverse functions of heterogeneous DCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for designing effective strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Clinical applications targeting DCs summarized in this report aim to improve immune infiltration and enhance the biological function of DCs to modulate the TME to prevent cancer cells from evading the immune system. Herein, factors in the TME that induce DC dysfunction, such as cytokines, hypoxic environment, tumor exosomes and metabolites, and co-inhibitory molecules, have been described. Furthermore, several key signaling pathways involved in DC dysfunction and signal-relevant drugs evaluated in clinical trials were identified. Finally, this review provides an overview of current clinical immunotherapies targeting DCs, especially therapies with proven clinical outcomes, and explores future developments in DC immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Jecho Institute Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yuhang Duan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Beijing, P. R. China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Junye Che
- Jecho Institute Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Jecho Institute Co., Ltd, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Beijing, P. R. China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Lei L, Yan J, Xin K, Li L, Sun Q, Wang Y, Chen T, Wu S, Shao J, Liu B, Chen X. Engineered Bacteriophage-Based In Situ Vaccine Remodels a Tumor Microenvironment and Elicits Potent Antitumor Immunity. ACS NANO 2024; 18:12194-12209. [PMID: 38689426 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
In situ vaccines (ISVs) utilize the localized delivery of chemotherapeutic agents or radiotherapy to stimulate the release of endogenous antigens from tumors, thereby eliciting systemic and persistent immune activation. Recently, a bioinspired ISV strategy has attracted tremendous attention due to its features such as an immune adjuvant effect and genetic plasticity. M13 bacteriophages are natural nanomaterials with intrinsic immunogenicity, genetic flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale production, demonstrating the potential for application in cancer vaccines. In this study, we propose an ISV based on the engineered M13 bacteriophage targeting CD40 (M13CD40) for dendritic cell (DC)-targeted immune stimulation, named H-GM-M13CD40. We induce immunogenic cell death and release tumor antigens through local delivery of (S)-10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT), followed by intratumoral injection of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and M13CD40 to enhance DC recruitment and activation. We demonstrate that this ISV strategy can result in significant accumulation and activation of DCs at the tumor site, reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In addition, H-GM-M13CD40 can synergize with the PD-1 blockade and induce abscopal effects in cold tumor models. Overall, our study verifies the immunogenicity of the engineered M13CD40 bacteriophage and provides a proof of concept that the engineered M13CD40 phage can function as an adjuvant for ISVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008 China
- Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jiayao Yan
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008 China
- Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Kai Xin
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008 China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008 China
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008 China
- Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Tianran Chen
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008 China
- Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008 China
- Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jie Shao
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008 China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008 China
- Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008 China
| | - Xiaotong Chen
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008 China
- Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
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3
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Zheng R, Liu X, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Guo S, Jin X, Zhang J, Guan Y, Liu Y. Frontiers and future of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: from molecular mechanisms to clinical application. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383978. [PMID: 38756774 PMCID: PMC11096556 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383978] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignant tumor, that is becoming increasingly common in recent years. Despite advances in intensive treatment modalities including surgery, radiotherapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy, the overall survival rate has not significantly improved in patients with pancreatic cancer. This may be attributed to the insidious onset, unknown pathophysiology, and poor prognosis of the disease. It is therefore essential to identify and develop more effective and safer treatments for pancreatic cancer. Tumor immunotherapy is the new and fourth pillar of anti-tumor therapy after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Significant progress has made in the use of immunotherapy for a wide variety of malignant tumors in recent years; a breakthrough has also been made in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This review describes the advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, oncolytic virus, and matrix-depletion therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. At the same time, some new potential biomarkers and potential immunotherapy combinations for pancreatic cancer are discussed. The molecular mechanisms of various immunotherapies have also been elucidated, and their clinical applications have been highlighted. The current challenges associated with immunotherapy and proposed strategies that hold promise in overcoming these limitations have also been discussed, with the aim of offering new insights into immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zheng
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaobin Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongxian Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shutong Guo
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jin
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuehong Guan
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yusi Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
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4
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Andersson H, Nyesiga B, Hermodsson T, Enell Smith K, Hägerbrand K, Lindstedt M, Ellmark P. Next-generation CD40 agonists for cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024; 24:351-363. [PMID: 38764393 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2357714] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a need for new therapies that can enhance response rates and broaden the number of cancer indications where immunotherapies provide clinical benefit. CD40 targeting therapies provide an opportunity to meet this need by promoting priming of tumor-specific T cells and reverting the suppressive tumor microenvironment. This is supported by emerging clinical evidence demonstrating the benefits of immunotherapy with CD40 antibodies in combination with standard of care chemotherapy. AREAS COVERED This review is focused on the coming wave of next-generation CD40 agonists aiming to improve efficacy and safety, using new approaches and formats beyond monospecific antibodies. Further, the current understanding of the role of different CD40 expressing immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment is reviewed. EXPERT OPINION There are multiple promising next-generation approaches beyond monospecific antibodies targeting CD40 in immuno-oncology. Enhancing efficacy is the most important driver for this development, and approaches that maximize the ability of CD40 to both remodel the tumor microenvironment and boost the anti-tumor T cell response provide great opportunities to benefit cancer patients. Enhanced understanding of the role of different CD40 expressing immune cells in the tumor microenvironment may facilitate more efficient clinical development of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hampus Andersson
- Alligator Bioscience, Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Barnabas Nyesiga
- Alligator Bioscience, Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tova Hermodsson
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Malin Lindstedt
- Alligator Bioscience, Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter Ellmark
- Alligator Bioscience, Alligator Bioscience AB, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Huang X, Zhu X, Yang H, Li Q, Gai L, Sui X, Lu H, Feng J. Nanomaterial Delivery Vehicles for the Development of Neoantigen Tumor Vaccines for Personalized Treatment. Molecules 2024; 29:1462. [PMID: 38611742 PMCID: PMC11012694 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071462] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor vaccines have been considered a promising therapeutic approach for treating cancer in recent years. With the development of sequencing technologies, tumor vaccines based on neoantigens or genomes specifically expressed in tumor cells, mainly in the form of peptides, nucleic acids, and dendritic cells, are beginning to receive widespread attention. Therefore, in this review, we have introduced different forms of neoantigen vaccines and discussed the development of these vaccines in treating cancer. Furthermore, neoantigen vaccines are influenced by factors such as antigen stability, weak immunogenicity, and biosafety in addition to sequencing technology. Hence, the biological nanomaterials, polymeric nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, etc., used as vaccine carriers are principally summarized here, which may contribute to the design of neoantigen vaccines for improved stability and better efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiaolong Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Huan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Qinyi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Lizhi Gai
- College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Material Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China;
| | - Xinbing Sui
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Hua Lu
- College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Material Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China;
| | - Jiao Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
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Recombinant Domain of Flagellin Promotes In Vitro a Chemotactic Inflammatory Profile in Human Immune Cells Independently of a Dendritic Cell Phenotype. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052394. [PMID: 36903639 PMCID: PMC10005431 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052394] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Flagellin is the major component of the flagellum in gram-positive and -negative bacteria and is also the ligand for the Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). The activation of TLR5 promotes the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the subsequent activation of T cells. This study evaluated a recombinant domain from the amino-terminus D1 domain (rND1) of flagellin from Vibrio anguillarum, a fish pathogen, as an immunomodulator in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs). We demonstrated that rND1 induced an upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, characterized at the transcriptional level by an expression peak of 220-fold for IL-1β, 20-fold for IL-8, and 65-fold for TNF-α. In addition, at the protein level, 29 cytokines and chemokines were evaluated in the supernatant and were correlated with a chemotactic signature. MoDCs treated with rND1 showed low levels of co-stimulatory and HLA-DR molecules and kept an immature phenotype with a decreased phagocytosis of dextran. We probed that rND1 from a non-human pathogen promotes modulation in human cells, and it may be considered for further studies in adjuvant therapies based on pathogen-associated patterns (PAMPs).
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Jiang J, Huang Y, Zeng Z, Zhao C. Harnessing Engineered Immune Cells and Bacteria as Drug Carriers for Cancer Immunotherapy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:843-884. [PMID: 36598956 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy continues to be in the spotlight of oncology therapy research in the past few years and has been proven to be a promising option to modulate one's innate and adaptive immune systems for cancer treatment. However, the poor delivery efficiency of immune agents, potential off-target toxicity, and nonimmunogenic tumors significantly limit its effectiveness and extensive application. Recently, emerging biomaterial-based drug carriers, including but not limited to immune cells and bacteria, are expected to be potential candidates to break the dilemma of immunotherapy, with their excellent natures of intrinsic tumor tropism and immunomodulatory activity. More than that, the tiny vesicles and physiological components derived from them have similar functions with their source cells due to the inheritance of various surface signal molecules and proteins. Herein, we presented representative examples about the latest advances of biomaterial-based delivery systems employed in cancer immunotherapy, including immune cells, bacteria, and their derivatives. Simultaneously, opportunities and challenges of immune cells and bacteria-based carriers are discussed to provide reference for their future application in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjuan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zishan Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunshun Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
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Li Y, Chen Z, Gu L, Duan Z, Pan D, Xu Z, Gong Q, Li Y, Zhu H, Luo K. Anticancer nanomedicines harnessing tumor microenvironmental components. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:337-354. [PMID: 35244503 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2050211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small-molecular drugs are extensively used in cancer therapy, while they have issues of nonspecific distribution and consequent side effects. Nanomedicines that incorporate chemotherapeutic drugs have been developed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs and reduce their side effects. One of the promising strategies is to prepare nanomedicines by harnessing the unique tumor microenvironment (TME). AREAS COVERED The TME contains numerous cell types that specifically express specific antibodies on the surface including tumor vascular endothelial cells, tumor-associated adipocytes, tumor-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated immune cells and cancer stem cells. The physicochemical environment is characterized with a low pH, hypoxia, and a high redox potential resulting from tumor-specific metabolism. The intelligent nanomedicines can be categorized into two groups: the first group which is rapidly responsive to extracellular chemical/biological factors in the TME and the second one which actively and/or specifically targets cellular components in the TME. EXPERT OPINION In this paper, we review recent progress of nanomedicines by harnessing the TME and illustrate the principles and advantages of different strategies for designing nanomedicines, which are of great significance for exploring novel nanomedicines or translating current nanomedicines into clinical practice. We will discuss the challenges and prospects of preparing nanomedicines to utilize or alter the TME for achieving effective, safe anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinggang Li
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhonglan Chen
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lei Gu
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhengyu Duan
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dayi Pan
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhuping Xu
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Youping Li
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, Cochrane China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Kui Luo
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Hänel G, Angerer C, Petry K, Lichtenegger FS, Subklewe M. Blood DCs activated with R848 and poly(I:C) induce antigen-specific immune responses against viral and tumor-associated antigens. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1705-1718. [PMID: 34821951 PMCID: PMC8614222 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03109-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Monocyte-derived Dendritic cells (DCs) have successfully been employed to induce immune responses against tumor-associated antigens in patients with various cancer entities. However, objective clinical responses have only been achieved in a minority of patients. Additionally, generation of GMP-compliant DCs requires time- and labor-intensive cell differentiation. In contrast, Blood DCs (BDCs) require only minimal ex vivo handling, as differentiation occurs in vivo resulting in potentially better functional capacities and survival. We aimed to identify a protocol for optimal in vitro activation of BDCs including the three subsets pDCs, cDC1s, and cDC2s. We evaluated several TLR ligand combinations and demonstrated that polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] and R848, ligands for TLR3 and TLR7/8, respectively, constituted the optimal combination for inducing a positive co-stimulatory profile in all BDC subsets. In addition, TLR3 and TLR7/8 activation led to high secretion of IFN-α and IL-12p70. Simultaneous as opposed to separate tailored activation of pDCs and cDCs increased immunostimulatory capacities, suggesting that BDC subsets engage in synergistic cross-talk during activation. Stimulation of BDCs with this protocol resulted in enhanced migration, high NK-cell activation, and potent antigen-specific T-cell induction. We conclude that simultaneous activation of all BDC subsets with a combination of R848 + poly(I:C) generates highly immunostimulatory DCs. These results support further investigation and clinical testing, as standalone or in conjunction with other immunotherapeutic strategies including adoptive T-cell transfer and checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerulf Hänel
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Katja Petry
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Felix S Lichtenegger
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Marion Subklewe
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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An HLA-A*11:01-Binding Neoantigen from Mutated NPM1 as Target for TCR Gene Therapy in AML. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215390. [PMID: 34771556 PMCID: PMC8582585 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215390] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with poor prognosis. For AML relapses after chemotherapy, new and effective therapies are needed. In 30–35% of AMLs, a frameshift mutation in the nucleophosmin 1 gene (dNPM1) creates potential neoantigens that are attractive targets for immunotherapy. We previously isolated a T-cell receptor (TCR) that targets an HLA-A*02:01-binding dNPM1 neoantigen on primary AML. Here, we investigated whether AVEEVSLRK is another dNPM1 neoantigen that can be targeted by TCR gene transfer. We isolated various T-cells, cloned the HLA-A*11:01-restricted TCR from one T-cell clone and, upon transfer to CD8 cells, demonstrated targeting of dNPM1 primary AMLs in vitro. However, the TCR failed to mediate an anti-tumor effect in immunodeficient mice engrafted with dNPM1 OCI-AML3 cells. Our results demonstrate that AVEEVSLRK is an HLA-A*11:01-binding neoantigen on dNPM1 AML. Whether the isolated TCR is of sufficient affinity to treat patients remains uncertain. Abstract Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy caused by clonal expansion of myeloid progenitor cells. Most patients with AML respond to chemotherapy, but relapses often occur and infer a very poor prognosis. Thirty to thirty-five percent of AMLs carry a four base pair insertion in the nucleophosmin 1 gene (NPM1) with a C-terminal alternative reading frame of 11 amino acids. We previously identified various neopeptides from the alternative reading frame of mutant NPM1 (dNPM1) on primary AML and isolated an HLA-A*02:01-restricted T-cell receptor (TCR) that enables human T-cells to kill AML cells upon retroviral gene transfer. Here, we isolated T-cells recognizing the dNPM1 peptide AVEEVSLRK presented in HLA-A*11:01. The TCR cloned from a T-cell clone recognizing HLA-A*11:01+ primary AML cells conferred in vitro recognition and lysis of AML upon transfer to CD8 cells, but failed to induce an anti-tumor effect in immunodeficient NSG mice engrafted with dNPM1 OCI-AML3 cells. In conclusion, our data show that AVEEVSLRK is a dNPM1 neoantigen on HLA-A*11:01+ primary AMLs. CD8 cells transduced with an HLA-A*11:01-restricted TCR for dNPM1 were reactive against AML in vitro. The absence of reactivity in a preclinical mouse model requires further preclinical testing to predict the potential efficacy of this TCR in clinical development.
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