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Toner K, McCann CD, Bollard CM. Applications of cell therapy in the treatment of virus-associated cancers. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:709-724. [PMID: 39160243 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00930-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
A diverse range of viruses have well-established roles as the primary driver of oncogenesis in various haematological malignancies and solid tumours. Indeed, estimates suggest that approximately 1.5 million patients annually are diagnosed with virus-related cancers. The predominant human oncoviruses include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV1), and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). In addition, although not inherently oncogenic, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with immunosuppression that contributes to the development of AIDS-defining cancers (specifically, Kaposi sarcoma, aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer). Given that an adaptive T cell-mediated immune response is crucial for the control of viral infections, increasing research is being focused on evaluating virus-specific T cell therapies for the treatment of virus-associated cancers. In this Review, we briefly outline the roles of viruses in the pathogenesis of these malignancies before describing progress to date in the field of virus-specific T cell therapy and evaluating the potential utility of these therapies to treat or possibly even prevent virus-related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri Toner
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chase D McCann
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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2
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Cheng Z, Cui X, Li S, Liang Y, Yang W, Ouyang J, Wei M, Yan Z, Yu W. Harnessing cytokines to optimize chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy for gastric cancer: Current advances and innovative strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117229. [PMID: 39096620 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117229] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Enormous patients with gastric cancer (GC) are insensitive to chemotherapy and targeted therapy without the chance of radical surgery, so immunotherapy may supply a novel choice for them. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has the advantages of higher specificity, stronger lethality, and longer-lasting efficacy, and it has the potential for GC in the future. However, its application still faces numerous obstacles in terms of accuracy, efficacy, and safety. Cytokines can mediate the migration, proliferation, and survival of immune cells, regulate the duration and strength of immune responses, and are involved in the occurrence of severe side effects in CAR-T cell therapy. The expression levels of specific cytokines are associated with the genesis, invasion, metastasis, and prognosis of GC. Applications of cytokines and their receptors in CAR-T cell therapy have emerged, and various cytokines and their receptors have contributed to improving CAR-T cell anti-tumor capabilities. Large amounts of central cytokines in this therapy include chemokines, interleukins (ILs), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). Meanwhile, researchers have explored the combination therapy in treating GC, and several approaches applied to other malignancies can also be considered as references. Therefore, our review comprehensively outlines the biological functions and clinical significance of cytokines and summarizes current advances and innovative strategies for harnessing cytokines to optimize CAR-T cell therapy for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewei Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaohan Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yize Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenshuo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhibo Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenbin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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3
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Zarychta J, Kowalczyk A, Marszołek A, Zawitkowska J, Lejman M. Strategies to overcome tumor microenvironment immunosuppressive effect on the functioning of CAR-T cells in high-grade glioma. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241266140. [PMID: 39156126 PMCID: PMC11327996 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241266140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the treatment of some types of cancer, high-grade gliomas (HGGs) remain a significant clinical problem. In the case of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common solid tumor of the central nervous system in adults, the average survival time from diagnosis is only 15-18 months, despite the use of intensive multimodal therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells, which have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of certain hematologic malignancies, are a new, promising therapeutic option. However, the efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors is lower due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype therefore seems particularly important because it may allow for increasing the effectiveness of CAR-T cells in the therapy of solid tumors. The following literature review aims to present the results of preclinical studies showing the possibilities of improving the efficacy of CAR-T in the TME of GBM by reprogramming the TME toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. It may be achievable thanks to the use of CAR-T in a synergistic therapy in combination with oncolytic viruses, radiotherapy, or epigenetic inhibitors, as well as by supporting CAR-T cells crossing of the blood-brain barrier, normalizing impaired angiogenesis in the TME, improving CAR-T effector functions by cytokine signaling or by blocking/knocking out T-cell inhibitors, and modulating the microRNA expression. The use of CAR-T cells modified in this way in synergistic therapy could lead to the longer survival of patients with HGG by inducing an endogenous anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zarychta
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrian Kowalczyk
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Marszołek
- Student Scientific Society of Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, A. Racławickie 1, Lublin 20-093, Poland
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4
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Justiz-Vaillant A, Gopaul D, Soodeen S, Unakal C, Thompson R, Pooransingh S, Arozarena-Fundora R, Asin-Milan O, Akpaka PE. Advancements in Immunology and Microbiology Research: A Comprehensive Exploration of Key Areas. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1672. [PMID: 39203514 PMCID: PMC11357253 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12081672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunology and microbiology research has witnessed remarkable growth and innovation globally, playing a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of immune mechanisms, disease pathogenesis, and therapeutic interventions. This manuscript presents a comprehensive exploration of the key areas in immunology research, spanning from the utilisation of bacterial proteins as antibody reagents to the intricate realms of clinical immunology and disease management. The utilisation of bacterial immunoglobulin-binding proteins (IBPs), including protein A (SpA), protein G (SpG), and protein L (SpL), has revolutionised serological diagnostics, showing promise in early disease detection and precision medicine. Microbiological studies have shed light on antimicrobial resistance patterns, particularly the emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), guiding antimicrobial stewardship programmes and informing therapeutic strategies. Clinical immunology research has elucidated the molecular pathways underlying immune-mediated disorders, resulting in tailored management strategies for conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE), etc. Additionally, significant efforts in vaccine development against tuberculosis and HIV are highlighted, underscoring the ongoing global pursuit of effective preventive measures against these infectious diseases. In summary, immunology and microbiology research have provided significant contributions to global healthcare, fostering collaboration, innovation, and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Justiz-Vaillant
- Department of Para-Clinical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine 00000, Trinidad and Tobago; (S.S.); (C.U.); (R.T.); (S.P.); (P.E.A.)
| | - Darren Gopaul
- Port of Spain General Hospital, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine 00000, Trinidad and Tobago;
| | - Sachin Soodeen
- Department of Para-Clinical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine 00000, Trinidad and Tobago; (S.S.); (C.U.); (R.T.); (S.P.); (P.E.A.)
| | - Chandrashekhar Unakal
- Department of Para-Clinical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine 00000, Trinidad and Tobago; (S.S.); (C.U.); (R.T.); (S.P.); (P.E.A.)
| | - Reinand Thompson
- Department of Para-Clinical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine 00000, Trinidad and Tobago; (S.S.); (C.U.); (R.T.); (S.P.); (P.E.A.)
| | - Shalini Pooransingh
- Department of Para-Clinical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine 00000, Trinidad and Tobago; (S.S.); (C.U.); (R.T.); (S.P.); (P.E.A.)
| | - Rodolfo Arozarena-Fundora
- Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, North Central Regional Health Authority, Champs Fleurs 00000, Trinidad and Tobago;
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 00000, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | - Patrick Eberechi Akpaka
- Department of Para-Clinical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine 00000, Trinidad and Tobago; (S.S.); (C.U.); (R.T.); (S.P.); (P.E.A.)
- Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, North Central Regional Health Authority, Champs Fleurs 00000, Trinidad and Tobago;
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5
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Shanley M, Daher M, Dou J, Li S, Basar R, Rafei H, Dede M, Gumin J, Pantaleόn Garcίa J, Nunez Cortes AK, He S, Jones CM, Acharya S, Fowlkes NW, Xiong D, Singh S, Shaim H, Hicks SC, Liu B, Jain A, Zaman MF, Miao Q, Li Y, Uprety N, Liu E, Muniz-Feliciano L, Deyter GM, Mohanty V, Zhang P, Evans SE, Shpall EJ, Lang FF, Chen K, Rezvani K. Interleukin-21 engineering enhances NK cell activity against glioblastoma via CEBPD. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:1450-1466.e11. [PMID: 39137729 PMCID: PMC11370652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with limited therapeutic options. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells with strong anti-tumor activity and may offer a promising treatment strategy for GBM. We compared the anti-GBM activity of NK cells engineered to express interleukin (IL)-15 or IL-21. Using multiple in vivo models, IL-21 NK cells were superior to IL-15 NK cells both in terms of safety and long-term anti-tumor activity, with locoregionally administered IL-15 NK cells proving toxic and ineffective at tumor control. IL-21 NK cells displayed a unique chromatin accessibility signature, with CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP), especially CEBPD, serving as key transcription factors regulating their enhanced function. Deletion of CEBPD resulted in loss of IL-21 NK cell potency while its overexpression increased NK cell long-term cytotoxicity and metabolic fitness. These results suggest that IL-21, through C/EBP transcription factors, drives epigenetic reprogramming of NK cells, enhancing their anti-tumor efficacy against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Shanley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Jinzhuang Dou
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Sufang Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Rafet Basar
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Hind Rafei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Merve Dede
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Joy Gumin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Jezreel Pantaleόn Garcίa
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Ana Karen Nunez Cortes
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Shan He
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Corry M Jones
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Sunil Acharya
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Natalie W Fowlkes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Donghai Xiong
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Hila Shaim
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Samantha Claire Hicks
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Abhinav Jain
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Mohammad Fayyad Zaman
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Qi Miao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Nadima Uprety
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Enli Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Luis Muniz-Feliciano
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Gary M Deyter
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Vakul Mohanty
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Patrick Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Scott E Evans
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Frederick F Lang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA.
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Ma L, Zhang K, Xu J, Wang J, Jiang T, Du X, Zhang J, Huang J, Ren F, Liu D, Xue W, Kan D, Yao M, Liang Y, Jason-Sun H. Building a novel TRUCK by harnessing the endogenous IFN-gamma promoter for cytokine expression. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2728-2740. [PMID: 38879754 PMCID: PMC11405158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy in hematological malignancies, its efficacy in solid tumors remains limited. Cytokine-engineered CAR T cells offer a promising avenue, yet their clinical translation is hindered by the risks associated with constitutive cytokine expression. In this proof-of-concept study, we leverage the endogenous interferon (IFN)-γ promoter for transgenic interleukin (IL)-15 expression. We demonstrate that IFN-γ expression is tightly regulated by T cell receptor signaling. By introducing an internal ribosome entry site IL15 into the 3' UTR of the IFN-γ gene via homology directed repair-mediated knock-in, we confirm that IL-15 expression can co-express with IFN-γ in an antigen stimulation-dependent manner. Importantly, the insertion of transgenes does not compromise endogenous IFN-γ expression. In vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that IL-15 driven by the IFN-γ promoter dramatically improves CAR T cells' antitumor activity, suggesting the effectiveness of IL-15 expression. Last, as a part of our efforts toward clinical translation, we have developed an innovative two-gene knock-in approach. This approach enables the simultaneous integration of CAR and IL-15 genes into TRAC and IFN-γ gene loci using a single AAV vector. CAR T cells engineered to express IL-15 using this approach demonstrate enhanced antitumor efficacy. Overall, our study underscores the feasibility of utilizing endogenous promoters for transgenic cytokines expression in CAR T cells.
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MESH Headings
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Humans
- Animals
- Mice
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Interleukin-15/genetics
- Interleukin-15/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Transgenes
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Gene Expression
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Ma
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Jiang
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolong Du
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fengyi Ren
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongxu Kan
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengjiao Yao
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yutian Liang
- Shenzhen Celconta Life Science Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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7
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Zebley CC, Zehn D, Gottschalk S, Chi H. T cell dysfunction and therapeutic intervention in cancer. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:1344-1354. [PMID: 39025962 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01896-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in immunotherapy have affirmed the curative potential of T cell-based approaches for treating relapsed and refractory cancers. However, the therapeutic efficacy is limited in part owing to the ability of cancers to evade immunosurveillance and adapt to immunological pressure. In this Review, we provide a brief overview of cancer-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms with a specific focus on the repression of the surveillance and effector function of T cells. We discuss CD8+ T cell exhaustion and functional heterogeneity and describe strategies for targeting the molecular checkpoints that restrict T cell differentiation and effector function to bolster immunotherapeutic effects. We also delineate the emerging contributions of the tumor microenvironment to T cell metabolism and conclude by highlighting discovery-based approaches for developing future cellular therapies. Continued exploration of T cell biology and engineering hold great promise for advancing therapeutic interventions for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin C Zebley
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Dietmar Zehn
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan and Center for Infection Prevention (ZIP), Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hongbo Chi
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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8
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Xin Q, Chen Y, Sun X, Li R, Wu Y, Huang X. CAR-T therapy for ovarian cancer: Recent advances and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116349. [PMID: 38852648 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116349] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common gynecological tumor with high mortality, which is difficult to control its progression with conventional treatments and is prone to recurrence. Recent studies have identified OC as an immunogenic tumor that can be recognized by the host immune system. Immunotherapy for OC is being evaluated, but approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitors have limited efficacy, adoptive cell therapy is an alternative therapy, in which CAR(chimeric antigen receptor)-T therapy has been applied to the clinical treatment of hematological malignancies. In addition, CAR-NK and CAR-macrophage (CAR-M) have also shown great potential in the treatment of solid tumors. Here, we discuss recent advances in preclinical and clinical studies of CAR-T for OC treatment, introduce the efforts made by researchers to modify the structure of CAR in order to achieve effective OC immunotherapy, as well as the research status of CAR-NK and CAR-M, and highlight emerging therapeutic opportunities that can be utilized to improve the survival of patients with OC using CAR-based adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianling Xin
- Anhui Women and Children's Medical Center, Hefei Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Yizhao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojing Sun
- Anhui Women and Children's Medical Center, Hefei Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Ruilin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei First People's Hospital, Hefei, China.
| | - Yujing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Xuegui Huang
- Anhui Women and Children's Medical Center, Hefei Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hefei, China.
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9
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Mody H, Sutaria DS, Miles D. Clinical Pharmacology Considerations for the "Off-the-Shelf" Allogeneic Cell Therapies. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 115:1233-1250. [PMID: 38501153 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3241] [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] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies have garnered unprecedented clinical success with multiple regulatory approvals for the treatment of various hematological malignancies. However, there are still several clinical challenges that limit their broad utilization for aggressive disease conditions. To address some of these challenges, allogeneic cell therapies are evaluated as an alternative approach. As compared with autologous products, they offer several advantages, such as a more standardized "off the shelf" product, reduced manufacturing complexity, and no requirement of bridging therapy. As with autologous CAR-T therapies, allogeneic cell therapies also present clinical pharmacology challenges due to their in vivo living nature, unique pharmacokinetics or cellular kinetics (CKs), and complex dose-exposure-response relationships that are impacted by various patient- and product-related factors. On top of that, allogeneic cell therapies present additional unique challenges, including attenuated in vivo persistence and graft-vs.-host disease risk as compared with autologous counterparts. This review draws comparison between autologous and allogeneic cell therapies, summarizing key engineering aspects unique to allogeneic cell therapy. Clinical pharmacology learnings from emerging clinical data of allogeneic cell therapy programs are also highlighted, with particular emphasis on CK, dose-exposure-response relationship, lymphodepletion regimen, repeat dosing, and patient- and product-related factors that can impact CK and patient outcomes. There are specific unique challenges and opportunities arising from the development of allogeneic cell therapies, especially in optimizing lymphodepletion and establishing a regimen for repeat dosing. This review highlights how clinical pharmacologists are well positioned to help address these challenges by leveraging novel clinical pharmacology and modeling and simulation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardik Mody
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Dale Miles
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
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10
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Naik S, Velasquez MP, Gottschalk S. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in childhood acute myeloid leukemia: how far are we from a clinical application? Haematologica 2024; 109:1656-1667. [PMID: 38832421 PMCID: PMC11141645 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent and/or refractory (R/R) pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a recalcitrant disease with poor outcomes. Cell therapy with genetically modified immune effector cells holds the promise to improve outcomes for R/R AML since it relies on cytotoxic mechanisms that are distinct from chemotherapeutic agents. While T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR T cells) showed significant anti-AML activity in preclinical models, early phase clinical studies have demonstrated limited activity, irrespective of the targeted AML antigen. Lack of efficacy is most likely multifactorial, including: (i) a limited array of AML-specific targets and target antigen heterogeneity; (ii) the aggressive nature of R/R AML and heavy pretreatment of patients; (iii) T-cell product manufacturing, and (iv) limited expansion and persistence of the CAR T cells, which is in part driven by the immunosuppressive AML microenvironment. Here we review the results of early phase clinical studies with AML-specific CAR T cells, and avenues investigators are exploring to improve their effector function.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Child
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Animals
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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11
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Wang L, Zhang L, Dunmall LC, Wang YY, Fan Z, Cheng Z, Wang Y. The dilemmas and possible solutions for CAR-T cell therapy application in solid tumors. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216871. [PMID: 38604310 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216871] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, as an adoptive immunotherapy, is playing an increasingly important role in the treatment of malignant tumors. CAR-T cells are referred to as "living drugs" as they not only target tumor cells directly, but also induce long-term immune memory that has the potential to provide long-lasting protection. CD19.CAR-T cells have achieved complete response rates of over 90 % for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and over 60 % for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, the response rate of CAR-T cells in the treatment of solid tumors remains extremely low and the side effects potentially severe. In this review, we discuss the limitations that the solid tumor microenvironment poses for CAR-T application and the solutions that are being developed to address these limitations, in the hope that in the near future, CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors can attain the same success rates as are now being seen clinically for hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Wang
- Department of Oncology, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, China; National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Sino British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lufang Zhang
- National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Sino British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Louisa Chard Dunmall
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yang Yang Wang
- Department of General Pediatrics, Newham General Hospital, E13 8SL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zaiwen Fan
- Department of Oncology, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenguo Cheng
- National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Sino British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaohe Wang
- National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Sino British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Centre for Cancer Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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12
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Li S, Xia Y, Hou R, Wang X, Zhao X, Guan Z, Ma W, Xu Y, Zhang W, Liu D, Zheng J, Shi M. Armed with IL-2 based fusion protein improves CAR-T cell fitness and efficacy against solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167159. [PMID: 38583815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167159] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is regarded as a potent immunotherapy and has made significant success in hematologic malignancies by eliciting antigen-specific immune responses. However, response rates of CAR-T cell therapy against solid tumors with immunosuppressive microenvironments remain limited. Co-engineering strategies are advancing methods to overcome immunosuppressive barriers and enhance antitumor responses. Here, we engineered an IL-2 mutein co-engineered CAR-T for the improvement of CAR-T cells against solid tumors and the efficient inhibition of solid tumors. We equipped the CAR-T cells with co-expressing both tumor antigen-targeted CAR and a mutated human interleukin-2 (IL-2m), conferring enhanced CAR-T cells fitness in vitro, reshaped immune-excluded TME, enhanced CAR-T infiltration in solid tumors, and improved tumor control without significant systemic toxicity. Overall, this subject demonstrates the universal CAR-T cells armed strategy for the development and optimization of CAR-T cells against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yifei Xia
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Rui Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Zhangchun Guan
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wen Ma
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yutong Xu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
| | - Ming Shi
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, China.
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13
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Hu Y, Sarkar A, Song K, Michael S, Hook M, Wang R, Heczey A, Song X. Selective refueling of CAR T cells using ADA1 and CD26 boosts antitumor immunity. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101530. [PMID: 38688275 PMCID: PMC11148642 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is hindered in solid tumor treatment due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and suboptimal T cell persistence. Current strategies do not address nutrient competition in the microenvironment. Hence, we present a metabolic refueling approach using inosine as an alternative fuel. CAR T cells were engineered to express membrane-bound CD26 and cytoplasmic adenosine deaminase 1 (ADA1), converting adenosine to inosine. Autocrine secretion of ADA1 upon CD3/CD26 stimulation activates CAR T cells, improving migration and resistance to transforming growth factor β1 suppression. Fusion of ADA1 with anti-CD3 scFv further boosts inosine production and minimizes tumor cell feeding. In mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, metabolically refueled CAR T cells exhibit superior tumor reduction compared to unmodified CAR T cells. Overall, our study highlights the potential of selective inosine refueling to enhance CAR T therapy efficacy against solid tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism
- Humans
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Mice
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/metabolism
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Inosine
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/immunology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abhijit Sarkar
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Song
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sara Michael
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Synthesis Biology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Magnus Hook
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ruoning Wang
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andras Heczey
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatric, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaotong Song
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA.
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14
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Borogovac A, Siddiqi T. Advancing CAR T-cell therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: exploring resistance mechanisms and the innovative strategies to overcome them. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:18. [PMID: 38835348 PMCID: PMC11149098 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has ushered in substantial advancements in the management of various B-cell malignancies. However, its integration into chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment has been challenging, attributed largely to the development of very effective chemo-free alternatives. Additionally, CAR T-cell responses in CLL have not been as high as in other B-cell lymphomas or leukemias. However, a critical void exists in therapeutic options for patients with high-risk diseases who are resistant to the current CLL therapies, underscoring the urgency for adoptive immunotherapies in these patients. The diminished CAR T-cell efficacy within CLL can be traced to factors such as compromised T-cell fitness due to persistent antigenic stimulation inherent to CLL. Resistance mechanisms encompass tumor-related factors like antigen escape, CAR T-cell-intrinsic factors like T-cell exhaustion, and a suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). New strategies to combat CAR T-cell resistance include the concurrent administration of therapies that augment CAR T-cell endurance and function, as well as the engineering of novel CAR T-cells targeting different antigens. Moreover, the concept of "armored" CAR T-cells, armed with transgenic modulators to modify both CAR T-cell function and the tumor milieu, is gaining traction. Beyond this, the development of readily available, allogeneic CAR T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells presents a promising countermeasure to innate T-cell defects in CLL patients. In this review, we explore the role of CAR T-cell therapy in CLL, the intricate tapestry of resistance mechanisms, and the pioneering methods studied to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Borogovac
- City of Hope, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Tanya Siddiqi
- City of Hope, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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15
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Lin H, Li C, Zhang W, Wu B, Wang Y, Wang S, Wang D, Li X, Huang H. Synthetic Cells and Molecules in Cellular Immunotherapy. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2833-2859. [PMID: 38904025 PMCID: PMC11186374 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.94346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has emerged as an exciting strategy for cancer treatment, as it aims to enhance the body's immune response to tumor cells by engineering immune cells and designing synthetic molecules from scratch. Because of the cytotoxic nature, abundance in peripheral blood, and maturation of genetic engineering techniques, T cells have become the most commonly engineered immune cells to date. Represented by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy, T cell-based immunotherapy has revolutionized the clinical treatment of hematological malignancies. However, serious side effects and limited efficacy in solid tumors have hindered the clinical application of cellular immunotherapy. To address these limitations, various innovative strategies regarding synthetic cells and molecules have been developed. On one hand, some cytotoxic immune cells other than T cells have been engineered to explore the potential of targeted elimination of tumor cells, while some adjuvant cells have also been engineered to enhance the therapeutic effect. On the other hand, diverse synthetic cellular components and molecules are added to engineered immune cells to regulate their functions, promoting cytotoxic activity and restricting side effects. Moreover, novel bioactive materials such as hydrogels facilitating the delivery of therapeutic immune cells have also been applied to improve the efficacy of cellular immunotherapy. This review summarizes the innovative strategies of synthetic cells and molecules currently available in cellular immunotherapies, discusses the limitations, and provides insights into the next generation of cellular immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikun Lin
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Chentao Li
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanying Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - Boxiang Wu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - Shimin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - Xia Li
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
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Xu MY, Zeng N, Liu CQ, Sun JX, An Y, Zhang SH, Xu JZ, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Hu J, Xia QD, Wang SG. Enhanced cellular therapy: revolutionizing adoptive cellular therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:47. [PMID: 38664743 PMCID: PMC11046957 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00506-6] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced cellular therapy has emerged as a novel concept following the basis of cellular therapy. This treatment modality applied drugs or biotechnology to directly enhance or genetically modify cells to enhance the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT). Drugs or biotechnology that enhance the killing ability of immune cells include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) / antibody drugs, small molecule inhibitors, immunomodulatory factors, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), oncolytic virus (OV), etc. Firstly, overcoming the inhibitory tumor microenvironment (TME) can enhance the efficacy of ACT, which can be achieved by blocking the immune checkpoint. Secondly, cytokines or cytokine receptors can be expressed by genetic engineering or added directly to adoptive cells to enhance the migration and infiltration of adoptive cells to tumor cells. Moreover, multi-antigen chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can be designed to enhance the specific recognition of tumor cell-related antigens, and OVs can also stimulate antigen release. In addition to inserting suicide genes into adoptive cells, PROTAC technology can be used as a safety switch or degradation agent of immunosuppressive factors to enhance the safety and efficacy of adoptive cells. This article comprehensively summarizes the mechanism, current situation, and clinical application of enhanced cellular therapy, describing potential improvements to adoptive cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Na Zeng
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen-Qian Liu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Xuan Sun
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ye An
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Han Zhang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin-Zhou Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Yu Zhong
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Yang Ma
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao-Dong He
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi-Dong Xia
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shao-Gang Wang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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17
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Borogovac A, Siddiqi T. Transforming CLL management with immunotherapy: Investigating the potential of CAR T-cells and bispecific antibodies. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:119-130. [PMID: 38290860 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.01.001] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies or T-cell engagers, have revolutionized the treatment landscape for various B-cell malignancies, including B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia and many non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Despite their significant impact on these malignancies, their application in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) management is still largely under investigation. Although the initial success of CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy was observed in 3 multiply relapsed CLL patients, with 2 of them surviving over 10 years without relapse, recent CAR T-cell therapy trials in CLL have shown reduced response rates compared to their efficacy in other B-cell malignancies. One of the challenges with using immunotherapy in CLL is the compromised T-cell fitness from persistent CLL-related antigenic stimulation, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). These challenges underscore a critical gap in therapeutic options for CLL patients intolerant or resistant to current therapies, emphasizing the imperative role of effective immunotherapy. Encouragingly, innovative strategies are emerging to overcome these challenges. These include integrating synergistic agents like ibrutinib to enhance CAR T-cell function and persistence and engineering newer CAR T-cell constructs targeting diverse antigens or employing dual-targeting approaches. Bispecific antibodies are an exciting "off-the-shelf" prospect for these patients, with their investigation in CLL currently entering the realm of clinical trials. Additionally, the development of allogeneic CAR T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells from healthy donors presents a promising solution to address the diminished T-cell fitness observed in CLL patients. This comprehensive review delves into the latest insights regarding the role of immunotherapy in CLL, the complex landscape of resistance mechanisms, and a spectrum of innovative approaches to surmount therapeutic challenges.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Antibodies, Bispecific/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Bispecific/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Immunotherapy/methods
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Borogovac
- City of Hope, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA.
| | - Tanya Siddiqi
- City of Hope, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA
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18
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Fang CH, Cheng WF, Cheng YF, Lan KL, Lee JM. Characterization of tumoricidal activities mediated by a novel immune cell regimen composing interferon-producing killer dendritic cells and tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:395. [PMID: 38549061 PMCID: PMC10979599 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12101-3] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although immune cell therapy has long been used for treating solid cancer, its efficacy remains limited. Interferon (IFN)-producing killer dendritic cells (IKDCs) exhibit cytotoxicity and present antigens to relevant cells; thus, they can selectively induce tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-specific CD8 T cells and may be useful in cancer treatment. Various protocols have been used to amplify human IKDCs from peripheral sources, but the complexity of the process has prevented their widespread clinical application. Additionally, the induction of TAA-specific CD8 T cells through the adoptive transfer of IKDCs to immunocompromised patients with cancer may be insufficient. Therefore, we developed a method for generating an immune cell-based regimen, Phyduxon-T, comprising a human IKDC counterpart (Phyduxon) and expanded TAA-specific CD8 T cells. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from ovarian cancer patients were cultured with human interleukin (hIL)-15, hIL-12, and hIL-18 to generate Phyduxon-T. Then, its phenotype, cytotoxicity, and antigen-presenting function were evaluated through flow cytometry using specific monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS Phyduxon exhibited the characteristics of both natural killer and dendritic cells. This regimen also exhibited cytotoxicity against primary ovarian cancer cells and presented TAAs, thereby inducing TAA-specific CD8 T cells, as evidenced by the expression of 4-1BB and IFN-γ. Notably, the Phyduxon-T manufacturing protocol effectively expanded IFN-γ-producing 4-1BB+ TAA-specific CD8 T cells from peripheral sources; these cells exhibited cytotoxic activities against ovarian cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Phyduxon-T, which is a combination of natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and TAA-specific CD8 T cells, may enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hao Fang
- Biomedical Industry Ph.D. Program, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- FullHope Biomedical Co.,Ltd, 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Fang Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Fang Cheng
- FullHope Biomedical Co.,Ltd, 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Li Lan
- Department of Heavy Particles & Radiation Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St. Beitou Dist., Taipei City, 112304, Taiwan.
| | - Jan-Mou Lee
- FullHope Biomedical Co.,Ltd, 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan.
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19
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Kirk AM, Crawford JC, Chou CH, Guy C, Pandey K, Kozlik T, Shah RK, Chung S, Nguyen P, Zhang X, Wang J, Bell M, Mettelman RC, Allen EK, Pogorelyy MV, Kim H, Minervina AA, Awad W, Bajracharya R, White T, Long D, Gordon B, Morrison M, Glazer ES, Murphy AJ, Jiang Y, Fitzpatrick EA, Yarchoan M, Sethupathy P, Croft NP, Purcell AW, Federico SM, Stewart E, Gottschalk S, Zamora AE, DeRenzo C, Strome SE, Thomas PG. DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion neoantigens elicit rare endogenous T cell responses that potentiate cell therapy for fibrolamellar carcinoma. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101469. [PMID: 38508137 PMCID: PMC10983114 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a liver tumor with a high mortality burden and few treatment options. A promising therapeutic vulnerability in FLC is its driver mutation, a conserved DNAJB1-PRKACA gene fusion that could be an ideal target neoantigen for immunotherapy. In this study, we aim to define endogenous CD8 T cell responses to this fusion in FLC patients and evaluate fusion-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) for use in cellular immunotherapies. We observe that fusion-specific CD8 T cells are rare and that FLC patient TCR repertoires lack large clusters of related TCR sequences characteristic of potent antigen-specific responses, potentially explaining why endogenous immune responses are insufficient to clear FLC tumors. Nevertheless, we define two functional fusion-specific TCRs, one of which has strong anti-tumor activity in vivo. Together, our results provide insights into the fragmented nature of neoantigen-specific repertoires in humans and indicate routes for clinical development of successful immunotherapies for FLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Kirk
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jeremy Chase Crawford
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ching-Heng Chou
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cliff Guy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kirti Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tanya Kozlik
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Ravi K Shah
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Shanzou Chung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Phuong Nguyen
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Matthew Bell
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Robert C Mettelman
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - E Kaitlynn Allen
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pogorelyy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anastasia A Minervina
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Walid Awad
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Resha Bajracharya
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Toni White
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Donald Long
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Brittney Gordon
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Michelle Morrison
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Evan S Glazer
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yixing Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Fitzpatrick
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Nathan P Croft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Anthony W Purcell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Sara M Federico
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Elizabeth Stewart
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anthony E Zamora
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Christopher DeRenzo
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Scott E Strome
- College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Paul G Thomas
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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20
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Yang Z, Fu YX. Inactivation of TGF-β signaling in CAR-T cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:309-310. [PMID: 38403679 PMCID: PMC10901871 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01123-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, 102206, China.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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21
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Kann MC, Schneider EM, Almazan AJ, Lane IC, Bouffard AA, Supper VM, Takei HN, Tepper A, Leick MB, Larson RC, Ebert BL, Maus MV, Jan M. Chemical genetic control of cytokine signaling in CAR-T cells using lenalidomide-controlled membrane-bound degradable IL-7. Leukemia 2024; 38:590-600. [PMID: 38123696 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy has emerged as a breakthrough therapy for the treatment of relapsed and refractory hematologic malignancies. However, insufficient CAR-T cell expansion and persistence is a leading cause of treatment failure. Exogenous or transgenic cytokines have great potential to enhance CAR-T cell potency but pose the risk of exacerbating toxicities. Here we present a chemical-genetic system for spatiotemporal control of cytokine function gated by the off-patent anti-cancer molecular glue degrader drug lenalidomide and its analogs. When co-delivered with a CAR, a membrane-bound, lenalidomide-degradable IL-7 fusion protein enforced a clinically favorable T cell phenotype, enhanced antigen-dependent proliferative capacity, and enhanced in vivo tumor control. Furthermore, cyclical pharmacologic combined control of CAR and cytokine abundance enabled the deployment of highly active, IL-7-augmented CAR-T cells in a dual model of antitumor potency and T cell hyperproliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Kann
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily M Schneider
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonio J Almazan
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabel C Lane
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amanda A Bouffard
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valentina M Supper
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hana N Takei
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Tepper
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark B Leick
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca C Larson
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin L Ebert
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marcela V Maus
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Max Jan
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Smirnov S, Mateikovich P, Samochernykh K, Shlyakhto E. Recent advances on CAR-T signaling pave the way for prolonged persistence and new modalities in clinic. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335424. [PMID: 38455066 PMCID: PMC10918004 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335424] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies. The importance of the receptor costimulatory domain for long-term CAR-T cell engraftment and therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated with second-generation CAR-T cells. Fifth generation CAR-T cells are currently in preclinical trials. At the same time, the processes that orchestrate the activation and differentiation of CAR-T cells into a specific phenotype that predisposes them to long-term persistence are not fully understood. This review highlights ongoing research aimed at elucidating the role of CAR domains and T-cell signaling molecules involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Smirnov
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Polina Mateikovich
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Konstantin Samochernykh
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny Shlyakhto
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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23
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Tao R, Han X, Bai X, Yu J, Ma Y, Chen W, Zhang D, Li Z. Revolutionizing cancer treatment: enhancing CAR-T cell therapy with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1354825. [PMID: 38449862 PMCID: PMC10914996 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354825] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy, a novel immunotherapy, has made significant breakthroughs in clinical practice, particularly in treating B-cell-associated leukemia and lymphoma. However, it still faces challenges such as poor persistence, limited proliferation capacity, high manufacturing costs, and suboptimal efficacy. CRISPR/Cas system, an efficient and simple method for precise gene editing, offers new possibilities for optimizing CAR-T cells. It can increase the function of CAR-T cells and reduce manufacturing costs. The combination of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and CAR-T cell therapy may promote the development of this therapy and provide more effective and personalized treatment for cancer patients. Meanwhile, the safety issues surrounding the application of this technology in CAR-T cells require further research and evaluation. Future research should focus on improving the accuracy and safety of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to facilitate the better development and application of CAR-T cell therapy. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in CAR-T cell therapy, including eliminating the inhibitory effect of immune checkpoints, enhancing the ability of CAR-T cells to resist exhaustion, assisting in the construction of universal CAR-T cells, reducing the manufacturing costs of CAR-T cells, and the security problems faced. The objective is to show the revolutionary role of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in CAR-T cell therapy for researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyu Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaopeng Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Urology, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jianping Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Youwei Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Weikai Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhengkai Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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24
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Prinz LF, Riet T, Neureuther DF, Lennartz S, Chrobok D, Hübbe H, Uhl G, Riet N, Hofmann P, Hösel M, Simon AG, Tetenborg L, Segbers P, Shimono J, Gödel P, Balke-Want H, Flümann R, Knittel G, Reinhardt HC, Scheid C, Büttner R, Chapuy B, Ullrich RT, Hallek M, Chmielewski MM. An anti-CD19/CTLA-4 switch improves efficacy and selectivity of CAR T cells targeting CD80/86-upregulated DLBCL. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101421. [PMID: 38340727 PMCID: PMC10897622 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101421] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy is a potent treatment for relapsed/refractory (r/r) B cell lymphomas but provides lasting remissions in only ∼40% of patients and is associated with serious adverse events. We identify an upregulation of CD80 and/or CD86 in tumor tissue of (r/r) diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with tisagenlecleucel. This finding leads to the development of the CAR/CCR (chimeric checkpoint receptor) design, which consists of a CD19-specific first-generation CAR co-expressed with a recombinant CTLA-4-linked receptor with a 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain. CAR/CCR T cells demonstrate superior efficacy in xenograft mouse models compared with CAR T cells, superior long-term activity, and superior selectivity in in vitro assays with non-malignant CD19+ cells. In addition, immunocompetent mice show an intact CD80-CD19+ B cell population after CAR/CCR T cell treatment. The results reveal the CAR/CCR design as a promising strategy for further translational study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Fabian Prinz
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Tobias Riet
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Felix Neureuther
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Simon Lennartz
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Danuta Chrobok
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hanna Hübbe
- Heidelberg University, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gregor Uhl
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicole Riet
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Petra Hofmann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Marianna Hösel
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Adrian Georg Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Luis Tetenborg
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Paul Segbers
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Joji Shimono
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumorimmunology, Charité University Medical Center Berlin, Benjamin Franklin Campus, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Gödel
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Hyatt Balke-Want
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ruth Flümann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (MSSO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b, 50931 Cologne, Germany; University Hospital Essen, Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, German Cancer Consortium Partner Site Essen, Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Gero Knittel
- University Hospital Essen, Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, German Cancer Consortium Partner Site Essen, Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Hans Christian Reinhardt
- University Hospital Essen, Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, German Cancer Consortium Partner Site Essen, Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Scheid
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Björn Chapuy
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumorimmunology, Charité University Medical Center Berlin, Benjamin Franklin Campus, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Tillmann Ullrich
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Martin Chmielewski
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), 50931 Cologne, Germany.
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25
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Ligon JA, Ramakrishna S, Ceppi F, Calkoen FGJ, Diorio C, Davis KL, Jacoby E, Gottschalk S, Schultz LM, Capitini CM. INSPIRED Symposium Part 4B: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Correlative Studies-Established Findings and Future Priorities. Transplant Cell Ther 2024; 30:155-170. [PMID: 37863355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2023.10.012] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of B cell malignancies, with multiple CAR T cell products approved for numerous indications by regulatory agencies worldwide. However, significant work remains to be done to enhance these treatments. In March 2023, a group of experts in CAR T cell therapy assembled at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland at the Insights in Pediatric CAR T Cell Immunotherapy: Recent Advances and Future Directions (INSPIRED) Symposium to identify key areas for research for the coming years. In session 4B, correlative studies to be incorporated into future clinical trials and real-world settings were discussed. Active areas of research identified included (1) optimizing CAR T cell product manufacturing; (2) ensuring adequate lymphodepletion prior to CAR T cell administration; (3) overcoming immunoregulatory cells and tumor stroma present in the tumor microenvironment, particularly in solid tumors; (4) understanding tumor intrinsic properties that lead to CAR T cell immunotherapy resistance; and (5) uncovering biomarkers predictive of treatment resistance, treatment durability, or immune-related adverse events. Here we review the results of previously published clinical trials and real-world studies to summarize what is currently known about each of these topics. We then outline priorities for future research that we believe will be important for improving our understanding of CAR T cell therapy and ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Ligon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, Florida.
| | - Sneha Ramakrishna
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Francesco Ceppi
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Woman-Mother-Child, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Lausanne and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Friso G J Calkoen
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Princess Maxima Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Diorio
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kara L Davis
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Elad Jacoby
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Sheba Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Liora M Schultz
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Christian M Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin
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Mishra A, Maiti R, Mohan P, Gupta P. Antigen loss following CAR-T cell therapy: Mechanisms, implications, and potential solutions. Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:211-222. [PMID: 37705357 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T cell) therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking immunotherapeutic approach for treating various hematological malignancies. CAR-T cells are engineered to express synthetic receptors that target specific antigens on cancer cells, leading to their eradication. While the therapy has shown remarkable efficacy, a significant challenge that has been observed in 30%-70% of patients showing recurrent disease is antigen loss or downregulation. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google scholar for articles on antigen loss/escape following Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in malignancies. Antigen loss refers to the loss or reduction in the expression of the target antigen on cancer cells, rendering CAR-T cells ineffective. This phenomenon poses a significant clinical concern, as it can lead to disease relapse and limited treatment options. This review explores the mechanisms underlying antigen loss following CAR-T cell therapy, its implications on treatment outcomes, and potential strategies to overcome the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Rituparna Maiti
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Prafull Mohan
- Clinical Pharmacologist, Armed Forces Medical Services, Guwahati, India
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
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Ho M, Zanwar S, Paludo J. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in hematologic malignancies: Successes, challenges, and opportunities. Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:197-210. [PMID: 37545132 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The success of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in hematologic malignancies has realized a longstanding effort toward harnessing the immune system to fight cancer in a truly personalized fashion. Second generation chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) incorporating co-stimulatory molecules like 4-1BB or CD28 were able to overcome some of the hindrances with initial CAR constructs resulting in efficacious products. Many second-generation CAR-T products have been approved in the treatment of relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies including multiple myeloma (MM), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, challenges remain in optimizing the manufacturing, timely access, limiting the toxicity from CAR-T infusions and improving sustainability of responses derived with CAR-T therapy. Here, we summarize the clinical trial data leading to approval CAR-T therapies in MM and NHL, discuss the limitations with current CAR-T therapy strategies and review emerging strategies for overcoming these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ho
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Saurabh Zanwar
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jonas Paludo
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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28
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Cai F, Zhang J, Gao H, Shen H. Tumor microenvironment and CAR-T cell immunotherapy in B-cell lymphoma. Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:223-235. [PMID: 37706523 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14103] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric receptor antigen T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy has demonstrated effectiveness and therapeutic potential in the immunotherapy of hematological malignancies, representing a promising breakthrough in cancer treatment. Despite the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in B-cell lymphoma, response variability, resistance, and side effects remain persistent challenges. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an intricate role in CAR-T cell therapy of B-cell lymphoma. The TME is a complex and dynamic environment that includes various cell types, cytokines, and extracellular matrix components, all of which can influence CAR-T cell function and behavior. This review discusses the design principles of CAR-T cells, TME in B-cell lymphoma, and the mechanisms by which TME influences CAR-T cell function. We discuss emerging strategies aimed at modulating the TME, targeting immunosuppressive cells, overcoming inhibitory signaling, and improving CAR-T cell infiltration and persistence. Therefore, these processes enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy and improve patient outcomes in B-cell lymphoma. Further research will be needed to investigate the molecular and cellular events that occur post-infusion, including changes in TME composition, immune cell interactions, cytokine signaling, and potential resistance mechanisms. Understanding these processes will contribute to the development of more effective CAR-T cell therapies and strategies to mitigate treatment-related toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqing Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongqiang Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
- Joint Research Center for Immune Landscape and Precision Medicine in Children, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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29
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Wu H, Lin J, Ling N, Zhang Y, He Y, Qiu L, Tan W. Functional Nucleic Acid-Based Immunomodulation for T Cell-Mediated Cancer Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:119-135. [PMID: 38117770 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09861] [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: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
T cell-mediated immunity plays a pivotal role in cancer immunotherapy. The anticancer actions of T cells are coordinated by a sequence of biological processes, including the capture and presentation of antigens by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), the activation of T cells by APCs, and the subsequent killing of cancer cells by activated T cells. However, cancer cells have various means to evade immune responses. Meanwhile, these vulnerabilities provide potential targets for cancer treatments. Functional nucleic acids (FNAs) make up a class of synthetic nucleic acids with specific biological functions. With their diverse functionality, good biocompatibility, and high programmability, FNAs have attracted widespread interest in cancer immunotherapy. This Review focuses on recent research progress in employing FNAs as molecular tools for T cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy, including corresponding challenges and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Neng Ling
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yutong Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yao He
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Liping Qiu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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Fetsch V, Zeiser R. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells for acute myeloid leukemia. Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:28-35. [PMID: 37455578 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can target and eliminate cancer cells has revolutionized the treatment of B-cell malignancies. In contrast, CAR T cells have not yet become a routine treatment for myeloid malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). For these disease entities, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) relying on polyclonal allo-reactive T cells is still the major cellular immunotherapy used in clinical routine. Here, we discuss major hurdles of CAR T-cell therapy for myeloid malignancies and novel approaches to enhance their efficacy and reduce toxicity. Heterogeneity of the malignant myeloid clone, CAR T-cell induced toxicity against normal hematopoietic cells, lack of long-term CAR T-cell persistence, and loss or downregulation of targetable antigens on myeloid cells are obstacles for successful CAR T cells therapy against AML and MPNs. Strategies to overcome these hurdles include pharmacological interventions, for example, demethylating therapy to increase target antigen expression, multi-targeted CAR T cells, and gene-therapy based approaches that delete the CAR target antigen in the hematopoietic cells of the recipient to protect them from CAR-induced myelotoxicity. Most of these approaches are still in preclinical testing but may reach the clinic in the coming years. In summary, we report on barriers to CAR T-cell use against AML and novel therapeutic strategies to overcome these challenges, with the goal of clinical treatment of myeloid malignancies with CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Fetsch
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS) and Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies (CIBSS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Freiburg (CCCF), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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31
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Biernacki MA, Lok J, Black RG, Foster KA, Cummings C, Woodward KB, Monahan T, Oehler VG, Stirewalt DL, Wu D, Rongvaux A, Deeg HJ, Bleakley M. Discovery of U2AF1 neoantigens in myeloid neoplasms. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007490. [PMID: 38164756 PMCID: PMC10729103 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) arise from somatic mutations acquired in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, causing cytopenias and predisposing to transformation into secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML). Recurrent mutations in spliceosome genes, including U2AF1, are attractive therapeutic targets as they are prevalent in MDS and sAML, arise early in neoplastic cells, and are generally absent from normal cells, including normal hematopoietic cells. MDS and sAML are susceptible to T cell-mediated killing, and thus engineered T-cell immunotherapies hold promise for their treatment. We hypothesized that targeting spliceosome mutation-derived neoantigens with transgenic T-cell receptor (TCR) T cells would selectively eradicate malignant cells in MDS and sAML. METHODS We identified candidate neoantigen epitopes from recurrent protein-coding mutations in the spliceosome genes SRSF2 and U2AF1 using a multistep in silico process. Candidate epitopes predicted to bind human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, be processed and presented from the parent protein, and not to be subject to tolerance then underwent in vitro immunogenicity screening. CD8+ T cells recognizing immunogenic neoantigen epitopes were evaluated in in vitro assays to assess functional avidity, confirm the predicted HLA restriction, the potential for recognition of similar peptides, and the ability to kill neoplastic cells in an antigen-specific manner. Neoantigen-specific TCR were sequenced, cloned into lentiviral vectors, and transduced into third-party T cells after knock-out of endogenous TCR, then tested in vitro for specificity and ability to kill neoplastic myeloid cells presenting the neoantigen. The efficacy of neoantigen-specific T cells was evaluated in vivo in a murine cell line-derived xenograft model. RESULTS We identified two neoantigens created from a recurrent mutation in U2AF1, isolated CD8+ T cells specific for the neoantigens, and demonstrated that transferring their TCR to third-party CD8+ T cells is feasible and confers specificity for the U2AF1 neoantigens. Finally, we showed that these neoantigen-specific TCR-T cells do not recognize normal hematopoietic cells but efficiently kill malignant myeloid cells bearing the specific U2AF1 mutation, including primary cells, in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS These data serve as proof-of-concept for developing precision medicine approaches that use neoantigen-directed T-cell receptor-transduced T cells to treat MDS and sAML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Mice
- Animals
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
- Splicing Factor U2AF/genetics
- Splicing Factor U2AF/metabolism
- Antigens, Neoplasm
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/genetics
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Epitopes/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Ann Biernacki
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jessica Lok
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ralph Graeme Black
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kimberly A Foster
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Carrie Cummings
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kyle B Woodward
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tim Monahan
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Vivian G Oehler
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Derek L Stirewalt
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anthony Rongvaux
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hans Joachim Deeg
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Marie Bleakley
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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32
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Prange CJ, Hu X, Tang L. Smart chemistry for traceless release of anticancer therapeutics. Biomaterials 2023; 303:122353. [PMID: 37925794 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122353] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
In the design of delivery strategies for anticancer therapeutics, the controlled release of intact cargo at the destined tumor and metastasis locations is of particular importance. To this end, stimuli-responsive chemical linkers have been extensively investigated owing to their ability to respond to tumor-specific physiological stimuli, such as lowered pH, altered redox conditions, increased radical oxygen species and pathological enzymatic activities. To prevent premature action and off-target effects, anticancer therapeutics are chemically modified to be transiently inactivated, a strategy known as prodrug development. Prodrugs are reactivated upon stimuli-dependent release at the sites of interest. As most drugs and therapeutic proteins have the optimal activity when released from carriers in their native and original forms, traceless release mechanisms are increasingly investigated. In this review, we summarize the chemical toolkit for developing innovative traceless prodrug strategies for stimuli-responsive drug delivery and discuss the applications of these chemical modifications in anticancer treatment including cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Jasmin Prange
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland; Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Xile Hu
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland.
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland; Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland.
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Louie RHY, Cai C, Samir J, Singh M, Deveson IW, Ferguson JM, Amos TG, McGuire HM, Gowrishankar K, Adikari T, Balderas R, Bonomi M, Ruella M, Bishop D, Gottlieb D, Blyth E, Micklethwaite K, Luciani F. CAR + and CAR - T cells share a differentiation trajectory into an NK-like subset after CD19 CAR T cell infusion in patients with B cell malignancies. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7767. [PMID: 38012187 PMCID: PMC10682404 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43656-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is effective in treating B cell malignancies, but factors influencing the persistence of functional CAR+ T cells, such as product composition, patients' lymphodepletion, and immune reconstitution, are not well understood. To shed light on this issue, here we conduct a single-cell multi-omics analysis of transcriptional, clonal, and phenotypic profiles from pre- to 1-month post-infusion of CAR+ and CAR- T cells from patients from a CARTELL study (ACTRN12617001579381) who received a donor-derived 4-1BB CAR product targeting CD19. Following infusion, CAR+ T cells and CAR- T cells shows similar differentiation profiles with clonally expanded populations across heterogeneous phenotypes, demonstrating clonal lineages and phenotypic plasticity. We validate these findings in 31 patients with large B cell lymphoma treated with CD19 CAR T therapy. For these patients, we identify using longitudinal mass-cytometry data an association between NK-like subsets and clinical outcomes at 6 months with both CAR+ and CAR- T cells. These results suggest that non-CAR-derived signals can provide information about patients' immune recovery and be used as correlate of clinically relevant parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Hall Yip Louie
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Curtis Cai
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jerome Samir
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mandeep Singh
- Garvan Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ira W Deveson
- Garvan Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Timothy G Amos
- Garvan Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Marie McGuire
- Ramaciotti Facility for Human Systems Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Theme, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Kavitha Gowrishankar
- Blood Transplant and Cell Therapies Program, Department of Haematology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thiruni Adikari
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Martina Bonomi
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Ruella
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Bishop
- Blood Transplant and Cell Therapies Program, Department of Haematology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Gottlieb
- Blood Transplant and Cell Therapies Program, Department of Haematology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily Blyth
- Blood Transplant and Cell Therapies Program, Department of Haematology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kenneth Micklethwaite
- Blood Transplant and Cell Therapies Program, Department of Haematology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology Blood Transplant and Cell Therapies Laboratory - ICPMR Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fabio Luciani
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Garvan Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Giordano Attianese GMP, Ash S, Irving M. Coengineering specificity, safety, and function into T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:166-198. [PMID: 37548063 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) therapies, including of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and T cells gene-modified to express either a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), have demonstrated clinical efficacy for a proportion of patients and cancer-types. The field of ACT has been driven forward by the clinical success of CD19-CAR therapy against various advanced B-cell malignancies, including curative responses for some leukemia patients. However, relapse remains problematic, in particular for lymphoma. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, relative limited efficacy has been demonstrated for ACT of non-hematological solid tumors. Indeed, in addition to pre-infusion challenges including lymphocyte collection and manufacturing, ACT failure can be attributed to several biological processes post-transfer including, (i) inefficient tumor trafficking, infiltration, expansion and retention, (ii) chronic antigen exposure coupled with insufficient costimulation resulting in T-cell exhaustion, (iii) a range of barriers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mediated by both tumor cells and suppressive immune infiltrate, (iv) tumor antigen heterogeneity and loss, or down-regulation of antigen presentation machinery, (v) gain of tumor intrinsic mechanisms of resistance such as to apoptosis, and (vi) various forms of toxicity and other adverse events in patients. Affinity-optimized TCRs can improve T-cell function and innovative CAR designs as well as gene-modification strategies can be used to coengineer specificity, safety, and function into T cells. Coengineering strategies can be designed not only to directly support the transferred T cells, but also to block suppressive barriers in the TME and harness endogenous innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we review a selection of the remarkable T-cell coengineering strategies, including of tools, receptors, and gene-cargo, that have been developed in recent years to augment tumor control by ACT, more and more of which are advancing to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Maria Paola Giordano Attianese
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Ash
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Moorman CD, Yu S, Briseno CG, Phee H, Sahoo A, Ramrakhiani A, Chaudhry A. CAR-T cells and CAR-Tregs targeting conventional type-1 dendritic cell suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235222. [PMID: 37965348 PMCID: PMC10641730 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235222] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional type 1 dendritic cells (DC1) contribute to the development of pathogenic T helper type 1 (Th1) cells in part via the production of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-12. Thus, depletion of DC1 has the potential to dampen autoimmune responses. Here, we developed X-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (XCR1)-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and CAR-Tregs that specifically targeted DC1. XCR1 CAR-T cells were successfully generated as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, expressed XCR1 CAR efficiently, and induced XCR1-dependent activation, cytokine production and proliferation. XCR1 CAR-T cells selectively depleted DC1 when transferred into RAG2-/- mice with a compensatory increase in conventional type 2 DC (DC2) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC). XCR1 CAR-T cell-mediated depletion of DC1 modestly suppressed the onset of Th1-driven experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Diphtheria toxin-mediated DC1 depletion in XCR1-diphtheria toxin receptor mice also suppressed EAE, suggesting that DC1 depletion was responsible for EAE suppression. XCR1 CAR-Tregs were successfully generated and suppressed effector T cells in the presence of XCR1+ cells. Therapeutic treatment with XCR1 CAR-Tregs suppressed Th1-driven EAE. Therefore, we conclude that depletion of DC1 with XCR1 CAR-T cells or immune suppression with XCR1 CAR-Tregs can modestly suppress Th1-driven EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody D. Moorman
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
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36
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Smith R. Bringing cell therapy to tumors: considerations for optimal CAR binder design. Antib Ther 2023; 6:225-239. [PMID: 37846297 PMCID: PMC10576856 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells have revolutionized the immunotherapy of B-cell malignancies and are poised to expand the range of their impact across a broad range of oncology and non-oncology indications. Critical to the success of a given CAR is the choice of binding domain, as this is the key driver for specificity and plays an important role (along with the rest of the CAR structure) in determining efficacy, potency and durability of the cell therapy. While antibodies have proven to be effective sources of CAR binding domains, it has become apparent that the desired attributes for a CAR binding domain do differ from those of a recombinant antibody. This review will address key factors that need to be considered in choosing the optimal binding domain for a given CAR and how binder properties influence and are influenced by the rest of the CAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Smith
- Department of Research, Kite, a Gilead Company, 5858 Horton Street, Suite 240, Emeryville, CA 94070, USA
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Rajakaruna H, Desai M, Das J. PASCAR: a multiscale framework to explore the design space of constitutive and inducible CAR T cells. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302171. [PMID: 37507138 PMCID: PMC10387492 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR T cells are engineered to bind and destroy tumor cells by targeting overexpressed surface antigens. However, healthy cells expressing lower abundances of these antigens can also be lysed by CAR T cells. Various CAR T cell designs increase tumor cell elimination, whereas reducing damage to healthy cells. However, these efforts are costly and labor-intensive, constraining systematic exploration of potential hypotheses. We develop a protein abundance structured population dynamic model for CAR T cells (PASCAR), a framework that combines multiscale population dynamic models and multi-objective optimization approaches with data from cytometry and cytotoxicity assays to systematically explore the design space of constitutive and tunable CAR T cells. PASCAR can quantitatively describe in vitro and in vivo results for constitutive and inducible CAR T cells and can successfully predict experiments outside the training data. Our exploration of the CAR design space reveals that optimal CAR affinities in the intermediate range of dissociation constants effectively reduce healthy cell lysis, whereas maintaining high tumor cell-killing rates. Furthermore, our modeling offers guidance for optimizing CAR expressions in synthetic notch CAR T cells. PASCAR can be extended to other CAR immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshana Rajakaruna
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomics, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Milie Desai
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Jayajit Das
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomics, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biophysics Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Mesev EV, Guare EG, Ploss A, Toettcher JE. Synthetic Heterodimers of Type III Interferon Receptors Require TYK2 for STAT Activation. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:414-426. [PMID: 37725008 PMCID: PMC10517332 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Type III interferons (IFN-λ) are central to host defense against viral infection of epithelial barrier surfaces. IFN-λ binding to its receptor induces a JAK-STAT cascade through kinases Janus-associated kinase 1 (JAK1) and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), which are associated on either subunit of the heterodimeric type III IFN receptor. Recent studies have shown that TYK2 is not necessary for IFN-λ to signal, in contrast to IFN-α, which uses the same JAK-STAT pathway activated by the type I IFN receptor. The mechanism for this differential TYK2 requirement is unknown. Our study uses synthetic IFN receptors in TYK2-deficient U2OS epithelial cells to define the processes in type I and III IFN signaling that require TYK2. We find that TYK2 deficiency reduces signaling equally from heterodimers of either type I or III IFN receptor intracellular domains. In contrast, JAK1-associated homodimers of IFNAR2 or IFNLR1 are both fully signaling competent even in the absence of TYK2. These results suggest that heterodimerization of the type III IFN receptor is insufficient to confer TYK2-independent signaling. Thus, we propose that noncanonical receptor complexes may participate in endogenous type III IFN signaling to confer TYK2-independent signaling downstream of IFN-λ stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily V. Mesev
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Emma G. Guare
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jared E. Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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Li H, Song W, Wu J, Shi Z, Gao Y, Li J, Han L, Zhang J, Li Z, Li Y, Zhang M. CAR-T cells targeting CD38 and LMP1 exhibit robust antitumour activity against NK/T cell lymphoma. BMC Med 2023; 21:330. [PMID: 37649020 PMCID: PMC10470138 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03040-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is an aggressive lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor-transduced T (CAR-T) cell therapy has become a promising immunotherapeutic strategy against haematologic malignancies. METHODS In this study, four CAR-T cell lines (CD38-CAR, LMP1-CAR, CD38-LMP1 tandem CAR 1 and CD38-LMP1 tandem CAR 2) were generated. The effect of CAR-T cells against NKTCL cells was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Expression of T cell activation markers and cytokines produced by CAR-T cells were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS The four CAR-T cell lines could effectively eliminate malignant NKTCL cells. They could be activated and produce inflammatory cytokines in a target-dependent manner. In vivo tests showed that the CAR-T cells exhibited significant antitumour effects in a xenotransplanted NKTCL mouse model. CONCLUSIONS In summary, four CAR-T cell lines exhibited significant cytotoxicity against NKTCL cells both in vitro and in vivo. These results indicated the effective therapeutic promise of CD38 and LMP1 CAR-T cells in NKTCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Li
- Department of Oncology, Jianshendong Rd., The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenting Song
- Department of Oncology, Jianshendong Rd., The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jiazhuo Wu
- Department of Oncology, Jianshendong Rd., The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Shi
- Department of Oncology, Jianshendong Rd., The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuyang Gao
- Department of Oncology, Jianshendong Rd., The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jiwei Li
- Department of Oncology, Jianshendong Rd., The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lijuan Han
- Department of Oncology, Jianshendong Rd., The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Jianxiang Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jianshendong Rd., The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhaoming Li
- Department of Oncology, Jianshendong Rd., The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jianshendong Rd., The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Pawar VA, Tyagi A, Verma C, Sharma KP, Ansari S, Mani I, Srivastva SK, Shukla PK, Kumar A, Kumar V. Unlocking therapeutic potential: integration of drug repurposing and immunotherapy for various disease targeting. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:4984-5006. [PMID: 37692967 PMCID: PMC10492070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning, entails the application of pre-approved or formerly assessed drugs having potentially functional therapeutic amalgams for curing various disorders or disease conditions distinctive from their original remedial indication. It has surfaced as a substitute for the development of drugs for treating cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and various infectious diseases like Covid-19. Although the earlier lines of findings in this area were serendipitous, recent advancements are based on patient centered approaches following systematic, translational, drug targeting practices that explore pathophysiological ailment mechanisms. The presence of definite information and numerous records with respect to beneficial properties, harmfulness, and pharmacologic characteristics of repurposed drugs increase the chances of approval in the clinical trial stages. The last few years have showcased the successful emergence of repurposed drug immunotherapy in treating various diseases. In this light, the present review emphasises on incorporation of drug repositioning with Immunotherapy targeted for several disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anuradha Tyagi
- Department of cBRN, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied ScienceDelhi 110054, India
| | - Chaitenya Verma
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State UniversityColumbus, Ohio 43201, USA
| | - Kanti Prakash Sharma
- Department of Nutrition Biology, Central University of HaryanaMahendragarh 123029, India
| | - Sekhu Ansari
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Indra Mani
- Department of Microbiology, Gargi College, University of DelhiNew Delhi 110049, India
| | | | - Pradeep Kumar Shukla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology of SciencePrayagraj 211007, UP, India
| | - Antresh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of HaryanaMahendergarh 123031, Haryana, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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41
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Fallone L, Walzer T, Marçais A. Signaling Pathways Leading to mTOR Activation Downstream Cytokine Receptors in Lymphocytes in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12736. [PMID: 37628917 PMCID: PMC10454121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes important in the response to intracellular pathogens and cancer. Their activity depends on the integration of a large set of intracellular and environmental cues, including antigenic signals, cytokine stimulation and nutrient availability. This integration is achieved by signaling hubs, such as the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR is a conserved protein kinase that controls cellular growth and metabolism in eukaryotic cells and, therefore, is essential for lymphocyte development and maturation. However, our current understanding of mTOR signaling comes mostly from studies performed in transformed cell lines, which constitute a poor model for comprehending metabolic pathway regulation. Therefore, it is only quite recently that the regulation of mTOR in primary cells has been assessed. Here, we review the signaling pathways leading to mTOR activation in CD8+ T and NK cells, focusing on activation by cytokines. We also discuss how this knowledge can contribute to immunotherapy development, particularly for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antoine Marçais
- CIRI—Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (Team Lyacts), Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France; (L.F.); (T.W.)
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42
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Lee EHJ, Murad JP, Christian L, Gibson J, Yamaguchi Y, Cullen C, Gumber D, Park AK, Young C, Monroy I, Yang J, Stern LA, Adkins LN, Dhapola G, Gittins B, Chang WC, Martinez C, Woo Y, Cristea M, Rodriguez-Rodriguez L, Ishihara J, Lee JK, Forman SJ, Wang LD, Priceman SJ. Antigen-dependent IL-12 signaling in CAR T cells promotes regional to systemic disease targeting. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4737. [PMID: 37550294 PMCID: PMC10406808 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40115-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapeutic responses are hampered by limited T cell trafficking, persistence, and durable anti-tumor activity in solid tumors. However, these challenges can be largely overcome by relatively unconstrained synthetic engineering strategies. Here, we describe CAR T cells targeting tumor-associated glycoprotein-72 (TAG72), utilizing the CD28 transmembrane domain upstream of the 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain as a driver of potent anti-tumor activity and IFNγ secretion. CAR T cell-mediated IFNγ production facilitated by IL-12 signaling is required for tumor cell killing, which is recapitulated by engineering an optimized membrane-bound IL-12 (mbIL12) molecule in CAR T cells. These T cells show improved antigen-dependent T cell proliferation and recursive tumor cell killing in vitro, with robust in vivo efficacy in human ovarian cancer xenograft models. Locoregional administration of mbIL12-engineered CAR T cells promotes durable anti-tumor responses against both regional and systemic disease in mice. Safety and efficacy of mbIL12-engineered CAR T cells is demonstrated using an immunocompetent mouse model, with beneficial effects on the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Collectively, our study features a clinically-applicable strategy to improve the efficacy of locoregionally-delivered CAR T cells engineered with antigen-dependent immune-modulating cytokines in targeting regional and systemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Hee Jun Lee
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - John P Murad
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lea Christian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jackson Gibson
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yukiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Cody Cullen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Diana Gumber
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Anthony K Park
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Cari Young
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Isabel Monroy
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jason Yang
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lawrence A Stern
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Lauren N Adkins
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Gaurav Dhapola
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Brenna Gittins
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Wen-Chung Chang
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Catalina Martinez
- Department of Clinical and Translational Project Development, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yanghee Woo
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Mihaela Cristea
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | | | - Jun Ishihara
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London, W120BZ, UK
| | - John K Lee
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98019, USA
| | - Stephen J Forman
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Leo D Wang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Saul J Priceman
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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Muhammad S, Fan T, Hai Y, Gao Y, He J. Reigniting hope in cancer treatment: the promise and pitfalls of IL-2 and IL-2R targeting strategies. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:121. [PMID: 37516849 PMCID: PMC10385932 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01826-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and its receptor (IL-2R) are essential in orchestrating immune responses. Their function and expression in the tumor microenvironment make them attractive targets for immunotherapy, leading to the development of IL-2/IL-2R-targeted therapeutic strategies. However, the dynamic interplay between IL-2/IL-2R and various immune cells and their dual roles in promoting immune activation and tolerance presents a complex landscape for clinical exploitation. This review discusses the pivotal roles of IL-2 and IL-2R in tumorigenesis, shedding light on their potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers and their therapeutic manipulation in cancer. It underlines the necessity to balance the anti-tumor activity with regulatory T-cell expansion and evaluates strategies such as dose optimization and selective targeting for enhanced therapeutic effectiveness. The article explores recent advancements in the field, including developing genetically engineered IL-2 variants, combining IL-2/IL-2R-targeted therapies with other cancer treatments, and the potential benefits of a multidimensional approach integrating molecular profiling, immunological analyses, and clinical data. The review concludes that a deeper understanding of IL-2/IL-2R interactions within the tumor microenvironment is crucial for realizing the full potential of IL-2-based therapies, heralding the promise of improved outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Muhammad
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yang Hai
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China.
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Shi H, Li A, Dai Z, Xue J, Zhao Q, Tian J, Song D, Wang H, Chen J, Zhang X, Zhou K, Wei H, Qin S. IL-15 armoring enhances the antitumor efficacy of claudin 18.2-targeting CAR-T cells in syngeneic mouse tumor models. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1165404. [PMID: 37564658 PMCID: PMC10410263 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2)-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells are one of the few cell therapies currently producing an impressive therapeutic effect in treating solid tumors; however, their long-term therapeutic efficacy is not satisfactory with a short duration of response. Transgenic expression of interleukin (IL)-15 has been reported to promote T-cell expansion, survival, and function and enhance the antitumor activity of engineered T cells in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether IL-15 modification would increase the antitumor activity of CLDN18.2-targeting CAR-modified T (CAR-T) cells in immunocompetent murine tumor models. CLDN18.2-specific CAR-T cells with (H9 CAR-IL15) or without transgenic IL-15 expression (H9 CAR) were generated by retroviral transduction of mouse splenic T cells. In vitro, compared with H9 CAR T cells, H9 CAR-IL15 T cells exhibited better expansion and viability in the absence of antigen stimulation, with a less differentiated and T-cell exhausted phenotype; although IL-15 modification did not affect the production of effector cytokines and cytotoxic activity in the short-term killing assay, it moderately improved the in vitro recursive killing activity of CAR-T cells against CLDN18.2-expressing tumor cells. In vivo, H9 CAR T cells showed no antitumor activity against CLDN18.2-expressing pancreatic tumors in immunocompetent mice without lymphodepleting pretreatment; however, H9 CAR-IL15 T cells produced significant tumor-suppressive effects. Furthermore, H9 CAR-IL15 T cells exhibited greater in vivo expansion and tumor infiltration when combined with lymphodepleting preconditioning, resulting in superior antitumor activity in two murine tumor models and a survival advantage in one tumor model. We further demonstrated that recurrent tumors following H9 CAR-IL15 T-cell therapy downregulated CLDN18.2 expression, suggesting immune escape through the selection of antigen-negative cells under persistent CAR-T-cell immune pressure. In conclusion, our findings provide preclinical evidence supporting the clinical evaluation of IL-15-expressing CLDN18.2 CAR-T cells in patients with CLDN18.2-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtai Shi
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People’s Hospital, Yancheng, China
| | - Andi Li
- Innovent Cells Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Dai
- Department of Radiology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People’s Hospital, Yancheng, China
| | - Jiao Xue
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiyuan Tian
- Innovent Cells Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | | | - Hao Wang
- Innovent Biologics, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Jianan Chen
- Innovent Cells Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaokang Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kaisong Zhou
- Innovent Cells Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
- Innovent Biologics, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Huafeng Wei
- Innovent Cells Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suzhou, China
- Innovent Biologics, Inc., Suzhou, China
| | - Songbing Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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45
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Zhang H, Feng H, Yu T, Zhang M, Liu Z, Ma L, Liu H. Construction of an oxidative stress-related lncRNAs signature to predict prognosis and the immune response in gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8822. [PMID: 37258567 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35167-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress, as a characteristic of cellular aerobic metabolism, plays a crucial regulatory role in the development and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators in GC development. However, research on the prognostic patterns of oxidative stress-related lncRNAs (OSRLs) and their functions in the immune microenvironment is currently insufficient. We identified the OSRLs signature (DIP2A-IT1, DUXAP8, TP53TG1, SNHG5, AC091057.1, AL355001.1, ARRDC1-AS1, and COLCA1) from 185 oxidative stress-related genes in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort via random survival forest and Cox analyses, and the results were subsequently validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. The patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups by the risk score of the OSRLs signature. Longer overall survival was detected in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group in both the TCGA cohort (P < 0. 001, HR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.31-0.62) and the GEO cohort (P = 0.014, HR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.48-0.93). Next, multivariate Cox analysis identified that the risk model was an independent prognostic characteristic (HR > 1, P = 0.005), and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and nomogram analysis were utilized to evaluate the predictive ability of the risk model. Next, gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the immune-related pathway, Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin signature, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signature, and cytokine‒cytokine receptor interaction was enriched. High-risk patients were more responsive to CD200, TNFSF4, TNFSF9, and BTNL2 immune checkpoint blockade. The results of qRT‒PCR further proved the accuracy of our bioinformatic analysis. Overall, our study identified a novel OSRLs signature that can serve as a promising biomarker and prognostic indicator, which provides a personalized predictive approach for patient prognosis evaluation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Huawei Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Simulation and Information Processing of Biomacromolecules of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110036, China
- Liaoning Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design for Drug, Shenyang, 110036, China
- Key Laboratory for Simulating Computation and Information Processing of Bio-Macromolecules of Shenyang, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Tiansong Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Man Zhang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Zhikui Liu
- Liaoning Huikang Testing and Evaluation Technology Co, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Lidan Ma
- Dandong Customs Integrated Technical Service Center, Dandong, 118000, China
| | - Hongsheng Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China.
- Key Laboratory of Computational Simulation and Information Processing of Biomacromolecules of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110036, China.
- Liaoning Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design for Drug, Shenyang, 110036, China.
- Key Laboratory for Simulating Computation and Information Processing of Bio-Macromolecules of Shenyang, Shenyang, 110036, China.
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46
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Kao CY, Mills JA, Burke CJ, Morse B, Marques BF. Role of Cytokines and Growth Factors in the Manufacturing of iPSC-Derived Allogeneic Cell Therapy Products. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050677. [PMID: 37237491 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines and other growth factors are essential for cell expansion, health, function, and immune stimulation. Stem cells have the additional reliance on these factors to direct differentiation to the appropriate terminal cell type. Successful manufacturing of allogeneic cell therapies from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) requires close attention to the selection and control of cytokines and factors used throughout the manufacturing process, as well as after administration to the patient. This paper employs iPSC-derived natural killer cell/T cell therapeutics to illustrate the use of cytokines, growth factors, and transcription factors at different stages of the manufacturing process, ranging from the generation of iPSCs to controlling of iPSC differentiation into immune-effector cells through the support of cell therapy after patient administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yuan Kao
- Process and Product Development, Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jason A Mills
- Process and Product Development, Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carl J Burke
- Process and Product Development, Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Barry Morse
- Research and Development, Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bruno F Marques
- Process and Product Development, Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Sugita M, Yamazaki T, Alhomoud M, Martinet J, Latouche JB, Golden E, Boyer O, Van Besien K, Formenti SC, Galluzzi L, Guzman ML. Radiation therapy improves CAR T cell activity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:305. [PMID: 37142568 PMCID: PMC10160073 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05829-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Autologous T cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for CD19 are approved for the treatment of various CD19+ hematological malignancies. While CAR T cells induce objective responses in a majority of patients, relapse frequently occurs upon loss of CD19 expression by neoplastic cells. Radiation therapy (RT) has been successfully employed to circumvent the loss of CAR targets in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. At least in part, this reflects the ability of RT to elicit death receptor (DR) expression by malignant cells, enabling at least some degree of CAR-independent tumor killing. In a human model of CD19+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), we also observed DR upregulation by RT, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, low-dose total body irradiation (LD-TBI) delivered to ALL-bearing mice prior to CAR T cell infusion considerably extended the overall survival benefit afforded by CAR T cells alone. Such an improved therapeutic activity was accompanied by a superior expansion of CAR T cells in vivo. These data encourage the initiation of clinical trials combining LD-TBI with CAR T cells in patients with hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Sugita
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takahiro Yamazaki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohammad Alhomoud
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jérémie Martinet
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- University of Rouen Normandy, INSERM U1234, Rouen, France
- Department of Immunology and Biotherapy, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Latouche
- University of Rouen Normandy, INSERM U1234, Rouen, France
- Department of Immunology and Biotherapy, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Encouse Golden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olivier Boyer
- University of Rouen Normandy, INSERM U1234, Rouen, France
- Department of Immunology and Biotherapy, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Koen Van Besien
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Silvia C Formenti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Monica L Guzman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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48
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Lah S, Kim S, Kang I, Kim H, Hupperetz C, Jung H, Choi HR, Lee YH, Jang HK, Bae S, Kim CH. Engineering second-generation TCR-T cells by site-specific integration of TRAF-binding motifs into the CD247 locus. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005519. [PMID: 37019470 PMCID: PMC10083865 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incorporation of co-stimulatory signaling domains into second-generation chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) significantly enhances the proliferation and persistence of CAR-T cells in vivo, leading to successful clinical outcomes. METHODS To achieve such functional enhancement in transgenic T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell (TCR-T) therapy, we designed a second-generation TCR-T cell in which CD3ζ genes modified to contain the intracellular domain (ICD) of the 4-1BB receptor were selectively inserted into the CD247 locus. RESULTS This modification enabled the simultaneous recruitment of key adaptor molecules for signals 1 and 2 on TCR engagement. However, the addition of full-length 4-1BB ICD unexpectedly impaired the expression and signaling of TCRs, leading to suboptimal antitumor activity of the resulting TCR-T cells in vivo. We found that the basic-rich motif (BRM) in the 4-1BB ICD was responsible for the undesirable outcomes, and that fusion of minimal tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)-binding motifs at the C-terminus of CD3ζ (zBBΔBRM) was sufficient to recruit TRAF2, the key adaptor molecule in 4-1BB signaling, while retaining the expression and proximal signaling of the transgenic TCR. Consequently, TCR-T cells expressing zBBΔBRM exhibited improved persistence and expansion in vitro and in vivo, resulting in superior antitumor activity in a mouse xenograft model. CONCLUSIONS Our findings offer a promising strategy for improving the intracellular signaling of TCR-T cells and their application in treating solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangjoon Lah
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Segi Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - In Kang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyojin Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Cedric Hupperetz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyuncheol Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyeong Ryeol Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Young-Ho Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ki Jang
- Department of Chemistry, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Department of Chemistry, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chan Hyuk Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
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49
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Gene-based delivery of immune-activating cytokines for cancer treatment. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:329-342. [PMID: 36828711 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Tumors evolve together with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and reshape it towards immunosuppression. Immunostimulating cytokines can be used to revert this state leading to effective antitumor immune responses, but their exploitation as anticancer drugs has been hampered by severe toxicity associated with systemic administration. Local, TME-targeted delivery of immune activating cytokines can deploy their antitumoral function more effectively than systemic administration while, at the same time, avoiding exposure of healthy organs and limiting toxicity. Here, we review different gene and cell therapy platforms developed for tumor-directed cytokine delivery highlighting their potential for clinical translation.
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50
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Chen Y, Zhu Y, Kramer A, Fang Y, Wilson M, Li YR, Yang L. Genetic engineering strategies to enhance antitumor reactivity and reduce alloreactivity for allogeneic cell-based cancer therapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1135468. [PMID: 37064017 PMCID: PMC10090359 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1135468] [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: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The realm of cell-based immunotherapy holds untapped potential for the development of next-generation cancer treatment through genetic engineering of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cell therapies for targeted eradication of cancerous malignancies. Such allogeneic "off-the-shelf" cell products can be advantageously manufactured in large quantities, stored for extended periods, and easily distributed to treat an exponential number of cancer patients. At current, patient risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and host-versus-graft (HvG) allorejection severely restrict the development of allogeneic CAR-T cell products. To address these limitations, a variety of genetic engineering strategies have been implemented to enhance antitumor efficacy, reduce GvHD and HvG onset, and improve the overall safety profile of T-cell based immunotherapies. In this review, we summarize these genetic engineering strategies and discuss the challenges and prospects these approaches provide to expedite progression of translational and clinical studies for adoption of a universal cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Adam Kramer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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