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Wu H, Zhang G, Liu Z, Liu W, Wang X, Zhao Y. Enhanced anti-tumor activity mediated by combination chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting GD2 and GPC2 in high-risk neuroblastoma. Cytotherapy 2024:S1465-3249(24)00732-1. [PMID: 38904586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells targeting single antigens show limited activity against solid tumors due to poor T cell persistence, low efficiency infiltration, and exhaustion together with heterogeneous tumor-associated antigen (TAA) expression. This is also true in high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB), a lethal pediatric extracranial malignancy. To overcome these obstacles, a combinational strategy using GD2-specific and GPC2-specific CAR-T cells was developed to improve immunotherapeutic efficacy. METHODS We individually developed GD2-specific and GPC2-specific CARs containing a selective domain (sCAR) which was a peptide of 10 amino acids derived from human nuclear autoantigen La/SS-B. These constructs allowed us to generate two different HRNB antigen-specific CAR-T cells with enhanced biological activity through stimulating sCAR-engrafted T cells via a selective domain-specific monoclonal antibody (SmAb). Binding affinity and stimulation of GD2- and GPC2-specific sCARs by SmAb were measured, and transient and persistent anti-tumor cytotoxicity of GD2sCAR-T and GPC2sCAR-T cells were quantified in neuroblastoma cell lines expressing different TAA levels. The anti-tumor pharmaceutical effects and cellular mechanisms mediated by single or combinational sCAR-T cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS GD2- and GPC2-specific sCARs had antigen-specific binding affinity similar to their parental counterparts and were recognized by SmAb. SmAb-mediated stimulation selectively activated sCAR-T proliferation and increased central memory T cells in the final products. SmAb-stimulated sCAR-T cells had enhanced transient cytolytic activity, and combination therapy extended long-term anti-tumor activity in vitro through TNF-α and IL-15 release. Stimulated sCAR-T cells overcame heterogeneous antigen expression in HRNB, and the multi-TAA-targeting strategy was especially efficacious in vivo, inducing apoptosis through the caspase-3/PARP pathway and inhibiting the release of several tumor-promoting cytokines. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that combined targeting of multiple TAAs is a promising strategy to overcome heterogenous antigen expression in solid tumors and extend CAR-T cell persistence for HRNB immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huantong Wu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Guangji Zhang
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongfeng Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China.
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Li Y, Zheng Y, Liu T, Liao C, Shen G, He Z. The potential and promise for clinical application of adoptive T cell therapy in cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:413. [PMID: 38693513 PMCID: PMC11064426 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05206-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, especially for hematologic malignancies. T cells are the most extensively utilized cells in adoptive cell therapy. Currently, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, T cell receptor-transgenic T cells and chimeric antigen receptor T cells are the three main adoptive T cell therapies. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes kill tumors by reinfusing enlarged lymphocytes that naturally target tumor-specific antigens into the patient. T cell receptor-transgenic T cells have the ability to specifically destroy tumor cells via the precise recognition of exogenous T cell receptors with major histocompatibility complex. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells transfer genes with specific antigen recognition structural domains and T cell activation signals into T cells, allowing T cells to attack tumors without the assistance of major histocompatibility complex. Many barriers have been demonstrated to affect the clinical efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy, such as tumor heterogeneity and antigen loss, hard trafficking and infiltration, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and T cell exhaustion. Several strategies to improve the efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy have been explored, including multispecific chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, combination with immune checkpoint blockade, targeting the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, etc. In this review, we will summarize the current status and clinical application, followed by major bottlenecks in adoptive T cell therapy. In addition, we will discuss the promising strategies to improve adoptive T cell therapy. Adoptive T cell therapy will result in even more incredible advancements in solid tumors if the aforementioned problems can be handled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinqi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yeteng Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Taiqing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chuanyun Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guobo Shen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Zhiyao He
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Nguyen DT, Liu R, Ogando-Rivas E, Pepe A, Pedro D, Qdaisat S, Nguyen NTY, Lavrador JM, Golde GR, Smolchek RA, Ligon J, Jin L, Tao H, Webber A, Phillpot S, Mitchell DA, Sayour EJ, Huang J, Castillo P, Gregory Sawyer W. Bioconjugated liquid-like solid enhances characterization of solid tumor - chimeric antigen receptor T cell interactions. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:466-479. [PMID: 37788737 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.042] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable success as an immunotherapy for hematological malignancies, and its potential for treating solid tumors is an active area of research. However, limited trafficking and mobility of T cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) present challenges for CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors. To gain a better understanding of CAR T cell function in solid tumors, we subjected CD70-specific CAR T cells to a challenge by evaluating their immune trafficking and infiltration through a confined 3D microchannel network in a bio-conjugated liquid-like solid (LLS) medium. Our results demonstrated successful CAR T cell migration and anti-tumor activity against CD70-expressing glioblastoma and osteosarcoma tumors. Through comprehensive analysis of cytokines and chemokines, combined with in situ imaging, we elucidated that immune recruitment occurred via chemotaxis, and the effector-to-target ratio plays an important role in overall antitumor function. Furthermore, through single-cell collection and transcriptomic profiling, we identified differential gene expression among the immune subpopulations. Our findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of CAR T cell function in solid tumors, informing future research and development in this promising cancer treatment approach. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The use of specialized immune cells named CAR T cells to combat cancers has demonstrated remarkable success against blood cancers. However, this success is not replicated in solid tumors, such as brain or bone cancers, mainly due to the physical barriers of these solid tumors. Currently, preclinical technologies do not allow for reliable evaluation of tumor-immune cell interactions. To better study these specialized CAR T cells, we have developed an innovative in vitro three-dimensional model that promises to dissect the interactions between tumors and CAR T cells at the single-cell level. Our findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of CAR T cell function in solid tumors, informing future research and development in this promising cancer treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy T Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Ruixuan Liu
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Elizabeth Ogando-Rivas
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Alfonso Pepe
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Diego Pedro
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Sadeem Qdaisat
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States; University of Florida Genetics Institute, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Nhi Tran Yen Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Julia M Lavrador
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Griffin R Golde
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Ryan A Smolchek
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - John Ligon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Linchun Jin
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Haipeng Tao
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Alex Webber
- Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Simon Phillpot
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Elias J Sayour
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Jianping Huang
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, University of Florida Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Paul Castillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - W Gregory Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
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Domingues C, Jarak I, Veiga F, Dourado M, Figueiras A. Pediatric Drug Development: Reviewing Challenges and Opportunities by Tracking Innovative Therapies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2431. [PMID: 37896191 PMCID: PMC10610377 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The paradigm of pediatric drug development has been evolving in a "carrot-and-stick"-based tactic to address population-specific issues. However, the off-label prescription of adult medicines to pediatric patients remains a feature of clinical practice, which may compromise the age-appropriate evaluation of treatments. Therefore, the United States and the European Pediatric Formulation Initiative have recommended applying nanotechnology-based delivery systems to tackle some of these challenges, particularly applying inorganic, polymeric, and lipid-based nanoparticles. Connected with these, advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) have also been highlighted, with optimistic perspectives for the pediatric population. Despite the results achieved using these innovative therapies, a workforce that congregates pediatric patients and/or caregivers, healthcare stakeholders, drug developers, and physicians continues to be of utmost relevance to promote standardized guidelines for pediatric drug development, enabling a fast lab-to-clinical translation. Therefore, taking into consideration the significance of this topic, this work aims to compile the current landscape of pediatric drug development by (1) outlining the historic regulatory panorama, (2) summarizing the challenges in the development of pediatric drug formulation, and (3) delineating the advantages/disadvantages of using innovative approaches, such as nanomedicines and ATMPs in pediatrics. Moreover, some attention will be given to the role of pharmaceutical technologists and developers in conceiving pediatric medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Domingues
- Univ Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.D.); (I.J.); (F.V.)
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Univ Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.D.); (I.J.); (F.V.)
- Institute for Health Research and Innovation (i3s), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Univ Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.D.); (I.J.); (F.V.)
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marília Dourado
- Univ Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Health Studies and Research of the University of Coimbra (CEISUC), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Studies and Development of Continuous and Palliative Care (CEDCCP), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Figueiras
- Univ Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.D.); (I.J.); (F.V.)
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Rechberger JS, Toll SA, Vanbilloen WJF, Daniels DJ, Khatua S. Exploring the Molecular Complexity of Medulloblastoma: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2398. [PMID: 37510143 PMCID: PMC10378552 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Over the last few decades, significant progress has been made in revealing the key molecular underpinnings of this disease, leading to the identification of distinct molecular subgroups with different clinical outcomes. In this review, we provide an update on the molecular landscape of medulloblastoma and treatment strategies. We discuss the four main molecular subgroups (WNT-activated, SHH-activated, and non-WNT/non-SHH groups 3 and 4), highlighting the key genetic alterations and signaling pathways associated with each entity. Furthermore, we explore the emerging role of epigenetic regulation in medulloblastoma and the mechanism of resistance to therapy. We also delve into the latest developments in targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Continuing collaborative efforts are needed to further unravel the complex molecular mechanisms and profile optimal treatment for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian S Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Stephanie A Toll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Wouter J F Vanbilloen
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Neurology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, 5022 Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Ligon J, Sayour E. Spotlighting cellular therapies to advance the treatment of medulloblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:628-630. [PMID: 36629263 PMCID: PMC10076934 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John A Ligon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of
Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Elias J Sayour
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Preston A. Wells, Jr.
Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, Gainesville, FL,
USA
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