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Graham LV, Fisher JG, Doyle ADP, Sale B, Del Rio L, French AJE, Mayor NP, Turner TR, Marsh SGE, Cragg MS, Forconi F, Khakoo SI, Blunt MD. KIR2DS2+ NK cells in cancer patients demonstrate high activation in response to tumour-targeting antibodies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1404051. [PMID: 39286025 PMCID: PMC11402612 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1404051] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Strategies to mobilise natural killer (NK) cells against cancer include tumour-targeting antibodies, NK cell engagers (NKCEs) and the adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded healthy donor-derived NK cells. Genetic and functional studies have revealed that expression of the activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptor KIR2DS2 is associated with enhanced function in NK cells from healthy donors and improved outcome in several different malignancies. The optimal strategy to leverage KIR2DS2+ NK cells therapeutically is however currently unclear. In this study, we therefore evaluated the response of KIR2DS2-expressing NK cells to activation against cancer with clinically relevant tumour-targeting antibodies and following ex vivo expansion. We identified that KIR2DS2high NK cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and hepatocellular carcinoma had enhanced activation in response to tumour-targeting antibodies compared to KIR2DS2- NK cells. However, the superior function of healthy donor derived KIR2DS2high NK cells was lost following ex vivo expansion which is required for adoptive transfer-based therapeutic strategies. These data provide evidence that targeting KIR2DS2 directly in cancer patients may allow for the utilisation of their enhanced effector function, however such activity may be lost following their ex vivo expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara V Graham
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jack G Fisher
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Amber D P Doyle
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Sale
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Del Rio
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Albert J E French
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neema P Mayor
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas R Turner
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven G E Marsh
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S Cragg
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Forconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Haematology Department, Cancer Care Directorate, University Hospital Southampton National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew D Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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2
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Douka S, Papamoschou V, Raimo M, Mastrobattista E, Caiazzo M. Harnessing the Power of NK Cell Receptor Engineering as a New Prospect in Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1143. [PMID: 39339180 PMCID: PMC11434712 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16091143] [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: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have recently gained popularity as an alternative for cancer immunotherapy. Adoptive cell transfer employing NK cells offers a safer therapeutic option compared to T-cell-based therapies, due to their significantly lower toxicity and the availability of diverse autologous and allogeneic NK cell sources. However, several challenges are associated with NK cell therapies, including limited in vivo persistence, the immunosuppressive and hostile tumor microenvironment (TME), and the lack of effective treatments for solid tumors. To address these limitations, the modification of NK cells to stably produce cytokines has been proposed as a strategy to enhance their persistence and proliferation. Additionally, the overexpression of activating receptors and the blockade of inhibitory receptors can restore the NK cell functions hindered by the TME. To further improve tumor infiltration and the elimination of solid tumors, innovative approaches focusing on the enhancement of NK cell chemotaxis through the overexpression of chemotactic receptors have been introduced. This review highlights the latest advancements in preclinical and clinical studies investigating the engineering of activating, inhibitory, and chemotactic NK cell receptors; discusses recent progress in cytokine manipulation; and explores the potential of combining the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology with NK cell receptors engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Douka
- Pharmaceutics Division, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vasilis Papamoschou
- Pharmaceutics Division, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monica Raimo
- Glycostem Therapeutics B.V., Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands;
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Pharmaceutics Division, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Pharmaceutics Division, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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3
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Bottino C, Picant V, Vivier E, Castriconi R. Natural killer cells and engagers: Powerful weapons against cancer. Immunol Rev 2024. [PMID: 39180430 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13384] [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] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune effectors whose functions rely on receptors binding cytokines, recognizing self-molecules, or detecting danger signals expressed by virus-infected or tumor cells. The potent cytotoxic potential makes NK cells promising candidates for cancer immunotherapy. To enhance their activity strategies include cytokine administration, blocking of immune checkpoints, and designing of antibody-based NK cell engagers (NKCEs). NKCEs represent a cutting-edge approach to cancer therapy: they strengthen the NK-to-target cell interactions and optimize tumor killing, possibly overcoming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. NK cells belong to the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and are categorized into different subsets also including cells with a memory-like phenotype: this complexity needs to be explored in the context of cancer immunotherapy, particularly when designing NKCEs. Two strategies to enhance NK cell activity in cancer patients can be adopted: activating patients' own NK cells versus the adoptive transfer of ex vivo activated NK cells. Furthermore, the capability of NKCEs to activate γδ T cells could have a significant synergistic effect in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentin Picant
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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4
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Mohammad Taheri M, Javan F, Poudineh M, Athari SS. Beyond CAR-T: The rise of CAR-NK cell therapy in asthma immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:736. [PMID: 39103889 PMCID: PMC11302387 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05534-8] [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: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma poses a major public health burden. While existing asthma drugs manage symptoms for many, some patients remain resistant. The lack of a cure, especially for severe asthma, compels exploration of novel therapies. Cancer immunotherapy successes with CAR-T cells suggest its potential for asthma treatment. Researchers are exploring various approaches for allergic diseases including membrane-bound IgE, IL-5, PD-L2, and CTLA-4 for asthma, and Dectin-1 for fungal asthma. NK cells offer several advantages over T cells for CAR-based immunotherapy. They offer key benefits: (1) HLA compatibility, meaning they can be used in a wider range of patients without the need for matching tissue types. (2) Minimal side effects (CRS and GVHD) due to their limited persistence and cytokine profile. (3) Scalability for "off-the-shelf" production from various sources. Several strategies have been introduced that highlight the superiority and challenges of CAR-NK cell therapy for asthma treatment including IL-10, IFN-γ, ADCC, perforin-granzyme, FASL, KIR, NCRs (NKP46), DAP, DNAM-1, TGF-β, TNF-α, CCL, NKG2A, TF, and EGFR. Furthermore, we advocate for incorporating AI for CAR design optimization and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology for precise gene manipulation to generate highly effective CAR constructs. This review will delve into the evolution and production of CAR designs, explore pre-clinical and clinical studies of CAR-based therapies in asthma, analyze strategies to optimize CAR-NK cell function, conduct a comparative analysis of CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapy with their respective challenges, and finally present established novel CAR designs with promising potential for asthma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Javan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Poudineh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyed Shamseddin Athari
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, 12th Street, Shahrake Karmandan, Zanjan, 45139-561111, Iran.
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5
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Goebeler ME, Stuhler G, Bargou R. Bispecific and multispecific antibodies in oncology: opportunities and challenges. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:539-560. [PMID: 38822215 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00905-y] [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: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Research into bispecific antibodies, which are designed to simultaneously bind two antigens or epitopes, has advanced enormously over the past two decades. Owing to advances in protein engineering technologies and considerable preclinical research efforts, bispecific antibodies are constantly being developed and optimized to improve their efficacy and to mitigate toxicity. To date, >200 of these agents, the majority of which are bispecific immune cell engagers, are in either preclinical or clinical evaluation. In this Review, we discuss the role of bispecific antibodies in patients with cancer, including history and development, as well as innovative targeting strategies, clinical applications, and adverse events. We also discuss novel alternative bispecific antibody constructs, such as those targeting two antigens expressed by tumour cells or cells located in the tumour microenvironment. Finally, we consider future research directions in this rapidly evolving field, including innovative antibody engineering strategies, which might enable more effective delivery, overcome resistance, and thus optimize clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Elisabeth Goebeler
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Gernot Stuhler
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bargou
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, NCT WERA, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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6
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Rajagopal D, MacLeod E, Corogeanu D, Vessillier S. Immune-related adverse events of antibody-based biological medicines in cancer therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18470. [PMID: 38963257 PMCID: PMC11223167 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18470] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant antibodies (Abs) are an integral modality for the treatment of multiple tumour malignancies. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of rituximab as the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) for cancer treatment, several mAbs and antibody (Ab)-based therapies have been approved for the treatment of solid tumour malignancies and other cancers. These Abs function by either blocking oncogenic pathways or angiogenesis, modulating immune response, or by delivering a conjugated drug. The use of Ab-based therapy in cancer patients who could benefit from the treatment, however, is still limited by associated toxicity profiles which may stem from biological features and processes related to target binding, alongside biochemical and/or biophysical characteristics of the therapeutic Ab. A significant immune-related adverse event (irAE) associated with Ab-based therapies is cytokine release syndrome (CRS), characterized by the development of fever, rash and even marked, life-threatening hypotension, and acute inflammation with secondary to systemic uncontrolled increase in a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we review irAEs associated with specific classes of approved, Ab-based novel cancer immunotherapeutics, namely immune checkpoint (IC)-targeting Abs, bispecific Abs (BsAbs) and Ab-drug-conjugates (ADCs), highlighting the significance of harmonization in preclinical assay development for safety assessment of Ab-based biotherapeutics as an approach to support and refine clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Rajagopal
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
| | - Elliot MacLeod
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
- Present address:
Gilead Sciences, Winchester HouseOxfordUK
| | - Diana Corogeanu
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
- Present address:
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Conquest HospitalEast SussexUK
| | - Sandrine Vessillier
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
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7
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Hadjis AD, McCurdy SR. The role and novel use of natural killer cells in graft-versus-leukemia reactions after allogeneic transplantation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1358668. [PMID: 38817602 PMCID: PMC11137201 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1358668] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has transformed over the past several decades through enhanced supportive care, reduced intensity conditioning (RIC), improved human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, and novel graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-prevention and treatment strategies. Most notably, the implementation of post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has dramatically increased the safety and availability of this life-saving therapy. Given reductions in nonrelapse mortality (NRM) with these advances, the HCT community has placed even greater emphasis on developing ways to reduce relapse - the leading cause of death after HCT. When using RIC HCT, protection from relapse relies predominantly on graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) reactions. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), adoptive cellular therapy, checkpoint inhibition, and post-HCT maintenance strategies represent approaches under study that aim to augment or synergize with the GVL effects of HCT. Optimizing donor selection algorithms to leverage GVL represents another active area of research. Many of these strategies seek to harness the effects of T cells, which for decades were felt to be the primary mediators of GVL and the focus of investigation in relapse reduction. However, there is growing interest in capitalizing on the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to yield potent anti-tumor effects. A potential advantage of NK cell-based approaches over T cell-mediated is the potential to reduce NRM in addition to relapse. By decreasing infection, without increasing the risk of GVHD, NK cells may mitigate NRM, while still yielding relapse reduction through identification and clearance of cancer cells. Most T cell-focused relapse-prevention strategies must weigh the benefits of relapse reduction against the increased risk of NRM from GVHD. In contrast, NK cells have the potential to reduce both, potentially tipping the scales significantly in favor of survival. Here, we will review the role of NK cells in GVL, optimization of NK cell match or mismatch, and burgeoning areas of research in NK cell therapy such as adoptive transfer and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley D. Hadjis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shannon R. McCurdy
- Abramson Cancer Center and the Division of Hematology and Oncology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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8
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Kong JC, Sa’ad MA, Vijayan HM, Ravichandran M, Balakrishnan V, Tham SK, Tye GJ. Chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cell therapy: current advancements and strategies to overcome challenges. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384039. [PMID: 38726000 PMCID: PMC11079817 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapy is a novel immunotherapy targeting cancer cells via the generation of chimeric antigen receptors on NK cells which recognize specific cancer antigens. CAR-NK cell therapy is gaining attention nowadays owing to the ability of CAR-NK cells to release potent cytotoxicity against cancer cells without side effects such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). CAR-NK cells do not require antigen priming, thus enabling them to be used as "off-the-shelf" therapy. Nonetheless, CAR-NK cell therapy still possesses several challenges in eliminating cancer cells which reside in hypoxic and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Therefore, this review is envisioned to explore the current advancements and limitations of CAR-NK cell therapy as well as discuss strategies to overcome the challenges faced by CAR-NK cell therapy. This review also aims to dissect the current status of clinical trials on CAR-NK cells and future recommendations for improving the effectiveness and safety of CAR-NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chang Kong
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Auwal Sa’ad
- Celestialab Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
| | | | - Manickam Ravichandran
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
- MyGenome, ALPS Global Holding, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Venugopal Balakrishnan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Seng Kong Tham
- ALPS Medical Centre, ALPS Global Holding, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
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9
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Khoshtinat Nikkhoi S, Yang G, Owji H, Grizotte-Lake M, Cohen RI, Gil Gonzalez L, Massumi M, Hatefi A. Bispecific immune cell engager enhances the anticancer activity of CD16+ NK cells and macrophages in vitro, and eliminates cancer metastasis in NK humanized NOG mice. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008295. [PMID: 38490714 PMCID: PMC10946374 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008295] [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: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a prior report, we detailed the isolation and engineering of a bispecific killer cell engager, referred to as BiKE:E5C1. The BiKE:E5C1 exhibits high affinity/specificity for the CD16a activating receptor on natural killer (NK) cells and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on cancer cells. In vitro studies have demonstrated that BiKE:E5C1 can activate the NK cells and induce the killing of HER2+ ovarian and breast cancer cells, surpassing the performance of the best-in-class monoclonal antibody, Trazimera (trastuzumab). To advance this BiKE technology toward clinical application, the objective of this research was to demonstrate the ability of BiKE:E5C1 to activate CD16+ immune cells such as NK cells and macrophages to kill cancer cells, and eradicate metastatic HER2+ tumors in NK humanized NOG mice. METHODS We assessed BiKE:E5C1's potential to activate CD16-expressing peripheral blood (PB)-NK cells, laNK92 cells, and THP-1-CD16A monocyte-macrophages through flowcytometry and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity/phagocytosis (ADCC) assays. Subsequently, laNK92 cells were selected as effector cells and genetically modified to express the nanoluciferase gene, enabling the monitoring of their viability in NK humanized NOG mice using quantitative bioluminescent imaging (qBLI). To evaluate the functionality of BiKE:E5C1 in vivo, we introduced firefly luciferase-expressing ovarian cancer cells via intraperitoneal injection into hIL-15 and hIL-2 NOG mice, creating a model of ovarian cancer metastasis. Once tumor establishment was confirmed, we treated the mice with laNK92 cells plus BiKE:E5C1 and the response to therapy was assessed using qBLI. RESULTS Our data demonstrate that BiKE:E5C1 activates not only laNK92 cells but also PB-NK cells and macrophages, significantly enhancing their anticancer activities. ADCC assay demonstrated that IgG1 Fc region had no impact on BiKE:E5C1's anticancer activity. In vivo results reveal that both hIL-15 and hIL-2 NOG mouse models support the viability and proliferation of laNK92 cells. Furthermore, it was observed that BiKE:E5C1 activates laNK92 cells in mice, leading to eradication of cancer metastasis in both NK humanized hIL-15 and hIL-2 NOG mouse models. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our in vivo findings underscore BiKE:E5C1's potential as an immune cell engager capable of activating immune cells for cancer cell elimination, thereby expanding the arsenal of available BiKEs for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ge Yang
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hajar Owji
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Rick I Cohen
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lazaro Gil Gonzalez
- St Michael's Hospital Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Massumi
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Arash Hatefi
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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10
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Lee RB, Maddineni S, Landry M, Diaz C, Tashfeen A, Yamada-Hunter SA, Mackall CL, Beinat C, Sunwoo JB, Cochran JR. An engineered NKp46 antibody for construction of multi-specific NK cell engagers. Protein Eng Des Sel 2024; 37:gzae013. [PMID: 39163262 PMCID: PMC11359164 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzae013] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in cancer immunotherapy have highlighted the potential of harnessing natural killer (NK) cells in the treatment of neoplastic malignancies. Of these, bispecific antibodies, and NK cell engager (NKCE) protein therapeutics in particular, have been of interest. Here, we used phage display and yeast surface display to engineer RLN131, a unique cross-reactive antibody that binds to human, mouse, and cynomolgus NKp46, an activating receptor found on NK cells. RLN131 induced proliferation and activation of primary NK cells, and was used to create bispecific NKCE constructs of varying configurations and valency. All NKCEs were able to promote greater NK cell cytotoxicity against tumor cells than an unmodified anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, and activity was observed irrespective of whether the constructs contained a functional Fc domain. Competition binding and fine epitope mapping studies were used to demonstrate that RLN131 binds to a conserved epitope on NKp46, underlying its species cross-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
| | - Sainiteesh Maddineni
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
| | - Madeleine Landry
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, United States
| | - Celeste Diaz
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
| | - Aanya Tashfeen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, 350 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
| | - Sean A Yamada-Hunter
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
| | - Corinne Beinat
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, United States
| | - John B Sunwoo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
| | - Jennifer R Cochran
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
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11
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Graham LV, Fisher JG, Khakoo SI, Blunt MD. Targeting KIR as a novel approach to improve CAR-NK cell function. JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL GENETICS AND GENOMICS 2023; 7:230-235. [PMID: 38229912 PMCID: PMC7615527 DOI: 10.20517/jtgg.2023.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells are demonstrating promising activity in clinical trials and possess a favorable safety profile compared to CAR-T cells. The Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) have a critical role in the control of NK cell function, and recently, this family of activating and inhibitory receptors have been targeted to improve CAR-NK function. These strategies include the utilisation of inhibitory KIR to reduce trogocytosis-associated NK cell fratricide, the downregulation of inhibitory KIR on CAR-NK cells to alleviate HLA mediated suppression, the selection of CAR-NK cell donors enriched for activating KIR, and the use of activating KIR intracellular domains within novel CAR constructs. These pre-clinical studies demonstrate the potential utility of targeting the KIR to improve CAR-NK cell efficacy and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara V Graham
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jack G Fisher
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Matthew D Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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