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Yuan Q, Fan Z, Huang W, Huo X, Yang X, Ran Y, Chen J, Li H. Human cytomegalovirus UL23 exploits PD-L1 inhibitory signaling pathway to evade T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. mBio 2024; 15:e0119124. [PMID: 38829126 PMCID: PMC11253622 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01191-24] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a widely prevalent human beta-herpesvirus, establishes lifelong persistence in the host following primary infection. In healthy individuals, the virus is effectively controlled by HCMV-specific T cells and typically exhibits asymptomatic. The T cell immune response plays a pivotal role in combating HCMV infection, while HCMV employs various strategies to counteract it within the host. Previously, we reported that UL23, a tegument protein of HCMV, facilitates viral immune evasion from interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) responses, and it is well known that IFN-γ is mainly derived from T cells. However, the involvement of UL23 in viral immune evasion from T cell-mediated immunity remains unclear. Herein, we present compelling evidence that UL23 significantly enhances viral resistance against T cell-mediated cytotoxicity during HCMV infection from the co-culture assays of HCMV-infected cells with T cells. We found that IFN-γ plays a major role in regulating T cell cytotoxicity mediated by UL23. More interestingly, we demonstrated that UL23 not only regulates the IFN-γ downstream responses but also modulates the IFN-γ secretion by regulating T cell activities. Further experiments indicate that UL23 upregulates the expression and signaling of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is responsible for inhibiting multiple aspects of T cell activities, including activation, apoptosis, and IFN-γ secretion, as determined through RNA-seq analysis and inhibitor-blocking experiments, ultimately facilitating viral replication and spread. Our findings highlight the potential role of UL23 as an alternative antagonist in suppressing T cell cytotoxicity and unveil a novel strategy for HCMV to evade T cell immunity. IMPORTANCE T cell immunity is pivotal in controlling primary human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, restricting periodic reactivation, and preventing HCMV-associated diseases. Despite inducing a robust T cell immune response, HCMV has developed sophisticated immune evasion mechanisms that specifically target T cell responses. Although numerous studies have been conducted on HCMV-specific T cells, the primary focus has been on the impact of HCMV on T cell recognition via major histocompatibility complex molecules. Our studies show for the first time that HCMV exploits the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitory signaling pathway to evade T cell immunity by modulating the activities of T cells and thereby blocking the secretion of IFN-γ, which is directly mediated by HCMV-encoded tegument protein UL23. While PD-L1 has been extensively studied in the context of tumors and viruses, its involvement in HCMV infection and viral immune evasion is rarely reported. We observed an upregulation of PD-L1 in normal cells during HCMV infection and provided strong evidence supporting its critical role in UL23-induced inhibition of T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The novel strategy employed by HCMV to manipulate the inhibitory signaling pathway of T cell immune activation for viral evasion through its encoded protein offers valuable insights for the understanding of HCMV-mediated T cell immunomodulation and developing innovative antiviral treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaosong Fan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqiang Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Huo
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhong Ran
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongjian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Shu J, Xie W, Chen Z, Offringa R, Hu Y, Mei H. The enchanting canvas of CAR technology: Unveiling its wonders in non-neoplastic diseases. MED 2024; 5:495-529. [PMID: 38608709 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.03.016] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have made a groundbreaking advancement in personalized immunotherapy and achieved widespread success in hematological malignancies. As CAR technology continues to evolve, numerous studies have unveiled its potential far beyond the realm of oncology. This review focuses on the current applications of CAR-based cellular platforms in non-neoplastic indications, such as autoimmune, infectious, fibrotic, and cellular senescence-associated diseases. Furthermore, we delve into the utilization of CARs in non-T cell populations such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, highlighting their therapeutic potential in non-neoplastic conditions and offering the potential for targeted, personalized therapies to improve patient outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Shu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhaozhao Chen
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Rienk Offringa
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Heng Mei
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China.
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3
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Menschikowski H, Bednar C, Kübel S, Hermann M, Bauer L, Thomas M, Cordsmeier A, Ensser A. Evaluation of Bispecific T-Cell Engagers Targeting Murine Cytomegalovirus. Viruses 2024; 16:869. [PMID: 38932161 PMCID: PMC11209133 DOI: 10.3390/v16060869] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that, while latent in most individuals, poses a great risk to immunocompromised patients. In contrast to directly acting traditional antiviral drugs, such as ganciclovir, we aim to emulate a physiological infection control using T cells. For this, we constructed several bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) constructs targeting different viral glycoproteins of the murine cytomegalovirus and evaluated them in vitro for their efficacy. To isolate the target specific effect without viral immune evasion, we established stable reporter cell lines expressing the viral target glycoprotein B, and the glycoprotein complexes gN-gM and gH-gL, as well as nano-luciferase (nLuc). First, we evaluated binding capacities using flow cytometry and established killing assays, measuring nLuc-release upon cell lysis. All BiTE constructs proved to be functional mediators for T-cell recruitment and will allow a proof of concept for this treatment option. This might pave the way for strikingly safer immunosuppression in vulnerable patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Armin Ensser
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (H.M.); (S.K.); (M.H.); (A.C.)
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4
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Morte-Romea E, Pesini C, Pellejero-Sagastizábal G, Letona-Giménez S, Martínez-Lostao L, Aranda SL, Toyas C, Redrado S, Dolader-Ballesteros E, Arias M, Galvez EM, Sanz-Pamplona R, Pardo J, Paño-Pardo JR, Ramírez-Labrada A. CAR Immunotherapy for the treatment of infectious diseases: a systematic review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1289303. [PMID: 38352878 PMCID: PMC10861799 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1289303] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy treatments aim to modulate the host's immune response to either mitigate it in inflammatory/autoimmune disease or enhance it against infection or cancer. Among different immunotherapies reaching clinical application during the last years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment for cancer where different CAR T cells have already been approved. Yet their use against infectious diseases is an area still relatively poorly explored, albeit with tremendous potential for research and clinical application. Infectious diseases represent a global health challenge, with the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance underscoring the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. This review aims to systematically evaluate the current applications of CAR immunotherapy in infectious diseases and discuss its potential for future applications. Notably, CAR cell therapies, initially developed for cancer treatment, are gaining recognition as potential remedies for infectious diseases. The review sheds light on significant progress in CAR T cell therapy directed at viral and opportunistic fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Morte-Romea
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia Pesini
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- Immunotherapy, Cytotoxicity, Inflammation and Cancer, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Galadriel Pellejero-Sagastizábal
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Santiago Letona-Giménez
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis Martínez-Lostao
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatry, Radiology and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Nanoscience Institute of Aragon (INA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Loscos Aranda
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carla Toyas
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sergio Redrado
- Instituto de Carboquímica-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicadas (ICB-CSIC), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Elena Dolader-Ballesteros
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatry, Radiology and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maykel Arias
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Carboquímica-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicadas (ICB-CSIC), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eva M. Galvez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Carboquímica-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicadas (ICB-CSIC), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rebeca Sanz-Pamplona
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatry, Radiology and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose Ramón Paño-Pardo
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ariel Ramírez-Labrada
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Nanotoxicología e Inmunotoxicología Experimental (UNATI), Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
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5
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Bednar C, Kübel S, Cordsmeier A, Scholz B, Menschikowski H, Ensser A. A Genetically Encoded Dark-to-Bright Biosensor for Visualisation of Granzyme-Mediated Cytotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13589. [PMID: 37686395 PMCID: PMC10487497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713589] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Granzyme B (GZMB) is a key enzyme released by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells to induce apoptosis in target cells. We designed a novel fluorogenic biosensor which is able to assess GZMB activity in a specific and sensitive manner. This cleavage-responsive sensor for T cell activity level (CRSTAL) is based on a fluorescent protein that is only activated upon cleavage by GZMB or caspase-8. CRSTAL was tested in stable cell lines and demonstrated a strong and long-lasting fluorescence signal upon induction with GZMB. It can detect GZMB activity not only by overexpression of GZMB in target cells but also following transfer of GZMB and perforin from effector cells during cytotoxicity. This feature has significant implications for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in monitoring the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. CAR-T cells are a promising therapy option for various cancer types, but monitoring their activity in vivo is challenging. The development of biosensors like CRSTAL provides a valuable tool for monitoring of CAR-T cell activity. In summary, CRSTAL is a highly sensitive biosensor that can detect GZMB activity in target cells, providing a means for evaluating the cytotoxic activity of immune cells and monitoring T cell activity in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Armin Ensser
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.B.); (S.K.); (A.C.); (B.S.); (H.M.)
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6
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Palav HC, Bhonde G, Padwal V, Velhal S, Pereira J, Singh AK, Ghosh S, Karandikar K, Satoskar P, Bhor V, Patel V. Integrated immune monitoring of HCMV infection in pregnant women with complications and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Microb Pathog 2023; 179:106109. [PMID: 37040845 PMCID: PMC7615074 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106109] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with bad obstetric history (BOH) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). Here, we characterized antiviral humoral profiles, systemic and virus specific cellular immune responses concurrently in pregnant women (n = 67) with complications including BOH and associated these signatures with pregnancy outcomes. Infection status was determined using nested blood PCR, seropositivity and IgG avidity by ELISA. Systemic and HCMV specific (pp65) cellular immune responses were evaluated by flow cytometry. Seropositivity was determined for other TORCH pathogens (n = 33) on samples with recorded pregnancy outcomes. This approach was more sensitive in detecting HCMV infection. Blood PCR positive participants, irrespective of their IgG avidity status, had higher cytotoxic potential in circulating CD8+ T cells (p < 0.05) suggesting that infection associated cellular dysfunction was uncoupled with avidity maturation of antiviral humoral responses. Also, impaired anamnestic degranulation of HCMV-pp65-specific T cells compared to HCMV blood PCR negative participants (p < 0.05) was observed. APO correlated with HCMV blood PCR positivity but not serostatus (p = 0.0039). Most HCMV IgM positive participants (5/6) were HCMV blood PCR positive with APO. None were found to be IgM positive for other TORCH pathogens. Multiple TORCH seropositivity however was significantly enriched in the APO group (p = 0.024). Generation of HCMV specific high avidity IgG antibodies had no bearing on APO (p = 0.9999). Our study highlights the utility of an integrated screening approach for antenatal HCMV infection in the context of BOH, where infection is associated with systemic and virus specific cellular immune dysfunction as well as APO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsha Chandrashekhar Palav
- Viral Immunopathogenesis Lab, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gauri Bhonde
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Varsha Padwal
- Viral Immunopathogenesis Lab, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shilpa Velhal
- Viral Immunopathogenesis Lab, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jacintha Pereira
- Viral Immunopathogenesis Lab, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Viral Immunopathogenesis Lab, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sayantani Ghosh
- Viral Immunopathogenesis Lab, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kalyani Karandikar
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Vikrant Bhor
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Vainav Patel
- Viral Immunopathogenesis Lab, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
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7
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Alternative CAR Therapies: Recent Approaches in Engineering Chimeric Antigen Receptor Immune Cells to Combat Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071493. [PMID: 35884798 PMCID: PMC9313317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
For nearly three decades, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have captivated the interest of researchers seeking to find novel immunotherapies to treat cancer. CARs were first designed to work with T cells, and the first CAR T cell therapy was approved to treat B cell lymphoma in 2017. Recent advancements in CAR technology have led to the development of modified CARs, including multi-specific CARs and logic gated CARs. Other immune cell types, including natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, have also been engineered to express CARs to treat cancer. Additionally, CAR technology has been adapted in novel approaches to treating autoimmune disease and other conditions and diseases. In this article, we review these recent advancements in alternative CAR therapies and design, as well as their mechanisms of action, challenges in application, and potential future directions.
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8
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Dai X, Li J, Chen Y, Ostrikov KK. When Onco-Immunotherapy Meets Cold Atmospheric Plasma: Implications on CAR-T Therapies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837995. [PMID: 35280746 PMCID: PMC8905244 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) have demonstrated its widespread efficacy as a targeted immunotherapeutic modality. Yet, concerns on its specificity, efficacy and generalization prevented it from being established into a first-line approach against cancers. By reviewing challenges limiting its clinical application, ongoing efforts trying to resolve them, and opportunities that emerging oncotherapeutic modalities may bring to temper these challenges, we conclude that careful CAR design should be done to avoid the off-tumor effect, enhance the efficacy of solid tumor treatment, improve product comparability, and resolve problems such as differential efficacies of co-stimulatory molecules, cytokine storm, tumor lysis syndrome, myelosuppression and severe hepatotoxicity. As a promising solution, we propose potential synergies between CAR-T therapies and cold atmospheric plasma, an emerging onco-therapeutic strategy relying on reactive species, towards improved therapeutic efficacies and enhanced safety that deserve extensive investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Dai
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,CAPsoul Biotechnology Company, Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Jitian Li
- Henan Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital)/Henan Provincial Orthopedic Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Kostya Ken Ostrikov
- School of Chemistry and Physics and Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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9
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Mohammadi M, Akhoundi M, Malih S, Mohammadi A, Sheykhhasan M. Therapeutic roles of CAR T cells in infectious diseases: Clinical lessons learnt from cancer. Rev Med Virol 2022; 32:e2325. [PMID: 35037732 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has made improvements due to the advances in chimaeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell development, offering a promising treatment option for patients who have failed to respond to traditional treatments. In light of the successful use of adoptive CAR T cell therapy for cancer, researchers have been inspired to develop CARs for the treatment of other diseases beyond cancers such as viral infectious diseases. Nonetheless, various obstacles limit the efficacy of CAR T cell therapies and prevent their widespread usage. Severe toxicities, poor in vivo persistence, antigen escape, and heterogeneity, as well as off-target effect, are key challenges that must all be addressed to broaden the application of CAR T cells to a wider spectrum of diseases. The key advances in CAR T cell treatment for cancer and viral infections are reviewed in this article. We will also discuss revolutionary CAR T cell products developed to improve and enhance the therapeutic advantages of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Mohammadi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Akhoundi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Malih
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sheykhhasan
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, The Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Qom, Iran
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10
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Mehdizadeh M, Karami S, Ghaffari Nazari H, Sankanian G, Hamidpour M, Hajifathali A. Immunotherapy with adoptive cytomegalovirus-specific T cells transfer: Summarizing latest gene engineering techniques. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e322. [PMID: 34263085 PMCID: PMC8264956 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a major complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). T cell response plays a critical role in inducing long-term immunity against CMV infection/reactivation that impairs during HSCT. Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) via transferring CMV-specific T cells from a seropositive donor to the recipient can accelerate virus-specific immune reconstitution. ACT, as an alternative approach, can restore protective antiviral T cell immunity in patients. Different manufacturing protocols have been introduced to isolate and expand specific T cells for the ACT clinical setting. Nevertheless, HLA restriction, long-term manufacturing process, risk of alloreactivity, and CMV seropositive donor availability have limited ACT broad applicability. Genetic engineering has developed new strategies to produce TCR-modified T cells for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious disease. In this review, we presented current strategies required for ACT in posttransplant CMV infection. We also introduced novel gene-modified T cell discoveries in the context of ACT for CMV infection. It seems that these innovations are enabling to improvement and development of ACT utilization to combat posttransplant CMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Mehdizadeh
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Samira Karami
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Haniyeh Ghaffari Nazari
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ghazaleh Sankanian
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mohsen Hamidpour
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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11
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Olbrich H, Theobald SJ, Slabik C, Gerasch L, Schneider A, Mach M, Shum T, Mamonkin M, Stripecke R. Adult and Cord Blood-Derived High-Affinity gB-CAR-T Cells Effectively React Against Human Cytomegalovirus Infections. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 31:423-439. [PMID: 32159399 PMCID: PMC7194322 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivations are associated with lower overall survival after transplantations. Adoptive transfer of HCMV-reactive expanded or selected T cells can be applied as a compassionate use, but requires that the human leukocyte antigen-matched donor provides memory cells against HCMV. To overcome this, we developed engineered T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeted against the HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) expressed upon viral reactivation. Single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) derived from a human high-affinity gB-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibody (SM5-1) were fused to CARs with 4-1BB (BBL) or CD28 (28S) costimulatory domains and subcloned into retroviral vectors. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells obtained from HCMV-seronegative adult blood or cord blood (CB) transduced with the vectors efficiently expressed the gB-CARs. The specificity and potency of gB-CAR-T cells were demonstrated and compared in vitro using the following: 293T cells expressing gB, and with mesenchymal stem cells infected with a HCMV TB40 strain expressing Gaussia luciferase (HCMV/GLuc). BBL-gB-CAR-T cells generated with adult or CB demonstrated significantly higher in vitro activation and cytotoxicity performance than 28-gB-CAR-T cells. Nod.Rag.Gamma (NRG) mice transplanted with human CB CD34+ cells with long-term human immune reconstitution were used to model HCMV/GLuc infection in vivo by optical imaging analyses. One week after administration, response to BBL-gB-CAR-T cell therapy was observed for 5/8 mice, defined by significant reduction of the bioluminescent signal in relation to untreated controls. Response to therapy was sporadically associated with CAR detection in spleen. Thus, exploring scFv derived from the high-affinity gB-antibody SM5-1 and the 4-1BB signaling domain for CAR design enabled an in vitro high on-target effect and cytotoxicity and encouraging results in vivo. Therefore, gB-CAR-T cells can be a future clinical option for treatment of HCMV reactivations, particularly when memory T cells from the donors are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Olbrich
- Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sebastian J Theobald
- Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Constanze Slabik
- Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Laura Gerasch
- Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Schneider
- Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Mach
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Shum
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Maksim Mamonkin
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Renata Stripecke
- Laboratory of Regenerative Immune Therapies Applied, Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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12
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CARs-A New Perspective to HCMV Treatment. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081563. [PMID: 34452428 PMCID: PMC8402902 DOI: 10.3390/v13081563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), by primary infection or reactivation, represents a great risk for immune-suppressed or compromised patients. In immunocompetent humans, the immune system suppresses the spread of HCMV during an infection, resulting in a mostly asymptomatic or mild course of the disease, whereas in immune suppressed patients, the compromised host immune response cannot control the viral infection. Multiple viral immunomodulatory mechanisms additionally contribute to immune evasion. Use of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), a treatment strategy adapted from cancer immunotherapy, is investigated for possible application to combat HCMV and other infections in immunocompromised patients. The administration of CAR+ T-cells directed against HCMV antigens can bypass viral immune evasion and may complement existing treatment methods. This review gives a short overview of HCMV, the obstacles of current treatment options as well as a brief introduction to CARs and the current research situation on CAR+ T-cells against HCMV.
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13
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García-Ríos E, Nuévalos M, Mancebo FJ, Pérez-Romero P. Is It Feasible to Use CMV-Specific T-Cell Adoptive Transfer as Treatment Against Infection in SOT Recipients? Front Immunol 2021; 12:657144. [PMID: 33968058 PMCID: PMC8104120 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.657144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, many studies have demonstrated the role of CMV specific T-cell immune response on controlling CMV replication and dissemination. In fact, it is well established that transplanted patients lacking CMV-specific T-cell immunity have an increased occurrence of CMV replication episodes and CMV-related complications. In this context, the use of adoptive transfer of CMV-specific T-cells has been widely investigated and applied to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant patients and may be useful as a therapeutic alternative, to reconstitute the CMV specific T-cell response and to control CMV viremia in patients receiving a transplantation. However, only few authors have explored the use of T-cell adoptive transfer in SOT recipients. We propose a novel review in which we provide an overview of the impact of using CMV-specific T-cell adoptive transfer on the control of CMV infection in SOT recipients, the different approaches to stimulate, isolate and expand CMV-specific T-cells developed over the years and a discussion of the possible use of CMV adoptive cellular therapy in this SOT population. Given the timeliness and importance of this topic, we believe that such an analysis will provide important insights into CMV infection and its treatment/prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estéfani García-Ríos
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Marcos Nuévalos
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Francisco J Mancebo
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Pilar Pérez-Romero
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
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14
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Ali A, Chiuppesi F, Nguyen M, Hausner MA, Nguyen J, Kha M, Iniguez A, Wussow F, Diamond DJ, Yang OO. Chimeric Antigen Receptors Targeting Human Cytomegalovirus. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:853-862. [PMID: 32285133 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that causes significant morbidity in some vulnerable populations. Individualized adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded CMV-specific CD8+ T cells has provided proof-of-concept that immunotherapy can be highly effective, but a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) approach would provide a feasible method for broad application. We created 8 novel CARs using anti-CMV neutralizing antibody sequences, which were transduced via lentiviral vector into primary CD8+ T cells. All CARs were expressed. Activity against CMV-infected target cells was assessed by release of cytokines (interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α), upregulation of surface CD107a, proliferation, cytolysis of infected cells, and suppression of viral replication. While some CARs showed varying functional activity across these assays, 1 CAR based on antibody 21E9 was consistently superior in all measures. These results support development of a CMV-specific CAR for therapeutic use against CMV and potentially other applications harnessing CMV-driven immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayub Ali
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Flavia Chiuppesi
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Minh Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mary Ann Hausner
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jenny Nguyen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Mindy Kha
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Angelina Iniguez
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Felix Wussow
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Don J Diamond
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Otto O Yang
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, California, USA
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15
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Mazzi MT, Hajdu KL, Ribeiro PR, Bonamino MH. CAR-T cells leave the comfort zone: current and future applications beyond cancer. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2021; 1:ltaa006. [PMID: 36284896 PMCID: PMC9585679 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy represents a breakthrough in the immunotherapy field and has achieved great success following its approval in 2017 for the treatment of B cell malignancies. While CAR-T cells are mostly applied as anti-tumor therapy in the present, their initial concept was aimed at a more general purpose of targeting membrane antigens, thus translating in many potential applications. Since then, several studies have assessed the use of CAR-T cells toward non-malignant pathologies such as autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and, more recently, cardiac fibrosis, and cellular senescence. In this review, we present the main findings and implications of CAR-based therapies for non-malignant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Torres Mazzi
- Immunology and Tumor Biology Program - Research Coordination, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karina Lôbo Hajdu
- Immunology and Tumor Biology Program - Research Coordination, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Priscila Rafaela Ribeiro
- Immunology and Tumor Biology Program - Research Coordination, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martín Hernán Bonamino
- Immunology and Tumor Biology Program - Research Coordination, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Vice - Presidency of Research and Biological Collections (VPPCB), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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16
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Vasilieva E, Gianella S, Freeman ML. Novel Strategies to Combat CMV-Related Cardiovascular Disease. Pathog Immun 2020; 5:240-274. [PMID: 33089035 PMCID: PMC7556413 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v5i1.382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a ubiquitous human pathogen that is never cleared from the host, has long been thought to be relatively innocuous in immunocompetent adults, but causes severe complications including blindness, end-organ disease, and death in newborns and in immuno-compromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients and those suffering from AIDS. Yet even in persons with intact immunity, CMV infection is associated with profound stimulation of immune and inflammatory pathways. Carriers of CMV infection also have an elevated risk of developing cardiovascular complications. In this review, we define the proposed mechanisms of how CMV contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD), describe current approaches to target CMV, and discuss how these strategies may or may not alleviate cardiovascular complications in those with CMV infection. In addition, we discuss the special situation of CMV coinfection in people with HIV infection receiving antiretroviral therapy, and describe how these 2 viral infections may interact to potentiate CVD in this especially vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Vasilieva
- Laboratory of Atherothrombosis, Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow 127473, Russia
| | - Sara Gianella
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michael L. Freeman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine; Department of Medicine; Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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17
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Cytomegalovirus inhibition of extrinsic apoptosis determines fitness and resistance to cytotoxic CD8 T cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:12961-12968. [PMID: 32444487 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1914667117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral immune evasion is currently understood to focus on deflecting CD8 T cell recognition of infected cells by disrupting antigen presentation pathways. We evaluated viral interference with the ultimate step in cytotoxic T cell function, the death of infected cells. The viral inhibitor of caspase-8 activation (vICA) conserved in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and murine CMV (MCMV) prevents the activation of caspase-8 and proapoptotic signaling. We demonstrate the key role of vICA from either virus, in deflecting antigen-specific CD8 T cell-killing of infected cells. vICA-deficient mutants, lacking either UL36 or M36, exhibit greater susceptibility to CD8 T cell control than mutants lacking the set of immunoevasins known to disrupt antigen presentation via MHC class I. This difference is evident during infection in the natural mouse host infected with MCMV, in settings where virus-specific CD8 T cells are adoptively transferred. Finally, we identify the molecular mechanism through which vICA acts, demonstrating the central contribution of caspase-8 signaling at a point of convergence of death receptor-induced apoptosis and perforin/granzyme-dependent cytotoxicity.
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18
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Abstract
: The use of cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a vaccine vector to express antigens against multiple infectious diseases, including simian immunodeficiency virus, Ebola virus, plasmodium, and mycobacterium tuberculosis, in rhesus macaques has generated extraordinary levels of protective immunity against subsequent pathogenic challenge. Moreover, the mechanisms of immune protection have altered paradigms about viral vector-mediated immunity against ectopically expressed vaccine antigens. Further optimization of CMV-vectored vaccines, particularly as this approach moves to human clinical trials will be augmented by a more complete understanding of how CMV engenders mechanisms of immune protection. This review summarizes the particulars of the specific CMV vaccine vector that has been used to date (rhesus CMV strain 68-1) in relation to CMV natural history.
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19
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Seif M, Einsele H, Löffler J. CAR T Cells Beyond Cancer: Hope for Immunomodulatory Therapy of Infectious Diseases. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2711. [PMID: 31824500 PMCID: PMC6881243 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the progress in drug development, the occurrence of microbial resistance is still a significant concern. Alternative therapeutic strategies are required for non-responding or relapsing patients. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy, providing a potential therapeutic option for patients who are unresponsive to standard treatments. Recently two CAR T cell therapies, Yescarta® (Kite Pharma/Gilead) and Kymriah® (Novartis) were approved by the FDA for the treatments of certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, respectively. The success of adoptive CAR T cell therapy for cancer has inspired researchers to develop CARs for the treatment of infectious diseases. Here, we review the main achievements in CAR T cell therapy targeting viral infections, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, Human Cytomegalovirus, and opportunistic fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jürgen Löffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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20
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Brey CU, Proff J, Teufert N, Salzer B, Brozy J, Münz M, Pendzialek J, Ensser A, Holter W, Lehner M. A gB/CD3 bispecific BiTE antibody construct for targeting Human Cytomegalovirus-infected cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17453. [PMID: 30487534 PMCID: PMC6261951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) antibody constructs are successfully used as cancer therapeutics. We hypothesized that this treatment strategy could also be applicable for therapy of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, since HCMV-encoded proteins are abundantly expressed on the surface of infected cells. Here we show that a BiTE antibody construct directed against HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) and CD3 efficiently triggers T cells to secrete IFN-γ and TNF upon co-culture with fibroblasts infected with HCMV strain AD169, Towne or Toledo. Titration of gB expression levels in non-infected cells confirmed that already low levels of gB are sufficient for efficient triggering of T cells in presence of the BiTE antibody construct. Comparison of redirecting T cells with the bispecific antibody versus a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based on the same scFv showed a similar sensitivity for gB expression. Although lysis of infected target cells was absent, the BiTE antibody construct inhibited HCMV replication by triggering cytokine production. Notably, even strongly diluted supernatants of the activated T cells efficiently blocked the replication of HCMV in infected primary fibroblasts. In summary, our data prove the functionality of the first BiTE antibody construct targeting an HCMV-encoded glycoprotein for inhibiting HCMV replication in infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Proff
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Natascha Teufert
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | - Markus Münz
- AMGEN Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Armin Ensser
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Holter
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Kinderspital, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Lehner
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria.
- St. Anna Kinderspital, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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21
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Proff J, Brey CU, Ensser A, Holter W, Lehner M. Turning the tables on cytomegalovirus: targeting viral Fc receptors by CARs containing mutated CH2-CH3 IgG spacer domains. J Transl Med 2018; 16:26. [PMID: 29422056 PMCID: PMC5804023 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1394-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) several viral proteins occur on cell surfaces in high quantity. We thus pursue an HLA-independent approach for immunotherapy of HCMV using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and bispecific BiTE® antibody constructs. In this context, HCMV-encoded proteins that mediate viral immune evasion and bind human IgG might represent particularly attractive target antigens. Unlike in observations of similar approaches for HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses, however, HCMV-infected cells develop a striking resistance to cytotoxic effector functions at later stages of the replication cycle. In our study we therefore wanted to test two hypotheses: (1) CAR T cells can efficiently inhibit HCMV replication independently from cytotoxic effector functions, and (2) HCMV can be targeted by CH2–CH3 IgG spacer domains that contain mutations previously reported to prevent exhaustion and to rescue CAR T cell function in vivo. Methods Replication of GFP-encoding recombinant HCMV in fibroblasts in the presence and absence of supernatants from T cell co-cultures plus/minus cytokine neutralizing antibodies was analyzed by flow cytometry. CARs with wild type and mutated CH2–CH3 domains were expressed in human T cells by mRNA electroporation, and the function of the CARs was assessed by quantifying T cell cytokine secretion. Results We confirm and extend previous evidence of antiviral cytokine effects and demonstrate that CAR T cells strongly block HCMV replication in fibroblasts mainly by combined secretion of IFN-γ and TNF. Furthermore, we show that fibroblasts infected with HCMV strains AD169 and Towne starting from day 3 have a high capacity for binding of human IgG1 and also strongly activate T cells expressing a CAR with CH2–CH3 domain. Importantly, we further show that mutations in the CH2–CH3 domain of IgG1 and IgG4, which were previously reported to rescue CAR T cell function by abrogating interaction with endogenous Fc receptors (FcRs), still enable recognition of FcRs encoded by HCMV. Conclusions Our findings identify HCMV-encoded FcRs as an attractive additional target for HCMV immunotherapy by CARs and possibly bispecific antibodies. The use of specifically mutated IgG domains that bind to HCMV-FcRs without recognizing endogenous FcRs may supersede screening for novel binders directed against individual HCMV-FcRs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-018-1394-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Proff
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Zimmermannplatz 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Charlotte U Brey
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Zimmermannplatz 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Armin Ensser
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Schlossgarten 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Holter
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Zimmermannplatz 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,St. Anna Kinderspital, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 6, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Lehner
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Zimmermannplatz 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria. .,St. Anna Kinderspital, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 6, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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22
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Dillinger B, Ahmadi-Erber S, Soukup K, Halfmann A, Schrom S, Vanhove B, Steinberger P, Geyeregger R, Ladisch S, Dohnal AM. CD28 Blockade Ex Vivo Induces Alloantigen-Specific Immune Tolerance but Preserves T-Cell Pathogen Reactivity. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1152. [PMID: 28979262 PMCID: PMC5611377 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Donor T-cells contribute to reconstitution of protective immunity after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) but must acquire specific tolerance against recipient alloantigens to avoid life-threatening graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Systemic immunosuppressive drugs may abrogate severe GvHD, but this also impedes memory responses to invading pathogens. Here, we tested whether ex vivo blockade of CD28 co-stimulation can enable selective T-cell tolerization to alloantigens by facilitating CD80/86-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) signaling. Treatment of human allogeneic dendritic cell/T-cell co-cultures with a human CD28 blocking antibody fragment (α-huCD28) significantly abrogated subsequent allospecific immune responses, seen by decreased T-cell proliferation and of type 1 cytokine (IFN-γ and IL-2) expression. Allo-tolerization persisted after discontinuation of CD28 blockade and secondary alloantigen stimulation, as confirmed by enhanced CTLA-4 and PD-1 immune checkpoint signaling. However, T-cells retained reactivity to pathogens, supported by clonotyping of neo-primed and cross-reactive T-cells specific for Candida albicans or third-party antigens using deep sequencing analysis. In an MHC-mismatched murine model, we tolerized C57BL/6 T-cells by ex vivo exposure to a murine single chain Fv specific for CD28 (α-muCD28). Infusion of these cells, after α-muCD28 washout, into bone marrow-transplanted BALB/c mice caused allo-tolerance and did not induce GvHD-associated hepatic pathology. We conclude that selective CD28 blockade ex vivo can allow the generation of stably allo-tolerized T-cells that in turn do not induce graft-versus-host reactions while maintaining pathogen reactivity. Hence, CD28 co-stimulation blockade of donor T-cells may be a useful therapeutic approach to support the immune system after HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Dillinger
- Tumor Immunology, Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Ahmadi-Erber
- Tumor Immunology, Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Vienna, Austria
| | - Klara Soukup
- Tumor Immunology, Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Vienna, Austria
| | - Angela Halfmann
- Tumor Immunology, Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Vienna, Austria
| | - Silke Schrom
- Tumor Immunology, Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernard Vanhove
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR 1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), CHU Nantes, Nantes, France.,OSE Immunotherapeutics, Nantes, France
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rene Geyeregger
- Clinical Cell Biology, Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Ladisch
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alexander Michael Dohnal
- Tumor Immunology, Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) developed in the past two decades for research and pre-clinical purposes have entered clinical trials with remarkable safety and efficacy performances. Development and clinical testing of LVs for improvement of human immunity showed major advantages in comparison to other viral vector systems. Robust and persisted transduction efficiency of blood cells with LVs, resulted into a broad range of target cells for immune therapeutic approaches: from hematopoietic stem cells and precursor cells for correction of immune deficiencies, up to effector lymphoid and myeloid cells. T cells engineered for expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or epitope-specific transgenic T cell receptors (TCRs) are in several cancer immune therapy clinical trials worldwide. Development of engineered dendritic cells is primed for clinical trials for cancer and chronic infections. Technological adaptations for ex vivo cell manipulations are here discussed and presented based on properties and uses of the target cell. For future development of off-shelf immune therapies, direct in vivo administration of lentiviral vectors is warranted and intended. Approaches for lentiviral in vivo targeting to maximize immune therapeutic success are discussed.
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