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Taheri M, Tehrani HA, Dehghani S, Alibolandi M, Arefian E, Ramezani M. Nanotechnology and bioengineering approaches to improve the potency of mesenchymal stem cell as an off-the-shelf versatile tumor delivery vehicle. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1596-1661. [PMID: 38299924 DOI: 10.1002/med.22023] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Targeting actionable mutations in oncogene-driven cancers and the evolution of immuno-oncology are the two prominent revolutions that have influenced cancer treatment paradigms and caused the emergence of precision oncology. However, intertumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity are the main challenges in both fields of precision cancer treatment. In other words, finding a universal marker or pathway in patients suffering from a particular type of cancer is challenging. Therefore, targeting a single hallmark or pathway with a single targeted therapeutic will not be efficient for fighting against tumor heterogeneity. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess favorable characteristics for cellular therapy, including their hypoimmune nature, inherent tumor-tropism property, straightforward isolation, and multilineage differentiation potential. MSCs can be loaded with various chemotherapeutics and oncolytic viruses. The combination of these intrinsic features with the possibility of genetic manipulation makes them a versatile tumor delivery vehicle that can be used for in vivo selective tumor delivery of various chemotherapeutic and biological therapeutics. MSCs can be used as biofactory for the local production of chemical or biological anticancer agents at the tumor site. MSC-mediated immunotherapy could facilitate the sustained release of immunotherapeutic agents specifically at the tumor site, and allow for the achievement of therapeutic concentrations without the need for repetitive systemic administration of high therapeutic doses. Despite the enthusiasm evoked by preclinical studies that used MSC in various cancer therapy approaches, the translation of MSCs into clinical applications has faced serious challenges. This manuscript, with a critical viewpoint, reviewed the preclinical and clinical studies that have evaluated MSCs as a selective tumor delivery tool in various cancer therapy approaches, including gene therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Then, the novel nanotechnology and bioengineering approaches that can improve the potency of MSC for tumor targeting and overcoming challenges related to their low localization at the tumor sites are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Taheri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Abdul Tehrani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Dehghani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ehsan Arefian
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Lin H, Li C, Zhang W, Wu B, Wang Y, Wang S, Wang D, Li X, Huang H. Synthetic Cells and Molecules in Cellular Immunotherapy. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2833-2859. [PMID: 38904025 PMCID: PMC11186374 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.94346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has emerged as an exciting strategy for cancer treatment, as it aims to enhance the body's immune response to tumor cells by engineering immune cells and designing synthetic molecules from scratch. Because of the cytotoxic nature, abundance in peripheral blood, and maturation of genetic engineering techniques, T cells have become the most commonly engineered immune cells to date. Represented by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy, T cell-based immunotherapy has revolutionized the clinical treatment of hematological malignancies. However, serious side effects and limited efficacy in solid tumors have hindered the clinical application of cellular immunotherapy. To address these limitations, various innovative strategies regarding synthetic cells and molecules have been developed. On one hand, some cytotoxic immune cells other than T cells have been engineered to explore the potential of targeted elimination of tumor cells, while some adjuvant cells have also been engineered to enhance the therapeutic effect. On the other hand, diverse synthetic cellular components and molecules are added to engineered immune cells to regulate their functions, promoting cytotoxic activity and restricting side effects. Moreover, novel bioactive materials such as hydrogels facilitating the delivery of therapeutic immune cells have also been applied to improve the efficacy of cellular immunotherapy. This review summarizes the innovative strategies of synthetic cells and molecules currently available in cellular immunotherapies, discusses the limitations, and provides insights into the next generation of cellular immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikun Lin
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Chentao Li
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanying Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - Boxiang Wu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - Shimin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - Xia Li
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of The First Affiliated Hospital & Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Haining, China
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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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Dash CP, Sonowal D, Dhaka P, Yadav R, Chettri D, Satapathy BP, Sheoran P, Uttam V, Jain M, Jain A. Antitumor activity of genetically engineered NK-cells in non-hematological solid tumor: a comprehensive review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1390498. [PMID: 38694508 PMCID: PMC11061440 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1390498] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in genetic engineering have made it possible to modify Natural Killer (NK) cells to enhance their ability to fight against various cancers, including solid tumors. This comprehensive overview discusses the current status of genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor NK-cell therapies and their potential for treating solid tumors. We explore the inherent characteristics of NK cells and their role in immune regulation and tumor surveillance. Moreover, we examine the strategies used to genetically engineer NK cells in terms of efficacy, safety profile, and potential clinical applications. Our investigation suggests CAR-NK cells can effectively target and regress non-hematological malignancies, demonstrating enhanced antitumor efficacy. This implies excellent promise for treating tumors using genetically modified NK cells. Notably, NK cells exhibit low graft versus host disease (GvHD) potential and rarely induce significant toxicities, making them an ideal platform for CAR engineering. The adoptive transfer of allogeneic NK cells into patients further emphasizes the versatility of NK cells for various applications. We also address challenges and limitations associated with the clinical translation of genetically engineered NK-cell therapies, such as off-target effects, immune escape mechanisms, and manufacturing scalability. We provide strategies to overcome these obstacles through combination therapies and delivery optimization. Overall, we believe this review contributes to advancing NK-cell-based immunotherapy as a promising approach for cancer treatment by elucidating the underlying mechanisms, evaluating preclinical and clinical evidence, and addressing remaining challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmayee Priyadarsini Dash
- Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Dhruba Sonowal
- Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Prachi Dhaka
- Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Rohit Yadav
- Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Dewan Chettri
- Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Bibhu Prasad Satapathy
- Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Pooja Sheoran
- Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Vivek Uttam
- Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Manju Jain
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Aklank Jain
- Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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6
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Santillán-Guaján SM, Shahi MH, Castresana JS. Mesenchymal-Stem-Cell-Based Therapy against Gliomas. Cells 2024; 13:617. [PMID: 38607056 PMCID: PMC11011546 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive, malignant, and lethal brain tumor of the central nervous system. Its poor prognosis lies in its inefficient response to currently available treatments that consist of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recently, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a possible kind of cell therapy against glioblastoma is gaining great interest due to their immunomodulatory properties, tumor tropism, and differentiation into other cell types. However, MSCs seem to present both antitumor and pro-tumor properties depending on the tissue from which they come. In this work, the possibility of using MSCs to deliver therapeutic genes, oncolytic viruses, and miRNA is presented, as well as strategies that can improve their therapeutic efficacy against glioblastoma, such as CAR-T cells, nanoparticles, and exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisa M. Santillán-Guaján
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra School of Sciences, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Mehdi H. Shahi
- Interdisciplinary Brain Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India;
| | - Javier S. Castresana
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra School of Sciences, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
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Vukotić M, Kapor S, Simon F, Cokic V, Santibanez JF. Mesenchymal stromal cells in myeloid malignancies: Immunotherapeutic opportunities. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25081. [PMID: 38314300 PMCID: PMC10837636 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25081] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid malignancies are clonal disorders of the progenitor cells or hematopoietic stem cells, including acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative malignancies, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Myeloid neoplastic cells affect the proliferation and differentiation of other hematopoietic lineages in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, leading to severe and life-threatening complications. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) residing in the bone marrow exert immunosuppressive functions by suppressing innate and adaptive immune systems, thus creating a supportive and tolerant microenvironment for myeloid malignancy progression. This review summarizes the significant features of MSCs in myeloid malignancies, including their role in regulating cell growth, cell death, and antineoplastic resistance, in addition to their immunosuppressive contributions. Understanding the implications of MSCs in myeloid malignancies could pave the path for potential use in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Vukotić
- Molecular Oncology Group, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Suncica Kapor
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Hospital Center “Dr. Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje,” University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Felipe Simon
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vladan Cokic
- Molecular Oncology Group, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Juan F. Santibanez
- Molecular Oncology Group, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
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Herzig MC, Christy BA, Montgomery RK, Cantu-Garza C, Barrera GD, Lee JH, Mucha N, Talackine JR, Abaasah IA, Bynum JA, Cap AP. Short-term assays for mesenchymal stromal cell immunosuppression of T-lymphocytes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1225047. [PMID: 37822938 PMCID: PMC10562633 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1225047] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Trauma patients are susceptible to coagulopathy and dysfunctional immune responses. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are at the forefront of the cellular therapy revolution with profound immunomodulatory, regenerative, and therapeutic potential. Routine assays to assess immunomodulation activity examine MSC effects on proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and take 3-7 days. Assays that could be done in a shorter period of time would be beneficial to allow more rapid comparison of different MSC donors. The studies presented here focused on assays for MSC suppression of mitogen-stimulated PBMC activation in time frames of 24 h or less. Methods Three potential assays were examined-assays of apoptosis focusing on caspase activation, assays of phosphatidyl serine externalization (PS+) on PBMCs, and measurement of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) levels using rapid ELISA methods. All assays used the same initial experimental conditions: cryopreserved PBMCs from 8 to 10 pooled donors, co-culture with and without MSCs in 96-well plates, and PBMC stimulation with mitogen for 2-72 h. Results Suppression of caspase activity in activated PBMCs by incubation with MSCs was not robust and was only significant at times after 24 h. Monitoring PS+ of live CD3+ or live CD4+/CD3+ mitogen-activated PBMCs was dose dependent, reproducible, robust, and evident at the earliest time point taken, 2 h, although no increase in the percentage of PS+ cells was seen with time. The ability of MSC in co-culture to suppress PBMC PS+ externalization compared favorably to two concomitant assays for MSC co-culture suppression of PBMC proliferation, at 72 h by ATP assay, or at 96 h by fluorescently labeled protein signal dilution. TNFα release by mitogen-activated PBMCs was dose dependent, reproducible, robust, and evident at the earliest time point taken, with accumulating signal over time. However, suppression levels with MSC co-culture was reliably seen only after 24 h. Discussion Takeaways from these studies are as follows: (1) while early measures of PBMC activation is evident at 2-6 h, immunosuppression was only reliably detected at 24 h; (2) PS externalization at 24 h is a surrogate assay for MSC immunomodulation; and (3) rapid ELISA assay detection of TNFα release by PBMCs is a robust and sensitive assay for MSC immunomodulation at 24 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryanne C. Herzig
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Barbara A. Christy
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robbie K. Montgomery
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Carolina Cantu-Garza
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gema D. Barrera
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ji H. Lee
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nicholas Mucha
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer R. Talackine
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - Isaac A. Abaasah
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
| | - James A. Bynum
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas, Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Andrew P. Cap
- Blood and Shock Research, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX, United States
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Yan L, Li J, Zhang C. The role of MSCs and CAR-MSCs in cellular immunotherapy. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:187. [PMID: 37528472 PMCID: PMC10391838 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01191-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are widely used by T cells (CAR-T cells), natural killer cells dendritic cells and macrophages, and they are of great importance in cellular immunotherapy. However, the use of CAR-related products faces several challenges, including the poor persistence of cells carrying CARs, cell dysfunction or exhaustion, relapse of disease, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, cytokine release syndrome, low efficacy against solid tumors and immunosuppression by the tumor microenvironment. Another important cell therapy regimen involves mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Recent studies have shown that MSCs can improve the anticancer functions of CAR-related products. CAR-MSCs can overcome the flaws of cellular immunotherapy. Thus, MSCs can be used as a biological vehicle for CARs. In this review, we first discuss the characteristics and immunomodulatory functions of MSCs. Then, the role of MSCs as a source of exosomes, including the characteristics of MSC-derived exosomes and their immunomodulatory functions, is discussed. The role of MSCs in CAR-related products, CAR-related product-derived exosomes and the effect of MSCs on CAR-related products are reviewed. Finally, the use of MSCs as CAR vehicles is discussed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lun Yan
- Medical Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jing Li
- Medical Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Medical Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
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10
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Garza Treviño EN, Quiroz Reyes AG, Rojas Murillo JA, de la Garza Kalife DA, Delgado Gonzalez P, Islas JF, Estrada Rodriguez AE, Gonzalez Villarreal CA. Cell Therapy as Target Therapy against Colon Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098163. [PMID: 37175871 PMCID: PMC10179203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors with properties, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity. CSCs have been proposed as a plausible therapeutic target as they are responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and conventional therapy resistance. Selectively targeting CSCs is a promising strategy to eliminate the propagation of tumor cells and impair overall tumor development. Recent research shows that several immune cells play a crucial role in regulating tumor cell proliferation by regulating different CSC maintenance or proliferation pathways. There have been great advances in cellular immunotherapy using T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, or stem cells for the selective targeting of tumor cells or CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC). This review summarizes the CRC molecular profiles that may benefit from said therapy and the main vehicles used in cell therapy against CSCs. We also discuss the challenges, limitations, and advantages of combining conventional and/or current targeted treatments in the late stages of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa N Garza Treviño
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Adriana G Quiroz Reyes
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Juan Antonio Rojas Murillo
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - David A de la Garza Kalife
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Paulina Delgado Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Jose F Islas
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Ana Esther Estrada Rodriguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500. Jesus M. Garza, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Carlos A Gonzalez Villarreal
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500. Jesus M. Garza, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico
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11
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Recent Prospective in CAR T-Based Therapy for Solid and Hematological Malignancies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020627. [PMID: 36831164 PMCID: PMC9953647 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Given that CAR-T cell therapy is effective in CD19-positive blood malignancies, it offers great hope for a variety of aggressive tumors that have thus far shown very little response to available therapies [...].
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12
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Remote Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells of Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma Generate a Similar Malignant Microenvironment of the Lung Stromal Counterpart. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:1011063. [PMID: 36733673 PMCID: PMC9889152 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1011063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancer alters both local and distant tissue by influencing the microenvironment. In this regard, the interplay with the stromal fraction is considered critical as this latter can either foster or hamper the progression of the disease. Accordingly, the modality by which tumors may alter distant niches of stromal cells is still unclear, especially at early stages. In this short report, we attempt to better understand the biology of this cross-talk. In our "autologous stromal experimental setting," we found that remote adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (mediastinal AMSC) obtained from patients with lung adenocarcinoma sustain proliferation and clonogenic ability of A549 and human primary lung adenocarcinoma cells similarly to the autologous stromal lung counterpart (LMSC). This effect is not observed in lung benign diseases such as the hamartochondroma. This finding was validated by conditioning benign AMSC with supernatants from LAC for up to 21 days. The new reconditioned media of the stromal fraction so obtained, was able to increase cell proliferation of A549 cells at 14 and 21 days similar to that derived from AMSC of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. The secretome generated by remote AMSC revealed overlapping to the corresponding malignant microenvironment of the autologous local LMSC. Among the plethora of 80 soluble factors analyzed by arrays, a small pool of 5 upregulated molecules including IL1-β, IL-3, MCP-1, TNF-α, and EGF, was commonly shared by both malignant-like autologous A- and L-MSC derived microenvironments vs those benign. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that these proteins were strictly and functionally interconnected to lung fibrosis and proinflammation and that miR-126, 101, 486, and let-7-g were their main targets. Accordingly, we found that in lung cancer tissues and blood samples from the same set of patients here employed, miR-126 and miR-486 displayed the highest expression levels in tissue and blood, respectively. When the miR-126-3p was silenced in A549 treated with AMSC-derived conditioned media from patients with lung adenocarcinoma, cell proliferation decreased compared to control media.
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13
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Burns JS. The Art of Stem Cell-Based Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1420:1-12. [PMID: 37258780 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-30040-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Potency assays represent crucial experiments at the hub of the comprehensive complexity surrounding cell therapy. Moreover, numerous factors beyond biological and scientific considerations are involved in achieving successful potency assays that fulfil regulatory authority approval for a new advanced therapy medicinal product. Though this can mean a frustratingly long period of discovery and development, progress in cell therapy is nowadays proceeding remarkably quickly, assisted by the potency assay rigorously placing emphasis on the need to critically analyse the key factor/s responsible for the therapeutic mechanism of action. History has shown that it can take many decades for there to be an improved understanding of a mechanism of action. Yet the chasing of precise targets has revolutionised medicine, with no clearer example than approaches to viral pandemics. The centuries involved in the eradication of smallpox have paved the way for an unprecedented pace of vaccine development for the Covid-19 pandemic. Such extraordinary accomplishments foster encouragement that similarly for stem cell-based therapy, our scientific knowledge will continue to improve apace. This chapter focuses on the art of experimentation and discovery, introducing potency assay requisites and numerous factors that can influence potency assay outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of potency assays and their development can hasten the provision of new cell therapies to help resolve burdensome diseases of unmet medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge S Burns
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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14
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Wang X, Yang X, Yuan X, Wang W, Wang Y. Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK cells: new weapons of cancer immunotherapy with great potential. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:85. [PMID: 36324149 PMCID: PMC9628181 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cells have obtained prominent achievement in the clinical immunotherapy of hematological malignant tumors, leading to a rapid development of cellular immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Scientists are also aware of the prospective advantages of CAR engineering in cellular immunotherapy. Due to various limitations such as the serious side effects of CAR-T therapy, researchers began to investigate other immune cells for CAR modification. Natural killer (NK) cells are critical innate immune cells with the characteristic of non-specifically recognizing target cells and with the potential to become "off-the-shelf" products. In recent years, many preclinical studies on CAR-engineered NK (CAR-NK) cells have shown their remarkable efficacy in cancer therapy and their superiority over autologous CAR-T cells. In this review, we summarize the generation, mechanisms of anti-tumor activity and unique advantages of CAR-NK cells, and then analyze some challenges and recent clinical trials about CAR-NK cells therapy. We believe that CAR-NK therapy is a promising prospect for cancer immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xiang Yuan
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Yueying Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
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15
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Baghery Saghchy Khorasani A, Yousefi AM, Bashash D. CAR NK cell therapy in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors; obstacles and strategies to overcome the challenges. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109041. [PMID: 35839565 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell treatment (ACT) utilizing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) diverts the specificity of safe cells against a target-specific antigen and portrays exceptional potential for cancer treatment. While CAR T cell treatment has risen as a breakthrough with unprecedented results within the therapeutic procedures of human malignancies, different deficiencies including challenging and costly generation processes, strict patient qualification criteria, and undesirable toxicity have ruined its application. Unlike T cells, the application of natural killer (NK) cells has attracted consideration as a reasonable alternative owing to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independency, shorter life expectancy, the potential to create an off-the-shelf immune product, and potent antitumor properties. In this article, we provide an updated review of the differences between CAR T and CAR NK cells, current enhancements in CAR NK design, the available sources for collecting NK cells, and strategies for the transduction step of the CARs to NK cells. Furthermore, we focus on the published and ongoing preclinical and clinical studies of CAR NK treatment strategies both in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. We also discuss limitations and plausible solutions to improve the perseverance, function, safety, and efficacy of CAR NK cells with a special focus on solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amir-Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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16
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Application and Design of Switches Used in CAR. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121910. [PMID: 35741039 PMCID: PMC9221702 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the many oncology therapies, few have generated as much excitement as CAR-T. The success of CAR therapy would not have been possible without the many discoveries that preceded it, most notably, the Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs in cellular immunity. However, despite the fact that CAR-T already offers not only hope for development, but measurable results in the treatment of hematological malignancies, CAR-T still cannot be safely applied to solid tumors. The reason for this is, among other things, the lack of tumor-specific antigens which, in therapy, threatens to cause a lethal attack of lymphocytes on healthy cells. In the case of hematological malignancies, dangerous complications such as cytokine release syndrome may occur. Scientists have responded to these clinical challenges with molecular switches. They make it possible to remotely control CAR lymphocytes after they have already been administered to the patient. Moreover, they offer many additional capabilities. For example, they can be used to switch CAR antigenic specificity, create logic gates, or produce local activation under heat or light. They can also be coupled with costimulatory domains, used for the regulation of interleukin secretion, or to prevent CAR exhaustion. More complex modifications will probably require a combination of reprogramming (iPSc) technology with genome editing (CRISPR) and allogenic (off the shelf) CAR-T production.
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