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Shi G, Synowiec J, Singh J, Heller R. Modification of the tumor microenvironment enhances immunity with plasmid gene therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:641-648. [PMID: 38337037 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00728-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Local intratumor delivery with electroporation of low levels of plasmids encoding molecules, induces an antitumor effect without causing systemic toxicity. However, previous studies have predominately focused on the function of the delivered molecule encoded within the plasmid, and ignored the plasmid vector. In this study, we found vectors pUMVC3 and pVax1 induced upregulation of MHC class I (MHC-I) and PD-L1 on tumor cell surface. These molecules participate in a considerable number of immunoregulatory functions through their interactions with and activating inhibitory immune cell receptors. MHC molecules are well-known for their role in antigen (cross-) presentation, thereby functioning as key players in the communication between immune cells and tumor cells. Increased PD-L1 expression on tumor cells is an important monitor of tumor growth and the effectiveness of immune inhibitor therapy. Results from flow cytometry confirmed increased expression of MHC-I and PDL-1 on B16F10, 4T1, and KPC tumor cell lines. Preliminary animal data from tumor-bearing models, B16F10 melanoma, 4T1 breast cancer and KPC pancreatic cancer mouse models showed that tumor growth was attenuated after pUMVC3 intratumoral electroporation. Our data also documented that pSTAT1 signaling pathway might not be associated with plasmid vectors' function of upregulating MHC-I, PD-L1 on tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Shi
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Jody Synowiec
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Julie Singh
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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2
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Cao Y, Li J, Liang Q, Yang J, Zhang X, Zhang J, An M, Bi J, Liu Y. Tumor Microenvironment Sequential Drug/Gene Delivery Nanosystem for Realizing Multistage Boosting of Cancer-Immunity Cycle on Cancer Immunotherapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:54898-54914. [PMID: 37963093 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The antitumor immune response of cancer immunotherapy is a cascade of cancer-immunity cycles (CIC). The immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment and low immunogenicity of tumor cells, insufficient T lymphocyte activation, trafficking, and infiltration caused the failure to initiate and run the continuous multistage CIC, leading to unsatisfactory cancer immunotherapy outcomes. A doxorubicin/interleukin-12 plasmid DNA/celecoxib (DOX/pIL-12/CXB) combination strategy was designed by targeting the cascade CIC. Then, an intratumoral CXB-detachable nanosystem, or DOX/PAC/pIL-12 micelleplexes, was developed for sequential drug/gene delivery to facilitate the multistage boosting of CIC on synergistic cancer immunotherapy. The DOX/PAC/pIL-12 micelleplexes could program intratumorally sequential release of CXB to remodulate the tumor microenvironment immunosuppression by suppressing the cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E2 (COX-2/PGE2) pathway. The smaller sizes and surface charge-switched micelleplexes facilitated the codelivery and corelease of DOX and pIL-12 inside 4T1 tumor cells. These micelleplexes exerted a synergistic antitumor immune response using CIC cascade activation and amplification, providing therapeutic antitumor and antimetastasis efficacy. The drug/gene sequential delivery nanosystem provides a complete CIC-boosted combinatory strategy for developing immunotherapy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjing Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Qiangwei Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jiayu Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Juntao Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Min An
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jiawei Bi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
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3
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Komel T, Omerzel M, Kamensek U, Znidar K, Lampreht Tratar U, Kranjc Brezar S, Dolinar K, Pirkmajer S, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Gene Immunotherapy of Colon Carcinoma with IL-2 and IL-12 Using Gene Electrotransfer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12900. [PMID: 37629081 PMCID: PMC10454179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene immunotherapy has become an important approach in the treatment of cancer. One example is the introduction of genes encoding immunostimulatory cytokines, such as interleukin 2 and interleukin 12, which stimulate immune cells in tumours. The aim of our study was to determine the effects of gene electrotransfer of plasmids encoding interleukin 2 and interleukin 12 individually and in combination in the CT26 murine colon carcinoma cell line in mice. In the in vitro experiment, the pulse protocol that resulted in the highest expression of IL-2 and IL-12 mRNA and proteins was used for the in vivo part. In vivo, tumour growth delay and also complete response were observed in the group treated with the plasmid combination. Compared to the control group, the highest levels of various immunostimulatory cytokines and increased immune infiltration were observed in the combination group. Long-term anti-tumour immunity was observed in the combination group after tumour re-challenge. In conclusion, our combination therapy efficiently eradicated CT26 colon carcinoma in mice and also generated strong anti-tumour immune memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilen Komel
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.K.); (M.O.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.L.T.); (S.K.B.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masa Omerzel
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.K.); (M.O.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.L.T.); (S.K.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.K.); (M.O.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.L.T.); (S.K.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Katarina Znidar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.K.); (M.O.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.L.T.); (S.K.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Ursa Lampreht Tratar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.K.); (M.O.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.L.T.); (S.K.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.K.); (M.O.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.L.T.); (S.K.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Klemen Dolinar
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.D.); (S.P.)
| | - Sergej Pirkmajer
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.D.); (S.P.)
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.K.); (M.O.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.L.T.); (S.K.B.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.K.); (M.O.); (U.K.); (K.Z.); (U.L.T.); (S.K.B.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
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4
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Pakhomov AG, Gudvangen E, Mangalanathan U, Kondratiev O, Redondo L, Semenov I. Next generation CANCAN focusing for remote stimulation by nanosecond electric pulses. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 152:108437. [PMID: 37030093 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Focusing electric pulse effects away from electrodes is a challenge because the electric field weakens with distance. Previously we introduced a remote focusing method based on bipolar cancellation, a phenomenon of low efficiency of bipolar nanosecond electric pulses (nsEP). Superpositioning two bipolar nsEP into a unipolar pulse canceled bipolar cancellation ("CANCAN" effect), enhancing bioeffects at a distance despite the electric field weakening. Here, we introduce the next generation (NG) CANCAN focusing with unipolar nsEP packets designed to produce bipolar waveforms near electrodes (suppressing electroporation) but not at the remote target. NG-CANCAN was tested in CHO cell monolayers using a quadrupole electrode array and labeling electroporated cells with YO-PRO-1 dye. We routinely achieved 1.5-2 times stronger electroporation in the center of the quadrupole than near electrodes, despite a 3-4-fold field attenuation. With the array lifted 1-2 mm above the monolayer (imitating a 3D treatment), the remote effect was enhanced up to 6-fold. We analyzed the role of nsEP number, amplitude, rotation, and inter-pulse delay, and showed how remote focusing is enhanced when re-created bipolar waveforms exhibit stronger cancellation. Advantages of NG-CANCAN include the exceptional versatility of designing pulse packets and easy remote focusing using an off-the-shelf 4-channel nsEP generator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei G Pakhomov
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA.
| | - Emily Gudvangen
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Uma Mangalanathan
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | | | - Luis Redondo
- Pulsed Power Advanced Applications Group, Lisbon Engineering Superior Institute, GIAAPP/ISEL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Iurii Semenov
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
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5
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Shi G, Scott M, Mangiamele CG, Heller R. Modification of the Tumor Microenvironment Enhances Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy in Metastatic Melanoma. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2429. [PMID: 36365247 PMCID: PMC9695203 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to checkpoint-blockade treatments is a challenge in the clinic. Both primary and acquired resistance have become major obstacles, greatly limiting the long-lasting effects and wide application of blockade therapy. Many patients with metastatic melanoma eventually require further therapy. The absence of T-cell infiltration to the tumor site is a well-accepted contributor limiting immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. In this study, we combined intratumoral injection of plasmid IL-12 with electrotransfer and anti-PD-1 in metastatic B16F10 melanoma tumor model to increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and improve therapeutic efficacy. We showed that effective anti-tumor responses required a subset of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Additionally, the combination therapy induced higher MHC-I surface expression on tumor cells to hamper tumor cells escaping from immune recognition. Furthermore, we found that activating T cells by exposure to IL-12 resulted in tumors sensitized to anti-PD-1 treatment, suggesting a therapeutic strategy to improve responses to checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Shi
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Megan Scott
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Cathryn G. Mangiamele
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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6
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Jacobs L, Yshii L, Junius S, Geukens N, Liston A, Hollevoet K, Declerck P. Intratumoral DNA-based delivery of checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies and interleukin 12 triggers T cell infiltration and anti-tumor response. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:984-992. [PMID: 34754076 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00403-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
To improve the anti-tumor efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, numerous combination therapies are under clinical evaluation, including with IL-12 gene therapy. The current study evaluated the simultaneous delivery of the cytokine and checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies by intratumoral DNA electroporation in mice. In the MC38 tumor model, combined administration of plasmids encoding IL-12 and an anti-PD-1 antibody induced significant anti-tumor responses, yet similar to the monotherapies. When treatment was expanded with a DNA-based anti-CTLA-4 antibody, this triple combination significantly delayed tumor growth compared to IL-12 alone and the combination of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies. Despite low drug plasma concentrations, the triple combination enabled significant abscopal effects in contralateral tumors, which was not the case for the other treatments. The DNA-based immunotherapies increased T cell infiltration in electroporated tumors, especially of CD8+ T cells, and upregulated the expression of CD8+ effector markers. No general immune activation was detected in spleens following either intratumoral treatment. In B16F10 tumors, evaluation of the triple combination was hampered by a high sensitivity to control plasmids. In conclusion, intratumoral gene electrotransfer allowed effective combined delivery of multiple immunotherapeutics. This approach induced responses in treated and contralateral tumors, while limiting systemic drug exposure and potentially detrimental systemic immunological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesl Jacobs
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lidia Yshii
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steffie Junius
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nick Geukens
- PharmAbs - the KU Leuven Antibody Center, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Liston
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Hollevoet
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,PharmAbs - the KU Leuven Antibody Center, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Paul Declerck
- Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,PharmAbs - the KU Leuven Antibody Center, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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7
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Nguyen KG, Wagner ES, Vrabel MR, Mantooth SM, Meritet DM, Zaharoff DA. Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Intravesical Chitosan/Interleukin-12 Immunotherapy in Murine Bladders. Bladder Cancer 2021; 7:427-437. [PMID: 38993985 PMCID: PMC11181725 DOI: 10.3233/blc-211542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravesical administration of interleukin 12 (IL-12) co-formulated with the biopolymer, chitosan (CS/IL-12), has demonstrated remarkable antitumor activity against preclinical models of bladder cancer. However, given historical concerns regarding severe toxicities associated with systemic IL-12 administration in clinical trials, it is important to evaluate the safety of intravesical CS/IL-12 prior to clinical translation. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the pharmacokinetics as well as the local and systemic toxicities of intravesical CS/IL-12 immunotherapy in laboratory mice. METHODS Local inflammatory responses in mouse bladders treated with intravesical IL-12 or CS/IL-12 were assessed via histopathology. Serum cytokine levels following intravesical and subcutaneous (s.c.) administrations of IL-12 or CS/IL-12 in laboratory mice were compared. Systemic toxicities were evaluated via body weight and liver enzyme levels. RESULTS Intravesical IL-12 and CS/IL-12 treatments did not induce significant local or systemic toxicity. IL-12 dissemination and exposure from intravesical administration was significantly lower compared to s.c. injections. Weekly intravesical CS/IL-12 treatments were well-tolerated and did not result in blunted immune responses. CONCLUSIONS Intravesical CS/IL-12 is safe and well-tolerated in mice. In particular, the lack of cystitis and acute inflammation justifies continued investigation of intravesical CS/IL-12 immunotherapy in larger animals and patients with bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khue G. Nguyen
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ethan S. Wagner
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Maura R. Vrabel
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Siena M. Mantooth
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Danielle M. Meritet
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David A. Zaharoff
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, USA
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8
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da Luz JCDS, Antunes F, Clavijo-Salomon MA, Signori E, Tessarollo NG, Strauss BE. Clinical Applications and Immunological Aspects of Electroporation-Based Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:727. [PMID: 34358144 PMCID: PMC8310106 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible electropermeabilization (RE) is an ultrastructural phenomenon that transiently increases the permeability of the cell membrane upon application of electrical pulses. The technique was described in 1972 by Neumann and Rosenheck and is currently used in a variety of applications, from medicine to food processing. In oncology, RE is applied for the intracellular transport of chemotherapeutic drugs as well as the delivery of genetic material in gene therapies and vaccinations. This review summarizes the physical changes of the membrane, the particularities of bleomycin, and the immunological aspects involved in electrochemotherapy and gene electrotransfer, two important EP-based cancer therapies in human and veterinary oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Carlos dos Santos da Luz
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
| | - Fernanda Antunes
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
| | | | - Emanuela Signori
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nayara Gusmão Tessarollo
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
| | - Bryan E. Strauss
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (J.C.d.S.d.L.); (F.A.); (N.G.T.)
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9
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Brloznik M, Boc N, Cemazar M, Sersa G, Bosnjak M, Brezar SK, Pavlin D. Tumor perfusion evaluation using dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound after electrochemotherapy and IL-12 plasmid electrotransfer in murine melanoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13446. [PMID: 34188103 PMCID: PMC8242003 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92820-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy with bleomycin (ECT BLM) is an effective antitumor treatment already used in clinical oncology. However, ECT alone is still considered a local antitumor therapy because it cannot induce systemic immunity. When combined with adjuvant gene electrotransfer of plasmid DNA encoding IL-12 (GET pIL-12), the combined therapy leads to a systemic effect on untreated tumors and distant metastases. Although the antitumor efficacy of both therapies alone or in combination has been demonstrated at both preclinical and clinical levels, data on the predictors of efficacy of the treatments are still lacking. Herein, we evaluated the results of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) as a predictive factor for ECT BLM and GET pIL-12 in murine melanoma. Melanoma B16F10 tumors grown in female C57Bl/6NCrl mice were treated with GET pIL-12 and ECT BLM. Immediately after therapy, 6 h and 1, 3, 7 and 10 days later, tumors were examined by DCE-US. Statistical analysis was performed to inspect the correlation between tumor doubling time (DT) and DCE-US measurements using semilinear regression models and Bland-Altman plots. Therapeutic groups in which DCE-US showed reduced tumor perfusion had longer tumor DTs. It was confirmed that the DCE-US parameter peak enhancement (PE), reflecting relative blood volume, had predictive value for the outcome of therapy: larger PE correlated with shorter DT. In addition, perfusion heterogeneity was also associated with outcome: tumors that had more heterogeneous perfusion had faster growth, i.e., shorter DTs. This study demonstrates that DCE-US can be used as a method to predict the efficacy of electroporation-based treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Brloznik
- Clinic for Small Animals, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Boc
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena 5, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Darja Pavlin
- Clinic for Small Animals, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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10
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Komel T, Bosnjak M, Kranjc Brezar S, De Robertis M, Mastrodonato M, Scillitani G, Pesole G, Signori E, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Gene electrotransfer of IL-2 and IL-12 plasmids effectively eradicated murine B16.F10 melanoma. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 141:107843. [PMID: 34139572 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has become an important approach for treating cancer, and electroporation represents a technology for introducing therapeutic genes into a cell. An example of cancer gene therapy relying on gene electrotransfer is the use of immunomodulatory cytokines, such as interleukin 2 (IL-2) and 12 (IL-12), which directly stimulate immune cells at the tumour site. The aim of our study was to determine the effects of gene electrotransfer with two plasmids encoding IL-2 and IL-12 in vitro and in vivo. Two different pulse protocols, known as EP1 (600 V/cm, 5 ms, 1 Hz, 8 pulses) and EP2 (1300 V/cm, 100 µs, 1 Hz, 8 pulses), were assessed in vitro for application in subsequent in vivo experiments. In the in vivo experiment, gene electrotransfer of pIL-2 and pIL-12 using the EP1 protocol was performed in B16.F10 murine melanoma. Combined treatment of tumours using pIL2 and pIL12 induced significant tumour growth delay and 71% complete tumour regression. Furthermore, in tumours coexpressing IL-2 and IL-12, increased accumulation of dendritic cells and M1 macrophages was obtained along with the activation of proinflammatory signals, resulting in CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte recruitment and immune memory development in the mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated high antitumour efficacy of combined IL-2 and IL-12 gene electrotransfer protocols in low-immunogenicity murine B16.F10 melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Komel
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Bosnjak
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - S Kranjc Brezar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M De Robertis
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - M Mastrodonato
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - G Scillitani
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - G Pesole
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; National Research Council-Institute of Biomembrane, Bioenergetics, and Molecular Biotechnology (CNR-IBIOM), Via Amendola 122 O, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - E Signori
- National Research Council-Institute of Translational Pharmacology (CNR-IFT), Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, Rome, Italy
| | - G Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, SI - 6310 Izola, Slovenia.
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11
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Mutational burden, MHC-I expression and immune infiltration as limiting factors for in situ vaccination by TNFα and IL-12 gene electrotransfer. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107831. [PMID: 33991775 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In situ vaccination is a promising immunotherapeutic approach, where various local ablative therapies are used to induce an immune response against tumor antigens that are released from the therapy-killed tumor cells. We recently proposed using intratumoral gene electrotransfer for concomitant transfection of a cytotoxic cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) to induce in situ vaccination, and an immunostimulatory cytokine interleukin 12 (IL-12) to boost the primed immune response. Here, our aim was to test the local and systemic effectiveness of the approach in tree syngeneic mouse tumor models and associate it with tumor immune profiles, characterized by tumor mutational burden, immune infiltration and expression of PD-L1 and MHC-I on tumor cells. While none of the tested characteristic proved predictive for local effectiveness, high tumor mutational burden, immune infiltration and MHC-I expression were associated with higher abscopal effectiveness. Hence, we have confirmed that both the abundance and presentation of tumor antigens as well as the absence of immunosuppressive mechanisms are important for effective in situ vaccination. These findings provide important indications for future development of in situ vaccination based treatments, and for the selection of tumor types that will most likely benefit from it.
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12
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Growth environment influences B16.F10 mouse melanoma cell response to gene electrotransfer. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107827. [PMID: 33971375 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We developed and characterized a 3D collagen hydrogel model for B16.F10 melanoma tumors. Cells in this 3D environment exhibited lower proliferation than cells in the conventional 2D culture environment. Interestingly, the basal expression levels of several genes varied when compared to conventionally grown cells. In each growth environment, a significant number of melanoma cells were transfected by plasmid electroporation (electrotransfer), although expression could only be ascertained on the surface of the 3D constructs. Cellular responses to plasmid entry as demonstrated by pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine upregulation varied based on the growth environment, as did the mRNA levels of several putative DNA-specific pattern recognition receptors (DNA sensors). Unexpectedly, when plasmid DNA was delivered while cells where attached in the 2D or 3D environments, the mRNAs of the DNA sensor p204 and the inflammatory mediator TNFα were regulated in cells receiving pulses only. However, we were unable to confirm coordinate upregulation of TNFα and p204 proteins. This study confirms that cell responses differ significantly based on their environment, and demonstrates the difficulty of extending experimental observations between cell environments.
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13
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Ursic K, Kos S, Kamensek U, Cemazar M, Miceska S, Markelc B, Bucek S, Staresinic B, Kloboves Prevodnik V, Heller R, Sersa G. Potentiation of electrochemotherapy effectiveness by immunostimulation with IL-12 gene electrotransfer in mice is dependent on tumor immune status. J Control Release 2021; 332:623-635. [PMID: 33705828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) exhibits high therapeutic effectiveness in the clinic, achieving up to 80% local tumor control but without a systemic (abscopal) effect. Therefore, we designed a combination therapy consisting of ECT via intratumoral application of bleomycin, oxaliplatin or cisplatin with peritumoral gene electrotransfer of a plasmid encoding interleukin-12 (p. t. IL-12 GET). Our hypothesis was that p. t. IL-12 GET potentiates the effect of ECT on local and systemic levels and that the potentiation varies depending on tumor immune status. Therefore, the combination therapy was tested in three immunologically different murine tumor models. In poorly immunogenic B16F10 melanoma, IL-12 potentiated the antitumor effect of ECT with biologically equivalent low doses of cisplatin, oxaliplatin or bleomycin. The most pronounced potentiation was observed after ECT using cisplatin, resulting in a complete response rate of 38% and an abscopal effect. Compared to B16F10 melanoma, better responsiveness to ECT was observed in more immunogenic 4 T1 mammary carcinoma and CT26 colorectal carcinoma. In both models, p. t. IL-12 GET did not significantly improve the therapeutic outcome of ECT using any of the chemotherapeutic drugs. Collectively, the effectiveness of the combination therapy depends on tumor immune status. ECT was more effective in more immunogenic tumors, but GET exhibited greater contribution in less immunogenic tumors. Thus, the selection of the therapy, namely, either ECT alone or combination therapy with p. t. IL-12, should be predominantly based on tumor immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Ursic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Spela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia.
| | - Simona Miceska
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Simon Bucek
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Barbara Staresinic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Veronika Kloboves Prevodnik
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, FL-33612 Tampa, USA.
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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14
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Telli ML, Nagata H, Wapnir I, Acharya CR, Zablotsky K, Fox BA, Bifulco CB, Jensen SM, Ballesteros-Merino C, Le MH, Pierce RH, Browning E, Hermiz R, Svenson L, Bannavong D, Jaffe K, Sell J, Foerter KM, Canton DA, Twitty CG, Osada T, Lyerly HK, Crosby EJ. Intratumoral Plasmid IL12 Expands CD8 + T Cells and Induces a CXCR3 Gene Signature in Triple-negative Breast Tumors that Sensitizes Patients to Anti-PD-1 Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:2481-2493. [PMID: 33593880 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease with limited therapeutic options. Antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) have entered the therapeutic landscape in TNBC, but only a minority of patients benefit. A way to reliably enhance immunogenicity, T-cell infiltration, and predict responsiveness is critically needed. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using mouse models of TNBC, we evaluate immune activation and tumor targeting of intratumoral IL12 plasmid followed by electroporation (tavokinogene telseplasmid; Tavo). We further present a single-arm, prospective clinical trial of Tavo monotherapy in patients with treatment refractory, advanced TNBC (OMS-I140). Finally, we expand these findings using publicly available breast cancer and melanoma datasets. RESULTS Single-cell RNA sequencing of murine tumors identified a CXCR3 gene signature (CXCR3-GS) following Tavo treatment associated with enhanced antigen presentation, T-cell infiltration and expansion, and PD-1/PD-L1 expression. Assessment of pretreatment and posttreatment tissue from patients confirms enrichment of this CXCR3-GS in tumors from patients that exhibited an enhancement of CD8+ T-cell infiltration following treatment. One patient, previously unresponsive to anti-PD-L1 therapy, but who exhibited an increased CXCR3-GS after Tavo treatment, went on to receive additional anti-PD-1 therapy as their immediate next treatment after OMS-I140, and demonstrated a significant clinical response. CONCLUSIONS These data show a safe, effective intratumoral therapy that can enhance antigen presentation and recruit CD8 T cells, which are required for the antitumor efficacy. We identify a Tavo treatment-related gene signature associated with improved outcomes and conversion of nonresponsive tumors, potentially even beyond TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda L Telli
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Hiroshi Nagata
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Irene Wapnir
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Kaitlin Zablotsky
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Bernard A Fox
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon
| | - Carlo B Bifulco
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon
| | - Shawn M Jensen
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Mai Hope Le
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, San Diego, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kim Jaffe
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, San Diego, California
| | - Jendy Sell
- OncoSec Medical Incorporated, San Diego, California
| | | | | | | | - Takuya Osada
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - H Kim Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Erika J Crosby
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
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15
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Heller R, Shi G. Controlled Delivery of Plasmid DNA to Melanoma Tumors by Gene Electrotransfer. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2265:635-644. [PMID: 33704744 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1205-7_43] [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] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Gene electrotransfer (GET) is a reliable and effective physical method for in vivo delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA). Several preclinical and clinical studies have utilized GET to deliver plasmids encoding immune stimulating genes for treatment of melanoma and other tumor types. Intratumor delivery of plasmids encoding cytokines directly to tumors can induce not only a local immune response, but a systemic one as well. To obtain an effective immune response, it is critical to achieve the appropriate expression pattern of the delivered transgene. Expression pattern (levels and kinetics) can be modified by manipulating the electrotransfer parameters. These parameters include the tissue target and the electric pulse parameters of pulse width, electric field, and pulse number. We have found that to induce a robust immune response, we needed only low to moderately elevated expression levels compared to controls. When developing a therapeutic protocol, it is important to establish what expression profile will enable the appropriate response. In this chapter we describe how to determine the appropriate GET protocol to achieve the expression profile that can result in the desired clinical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, Colleges of Medicine and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Guilan Shi
- Department of Medical Engineering, Colleges of Medicine and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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16
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Shirley SA, Lundberg CG, Heller R. Electrotransfer of IL-15/IL-15Rα Complex for the Treatment of Established Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103072. [PMID: 33096755 PMCID: PMC7589551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The stimulation of the immune system through the administration of immunomodulatory agents such as cytokines has the potential to be an effective anti-cancer therapy. Obtaining the correct dose is an important aspect with respect to minimizing toxicity and obtaining the desired effect. A method to decrease the toxicity of this type of treatment is to replace the high-dose recombinant protein injections by using DNA expressing genes for one or more of these anti-cancer agents. In this current study, we have evaluated the delivery of interleukin-15 and its receptor in the form of plasmid DNA in a mouse melanoma model. We utilize a delivery approach that can deliver plasmid DNA in a manner that results in the desired level of expression being produced and induces a potent anti-tumor response as well as an immune memory response. Abstract Gene electrotransfer (GET) is a safe, reliable, and effective method of delivering plasmid DNA (pDNA) to solid tumors. GET has been previously used to deliver interleukin-15 (IL-15) to mouse melanoma, resulting in long-term tumor regression and the survival of a percentage of treated animals after challenge. To enhance this effect, we evaluated modulating the expression levels of IL-15 and co-expressing its receptor, IL-15Rα. GET was used to deliver plasmids encoding IL-15 and IL-15Rα to established B16.F10 tumors on days 0, 4, and 7. Two delivery protocols that yielded different expression profiles were utilized. Mice that were tumor-free for 50 days were then challenged with B16.F10 cells on the opposite flank and monitored for an additional 50 days. The amount of IL-15 expressed and the presence or absence of IL-15Rα in the treated tumors did not significantly affect the tumor regression and long-term survival. Upon challenge, however, low levels of IL-15 were more protective and resulted in a greater production of anti-tumor cytokines such as IFN-γ and MIP-1β and a greater amount of CD11b+ and CD3e+ cells infiltrating tumors. While mice with high levels of IL-15 showed CD11b+ and CD3e+ cell infiltrate, there was a substantial presence of NK cells that was absent in other treated groups. We can conclude that the level of IL-15 expressed in tumors after GET is an important determinant of the therapeutic outcome, a finding that will help us finetune this type of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna A. Shirley
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Cathryn G. Lundberg
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33512, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +01-813-974-1221
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17
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Nguyen KG, Vrabel MR, Mantooth SM, Hopkins JJ, Wagner ES, Gabaldon TA, Zaharoff DA. Localized Interleukin-12 for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575597. [PMID: 33178203 PMCID: PMC7593768 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a potent, pro-inflammatory type 1 cytokine that has long been studied as a potential immunotherapy for cancer. Unfortunately, IL-12's remarkable antitumor efficacy in preclinical models has yet to be replicated in humans. Early clinical trials in the mid-1990's showed that systemic delivery of IL-12 incurred dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, IL-12's pleiotropic activity, i.e., its ability to engage multiple effector mechanisms and reverse tumor-induced immunosuppression, continues to entice cancer researchers. The development of strategies which maximize IL-12 delivery to the tumor microenvironment while minimizing systemic exposure are of increasing interest. Diverse IL-12 delivery systems, from immunocytokine fusions to polymeric nanoparticles, have demonstrated robust antitumor immunity with reduced adverse events in preclinical studies. Several localized IL-12 delivery approaches have recently reached the clinical stage with several more at the precipice of translation. Taken together, localized delivery systems are supporting an IL-12 renaissance which may finally allow this potent cytokine to fulfill its considerable clinical potential. This review begins with a brief historical account of cytokine monotherapies and describes how IL-12 went from promising new cure to ostracized black sheep following multiple on-study deaths. The bulk of this comprehensive review focuses on developments in diverse localized delivery strategies for IL-12-based cancer immunotherapies. Advantages and limitations of different delivery technologies are highlighted. Finally, perspectives on how IL-12-based immunotherapies may be utilized for widespread clinical application in the very near future are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khue G Nguyen
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Maura R Vrabel
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Siena M Mantooth
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jared J Hopkins
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ethan S Wagner
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Taylor A Gabaldon
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - David A Zaharoff
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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18
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Sun Y, Liu L, Zhou L, Yu S, Lan Y, Liang Q, Liu J, Cao A, Liu Y. Tumor Microenvironment-Triggered Charge Reversal Polymetformin-Based Nanosystem Co-Delivered Doxorubicin and IL-12 Cytokine Gene for Chemo-Gene Combination Therapy on Metastatic Breast Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:45873-45890. [PMID: 32924511 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c14405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of high mortality and disease recurrence in breast cancer. In this study, a novel tumor microenvironment charge reversal polymetformin (PMet)-based nanosystem co-delivering doxorubicin (DOX) and plasmid encoding IL-12 gene (pIL-12) was developed for chemo-gene combination therapy on metastatic breast cancer. Cationic PMet was readily self-assembled into micelles for DOX physical encapsulation and pIL-12 complexation, and a hyaluronidase-sensitive thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) was then collaboratively assembled to the pIL-12/DOX-PMet micelleplexes, abbreviated as HA/pIL-12/DOX-PMet. DOX/pIL-12 loaded in HA/pIL-12/DOX-PMet micelleplexes presented prolonged circulation in blood, efficient accumulation in tumors, and internalization in tumor cells via CD44 receptor-mediated tumor specific-targeting, and DOX/pIL-12 was co-released in endo/lysosomes tumor microenvironment followed by HAase-triggered HA-SH deshielding from HA/pIL-12/DOX-PMet micelleplexes. Moreover, HA/PMet micelleplexes displayed excellent pIL-12 transfection and IL-12 expression in tumors of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Importantly, HA/pIL-12/DOX-PMet micelleplexes synergistically enhanced the NK cells and tumor infiltrated cytotoxic T lymphocytes and modulated the polarization from protumor M2 macrophages to activated antitumor M1 macrophages, with concomitant decreasing of the immunosuppressive regulatory T (Treg) cells, accompanied by an increase in the cytokines expression of IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α, consequently showing an improved antitumor and antimetastasis activity in 4T1 breast cancer lung metastasis mice model. In conclusion, the tumor microenvironment charge reversal HA/PMet nanosystem holds great promise for DOX/pIL-12 co-delivery and exploitation in chemo-gene combination therapy on metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Liyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Shuangyu Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yang Lan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Qiangwei Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Aichen Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
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19
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Kiełbik A, Szlasa W, Saczko J, Kulbacka J. Electroporation-Based Treatments in Urology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2208. [PMID: 32784598 PMCID: PMC7465806 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The observation that an application of a pulsed electric field (PEF) resulted in an increased permeability of the cell membrane has led to the discovery of the phenomenon called electroporation (EP). Depending on the parameters of the electric current and cell features, electroporation can be either reversible or irreversible. The irreversible electroporation (IRE) found its use in urology as a non-thermal ablative method of prostate and renal cancer. As its mechanism is based on the permeabilization of cell membrane phospholipids, IRE (as well as other treatments based on EP) provides selectivity sparing extracellular proteins and matrix. Reversible EP enables the transfer of genes, drugs, and small exogenous proteins. In clinical practice, reversible EP can locally increase the uptake of cytotoxic drugs such as cisplatin and bleomycin. This approach is known as electrochemotherapy (ECT). Few in vivo and in vitro trials of ECT have been performed on urological cancers. EP provides the possibility of transmission of genes across the cell membrane. As the protocols of gene electrotransfer (GET) over the last few years have improved, EP has become a well-known technique for non-viral cell transfection. GET involves DNA transfection directly to the cancer or the host skin and muscle tissue. Among urological cancers, the GET of several plasmids encoding prostate cancer antigens has been investigated in clinical trials. This review brings into discussion the underlying mechanism of EP and an overview of the latest progress and development perspectives of EP-based treatments in urology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Kiełbik
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.K.); (W.S.)
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.K.); (W.S.)
| | - Jolanta Saczko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
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20
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Concepts and Capabilities of In-House Built Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field (nsPEF) Generators for Electroporation: State of Art. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10124244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Electroporation is a pulsed electric field triggered phenomenon of cell permeabilization, which is extensively used in biomedical and biotechnological context. There is a growing scientific demand for high-voltage and/or high-frequency pulse generators for electropermeabilization of cells (electroporators). In the scope of this article we have reviewed the basic topologies of nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) generators for electroporation and the parametric capabilities of various in-house built devices, which were introduced in the last two decades. Classification of more than 60 various nsPEF generators was performed and pulse forming characteristics (pulse shape, voltage, duration and repetition frequency) were listed and compared. Lastly, the trends in the development of the electroporation technology were discussed.
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21
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Intratumoral Gene Electrotransfer of Plasmid DNA Encoding shRNA against Melanoma Cell Adhesion Molecule Radiosensitizes Tumors by Antivascular Effects and Activation of an Immune Response. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010135. [PMID: 32204304 PMCID: PMC7157247 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, radiotherapy was combined with the gene electrotransfer (GET) of plasmid encoding shRNA against melanoma cell adhesion molecule (pMCAM) with dual action, which was a vascular-targeted effect mediated by the silencing of MCAM and an immunological effect mediated by the presence of plasmid DNA in the cytosol-activating DNA sensors. The effects and underlying mechanisms of therapy were evaluated in more immunogenic B16F10 melanoma and less immunogenic TS/A carcinoma. The silencing of MCAM potentiated the effect of irradiation (IR) in both tumor models. Combined therapy resulted in 81% complete responses (CR) in melanoma and 27% CR in carcinoma. Moreover, after the secondary challenge of cured mice, 59% of mice were resistant to challenge with melanoma cells, and none were resistant to carcinoma. Combined therapy reduced the number of blood vessels; induced hypoxia, apoptosis, and necrosis; and reduced cell proliferation in both tumor models. In addition, the significant increase of infiltrating immune cells was observed in both tumor models but more so in melanoma, where the expression of IL-12 and TNF-α was determined as well. Our results indicate that the combined therapy exerts both antiangiogenic and immune responses that contribute to the antitumor effect. However, tumor immunological status is crucial for a sufficient immune system contribution to the overall antitumor effect.
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Kranjc Brezar S, Kranjc M, Čemažar M, Buček S, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Electrotransfer of siRNA to Silence Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein in Tumor Mediated by a High Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E49. [PMID: 32012775 PMCID: PMC7157195 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The contactless high intensity pulsed electromagnetic field (HI-PEMF)-induced increase of cell membrane permeability is similar to conventional electroporation, with the important difference of inducing an electric field non-invasively by exposing a treated tissue to a time-varying magnetic field. Due to the limited number of studies in the field of electroporation induced by HI-PEMF, we designed experiments to explore the feasibility of such a contactless delivery technique for the gene electrotransfer of nucleic acids in tissues in vivo. By using HI-PEMF for gene electrotransfer, we silenced enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) with siRNA molecules against EGFP in B16F10-EGFP tumors. Six days after the transfer, the fluorescent tumor area decreased by up to 39% as determined by fluorescence imaging in vivo. In addition, the silencing of EGFP to the same extent was confirmed at the mRNA and protein level. The results obtained in the in vivo mouse model demonstrate the potential use of HI-PEMF-induced cell permeabilization for gene therapy and DNA vaccination. Further studies are thus warranted to improve the equipment, optimize the protocols for gene transfer and the HI-PEMF parameters, and demonstrate the effects of HI-PEMF on a broader range of different normal and tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
| | - Matej Kranjc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Simon Buček
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Pishavar E, Oroojalian F, Ramezani M, Hashemi M. Cholesterol-conjugated PEGylated PAMAM as an efficient nanocarrier for plasmid encoding interleukin-12 immunogene delivery toward colon cancer cells. Biotechnol Prog 2019; 36:e2952. [PMID: 31846226 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IL-12 is a pleiotropic cytokine, which shows an ideal applicant for tumor immunotherapy, because of its features of creating an interconnection between innate (NK cells) and adaptive (cytotoxic T lymphocyte) immunity. IL-12 gene therapy is a useful technique to deliver an immune-modulatory gene directly into tumor site thereby limiting the adverse effects of systemic administration of IL-12 proteins. One of the most largely investigated non-viral gene carriers is polyamidoamine (PAMAM). In the current research, 5 and 3% of PAMAM primary amines were substituted to transmit the plasmid encoding IL-12 gene to cells by cholesteryl chloroformate and alkyl-PEG, respectively. The features of modified PAMAMs containing size and surface charge density, cytotoxicity, and transfection efficiency were investigated in colon cancer cells. in vitro experiment showed that this modified carrier with average size of about 160 nm and zeta potential of 30 mV was able to increase the level of IL-12 production up to two folds as compared to that of the unmodified PAMAM. Improvement of the polymer hydrophobic balance along with of the modulation of the surface positive charge could provide an efficient and safe non-viral IL-12 gene for colon cancer immunogene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Pishavar
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Oroojalian
- Department of Advanced Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.,Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Hashemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Novickij V, Čėsna R, Perminaitė E, Zinkevičienė A, Characiejus D, Novickij J, Šatkauskas S, Ruzgys P, Girkontaitė I. Antitumor Response and Immunomodulatory Effects of Sub-Microsecond Irreversible Electroporation and Its Combination with Calcium Electroporation. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111763. [PMID: 31717542 PMCID: PMC6896087 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, we have investigated the feasibility of sub-microsecond range irreversible electroporation (IRE) with and without calcium electroporation in vivo. As a model, BALB/C mice were used and bioluminescent SP2/0 myeloma tumor models were developed. Tumors were treated with two separate pulsed electric field (PEF) pulsing protocols PEF1: 12 kV/cm × 200 ns × 500 (0.006 J/pulse) and PEF2: 12 kV/cm × 500 ns × 500 (0.015 J/pulse), which were delivered with and without Ca2+ (168 mM) using parallel plate electrodes at a repetition frequency of 100 Hz. Both PEF1 and PEF2 treatments reduced tumor growth and prolonged the life span of the mice, however, the PEF2 protocol was more efficient. The delay in tumor renewal was the biggest when a combination of IRE with calcium electroporation was used, however, we did not obtain significant differences in the final mouse survival compared to PEF2 alone. Anti-tumor immune responses were also investigated after treatment with PEF2 and PEF2+Ca. In both cases the treated mice had enlarged spleens and increased spleen T cell numbers, lower percentages of suppressor cell subsets (conventional CD4+CD25+ Treg, CD4+CD25−DX5+ Tr1, CD8+DX5+, CD4+CD28−, CD8+CD28−), changed proportions of Tcm and Tef/Tem T cells in the spleen and increased amount of tumor cell specific antibodies in the sera. The treatment based on IRE was effective against primary tumors, destroyed the tumor microenvironment and induced an anti-tumor immune response, however, it was not sufficient for complete control of tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 03227 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Correspondence: (V.N.); (I.G.)
| | - Robertas Čėsna
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Emilija Perminaitė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Auksė Zinkevičienė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dainius Characiejus
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jurij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 03227 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Šatkauskas
- Biophysical Research Group, Vytautas Magnus University, 44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Paulius Ruzgys
- Biophysical Research Group, Vytautas Magnus University, 44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Irutė Girkontaitė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Correspondence: (V.N.); (I.G.)
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Burke JD, Young HA. IFN-γ: A cytokine at the right time, is in the right place. Semin Immunol 2019; 43:101280. [PMID: 31221552 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interferon gamma has long been studied as a critical mediator of tumor immunity. In recent years, the complexity of cellular interactions that take place in the tumor microenvironment has become better appreciated in the context of immunotherapy. While checkpoint inhibitors have dramatically improved remission rates in cancer treatment, IFN-γ and related effectors continue to be identified as strong predictors of treatment success. In this review, we provide an overview of the multiple immunosuppressive barriers that IFN-γ has to overcome to eliminate tumors, and potential avenues for modulating the immune response in favor of tumor rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Daniel Burke
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Howard A Young
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
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Liu Y, Di S, Shi B, Zhang H, Wang Y, Wu X, Luo H, Wang H, Li Z, Jiang H. Armored Inducible Expression of IL-12 Enhances Antitumor Activity of Glypican-3-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered T Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:198-207. [PMID: 31142602 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy based on chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) cells has been demonstrated as one of the most promising therapeutic strategies in the treatment of malignancies. However, CAR-T cell therapy has shown limited efficacy for the treatment of solid tumors. This is, in part, because of tumor heterogeneity and a hostile tumor microenvironment, which could suppress adoptively transferred T cell activity. In this study, we, respectively, engineered human- or murine-derived-armored glypican-3 (GPC3)-specific CAR-T cells capable of inducibly expressing IL-12 (GPC3-28Z-NFAT-IL-12) T cells. The results showed that GPC3-28Z-NFAT-IL-12 T cells could lyse GPC3+ tumor cells specifically and increase cytokine secretion compared with GPC3-28Z T cells in vitro. In vivo, GPC3-28Z-NFAT-IL-12 T cells augmented the antitumor effect when encountering GPC3+ large tumor burdens, which could be attributed to IL-12 increasing IFN-γ production, favoring T cells infiltration and persistence. Furthermore, in immunocompetent hosts, low doses of GPC3-m28Z-mNFAT-mIL-12 T cells exerted superior antitumor efficacy without prior conditioning in comparison with GPC3-m28Z T cells. Also, mIL-12 secretion decreased regulatory T cell infiltration in established tumors. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that the inducible expression of IL-12 could boost CAR-T function with less potential side effects, both in immunodeficient and immunocompetent hosts. The inducibly expressed IL-12-armored GPC3-CAR-T cells could broaden the application of CAR-T-based immunotherapy to patients intolerant of lymphodepletion chemotherapy and might provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for patients with GPC3+ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | - Shengmeng Di
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | - Bizhi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | | | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | - Xiuqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | - Hong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
| | - Huamao Wang
- CARsgen Therapeutics, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zonghai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and .,CARsgen Therapeutics, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; and
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