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Sun Z, Wang C, Zhao Y, Ling Q. CAR-T cell therapy in advanced thyroid cancer: from basic to clinical. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1411300. [PMID: 38911868 PMCID: PMC11190081 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1411300] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with thyroid cancer can attain a favorable prognosis with a comprehensive treatment program based on surgical treatment. However, the current treatment options for advanced thyroid cancer are still limited. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has received widespread attention in the field of oncology treatment. It has achieved remarkable results in the treatment of hematologic tumors. However, due to the constraints of multiple factors, the therapeutic efficacy of CAR-T therapy for solid tumors, including thyroid cancer, has not yet met expectations. This review outlines the fundamental structure and treatment strategies of CAR-T cells, provides an overview of the advancements in both preclinical investigations and clinical trials focusing on targets associated with CAR-T cell therapy in treating thyroid cancer, and discusses the challenges and solutions to CAR-T cell therapy for thyroid cancer. In conclusion, CAR-T cell therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for thyroid cancer, and we hope that our review will provide a timely and updated study of CAR-T cell therapy for thyroid cancer to advance the field.
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Li N, Geng S, Dong ZZ, Jin Y, Ying H, Li HW, Shi L. A new era of cancer immunotherapy: combining revolutionary technologies for enhanced CAR-M therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:117. [PMID: 38824567 PMCID: PMC11143597 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02032-9] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Significant advancements have been made in the application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T treatment for blood cancers during the previous ten years. However, its effectiveness in treating solid tumors is still lacking, necessitating the exploration of alternative immunotherapies that can overcome the significant challenges faced by current CAR-T cells. CAR-based immunotherapy against solid tumors shows promise with the emergence of macrophages, which possess robust phagocytic abilities, antigen-presenting functions, and the ability to modify the tumor microenvironment and stimulate adaptive responses. This paper presents a thorough examination of the latest progress in CAR-M therapy, covering both basic scientific studies and clinical trials. This study examines the primary obstacles hindering the realization of the complete potential of CAR-M therapy, as well as the potential strategies that can be employed to overcome these hurdles. With the emergence of revolutionary technologies like in situ genetic modification, synthetic biology techniques, and biomaterial-supported gene transfer, which provide a wider array of resources for manipulating tumor-associated macrophages, we suggest that combining these advanced methods will result in the creation of a new era of CAR-M therapy that demonstrates improved efficacy, safety, and availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Shinan Geng
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Dong
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Zhejiang Caner Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Hangjie Ying
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Zhejiang Caner Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Hung-Wing Li
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liyun Shi
- Key lab of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
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Rojas-Quintero J, Díaz MP, Palmar J, Galan-Freyle NJ, Morillo V, Escalona D, González-Torres HJ, Torres W, Navarro-Quiroz E, Rivera-Porras D, Bermúdez V. Car T Cells in Solid Tumors: Overcoming Obstacles. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4170. [PMID: 38673757 PMCID: PMC11050550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T cell) therapy has emerged as a prominent adoptive cell therapy and a therapeutic approach of great interest in the fight against cancer. This approach has shown notorious efficacy in refractory hematological neoplasm, which has bolstered its exploration in the field of solid cancers. However, successfully managing solid tumors presents considerable intrinsic challenges, which include the necessity of guiding the modified cells toward the tumoral region, assuring their penetration and survival in adverse microenvironments, and addressing the complexity of identifying the specific antigens for each type of cancer. This review focuses on outlining the challenges faced by CAR T cell therapy when used in the treatment of solid tumors, as well as presenting optimizations and emergent approaches directed at improving its efficacy in this particular context. From precise localization to the modulation of the tumoral microenvironment and the adaptation of antigen recognition strategies, diverse pathways will be examined to overcome the current limitations and buttress the therapeutic potential of CAR T cells in the fight against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselyn Rojas-Quintero
- Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - María P. Díaz
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino—Metabólicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela (J.P.); (V.M.); (D.E.); (W.T.)
| | - Jim Palmar
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino—Metabólicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela (J.P.); (V.M.); (D.E.); (W.T.)
| | - Nataly J. Galan-Freyle
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia; (N.J.G.-F.); (E.N.-Q.)
| | - Valery Morillo
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino—Metabólicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela (J.P.); (V.M.); (D.E.); (W.T.)
| | - Daniel Escalona
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino—Metabólicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela (J.P.); (V.M.); (D.E.); (W.T.)
| | | | - Wheeler Torres
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino—Metabólicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela (J.P.); (V.M.); (D.E.); (W.T.)
| | - Elkin Navarro-Quiroz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia; (N.J.G.-F.); (E.N.-Q.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | - Diego Rivera-Porras
- Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Cúcuta 540001, Colombia;
| | - Valmore Bermúdez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia; (N.J.G.-F.); (E.N.-Q.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia;
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Joo HY, Baek H, Ahn CS, Park ER, Lee Y, Lee S, Han M, Kim B, Jang YH, Kwon H. Development of a novel, high-efficacy oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 platform equipped with two distinct retargeting modalities. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200778. [PMID: 38596302 PMCID: PMC10941007 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
To retarget oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) to cancer-specific antigens, we designed a novel, double-retargeted oHSV platform that uses single-chain antibodies (scFvs) incorporated into both glycoprotein H and a bispecific adapter expressed from the viral genome to mediate infection predominantly via tumor-associated antigens. Successful retargeting was achieved using a nectin-1-detargeted HSV that remains capable of interacting with herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), the second canonical HSV entry receptor, and is, therefore, recognized by the adapter consisting of the virus-binding N-terminal 82 residues of HVEM fused to the target-specific scFv. We tested both an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)- and a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-specific scFv separately and together to target cells expressing one, the other, or both receptors. Our results show not only dose-dependent, target receptor-specific infection in vitro, but also enhanced virus spread compared with single-retargeted virus. In addition, we observed effective infection and spreading of the EpCAM double-retargeted virus in vivo. Remarkably, a single intravenous dose of the EpCAM-specific virus eliminated all detectable tumors in a subcutaneous xenograft model, and the same intravenous dose seemed to be harmless in immunocompetent FVB/N mice. Our findings suggest that our double-retargeted oHSV platform can provide a potent, versatile, and systemically deliverable class of anti-cancer therapeutics that specifically target cancer cells while ensuring safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Yoo Joo
- Gencellmed Inc., Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Room 302 Research Building #3, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Baek
- Gencellmed Inc., Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Room 302 Research Building #3, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun-Seob Ahn
- Gencellmed Inc., Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Room 302 Research Building #3, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ran Park
- Gencellmed Inc., Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Room 302 Research Building #3, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngju Lee
- Gencellmed Inc., Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Room 302 Research Building #3, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujung Lee
- Gencellmed Inc., Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Room 302 Research Building #3, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mihee Han
- Gencellmed Inc., Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Room 302 Research Building #3, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bora Kim
- Gencellmed Inc., Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Room 302 Research Building #3, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hoon Jang
- Gencellmed Inc., Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Room 302 Research Building #3, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heechung Kwon
- Gencellmed Inc., Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Room 302 Research Building #3, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Chen T, Deng J, Zhang Y, Liu B, Liu R, Zhu Y, Zhou M, Lin Y, Xia B, Lin K, Ma X, Zhang H. The construction of modular universal chimeric antigen receptor T (MU-CAR-T) cells by covalent linkage of allogeneic T cells and various antibody fragments. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:53. [PMID: 38468291 PMCID: PMC10926606 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01938-8] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells therapy is one of the novel immunotherapeutic approaches with significant clinical success. However, their applications are limited because of long preparation time, high cost, and interpersonal variations. Although the manufacture of universal CAR-T (U-CAR-T) cells have significantly improved, they are still not a stable and unified cell bank. METHODS Here, we tried to further improve the convenience and flexibility of U-CAR-T cells by constructing novel modular universal CAR-T (MU-CAR-T) cells. For this purpose, we initially screened healthy donors and cultured their T cells to obtain a higher proportion of stem cell-like memory T (TSCM) cells, which exhibit robust self-renewal capacity, sustainability and cytotoxicity. To reduce the alloreactivity, the T cells were further edited by double knockout of the T cell receptor (TCR) and class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA-I) genes utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The well-growing and genetically stable universal cells carrying the CAR-moiety were then stored as a stable and unified cell bank. Subsequently, the SDcatcher/GVoptiTag system, which generate an isopeptide bond, was used to covalently connect the purified scFvs of antibody targeting different antigens to the recovered CAR-T cells. RESULTS The resulting CAR-T cells can perform different functions by specifically targeting various cells, such as the eradication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-latenly-infected cells or elimination of T lymphoma cells, with similar efficiency as the traditional CAR-T cells did. CONCLUSION Taken together, our strategy allows the production of CAR-T cells more modularization, and makes the quality control and pharmaceutic manufacture of CAR-T cells more feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Jieyi Deng
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yongli Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bingfeng Liu
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ruxin Liu
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yiqiang Zhu
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Mo Zhou
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yingtong Lin
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Baijin Xia
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Keming Lin
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiancai Ma
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, 510005, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511400, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry Education, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou, 510005, China.
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Dougé A, El Ghazzi N, Lemal R, Rouzaire P. Adoptive T Cell Therapy in Solid Tumors: State-of-the Art, Current Challenges, and Upcoming Improvements. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:272-284. [PMID: 37903371 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0310] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
In solid tumors, three main complementary approaches of adoptive T-cell therapies were successively developed: tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells, and high-affinity T-cell receptor engineered T cells. In this review, we summarized rational and main results of these three adoptive T-cell therapies in solid tumors field and gave an overview of encouraging data and their limits. Then, we listed the major remaining challenges (including tumor antigen loss, on-target/off-tumor effect, tumor access difficulties and general/local immunosubversion) and their lines of research. Finally, we gave insight into the ongoing trials in solid tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Dougé
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- EA(UR)7453 CHELTER - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nathan El Ghazzi
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Richard Lemal
- EA(UR)7453 CHELTER - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetic Department, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Paul Rouzaire
- EA(UR)7453 CHELTER - Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetic Department, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Mishra A, Maiti R, Mohan P, Gupta P. Antigen loss following CAR-T cell therapy: Mechanisms, implications, and potential solutions. Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:211-222. [PMID: 37705357 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T cell) therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking immunotherapeutic approach for treating various hematological malignancies. CAR-T cells are engineered to express synthetic receptors that target specific antigens on cancer cells, leading to their eradication. While the therapy has shown remarkable efficacy, a significant challenge that has been observed in 30%-70% of patients showing recurrent disease is antigen loss or downregulation. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google scholar for articles on antigen loss/escape following Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in malignancies. Antigen loss refers to the loss or reduction in the expression of the target antigen on cancer cells, rendering CAR-T cells ineffective. This phenomenon poses a significant clinical concern, as it can lead to disease relapse and limited treatment options. This review explores the mechanisms underlying antigen loss following CAR-T cell therapy, its implications on treatment outcomes, and potential strategies to overcome the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Rituparna Maiti
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Prafull Mohan
- Clinical Pharmacologist, Armed Forces Medical Services, Guwahati, India
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
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Fu Y, Wang T, Ronald JA. A synthetic notch (synNotch) system linking intratumoral immune-cancer cell communication to a synthetic blood biomarker assay. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1304194. [PMID: 38143496 PMCID: PMC10740178 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1304194] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cellular immunotherapy has greatly improved cancer treatment in recent years. For instance, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been proven highly effective in treating hematological malignancies, and many CAR cell designs are being explored for solid tumors. However, many questions remain why responses differ across patients and some tumor types are resistant. Improved and relatively inexpensive ways to monitor these cells could provide some answers. Clinically, blood tests are regularly used to monitor these therapies, but blood signals often do not reflect the activity of immune cells within the tumor(s). Here, using the synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptor that tethers antigen binding to customized transgene expression, we linked intratumoral immune-cancer cell communication to a simple secreted reporter blood test. Specifically, we engineered immune cells with a CD19-targeted synNotch receptor and demonstrated that binding to CD19 on cancer cells in vivo resulted in the production of secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) at levels that are readily detected in the blood. Methods and Results: Jurkat T cells were engineered via sequential lentiviral transduction of two components: an anti-CD19 synNotch receptor and a synNotch response element encoding SEAP. Co-culture of engineered cells with CD19+, but not CD19-, Nalm6 cells, resulted in significantly elevated SEAP in media. Nod-scid-gamma (NSG) mice were subcutaneously injected with either CD19+ or CD19- Nalm6 cells. Intratumoral injection of engineered T cells (1x107) resulted in significantly elevated blood SEAP activity in mice bearing CD19+ tumors (n = 7), but not CD19- tumors (n = 5). Discussion: Our synNotch reporter system allows for the monitoring of antigen-dependent intratumoral immune-cancer cell interactions through a simple and convenient blood test. Continued development of this system for different target antigens of interest should provide a broadly applicable platform for improved monitoring of many cell-based immunotherapies during their initial development and clinical translation, ultimately improving our understanding of design considerations and patient-specific responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- YangHao Fu
- Imaging Laboratories, Department of Medical Biophysics, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - TianDuo Wang
- Imaging Laboratories, Department of Medical Biophysics, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - John A Ronald
- Imaging Laboratories, Department of Medical Biophysics, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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9
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Dragon AC, Beermann LM, Umland M, Bonifacius A, Malinconico C, Ruhl L, Kehler P, Gellert J, Weiß L, Mayer-Hain S, Zimmermann K, Riese S, Thol F, Beutel G, Maecker-Kolhoff B, Yamamoto F, Blasczyk R, Schambach A, Hust M, Hudecek M, Eiz-Vesper B. CAR-Ts redirected against the Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen CD176 mediate specific elimination of malignant cells from leukemia and solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1219165. [PMID: 37915564 PMCID: PMC10616308 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1219165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cells (CAR-Ts) are investigated in various clinical trials for the treatment of cancer entities beyond hematologic malignancies. A major hurdle is the identification of a target antigen with high expression on the tumor but no expression on healthy cells, since "on-target/off-tumor" cytotoxicity is usually intolerable. Approximately 90% of carcinomas and leukemias are positive for the Thomsen-Friedenreich carbohydrate antigen CD176, which is associated with tumor progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. In contrast, CD176 is not accessible for ligand binding on healthy cells due to prolongation by carbohydrate chains or sialylation. Thus, no "on-target/off-tumor" cytotoxicity and low probability of antigen escape is expected for corresponding CD176-CAR-Ts. Methods Using the anti-CD176 monoclonal antibody (mAb) Nemod-TF2, the presence of CD176 was evaluated on multiple healthy or cancerous tissues and cells. To target CD176, we generated two different 2nd generation CD176-CAR constructs differing in spacer length. Their specificity for CD176 was tested in reporter cells as well as primary CD8+ T cells upon co-cultivation with CD176+ tumor cell lines as models for CD176+ blood and solid cancer entities, as well as after unmasking CD176 on healthy cells by vibrio cholerae neuraminidase (VCN) treatment. Following that, both CD176-CARs were thoroughly examined for their ability to initiate target-specific T-cell signaling and activation, cytokine release, as well as cytotoxicity. Results Specific expression of CD176 was detected on primary tumor tissues as well as on cell lines from corresponding blood and solid cancer entities. CD176-CARs mediated T-cell signaling (NF-κB activation) and T-cell activation (CD69, CD137 expression) upon recognition of CD176+ cancer cell lines and unmasked CD176, whereby a short spacer enabled superior target recognition. Importantly, they also released effector molecules (e.g. interferon-γ, granzyme B and perforin), mediated cytotoxicity against CD176+ cancer cells, and maintained functionality upon repetitive antigen stimulation. Here, CD176L-CAR-Ts exhibited slightly higher proliferation and mediator-release capacities. Since both CD176-CAR-Ts did not react towards CD176- control cells, their response proved to be target-specific. Discussion Genetically engineered CD176-CAR-Ts specifically recognize CD176 which is widely expressed on cancer cells. Since CD176 is masked on most healthy cells, this antigen and the corresponding CAR-Ts represent a promising approach for the treatment of various blood and solid cancers while avoiding "on-target/off-tumor" cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Christina Dragon
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Luca Marie Beermann
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Melina Umland
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Agnes Bonifacius
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Chiara Malinconico
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Louisa Ruhl
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Katharina Zimmermann
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Riese
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Felicitas Thol
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Gernot Beutel
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Maecker-Kolhoff
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Blasczyk
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Britta Eiz-Vesper
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
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10
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Altvater B, Kailayangiri S, Spurny C, Flügge M, Meltzer J, Greune L, Urban K, Schwöppe C, Brand C, Schliemann C, Hintelmann H, Harrach S, Hartmann W, Abken H, Kuehle J, Schambach A, Görlich D, Berdel WE, Rossig C. CAR T cells as micropharmacies against solid cancers: Combining effector T-cell mediated cell death with vascular targeting in a one-step engineering process. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1355-1368. [PMID: 37391502 PMCID: PMC10581901 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00642-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
To enhance the potency of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cells in solid cancers, we designed a novel cell-based combination strategy with an additional therapeutic mode of action. CAR T cells are used as micropharmacies to produce a targeted pro-coagulatory fusion protein, truncated tissue factor (tTF)-NGR, which exerts pro-coagulatory activity and hypoxia upon relocalization to the vascular endothelial cells that invade tumor tissues. Delivery by CAR T cells aimed to induce locoregional tumor vascular infarction for combined immune-mediated and hypoxic tumor cell death. Human T cells that were one-vector gene-modified to express a GD2-specific CAR along with CAR-inducible tTF-NGR exerted potent GD2-specific effector functions while secreting tTF-NGR that activates the extrinsic coagulation pathway in a strictly GD2-dependent manner. In murine models, the CAR T cells infiltrated GD2-positive tumor xenografts, secreted tTF-NGR into the tumor microenvironment and showed a trend towards superior therapeutic activity compared with control cells producing functionally inactive tTF-NGR. In vitro evidence supports a mechanism of hypoxia-mediated enhancement of T cell cytolytic activity. We conclude that combined CAR T cell targeting with an additional mechanism of antitumor action in a one-vector engineering strategy is a promising approach to be further developed for targeted treatment of solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Altvater
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sareetha Kailayangiri
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Christian Spurny
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Maike Flügge
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jutta Meltzer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lea Greune
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Katja Urban
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Caroline Brand
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Heike Hintelmann
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Saliha Harrach
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hartmann
- Division of Translational Pathology, Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- Division of Genetic Immunotherapy, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), and University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kuehle
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis Görlich
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Berdel
- Department of Medicine A, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003 - CiM), University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Claudia Rossig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003 - CiM), University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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11
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Prakash S, Kumbhojkar N, Lu A, Kapate N, Suja VC, Park KS, Wang LLW, Mitragotri S. Polymer Micropatches as Natural Killer Cell Engagers for Tumor Therapy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15918-15930. [PMID: 37565806 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell therapies have emerged as a potential therapeutic approach to various cancers. Their efficacy, however, is limited by their low persistence and anergy. Current approaches to sustain NK cell persistence in vivo include genetic modification, activation via pretreatment, or coadministration of supporting cytokines or antibodies. Such supporting therapies exhibit limited efficacy in vivo, in part due to the reversal of their effect within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and off-target toxicity. Here, we report a material-based approach to address this challenge. Specifically, we describe the use of polymeric micropatches as a platform for sustained, targeted activation of NK cells, an approach referred to as microparticles as cell engagers (MACE). Poly(lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) micropatches, 4-8 μm in diameter and surface-modified with NK cell receptor targeting antibodies, exhibited strong adhesion to NK cells and induced their activation without the need of coadministered cytokines. The activation induced by MACE was greater than that induced by nanoparticles, attesting to the crucial role of MACE geometry in the activation of NK cells. MACE-bound NK cells remained viable and exhibited trans-endothelial migration and antitumor activity in vitro. MACE-bound NK cells activated T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in vitro. Adoptive transfer of NK-MACE also demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy in a mouse melanoma lung metastasis model compared to unmodified NK cells. Overall, MACE offers a simple, scalable, and effective way of activating NK cells and represents an attractive platform to improve the efficacy of NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Prakash
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ninad Kumbhojkar
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Andrew Lu
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
| | - Neha Kapate
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Vineeth Chandran Suja
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kyung Soo Park
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lily Li-Wen Wang
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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12
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Dabas P, Danda A. Revolutionizing cancer treatment: a comprehensive review of CAR-T cell therapy. Med Oncol 2023; 40:275. [PMID: 37608202 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02146-y] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a promising new treatment for cancer that involves genetically modifying a patient's T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. This review provides an overview of the latest discoveries and clinical trials related to CAR-T cell therapy, as well as the concept and applications of the therapy. The review also discusses the limitations and potential side effects of CAR-T cell therapy, including the high cost and the risk of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. While CAR-T cell therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, ongoing research is needed to improve the efficacy and safety of the therapy and expand its use to solid tumors. With continued research and development, CAR-T cell therapy has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Dabas
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Adithi Danda
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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13
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Yang LT, Abudureheman T, Zheng WW, Zhou H, Chen J, Duan CW, Chen KM. A novel His-tag-binding aptamer for recombinant protein detection and T cell-based immunotherapy. Talanta 2023; 263:124722. [PMID: 37247456 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Screening novel aptamers for recombinant protein detection is of great significance in industrial mass production of antibody drugs. In addition, construction of structurally stable bispecific circular aptamers (bc-apts) may provide a tumor-targeted treatment strategy by simultaneously binding two different cell types. In this study, we obtained a high-affinity hexahistidine tag (His-tag)-binding aptamer 20S and explored its application in recombinant protein detection and T cell-based immunotherapy. We developed a new molecular beacon (MB) 20S-MB to detect His-tagged proteins in vitro and in vivo with high sensitivity and specificity, and the results showed high consistency with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, we constructed two kinds of bc-apts by cyclizing 20S or another His-tag-binding aptamer, 6H5-MU, with Sgc8, which specifically recognizes protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7) on tumor cells. After forming a complex with His-tagged OKT3, an anti-CD3 antibody for T cell activation, we utilized these aptamer-antibody complexes (ap-ab complex) to enhance cytotoxicity of T cells by linking T cells and target cells together, and 20S-sgc8 exhibited antitumor efficacy superior to that of 6H5-sgc8. In conclusion, we screened a novel His-tag-binding aptamer and used it to construct a new type of MB for rapid detection of recombinant proteins, as well as establish a feasible approach for T cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ting Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tuersunayi Abudureheman
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Wei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Cai-Wen Duan
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China; Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, And Fujian Children's Hospital, China; Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate, National Health Commission, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, China.
| | - Kai-Ming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, And Fujian Children's Hospital, China.
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14
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Atilla E, Benabdellah K. The Black Hole: CAR T Cell Therapy in AML. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2713. [PMID: 37345050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite exhaustive studies, researchers have made little progress in the field of adoptive cellular therapies for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), unlike the notable uptake for B cell malignancies. Various single antigen-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell Phase I trials have been established worldwide and have recruited approximately 100 patients. The high heterogeneity at the genetic and molecular levels within and between AML patients resembles a black hole: a great gravitational field that sucks in everything. One must consider the fact that only around 30% of patients show a response; there are, however, consequential off-tumor effects. It is obvious that a new point of view is needed to achieve more promising results. This review first introduces the unique therapeutic challenges of not only CAR T cells but also other adoptive cellular therapies in AML. Next, recent single-cell sequencing data for AML to assess somatically acquired alterations at the DNA, epigenetic, RNA, and protein levels are discussed to give a perspective on cellular heterogeneity, intercellular hierarchies, and the cellular ecosystem. Finally, promising novel strategies are summarized, including more sophisticated next-generation CAR T, TCR-T, and CAR NK therapies; the approaches with which to tailor the microenvironment and target neoantigens; and allogeneic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erden Atilla
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Genomic Medicine Department, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Health Sciences Technology Park, 18016 Granada, Spain
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15
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Chen C, Liu X, Chang CY, Wang HY, Wang RF. The Interplay between T Cells and Cancer: The Basis of Immunotherapy. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051008. [PMID: 37239368 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising approaches to cancer treatment. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has resulted in impressive and durable clinical responses in the treatment of various cancers. Additionally, immunotherapy utilizing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells has produced robust responses in blood cancers, and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells are showing promising results in the treatment of solid cancers. Despite these noteworthy advancements in cancer immunotherapy, numerous challenges remain. Some patient populations are unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and CAR T cell therapy has yet to show efficacy against solid cancers. In this review, we first discuss the significant role that T cells play in the body's defense against cancer. We then delve into the mechanisms behind the current challenges facing immunotherapy, starting with T cell exhaustion due to immune checkpoint upregulation and changes in the transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes of dysfunctional T cells. We then discuss cancer-cell-intrinsic characteristics, including molecular alterations in cancer cells and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which collectively facilitate tumor cell proliferation, survival, metastasis, and immune evasion. Finally, we examine recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy, with a specific emphasis on T-cell-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Chen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Che-Yu Chang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Helen Y Wang
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Rong-Fu Wang
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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16
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Transgenic HA-1-Specific CD8 + T-Lymphocytes Selectively Target Leukemic Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051592. [PMID: 36900382 PMCID: PMC10000933 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant share of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (allo-HSCT) results in the relapse of malignant disease. The T cell immune response to minor histocompatibility antigens (MiHAs) promotes a favorable graft-versus-leukemia response. The immunogenic MiHA HA-1 is a promising target for leukemia immunotherapy, as it is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic tissues and presented by the common HLA A*02:01 allele. Adoptive transfer of HA-1-specific modified CD8+ T cells could complement allo-HSCT from HA-1- donors to HA-1+ recipients. Using bioinformatic analysis and a reporter T cell line, we discovered 13 T cell receptors (TCRs) specific for HA-1. Their affinities were measured by the response of the TCR-transduced reporter cell lines to HA-1+ cells. The studied TCRs showed no cross-reactivity to the panel of donor peripheral mononuclear blood cells with 28 common HLA alleles. CD8+ T cells after endogenous TCR knock out and introduction of transgenic HA-1-specific TCR were able to lyse hematopoietic cells from HA-1+ patients with acute myeloid, T-, and B-cell lymphocytic leukemia (n = 15). No cytotoxic effect was observed on cells from HA-1- or HLA-A*02-negative donors (n = 10). The results support the use of HA-1 as a target for post-transplant T cell therapy.
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17
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Yu M, Zhang Q, Kong F, Qi L, Pu Y, Qiu L, Wang J, Li F. Efficacy and Safety of Dual-Targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T Therapy for Relapsed or Refractory B Cell Lymphoid Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:192-202. [PMID: 36734417 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dual-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has been proposed as a potential solution for overcoming antigen escape during anti-CD19 CAR-T treatment. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of this novel treatment in patients with B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) and B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We systematically searched relevant literature based on databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane) and conference abstracts. The primary outcomes measured were the best objective response rate (ORR) or complete response (CR), 12-month overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and neurotoxicity. Fifteen registered prospective open-label clinical trials were included. Among the 260 patients with B-NHL, the pooled best ORR and CR were 77% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-0.82) and 52% (95% CI: 0.40-0.63), respectively, and the pooled 12-month PFS and OS were 54.0% (95% CI: 0.47-0.61) and 66.0% (95% CI: 0.56-0.77), respectively. In the 159 patients with B-ALL, the combined best CR was observed to be 92% (95% CI: 0.82-0.99) and the pooled 12-month PFS and OS were 65.0% (95% CI: 0.51-0.77) and 73.0% (95% CI: 0.56-0.92), respectively. Moreover, in B-NHL patients, grade ≥3 CRS was observed in 14.0% (95% CI: 0.04-0.29) of these patients, and 5.0% (95% CI: 0.02-0.08) showed grade ≥3 neurotoxicity; in the case of B-ALL patients, grade ≥3 CRS and neurotoxicity occurred in 11.0% (95% CI: 0.04-0.19) and 2.0% (95% CI: 0.00-0.06), respectively. This study demonstrates the safety and clinical efficacy of dual-targeting CAR-T cell therapies in B cell malignancies. Further, well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to establish the role of dual-targeting CAR-T cell therapy in patients with B cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yu
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Hematology, Academy of Clinical Medicine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- National Clinical Research Sub-Center for Blood Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Nanchang, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Hematology, Academy of Clinical Medicine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- National Clinical Research Sub-Center for Blood Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Nanchang, China
| | - Fancong Kong
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Hematology, Academy of Clinical Medicine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- National Clinical Research Sub-Center for Blood Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Nanchang, China
| | - Ling Qi
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Hematology, Academy of Clinical Medicine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- National Clinical Research Sub-Center for Blood Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Nanchang, China
| | - Yafang Pu
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Hematology, Academy of Clinical Medicine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- National Clinical Research Sub-Center for Blood Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Nanchang, China
| | - Lugui Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Fei Li
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Hematology, Academy of Clinical Medicine of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- National Clinical Research Sub-Center for Blood Diseases, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Nanchang, China
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18
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Ahn R, Cui Y, White FM. Antigen discovery for the development of cancer immunotherapy. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101733. [PMID: 36841147 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Central to successful cancer immunotherapy is effective T cell antitumor immunity. Multiple targeted immunotherapies engineered to invigorate T cell-driven antitumor immunity rely on identifying the repertoire of T cell antigens expressed on the tumor cell surface. Mass spectrometry-based survey of such antigens ("immunopeptidomics") combined with other omics platforms and computational algorithms has been instrumental in identifying and quantifying tumor-derived T cell antigens. In this review, we discuss the types of tumor antigens that have emerged for targeted cancer immunotherapy and the immunopeptidomics methods that are central in MHC peptide identification and quantification. We provide an overview of the strength and limitations of mass spectrometry-driven approaches and how they have been integrated with other technologies to discover targetable T cell antigens for cancer immunotherapy. We highlight some of the emerging cancer immunotherapies that successfully capitalized on immunopeptidomics, their challenges, and mass spectrometry-based strategies that can support their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuhjin Ahn
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yufei Cui
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Forest M White
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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19
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El Ghazzi N, Italiano A, Bay JO, Dougé A. [CAR-T cells development in solid tumors]. Bull Cancer 2023; 110:32-41. [PMID: 36543680 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
CAR-T cells have produced very promising results in the field of onco-hematology and have been rapidly approved for marketing in France for several years now. In solid tumors, current results are more disappointing. Indeed, many hurdles come in the way. Tumor vascularization, the strongly immunosuppressive microenvironment, the loss of the target antigen as well as T cell exhaustion are part of the explanation of those results. Hence many researchers are working to develop strategies to counteract these resistance mechanisms. Arming CAR-T cells with BiTEs, with immune checkpoint inhibitors or with interleukins seem to be effective ways to improve antitumor efficacy. Other strategies including vaccines association or local delivery of the CAR-T cells look very promising. Many Phase I studies are investigating these new strategies and are expected to improve the previous results obtained to date in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan El Ghazzi
- CHU Gabriel Montpied, service d'oncologie médicale, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Antoine Italiano
- Institut Bergonié, unité de phases précoces, Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jacques-Olivier Bay
- CHU Gabriel Montpied, service d'oncologie médicale, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Aurore Dougé
- CHU Gabriel Montpied, service d'oncologie médicale, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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20
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Kim YJ, Li W, Zhelev DV, Mellors JW, Dimitrov DS, Baek DS. Chimeric antigen receptor-T cells are effective against CEACAM5 expressing non-small cell lung cancer cells resistant to antibody-drug conjugates. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1124039. [PMID: 36923424 PMCID: PMC10010383 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1124039] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are promising therapeutic strategies in oncology. The carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) is overexpressed in tumors including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and is an attractive target for therapies based on CAR-T cell or/and ADCs. We previously developed a highly specific antibody-based CAR-T cells targeting CEACAM5 and the tumoricidal effect of CAR-T cells was proved against neuro-endocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) cells expressing CEACAM5. Here, we compare the anti-tumor efficacy of our CAR-T cells with that of an anti-CEACAM5 ADC being clinically evaluated against NSCLC. Our anti-CEACAM5 CAR-T cells showed cytotoxicity in a CEACAM5 surface concentration dependent manner and reduced tumor growth in both ADC-responsive and -non-responsive CEACAM5-expressing NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, the ADC exhibited cytotoxicity independent on the CEACAM5 cell surface concentration. Even though clinical translation of CEACAM5 targeting CAR-T cell therapies is still in preclinical stage, our CAR-T cell approach could provide a potential therapeutic strategy for CEACAM5-positive cancer patients with resistance to ADCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Jin Kim
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Doncho V Zhelev
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - John W Mellors
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Abound Bio, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Dimiter S Dimitrov
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Abound Bio, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Du-San Baek
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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21
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CAR-NK as a Rapidly Developed and Efficient Immunotherapeutic Strategy against Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010117. [PMID: 36612114 PMCID: PMC9817948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cell therapy has been rapidly developing in recent years, ultimately revolutionizing immunotherapeutic strategies and providing significant anti-tumor potency, mainly in treating hematological neoplasms. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and other adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndromes (CRS) and neurotoxicity associated with CAR-T cell infusion, have raised some concerns about the broad application of this therapy. Natural killer (NK) cells have been identified as promising alternative platforms for CAR-based therapies because of their unique features, such as a lack of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matching restriction, superior safety, and better anti-tumor activity when compared with CAR-T cells. The lack of CRS, neurotoxicity, or GVHD, in the case of CAR-NK therapy, in addition to the possibility of using allogeneic NK cells as a CAR platform for "off-the-shelf" therapy, opens new windows for strategic opportunities. This review underlines recent design achievements in CAR constructs and summarizes preclinical studies' results regarding CAR-NK therapies' safety and anti-tumor potency. Additionally, new approaches in CAR-NK technology are briefly described, and currently registered clinical trials are listed.
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22
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Dey M, Kim MH, Dogan M, Nagamine M, Kozhaya L, Celik N, Unutmaz D, Ozbolat IT. Chemotherapeutics and CAR-T Cell-Based Immunotherapeutics Screening on a 3D Bioprinted Vascularized Breast Tumor Model. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2022; 32:2203966. [PMID: 38938621 PMCID: PMC11209929 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202203966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Despite substantial advancements in development of cancer treatments, lack of standardized and physiologically-relevant in vitro testing platforms limit the early screening of anticancer agents. A major barrier is the complex interplay between the tumor microenvironment and immune response. To tackle this, a dynamic-flow based 3D bioprinted multi-scale vascularized breast tumor model, responding to chemo and immunotherapeutics is developed. Heterotypic tumors are precisely bioprinted at pre-defined distances from a perfused vasculature, exhibit tumor angiogenesis and cancer cell invasion into the perfused vasculature. Bioprinted tumors treated with varying dosages of doxorubicin for 72 h portray a dose-dependent drug response behavior. More importantly, a cell based immune therapy approach is explored by perfusing HER2-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified CD8+ T cells for 24 or 72 h. Extensive CAR-T cell recruitment to the endothelium, substantial T cell activation and infiltration to the tumor site, resulted in up to ≈70% reduction in tumor volumes. The presented platform paves the way for a robust, precisely fabricated, and physiologically-relevant tumor model for future translation of anti-cancer therapies to personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Dey
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Myoung Hwan Kim
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Biomedical Engineering Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Mikail Dogan
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Momoka Nagamine
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Lina Kozhaya
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Nazmiye Celik
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Derya Unutmaz
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Ibrahim T Ozbolat
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Biomedical Engineering Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Materials Research Institute, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Cancer Institute, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Neurosurgery Department, Penn State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey
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23
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Adachi K, Tamada K. Paving the road to make chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell therapy effective against solid tumors. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:4020-4029. [PMID: 36047968 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The three major standard therapies, that is, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have conventionally been applied to the treatments for cancers and have saved many patients. In addition, for intractable, refractory, or advanced malignancies that cannot be cured by the three standard therapies, immunotherapy is an important subject of basic and clinical researches. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICI) has shown significant therapeutic efficacies on some types of tumors in large-scale randomized clinical trials, making a major impact on clinical oncology by scientifically proving and establishing the effectiveness of an immunotherapy. In 2018, ICI was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and immunotherapy is now becoming the "fourth" standard therapy for cancers. Recently, adoptive cell therapies, in which genetically modified T cells with enhanced reactivity against tumors are infused into the patients, have been attracting considerable attention as a hopeful immunotherapy following ICI. Particularly, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapies demonstrate marked therapeutic efficacies against some hematologic malignancies, and have been approved in many countries. However, current CAR-T-cell therapy is considered to be little effective against solid tumors, which is one of the challenging issues to be overcome in CAR-T-cell therapy. In this review, we at first introduce CAR and CAR-T cell, and then focus on the recent progress of CAR-T-cell therapy against solid tumors as well as the novel concept on a role of CAR-T cells, aiming to further understandings of the novel cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keishi Adachi
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Koji Tamada
- Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
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24
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Nasiri F, Kazemi M, Mirarefin SMJ, Mahboubi Kancha M, Ahmadi Najafabadi M, Salem F, Dashti Shokoohi S, Evazi Bakhshi S, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Safarzadeh Kozani P. CAR-T cell therapy in triple-negative breast cancer: Hunting the invisible devil. Front Immunol 2022; 13. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known as the most intricate and hard-to-treat subtype of breast cancer. TNBC cells do not express the well-known estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expressed by other breast cancer subtypes. This phenomenon leaves no room for novel treatment approaches including endocrine and HER2-specific antibody therapies. To date, surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy remain the principal therapy options for TNBC treatment. However, in numerous cases, these approaches either result in minimal clinical benefit or are nonfunctional, resulting in disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Nowadays, chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is becoming more established as an option for the treatment of various types of hematologic malignancies. CAR-Ts are genetically engineered T lymphocytes that employ the body’s immune system mechanisms to selectively recognize cancer cells expressing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) of interest and efficiently eliminate them. However, despite the clinical triumph of CAR-T therapy in hematologic neoplasms, CAR-T therapy of solid tumors, including TNBC, has been much more challenging. In this review, we will discuss the success of CAR-T therapy in hematological neoplasms and its caveats in solid tumors, and then we summarize the potential CAR-T targetable TAAs in TNBC studied in different investigational stages.
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25
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Nasiri F, Kazemi M, Mirarefin SMJ, Mahboubi Kancha M, Ahmadi Najafabadi M, Salem F, Dashti Shokoohi S, Evazi Bakhshi S, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Safarzadeh Kozani P. CAR-T cell therapy in triple-negative breast cancer: Hunting the invisible devil. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018786. [PMID: 36483567 PMCID: PMC9722775 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known as the most intricate and hard-to-treat subtype of breast cancer. TNBC cells do not express the well-known estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expressed by other breast cancer subtypes. This phenomenon leaves no room for novel treatment approaches including endocrine and HER2-specific antibody therapies. To date, surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy remain the principal therapy options for TNBC treatment. However, in numerous cases, these approaches either result in minimal clinical benefit or are nonfunctional, resulting in disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Nowadays, chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is becoming more established as an option for the treatment of various types of hematologic malignancies. CAR-Ts are genetically engineered T lymphocytes that employ the body's immune system mechanisms to selectively recognize cancer cells expressing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) of interest and efficiently eliminate them. However, despite the clinical triumph of CAR-T therapy in hematologic neoplasms, CAR-T therapy of solid tumors, including TNBC, has been much more challenging. In this review, we will discuss the success of CAR-T therapy in hematological neoplasms and its caveats in solid tumors, and then we summarize the potential CAR-T targetable TAAs in TNBC studied in different investigational stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Nasiri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Production Platforms & Analytics, Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mehrasa Kazemi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Thalassemia Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Maral Mahboubi Kancha
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Milad Ahmadi Najafabadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faeze Salem
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Dashti Shokoohi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Evazi Bakhshi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Pouya Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Pooria Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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26
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Liu Y, Zheng Y, Deng T, Huang Y, Liu Z, Zhan B, Zhou X, Yan R, Ren J, Xing Y, Wu G, Zheng B, Hu G, Wang W, Liu Y, Zhao J, Chen X, Zhou GG. Oncolytic herpes simplex virus delivery of dual CAR targets of CD19 and BCMA as well as immunomodulators to enhance therapeutic efficacy in solid tumors combined with CAR T cell therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1037934. [PMID: 36353540 PMCID: PMC9638445 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1037934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CAR T-cell therapy is a promising approach to treating hematologic malignancies. However, the application in solid tumors still has many tough challenges, including heterogenicity in antigen expressions and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). As a new cancer treatment modality, oncolytic virotherapy can be engineered to circumvent these obstacles for CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors. METHODS In this study, an oHSV T7011 is engineered to drive ectopic expression of dual-antigens, extracellular domains of CD19 and BCMA, on the solid tumor cell surface to be targeted by approved CAR T cells. In addition, multiple immunomodulators, CCL5, IL-12, and anti-PD-1 antibody are also included to modulate the TME. The antitumor activities of T7011 in combination with CD19 or BCMA CAR T-cell were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The expression of CD19 or BMCA on the tumor cell surface could be detected after T7011 infection. The level of CCL5 in TME was also increased. Efficacy studies demonstrated that combination with T7011 and CAR-TCD19 or CAR-TBCMA cells showed significant synergistic anti-tumor responses in several solid tumor models. CONCLUSION These studies indicated that the new generation of oHSV T7011 can be a promising combinational therapy with CD19 or BCMA-specific CAR T cells for the treatment of a broad range of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiangtao Ren
- Nanjing Bioheng Biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Xing
- Nanjing Bioheng Biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Guixing Wu
- Nanjing Bioheng Biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Biao Zheng
- IASO Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Hu
- IASO Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Wang
- IASO Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
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27
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GU T, ZHU M, HUANG H, HU Y. Relapse after CAR-T cell therapy in B-cell malignancies: challenges and future approaches. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:793-811. [PMID: 36226535 PMCID: PMC9561408 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2200256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy, as a novel cellular immunotherapy, has dramatically reshaped the landscape of cancer treatment, especially in hematological malignancies. However, relapse is still one of the most troublesome obstacles to achieving broad clinical application. The intrinsic factors and superior adaptability of tumor cells mark a fundamental aspect of relapse. The unique biological function of CAR-T cells governed by their special CAR construction also affects treatment efficacy. Moreover, complex cross-interactions among CAR-T cells, tumor cells, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) profoundly influence clinical outcomes concerning CAR-T cell function and persistence. Therefore, in this review, based on the most recent discoveries, we focus on the challenges of relapse after CAR-T cell therapy in B-cell malignancies from the perspective of tumor cells, CAR-T cells, and the TME. We also discuss the corresponding basic and clinical approaches that may overcome the problem in the future. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding for scientists and physicians that will help improve research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianning GU
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310003, China,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou311121, China,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Meng ZHU
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310003, China,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou311121, China,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - He HUANG
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310003, China,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou311121, China,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou310058, China,He HUANG,
| | - Yongxian HU
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310003, China,Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou311121, China,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou310058, China,Yongxian HU,
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28
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Karam A, Mjaess G, Martinez Chanza N, Aoun F, Bou Kheir G, Younes H, Kazzi H, Albisinni S, Roumeguère T. CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors: are we still that far? A systematic review of literature. Cancer Invest 2022; 40:923-937. [DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2022.2125004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Karam
- Hotel-Dieu de France, University of Saint Joseph, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Mjaess
- Department of Urology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Hôpital Érasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nieves Martinez Chanza
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fouad Aoun
- Hotel-Dieu de France, University of Saint Joseph, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - George Bou Kheir
- Department of Urology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Hôpital Érasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hadi Younes
- Hotel-Dieu de France, University of Saint Joseph, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hanane Kazzi
- Department of Radiology, Saint Joseph Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Simone Albisinni
- Department of Urology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Hôpital Érasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Roumeguère
- Department of Urology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Hôpital Érasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Urology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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29
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Cao G, Zhang G, Liu M, Liu J, Wang Q, Zhu L, Wan X. GPC3-targeted CAR-T cells secreting B7H3-targeted BiTE exhibit potent cytotoxicity activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell in the in vitro assay. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 31:101324. [PMID: 36032401 PMCID: PMC9399963 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101324] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer has a high mortality in China, and it is usually diagnosed at a late stage, thereby leaving patients with few effective treatment options. Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy, a novel immunotherapy that has shown promising results in leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, is also expected to work well in solid tumors, including HCC. However, the ideal therapeutic efficacy has not yet been achieved, in part due to tumor antigen escape caused by antigen heterogeneity. To overcome such challenge, we screened a panel of biomarkers in HCC cell lines and found that GPC3 and B7H3 were highly expressed on HCC with expression heterogeneity. Then we developed a novel bispecific T cell engagers CAR-T (CAR.T-BiTEs) that drives the expression of a CAR specific for GPC3 and BiTEs against CD3 and B7H3, herein referred to as “GPC3-BiTE CAR.” We found that BiTEs promoted the increased activation of untransduced T cells and IFN-γ release. Moreover, BiTEs secreted by GPC3-BiTE CAR-HEK293T cells promoted increased cytotoxicity activity of untransduced T cells against GPC3+/B7H3+ (GPC3 positive/B7H3 positive) and GPC3-/B7H3+(GPC3 negative/B7H3 positive) HCC cell lines. In vitro function assays showed that GPC3-BiTE CAR-T cells exhibited greater cytotoxicity activity against GPC3+/B7H3+ HCC cell lines than GPC3 CAR-T cells (GPC3-targeted CAR-T cells) and B7H3 CAR-T cells (B7H3-targeted CAR-T cells). Furthermore, GPC3-BiTE CAR-T cells exhibited superior cytotoxicity against GPC3 negative HCC cell lines compared with GPC3 CAR T cells. In conclusion, our study showed that GPC3-BiTE CAR T cells exhibited superior antitumor activity than single-target CAR-T cells and can overcome tumor escape induced by antigen heterogeneity, suggesting that this could be a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC. The expression of GPC3 and B7H3 was heterogeneous in HCC tissues. BiTEs enhanced the cytotoxicity of untransduced T cells against HCC cell lines. GPC3-BiTE CAR-T cells showed enhanced cytotoxicity against GPC3+/B7H3+ cells. GPC3-BiTE CAR-T cells can resist GPC3 antigen escape in the in vitro assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guozheng Cao
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Guizhong Zhang
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Maoxuan Liu
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Junchen Liu
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Lifang Zhu
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
- Corresponding author. Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China.
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30
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Hu JF, Wang ZW, Liao CY, Chen ZW, Kang FP, Lin CF, Lin TS, Huang L, Tian YF, Chen S. Induced expression of CCL19 promotes the anti-tumor ability of CAR-T cells by increasing their infiltration ability. Front Immunol 2022; 13:958960. [PMID: 35990619 PMCID: PMC9391072 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.958960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cell (CAR-T) therapy has shown promising potential for anti-cancer treatment. However, for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the lack of infiltrative ability of these CAR-T cells leads to sub-optimal treatment outcome. Methods Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19), the expression of which is regulated by the nuclear factor of activated T cell pathway, was transfected into targeting mesothelin CAR-T cells (mesoCAR-N19) using NFAT regulating element. It was expressed in activated CAR-T cells by OKT3 or mesothelin+ tumor cells but not in inactive cells. The migratory ability of these CAR-T cells was then measured. Subsequently, functional identification of these CAR-T cells was performed in vivo. In addition, the tumor lytic activity and proliferation of the CAR-T cells were measured in vitro. The degree of CAR-T cell infiltration and distribution into the PDAC tumors was examined using the immunohistochemical staining of hCD3 and the detection of CAR gene copy number by quantitative PCR. Finally, the functional assessment of chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 7 knock-out was performed in the CAR-T cells. Results Through in vitro Transwell assays, it was demonstrated that mesoCAR-N19 can be specifically expressed in CAR-T cells activated by tumor cells compared with conventional mesothelin CAR-T (mesoCAR) cells. We also observed that upregulating the expression of CCL19 can increase the recruitment of additional T cells. In vivo studies subsequently revealed that this highly specific recruitment of T cell infiltration is associated with enhanced tumor-suppressive activities downstream. Conclusion Induced expression of CCL19 can promote the anti-tumor ability of CAR-T cells by increasing their infiltrative ability. This study potentially uncovered novel method of activating CAR-T cells to enhance their infiltrative capacities, which offers a novel direction for PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-fei Hu
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zu-wei Wang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Cheng-yu Liao
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-wen Chen
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Feng-ping Kang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Cai-feng Lin
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tian-sheng Lin
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Long Huang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-feng Tian
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yi-feng Tian, ; Shi Chen,
| | - Shi Chen
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yi-feng Tian, ; Shi Chen,
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Chen L, Chen F, Niu H, Li J, Pu Y, Yang C, Wang Y, Huang R, Li K, Lei Y, Huang Y. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T Cell Immunotherapy Against Thoracic Malignancies: Challenges and Opportunities. Front Immunol 2022; 13:871661. [PMID: 35911706 PMCID: PMC9334018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.871661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Different from surgery, chemical therapy, radio-therapy and target therapy, Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) cells, a novel adoptive immunotherapy strategy, have been used successfully against both hematological tumors and solid tumors. Although several problems have reduced engineered CAR-T cell therapeutic outcomes in clinical trials for the treatment of thoracic malignancies, including the lack of specific antigens, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, a low level of CAR-T cell infiltration into tumor tissues, off-target toxicity, and other safety issues, CAR-T cell treatment is still full of bright future. In this review, we outline the basic structure and characteristics of CAR-T cells among different period, summarize the common tumor-associated antigens in clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy for thoracic malignancies, and point out the current challenges and new strategies, aiming to provide new ideas and approaches for preclinical experiments and clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy for thoracic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Fukun Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Huatao Niu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Jindan Li
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yongzhu Pu
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Conghui Yang
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of PET/CT Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Yunchao Huang, ; Yujie Lei, ; Ke Li,
| | - Yujie Lei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Yunchao Huang, ; Yujie Lei, ; Ke Li,
| | - Yunchao Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Yunchao Huang, ; Yujie Lei, ; Ke Li,
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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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Current Status and Perspectives of Dual-Targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133230. [PMID: 35805001 PMCID: PMC9265066 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells tremendously improve outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory hematological malignancies and are considered a breakthrough therapy. However, over half of treated patients experience relapse or refractory disease, with antigen escape being one of the main contributing mechanisms. Dual-targeting CAR T-cell therapy is being developed to minimize the risk of relapse or refractory disease. Preclinical and clinical data on five categories of dual-targeting CAR T-cell therapies and approximately fifty studies were summarized to offer insights and support the development of dual-targeting CAR T-cell therapy for hematological malignancies. The clinical efficacy (durability and survival) is validated and the safety profiles of dual-targeting CAR T-cell therapy are acceptable, although there is still room for improvement in the bispecific CAR structure. It is one of the best approaches to optimize the bispecific CAR structure by boosting T-cell transduction efficiency and leveraging evidence from preclinical activity and clinical efficacy.
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Safarzadeh Kozani P, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Ahmadi Najafabadi M, Yousefi F, Mirarefin SMJ, Rahbarizadeh F. Recent Advances in Solid Tumor CAR-T Cell Therapy: Driving Tumor Cells From Hero to Zero? Front Immunol 2022; 13:795164. [PMID: 35634281 PMCID: PMC9130586 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.795164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-Ts) are known as revolutionary living drugs that have turned the tables of conventional cancer treatments in certain hematologic malignancies such as B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) by achieving US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval based on their successful clinical outcomes. However, this type of therapy has not seen the light of victory in the fight against solid tumors because of various restricting caveats including heterogeneous tumor antigen expression and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TME) that negatively affect the tumor-site accessibility, infiltration, stimulation, activation, and persistence of CAR-Ts. In this review, we explore strategic twists including boosting vaccines and designing implementations that can support CAR-T expansion, proliferation, and tumoricidal capacity. We also step further by underscoring novel strategies for triggering endogenous antitumor responses and overcoming the limitation of poor CAR-T tumor-tissue infiltration and the lack of definitive tumor-specific antigens. Ultimately, we highlight how these approaches can address the mentioned arduous hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Pooria Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Ahmadi Najafabadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Yousefi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Research and Development Center of Biotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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35
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Atilla PA, Atilla E. Resistance against anti-CD19 and anti-BCMA CAR T cells: Recent advances and coping strategies. Transl Oncol 2022; 22:101459. [PMID: 35617812 PMCID: PMC9136177 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Some patients may experience resistance to CD19 CAR T cell and BCMA CAR T cell therapies or relapse after treatment. Mechanisms of resistance to CAR T cell therapies may be related to CAR structure, T cell factors or tumor associated factors. The strategies to overcome the resistance would allow CD19 CAR T cells or BCMA CAR T cell to be applied with a broader perspective.
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy is a new treatment paradigm that has revolutionized the treatment of CD19-positive B cell malignancies and BCMA-positive plasma cell malignancies. The response rates are highly impressive in comparison to historical cohorts, but the responses are not durable. The most recent results from pivotal trials show that current CAR T cell products fail to demonstrate optimal long-term disease control. Resistance to CAR T cells is related to CAR structure, T cell factors, tumor factors and the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Novel strategies are needed following failure with CAR T cell treatment. In this review, we discuss the resistance mechanisms to CAR T cell treatment according to disease and the emerging strategies to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erden Atilla
- Department of Hematology, Mersin City Hospital, Mersin, Turkey.
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36
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Cao H, Sugimura R. Off-the-Shelf Chimeric Antigen Receptor Immune Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cancer Treat Res 2022; 183:255-274. [PMID: 35551663 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-96376-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have expanded the scope and therapeutic potential of anti-cancer therapy. Nevertheless, autologous CAR-T therapy has been challenging due to labor some manufacturing processes for every patient, and the cost due to the complexity of the process. Moreover, T cell dysfunction results from the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in certain patients. Considering technical challenges in autologous donors, the development of safe and efficient allogeneic CAR-T therapy will address these issues. Since the advent of the generation of immune cells from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), numerous studies focus on the off-the-shelf generation of CAR-immune cells derived from the universal donor PSCs, which simplifies the manufacturing process and standardizes CAR-T products. In this review, we will discuss advances in the generation of immune cells from PSCs, together with the potential and perspectives of CAR-T, CAR-macrophages, and CAR-natural killer (NK) cells in cancer treatment. The combination of PSC-derived immune cells and CAR engineering will pave the way for developing next-generation cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handi Cao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ryohichi Sugimura
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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37
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Tian Y, Xie D, Yang L. Engineering strategies to enhance oncolytic viruses in cancer immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:117. [PMID: 35387984 PMCID: PMC8987060 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00951-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are emerging as potentially useful platforms in treatment methods for patients with tumors. They preferentially target and kill tumor cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed. In addition to direct oncolysis, the essential and attractive aspect of oncolytic virotherapy is based on the intrinsic induction of both innate and adaptive immune responses. To further augment this efficacious response, OVs have been genetically engineered to express immune regulators that enhance or restore antitumor immunity. Recently, combinations of OVs with other immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) and autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), have led to promising progress in cancer treatment. This review summarizes the intrinsic mechanisms of OVs, describes the optimization strategies for using armed OVs to enhance the effects of antitumor immunity and highlights rational combinations of OVs with other immunotherapies in recent preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaomei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, South Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, No. 519, Huixing Road, 643000, Zigong, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Daoyuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, South Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, South Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Roex G, Campillo-Davo D, Flumens D, Shaw PAG, Krekelbergh L, De Reu H, Berneman ZN, Lion E, Anguille S. Two for one: targeting BCMA and CD19 in B-cell malignancies with off-the-shelf dual-CAR NK-92 cells. J Transl Med 2022; 20:124. [PMID: 35287669 PMCID: PMC8919645 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03326-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has proven to be a valuable new treatment option for patients with B-cell malignancies. However, by applying selective pressure, outgrowth of antigen-negative tumor cells can occur, eventually resulting in relapse. Subsequent rescue by administration of CAR-T cells with different antigen-specificity indicates that those tumor cells are still sensitive to CAR-T treatment and points towards a multi-target strategy. Due to their natural tumor sensitivity and highly cytotoxic nature, natural killer (NK) cells are a compelling alternative to T cells, especially considering the availability of an off-the-shelf unlimited supply in the form of the clinically validated NK-92 cell line.
Methods
Given our goal to develop a flexible system whereby the CAR expression repertoire of the effector cells can be rapidly adapted to the changing antigen expression profile of the target cells, electrotransfection with CD19-/BCMA-CAR mRNA was chosen as CAR loading method in this study. We evaluated the functionality of mRNA-engineered dual-CAR NK-92 against tumor B-cell lines and primary patient samples. In order to test the clinical applicability of the proposed cell therapy product, the effect of irradiation on the proliferative rate and functionality of dual-CAR NK-92 cells was investigated.
Results
Co-electroporation of CD19 and BMCA CAR mRNA was highly efficient, resulting in 88.1% dual-CAR NK-92 cells. In terms of CD107a degranulation, and secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ and granzyme B, dual-CAR NK-92 significantly outperformed single-CAR NK-92. More importantly, the killing capacity of dual-CAR NK-92 exceeded 60% of single and dual antigen-expressing cell lines, as well as primary tumor cells, in a 4h co-culture assay at low effector to target ratios, matching that of single-CAR counterparts. Furthermore, our results confirm that dual-CAR NK-92 irradiated with 10 Gy cease to proliferate and are gradually cleared while maintaining their killing capacity.
Conclusions
Here, using the clinically validated NK-92 cell line as a therapeutic cell source, we established a readily accessible and flexible platform for the generation of highly functional dual-targeted CAR-NK cells.
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Mahasa KJ, Ouifki R, Eladdadi A, Pillis LD. A combination therapy of oncolytic viruses and chimeric antigen receptor T cells: a mathematical model proof-of-concept. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:4429-4457. [PMID: 35430822 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Combining chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells with oncolytic viruses (OVs) has recently emerged as a promising treatment approach in preclinical studies that aim to alleviate some of the barriers faced by CAR-T cell therapy. In this study, we address by means of mathematical modeling the main question of whether a single dose or multiple sequential doses of CAR-T cells during the OVs therapy can have a synergetic effect on tumor reduction. To that end, we propose an ordinary differential equations-based model with virus-induced synergism to investigate potential effects of different regimes that could result in efficacious combination therapy against tumor cell populations. Model simulations show that, while the treatment with a single dose of CAR-T cells is inadequate to eliminate all tumor cells, combining the same dose with a single dose of OVs can successfully eliminate the tumor in the absence of virus-induced synergism. However, in the presence of virus-induced synergism, the same combination therapy fails to eliminate the tumor. Furthermore, it is shown that if the intensity of virus-induced synergy and/or virus oncolytic potency is high, then the induced CAR-T cell response can inhibit virus oncolysis. Additionally, the simulations show a more robust synergistic effect on tumor cell reduction when OVs and CAR-T cells are administered simultaneously compared to the combination treatment where CAR-T cells are administered first or after OV injection. Our findings suggest that the combination therapy of CAR-T cells and OVs seems unlikely to be effective if the virus-induced synergistic effects are included when genetically engineering oncolytic viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaphetsi Joseph Mahasa
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, National University of Lesotho, Roma 180, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Rachid Ouifki
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, North-West University, Mafikeng campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
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Combinatorial antigen targeting strategies for acute leukemia: application in myeloid malignancy. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:282-290. [PMID: 34955406 PMCID: PMC8950815 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Efforts to safely and effectively treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting a single leukemia-associated antigen with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have met with limited success, due in part to heterogeneous expression of myeloid antigens. The authors hypothesized that T cells expressing CARs directed toward two different AML-associated antigens would eradicate tumors and prevent relapse. METHODS For co-transduction with the authors' previously optimized CLL-1 CAR currently in clinical study (NCT04219163), the authors generated two CARs targeting either CD123 or CD33. The authors then tested the anti-tumor activity of T cells expressing each of the three CARs either alone or after co-transduction. The authors analyzed CAR T-cell phenotype, expansion and transduction efficacy and assessed function by in vitro and in vivo activity against AML cell lines expressing high (MOLM-13: CD123 high, CD33 high, CLL-1 intermediate), intermediate (HL-60: CD123 low, CD33 intermediate, CLL-1 intermediate/high) or low (KG-1a: CD123 low, CD33 low, CLL-1 low) levels of the target antigens. RESULTS The in vitro benefit of dual expression was most evident when the target cell line expressed low antigen levels (KG-1a). Mechanistically, dual expression was associated with higher pCD3z levels in T cells compared with single CAR T cells on exposure to KG-1a (P < 0.0001). In vivo, combinatorial targeting with CD123 or CD33 and CLL-1 CAR T cells improved tumor control and animal survival for all lines (KG-1a, MOLM-13 and HL-60); no antigen escape was detected in residual tumors. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings demonstrate that combinatorial targeting of CD33 or CD123 and CLL-1 with CAR T cells can control growth of heterogeneous AML tumors.
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Karvouni M, Vidal-Manrique M, Lundqvist A, Alici E. Engineered NK Cells Against Cancer and Their Potential Applications Beyond. Front Immunol 2022; 13:825979. [PMID: 35242135 PMCID: PMC8887605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.825979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is an innovative therapeutic concept where viable cells are implanted, infused, or grafted into a patient to treat impaired or malignant tissues. The term was first introduced circa the 19th century and has since resulted in multiple breakthroughs in different fields of medicine, such as neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Lately, cell and gene therapy are merging to provide cell products with additional or enhanced properties. In this context, adoptive transfer of genetically modified cytotoxic lymphocytes has emerged as a novel treatment option for cancer patients. To this day, five cell therapy products have been FDA approved, four of which for CD19-positive malignancies and one for B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-positive malignancies. These are personalized immunotherapies where patient T cells are engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with the aim to redirect the cells against tumor-specific antigens. CAR-T cell therapies show impressive objective response rates in clinical trials that, in certain instances, may reach up to 80%. However, the life-threatening side effects associated with T cell toxicity and the manufacturing difficulties of developing personalized therapies hamper their widespread use. Recent literature suggests that Natural Killer (NK) cells, may provide a safer alternative and an 'off-the-shelf' treatment option thanks to their potent antitumor properties and relatively short lifespan. Here, we will discuss the potential of NK cells in CAR-based therapies focusing on the applications of CAR-NK cells in cancer therapy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karvouni
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcos Vidal-Manrique
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology‐Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Perera MP, Thomas PB, Risbridger GP, Taylor R, Azad A, Hofman MS, Williams ED, Vela I. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030503. [PMID: 35158771 PMCID: PMC8833489 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers amongst men worldwide. Treatment for metastatic disease is often in the form of androgen deprivation therapy. However, over the course of treatment affected men may become castrate-resistant. Options for men with metastatic castrate-resistant cancer are limited. This review focuses on the role of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. This review is a contemporary appraisal of preclinical and clinical studies conducted in this emerging form of immunotherapy. A thorough evaluation of the role of CAR-T therapy in prostate cancer is provided, as well as the obstacles we must overcome to clinically translate this therapy for men affected with this rapidly fatal disease. Abstract Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed solid-organ cancer amongst males worldwide. Metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a rapidly fatal end-sequelae of prostate cancer. Therapeutic options for men with mCRPC are limited and are not curative in nature. The recent development of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionised the treatment of treatment-resistant haematological malignancies, and several studies are underway investigating the utility of this technology in the treatment of solid tumours. In this review, we evaluate the current treatment options for men with mCRPC as well as the current landscape of preclinical and clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy against prostate cancer. We also appraise the various prostate cancer-specific tumour-associated antigens that may be targeted by CAR-T cell technology. Finally, we examine the potential translational barriers of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumours. Despite preclinical success, preliminary clinical trials in men with prostate cancer have had limited efficacy. Therefore, further clinically translatable preclinical models are required to enhance the understanding of the role of this investigational therapeutic in men with mCRPC. In the era of precision medicine, tailored immunotherapy administered to men in a tumour-agnostic approach provides hope to a group of men who otherwise have few treatment options available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahasha P.J. Perera
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (P.B.T.); (E.D.W.)
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence: (M.P.P.); (I.V.)
| | - Patrick B. Thomas
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (P.B.T.); (E.D.W.)
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Gail P. Risbridger
- Prostate Cancer Research Group, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (G.P.R.); (R.T.)
| | - Renea Taylor
- Prostate Cancer Research Group, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (G.P.R.); (R.T.)
| | - Arun Azad
- Prostate Cancer Theranostics and Imaging Centre of Excellence (ProsTIC), Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (A.A.); (M.S.H.)
| | - Michael S. Hofman
- Prostate Cancer Theranostics and Imaging Centre of Excellence (ProsTIC), Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (A.A.); (M.S.H.)
| | - Elizabeth D. Williams
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (P.B.T.); (E.D.W.)
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ian Vela
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (P.B.T.); (E.D.W.)
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC), Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence: (M.P.P.); (I.V.)
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Reppel L, Tsahouridis O, Akulian J, Davis IJ, Lee H, Fucà G, Weiss J, Dotti G, Pecot CV, Savoldo B. Targeting disialoganglioside GD2 with chimeric antigen receptor-redirected T cells in lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003897. [PMID: 35022195 PMCID: PMC8756261 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We explored whether the disialoganglioside GD2 (GD2) is expressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-SCLC (NSCLC) and can be targeted by GD2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Methods GD2 expression was evaluated in tumor cell lines and tumor biopsies by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. We used a GD2.CAR that coexpress the IL-15 to promote T-cell proliferation and persistence, and the inducible caspase 9 gene safety switch to ablate GD2.CAR-T cells in case of unforeseen toxicity. The antitumor activity of GD2.CAR-T cells was evaluated using in vitro cocultures and in xenograft models of orthotopic and metastatic tumors. The modulation of the GD2 expression in tumor cell lines in response to an epigenetic drug was also evaluated. Results GD2 was expressed on the cell surface of four of fifteen SCLC and NSCLC cell lines (26.7%) tested by flow cytometry, and in 39% of SCLC, 72% of lung adenocarcinoma and 56% of squamous cell carcinoma analyzed by immunohistochemistry. GD2 expression by flow cytometry was also found on the cell surface of tumor cells freshly isolated from tumor biopsies. GD2.CAR-T cells exhibited antigen-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo in xenograft models of GD2-expressing lung tumors. Finally, to explore the applicability of this approach to antigen low expressing tumors, we showed that pretreatment of GD2low/neg lung cancer cell lines with the Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitor tazemetostat upregulated GD2 expression at sufficient levels to trigger GD2.CAR-T cell cytotoxic activity. Conclusions GD2 is a promising target for CAR-T cell therapy in lung cancer. Tazemetostat treatment could be used to upregulate GD2 expression in tumor cells, enhancing their susceptibility to CAR-T cell targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Reppel
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ourania Tsahouridis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jason Akulian
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ian J Davis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hong Lee
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Giovanni Fucà
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jared Weiss
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chad V Pecot
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Barbara Savoldo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Hanssens H, Meeus F, De Veirman K, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N. The antigen-binding moiety in the driver's seat of CARs. Med Res Rev 2022; 42:306-342. [PMID: 34028069 PMCID: PMC9292017 DOI: 10.1002/med.21818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Immuno-oncology has been at the forefront of cancer treatment in recent decades. In particular immune checkpoint and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy have achieved spectacular results. Over the years, CAR-T cell development has followed a steady evolutionary path, focusing on increasing T cell potency and sustainability, which has given rise to different CAR generations. However, there was less focus on the mode of interaction between the CAR-T cell and the cancer cell; more specifically on the targeting moiety used in the CAR and its specific properties. Recently, the importance of optimizing this domain has been recognized and the possibilities have been exploited. Over the last 10 years-in addition to the classical scFv-based CARs-single domain CARs, natural receptor-ligand CARs, universal CARs and CARs targeting more than one antigen have emerged. In addition, the specific parameters of the targeting domain and their influence on T cell activation are being examined. In this review, we concisely present the history of CAR-T cell therapy, and then expand on various developments in the CAR ectodomain. We discuss different formats, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, as well as the developments in affinity tuning, avidity effects, epitope location, and influence of the extracellular spacer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleen Hanssens
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging LaboratoryVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Laboratory of Hematology and ImmunologyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical SciencesVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging LaboratoryVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical SciencesVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Laboratory of Hematology and ImmunologyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical SciencesVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging LaboratoryVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
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Mehrabadi AZ, Ranjbar R, Farzanehpour M, Shahriary A, Dorostkar R, Hamidinejad MA, Ghaleh HEG. Therapeutic potential of CAR T cell in malignancies: A scoping review. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112512. [PMID: 34894519 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although tremendous advancements in cancer therapy over the last several years, cancer still is a complex illness to cure. Traditional cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, have a poor therapeutic effect, emphasizing the significance of employing innovative treatments like activated cell therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell is one of the most prevalent types of activated cell therapy have been developed to direct T lymphocytes toward cancers (CAR-T cells). CAR-T cells therapy has illustrated poor impact versus solid tumors despite the remarkable success in patients suffering from hematological malignancies. CAR-T cells must overcome various hurdles to obtain full responses to solid tumors, including growth, stability, trafficking, and destiny inside tumors. As a result, novel treatment methods will entail overcoming the challenges that CAR-T cells face in solid tumors. The use of CAR-T cells in combination with other therapeutic approaches such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immuno-checkpoint inhibitors, and oncolytic viruses can promote the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors. However, more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of these therapies. CAR-T cell treatment success rates vary by type of disease, but are predicted to reach up to 90% in patients with leukemia. However, since this kind of immunotherapy is still in its infancy, there is much to learn about its efficacy. This review provided an in-depth examination of CAR-T cell therapy and its success and failure as a cancer treatment approach. We also discuss combination therapies with CAR-T Cell.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Ranjbar
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Farzanehpour
- Applied Virology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahriary
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ruhollah Dorostkar
- Applied Virology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Hamidinejad
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Wang L. Clinical determinants of relapse following CAR-T therapy for hematologic malignancies: Coupling active strategies to overcome therapeutic limitations. Curr Res Transl Med 2021; 70:103320. [PMID: 34768218 DOI: 10.1016/j.retram.2021.103320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has been hailed as a major breakthrough in the treatment of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). While multiple promising CAR-T cell clinical trials continue to receive approval from the FDA and the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR), many hematologic malignancies patients nonetheless experience disease relapse following treatment as a consequence of genetic mutations, antigen escape, lineage switching, poor CAR-T cell persistence, CAR T cell exhaustion, and immunogenicity against CAR T cells. In this article, we summarize the structural characteristics of CAR constructs and discuss clinical factors known to be related to relapse following CAR-T cell treatment. By better understanding the mechanistic basis for such disease recurrence, it will be possible to fully realize the potential of this potent therapeutic modality in the future. This review will focus on current activate strategies aimed at overcoming known limitations to CAR-T cell therapy in an effort to improve hematologic malignancies patient outcomes.
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Sulejmani O, Grunewald L, Andersch L, Schwiebert S, Klaus A, Winkler A, Astrahantseff K, Eggert A, Henssen AG, Schulte JH, Anders K, Künkele A. Inhibiting Lysine Demethylase 1A Improves L1CAM-Specific CAR T Cell Therapy by Unleashing Antigen-Independent Killing via the FAS-FASL Axis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215489. [PMID: 34771652 PMCID: PMC8583435 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Solid tumor cells can lose or heterogeneously express antigens to become resistant to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. Here, we explore whether epigenetic manipulation to unleash antigen-independent killing mechanisms can overcome this hurdle. KDM1A is overexpressed in many cancers and removes lysine methylation on histones that keeps the DNA firmly packed to selectively activate or repress gene activity, depending on the specific lysine target. KDM1A also regulates the expression of nonhistone proteins. We inhibited KDM1A in the childhood tumor, neuroblastoma, to increase FAS expression on tumor cells. The FAS receptor can be triggered to induce cell death when bound by the FAS ligand on CAR and other activated T cells present in the tumor environment, even if the tumor cells lack the target antigen. FAS upregulation via KDM1A inhibition sensitized neuroblastoma cells to FAS-FASL-mediated killing and augmented CAR T cell therapy against antigen-poor or even antigen-negative neuroblastoma. Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment strategy, however, therapeutic success against solid tumors such as neuroblastoma remains modest. Recurrence of antigen-poor tumor variants often ultimately results in treatment failure. Using antigen-independent killing mechanisms such as the FAS receptor (FAS)-FAS ligand (FASL) axis through epigenetic manipulation may be a way to counteract the escape achieved by antigen downregulation. Analysis of public RNA-sequencing data from primary neuroblastomas revealed that a particular epigenetic modifier, the histone lysine demethylase 1A (KDM1A), correlated negatively with FAS expression. KDM1A is known to interact with TP53 to repress TP53-mediated transcriptional activation of genes, including FAS. We showed that pharmacologically blocking KDM1A activity in neuroblastoma cells with the small molecule inhibitor, SP-2509, increased FAS cell-surface expression in a strictly TP53-dependent manner. FAS upregulation sensitized neuroblastoma cells to FAS-FASL-dependent killing and augmented L1CAM-directed CAR T cell therapy against antigen-poor or even antigen-negative tumor cells in vitro. The improved therapeutic response was abrogated when the FAS-FASL interaction was abolished with an antagonistic FAS antibody. Our results show that KDM1A inhibition unleashes an antigen-independent killing mechanism via the FAS-FASL axis to make tumor cell variants that partially or totally suppress antigen expression susceptible to CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornela Sulejmani
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Laura Grunewald
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Lena Andersch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Silke Schwiebert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Anika Klaus
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Annika Winkler
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Kathy Astrahantseff
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anton G. Henssen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes H. Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathleen Anders
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universiät zu Berlin, 10353 Berlin, Germany; (O.S.); (L.G.); (L.A.); (S.S.); (A.K.); (A.W.); (K.A.); (A.E.); (A.G.H.); (J.H.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)30-450-616178
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Cui X, Liu R, Duan L, Cao D, Zhang Q, Zhang A. CAR-T therapy: Prospects in targeting cancer stem cells. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:9891-9904. [PMID: 34585512 PMCID: PMC8572776 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a group of tumour cells with stem cell characteristics, have the ability of self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation and tumour formation. Since CSCs are resistant to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, their existence may be one of the root causes of cancer treatment failure and tumour progression. The elimination of CSCs may be effective for eventual tumour eradication. Because of the good therapeutic effects without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction and the unique characteristics of CSCs, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is expected to be an important method to eliminate CSCs. In this review, we have discussed the feasibility of CSCs-targeted CAR-T therapy for cancer treatment, summarized current research and clinical trials of targeting CSCs with CAR-T cells and forecasted the challenges and future direction from the perspectives of toxicity, persistence and potency, trafficking, infiltration, immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, and tumour heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Cui
- Basic Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Lian Duan
- Basic Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Dan Cao
- Basic Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China.,Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhang
- Basic Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China.,Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Aijie Zhang
- Basic Laboratory, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, China
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Yoo HJ, Harapan BN. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy: basic principles, current advances, and future prospects in neuro-oncology. Immunol Res 2021; 69:471-486. [PMID: 34554405 PMCID: PMC8580929 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
With recent advances, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy has become a promising modality for patients with refractory cancer diseases. The successful results of CAR T cell therapy in relapsed and refractory B-cell malignancies shifted the paradigm of cancer immunotherapy by awakening the scientific, clinical, and commercial interest in translating this technology for the treatment of solid cancers. This review elaborates on fundamental principles of CAR T cell therapy (development of CAR construct, challenges of CAR T cell therapy) and its application on solid tumors as well as CAR T cell therapy potential in the field of neuro-oncology. Glioblastoma (GBM) is identified as one of the most challenging solid tumors with a permissive immunological milieu and dismal prognosis. Standard multimodal treatment using maximal safe resection, radiochemotherapy, and maintenance chemotherapy extends the overall survival beyond a year. Recurrence is, however, inevitable. GBM holds several unique features including its vast intratumoral heterogeneity, immunosuppressive environment, and a partially permissive anatomic blood–brain barrier, which offers a unique opportunity to investigate new treatment approaches. Tremendous efforts have been made in recent years to investigate novel CAR targets and target combinations with standard modalities for solid tumors and GBM to improve treatment efficacy. In this review, we outline the history of CAR immunotherapy development, relevant CAR target antigens validated with CAR T cells as well as preclinical approaches in combination with adjunct approaches via checkpoint inhibition, bispecific antibodies, and second-line systemic therapies that enhance anticancer efficacy of the CAR-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Joo Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Biyan Nathanael Harapan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy involves the genetic modification of the patient's own T cells so that they specifically recognize and destroy tumour cells. Considerable clinical success has been achieved using this technique in patients with lymphoid malignancies, but clinical studies that investigated treating solid tumours using this emerging technology have been disappointing. A number of developments might be able to increase the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy for treatment of prostate cancer, including improved trafficking to the tumour, techniques to overcome the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, as well as methods to enhance CAR T cell persistence, specificity and safety. Furthermore, CAR T cell therapy has the potential to be combined with other treatment modalities, such as androgen deprivation therapy, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and could be applied as focal CAR T cell therapy for prostate cancer.
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